  Sept. 19, 2009—Vol. 13, No. 38
A FEAST OF DIGITAL FREEBIES, ADVICE AND FUN
Get ready for another wild ride down the information superhighway with the latest and greatest Kim Komando Show Electronic Newsletter! It's full of important news, cool freebies and the best digital advice! Each week, my national radio shows, busy Web site and e-mail newsletters reach tens of millions. Thanks for joining us!
CONTENTS -- WHAT'S IN YOUR INBOX THIS WEEK:
- ON THE QT: Become an organ donor; fun freebies and videos
- DIGITAL DIGRESSIONS: Easy and fast tips that work for you
- MY COLUMN: New TV tech promises a better picture
- COOL SITES: More fun stuff you'll like and use
- COOL USEFUL FUN FREEBIE: Great paper-folding projects
- SECURE COMPUTING: Businesses focus on wrong security threats
- YOUR WEEKLY Q&A: Limit PCs that can use your network
 FIND MY RADIO SHOW IN YOUR HOMETOWN
Catch me this weekend in your hometown! With over 465 radio stations throughout the United States, there's bound to be a station near you that's broadcasting my show this weekend. To find the one closest to you, simply click here and you'll be magically transported to the Official Komando Radio Locator Map.
Then, join me for one, two or the entire three fun-filled, jam-packed hours of great talk radio about the Internet, HDTVs, MP3 players, DVRs, digital cameras, camcorders, GPSs, home theaters, computers and, of course, tips and secrets to getting the most out of your digital life.
HOW TO CALL THE SHOW THIS WEEKEND
If you have a question about something digital, let me help! It takes just three easy steps: 1.) Call the LIVE broadcast. That's this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the East Coast, or, if you live on the West Coast, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. 2.) Know the phone number. It is, of course, toll-free 1-888-825-5254. 3.) Talk to me. That's all there is to it!
 DOWNLOAD THE SHOWS; LISTEN WHEN & WHERE YOU WANT!
No iPod required! Get my daily and weekend national radio shows on your schedule. The shows sound incredible in crystal clear digital audio. It's commercial-free, too! Listen on your computer or take me with you in your MP3 player. You can even burn them to CDs and listen in the car. Click here to join Kim's Club today! It's just a few dollars per month.
CLICK THE UNDERLINED LINKS
When something is underlined in my newsletters, click it. It's a link to a tip, trick or secret on my home page for you to learn more. So go ahead, click the links. Expand your horizons. You'll be glad you did!
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HAVE YOU SIGNED UP TO BE AN ORGAN DONOR?
At Apple's recent iPod event, Steve Jobs discussed his liver transplant. He asked more people to sign up to become donors. In my News of the Day newsletter, I seconded that recommendation. This past week, I received an e-mail from Stephen in Monsey, NY:
Dear Kim, I was very impressed that you were generous enough to advocate organ transplantation and gave the address for information. I am a liver and kidney transplant recipient and do a lot of support work. I was wondering if I could impose upon you further, to place the Donate Life America logo on a corner of your Web pages, with a link to the address for information and an application to sign up. The publicity would be great. As of yesterday, there were 103,571 people on transplant lists.
I'm only too happy to help Donate Life America. I urge you to visit the site. It provides information on becoming a donor in your state. You can also make charitable contributions to keep the program running. And don't forget to visit the government's organ donation site!
FAVORITE IPHONE APP OF THE WEEK
The iPhone lacks a physical keyboard. It has a keyboard on the screen. Those with large fingers may have trouble using it. Most of us get used to it after a few days. But you'll always need to look at the screen when you're typing.
Or, you can download the Google Mobile App. It provides a number of tools for making Google searches easier. At the top of the list is the ability to search by voice. It recognizes American, British and Australian accents.
The app also connects to other Google services. You can view news or your Google Docs by tapping the screen. Unfortunately, links open in Safari. You'll have to wait as the iPhone switches to the Safari app.
