LEMONADE STAND LET ' S INSPIRE CHANGE APRIL 2016
SPRING IS NEAR
Congrats to the upcoming 2016 Graduates!
EMERGING YOUNG WRITERS
Get to know these twenty - something writers who will capture our literary hearts
Exclusive Excerpt by Prophessor X
CONTENTS TRENDS
#BLACKLIVESMATTER BE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS FINDING THE PERFECT GUY FASHION TRENDS WITH JONATHAN BUILDING FRIENDSHIPS AS ADULTS
TOPICS
WHY WE EMPHASIZE "BLACK LIVES"
TRENDS
#BLACKLIVESMATTER MOVEMENT
AUTHOR ISBY'S "MUST READS" WHY HISTIORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES ARE IMPORTANT
Hear about why our Country is in an uproar over the trending topic #BlackLivesMatter
EMERGING YOUNG WRITERS YOU SHOULD SUPPORT THESE ARTISTS
The
LEMONADE STAND
TIPS
PROFILE
Understanding the importance of excelling in your goals.
Poetic expressions by emerging writers!
BE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS
DARRELL HERBERT: VERY STRANGE VERY UNUSUAL
WWW . ISBYWRITES . ORG
Finding the Perfect Guy Is there really a such thing in finding the "perfect guy" or is it all just wishful thinking?? Huffington Post's article by Dr. Phil states, "If you think you have met Mr. Perfect, then you need to slap yourself in the face or take a cold shower, because you are mesmerized. The 100 percent candidate doesn’t exist." Although Phil's words are a tad harsh, maybe there is some truth. For centuries we have found ourselves as women, seeking the perfect guy who does not exist. Instead we fall in love with the one who has more issues than a little bit. But Why? Let's reflect on a quick overview of our lives. Psychologically we desire things that we have never had. If you grew up in broken homes, if you were a "daddy's girl," or even if you played house as a kid, we all have our reason's for wanting and seeking the perfect guy, but he just doesn't exist. Often times we put so much pressure into finding "Mr. Perfect" that we forget the beauty of falling in love, making mistakes, learning, experiencing life, and ultimately building the foundation of a "perfect relationship." http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04 /09/findingapartner_n_7030736.html
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Scott Stanley and Galena Rhoades discuss in their article "In Love and Marriage, Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect," how there is no practice in finding the perfect love. Often times when we are aiming to achieve a goal, complete a big assignment, or even plan the perfect wedding, we go out of our way to prepare for the ending result, but there is no practice when falling in love. Every relationship during your dating years, does not prepare you for a life of marriage, here is why: The type of people you date will be completely different as you grow older and wiser. If you get married in your early twenties, your husband will then be the guy you have your heart set on, but the older you get, the more your attractions will change. Does this mean get a new husband? Haha, No, it just means that you may like him with dread locks in his twenties, but a low, even cut in your fourties. In other words, there is no perfect guy, there is no perfect evolution of love, and there is no guarantee that you'll even be attracted to the same type of men in your fourties, as you have been in your mid to late twenties. Learn to enjoy life, be yourself, and allow love to come, regardless of the size, hair type, and goofy laugh of the person who brings it!
While more experience is often beneficial in life, the story looks different when it comes to some types of experience before marriage.
Stanley, S. M. (2005). The power of commitment. San Francisco: JosseyBass.
Scott M. Stanley Ph.D.
