A picture says a thousand words or so the saying goes. For those in Auckland the picture of the one handed hand shake between John Banks and not John Key, has captured another awkward moment for John B.
Hand shakes are the universal sign of acceptance and agreement on a deal.
When three hands are offered, like post RWC the squirmy moment was John Key's. Now it seems the hand is staying firmly in pocket and John Banks one handed shake is a clear sign all is not well.
This Government seems to be rapidly imploding .
Its bungled attempt to sell State assets seems stalled and about to back fire. Well it was not much of a deal now that Bill English seems to be saying the numbers were more of a guess than an accurate prediction.
Well Mr English, as Minister of Finance a guess isn't really good enough.
Things seem to be a little strained between two Mayors as well.
I guess that it doesn't matter?
Gerry Brownlee has not been able to make much progress in Christchurch. It seems that the Salvation Army has largely done the work of the Government and now that it's resources are almost gone, things look bleak in Christchurch.
Len Brown also does not seem to be able to please two masters.
The casino deal stinks and we all know it.
All in all I really don't think it will take much more to pop this balloon of hot air that is the current Government. Protesters marched on Peter Dunne's Electorate to protest the State Asset sales and he did not even come out to talk with them
Self serving is the only way to describe the crop of politicians we have in power.
We elected these people , yet half of us did not want them at all? How did we manage to change the voting system, get MMP and still be stuck with the same FPP mentality ?
Isn't obvious that the National Government is looking after business interests, (its own) before acting in the best interests of the Nation?
I don't have an answer, as to how to fix the problems.
Namely low employment and growing inequality .
But I if the question was, What would be best for the 4 million new Zealanders?
I am sure the answer would not be ,
This Government.
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Monday, 30 April 2012
The difference between The Daktory and illegal gangs..
Last week there was an unpleasant incident outside the large community cannabis club known as the Daktory. Reports say, that a member from a patch wearing gang arrived and demanded to be paid a cut, of the Daktory income, as it was on their gangs turf.
The Daktory staff member who came to the door said that no money was going to be paid and there was no reason to make threats.
I am given to understand that serious threats were made and that the police were called after efforts to calm the situation failed.
The police arrived and an arrest was made. Later the same night a large number of police arrived at the Daktory and quoted the MODA and began an unauthorised search. I heard as many as 30 police officers were involved. Doors were kicked in and a substantial amount of damage to property resulted.
Two arrests were made and a small quantity of cannabis was seized again. One person is still detained in prison, as the Daktory was her home.
I want to make the clear distinction between what the Daktory does and is. And what a gang is and does.
I have seen a little of life, more than just watching tv shows depicting gangs, like, Sons off Anarchy but typically women are never in any senior positions in gangs, which would be the main point of difference in this instance. One woman has been single handedly trying to keep the Daktory open while her partner is incarcerated. He had a 8 month sentence increased without a retrial, from 8 to 23 months . Unbelievable. Wrong and unjust.
Violence is part of gang life. The leader of the gang usually holds that position through being the one with the most power or strength. The Daktory has a "No Violence" policy and in over 3 years operation, has never had a major violent event. The Daktory has been searched by the police multiple times and weapons have never been found. The Daktory does not deal with gangs, have guns or other weapons, or consider civil disobedience to be organised crime.
The Daktory is headquarters for both NORML, National Organisation for the Reform of Marijauna Laws, and the ALCP, The Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party. Organisations that have been in existence since the seventies and a political party that has been contesting elections since 1996. Hello! Could someone please get up of their couch and see what is happening to your rights!
Please come to J Day and make a large donation to the fund ,So that we can show others what the difference is, between a Club and a gang. Especially when it is a club that exists solely for the right to be able to smoke a plant for your own enjoyment! See you on Saturday.
The Daktory staff member who came to the door said that no money was going to be paid and there was no reason to make threats.
I am given to understand that serious threats were made and that the police were called after efforts to calm the situation failed.
The police arrived and an arrest was made. Later the same night a large number of police arrived at the Daktory and quoted the MODA and began an unauthorised search. I heard as many as 30 police officers were involved. Doors were kicked in and a substantial amount of damage to property resulted.