NEW! Do you have a favorite iPhone app? I've set up a special section on our Komando.com Message Board for you to share your gems. Simply click here to access the Message Board. Reminder: Anyone can read the Message Board. You have to be a Kim's Club member to post. Click here to join now.
HUNDREDS OF PROGRAMS FREE FOR THE TAKING
My Download of the Day site is a great place to find free software! These programs will help you fix minor annoyances. Or, find full-feature photo-editing programs and alternatives to Microsoft Office. They'll save you a bundle!
Every day I pick a free program. Here are some of my favorite free downloads from the past week:
• Many great programs can be loaded on a thumb drive. You can take them anywhere. I have some of the best.
• Back in the day, all shortcuts came from the keyboard. Some people still prefer that. This program helps.
• The real estate market is scary these days. But it doesn't have to be, with the right tools. Check these out.
• Not every program need be pretty. They should just work. Consider this tool. Well, it looks good, too.
Saturday's Download of the Day—Paper folding is fun. You can create beautiful and useful things with a piece of paper. You'll find easy-to-follow templates online. Check out some of my favorites.
Preview of Sunday's download—I tire of seeing the same desktop wallpaper day after day. This site helps me mix things up. Try it yourself.
Want direct access to over 300 free programs? Bookmark my Downloads page. Just go here and press Ctrl+D. That will add my downloads to your browser's favorites!
And remember this: If I say a program is free, it's FREE. There are sites on the Internet that sell free programs. There are also many ads on the Internet for similar programs, which aren't free. If somebody tries to charge you for a free program, back up. You've clicked on the wrong thing.
SHARE WITH A FRIEND: Help keep your family and friends in the know. Forward this newsletter to them now. Or, if you prefer, invite them to join us. In fact, we have a special place set up to do just that. Click now and share the power of knowledge.
VIDEO FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
I just love Internet videos. Rather, I love good Internet videos. And while there are plenty of videos online, not many are worth my time. But I choose the best and share them with you. Enjoy!
Here are my favorite videos from the past week:
• Have you ever seen a commercial that left you feeling uplifted? Probably not. But this commercial will touch your heart.
• Nature makes its own music. Birds sing. Brooks babble. But one artist saw nature's music in another way. This is cool.
• Few see wildfires up close. That's why this video is so stunning. See an entire day in the life of California's latest blaze.
• Painting is often considered high art. But you won't see this work in a gallery. It was painted with barbeque sauce.
Traveling to another country is no small thing. But there are plenty of cool things to see. Tourist attractions come in all shapes and sizes. These are really interesting. See more in my Video of the Day archive:
• People are attracted to strange things. Would you travel to see a cat at a train station? If you lived in Japan, you might.
• Many people have model trains in their basements. But none will match this masterpiece. It's a miniature wonderland.
• You've heard of helicopter skiing. But what about helicopter golf for the 19th hole? This African golf course is extreme!
• Aquariums let you get close to sea creatures. But this exhibit is something else. It's like viewing an entire sea all at once.
 Saturday's video—Star Trek is full of cool sci-fi technology. But what if it all ran on Windows? This video is a great spoof.
Preview of Sunday's video—Peacocks are known for beautiful plumage. For most people, they're a treat to see. But one community is fed up with them.
BE A PAL! SHARE MY VIDEO PICKS WITH YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS
On the lower left of the Video of the Day screen, there is a button. In fact, here's what the button looks like.
Click this button and you can share the video with family members, friends, coworkers and more.
PRIVACY AND SECURITY TIP: Can others spy through your Webcam?
Webcams are great for chatting online. You can talk face-to-face with people anywhere in the world. But could your Webcam be hijacked? I'll tell you how to keep voyeurs out. Tune into the second hour of my show.
Need to find a radio station near you? No problem! Click here to use the official Kim Komando Show Locator Map. With over 450 stations, there's probably a station near you. But if there isn't, you can always download the shows with a Kim's Club membership. It's only $5.95 per month.
STILL TO COME: Useful tips, important news and a few laughs!