WWW.ISBYWRITES.ORG
BUILDING
FRIENDSHIP
AS ADULTS
Ever find yourself wanting friends during your adult years, but have no idea where to start? When we were younger it was much easier. Whether you lived in the same neighborhood, shared the same seat on the bus ride to school, or even attended the same church, it was much easier to build a bond in your youth, but as an adult, with the hustle and bustle of your daily life, it is physically impossible to even After my husband and I relocated to Nashville, TN, meet new people right? I honestly thought I wouldn't have an opportunity to meet anyone new. I'm such an introvert, so unless I'm spending quality with my wonderful husband, I'm sitting at home, enjoying a great book, and occasionally some tv. With my then, busy work schedule, the only relationships I was able to start were with coworkers, and honestly, I don't usually like to befriend people in the workplace. After nearly two years, one Facebook Photograph by Isby Designs & post changed everything. Publication www.authorisbypublishing.org
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BUILDING
FRIENDSHIP
AS ADULTS
After recently joining a sewing group on Facebook, I Met Celeste. She didn't live more than thirty minutes from myself, and we immediately greeted one another with the intent to meet up soon. Because I had various personal things going on, two jobs, and trying to maintain the up keep of my home, i honestly didn't think she & I would ever find the time to connect. After a few months of being Facebook friends, we finally set a date to meet up at a Starbucks in Cool Springs (Franklin , TN) and went from there.
Photograph by Isby Designs & Publication
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What started as just a simple "hi" on Facebook, turned into a great friendship months later. Since our first meet, Starbucks is definitely our "spot." Since we've both taken a short break from sewing, Jo Ann's hasn't seen us in a while, but whenever we have great ideas and just want to brainstorm, we are always one another's "go to" person. Although life can keep you busy, it is always easier, more fun, and worthwhile, when you have amazing friends to share life's experiences with, especially as Takara Isby adults! www.authorisbypublishing.org
Isby Designs
21
Big Companies Tell Big Lies
Have you been at your current job over a year and have not seen the advancement opportunities you were promised during new hire week?
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I was now going into my second year with the company I currently work for. During new hire week, among the many benefits the company had to offer, one that stood out to me was the advancement opportunities. I remember several times, throughout our training period, we'd have guest speakers come in and share their current position, where they started off in the company, and how long it took them before they advanced. At this point I was very eager to start this potential career opportunity. It has now been nearly two years since I started my position with this company. I came in with the drive to work hard so that I could be just like the people I spoke with. My goal was to soon share my testimony with upcoming training classes, discussing how this company was true to their word. I arrived to work on time everyday. I stayed late when needed, never giving excuses or complaining. I also took on other roles within the company, without immediately discussing compensation. Three days ago, I left my keys to my office in the office door, cleared my drawers, emailed my notice & walked away from my job, great benefits, and most of all, their LIES! -Anonymous
Takara Isby
TAKARA ISBY Editor-in-Chief
www.isbywrites.org
Start a new Career Allow us to completely redesign your resume & tailor it to your new career opportunity! Isby Designs & Publication, is currently seeking eager writers, who are interested in becoming successful authors, bloggers, and journalist. If you have a passion for allowing your written words to inspire change, please contact us via our email address or website! We look forward to working with you! Want to share your experience? Write us at takarawrites@gmail.com Follow us on Twitter| @i_am_thewriter
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01
• I S S U E •
HELLO
COMRADES I would personally like to thank each of you for purchasing your very first issue of Lemonade Stand. This magazine has been a passion of mine for quite some time now, and with all the help from its contributors and you purchasing your copy, this magazine has become a success. I look forward to sharing much more with you in the future issue!.
Remember in all things you set out to be in life, be GREAT!!!
Cheers,
Takara Isby Takara Isby
LEMONADE STAND | 7
E D I T O R ' S
N O T E
www.isbywrites.org
SEAN ERIC MULKEY Musician and Artist
Detour 144x66 acrylic on canvas $10,000
Le Triangle Amoureux 72x48 acrylic on canvas $3,500
www.isbywrites.org
Sean Mulkey is an extraordinary display of talent. His art reflects his vision of the world with amazing precision. His art is also quite detailed and thought provoking! He started drawing at age 5 and started teaching himself how to paint in 2002 while in high school. He has no formal training. Not only is Sean a selftaught painter, he is multi-talented. He is also a self-taught musician who plays the keyboard. Needless to say, music plays a major part in influencing his paintings.
