Tomorrow evening we set out for the Island of Prince Edward. Five of us are going to cram into my Camry and head off to the cottage (14 hours away) for 4 days (not including driving days). Should be a grand old time and a good way to spend the last long weekend of the summer. Hope everyone else is doing something to send off the summer in style.
Enjoy the long weekend!!
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Friday, August 18, 2006
Summer update
Okay, so despite being back from my vacation for a month now, I haven't really posted. There are some good and not so good reasons for that (I'll let you decide which ones are the good ones). First, in case you haven't heard (but it's relatively old news now), Johanna and I broke up. That actually coincided with the same day as my last post, so I was pretty disappointed and depressed for a bit and didn't feel like posting anything for fear of sounding whiny and pitiful. And then I started to get busy and didn't spend much time on the computer at home so I wasn't even reading other blogs let alone updating my own. And then Dan came to visit (he just left a couple days ago now). So finally, here's an update about my summer since I got back from vacation...
First sports: I've been playing a lot of beach volleyball...as in twice a week regularly. It's been a blast. I think I like it even better than indoor. We've played everything from my normal league 4v4 to Saturday morning 2v2 to Saturday afternoon 6v6. It's been good times all around and a different challenge every week. Aside from that I've been practicing occasionally with an Ultimate (frisbee) team that some of my friends have put together. I'll be playing with them in the new season in the fall. That too has been a new sporting experience that I am really getting into. Unfortunately, this all has left less room for golf. So besides on PEI I haven't played. It's too bad but next summer we'll try to change that. I've also been keeping up in my pool league...tournament this coming Monday so we'll see how I do.
Now if sports are taking up my time on the weekends and some evenings, work is keeping me busy the rest of the time. I've finally finished part of my testing on the new database so I've started moving back to the project I'm supposed to be doing more work on. It's been a long and drawn out process but at least it's almost done and I can work on something new. The competition that I am in the middle of, for a permanent position, is still ongoing but they finished marking the tests at least and I passed. Next is the interviews but they're not starting until after the long weekend in September. Hopefully the whole thing will be done by October and I'll have a full-time permanent spot as a CS but I'm not banking on it being done quite that soon (it is the government after all).
I also had a visitor last week. My best friend Dan that I grew up with finally came out to visit. We had a good time. Played some volleyball, Ultimate, and pool and hung out a lot. The War Museum was pretty cool and just going out and hanging out at some pubs and restaurants around town was fun too. He also brought me a guitar book that we used for campfires when we're camping so now I have some more stuff to play (thanks to Dupe too). That book got well used in the short time Dan was here as we took turns playing my guitar late into the night a few times. One of the highlights of his time here though was our trip to Montreal for Warped Tour. We rented a car and drove down last Sunday. It was the last stop on the tour so the merchandise wasn't that great but the shows were awesome, albeit very dusty from all the sand in the mosh pits. Good times. I'm glad he came out to visit and hopefully he comes again soon (soon being at the latest, next summer).
Anyway, that's a hefty enough update (there you go Adam, now I demand an update too). I'll make time for more soon.
First sports: I've been playing a lot of beach volleyball...as in twice a week regularly. It's been a blast. I think I like it even better than indoor. We've played everything from my normal league 4v4 to Saturday morning 2v2 to Saturday afternoon 6v6. It's been good times all around and a different challenge every week. Aside from that I've been practicing occasionally with an Ultimate (frisbee) team that some of my friends have put together. I'll be playing with them in the new season in the fall. That too has been a new sporting experience that I am really getting into. Unfortunately, this all has left less room for golf. So besides on PEI I haven't played. It's too bad but next summer we'll try to change that. I've also been keeping up in my pool league...tournament this coming Monday so we'll see how I do.
Now if sports are taking up my time on the weekends and some evenings, work is keeping me busy the rest of the time. I've finally finished part of my testing on the new database so I've started moving back to the project I'm supposed to be doing more work on. It's been a long and drawn out process but at least it's almost done and I can work on something new. The competition that I am in the middle of, for a permanent position, is still ongoing but they finished marking the tests at least and I passed. Next is the interviews but they're not starting until after the long weekend in September. Hopefully the whole thing will be done by October and I'll have a full-time permanent spot as a CS but I'm not banking on it being done quite that soon (it is the government after all).
