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Inside Ash Barty's new $4m beach pad

<p>Australian tennis sensation Ash Barty has made headlines once again, this time not for her remarkable prowess on the court, but for her latest investment – a breathtaking beachfront apartment on the Gold Coast. The Wimbledon champion recently secured a half-floor sky home in a striking 41.25-metre-high tower, currently under construction at Palm Beach, for close to a whopping $4 million.</p> <p>The 12-story apartment building, aptly named Kloud, is not just another luxury development; it represents a significant milestone for celebrity developer Graya as it marks their debut into the opulent real estate market of the Glitter Strip.</p> <p>Headed by brothers Rob and Andrew Gray, Graya has carved a niche for itself by creating show-stopping residences in Brisbane for high-profile clients, including sports stars like rugby league great Darius Boyd and renowned figures like rapper Example and his then-wife, model Erin McNaught, along with rugby players Quade Cooper and Izzy Folau.</p> <p>For Ash Barty, this investment signifies more than just acquiring a lavish property; it's about indulging in a lifestyle befitting her status. With earnings exceeding $30 million throughout her illustrious tennis career, Barty's purchase of this beachfront abode reflects her penchant for luxury and relaxation. It's reported that she intends to use the Jefferson Lane apartment as a lock-and-leave holiday home, allowing her to escape the rigours of public life and bask in the serene coastal ambiance whenever she desires.</p> <p>Speaking about Barty's choice, Rob Gray <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/tennis-star-ash-bartys-lavish-gold-coast-property-score/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told Realestate.com.au</a> that “the proximity to the water afforded by the beachfront location on Jefferson Lane gives the apartments such a premium luxury feel, and Palm Beach offers that relaxed holiday lifestyle. Like myself, I assume Ash and her family will want to spend every weekend there.”</p> <p>Now, let's take a glimpse inside Barty's new coastal sanctuary. Spanning approximately 200 square metres of living space, this four-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment offers panoramic ocean views that will leave anyone in awe. The design seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor living, with soaring glass walls opening onto a private balcony complete with an integrated barbecue kitchen, ideal for entertaining guests against the backdrop of the shimmering sea.</p> <p>Inside, the interiors exude sophistication and refinement, featuring open-plan living areas adorned with European oak floorboards and a kitchen boasting sleek finishes such as a large island dining bar, integrated Miele appliances, and natural stone surfaces. The master bedroom is a sanctuary in itself, boasting plush wool carpeting, a walk-in robe, and an ensuite bathroom replete with indulgent amenities like a walk-in twin shower, dual vanity and a luxurious freestanding bath.</p> <p>For Barty, this acquisition comes at a pivotal moment in her life. Having retired from professional tennis at the age of 25 in 2022, she has embarked on a new chapter, one that sees her building her dream home in Brookwater, a residential community situated close to her hometown of Ipswich, west of Brisbane. While her tennis career may have come to an end, her legacy continues to flourish both on and off the court, solidifying her status as not just a sporting icon but also a discerning connoisseur of luxury living.</p> <p><em>Images: GRAYA \ Instagram</em></p>

Real Estate

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Inside Brad Pitt's cliffside bachelor pad

<p>Brad Pitt has forked out a hefty $40 million for the historic D. L. James house, known as “Seaward”.</p> <p>The beautiful home is his latest purchase and overlooks California’s stunning central coast.</p> <p>Rich in history, the famed property was built in 1918 and is believed to be the most expensive property ever sold in the area of Carmel.</p> <p>Locals are reportedly thrilled to have another big-name celebrity joining them, especially after the iconic property has sat empty for years.</p> <p>Pitt is reportedly a big fan of Craftsman-style homes, which could be why he has purchased his latest bachelor pad. It is rumoured he could be joined by his brood of six children with ex-Angelina Jolie.</p> <p>Known as the D.L. James House, the property was designed by 20th century architect Charles Sumner Greene. It was designed on a piece of land owned by infamous author Daniel Lewis James.</p> <p>Previously, it was owned by Searock since 1999, a limited liability company tied to the late Chicago financier Joe Ritchie and his wife, Sharon Ritchie.</p> <p>The luxury property, which is just metres from the beach, boasts a ‘wooden aesthetic’ and is built from locally quarried sandstone and granite. It has arched windows, with bricks individually chosen by Charles Greene, and a tiled Mediterranean-style roof.</p> <p>According to the organisation’s website, as part of the design Mr. Greene “built up the outer walls so that they appear to be growing out of the cliffs.”</p> <p>The actor already has a $5million beach house in Goleta, California, which he purchased in 2000 when he married Jennifer Aniston.</p> <p>Carmel-by-the-Sea first became popular with the Hollywood elite when Clint Eastwood became the town’s mayor, in 1986, with the iconic actor still residing in the area.</p> <p><em>Images: Vertikoff Archive</em></p>

