iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Well, today, I guess Alabama senator Katie Britt has distinguished herself as the most obnoxious person in the U.S. Senate.

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Reposted by Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer)

cmrn knzlmn @ckunzelman.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

If you are a graduate student in the humanities (construed as broadly as possible), what is the MOST EXCITING book published in the last five years to you? Please repost if you’re not a graduate student!

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Overjoyed to learn that "70 Up" (the finale of the beautiful series that interviews the same British people at 7 year intervals) was released this week. Hard to predict when it will be available for Americans to watch, but the other 9 parts can be watched on YouTube. www.bbc.com/news/article...

bbc.com

70 Up: Curtain falls on documentary that has captivated Brits for six decades

70 Up is the final instalment in a series which began in 1964 and has followed the lives of 14 people.

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

This 45 min. interview with @ericmaisel.bsky.social covers the unique issues that creatives have to deal with in being productive & dealing with an uncreative world. Maisel is a writer/counselor with lots of insight. Highly recommended! www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEBc...

youtube.com

Living A Creative Life with Dr. Eric Maisel

YouTube video by The Trauma Therapist Podcast

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Reposted by Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer)

Anne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu · 14/09/2026

Trump's foreign policy is not isolationist. On the contrary, his ideologues want to build an international empire run by far-right political movements who serve American crypto, mineral and tech companies, many with links to the president. Read more here: www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...

theatlantic.com

Empire of Grift

Far-right ideologues have transformed American foreign policy into a tool of private gain and antidemocratic reaction.

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

1990s LITERARY RADIO SHOW. Here’s a delightful and penetrating 1995 radio program & interview featuring Barbara Kingsolver & Mary Lee Settle. Both are fascinating people. Delighted (though hardly surprised) to learn BK was influenced by writers like Bobbie Ann Mason. www.youtube.com/watch?v=i83w...

youtube.com

Mountain Talk: Two Appalachian Women Writers — Barbara Kingsolver & Mary Lee Settle

YouTube video by Appalshop

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

In this talk @joy-castro.bsky.social talks about her grandfather's work at a Key West cigar factory as a "lector" who read aloud novels & leftist political tracts to workers and how it inspired her to write her 2023 novel ONE BRILLIANT FLAME about 19th cent KW. www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3Hr...

youtube.com

Joy Castro - Key West Literary Seminar 2024

YouTube video by Key West Literary Seminar

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Author @joy-castro.bsky.social was a college classmate who has since established herself both as a literary academic and prolific author. This story about a trip she took to Port Aransas TX where she recalls an earlier trip she took there with an old boyfriend. gulfcoastmag.org/stories/betr...

gulfcoastmag.org

Betrayed - Gulf Coast Literary Journal

When I first saw the bright gold rip of gas flares against the Corpus night sky from the passenger seat of some guy’s green Datsun—all that oil just rushing incinerated into the air—I said, …

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Reposted by Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer)

Mark Z. Jacobson @mzjacobson.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

California pays the 13th-lowest grid electricity bills per capita in the US despite having the 2nd-highest electricity price. Texas pays the 38th-lowest bills per capital (21% higher than CA) despite half the electricity price as CA. Why, because TX consumes 2.5x the electricity per person as CA.

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

$0.50 EBOOK (Amazon USA) This Alaskan novel about the unusual dilemmas faced by a Fairbanks newspaper editor, won a BELLWETHER PRIZE for novels trying to address social justice. (Cole, the librarian/ nature-loving author died in her 50s). www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...

amazon.com

Correcting the Landscape: A Novel

Amazon.com: Correcting the Landscape: A Novel eBook : Cole, Marjorie Kowalski: Books

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

"Here is where I'll end it." (Final line from this heart-breaking 1968 song by Dolly Parton who died today). www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7nb...

youtube.com

The Bridge

YouTube video by Dolly Parton - Topic

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

$0.99 OCTAVIO PAZ ESSAY COLLECTION (USA) After finding OP's "Siren & the Seashell" discounted, happy to see that several UTexas ebook titles are heavily discounted as well. Fiction, history, Texana, litcrit, etc. www.amazon.com/s?k=%22unive...

amazon.com

Amazon.com: "university Of Texas Press" - Kindle EBooks: Kindle Store

Online shopping for Kindle Store from a great selection of Nonfiction, Literature & Fiction, Foreign Languages, Business & Money, Romance, Religion & Spirituality & more at everyday low prices.