His canvas is a story telling medium. His work is inspired from life itself. it captures various tones and atmospheres from feeling a sense of pride and hopefulness to feeling a sense of despair and hopelessness. Acrylics are his main medium of choice, however, he also works with oils, graphite and pen and ink. Sean prefers to paint exclusively on black canvases because it allows him to manipulate the lighting and shadows, as well as structure the subjects and environments more effectively. He also enjoys painting large works so that he can easily draw his audience into
www.seanmilkeyarts.com Instagram: @smulkeyarts Facebook: Sean Mulkey Arts Phone #: 2292966211
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Make your
statement
It doesn't matter how you make your statement. What matters most is the influence it brings. Understanding the beauty of diversity, the essence of empowerment, and the power of influence, makes the puzzle pieces of enjoying life come together! Be Great, Be Empowered, Be YOU!
LEMONADE STAND | 9
www.isbywrites.org
Nicorachi is a rap artist born as Nico Calvin on September 1st 1992 in Memphis, Tennessee. He was known by the name “Lil Nico” which is what everybody called him as a kid growing up on 5th street in North Memphis. When he was 10 years old his father was murdered, getting shot 9 times. This lead to a dark moment in his life. But he still managed to advance and do well in school. Meanwhile in high school he met Darius Woods (Kool) in which they formed a rap group (Yung Militia) with an added third member Andre Cole (Big Dae), who was the cousin of Nico. The three of them made 8 hot songs and instantly the whole school and area gravitated to it. Soon after that, the 3 man rap group performed their well appreciated hit M.O.N.E.Y at RaleighEgypt High talent show before Lil Nico ventured off to college. After coming home from college in 2011 he changed his rap name from “Lil Nico” to “Nicorachi”. Like once before he started to take more losses (Deaths) in his family. Late in 2011, he went to the studio and made his first ever solo single as Nicorachi named “Decisions”.
NICORACHI
The song "Decisions" was made for motivation to his peers and also his self at that crucial time in his life. It opened people eyes around him and made him feel as if he helped ease the pain with his song. Nicorachi used social networks like YouTube and Facebook and instantly was a hit. Fans gave positive feedback and asked for more. He hit the road promoting from Memphis, TN to Atlanta, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Houston, Chicago and nearby cities like Jackson, TN. He has performed at places like the 1st ever Memphis Hiphop Awards, Southern Heritage Classic, Delta Fair, Club 10, Manassas High School, Premier Palace, Blue Note, Club Underground, Club Infiniti, Cookouts, Block parties, etc. Can't Make Everybody Happy official video (Yawn Filmz): http://youtu.be/i4hH_3iujx8://youtu.be/i4h H_3iujx8 Link to #RealLife mixtape https://m.datpiff.com/tape/640344
www.isbywrites.org
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BUSINESS
TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE
BE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS SUCCESS IS NOT GIVEN, IT IS EARNED. START EARNING SUCCESS TODAY!
11
When we think business, we think BIG! How does one position themselves to be business guru's? How far are you willing to go to be successful? How much are you willing to give up in order to achieve your business goals? Often times we find ourselves at a standstill trying to become entrepreneurs, successors, and goal diggers, however success has no limitations. Although there may be several books on success stories, steps to goal planning, strategics, and networking, there is no rule book on HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL! THE TIME IS NOW, USE IT WISELY!