I also had a visitor last week. My best friend Dan that I grew up with finally came out to visit. We had a good time. Played some volleyball, Ultimate, and pool and hung out a lot. The War Museum was pretty cool and just going out and hanging out at some pubs and restaurants around town was fun too. He also brought me a guitar book that we used for campfires when we're camping so now I have some more stuff to play (thanks to Dupe too). That book got well used in the short time Dan was here as we took turns playing my guitar late into the night a few times. One of the highlights of his time here though was our trip to Montreal for Warped Tour. We rented a car and drove down last Sunday. It was the last stop on the tour so the merchandise wasn't that great but the shows were awesome, albeit very dusty from all the sand in the mosh pits. Good times. I'm glad he came out to visit and hopefully he comes again soon (soon being at the latest, next summer).
Anyway, that's a hefty enough update (there you go Adam, now I demand an update too). I'll make time for more soon.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
I'm back
So as some of you know I was gone to PEI for a short vacation for the last 10 days. It was great and I'm sorry that I have to get back to work (especially with the problems I had at work today). But that's life. I'll post some more about the vacation along with some pictures later but here's a (very) brief synopsis...
-went golfing, sailing, canoeing, swimming
-went to a couple of plays
-went to my cousin's wedding (congratulations Rachel!)
-spent some time around our cottage (a lot of cleaning and other work but some relaxing)
-visited with the family
Anyway, that pretty much sums it up for now. I'm looking forward to playing more volleyball now that summer is in full swing but I'm also looking to get back into tennis and squash and get some rounds of golf in for that. If that's your cup of tea, let me know and we'll get together sometime to play.
-went golfing, sailing, canoeing, swimming
-went to a couple of plays
-went to my cousin's wedding (congratulations Rachel!)
-spent some time around our cottage (a lot of cleaning and other work but some relaxing)
-visited with the family
Anyway, that pretty much sums it up for now. I'm looking forward to playing more volleyball now that summer is in full swing but I'm also looking to get back into tennis and squash and get some rounds of golf in for that. If that's your cup of tea, let me know and we'll get together sometime to play.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Superman and other tidbits
It's a bird, it's a plane, no, it's Superman. And he's back in theaters. Go see it! Not only is it one of the best comic book based movies I've ever seen (right up there with Batman Begins) but it's one of the best movies I've seen in recent months. None of the corny lines we've all come to expect from that style of movie and not really the same category. Sure it has some action but that's not what drives the movie like many other films.
What else is new...normal things like work, pool, and volleyball continue (I guess that means they're not really new). I've been playing volleyball at the beach at least once a week for about 7 weeks now. It's been really good, especially last Saturday when we had 14 people show up to play on two nets and had some really competitive games. Too bad I'll miss a couple weekends when I'm in PEI next week.
So my parents left Devon this morning to begin the cross Canada trek (with a pit stop in the capital to pick me up of course). I'm hoping they'll be here by the 6th (or the 7th at the latest) so we can get to PEI in time for the World Cup final. The whole purpose of the trip (besides a vacation with the family and to see our new cottage) is for my cousin Rachel's wedding. So we'll have a week to prepare and get some golf and visiting in before the wedding two weeks from yesterday. It should be a good time all around. It'll be nice to have my whole family back together under one roof again (even though it's a new roof for my sister and I). I'm really looking forward to it.
Well, time for a little guitar and then it's off to bed. I wasn't feeling great earlier today, a little dizzy and feeling like passing out, but hopefully that's passed now. Enjoy your Canada Day bonus day tomorrow.
What else is new...normal things like work, pool, and volleyball continue (I guess that means they're not really new). I've been playing volleyball at the beach at least once a week for about 7 weeks now. It's been really good, especially last Saturday when we had 14 people show up to play on two nets and had some really competitive games. Too bad I'll miss a couple weekends when I'm in PEI next week.
So my parents left Devon this morning to begin the cross Canada trek (with a pit stop in the capital to pick me up of course). I'm hoping they'll be here by the 6th (or the 7th at the latest) so we can get to PEI in time for the World Cup final. The whole purpose of the trip (besides a vacation with the family and to see our new cottage) is for my cousin Rachel's wedding. So we'll have a week to prepare and get some golf and visiting in before the wedding two weeks from yesterday. It should be a good time all around. It'll be nice to have my whole family back together under one roof again (even though it's a new roof for my sister and I). I'm really looking forward to it.