• Choosing a zoom lens
• Taking a screenshot on an iPhone
• Keep dirty computers off your network
• Important security tips; and some awesome freebies!
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 UPGRADING YOUR SLR'S ZOOM LENS
Ron in Holder, FL, listens to the shows via Kim's Club. He is going to take a family trip to Mount Rushmore. So, he's looking for a new zoom lens for his Nikon D80. He currently uses a 55-200mm VR lens. He particularly asked if it is a bad idea to buy a rebuilt, or refurbished, camera lens.
Let's start by talking about refurbished lenses. These are essentially used lenses. They could be retail returns or demo units. The manufacturer tests a lens, makes any necessary repairs and resells it. After the lens has been refurbished, it's in like-new condition. You'll probably get a 90-day warranty. This should be OK for a lens.
You'll be fine with refurbished lenses. That is, provided you purchase them from a reputable source. Make sure the store is an authorized reseller. That way, you won't need to worry that a third party has refurbished the lenses. You can check Nikon's site for authorized resellers.
I recommend refurbished over used lenses. You never know what you'll get if you buy a used lens from a private seller. You could encounter mold and scratches. Or, the lens coating may be damaged from harsh cleaners. If you buy used, go to a camera store. It may charge more. However, stores inspect the lenses before buying them for resale.
Zoom lenses often don't perform well across their entire range. So, if you're partial to zooms, buy two. Get one with a wide-angle to normal or mild telephoto range. For example, go for something like 17-70mm or 18-50mm. Then, get one with a higher telephoto range. For example, you could get a 70-200mm lens.
For more help buying a zoom lens, be sure to visit my buying guide. It provides all the help you'll need! And, don't forget to check these fun photography tips:
DOES WINDOWS 7 REQUIRE A CLEAN INSTALL?
Michael wrote from Clearwater, FL, where he tunes in on WGUL 860 AM. He recently bought a computer running Windows Vista. Now, he's worried about upgrading to Windows 7. He wants to know if he can do an in-place upgrade to Vista.
That shouldn't be a problem, Michael. Just use corresponding versions. For example, upgrade Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Home Premium. Otherwise, you'll have to do a clean installation. That means everything will have to be reinstalled.
You also have to use the same bit version. Vista and Windows 7 both come in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Again, if you change bit versions, a clean installation is necessary.
If you don't know your bit version, click Start>>Control Panel. Double-click System. In the window that opens, look under System. You'll find it next to "System type."
Regardless of what you do, be sure to back up your data. Accidents happen. I use and strongly recommend Carbonite, one of my advertisers. This tip explains how Carbonite works.
Those running Windows XP have no choice. They will need to do a clean installation. There is no upgrade to Windows 7.
Are you eagerly anticipating Windows 7? Get a taste of it now, and prepare for its release:
GETTING RID OF MICROSOFT WORD ANNOYANCES
Frankie wrote from Trier, Germany, where he catches the show on the American Forces Radio Network. He needs to correct a couple annoyances in Word. He dislikes the pop-up information boxes on the Quick Access Toolbar. He doesn't care for Smart Tags, either.
These features can be turned off relatively easily.
Word can recognize names and other elements in your documents. It marks them with Smart Tags. When you click a Smart Tag, you're get options. For example, say you enter a date. You can click it and schedule a meeting in Outlook.
To turn off Smart Tags, click the Office button>>Word Options>>Add-Ins. In the dropdown list next to Manage, select Smart Tags. Click Go. In the box that opens, deselect "Label text with smart tags." Click OK.
The pop-up boxes that appear on the Quick Access Toolbar are ScreenTips. These give you a quick description of what a button does. They may also display the shortcut key. You'll also see ScreenTips on ribbon buttons and certain window controls.
To disable ScreenTips, click the Office button and select Word Options. Click Popular. You'll see a dropdown box labeled "ScreenTip style." Click it and select "Don't show ScreenTips." Click OK.
For more help with Word and other Office programs, hit my site:
INVITE A FRIEND: Help keep your family and friends in the know. Forward this newsletter to them now. Or, if you prefer, invite them to join us. In fact, we have a special on Komando.com. Click and share the power of knowledge now.
