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Saturday, 15 December 2012
Saturday, 1 December 2012
Mister Marvelous by Byredo
There's something enigmatic about Byredo, the six-year-old Swedish fragrance house founded by Ben Gorham. Could it be the fact that it's only available in very select places? Is it the deceivingly simple bottle that houses such a complex scent? I really can't tell. And don't let its young age fool you. Despite its lack of commercial presence, the brand has received nods and praises from notable fashion publications, such as French Vogue, Fantastic Man, Vanity Fair, Elle and V Magazine.
On my trip to Italy last October, I picked up Mister Marvelous in Milan and it has proven to be the best scent to use in Singapore's sweltering heat. Every spray is a burst of freshness that reminds me of a very cold glass of gin and tonic with a generous splash of lime. It then leaves traces of black amber and white cedarwood, reminding you of its concentrated nature. I suppose another thing that drew me to choose this particular scent was the name. How can you resist the word marvelous? The website explains this very well and says:
Marvelous is a grand word, is it not? As it rolls off the tongue, it feels quite like it means. And it has history; France’s post-revolutionary dandies called their equally exquisite ladies Les Marveileuses. Marvelous means wonderful, exquisite, and astonishing. With a bit of strangeness as well – as indicated by the old Latin mirabilis. A marvelous thing must be strange in that it must be like nothing else.
I couldn't have said it better myself.
Monday, 26 November 2012
Men In Cities
New York-based accessory brand Men In Cities believes that the modern gentleman should embrace the beauty and power of accessories. After all, it's the unique details in an outfit that sets us apart from everyone else.
The brand offers a beautifully crafted range of sartorial trimmings, such as bracelets, silk cravats cufflinks and more, with everything going for just $39.99. And in order to keep things constantly fresh, the products and designs change every month. Below are some of the pieces for November - see anything you like?
The brand offers a beautifully crafted range of sartorial trimmings, such as bracelets, silk cravats cufflinks and more, with everything going for just $39.99. And in order to keep things constantly fresh, the products and designs change every month. Below are some of the pieces for November - see anything you like?
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| MIC Cuff |
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| Chain Bracelet |
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| Tibetan Mask Bead Bracelet |
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| Printed Silk Cravat |
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| Grey Faux Leather Wallet |
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
A.P.C. Pre-Spring 2013
A.P.C. brings us back to the 1950's with their Pre-Spring 2013 offerings. There is an apparent lightness in this collection, brought about by the crisp fabrics, plentiful use of stripes and smart tailoring. Check out some of my favourite looks below.
Saturday, 17 November 2012
Alphabeticalife & Property Of... Giveaway WINNERS
A few weeks ago, I announced a little giveaway sponsored by the kind folks from Property Of.... There were four Marcus Work Bags up for grabs and I was amazed by the enthusiasm of the people who joined. Thank you very much for your support - you guys know who you are.
And now, here are the randomly selected "What's In Your Bag?" winners. Congratulations to the following:
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| Matej Kranjc |
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| Jesse Lewis |
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| Mark Carter |
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| Paul Boupha |
I will be in touch with you guys soon so watch out for an e-mail or a message on Twitter/Instagram. Thanks again!
Monday, 12 November 2012
Alphabeticalife Q+A with Max Kaplan
There comes a point in our life where we yearn for new experiences, a change of scenery and the chance to say, "I'm exactly where I wanted to be." Unfortunately, not everyone is given that opportunity and they end up settling for the next best thing: A life forever lived in a bubble; a mediocre reality that lacks challenge and excitement. Max Kaplan, 23, wasn't going to have any of that.
Max knew exactly that New York City was where he wanted to end up. "I'm from a small town in Pennsylvania and felt that it wasn't exactly an environment with upward mobility," he shared. After studying and developing a new persona with a broader world view at Chestnut Hill College, a small liberal arts college in Philadelphia, he took the plunge and moved to New York for a temp job on 24 hours' notice - with only two suitcases in tow. And the rest, as the old clichéd saying goes, is history.
Today, this style savvy gent is not only living it up in New York as a social media manager (who wouldn't love a full-time social media job??), he's also responsible for co-founding the International Quidditch Association and curating the finest selection of GIFs from the Internet (a fine talent, if I say so myself). So read up and learn more about Max, his experiences and his beloved city of New York.
