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The Latest Batch of Purple Goodness August 19, 2010

admin — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:00:11 +0000

“I broke my toe . . .”: This is a photo of my left foot, taken April 27th, 2010. Notice how the fourth toe is pointing in a different and unnatural direction compared to the other digits on my foot. I broke my toe, and it’s not the first time this has happened to me. So I…
Painted Lady Butterflies: My son and I raised two Painted Lady Butterflies from caterpillars, to chrysalises, to beautiful orange, brown, black, and white Painted Lady Butterflies! In the process, we learned a great deal about butterflies! Did you know that butterflies ne…
Delicious Dump Cake – A Family Favorite!: Just to clarify, “dump” in the case of this dump cake recipe is used as a verb, as in “dump the ingredients into the pan.” Sound messy? Not really. Sound simple? That’s because it is simple, simple but oh, so tasty! While there are some variations t…
Irena Sendler: In the paragraphs to come, I would like to tell you the story of Irena Sendler. A woman with a most courageous heart who saved the lives of around 2500 children in Poland during World War II. This remarkable Polish Catholic woman was a Social Worker…
Niagara Wine Region in Ontario: I grew up in the Niagara Wine Region of southern Ontario, also called the Niagara Fruit Belt or NIagara Peninsula. This peninsula is surrounded on three sides by the waters of Lake Ontario, the Niagara River, and Lake Erie. Since it is protected by t…

Lakescaping – Restoring Natural Shorelines: Believe it or not, everyone has waterfront property. Yes, it’s true! Even if you live in the middle of a city! In this lens, I’ll attempt to answer why that’s true and to explain why lakescaping can help to save our natural waterways, wherever they…
Peanut Butter Filled Chocolate Cupcakes: I remember creme-filled cupcakes my mom would buy us as a special treat. They were so good. I would try to locate the spot where they inserted the creme and start eating at the other side of the cupcake, so I would get the most creme at the end. Now…
Loco Moco, A Traditional Hawaiian Breakfast Food: Call me crazy, but I love loco moco! Loco moco is the name of a popular breakfast meal served in restaurants in the state of Hawaii. It’s a true breakfast in a bowl, a meal high in protein, perfect for storing up energy before hitting the surf (or s…
Jello Recipes: You can’t go to a family picnic, or a neighbor’s birthday party without seeing a jello dish of some sort on the table. This are the recipes lovingly made and passed on within families. These are the down to earth recipes that memories are based on. T…
Writing Book Reviews: I love to read and I’m a writer. It stands to reason that I should be able to write a good book review. At least that’s what I assumed when I sat down to write my first one. It was harder than I thought it would be. Telling your audience how much you…

Our Newest Purple Star Lenses – August 16,2010

admin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:00:06 +0000

Newest Purple Star Lenses

The following lenses were awarded purple stars in the last few days. Take a look! I’m sure you’ll find something you love!

“Twilight” Halloween Party Ideas and Resources: Twilight Theme Party ideas and resources for that special party. Which Stephanie Meyers Twilight Character do you like best? What theme are you planning this year? There is so much you can do, and because of the release of the newest Twilight Movie E…
Best Laptops 2010 – Top Rated Laptop Computers: Let’s take a look at some of the Best Laptops 2010 and some of the Netbooks that have become available at affordable prices. Are you like me and have decided that 2010 is the year to upgrade your computers at home? Like me you are probably thinking…
Lady Gaga Costumes: So you want to look like Lady Gaga? Whether you want a Gaga inspired look for the club or if it’s a fancy dress costume you’re after you’ve come to the right place. This might not be the Haus of GaGa, but it is the House of GaGa Inspired Dress-Ups!…
Vampire Costumes For Men: As you probably know it takes time and effort to find all the pieces to create a proper vampire costume for men. A realistic costume and makeup require special materials, knowledge and talent to create. Both costuming and makeup are an art and scien…
Little Blue Fairy Penguins: These cute little blue penguins, known as both Blue Penguins and Fairy Penguins are now officially known as “Little Penguins”. This new term more accurately describes these seabirds which are the smallest of the penguin species. In New Zealand the n…