Well, time for a little guitar and then it's off to bed. I wasn't feeling great earlier today, a little dizzy and feeling like passing out, but hopefully that's passed now. Enjoy your Canada Day bonus day tomorrow.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Happy 139th Birthday Canada!
Happy Canada Day everyone!!
Today was actually a relatively quiet Canada Day for me in the nation's capital. I just watched some World Cup at home in the morning and then spent the afternoon and evening at France and Ali's house for a BBQ/pool party. Good times with some good friends.
I've got some updates to write tomorrow...topics to come: Superman, GST, NHL free agency, PEI, volleyball, and more...
Today was actually a relatively quiet Canada Day for me in the nation's capital. I just watched some World Cup at home in the morning and then spent the afternoon and evening at France and Ali's house for a BBQ/pool party. Good times with some good friends.
I've got some updates to write tomorrow...topics to come: Superman, GST, NHL free agency, PEI, volleyball, and more...
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
I cried myself to sleep
So last night the playoffs came to an end. And of course it was a very unfortunate end for those of us in or from Oil country. Despite the outcome, I know everyone in Edmonton and all the Oiler fans everywhere are very proud of our team. It was an amazing run and one many of us are not likely to forget. Hopefully this is a sign of a new dynasty just beginning. Remember, in 1983 the Oilers lost in the cup final and look what happened after that. Kudos (sp?) to the Edmonton Oilers and their dream-like Stanley Cup run. It was a blast and hopefully we'll do it all again next year with a slightly better outcome.
Sorry I've been not posting recently. Between watching hockey and playing volleyball, pool, and pokerI've been on the go most nights and when I settle down I just don't really feel like typing more (after being on the computer all day at work). I'll get back to it. Right now though I'm going to flick on the tube and catch some soccer highlights (World Cup is filling up what sports time volleyball and hockey didn't).
Sorry I've been not posting recently. Between watching hockey and playing volleyball, pool, and pokerI've been on the go most nights and when I settle down I just don't really feel like typing more (after being on the computer all day at work). I'll get back to it. Right now though I'm going to flick on the tube and catch some soccer highlights (World Cup is filling up what sports time volleyball and hockey didn't).
Monday, June 05, 2006
Cup finals start tonight
This is it...the moment we've been waiting for all season. The Stanley Cup finals. I'm going to go out on a limb and predict the Oilers winning the series 4-2. And while I'm at it, I'll predict a 4-2 win tonight for the boys from the North-West. Either way, it should be exciting...I can't wait!
GO OILERS GO!!
GO OILERS GO!!
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Post #200
Wow...I've actually posted 200 entries on this thing in just over a year. Hard to believe since I don't actually post as often as I'd like to. Thanks to those people who actually read this. The main reason I do this is to try and keep in touch with people and for the most part it has helped. But me telling you what's happening in my life isn't the only goal, I want to know what you people are doing. My next goal is to update my links so I have links to all my friend's blogs/sites so if you have a site and don't mind me linking to it, let me know.
Well, I have to get ready for the beach and some volleyball. Have a good day!
Well, I have to get ready for the beach and some volleyball. Have a good day!
Sunday, May 28, 2006
WE'RE PLAYING FOR THE CUP!!
WOO BABY!! What a game and what a series! The Oilers are going to play for the Stanley Cup! I'm just bouncing off the walls I'm so pumped. I don't know if I'm going to be able to sleep tonight. I only wish I was in Edmonton right now to join in the amazing party that must be going on. I can't wait until the finals start.
GO OILERS GO!!
GO OILERS GO!!
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Finally a real update
Okay, dishes are done and guitar has been played so it's about time I sit down and update anyone who actually reads this on what's new...
Well I'm enjoying life in my now fully furnished apartment (even though I haven't often been home much in the last week). I'm also enjoying the Oilers' run in this years playoffs (as I'm sure you all could guess). I can't believe how well they're all playing as a team...and that's what makes hockey the greatest sport, a total team effort can drive a team with the desire to win through some of the more skilled teams. Not that I underestimate the skill on the Oilers (where did Pisani come from all of a sudden?) but when you compare them to the Sharks and Red Wings you can't really say the Oilers have the edge in the pure skill department (though maybe they do in depth).