Hi Max! Could you tell us about yourself and what you do?
Hi there! First off, it's a pleasure to be featured on Alphabeticalife. Thanks for the opportunity. I am the social media manager for a boutique marketing agency in New York City, where I oversee social media campaigns from concept to execution. I manage editorial calendars, create banks of social media messages and measure social media performance and ROI for our clients. They range from local companies to global brands, so there's never a dull moment and we're always testing new ways to engage our audiences. Since I'm a creative at heart, I love being in a field that allows me to fit my zany, quirky side into a larger marketing framework. In the past, I've done everything from newspaper writing to being a personal shopper for J.Crew, so the unpredictable nature of social media is exactly what I was looking for.
Could you talk a bit about your personal style? Being a recent New York City transplant, how do you think it has affected the way you dress?
My style is a mishmash of statement pieces that I love, held together by staples to pair them with. I find inspiration in too many places to be pinned down to one particular style: I love the timelessness and unapologetic colors of traditional preppy style, but I also love the gorgeous fabrics and patterns of European style. That said, I do play favorites. My typical go-to's are a chambray shirt (I've worn mine at least once a week for years), J.Crew's 484 sun-faded chino (seven colors and counting), penny loafers or my Belstaff quilted jacket. When I want to mix things up, I incorporate more on-trend pieces like my houndstooth Stubbs and Wootton or a polka-dotted dress shirt. I also always love Blackwatch tartan for winter.
Living in any city takes a toll on your wardrobe, so investing in quality, functional pieces that can handle long walks, crowded subways and harsh weather is crucial. I'm also very heavy-footed and power-walk just about everywhere (I'm sure I look crazy), so comfort is a big factor when choosing footwear. I've become a big fan of Cole Haan since moving here: They're a great price point, work well for both the office and going out and are still comfortable when I get home after a 12-hour day.
New York is the best city to live in for style-watching. I see countless people a day whose outfits make me do a double-take and give me ideas for new color combinations and ways to wear pieces. Even fanny packs have a place here (for better or for worse).
You mentioned you were photographed by Bill Cunningham during New York Fashion Week and that must have been quite an experience. What do you think drew him to you at that moment?
Indeed! The craziest part was that I didn't realize it was Mr. Cunningham who took our photo at first. A friend and I were heading to the Jenny Packham show at New York Fashion Week when I saw a man in a cobalt jacket snap our picture as we walked by out of the corner of my eye. We turned around, realized it was him and nearly fainted. From where he took the photo, he could see that I was carrying a black leather document holder and had a few bracelets on. Men's document holders exploded this season (although Italians have been singing their praises forever), so I think that caught his eye. I've always admired street-style photographers' eye for detail. They can see things out of context and pick things out of looks that so many others might miss.
What don't you leave home without?
In the last 10 seconds before I leave my apartment in my morning routine rush, I grab my keyring, iPhone, wallet (it holds the all-important unlimited monthly Metrocard) and my Muji tartan umbrella. On a good morning, I'll even remember to grab my lunch from the fridge and update my New York Times app for some train reading.
The brunch culture is at a full-time high in New York. Where's the best place to get it and what do you usually order?
It's true! You can't walk two blocks downtown without seeing a sign advertising brunch specials. There are a few items you see variations of on almost every menu: A dessert pancake or french toast (ricotta pancakes are the most sinful), chicken and waffles, candied bacon, and lately, some sort of "brunch salad." My favorite brunch is at Parlor Steakhouse on the Upper East Side. It's a beautiful Sunday-morning walk from my apartment, and the service is fantastic -- the hosts always greet me by name. Their brunch pre-fixe includes five drinks (mimosas, bloodies or bellinis), but five drinks has a funny way of turning into seven or eight and before you know it, you're stumbling home at 4PM. Since brunch should never be healthy, I order the brioche french toast with poached pears, mascarpone cheese and vanilla with a side of bacon (because what brunch is complete without it?).
There's a million places to visit in the city. If there's one place that a visitor should check out, where would it be and what would they find there?
A must-see is the High Line, an abandoned above-ground train track turned into a park. It's an embodiment of so many things I love about New York: it took something derelict that was eating up valuable city space and turned it into something beautiful that can be enjoyed by everyone. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street on the West Side and has great views of the city and Hudson River. Order take-out from a cafe in the neighborhood and eat it in the park on a sunny day.