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You must try this prawn and broccolini pad Thai

<p>This recipe is a perfect mix of broccoli and Chinese kale. It has a mild peppery taste that becomes sweeter when cooked.</p> <p>Serves 4 | Takes 15 minutes</p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>2 bunches Broccolini, roughly chopped</li> <li>200g packet pad Thai rice stick noodles</li> <li>¼ cup fish sauce</li> <li>2 tablespoons grated palm sugar or brown sugar</li> <li>1 lime, juiced</li> <li>2 tablespoons peanut oil</li> <li>700g medium green prawns, peeled, deveined</li> <li>2 eggs, lightly beaten</li> <li>3 tablespoons pad Thai paste</li> <li>3 green onions, thinly sliced</li> <li>bean sprouts, coriander leaves and fried shallots</li> <li>lime wedges, to serve</li> </ul> <p><strong>Method</strong></p> <p>1. Cook the noodles following the packet directions. Drain and cover to keep warm. Combine the fish sauce, palm sugar and lime juice. Stir to dissolve the sugar then set aside.</p> <p>2. Heat the wok over a high heat until hot. Add 2 teaspoons of oil and swirl to coat the surface.  Add half the prawns and stir-fry for 1 minute or until they turn pink.</p> <p>3. Remove to a plate. Repeat with oil and remaining prawns.</p> <p>4. Add 2 teaspoons of oil and the Broccolini to the hot wok and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon of water, cover and steam for 30 seconds. Remove to the plate with the prawns. Add the remaining oil. Pour in the eggs. Cook, gently stirring for 1 minute, or until scrambled. Push to one side of the wok.</p> <p>5. Add stir-fry paste and cook for 30 seconds. Return the Broccolini and prawns to the wok with the noodles and fish sauce mixture. Stir-fry until combined and hot. Add the onions and stir fry for 30 seconds. Top with bean sprouts, coriander and fried shallots. Serve with lime.</p> <p><strong>Tips</strong></p> <p>1. For a chicken and Broccolini pad Thai, replace the prawns with 600g chicken breast fillet, thinly sliced.</p> <p><em>Image and recipe courtesy of <a href="https://www.perfection.com.au/home">Perfection Fresh.</a></em></p> <p><em>Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/recipes/broccolini-prawn-pad-thai">Wyza.com.au.</a></em></p>

Food & Wine

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See inside Matt Damon’s $22 million Byron Bay beach pad

<p>Matt Damon and his family have been welcomed with open arms by the closely-knit beach town of Byron Bay, NSW.</p> <p>To seal in their spot as residents, the actor has reportedly scooped up a $22 million mansion in the area.</p> <p>The unbelievable home was snapped up after a little over four days on the market,<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/oscarwinner-matt-damon-rumoured-buyer-of-22m-byron-bay-home/news-story/bb64832c4ae44fe83b48b34dca23f5ec" target="_blank"><em>The Daily Telegraph</em></a><span> </span>reported.</p> <p>While it has not been confirmed if the Hollywood heavyweight added the five bedroom property under his belt, he is a heavy contender.</p> <p>The home has sweeping views that overlooks Wategos Beach and is regarded as the of the area's most prestigious homes.</p> <p>In the middle of a quiet coastal town, the incredible property has all the bells and whistles including a heated infinity pool, tall ceilings and open spaces to host large gatherings. </p> <p>The property also offers three bathrooms and three car spaces.  </p> <p>The Los Angeles based actor was spotted with his wife and three children holidaying in the coastal town in 2019 and rumours have ignited as to whether the family would be settling down.</p> <p>In 2019, Matt reportedly rented out the $4 million ($3.07m USD) property directly next door to Chris Hemsworth's property.</p>