LEMONADE STAND | 2016
By Takara Isby
BUSINESS
CHAPTER OF SUCCESS
THIS IS YOUR SEASON... BE GREAT! Seasons bring change. Embrace the beauty of growth, development, and contentment. Be creative, ambitious, transparent, and enjoy today, because in the morrow, all will change!
| ISSUE 01
12
APRIL 2016
By Takara Isby “SPRING PASSES AND ONE REMEMBERS ONE'S INNOCENCE. SUMMER PASSES AND ONE REMEMBERS ONE'S EXUBERANCE. AUTUMN PASSES AND ONE REMEMBERS ONE'S REVERENCE. WINTER PASSES AND ONE REMEMBERS ONE'S PERSEVERANCE.” -YOKO ONO
Darrell Herbert Very Strange, Very Unusual Do I feel alright? I'm falling above A place down fear With my face down Haven't seen me smile in a very long while Long cannon sounds echoes through the night Do I feel normal? Crying youth Only a few I smile I feel different because of it Of not having fun during innocence I am caving in of every tears above Picture the sound of sun bright For years Nothing but looking at ceilings Wanting love Hearing faith calling out to me Do I feel alright? I'm falling above A place down fear With my face down Haven't seen me smile in a very long while Long cannon sounds echoes through the night
Darrell Herbert
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tales_life
www.isbywrites.org
Under Rainbows Hear the children cry It's not a wonderful sight Watching children die Touching on all of the lies Where is all the love? For beautiful people like you and me Sometimes it makes me cry knowing that people struggle more than me Change the world for all blacks and whites Stop oppression and indignity Where is all the love? For beautiful people like you and me Looking up As trees grow up I am a beautiful and prominent flower Looking up Up above those yellow lines Hugging the flourishing mountains All my people follow me And I will lead you to experience Cause everything they have done to us We must fight back with education Beautiful love is like beautiful songs Hope for today and right here Still have slaves working on grounds Sing and pray on all of our knees I have felt my people's despondency while singing of freedom in harmony It seems as if the world don't care Prevent violence in areas of poverty Darrel Herbert LEMONADE STAND | 14
www.isbywrites.org
HOW THE FUTURE IS OURS TO MOLD A VISION FORWARD BY SHATIKA KILLEBREW Where have the days gone? The days when your children could play outside safely and you didn’t have to worry about stray bullets flying around, or you didn’t have to worry about a stranger kidnapping, raping your child, and leaving them for dead. The part that we as parents fail to realize is that the vessels that we raise to go out into the world have to interact with others. They are building blocks of the thriving and advanced society in which we live in. In order for Society to continue to grow we must collectively work towards raising positive and productive beings in this world. It is the parent’s sole responsibility to create an individual that can become successful and in return raise their own children to be successful as well. There has never been a universally acknowledged book on the topic of parenting, therefore there is no perfect way to parent. We all have gone through the trial and error stage of disciplining, teaching, and raising our children. Some things that may work for one child may not work for another. Knowing that each child is different and requires different needs helps aid in being ultimately a great parent. www.isbywrites.org
Although, some lessons and understandings that one parent may be comprehensive of, another parent may not. In result we have varying personalities of children and young adults being released into society lacking common sense in certain areas. It is to my understanding that it has always taken a village to raise a child. Not only is it the parents responsibility to help instill morals and values but it is also the responsibility of any adult intertwining in a child’s life in anyway. We must put aside the mind frame of that isn’t my child, or it’s not my problem. That is where we are wrong. No it may not be your offspring, or it may not affect you now, but that unguided child goes out into society and either aids in it or destroys it. When we can become aware of the fact that society is a collective effort from everyone and not a few then we will see better results in our productions. We can not seek to reap the benefits of being in a civilized society but not contribute to the growth and forward movement of it. Our Future Needs Us
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TERRANCE BANKS
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Terrence Banks a Memphis Native currently resides in the City of Chattanooga, TN. A two time Alumni of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, this is where his love for poetry took flight. He has been writing poetry since 2006 but didn’t begin performing until 2010. Since then he has won two Dr. Alyce J. Garth Oratorical competitions, most talented in the 2010 Mr. ImmAKAculate pageant, runner up in the NAACP 2015 talent show, First place in the NAACP 2016 talent show, and First Place in the UTC’s Got Talent showcase in 2015. You can follow him on Instagram @lilbigkahuna and also you can subscribe to his Youtube Channel Terrence Banks. www.isbywrites.org
“
THE POWER OF WE” Terrance Banks
I, have never been enough. At least this is what many of us have been told. The least you can do is market yourself. Because too many of us, have already been sold! Corrupted by the lack of confidence with no control over our soul. This poem is for those who are less than brave The plenty that died trying to be bold. Finding Drive is quite challenging when you off track. That’s… putting a go-kart engine inside of a mac. In other words, the drive just doesn’t match. That’s an area where most lack. Motivation, will, drive, longevity. Separately these words give direction. Motivation will drive longevity, But together… they breed perfection. Learn to open your mind See perception! An I can be strong alone. But a WE… is more successful A WE is not as stressful. I is for the restless We is for the restful. Words serve a greater purpose, There is always something deeper in the meaning. Find your Martin Luther King Jr. moment In other words keep on Dreaming. Artist, athletes, teachers, preachers, doctors ALL have that thing that motivates them If you not doing it for you, then who? Find that one thing in life worth chasing Then pursue!