Susan Seddon Boulet Goddess Paintings: An artist whose art is still popular in the pagan scene, Susan Seddon Boulet will mostly be remembered for her goddess art. The mystical style of her paintings (mostly, but not exclusively, water color) strikes a core in many.
Tower of Terror, a Disney Movie for Halloween: If you are looking for a good Halloween movie but don’t want your kids to watch a bloody film or anything that might cause them nightmares at night, then, The Tower of Terror is a perfect Halloween movie to watch together with the whole family. In o…
Vampire Costumes & Accessories: Gorgeous Vampire costumes, wigs, shoes, and jewelry. Find Vampire themed Halloween costumes ideas for the whole family, even your pet! With movies like the Twilight Saga, and tv shows like The Vampire Diaries and True Blood, Vampires are majorly pop…
Witch Face Paint and Makeup Ideas for Halloween: These 5 wicked but wonderful witch face paint ideas have something for everyone! The first 2 witch face painting examples use classic face paint and are perfect for kids and adults alike. There is a classic green Wicked Witch face painting and a Cute…
Watermelon Designs: Introducing you to watermelon designs that have been created out of this most nutritious fruit. Carving watermelons into baskets for fruit salad has become quite an art form, as you will see in some of the examples below. We will also discover some…

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Purple Stars Awarded August 11, 2010

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 06:00:09 +0000

Vallain

Rebirth of a 1918 House: In November my sister had a wiring fire in the attic of her vintage house. “Old wiring, overlaid at some point with insulation, ” said the fireman, “so we get these fires.” The fire burned through the ceilling in both the dining room and my sister’s…

Margo_Arrowsmith

As a keen gardener I fully appreciate the information in this lens on fruit flies. Hope you agree that it is worthy of a purple star. ~Anonymous Squid

What You Must Know About Fruit Flies….: Fruit flies are those tiny little insects that travel in swarms hovering around, well, fruit. You may have seen them in grocery stores. They don’t just congregate in less clean stores. I have seen them in Whole Foods and other of the ‘better’ superma…

Kharadriisa

Silly Bandz Rubber Band Bracelets Shapes And Twilight Silly Bandz: Silly bandz is a cool new way to wear bracelets. They come in many shapes that are so cool. My daughter brought one home from school and she wouldn’t take it off. I kept wondering what in the world is this thing! It was in the shape of a car. It took…

ArtbyLinda

I think this lens is interesting, informative and filled with beautiful images. A fascinating look at a part of American history. ~Anonymous Squid

Silver City, Idaho: Silver City, Idaho is an old mining town up in the Owyhee mountain range between Jordan Valley Oregon and Murphy, Idaho. In 1863 huge gold and silver deposits were discovered in the Owyhee Mountains and there were hundreds of mining claims there. Th…

Prosperity66

This is truly a fabulous lens with so many ideas that I am not sure where I want to start! No only did she give us different choices to make, she added a fabulous window cling that can be purchased, ready to use. Frightening fantastic! This lens truly does deserve a purple star! ~Anonymous Squid

Homemade Halloween Window Decoration Ideas: Halloween is quickly coming and once again you are surely looking for easy and fun window Halloween decorations to make with the children. Halloween decorations for windows are easy and fun crafts to make, in addition, they can range from hanging gh…

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Purple Stars Awarded August 9, 2010

admin — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 06:00:10 +0000

MeltedRachel

It’s great and so unusual too. ~Anonymous Squid

A Self Portrait a Day: The other day – well July 4th to be precise – I randomly decided to play about with making self-portraits in Photoshop. I’m not an expert with Photoshop – I only just about know what I’m doing but it’s something I enjoy. After making that first por…

Sylvestermouse

This lens is another great example of the love, warmth and passion of Sylvester Mouse and an example for others to follow. It is praiseworthy and highlights the heart of Squidoo and how one woman has embraced it while fulfilling her goals. ~Anonymous Squid

Star Registry of Sylvestermouse: If you have been around Squidoo for very long, you have seen the coveted purple star. Only a few purple stars are given out each week, and it is quite an honor to receive this pretty little award. I have been granted 9 purple stars since I achi…