Other new stuff...I've been to two big concerts in the last few weeks. First was INXS the night before my housewarming. Good show with lots of energy and I'm actually quite surprised at how many of their songs I actually knew. Next was the last show on Our Lady Peace's latest tour. A couple of pretty good opening bands kicked it off including the Neverending White Lights. Good show. Then OLP came on and played for 2 hours (including a huge encore with all 4 bands on the tour on stage singing Starseed together, my favorite OLP song).
And on the topic of music, I just picked up 3 new albums lately. The new Red Hot Chili Peppers is pretty awesome with some wicked bass lines and some really kicking funk beats that get your toes tapping. Then yesterday I picked up the new Angels & Airwaves album (the new band of Tom Delong, formerly of Blink-182). It's definitely different but very good. Check it out. And last but not least was yesterday's release of the newest Less Than Jake album, "In With The Out Crowd". I've been waiting for some new stuff from my favorite band and it's satisfied that itch. Not their best album but definitely good and it's growing on me the more I listen to it.
Okay, this is getting pretty long already so I won't go into too much more detail on stuff. Work is going pretty well. I got screened into my CS-01 competition (for a permanent job at StatsCan) and so I get to write a test on June 15th to see if I get an interview for the competition. Right now I'm on an expensive 3 day Oracle database tuning course downtown so I'm learning a bunch of interesting new stuff.
Outside of work life's going very well too. My volleyball net is here now so I can't wait to get out to the beach this weekend. I'm playing guitar a lot and occasionally messing around on my trumpet. I've also been spending quite a bit of time with Johanna (who is gone for a couple of weeks so I have to find something else to fill my time). Speaking of Johanna, we went to the DaVinci Code last Sunday and without going into too much detail because this post is long enough already, don't believe all the critics. I thought it was pretty good. If you liked the book then go see the movie for sure. Most of the trashy reviews are bashing the ideas from the book and not the actual movie. Paul Bettany puts on a pretty haunting performance as Silas the albino monk.
Well I think that's a pretty good update for now. If anyone really wants to know more you should know my e-mail and since I never hear from most of you anymore anyway, drop me a line. Now I think I'm going to listen to a little more Less Than Jake and head to bed early.
Well I'm enjoying life in my now fully furnished apartment (even though I haven't often been home much in the last week). I'm also enjoying the Oilers' run in this years playoffs (as I'm sure you all could guess). I can't believe how well they're all playing as a team...and that's what makes hockey the greatest sport, a total team effort can drive a team with the desire to win through some of the more skilled teams. Not that I underestimate the skill on the Oilers (where did Pisani come from all of a sudden?) but when you compare them to the Sharks and Red Wings you can't really say the Oilers have the edge in the pure skill department (though maybe they do in depth).
Other new stuff...I've been to two big concerts in the last few weeks. First was INXS the night before my housewarming. Good show with lots of energy and I'm actually quite surprised at how many of their songs I actually knew. Next was the last show on Our Lady Peace's latest tour. A couple of pretty good opening bands kicked it off including the Neverending White Lights. Good show. Then OLP came on and played for 2 hours (including a huge encore with all 4 bands on the tour on stage singing Starseed together, my favorite OLP song).
And on the topic of music, I just picked up 3 new albums lately. The new Red Hot Chili Peppers is pretty awesome with some wicked bass lines and some really kicking funk beats that get your toes tapping. Then yesterday I picked up the new Angels & Airwaves album (the new band of Tom Delong, formerly of Blink-182). It's definitely different but very good. Check it out. And last but not least was yesterday's release of the newest Less Than Jake album, "In With The Out Crowd". I've been waiting for some new stuff from my favorite band and it's satisfied that itch. Not their best album but definitely good and it's growing on me the more I listen to it.
Okay, this is getting pretty long already so I won't go into too much more detail on stuff. Work is going pretty well. I got screened into my CS-01 competition (for a permanent job at StatsCan) and so I get to write a test on June 15th to see if I get an interview for the competition. Right now I'm on an expensive 3 day Oracle database tuning course downtown so I'm learning a bunch of interesting new stuff.