PAY IT FORWARD: I'm sure at least one person you know might benefit from these tidbits. So, spread the love. Forward this newsletter to all your friends. Encourage them to de-stress, too, and sign up for our newsletters!
GET UNBIASED BUYING ADVICE WHENEVER YOU NEED IT
Visit the Komando.com Buying Guide. Here, you can find unbiased advice on buying laptops, desktops, TVs, monitors, scanners, video cards, digital cameras, software, audio, printers, cell phones, networking gear, handhelds, memory cards and, well, let's just say a heck of a lot more! You can scan the categories. Or use the Search banner on the page. We hope you like the improvements at the Buying Guide and use it often!
DON'T STOP YET – THERE'S MORE YOU NEED TO KNOW:
• Rookie Rundown—Taking a picture of your iPhone's screen
• Let only approved machines connect to your network
• Keep reading! I have more money-saving tips!
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 NEW TV TECH PROMISES A BETTER PICTURE
With football season here, maybe you're eyeing your old televisions and considering new sets. Before you buy, learn about the latest developments in television technology.
Your choices aren't limited to plain-vanilla LCDs and plasmas. A slew of new technologies are hitting the market. For instance, maybe you're looking at LED TVs.
Sharp, Samsung, LG and Toshiba all make LED TVs. These are really LCD sets. However, they use light-emitting diodes for backlights. Other LCDs use cold compact fluorescent lamps.
LED backlights provide clearer, crisper images with better contrast. For an even better picture, look for one with local dimming.
Local dimming turns off the backlight in dark areas of the screen. The result is black blacks and excellent contrast.
Looking at high definition televisions? My column will get you up to speed. It's free for the taking, on my site!
Do you have a Web site or blog? If you do, help support The Kim Komando Show! Linking to my site is easy. Plus, I just added new artwork to post on your page. You'll find instructions and the artwork here. Thank you for your support!
A LITTLE ABOUT ME:
Did you know that I host two national radio shows? I have a Digital Minute that airs Monday through Friday. I also host a three-hour show on the weekends. Over 460 radio stations in the great United States broadcast my shows. Plus, from here in the desert come all kinds of tidbits about living a digital lifestyle. You can read my weekly column in over 100 Gannett newspapers across the country. And I write two columns a week for the USAToday Web site.
HAVE A QUESTION? CALL ME THIS WEEKEND!
If you have a question about something digital, let me help! It takes just three easy steps: 1.) Call the LIVE broadcast. That's this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the East Coast, or, if you live on the West Coast, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. 2.) Know the phone number. It is, of course, toll-free 1-888-825-5254. 3.) Talk to me. That's all there is to it!
STILL TO COME IN THIS ISSUE:
• Some freebies and a contest for you to win!
• Should you let others' computers on your network?
• And so much more you can use!
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 Diane in Phoenix tunes in to the show on KFYI 550 AM. She recently bought an iPhone and is still learning to use it.
Diane would like to take a screenshot of Google Maps. Then, she'd like to e-mail it to a friend. She hasn't found a way to do this. She'd like to know if it is possible.
Yes, Diane, screenshots are possible on an iPhone or iPod touch. You can then send them via e-mail.
Taking a screenshot is easy. Press and hold the power button. Then, press the Home button. (You need to act relatively quickly. Otherwise your phone will begin to power down.) Or, hold the Home button first, then press the Power button. Either way, you'll get your screenshot.
When you see the screen flash, release the buttons. The iPhone has captured a shot of your screen.
Now, open the Photos app on your iPhone. Then, open the Camera Roll. Your screenshot should be the last photo on the roll.
Touch the screenshot to see it full screen. To send the photo, touch the box with the arrow. It is in the far left corner at the bottom of the screen.
On the menu that opens, tap E-mail Photo. A New Message window opens. The screenshot is inserted in the body of the e-mail. Complete the e-mail and tap Send.