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Aufderheide and Jaszi wrote a must-read book about fair use & copyright. I can't wait to hear this episode of the great Future Knowledge podcast.

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

LOVELY SIXTIES JAZZ: Nana Mouskouri is mostly unknown in the USA, but here's an early 1962 gem of an album (produced by Quincy Jones) by one of the world's most famous and prolific singers. (And yes, she's still alive!) archive.org/details/nana...

archive.org

Nana Mouskouri - Nana Mouskouri In New York

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

A family member expressed reluctance to buy a bestselling novel "because it had only 13,000 Amazon reviews." Apparently this is a pretty meager number for a Tana French novel. My cynicism about the publishing industry has never been greater.

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Happy to report that I'll be attending & probably blogging about @armadillocon.bsky.social 2026 in Austin, TX on Sept 11-13, 2026. I hear that this thing they call "science fiction" has recently been gaining popularity; someday it may even turn out to be more than just a literary fad.

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

REVISITING OLD COLUMNS ABOUT EBOOKS. Here's #1 (of 60) @annebillson.bsky.social Billson's CATS ON FILM is 1 of the smartest & funniest film guides Ive read. Terry Ravenscroft is a hilarious UK TV writer. @paulhina.bsky writes exquisite prose & poetry. www.imaginaryplanet.net/weblogs/idio...

imaginaryplanet.net

2018 Finds on Smashwords -- Special Edition for Ebook Week March 4-10 | Idiotprogrammer Blog

Great ebook deals under a dollar on Smashwords, collected by literary blogger Robert Nagle.

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Reposted by Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer)

Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 16/08/2026

Previously: In an attempt to overcomply with Texas law, the University of Houston will eliminate over 100 women's studies, gender and sexuality courses from the core curriculum. It won't be enough to appease extremist Republicans.

texasobserver.org

University of Houston Is Gutting Its Gender and Sexuality Classes. That Won’t Stop Texas' Crusade Against Higher Ed.

College administrators wrongly hope that anticipatory obedience will satisfy a GOP-run Texas Legislature that is increasingly hostile toward education.

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Reposted by Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer)

The Nation Magazine @thenation.com · 16/08/2026

There are jobs for college instructors. They do require degrees. But the pay and the benefits are abysmal. Another take on the state of the academy:

thenation.com

Adjuncting Until the End of Time

Universities now have more adjuncts than tenured and tenure-track professors combined. The conditions are unsustainable—for professors and students alike.

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Today (August 4, 2026) is when Ray Bradbury's famous story "There will come soft rains" takes place (from the Martian Chronicles). Here's a great radio version of the story -- with sound effects, etc. www.youtube.com/watch?v=oudG...

youtube.com

Ray Bradbury (1962) There Will Come Soft Rains (dramatized by Nesta Pain)

YouTube video by Nikola Tesla Wireless Radio

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

(Excuse my prolonged absence. As a result of a new Texas law, Bluesky blocked me from using it until a third party age verification service validated my age and address. The process was smooth, but hardly seemed necessary. This network is mostly overrun by old fogeys like me.....)

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

ROB REINER HAS A SURPRISE CAMEO! Surprised & Delighted to see Rob Reiner playing "George Washington" in a caustic political comedy sketch on Larry David's new show. Have no fear. I predict within 24 hours it will be on YT and social media everywhere.

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

This delightful nonsense duet song shows Debbie Reynolds 2 years before Singin' in the Rain came out. Reynolds was 18 years old at the time! www.youtube.com/watch?v=popB...

youtube.com

[HQ] Aba Daba Honeymoon (Two Weeks With Love-1950)

YouTube video by MrBearNaked

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

RADIO COMEDY COMPILATIONS. You may not know that most Prairie Home Companion audio is online. Here's a great collection of comedy bits -- starting with the first one bound to appeal to cat lovers. That first sketch is hilarious! archive.org/details/Garr...

archive.org

Garrison Keillor Archive Vol. 06-Comedy Theater & Rhubarb cassette sets : Drew Evan Dobbs : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Almost sad to reach the end for now of my fiance's vast out-of-print Keillor collection; I spent many weeks and hours transferring cassettes (in real time, of...