Outside of work life's going very well too. My volleyball net is here now so I can't wait to get out to the beach this weekend. I'm playing guitar a lot and occasionally messing around on my trumpet. I've also been spending quite a bit of time with Johanna (who is gone for a couple of weeks so I have to find something else to fill my time). Speaking of Johanna, we went to the DaVinci Code last Sunday and without going into too much detail because this post is long enough already, don't believe all the critics. I thought it was pretty good. If you liked the book then go see the movie for sure. Most of the trashy reviews are bashing the ideas from the book and not the actual movie. Paul Bettany puts on a pretty haunting performance as Silas the albino monk.
Well I think that's a pretty good update for now. If anyone really wants to know more you should know my e-mail and since I never hear from most of you anymore anyway, drop me a line. Now I think I'm going to listen to a little more Less Than Jake and head to bed early.
More pictures from the warming of my apartment
You can go to JP's site for even more...http://web.mac.com/x_philie2000/
...or you can look at a few of the pics that France sent me from her camera...
Wei and Ali:
Marc and Sophie:
Other Marc and Ive:
Robyn supervises the poker game:
Aww...Anne-Marie missed Jay:
I honestly didn't think the futon would hold four:
A pretty good summary picture:
And that update is coming, I swear...I've just got to finish doing the dishes first...
...or you can look at a few of the pics that France sent me from her camera...
Wei and Ali:
Marc and Sophie:
Other Marc and Ive:
Robyn supervises the poker game:
Aww...Anne-Marie missed Jay:
I honestly didn't think the futon would hold four:
A pretty good summary picture:
And that update is coming, I swear...I've just got to finish doing the dishes first...
Proud to be Canadian!
How about the fans in Rexall Place last night in Edmonton taking over for Paul Loreau in the singing of O Canada!! Now if that isn't pride in one's country and one's home team, I don't know what is. Kind of brings a tear to my eye and a shiver up the spine.
Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meLpuF9UMvk
GO OILERS GO!!
P.S. More updates to come since I have been slacking on the posts recently.
Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meLpuF9UMvk
GO OILERS GO!!
P.S. More updates to come since I have been slacking on the posts recently.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
OILERS WIN!!
WE'RE GOING TO THE WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL!! WOO HOO!!
If Edmonton can play against Anaheim like they did in this series against San Jose they'll win it. Just stick to the good hard nosed hockey and they'll pull through.
GO OILERS GO!!
P.S. My sister's picture is on the Edmonton Oilers website under the fan pics section. She's with her friends in front of the Fanzoni with the Stanley Cup hat that she made. And she's been on TV a bunch with her Oilers gear on. Go Julz!
If Edmonton can play against Anaheim like they did in this series against San Jose they'll win it. Just stick to the good hard nosed hockey and they'll pull through.
GO OILERS GO!!
P.S. My sister's picture is on the Edmonton Oilers website under the fan pics section. She's with her friends in front of the Fanzoni with the Stanley Cup hat that she made. And she's been on TV a bunch with her Oilers gear on. Go Julz!
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Housewarming
As promised earlier today, here are some pictures from my housewarming last night. There was a much bigger turnout than I expected but that was good because I got to see everyone and we all had a good time. Thanks to everyone that came and to those that couldn't make it, don't worry, you can see the place another time soon (or look at the pictures that I posted this morning).
Welcome to my humble abode where the conversation was lively all night:
Ive and France (with Jay in the back):
Tracy checking on the baby with Andrew watching the Sens game (Marc and Sophie in the background with Tony bouncing the Yoga ball):
Not only was it my housewarming, but France's birthday is today so we had a cake for that too (Happy Birthday France!):
Ive's little brother Antonio (life of the party and expert photographer):
It isn't a party until the Donkey Konga game is broken out (look how intense the bongo action is):
Jay's classic pose while Kevin, Johanna, and Robyn relax on the new Futon:
And of course a poker game breaks out (with Wei presiding and Cora keeping an eye on him):
Well that pretty much sums it up. I know JP will be putting up his photos sometime so I'll try to link to that when I can since I didn't really get pictures with everyone.