www.isbywrites.com
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MY BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL
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CONGRATULATIONS 2016 GRADUATES
I
HAMPTON UNIVERISTY LOVE MY HBCU YOU SHOULD TOO!
THE BLACKER THE COLLEGE THE SWEETER THE KNOWLEDGE PHOTO CRED: http://atlantablackstar.com/
PAGE 20
Fashion With Jonathan Warren
,
MY NAME IS JONATHAN WARREN FROM GERMANY BUT RAISED IN
,
.
FAYETTEVILLE NC I RECENTLY JUST GRADUATED FROM NORTH CAROLINA
&T AND NOW I'M ATTENDING THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHARLOTTE FOR FASHION MARKETING. FASHION IS NOT JUST MY PASSION, IT'S MY LIFESTYLE, I AM ALWAYS IN AN OUTFIT THAT IS CURRENTLY TRENDING OR BEFORE IT TRENDS. I FOLLOW MY INTUITION AND FORESEE WHAT'S NEXT UP IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY. THE ONLY PERSON THAT HAS A LARGE INFLUENCE ON MY STYLE AND FASHION CHOICES IS KANYE WEST. HE INSPIRES ME. HIS STYLE IS EFFORTLESS AND CONSISTENT. A
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FOLLOW ME
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# B L A C K L I V E S M A T T E R
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Darkness cannot drive out Darkness: only light can do that. Hate can not drive out Hate: only love can do that.
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
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BLACKLIVESMATTER
#
INTERVIEW
WHY WE EMPHASIZE #BLACKLIVES AN INTERVIEW WITH SOCIAL MEDIA BY TAKARA ISBY
Photo Cred: Moses Ajibade Good men are the stars, the planets of the ages wherein they live, and illustrate the times. Ben Jonson
After conducting a social media questionaire on the popular cultural hashtag "BlackLivesMatter," it became obvious that no one will have the same response. As many media outlets have stated time and time again "all lives matter," however with the uproar that our country has been in, the African American community are emphasizing specifically why #blacklivesmatter. Some of the responses recieved after asking the question "Why do black lives matter to you?" were pertaining to racial equality, eliminating bigotry, and how prevalent racial profiling has become in our country. One of the major responses that stuck with me is overal caring for human life, black lives.
In order to understand why we emphasize ones care for our human lives, ones appreciation of what we equally bring forth to this country, or even one's respect towards our success, they'd have to see first hand how our culture is targeted. Why should social slander be acceptable? Why are we continuously one meme or screenshot away from being inhumanely ripped apart by racial comments and expressions? Afrcian American's empasize the importance of "black lives" because as a culture we are empowerd. All of our Black Men aren't thugs, our Black Women aren't promiscus, and our black children are not statistics. Emasculating our culture, killing our culture, and dividing our culture, only creates in us stronger, more powerful, and more governed as a race. It makes us determined to prove our self worth. It makes us defensive about our Men, Women, and Children, and nothing can stop our MOVEMENT until we have torn down the walls of racial division and truly become EQUAL!