SandySpider

beautiful green bean lens ~Anonymous Squid

Garden Fresh Green Bean Salad Recipes: Green beans or string beans (which ever way you would like to call them), taste their best when they are garden fresh. This year my husband decided that we could have a large garden and sale our produce at the farmers market. His sister and her husb…

Susan52

Perfectly done as Susan52′s lenses always are.
I like the fact that it is so clean and totally focused on the calendar! ~Anonymous Squid

Betty White Calendar: Betty White fan? Of course you are! Then you need the Betty White 2011 Wall Calendar. Everyone’s favorite 88-year-old, Betty White is well known most recently for her guest host spot on Saturday Night Live in May 2010. Following her appearance in th…

LauraSchofield

Sometimes there is something about a lens that leaps out at you and I have to say this one did it for me.
Laura has carefully put together a remarkable presentation headed with a good intro, a map of the area and a wonderful index to follow. The pics are outstanding and the subject unusual and fascinating. She has produced a treat for the eyes as well as the heart. ~Anonymous Squid

Caribbean (West Indian) Flowers: Caribbean flowers are appropriate any time of the year. This guide to West Indies flora is both an idea generator for tropical plants or flowers as gifts and a source of inspiration for decor. Caribbean flowers bring back memories of vacations or hol…

Stargazer00

Tutu Costumes: If you are looking for a girls tutu costume for Halloween then you are in the right place. I have a great selection of adorable Tutu Halloween Costumes that you are going to love! You will see a black cat, a witch, a pumpkin, a flower fairy, Minnie M…

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Purple Stars Awarded August 6, 2010

admin — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 00:00:53 +0000

MakingaMark

Artist Resource Lenses

Makingamark has completed a series of Artist Resource Lenses that are” very much focused on providing artists with much needed information about which sites actually work and won’t waste their time.”

She updates these lenses consistently and together they make up a fabulous library of helpful links and information for the online artistic community.

She has been awarded a purple star on each of them.

Online Art Galleries and Stores – Resources for Artists: Online galleries offer to help you sell your ORIGINAL ART – but do they actually work? Which is the best and which gets the most traffic? If you’re trying to find out more about online art galleries this is the site for you! Do some research before y…
Sell Art Online – Resources for Artists: Do you want to know how to sell art online – or improve your knowledge of e-commerce for artists? This site helps you find out about selling art via your websites, blog, shopping carts, auctions, online galleries, online stores, print on demand and e…
Print Art on Demand – Resources for Artists: Are you interested in having your artwork printed using print on demand technology? Do you want to check out who are the suppliers and what people think of them? Find out about: what is print on demand / publish on demand?suppliers of print on demand…
Sell Daily Paintings – Resources for Artists: Do you want to know more about how to sell daily paintings online – or improve your knowledge about the painting a day movement generally? Check out this site to find out about websites which aim to help daily painters to sell their art online. Whet…
How to pack, post and ship art – Resources for Artists: How do you pack art? How do you post art? What about international deliveries? What about customs? How do you get it back again?This site doesn’t pretend to have the answers to all the very many questions people have about getting art from artist to…

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Our Newest Purple Stars

admin — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 06:00:08 +0000

Wordcustard

Dog Face Paint — Face Painting for Halloween: Dogs are an adorable subject for face painting, loved by kids and adults alike. There are 5 fun dog face paint designs here: a classic dog face painting for everyone; a darling puppy dog for little ones; a bulldog that will appeal to boys; a fun spot…

Vallain was successful in the July Get Cracking Challenge

Funny Australian Songs: I lived in Australia for 3 1/2 years and loved the country and the people. They have a great sense of humor and a laid-back attitude towards life. “No worries, mate,” was a phrase one heard often. The music of Australia includes plenty of humorous t…

Library Book Display Ideas

Library users are often overwhelmed trying to choose from the huge selection of books filling the shelves. Libraries that feature books in displays help overcome that problem. The potential reader has a manageable selection to browse through. I spen…