Welcome to my humble abode where the conversation was lively all night:
Ive and France (with Jay in the back):
Tracy checking on the baby with Andrew watching the Sens game (Marc and Sophie in the background with Tony bouncing the Yoga ball):
Not only was it my housewarming, but France's birthday is today so we had a cake for that too (Happy Birthday France!):
Ive's little brother Antonio (life of the party and expert photographer):
It isn't a party until the Donkey Konga game is broken out (look how intense the bongo action is):
Jay's classic pose while Kevin, Johanna, and Robyn relax on the new Futon:
And of course a poker game breaks out (with Wei presiding and Cora keeping an eye on him):
Well that pretty much sums it up. I know JP will be putting up his photos sometime so I'll try to link to that when I can since I didn't really get pictures with everyone.
Some Assembly Required
Welcome to the house (apartment) that Ikea built...or rather, the house that Ikea delivered (or sold me) in pieces for me to assemble. Since I have been living here for 3 months now, I figured it was about time I finished furnishing the place. There is a story behind the troubles in getting all the furniture but I'll save that for later for those few people that haven't heard me whine about it yet (let me know if anyone actually wants the full story). Without further ado, here's my little virtual tour...enjoy!
The View (on today's cloudy day):
The kitchen and front hall (still a little messy from last night's housewarming):
Several views of the living room:
And the bedroom:
Hopefully this gives everyone a little better idea of my place. Pictures are better than words. I know the walls are really white and I need to get something to put up there (namely a huge Oilers flag and to put up my Sens flag) but I figured something to sit on should be my first priority. Anyway, those are my digs...I'm pretty happy with the way it's all come together. I'll post some pictures of my housewarming from last night next, as soon as I do those dishes in the kitchen and finish cleaning up.
The View (on today's cloudy day):
The kitchen and front hall (still a little messy from last night's housewarming):
Several views of the living room:
And the bedroom:
Hopefully this gives everyone a little better idea of my place. Pictures are better than words. I know the walls are really white and I need to get something to put up there (namely a huge Oilers flag and to put up my Sens flag) but I figured something to sit on should be my first priority. Anyway, those are my digs...I'm pretty happy with the way it's all come together. I'll post some pictures of my housewarming from last night next, as soon as I do those dishes in the kitchen and finish cleaning up.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
New TV!!
So Jay's back for a week from Sweeden starting Friday night. So obviously we had to go make our regular electronics shopping trip and I just happened to be in the market for a new TV. So after some careful deliberation at Future Shop I finally bought it. Just a 27" flat tube Toshiba but I like it. I also bought a new 250 Gb hard drive on an impulse at PC Cyber. At least now I have space to download a bunch of movies, TV shows, and put more of my CDs on my computer. Time to shut down the computer and get that sucker installed so I put Bit Torrent to work.
I am Iron Man
Your results:
You are Iron Man
Click here to take the "Which Superhero am I?" quiz...
You are Iron Man
| Inventor. Businessman. Genius. |
Click here to take the "Which Superhero am I?" quiz...
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
No Battle of Alberta this post season
So the Flames are out. I'm actually kind of indifferent about this. Part of me is happy when Calgary loses. The other part is sad that another Canadian team has been eliminated and that we won't have a phenomenal Battle of Alberta like you know it would have been. I guess defense may win championships but when you get no good shots on net and play defense the whole game like Calgary did tonight, you don't score and you lose.
Oh well, the Oilers are just going to have to beat the Sharks instead. Slightly less exciting but just as much of a challenge. GO OILERS GO!
Oh well, the Oilers are just going to have to beat the Sharks instead. Slightly less exciting but just as much of a challenge. GO OILERS GO!
Beautiful Evening and a Beautiful Sunset
It was such a beautiful night that I decided to take a rollerblade down by the river and head down to the beach to see if I could catch the sunset. Now I'm not in the best of shape but I figured I had quite a bit of time to get down to the beach and still catch the sunset with my camera so I took a bit more of a round about route. I had to hussle and boy did it take it right out of me...but I caught the sunset just in time. Here's a few shots I managed to get from a couple different places. It sure was a beautiful sight, the pictures don't quite convey the view. And the best news, the beach looks like a great place to play volleyball :D
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