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

GIGANTIC EBOOK OF MIKE ROYKO COLUMNS ($1.99) Royko (1932-1997) was a colorful Chicago Trib columnist whom I love. This ebook contains 9900 pages of daily columns! #ebookdeal-usa www.amazon.com/Mike-Royko-C...

amazon.com

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Here's a wonderful bandcamp collection of "dungeon synth" music, which combines a Tolkein/pagan sensibility with synth/electronic effects, vaguely reminiscent of early Doctor Who music....

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Reposted by Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer)

GetMusic @getmusic.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Senogul - Concierto de evocación sonora para conjunto instrumental "A hidden gem of Spanish progressive music, blending world music, folk and experimentation into a truly unique listening experience." #progrock #worldmusic #tribalambient #music getmusic.fm/l/z7B3Ec

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GetMusic @getmusic.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

"Riff-Slammin" Joe Chapman - Cosmic Continuum 2.0 "Heavy Metal instrumental album that takes the listener on an interstellar journey." #heavymetal #hardrock #bloozemetal #music getmusic.fm/l/j3x98V

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GetMusic @getmusic.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

The Boy With The Greyhound Tattoo - Pick of the Litter @mflah.bsky.social "Celebrating thirty years of indie-pop (sheeesh!), this definitive compilation charts three decades of music." #alternative #indiepop #indierock getmusic.fm/l/S8Ev0z

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GetMusic @getmusic.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

The Shining Tongues - Milk Of God "'A lush, melodic work of intensity, love, noir-pop, gothic folk, drone and more.'" #alternative #drone #experimentalrock #postpunk #gothicfolk #music getmusic.fm/l/tFrEyp

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GetMusic @getmusic.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Seasonal Falls - The Unbearable Loudness Of Stupidity @subjangle.bsky.social "...dulcet, post-punk edged guitar-pop, augmented by jangled riffs." #indiepop #postpunk #janglepop #indiefolk #music getmusic.fm/l/n83dyx

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

GETMUSIC ON BANDCAMP. Occasionally I dive into the bandcamp bands which Getmusic offers coupon codes for. It's a great way to learn about new music. Today I am going to repost/boost some of the more interesting albums I grabbed over the last two days. Enjoy!

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Here's another "Literary Elevator Pitch" (7 minutes) I did about the flash fiction collection of Jack Matthews (1925-2013). Includes audio from the author himself. www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVXn...

youtube.com

FLASH FICTION: Abruptions by Jack Matthews (Elevator Pitch)

YouTube video by Personville Press

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

MAGICAL PLACE FOR 1940s MUSIC: This URL will have more (free & downloadable & streamable) music from the 1930s and 1940s than anyone can ever possibly dream of. It will take at least a year for me to listen to them..... archive.org/details/@mus...

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Netflix's adaptation of Marquez's "100 Years of Solitude" was tragic, beautiful, hilarious, colorful, lusty, historic and full of magic and mystery. I read the novel 40 years ago--barely remembering it--but can attest that this series captures the heart & soul of it (Pt 2 arrives in August).

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Here's a chatty 8 1/2 minute "Literary Elevator Pitch" video I made about Jack Matthews' first novella. Includes audio of Jack Matthews & @ 5 minute mark, I reflect on the "problem" of teenage boredom. (I'll be posting an elevator pitch about another ebook tomorrow) www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoHZ...

youtube.com

NOVELLA: Hanger Stout, Awake by Jack Matthews (Elevator Pitch)

YouTube video by Personville Press

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

As wonderful as British actor Anthony Head (RIP) was in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, he was also terrific as the harsh and narrow-minded Uther Pendragon (father of King Arthur) in the amazing 2008 British series MERLIN (now streamable on Amazon Prime). www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...

theguardian.com

Anthony Head obituary

Stage and screen actor best known for playing Rupert Giles in the US television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