Amidst New York City's hustle and bustle, is there a place you go to that lets you catch your breath and clear your mind?
My favorite escape is the Conservancy Garden in Central Park. It's a few blocks from my apartment and a total hidden gem! I discovered it on a morning run and I now make a point to go as often as I can when the flowers are in bloom. It reminds me of Regent's Park in London: Ornate iron gates, beautifully manicured gardens and shady pathways lined with benches. On Saturday mornings I head over with my newspaper and coffee in-hand for some peace and quiet. If you're looking at a map of Central Park, the gardens are in the top-right corner.
Let's talk retail therapy. Where do you go for some serious shopping and what's on your current must-buy list?
Since Manhattan has some of the world's best window shopping, I pop in shops, scope things out and often shop online during my lunch break (you should see the collection of shipping boxes stashed under my desk). If I'm downtown, I love Jeffrey -- a New York institution -- and of course, Topman. I spend a lot of time in the Upper East since I live uptown, so I love the Ralph Lauren men's store (add this to your to-see list for when you visit, gents) and the J.Crew men's shop.
My current wish list includes a pair of forest green pebbled leather driving mocs from Car Shoe, Bresciani x Monocle fair isle socks and a bright orange scarf. I live for cozy pieces in winter, so If I can wear it curled up next to my imaginary fireplace, I'll probably buy it.
What are the top three songs that make up your perfect New York City soundtrack?
What are you thankful for at the end of the day?
I'm thankful for many things, but most especially the unending love and support of family and friends, the fantastic education I received at Chestnut Hill College and the chance to do what I love in the city I've wanted to live in since fourth grade.
Thank you, Max!
Follow Max on Twitter and Instagram!
Max knew exactly that New York City was where he wanted to end up. "I'm from a small town in Pennsylvania and felt that it wasn't exactly an environment with upward mobility," he shared. After studying and developing a new persona with a broader world view at Chestnut Hill College, a small liberal arts college in Philadelphia, he took the plunge and moved to New York for a temp job on 24 hours' notice - with only two suitcases in tow. And the rest, as the old clichéd saying goes, is history.
Today, this style savvy gent is not only living it up in New York as a social media manager (who wouldn't love a full-time social media job??), he's also responsible for co-founding the International Quidditch Association and curating the finest selection of GIFs from the Internet (a fine talent, if I say so myself). So read up and learn more about Max, his experiences and his beloved city of New York.
Hi Max! Could you tell us about yourself and what you do?
Hi there! First off, it's a pleasure to be featured on Alphabeticalife. Thanks for the opportunity. I am the social media manager for a boutique marketing agency in New York City, where I oversee social media campaigns from concept to execution. I manage editorial calendars, create banks of social media messages and measure social media performance and ROI for our clients. They range from local companies to global brands, so there's never a dull moment and we're always testing new ways to engage our audiences. Since I'm a creative at heart, I love being in a field that allows me to fit my zany, quirky side into a larger marketing framework. In the past, I've done everything from newspaper writing to being a personal shopper for J.Crew, so the unpredictable nature of social media is exactly what I was looking for.
Could you talk a bit about your personal style? Being a recent New York City transplant, how do you think it has affected the way you dress?
My style is a mishmash of statement pieces that I love, held together by staples to pair them with. I find inspiration in too many places to be pinned down to one particular style: I love the timelessness and unapologetic colors of traditional preppy style, but I also love the gorgeous fabrics and patterns of European style. That said, I do play favorites. My typical go-to's are a chambray shirt (I've worn mine at least once a week for years), J.Crew's 484 sun-faded chino (seven colors and counting), penny loafers or my Belstaff quilted jacket. When I want to mix things up, I incorporate more on-trend pieces like my houndstooth Stubbs and Wootton or a polka-dotted dress shirt. I also always love Blackwatch tartan for winter.
Living in any city takes a toll on your wardrobe, so investing in quality, functional pieces that can handle long walks, crowded subways and harsh weather is crucial. I'm also very heavy-footed and power-walk just about everywhere (I'm sure I look crazy), so comfort is a big factor when choosing footwear. I've become a big fan of Cole Haan since moving here: They're a great price point, work well for both the office and going out and are still comfortable when I get home after a 12-hour day.