Pukeko Received a Purple Star from Vallain

Haka Videos – See the New Zealand Maori War Dance Like Never Before: New Zealand’s haka dance in traditional form, as well as for fun can be found among this collection of videos. If you are planning a trip to New Zealand you will more than likely visit a Maori cultural event in which a haka dance is performed. Simply…

Treasures-by-Brenda was also successful in the July Get Cracking Challenge

The Logitech Harmony 650 Universal Remote Control Is The Answer To My Dreams…: We had one once. A universal remote control, that is. However, we could never make it work and we eventually abandoned it. This weekend, I was very excited when I read in my local newspaper about the Logitech Harmony 650 and I wish that I could tell…

The Best-Ever Glazed Baked Ham Recipe

How would you describe the best-ever glazed baked ham recipe? In my opinion, the recipe for the best baked ham would have to be fairly easy to put together and yield an absolutely delicious result. This recipe does just that. It is actually very easy…

Susannaduffy received a Purple Star from Treasures-by-Brenda

“I really like the fact that it is personal, simple and uncluttered.” ~Treasures-by-Brenda

Pho Bo – Vietnamese Beef Soup: To make authentic Pho Bo, you should make the beef broth yourself, but I know a shortcut. You can make a delicious Vietnamese beef soup with a can of beef broth, a can of beef consomme and some good quality boneless beef sirloin. It’s simple enough…

If anyone else completed the July Get Cracking challenge and hasn’t sent me their list and purple star choices yet, please send them them to robin@squidoo.com ASAP. Thanks!

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Purple Stars Awarded August 2, 2010

admin — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 06:00:10 +0000

These are the lenses that were awarded Purple Stars today, August 2, 2010. Grab a cup of something nice, get comfortable and enjoy. There’s a lot to see!

Whiteoak50

My Halloween Spirit: As a child and as an adult it seems like my spirit only wakes up during the Halloween Season. Writing SquidBOO lens helps to keep me motivated and excited, do you think that sounds odd? Read on- When I was a young child I dashed off of my school bus…

The following 5 Purple Stars were awarded by Hlkljgk For the Rocketmoms Challenge

Home Made Ginger Beer: Cool yourself with the fresh, spicy, yeasty taste of old fashioned ginger beer just like your grandmother made. Ginger Beer is super simple to make, all you need are some 2 litre plastic bottles, some sugar, ginger and yeast. Then just add water. D…

All About Kava

If you go to Fiji chances are you will be invited to participate in a Kava ceremony. A custom practiced across much of the South Pacific, the ceremony is an integral part of village life in Polynesian, Melanesian and Micronesian cultures. So what is…

The Benefits of Kombucha Tea and How to Make It

Kombucha has been around for a very long time, but it’s only recently been taking off in North America. There are many benefits of kombucha tea, but it’s also pleasant to drink, somewhat like a cider drink. The taste is NOT for everyone, though and I…

Carrot Juice.

Carrots are so nutritious that they are recommended as part of a healthy diet by many, many Doctors and dieticians around the world. These simple-to-make-juices all include carrots but…the carrot flavour is covered by the other ingredients so that…

Ghoulishly Good Halloween Punch Recipes

Unique and delicious Halloween Punch Recipes for a fun and festive party. From Zombies to Blood Punch, as well as several other recipes to choose from, you are sure to find your Halloween themed drink right here. Punch recipes make party prep time a…

And last but not least are three of the lensmasters who successfully completed the July – Get Cracking Lens challenge by creating 15 NEW lenses last month.