Two arrests were made and a small quantity of cannabis was seized again. One person is still detained in prison, as the Daktory was her home.
I want to make the clear distinction between what the Daktory does and is. And what a gang is and does.
I have seen a little of life, more than just watching tv shows depicting gangs, like, Sons off Anarchy but typically women are never in any senior positions in gangs, which would be the main point of difference in this instance. One woman has been single handedly trying to keep the Daktory open while her partner is incarcerated. He had a 8 month sentence increased without a retrial, from 8 to 23 months . Unbelievable. Wrong and unjust.
Violence is part of gang life. The leader of the gang usually holds that position through being the one with the most power or strength. The Daktory has a "No Violence" policy and in over 3 years operation, has never had a major violent event. The Daktory has been searched by the police multiple times and weapons have never been found. The Daktory does not deal with gangs, have guns or other weapons, or consider civil disobedience to be organised crime.
The Daktory is headquarters for both NORML, National Organisation for the Reform of Marijauna Laws, and the ALCP, The Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party. Organisations that have been in existence since the seventies and a political party that has been contesting elections since 1996. Hello! Could someone please get up of their couch and see what is happening to your rights!
Please come to J Day and make a large donation to the fund ,So that we can show others what the difference is, between a Club and a gang. Especially when it is a club that exists solely for the right to be able to smoke a plant for your own enjoyment! See you on Saturday.
Thursday, 22 March 2012
The struggle continues... The Daktory busted again last night.
I arrived last night to the Daktory on Delta Ave, New Lynn to see a paddy wagon and a police car. I was sad. Many people, including myself have spent over a decade researching, writing to MP's , Doctors , Lawyers and Judges about the fact that cannabis is a part of our New Zealand culture. Not only have many people also reached that conclusion; The Law Commission also concluded last year in its report that cannabis has historically been used for medical purposes.
In fact the Law Commission goes as far to say , "At this stage we think that the cultivators of cannabis should be licensed in the same way as other legitimate dealers in controlled drugs" but it also makes the point that cannabis is a medical issue.
This is where I think the issue is and the problem lies.
Cannabis use is medicinal and recreational. Like alcohol, many use cannabis to feel better, many get relief from pain and cannabis has other therapeutic purposes. Where are our human rights to chose our own medicine?
In my opinion the crux of the issue is that cannabis is illegal and comes under the justice department instead of being viewed medical and being treated as a medical issue and sometime problem, like alcohol and tobacco.
It seems logical to treat cannabis in the same way as the two other drugs we have legalised and use frequently.
Shutting down the Daktory is the same as suddenly closing the local watering hole. As anyone familiar with cannabis users will tell you. Stoned people are rarely aggressive, loud , violent or randy. Nor do they have the urge to urinate in gardens or vomit on footpaths. I ask, why are we as a society, so tolerant of alcohol and so intolerant of cannabis use?
I am concerned that instead of viewing this model as a safe way to manage cannabis use in the community and reduce the rate of alcohol consumption the Police are being used by a Government trying to crack down on the vulnerable. Not only that, the likely result of this police action will only put the money and power back into the hands of the organised criminal gangs.
The people taken in the paddy wagon Gizella Von Trigt, Dakta Blaze and Solar as well as Julian Crawford all deserve recognition of their combined efforts to bring about law reform. Its not so long ago that brothels were illegal and so was being gay. If you don't agree that's ok, but perhaps its because you just don't understand that over 50% of New Zealanders have tried cannabis. Are we a 50% criminal country or just a country with a law that is criminal?
In fact the Law Commission goes as far to say , "At this stage we think that the cultivators of cannabis should be licensed in the same way as other legitimate dealers in controlled drugs" but it also makes the point that cannabis is a medical issue.
This is where I think the issue is and the problem lies.
Cannabis use is medicinal and recreational. Like alcohol, many use cannabis to feel better, many get relief from pain and cannabis has other therapeutic purposes. Where are our human rights to chose our own medicine?
In my opinion the crux of the issue is that cannabis is illegal and comes under the justice department instead of being viewed medical and being treated as a medical issue and sometime problem, like alcohol and tobacco.