New York is the best city to live in for style-watching. I see countless people a day whose outfits make me do a double-take and give me ideas for new color combinations and ways to wear pieces. Even fanny packs have a place here (for better or for worse).
You mentioned you were photographed by Bill Cunningham during New York Fashion Week and that must have been quite an experience. What do you think drew him to you at that moment?
Indeed! The craziest part was that I didn't realize it was Mr. Cunningham who took our photo at first. A friend and I were heading to the Jenny Packham show at New York Fashion Week when I saw a man in a cobalt jacket snap our picture as we walked by out of the corner of my eye. We turned around, realized it was him and nearly fainted. From where he took the photo, he could see that I was carrying a black leather document holder and had a few bracelets on. Men's document holders exploded this season (although Italians have been singing their praises forever), so I think that caught his eye. I've always admired street-style photographers' eye for detail. They can see things out of context and pick things out of looks that so many others might miss.
What don't you leave home without?
In the last 10 seconds before I leave my apartment in my morning routine rush, I grab my keyring, iPhone, wallet (it holds the all-important unlimited monthly Metrocard) and my Muji tartan umbrella. On a good morning, I'll even remember to grab my lunch from the fridge and update my New York Times app for some train reading.
The brunch culture is at a full-time high in New York. Where's the best place to get it and what do you usually order?
It's true! You can't walk two blocks downtown without seeing a sign advertising brunch specials. There are a few items you see variations of on almost every menu: A dessert pancake or french toast (ricotta pancakes are the most sinful), chicken and waffles, candied bacon, and lately, some sort of "brunch salad." My favorite brunch is at Parlor Steakhouse on the Upper East Side. It's a beautiful Sunday-morning walk from my apartment, and the service is fantastic -- the hosts always greet me by name. Their brunch pre-fixe includes five drinks (mimosas, bloodies or bellinis), but five drinks has a funny way of turning into seven or eight and before you know it, you're stumbling home at 4PM. Since brunch should never be healthy, I order the brioche french toast with poached pears, mascarpone cheese and vanilla with a side of bacon (because what brunch is complete without it?).
There's a million places to visit in the city. If there's one place that a visitor should check out, where would it be and what would they find there?
A must-see is the High Line, an abandoned above-ground train track turned into a park. It's an embodiment of so many things I love about New York: it took something derelict that was eating up valuable city space and turned it into something beautiful that can be enjoyed by everyone. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street on the West Side and has great views of the city and Hudson River. Order take-out from a cafe in the neighborhood and eat it in the park on a sunny day.
 |
| Photo Credit |
My favorite escape is the Conservancy Garden in Central Park. It's a few blocks from my apartment and a total hidden gem! I discovered it on a morning run and I now make a point to go as often as I can when the flowers are in bloom. It reminds me of Regent's Park in London: Ornate iron gates, beautifully manicured gardens and shady pathways lined with benches. On Saturday mornings I head over with my newspaper and coffee in-hand for some peace and quiet. If you're looking at a map of Central Park, the gardens are in the top-right corner.
Let's talk retail therapy. Where do you go for some serious shopping and what's on your current must-buy list?
Since Manhattan has some of the world's best window shopping, I pop in shops, scope things out and often shop online during my lunch break (you should see the collection of shipping boxes stashed under my desk). If I'm downtown, I love Jeffrey -- a New York institution -- and of course, Topman. I spend a lot of time in the Upper East since I live uptown, so I love the Ralph Lauren men's store (add this to your to-see list for when you visit, gents) and the J.Crew men's shop.
My current wish list includes a pair of forest green pebbled leather driving mocs from Car Shoe, Bresciani x Monocle fair isle socks and a bright orange scarf. I live for cozy pieces in winter, so If I can wear it curled up next to my imaginary fireplace, I'll probably buy it.
What are the top three songs that make up your perfect New York City soundtrack?
What are you thankful for at the end of the day?
I'm thankful for many things, but most especially the unending love and support of family and friends, the fantastic education I received at Chestnut Hill College and the chance to do what I love in the city I've wanted to live in since fourth grade.
Thank you, Max!
Follow Max on Twitter and Instagram!