1/2 TEXAS SHORT STORY. Here's the title story from @andrewporter01.bsky.social 's 2023 THE DISAPPEARED, which is about a man dealing with the unexplained disappearance of his college friend. It's a great thoughtful story (BTW, skip the longish introduction) . electricliterature.com/the-disappea...

electricliterature.com

Gone in the Desert and Never Coming Home - Electric Literature

"The Disappeared" by Andrew Porter, recommended by Kristopher Jansma

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

TRAVEL THROUGH 70 YEARS (L'Amour Est Bleu). This great Eurovision song (celebrating this year's 70 year anniversary) showcases how people grow up with Eurovision -- and sometimes singing legends can return to remind us of past joys. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKNm...

youtube.com

Vicky Leandros - L'Amour Est Bleu (LIVE) | Opening Number | First Semi-Final | Eurovision 2026

YouTube video by Eurovision Song Contest

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

GENUINELY COOL GMAIL: I just noticed that Gmail added "AI INBOX" & was pleasantly surprised. It provides "highlights" of recent email that Gmail guessed that you would find the most useful and relevant. These guesses proved to be about 90% accurate, making it easy to access important emails.

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

SUFFS (TONY-AWARD WINNING MUSICAL) ON YOUTUBE/PBS: This amazing/uplifting play retells the turbulent story about women instrumental in leading protests to obtain woman's right to vote in USA. Great music, great cast, it's a moving & entertaining history lesson. www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQxs...

youtube.com

Suffs | FULL MUSICAL | Great Performances | PBS

YouTube video by Great Performances | PBS

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Reposted by Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer)

Scott Semegran @scottsemegran.com · 20/05/2026

The eBook for STARMAN AFTER MIDNIGHT is FREE for a limited time via BookBub for Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and Barnes & Noble Nook. Get this unbelievable deal for this humorous novel now! Publishers Weekly calls it "Darkly funny." www.bookbub.com/books/starma...

The ebook for novel Starman After Midnight is free for a limited time

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

ROBERT SILVERBERG EBOOK BUNDLE: Fantastic 32 RS ebook bundle for $18. Over the last 5 years I have become a huge RS fan. Dying Inside (not included here)was fantastic. His SCI FI 101 book (included here) is a great instructive read for any author www.humblebundle.com/books/best-r...

humblebundle.com

Humble Book Bundle: The Best of Robert Silverberg by Open Road Media

Grab a library of sci-fi and fantasy classics from Robert Silverberg! Pay what you want and support the ALA’s Freedom to Read Foundation with your purchase!

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

This lovely and surprisingly serene ballad by Leleka starts slowly and then reaches crescendo with an amazing high note that lasts 29 WHOLE SECONDS! And she makes it look so easy! www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYHh...

youtube.com

LELÉKA - Ridnym (LIVE) | Ukraine 🇺🇦 | Grand Final | Eurovision 2026

YouTube video by Eurovision Song Contest

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

ELECTROSWING AT EUROVISION: I'll say more about the competition later (overall: terrific!), but I was blown away by the interval act -- an electroswing song by Austrian DJ Parov Stelar -- with stellar singing from Moldovan-Bulgarian Elena Karafizi.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppCyj5DxO8s

youtube.com

Parov Stelar - Black Lilies (LIVE) | Interval Act | Grand Final | Eurovision 2026 | #UnitedByMusic

YouTube video by Eurovision Song Contest

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Nataliya Gumenyuk on what it was like as a Ukrainian to report on U.S. politics. QUOTE: "What I see now in the U.S. is a profound inability to discuss seriously how the state can serve the public good." www.thedial.world/articles/new...

thedial.world

No Common Ground — The Dial

A Ukrainian reporter reflects on more than a decade covering U.S. elections.

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Robert Nagle (aka idiotprogrammer) @nagletx.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

These German twins made a splash in the 1959 Eurovision contest. They became a hit in the USA as frequent guest on 60s TV shows like the Ed Sullivan Show, singing with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Perry Como, etc. www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJSN...

youtube.com

eurovision 1959 Germany 🇩🇪 Alice & Ellen Kessler - Heute abend woll'n wir tanzen geh'n

YouTube video by Georgios Symeonidis

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