It seems logical to treat cannabis in the same way as the two other drugs we have legalised and use frequently.
Shutting down the Daktory is the same as suddenly closing the local watering hole. As anyone familiar with cannabis users will tell you. Stoned people are rarely aggressive, loud , violent or randy. Nor do they have the urge to urinate in gardens or vomit on footpaths. I ask, why are we as a society, so tolerant of alcohol and so intolerant of cannabis use?
I am concerned that instead of viewing this model as a safe way to manage cannabis use in the community and reduce the rate of alcohol consumption the Police are being used by a Government trying to crack down on the vulnerable. Not only that, the likely result of this police action will only put the money and power back into the hands of the organised criminal gangs.
The people taken in the paddy wagon Gizella Von Trigt, Dakta Blaze and Solar as well as Julian Crawford all deserve recognition of their combined efforts to bring about law reform. Its not so long ago that brothels were illegal and so was being gay. If you don't agree that's ok, but perhaps its because you just don't understand that over 50% of New Zealanders have tried cannabis. Are we a 50% criminal country or just a country with a law that is criminal?
Saturday, 11 February 2012
Lesson for the year ahead.
2012 is the Chinese year of the dragon.A dragon year is a good year to be born in as it is believed, that the year of the dragon is a powerful symbol of mental agility and power.Many people are feeling the exact opposite right now and view this year with very little optimism or enthusiasm.
I saw a few rumblings at Waitangi but nothing of the grand scale of past years.
However if the papers are to believed there is very little optimism around at the moment.
The National Party is likely to make some serious miscalculations and I am predicting they will be very lucky if they last out this term.
There are a number of fires that that have failed to extinguish . I think the Christchurch earthquake and other unresolved issues are going to bubble over in the coming months.
The second group of people that the Government has ignored and angered is the teachers. The ACT Charter Schools is a joke and at $40,000 tagged funds, per child, you can see why the business model appeals but what about the fate of the education for our young, when the woman at the helm has no experience apart from being on a Board of Trustees?
However if the National Party think that Maori in New Zealand are happy to accept the sale of State assets and an eroding of Te Puni Kokiri they are not listening. There are a few Maori who have benefited very well out of the treaty settlements. They are typically the Maori who operate in the world far removed from the majority of the beneficiaries among the many tribes
Equally aggrieved are the people of the west Coast and their men down a mine , forgotten. Not by them but the Solid Energy company has passed on the responsibility to the receivers, who don't have any emotional interest or financial reason to help.
The Christchurch situation also beggars belief. I am not trying to show off but I left Christchurch due to the farce of the mayoralty. Nice man, wrong job, seems to apply to several in the CCC . There are people with plans and one visionary called Yani but with Gerry Brownlee on the job I don't hold out much hope for enlightenment, let alone movement forward.
The lesson is, that things do stay the same and yet change is always taking place too. I think the secret is to have faith in your own abilities, be optimistic and make a plan. There is far less resistance than you think. I opened a new business this year . I needed to, as I could not rely on getting a well paid job or even being able to stay on a benefit while job seeking. Have courage, and do what it is that is best for you Over all and before too long we will see a change asnd a back lash to what's happening now. There is a resistance but it takes time to build and be successful.
I saw a few rumblings at Waitangi but nothing of the grand scale of past years.
However if the papers are to believed there is very little optimism around at the moment.
The National Party is likely to make some serious miscalculations and I am predicting they will be very lucky if they last out this term.
There are a number of fires that that have failed to extinguish . I think the Christchurch earthquake and other unresolved issues are going to bubble over in the coming months.
The second group of people that the Government has ignored and angered is the teachers. The ACT Charter Schools is a joke and at $40,000 tagged funds, per child, you can see why the business model appeals but what about the fate of the education for our young, when the woman at the helm has no experience apart from being on a Board of Trustees?
However if the National Party think that Maori in New Zealand are happy to accept the sale of State assets and an eroding of Te Puni Kokiri they are not listening. There are a few Maori who have benefited very well out of the treaty settlements. They are typically the Maori who operate in the world far removed from the majority of the beneficiaries among the many tribes
Equally aggrieved are the people of the west Coast and their men down a mine , forgotten. Not by them but the Solid Energy company has passed on the responsibility to the receivers, who don't have any emotional interest or financial reason to help.