Real Estate

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Delicious recipe for pad thai

<p><em> </em>A popular Thai dish with a healthy twist! This recipe uses kelp noodles that are crunchy and incredibly low in fat and calories – it's a great dinner option!</p> <p><a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/185116/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fraw-is-more-eccie-newton%2Fprod9780857833235.html">Edited recipe extract from Raw Is More by Eccie and Gini Newton, published by Kyle Books and distributed by Simon &amp; Schuster Australia, RRP $35.</a></p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>1 packet (250g) of kelp noodles </li> <li>A handful of coriander leaves </li> <li>2 tablespoons dried peanuts (dehydrated for 3 hours), roughly ground </li> <li>2 large handfuls of beansprouts </li> <li>1 carrot, spiralized into spaghetti-like curls </li> <li>3 tablespoons small dried shrimp </li> <li>1 teaspoon dried garlic flakes (shop-bought or dehyrated in very thin slices for 3 hours) </li> <li>1 tablespoon dried shallots (shop-bought or dehyrated in very thin slices for 3 hours) </li> <li>1 lime, cut into wedges</li> </ul> <p><strong>For the dressing</strong> </p> <ul> <li>30g raw cane sugar </li> <li>60g dried peanuts (dehydrated for 3 hours), reserving half for garnish </li> <li>1 teaspoon fermented chilli bean paste </li> <li>50ml tamarind water </li> <li>50ml fish sauce</li> </ul> <p><strong>Directions</strong></p> <p>1. First make the dressing. Grind half the dehydrated peanuts with the sugar using a pestle and mortar. Grind in the chilli paste. Gradually add the tamarind water and fish sauce and keep grinding to fully combine the ingredients. Set aside in a large bowl.</p> <p>2. Soak the kelp noodles in cold water for 10 minutes. Pick the coriander leaves off the stalks, then finely chop the stalks. Drain the kelp noodles and toss in the large bowl containing the dressing, then toss in the beansprouts, carrot and coriander stalks. Finally toss in the dried shrimp.</p> <p>3. Divide between two plates and top each portion with the remaining peanuts, dried garlic, dried shallot and coriander leaves and a couple of lime wedges.</p> <p><strong>Tips</strong></p> <ul> <li>Dehydrating the peanuts gives the dish a stronger flavour.</li> <li>Serves 2</li> </ul> <p><em>Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/pad-thai.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a></em></p>

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Does anyone have a pad? TV is finally dismantling the period taboo