Sunday, 28 October 2012
Italian Holiday Part 2: Instagramming My Way Through Italy
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| Delicious lunch at Le Lanterne, Rome |
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| I'm not a breakfast person, but this changed everything. |
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| Fall foliage. |
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| Mailbox at the Vatican City. |
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| Charming Perugia. |
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| Hands down, the best gelato I've had during the entire trip - cherry and peach. |
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| Our nice little lunch corner in Lucca. |
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| When in Florence, you eat Bistecca Fiorentina. |
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| And you buy beautiful shoes. |
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| One of my favourite photos from Venice. |
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| Cool light fixtures at Excelsior, Milan. |
Friday, 26 October 2012
Giveaway Time: Property Of... Marcus Work Bag
The guys at Property Of... are big fans of Alphabeticalife and I'm a big fan of both my readers and the bag brand. So we decided to come up with an amazing giveaway that I'm sure you'd all love.
Property Of... is giving away FOUR Marcus Work Bags (worth $329) to four lucky readers. Here's what you have to do:
- Submit a "What's In Your Bag?" photo and e-mail it directly to emptycity@gmail.com. Use "Property Of... Giveaway" as your subject.
- You can also do it through Instagram! All you have to do is follow me (@alphabeticalife) and mention me in your "What's In Your Bag?" post.
-No Instagram? Tweet it! Follow me on Twitter (@alphabeticalife) and mention me in the tweet along with your photo.
Pretty easy right? I will then randomly choose the winners based on the various submissions I get from Instagram, Twitter and my e-mail. Once I've chosen four winners, I will post their "What's In Your Bag?" photos in a separate blog entry. So what are you waiting for? Start snapping and get those submissions going!
Giveaway is open to all readers of Alphabeticalife. Property Of... will ship the bag directly to the winners, anywhere in the world. I will personally e-mail or send a direct message to the winners. Contest runs until 15 November 2012.
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| Marcus Work Bag - Features a coated cotton canvas outer, soft leather handles and an adjustable shoulder strap. It fits a 15" laptop, documents and more. |
Property Of... is giving away FOUR Marcus Work Bags (worth $329) to four lucky readers. Here's what you have to do:
- Submit a "What's In Your Bag?" photo and e-mail it directly to emptycity@gmail.com. Use "Property Of... Giveaway" as your subject.
- You can also do it through Instagram! All you have to do is follow me (@alphabeticalife) and mention me in your "What's In Your Bag?" post.
-No Instagram? Tweet it! Follow me on Twitter (@alphabeticalife) and mention me in the tweet along with your photo.
Pretty easy right? I will then randomly choose the winners based on the various submissions I get from Instagram, Twitter and my e-mail. Once I've chosen four winners, I will post their "What's In Your Bag?" photos in a separate blog entry. So what are you waiting for? Start snapping and get those submissions going!
Giveaway is open to all readers of Alphabeticalife. Property Of... will ship the bag directly to the winners, anywhere in the world. I will personally e-mail or send a direct message to the winners. Contest runs until 15 November 2012.
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
Italian Holiday
My holiday in Italy has taught me a number of things. It taught me that there is beauty in simplicity. With regards to style, it taught me what the art of sprezzatura - studied carelessness - is all about. It taught me that human connection, whether through conversations, ordering an espresso at a busy bar or simply hanging out at a piazza with friends, trumps social media anytime. Finally, it taught me that the country's grandeur can only be experienced in person. While the following photographs give you a glimpse of some of the most beautiful sights I saw while I was there, it's obviously still better to see them with your own eyes. So the next time you plan a trip, make Italy number one your must-visit list.
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| The Vatican City and Rome from the dome of St. Peter's Basilica |
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| Vertical gardening, Italian style |
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| The Colosseum |
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| Rainy day at the Spanish Steps |
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| Assisi's breathtaking view |
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| Quaint streets in Assisi |
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| Santa Rita di Cascia |
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| Driving through Castelluccio |
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| Tuscany's vibrant landscape |
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| The Piazza del Campo in Siena |
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| Beautiful Florence, my favourite Italian city |
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| Hustle and bustle at Piazza della Repubblica |
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| Still life in Lucca |
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| Duomo di Firenze |
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| Venice's famous gondolas |
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| Lunch with a view at Stresa |
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| View from my hotel room in Lago Maggiore |
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| Cold and foggy at the Duomo di Milano |
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| Odd statue inside the Duomo di Milano. I love how the sunlight is shining on it. |
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| Street scene in Milan |
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