I have plenty of help for iPhone owners on my site. Don't miss these tips:
DO YOU HAVE A NEW ADDRESS?
Let us know so you don't miss a single issue of our free newsletters. It's easy. Just use our Change of Address form at the Komando Newsletter Center. Click here to access it now.
FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER
Facebook: Join me at http://www.facebook.com/kimkomando
Twitter: I'm at http://www.twitter.com/kimkomando
STILL TO COME IN THIS WEEKEND'S EDITION:
• Security tips to keep your computer safe
• Protect your network from others' computers Back to the top
LOOK, LISTEN, LEARN
To start learning about all things digital, you need to do a few things. First, find a station airing my shows. Then, tune in each and every weekend. Stay current during the week with my Digital Minutes. My Kimcasts are also available on demand for a quick refresher! |
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ATTENTION SAN FRANCISCO
Tune in to KNEW 910 AM Sundays, 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. And listen to the Digital Minutes in the noon hour, weekdays.
CHANGES
Fort Myers, FL (WINK 1270 AM/WNOG 1270 AM), add 92.5 FM. They trimulcast my show at 1 p.m. Sundays.
Huntsville, AL (WVNN 770 AM/92.5 FM), Saturdays, 9 a.m., and Sundays, 8 a.m., on 92.5 FM only. Digital Minutes still air in the 8 a.m. hour.
Fargo, ND (WDAY 970 AM), now carries my Minutes in the noon hour. The show runs Saturdays, 3 p.m.
STATION SPOLIGHT
Here are a just few of my 468 stations: New York (WCBS 880 AM); Dallas (KRLD 1080 AM); Houston (KPRC 950 AM); Washington (WTNT 570 AM); Seattle (KTTH 770 AM); Norfolk, VA (WTAR 850 AM); Oshkosh, WI (WOSH 1490 AM); Flint, MI (WWCK 1570 AM); Las Cruces, NM (KOBE 1450 AM); Harrisonburg, VA (WSVA 550 AM); Meridian, MS (WALT 910 AM); Yuma, AZ (KBLU 560 AM); and more.
WJBC 1230 AM, BLOOMINGTON, IL
The city is known as the "Beer Nut Capital Of The World." It has more women than men. Bloomington hosts the Illinois Shakespearean Festival, a nationally recognized event. In 2007, Computerworld magazine named Bloomington-Normal the sixth techiest community in the country.
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That's why folks in Bloomington listen to my show on WJBC 1230 AM. It airs Sundays, 1 p.m. My Digital Minutes run in the 11 a.m. hour.
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COOL PERKS WITH MEMBERSHIP TO MY CLUB
Join Kim's Club and get on-demand audio, premium content and Message Board posting. Join today and get started!
FIND ME EVERYWHERE
First, click on my locator map. Then, click on an area near you and enter your e-mail address. You will get an instant e-mail with your closest affiliate.
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KIM'S TIPS FOR KOMANDO KIDS: Do sex offenders live in your area?
The thought of someone preying on your children is frightening. There are steps you can take to protect your children. I'll give you all the resources you need to get started. Listen to the third hour of my show.
Need to find a radio station near you? No problem! Click here to use the official Kim Komando Show Locator Map. With over 450 stations, there's probably one near you. But if there isn't, you can always download the shows with a Kim's Club membership. It's only $5.95 per month.
CONTEST SITE: Untamed landscapes
Win a five-night stay at a beach resort on Hawaii's Big Island. And hike the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Open to U.S. residents, 18 or older. Deadline: 9/30/09.
FREEBIE OF THE WEEK: Protect your hair
Dove is giving away samples of two hair care products. Choose from Heat Defense Therapy or Intense Damage Therapy. Open to U.S. residents, 18 or older.
FREEBIE FROM KOMANDO.COM: Thousands of free e-books
Have you read a good book lately? If not, don't rush out to the bookstore. Thousands of classic books are available for free. Download them today.