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Recently, a menstrual pad brand Libra launched their Blood Normal commercial in Australia, running it during prime time television shows including The Bachelor, The Project, and Gogglebox. Australia is a little late to the party: Blood Normal first ran in the UK and Europe in October 2017 and won the </span><a href="https://adage.com/article/special-report-cannes-lions/libresse-s-blood-normal-takes-glass-lions-grand-prix-cannes/313993"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Grand Prix at Cannes</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in 2018 for its de-stigmatised depiction of menstruation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Breaking new ground in menstrual product advertising terms, the ad has received most attention for </span><a href="https://www.vcg.emitto.net/index.php/vcg/article/view/114"><span style="font-weight: 400;">showing menstrual blood as red</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and on the inside of a woman’s thigh, rather than as the bizarre blue liquid we’ve seen for decades being squirted onto a pad by someone in a lab coat.</span></p> <p><strong>Busting period stigmas</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The ad bombards us with a rapid fire array of stigma-busting micro-dramas featuring fashionable young people (some of whom are well-known European cultural influencers). A hip boyfriend (Swedish fashion blogger Julian Hernandez) buys pads in the local supermarket; a young woman (French activist Victoire Dauxerre) stands up and asks “Does anyone have a pad?” across a dinner table of hipsters; a university student walks into a public toilet carrying a wrapped pad openly in her hand; a woman’s fingers type: “I am having a very heavy period and will be working from home today”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unpacking the ad reveals a combination of the old and the new in menstruation ad-land. There is the tired old trope of the menstruating woman engaging in boisterous and fun physical activity, echoing the freedom message of women dressed in (improbable) white, riding horses and motorbikes in ads from the 1960s on.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In Blood Normal though, the notion that a menstruating woman can do anything is taken into more intimate territory, with a scene of a couple having (gentle) period sex. A woman shown at the swimming pool looks serene and thoughtful, more as if she is taking time out for self-care than trying to prove menstruation doesn’t make any difference in her life and that she is as non-cyclical as a man.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The modern-day stance that menstruation should be suppressed emerged from the second wave feminist need to assert women’s equal rights within a still-masculinised world.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Where Blood Normal really breaks ground is by presenting all the moods and moments of the menstrual experience, including the pain and the turning inward. It also does a brilliant job of showing the sweetness of getting and giving support within a sisterhood and brotherhood, in an idealised setting in which everyone is menstrually-aware.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This vision may be nearer than we might think: the characters in Blood Normal are in their teens and 20s and recent reports indicate this generation is rapidly shifting in terms of menstrual norms. Young women are reporting much higher interest in </span><a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/how-periods-became-big-business-txldjd9gq"><span style="font-weight: 400;">menstrual cycle awareness</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">and it is now one of the “</span><a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/mindful-menstruation-sound-bathing-and-meditation-raves-these-are-the-biggest-wellness-trends-for-autumn-9wc2pqs5t"><span style="font-weight: 400;">biggest wellness trends</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In Australia, talkback radio reflected this shift, picking up on suggestions of </span><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/should-we-have-paid-period-leave/10090848"><span style="font-weight: 400;">menstrual leave</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Celebrity Yumi Styne’s book for first-time menstruators </span><a href="https://www.hardiegrant.com/au/publishing/bookfinder/book/welcome-to-your-period-by-yumi-stynes/9781760503512"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Welcome to Your Period</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> was published this month.</span></p> <p><strong>Menstruation is big business</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite this ad being touted by its makers as a public service, we cannot forget the corporate </span><a href="https://www.rienner.com/title/Capitalizing_on_the_Curse_The_Business_of_Menstruation"><span style="font-weight: 400;">profit-driven self-interest</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">involved in menstrual product ad construction. Recent </span><a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/05/20/1828964/0/en/Global-Feminine-Hygiene-Products-Market-2018-2019-Forecast-to-2023.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">valuations</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of the “global feminine hygiene product” market (of which around 50% is menstrual pads), vary from US$20.6 billion (A$30.5 billion) to US$37.5 billion (A$55.5 billion), with projections of US$52 billion (A$77 billion) by 2023.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">High profit margins along with environmental devastation are contained within those figures. Disposable products use up resources, clog landfill sites, and pollute oceans. In the past, manufacturers have been less than honest about product safety, such as in the infamous Rely tampon </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Shock-Social-History-Biopolitics-ebook/dp/B07C5G1YD3/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=toxic+shock+sharra+vostral&amp;qid=1566531841&amp;s=books&amp;sr=1-1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Toxic Shock Syndrome scandal</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Menstrual product advertising has been shown to increase </span><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/23293691.2018.1556428"><span style="font-weight: 400;">self-objectification</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and has cynically exploited and added to anxiety surrounding leaks and smells.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There’s a massive gulf between the sweet and loving world of the Libra ad and the uncomfortable reality of the disposable menstrual product industry.</span></p> <p><strong>More work to do</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So, why now? Why has it taken the disposable menstrual product industry almost a hundred years to talk about menstruation as normal and in terms that actually match lived experience, rather than as an unspeakable problem that their products will absorb and conceal, allowing the menstruator to “pass” as a </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Under-Wraps-History-Menstrual-Technology/dp/0739113852"><span style="font-weight: 400;">non-menstruator</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The answer partly lies in the process of cultural change: things take time, and menstrual stigma was a big chunk of patriarchal power relations for feminism to tackle. It also lies in the influence of the new “femtech”: new cycle tracking apps, and reusable pads, period underwear, and menstrual cups made using new technologies. These innovations are reshaping menstrual experience in ways that disrupt self-objectification based on stigma, while replacing it with new forms of control through data collection.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Blood Normal is a great ad campaign, and yes, menstrual stigma is being dismantled. But we’re not there yet. When all women have access to reusable, sustainable menstrual products; when menstrual self-care becomes a cultural norm in homes, schools and workplaces; when women feel free not only to jump around when bleeding, but to live with the cycle rather than against or in spite of it … then we’ll be there.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Written by Lara Owen. Republished with permission of </span><a href="https://theconversation.com/does-anyone-have-a-pad-tv-is-finally-dismantling-the-period-taboo-122258"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Conversation.</span></a></p>