The Christchurch situation also beggars belief. I am not trying to show off but I left Christchurch due to the farce of the mayoralty. Nice man, wrong job, seems to apply to several in the CCC . There are people with plans and one visionary called Yani but with Gerry Brownlee on the job I don't hold out much hope for enlightenment, let alone movement forward.
The lesson is, that things do stay the same and yet change is always taking place too. I think the secret is to have faith in your own abilities, be optimistic and make a plan. There is far less resistance than you think. I opened a new business this year . I needed to, as I could not rely on getting a well paid job or even being able to stay on a benefit while job seeking. Have courage, and do what it is that is best for you Over all and before too long we will see a change asnd a back lash to what's happening now. There is a resistance but it takes time to build and be successful.
Thursday, 26 January 2012
X=y2 but does N =Profits b4 (people) ?
What does that mean for the non mathematicians? I think it means the NATIONAL PARTY (N) lie through their smiling white teeth.
I think, that the situation in the Christchurch council now, is the same situation that will see the National party fail to complete this term. Why, because there has been a total lack of democracy. In Christchurch , the then, Mayor Bob Parker decided to not have a local election due to the earthquake and undemocratically re-elected itself. As if, that lack of decency, and fairness was not obvious the CEO Tony Mariott has seen fit to be rewarded with a $68,000.00 bonus.
Excuse me, but given the state, of the worlds financial market , should the CEO already, on a half a million dollar package also try and practise a little restraint? Also does that just not rub snot on the face of the people in Chch who desperately want to leave, but can't for lack of funds, seem out of place ?
Once again it begs to look at the cognitive dissonance or huge gap in the rhetoric between what they say they will do, and what they actually will do.
Who else feels that the National Party put profits before people?
I know that senior people in the National Party decided that Kim Dotcom could live in New Zealand and due to his vast wealth his shady past dealing were overlooked. Not one to miss out on a good time or a golden handshake, john Banks also accepted this man's money and hospitality. The same John Banks who would never ever visit an Occupy and meet some of this countries displaced.
I am beginning to believe that John Key is New Zealand's Gordon Gecko, of the Greed is good mantra! I have no other explanation for all the times he has been able to shrug off the needs and wishes of the common man. John Key has done nothing to get the 29 bodies out of the ground of the Pike River mine. reason , too expensive and best left in the hands of the receivers.
John Keys solution for Christchurch was not one to help the people of Christchurch. No it was to set the old boys building club, Fletchers up for the job of the century and thus eliminating all the small and existing companies out of business or to work at the set rates by the Fletchers crowd. Many people are still waiting an answer and many would leave if the government would step in allow it.
It would seem that they don't want people to have free choice in Chch or access to information either .
Now it seems that the Prime minister is able to renege on all election promises, do as he pleases and do what benefits the few at the top the most.
What should happen ? I think we need to revisit the election , the promises and the fact that over 35% of the people did not vote. I think we need to cull Parliament by the same percentage . If you do not vote for the people in power, then that is a valid choice, and the numbers should represent the proportion of people that did not vote. That would mean a 30% saving and a reduction of the numbers in Parliament. A good thing too.
When you have a Government that puts profits before people , you actually collapse the world economy . As we all know, that if the money does not go to the people, or the jobs are not there for the people to earn money there is going to be a collapse in the economy and a big increase in crime. John Key you need to do a lot better or expect some heavy reactions back.
I think, that the situation in the Christchurch council now, is the same situation that will see the National party fail to complete this term. Why, because there has been a total lack of democracy. In Christchurch , the then, Mayor Bob Parker decided to not have a local election due to the earthquake and undemocratically re-elected itself. As if, that lack of decency, and fairness was not obvious the CEO Tony Mariott has seen fit to be rewarded with a $68,000.00 bonus.
Excuse me, but given the state, of the worlds financial market , should the CEO already, on a half a million dollar package also try and practise a little restraint? Also does that just not rub snot on the face of the people in Chch who desperately want to leave, but can't for lack of funds, seem out of place ?