AnnMackieMiller

Fine Art Photography: Birds on Bright Water: I’m an artist, albeit an artist with a camera. One of the greatest joys is to sell your artwork. This is where the print on demand companies, Zazzle.com and RedBubble.com, come into their own. With no financial outlay, and a little digital work, you…

The Corries – Folk Music Duo from Scotland

The Corries graced the Scottish folk scene from the early 1960′s until Roy’s sad death in 1990. Together they were the quintessential Scottish balladeers. Their music spoke to (and for) a generation at a time when the Scottish nation were re-examinin…

Annmmackiemiller awarded her extra Purple Star to NanLT

Magic Breakfast Provides Fuel for Learning: I have only recently heard of this charity as the school where my children attend is considering applying for help from Magic Breakfast. This worth charity provides free school breakfasts to needy children across the poorest areas of Britain. They r…

BConnor11

Lord Voldemort’s Seven Horcruxes: Horcruxes are dark magical objects that hold a piece of a soul. They were first introduced in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, when young Tom Riddle asked Professor Horace Slughorn about them. Slughorn told Riddle that they were objects that h…

Softball Gift Ideas

Do you know a softball player whose birthday is coming up? Do you do not know what to get her? Been there, done that. Here are some ideas for the perfect gift that worked for me..

BConnor11 awarded her extra Purple Star to Xtnshun

For: Jokes my daughter finds funny

Jokes My Daughter Finds Funny: My daughter has just turned fourteen and is a freshman at High School (sigh). She is opinionated, pretty, sassy, untidy, precocious and always right (at least SHE thinks she’s always right…). Here are some jokes she finds hilarious.

NanLT

Ben 10: Colouring Pages: As a parent, one aim I have is to encourage my childrens’ creativity and imagination as much as possible. One very good way to do this is through artwork and colouring. These days, anyone with access to the internet and a good printer can create a n…

Kitchenwitch cookery

I love to cook. I love finding and trying new recipes. I love even more putting my own twist on the recipes I find to make them my own. I must admit that I don’t actually have to open a cookbook much any more. That doesn’t stop me from wanting to buy…

NanLT awarded her extra Purple Star to Macmcrae

For Bronchopulmonary-Dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: In short, Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia is a lung disease often found in premature babies who required ventilation via machine from birth. Abbreviated to BPD, it causes long term, irreversible damage by inflaming and scarring the lungs. In some cases, e…

Stop back tomorrow to see the rest of the lensmasters who successfully completed the July Get Cracking Challenge and received 2 purple stars for themselves (one of their choice and one surprise) and the extra purple star that they awarded to another lensmaster, Giants or not!

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Purple Stars Awarded July 30, 2010

admin — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 18:00:09 +0000

Delicious Purple Star Lenses! Enjoy!

Asian Inspired Cocktails: Twenty years ago we were all intrigued with Italian cooking, before that French, but in this millennium we seem to be entranced with Asian flavors more than ever. Our kitchens contain the likes of lemongrass, lime juice, cardamom, coconut milk, yogur…
Mocktails: Pregnant? Religious restrictions? Underage? Hosting a party with children? Hosting a party of pregnant, religious, underage children? (just kidding Or are you just plain thirsty? Well, these non-alcoholic mocktail recipes are sure to please the se…
Strawberry Orange Smoothie: Great up-lifting drink! Strawberry Orange Smoothie is a great way to get going in the mornings! You will love this Strawberry Orange Smoothie Recipe! This healthy mix of Strawberries and Oranges make a great source of natural energy. This quick free…
What Is The Best Recipe For Harry Potter Butterbeer?: Butterbeer has been a huge success for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the whole world is talking about butterbeer. You cannot buy the J.K. Rowling approved version of this hot or cold beverage anywhere else in the world and, therefore, ever…
Simply Sumptuous Sun Tea: I am not sure I know when they first started making sun tea, but I know I started making it in the 1970′s. Each year I purchased a new Sun Tea Jar because I’m notorious for breaking glass…whether by accident, or accidentally on purpose so that we c…

The Rocketmoms Cookbook

by The Rocketmoms

Fabulous compilation of Rocketmoms recipes! I think it deserves a shiny purple star.

The 2010 RocketMoms Cookbook: Are you looking for a great new recipe? How about the latest reviews of kitchen gadgets? Well you’re in the right place. Welcome to the 2010 Rocketmoms Cookbook. Bookmark this lens because every week during the month of July we are going to be addin…

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Purple Stars Awarded July 29, 2010

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:00:10 +0000

Be sure to take a look at all of today’s Purple Star Lenses. You’ll be glad you did!