Caring

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Prawn pad thai

<p>This favourite noodle stir-fry dish from Thailand comes together quickly once you have the ingredients organised. Sriracha chilli sauce (named after the city of Si Racha) is available from Asian food stores.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Serves:</span></strong> Four to six</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>200g rice noodles</li> <li>1/3 cup vegetable oil</li> <li>1/4 teaspoon ground coriander</li> <li>2 kaffir lime leaves, spine removed, shredded</li> <li>1 lemongrass stalk (tender inner core only), finely chopped</li> <li>2 red chillies, seeds removed, thinly sliced</li> <li>3 spring onions, sliced</li> <li>1 clove garlic, finely chopped</li> <li>1 red capsicum, thinly sliced</li> <li>100g green beans, blanched, cut into 4 cm lengths</li> <li>1 egg, lightly beaten</li> <li>250g raw prawns, tails on</li> <li>Juice of 1 lime</li> <li>100g dry roasted peanuts, roughly chopped</li> <li>1 cup bean sprouts</li> <li>1 tablespoon soy sauce</li> <li>Coriander leaves to serve</li> </ul> <p><em>Sauce</em></p> <ul> <li>2 tablespoons brown sugar</li> <li>4 tablespoons water</li> <li>3 tablespoons fish sauce</li> <li>2 tablespoons rice vinegar</li> <li>2 tablespoons sriracha sauce</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Combine sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over a gentle heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil then remove from the heat and set aside. </li> <li>Prepare noodles to packet instructions and set aside.</li> <li>Heat oil in a large frying pan or wok over a medium to high heat. Add coriander, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, chillies and spring onions and stir-fry for a minute.</li> <li>Add garlic, capsicum and beans and stir-fry for a further two minutes.</li> <li>Move everything in the pan to one side then add the beaten egg, stirring until it is cooked.</li> <li>Add prawns, lime juice and half the peanuts. Stir-fry for two minutes until prawns just start to cook. Add the cooked noodles, bean sprouts, prepared sauce and soy sauce and toss to combine. Serve garnished with coriander and remaining peanuts.</li> </ol> <p>What’s your favourite noodle dish?</p> <p><em>Written by Bernadette Hogg. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>. Image credit: Stuff.co.nz / Manja Wachsmuth. </em></p> <p><em><strong>Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, </strong></em><strong>The Way Mum Made It</strong><em><strong>, yet? Featuring 175 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</span></a>.</strong></em></p>

Food & Wine

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Chicken Pad Thai

<p>No need to call up for takeaway when this Thai classic can easily be created at home.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Serves</span>:</strong> 4</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>400g rice noodles 
</li> <li>2 tbsp olive oil</li> <li>3 cloves of garlic, minced</li> <li>400g chicken breast, thinly sliced 
</li> <li>4 cups vegetables (try shallots, snow peas, carrot or red capsicum)</li> <li>3 eggs, lightly whisked</li> <li>2 tbsp oyster sauce</li> <li>2 tbsp fish sauce</li> <li>2 limes, quartered</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <p>1. Cook the rice noodles as per the packet instructions and set aside.</p> <p>2. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a frying pan and add the eggs. Move around the pan to set and use a spatula to roll up and then set aside. Chop when cooled.</p> <p>3. Heat the rest of the oil and cook the garlic and chicken until the chicken is cooked through.</p> <p>4. Add the vegetables as well as half a cup of water. Steam until tender crisp. Pour in the oyster sauce, fish sauce, juice of one lime, the egg and the cooked noodles.</p> <p>5. Serve into bowls with a wedge of lime. </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Related links:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/06/chicken-cashew-stir-fry/">Chicken and cashew nut stir-fry</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/06/pasta-napolitana/">Pasta Napolitana</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/06/gin-and-tonic-cupcakes/">Gin and tonic cupcakes</a></strong></em></span></p>

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