FREEBIE FROM GOTOASSIST: Free 30-day trial (www.gotoassist.com/kim)
Need to fix a friend or family member's computer? Solve issues immediately. Kim Komando Show listeners get a 30-day free trial. Use promo code Kim.
GET A COOL SITE EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK
There are plenty of great sites on the Web. But who has time to find them? Every day, I pick one great site and share it with you. Try it for a week and you'll love it!
In case you missed any this past week, here's a list of some of our favorites:
• Recover deleted photos
• Help a school in need
• Compare apples to oranges
Do you get my free Cool Site of the Day newsletter? Sign up now by clicking here.
Stay with us. There's lots more to cover:
• Great paper-folding projects
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THIS WEEK'S FOCUS: Great paper-folding projects
Paper folding is fun. You can create beautiful and useful things with a piece of paper. You'll find easy-to-follow templates online. Check out some of my favorites.
Need to find a radio station near you? No problem! Click here to use the official Kim Komando Show Locator Map. With over 450 stations, there's probably one near you. But if there isn't, you can always download the shows with a Kim's Club membership. It's only $5.95 per month.
Let's keep it going; there's plenty more to cover:
• SECURE COMPUTING: Businesses lose focus of real computer risks
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 Brought to you by my book, Complete Guide to Computer Security & Privacy. Order your copy today!
CRIMINALS TARGET THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE
Companies are protecting the wrong thing, according to a new report. They focus on keeping Windows updated. That's important, but criminals are targeting third-party programs.
These programs include Adobe Reader, Flash and QuickTime. They are often targeted in spear-phishing attacks. These highly targeted attacks require knowledge about a business.
Individuals, too, should check their third-party software. I urge you to install and use Secunia's Personal Software Inspector. It will check your software for missing updates. Download this handy program from my site now! It's free.
THE END IS IN SIGHT, BUT I WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK
• Block guests' computers from your wireless network
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  Friends want to use my network when they come over. My daughters' friends also want to use the network. Is there a safe way to do this?
Larry in Dallas, listening on KRLD 1080 AM
 I can understand why you're worried about your network, Larry. I always recommend that networks be locked down.
Intruders on your network can really slow things down. And, you certainly don't want illegal activity occurring on your network. That could land you in legal hot water.
Of course, these are friends. You're probably worried that they will inadvertently infect your computer with malware. That's a distinct possibility.
So, head over to my site. I'll explain guest networking. I'll also explain why letting others on your network is so dangerous.
NEW LINKS ALWAYS DESIRED
We have new linking artwork for your blog, online profile, Web site and wherever else you'd like to post it. Help us tell the world to go Komando. Just paste the code on the appropriate page within your site. It's that simple!
FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER
Facebook: Join me at http://www.facebook.com/kimkomando
Twitter: I'm at http://www.twitter.com/kimkomando
Thank you for your support of The Kim Komando Show! Remember, Komando.com is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! I'll see you there!
Kim:)
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 A QUICK HISTORY LESSON
Banks as we know them are relatively new. Molan Cache is generally credited with creating modern banking. He was helped by Tomas Benes, the count of Prague. Benes also happened to be advisor to King Charles II. The two men convinced the Bohemian king to finance their banking experiment. So, credit should really go to a Czech king, a count and Cache.
Reminder: If you have a question about something digital, call me during the LIVE broadcast. It's Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the East Coast, toll-free 1-888-825-5254. You can find the station nearest you broadcasting my show by clicking here for our handy dandy map.
I WANT 100,000 FACEBOOK & TWITTER FRIENDS
Help me reach my goal!
FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER
Facebook: Join me at http://www.facebook.com/kimkomando
Twitter: I'm at http://www.twitter.com/kimkomando
Hugs to all!
Kim:)
GET MORE TIPS FROM ME TO YOU
You get this newsletter. Now, sign up for my other three free e-mail newsletters. Try 'em! You'll like 'em!
• Free computer tip Mon-Fri
• Free cool site daily
• Free news links Mon-Fri
As always, I guarantee your privacy. Your e-mail address will not be sold, leased or given to anyone, ever!
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