Keep sending your Giant Squid Purple Star lens nominations to purplestar@squidoo.com. We can’t do this without you!

Morton’s Neuroma A Pain in the Foot

by JaguarJulie

This is a very helpful and informative lens about a painful subject. I’d like to nominate it for a purple star.

Morton’s Neuroma — A Pain in the Foot: A Morton’s Neuroma is such a pain in the foot let me tell you! I now have a “foot to stand on” so to speak thanks to my foot surgery to excise that painful Morton’s Neuroma! It took me nearly two years, from when I was first diagnosed with the Morto…

Artist Resources for Selling Art Online

by ArtbyMichelle

This is a terrific resource for artists who are looking to earn extra money by selling their art online. I’m glad I found it and I think others will be too. I think it is worthy of a purple star.

Artist Resources For Selling Art Online: Hi there, My name is Michelle Collins. I am a WAHM & a fine artist. I also do graphic design & whatever else I get myself involved with..LOL. I worked in a gallery for several years. I have shown my work in galleries locally, and nationally….

Victorian Angel Doll Hospital

by Partybuzz

Victorian Angel Doll Hospital: Doll Restore and Repair, Lynchburg VA: I’d like to share with you the story of how the Victorian Angel Doll Hopital restored and repaired my Mom’s antique doll. This doll was given to my Mom when she was a small child as a Christmas gift. Her brother dropped the doll and broke the bisque…

Super Mario Bros. 3

by Kiwisoutback

Super Mario Bros. 3: Super Mario 3 could possibly be the greatest video game of all time. It was released in 1990 in the United States, and has to this day held records for the fastest and best selling of all video games. New to the Mario franchise of games released on t…

Tawny Frogmouth A fascinating Austrailian Bird

by Oztoo

I’d love to nominate Tawny Frogmouth by oztoo for a purple star. This is a real treat of a lens about a bird that most of us have never heard of. Oztoo knows these birds well as she can observe them from her home in Australia, and has put together an informative guide to this unusual bird. The pictures are adorable and the stylish formatting of this lens complements them beautifully.

Tawny Frogmouth – a fascinating australian bird: The tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides), is another bird that I’m happy to say, is a visitor to my backyard. At one time a pair of them resided in the silky oak tree about half way down our 3 acre block. From our verandah you could see them roostin…

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Purple Star Awarded Lenses July 27, 2010

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:05 +0000

Here is today’s collection of purple goodness. Enjoy!

Crochet Hats, Tams, Skullies, Skater, Beanies

by Momwithahook

Crochet Hats, Tams, Skullies, Skater, Beanies: I love to crochet. Hats are one of the easiest items to crochet so I decided to make a Lens about all the great Crochet hats out there. I’ve included some of my own patterns as well as some patterns of others I admire. I especially like how one lady…

Zazzle Referrals – The Fine Print Simplified

by Pukeko

Zazzle Referrals – The Fine Print Simplified: If You Didn’t Read the Fine Print, You Might Not Understand Where You Earn a Referral From Zazzle Sales, and Where You don’t. This page simplifies the payment structure for using the Squidoo Zazzle module, the Squidoo text module to sell Zazzle, and…

My Great, Great Grandmother – Women I Admire

by NanLT

My Great-Great Grandmother – Women I Admire: I never met this woman, she died 1 year after my mother was born. I would never have known about her if not for the family history research done by my mother’s family back in the 1970s. Jane Morton was my grandmother’s grandmother. She endured hards…

Willie Wagtail – A bird with personality plus

by Oztoo

A look at a very energetic bird – the australian willie wagtail.

Willie Wagtail – A Bird With Personality Plus: If ever a member of the bird family suffered from ADHD the willie wagtail would have to be it. This little bird is so full of character and personality and it seems it can never truly keep still for more than a few moments. I have a pair of these de…

The Walk for Hunger

by Christene

The Walk for Hunger: The first Sunday in May, every year since 1969, people of Massachusetts get together and walk. Sure, people walk every day of the year, but this is something special. Thousands of people raise millions of dollars to fund over 400 emergency food progr…

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