BLACKLIVESMATTER
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THE RELEVANCE OF THE MOVEMENT #BLACKLIVES MATTER AN INTERVIEW WITH RONALD BLAKE BY TAKARA ISBY
I speak not for myself but for those without voice... those who have fought for their rights... their right to live in peace, their seeing our black men kill each other and right to be treated with dignity, their right to equality of no one caring because we are our own opportunity, their right to be educated. worse enemy. So do black lives matter to -Malala Yousafzai
Recently I asked the question: Why does black lives matter to you? Here is my conversation with MPD officer and collegue Ronald Blake. Ronald: My answer probably won't be what you're looking for but since you asked... Black Lives Matter to me, just as all lives matter to me. I typically don't get involved with the movement because more times than none i'm saddened by it. The reason I am is because our race needs constant uplifting, constant praise, but we only get it when our least upstanding representatives have run-ins with the law enforcement. At this point i've become somewhat detached. I am saddened more and more everyday,
me? Yes, I just wish they really matterred to the majority of us in the situations we need them to matter most. So in order for me to be with the movement, it can't continue to pick and choose or be hypocritical. As youknow i'm law enforcement and those same lives I care about don't embrace me. If I was taken out by another black man at work tomorrow I gurantee there'd be more blacks fighting for his freedom, trying to justify his actions, rather than saying my life mattered as well. So again, black lives do matter to me just as all lives matter, but do I matter to black lives? Or did i give that up with my profession?
INTERVIEW
PAGE 27
BLACKLIVESMATTER
#
INTERVIEW
THE TRUTH ABOUT #BLACKLIVESMATTER BY TAKARA ISBY
The truth about the movement is that there is no true or false.
As a culture, we spend too much time seekin the approval of those around us. Whether you are of a different race or of the same, there is no reason to put one another down. Everyone will have their own advantages and disadvantages, but the purpose of a "race," or a "culture" is to create leverage for one another. When you work as a team you get much more accomplished. As our country has predicated, "together we stand, but divided we fall," is one of the oldest sayings in history. There is no research, scripture, or ritual that could suggest anything more than the simplicity of understanding OUR LIVES MATTER. Our lives matter not only to you, but to ourselves, and that should be for any culture.
The truth about the #blacklivesmatter movement is that for once, in our culture, we have found something positive to be united on. We must first remember that often times others will treat our culture as we treat our culture. In that regard we have to stop causing self-infliction on the African American culture and stick together. Am I saying that we are the only ones that matter? No! Nor am I saying that what has happened in the media is not the reality of today, however we have to stop killing, stealing, and stripping the trust from one another before anyone else can fully respect this movement or what we stand for. Again, together we stand, yet divided we will continue to fall until we've had enough. To those who are reading, know your worth. Build up your brother & your sister, have faith, trust & believe in yourself, because in order to change this nation, under God, we must start with the person we see in the mirror...OURSELVES!
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Nobody can give you FREEDOM. Nobody can give you EQUALITY or JUSTICE or anything. If you're a MAN, you take it.
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-Malcolm X
X
PROPHESSOR
Lemonade Stand
www.isbywrites.org
x Untitled
Imagine a boy hurt by those who suppose to love you most Cause they know this world is made to BREAK little Black Boys Preparing him for the task of upholding the world Alas the time has come to show them what that little Black Boy has become Cause the world is mine and I can’t allow it to slip My grip must stay firm as I grasp for dear life Dangling over an ocean of vanity/ a cliff named sanity Viewing pain as love and joy as sorrow Gotta pull myself up of there won’t be a tomorrow Amongst Crowds I was alone quiet Feeling Unheard So I learned to watch my words Depression Addition just a few of my devils Listened to Meek tell me its levels Of shit I gotta go through just to fertilize my mind In due time the harvest will be all mine
PROPHESSOR X www.isbywrites.org
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