Once again it begs to look at the cognitive dissonance or huge gap in the rhetoric between what they say they will do, and what they actually will do.
Who else feels that the National Party put profits before people?
I know that senior people in the National Party decided that Kim Dotcom could live in New Zealand and due to his vast wealth his shady past dealing were overlooked. Not one to miss out on a good time or a golden handshake, john Banks also accepted this man's money and hospitality. The same John Banks who would never ever visit an Occupy and meet some of this countries displaced.
I am beginning to believe that John Key is New Zealand's Gordon Gecko, of the Greed is good mantra! I have no other explanation for all the times he has been able to shrug off the needs and wishes of the common man. John Key has done nothing to get the 29 bodies out of the ground of the Pike River mine. reason , too expensive and best left in the hands of the receivers.
John Keys solution for Christchurch was not one to help the people of Christchurch. No it was to set the old boys building club, Fletchers up for the job of the century and thus eliminating all the small and existing companies out of business or to work at the set rates by the Fletchers crowd. Many people are still waiting an answer and many would leave if the government would step in allow it.
It would seem that they don't want people to have free choice in Chch or access to information either .
Now it seems that the Prime minister is able to renege on all election promises, do as he pleases and do what benefits the few at the top the most.
What should happen ? I think we need to revisit the election , the promises and the fact that over 35% of the people did not vote. I think we need to cull Parliament by the same percentage . If you do not vote for the people in power, then that is a valid choice, and the numbers should represent the proportion of people that did not vote. That would mean a 30% saving and a reduction of the numbers in Parliament. A good thing too.
When you have a Government that puts profits before people , you actually collapse the world economy . As we all know, that if the money does not go to the people, or the jobs are not there for the people to earn money there is going to be a collapse in the economy and a big increase in crime. John Key you need to do a lot better or expect some heavy reactions back.
Friday, 13 January 2012
Lessons in Banking
I will be the first to admit I have an unusual attitude towards money. I have a scrooge mentality and could live on porridge 6 days of the week in order to be able to save for some small luxury once a week. After all we are hardwired in our brains for rewards. By the same token we have also the ability to develop avoidance techniques to delay or stall an unpleasant activity.
I have little money and being on a fixed income even less choice about how I spend my cash as it goes on rent. Rent first, power and phone second equal and food with the remainder.
One thing that I have been battling with is the banks in New Zealand and in particular the way they punish their clients financially for daring to not have enough money to cover all the outgoings. Sound familiar?
The point that I have been dwelling on, after my time at Occupy and the intensity, that is now on the world financial markets, is I am not going to pay any more fees to banks who already have my all money. In my case I have paid a mortgage for over 20 years an now have suffered a loss due to the earthquake and have also relocated to another city, bringing some expenses. In order to live in my new city I may need to borrow against my asset , my house , of which the bank own the mortgage. Would seem a simple request, borrow against investment, start a new business and income.
Instead the bank, sends off my credit card debt, small amount, and sends it off to a debt collector who adds a $529.00 fee for collection services. I am incensed. This is the the worst kind of rip off. This is worse than Chrisco. Banks are exploiting the poor by making us slaves to their system with ATM cards and internet banking. A system we have to participate but can have no direct control or effect on.
being a student or beneficiary I have had two sorts of treatment from banks. as a graduate I can have a free overdraft and no fees. As a beneficiary I can incur a fee of up to $35. everytime I go over my limit. No free overdraft for someone on a benefit. Given that the fees of $35 or more can be applied and money extracted before the account holder is aware often one more fee is collected thus withdrawing a total of $70 fee on a benefit that may be only $300 to $400 . See what a difference a missing $70 dollars makes when you are that little money.
Currently our banking system places an equal burden on the poor. The poor are discriminated by the fees. Its about time we looked at how banks are profiting off the poor, while the wealthy shield their money from taxes and gain high interest of accounts hidden overseas. This year I am going to be learning a lot about banking and I hope I can share it.
I have little money and being on a fixed income even less choice about how I spend my cash as it goes on rent. Rent first, power and phone second equal and food with the remainder.
One thing that I have been battling with is the banks in New Zealand and in particular the way they punish their clients financially for daring to not have enough money to cover all the outgoings. Sound familiar?
The point that I have been dwelling on, after my time at Occupy and the intensity, that is now on the world financial markets, is I am not going to pay any more fees to banks who already have my all money. In my case I have paid a mortgage for over 20 years an now have suffered a loss due to the earthquake and have also relocated to another city, bringing some expenses. In order to live in my new city I may need to borrow against my asset , my house , of which the bank own the mortgage. Would seem a simple request, borrow against investment, start a new business and income.
Instead the bank, sends off my credit card debt, small amount, and sends it off to a debt collector who adds a $529.00 fee for collection services. I am incensed. This is the the worst kind of rip off. This is worse than Chrisco. Banks are exploiting the poor by making us slaves to their system with ATM cards and internet banking. A system we have to participate but can have no direct control or effect on.
being a student or beneficiary I have had two sorts of treatment from banks. as a graduate I can have a free overdraft and no fees. As a beneficiary I can incur a fee of up to $35. everytime I go over my limit. No free overdraft for someone on a benefit. Given that the fees of $35 or more can be applied and money extracted before the account holder is aware often one more fee is collected thus withdrawing a total of $70 fee on a benefit that may be only $300 to $400 . See what a difference a missing $70 dollars makes when you are that little money.
Currently our banking system places an equal burden on the poor. The poor are discriminated by the fees. Its about time we looked at how banks are profiting off the poor, while the wealthy shield their money from taxes and gain high interest of accounts hidden overseas. This year I am going to be learning a lot about banking and I hope I can share it.
Sunday, 8 January 2012
Happy New Year from the Dissenter
Hi and Happy New Year all. I would like to say I have been having a great holiday in the sun somewhere but it is all untrue. The reason I have not been blogging is I have been busy opening a new dissenters cafe. That's right. I am so throughly annoyed with the election I decided it's time to create some more like minded space.
I have had some big lifestyle changes and made some big changes in my thinking, due in part to my time at Occupy. Going to Occupy was like a 101 in Activism. Fast , hard and great big group to start and and like University only the real stayers at the end.
I went to Occupy as I was disgusted with the National Government and it's attitude towards democracy. I am opposed to privatisation, I don't believe it is democratic for THEM to sell what WE own , when we did nt want it or vote for it even. So having National re-elected was no real surprise but a disappointment on many levels.
At the beginning of the Election campaign I was supportive of the ALCP the Aotearoa Legalise cannabis Party as they are the real stayers in terms of years as a party and contested elections. Unfortunately they lack the funds and finesse of the larger parties and they lack cohesion in their message.
I went to Occupy to support the Global Occupy Movt. however in creating the Occupy movt. many of the old rules also applied in our new Occupy. The same discrimination was applied to cannabis activists without even the sniff of use, just like the other society. In fact the number of cannabis activists and supporters without ever being overt was a large number of the Occupy movt.
Occupy still is going but the demands of children and school holidays, Christmas meant that my last visit to Occupy was to take down some Xmas Cheers.
So far this year, the National Government is rushing through legislation about food and as we all watch the Rena break up and spill it contents along the shore. We can only hope that something that catastrophic will happen to the National Party, ACT, UF cabal and sanity and democracy shall return.
Alternatively, and by not scolding those who did not vote, perhaps some of the 100% of representatives (MPs) should reduce their numbers to be like 68% representative. Representing only the percentage of voters who engaged in the voting process.
I have had some big lifestyle changes and made some big changes in my thinking, due in part to my time at Occupy. Going to Occupy was like a 101 in Activism. Fast , hard and great big group to start and and like University only the real stayers at the end.
I went to Occupy as I was disgusted with the National Government and it's attitude towards democracy. I am opposed to privatisation, I don't believe it is democratic for THEM to sell what WE own , when we did nt want it or vote for it even. So having National re-elected was no real surprise but a disappointment on many levels.
At the beginning of the Election campaign I was supportive of the ALCP the Aotearoa Legalise cannabis Party as they are the real stayers in terms of years as a party and contested elections. Unfortunately they lack the funds and finesse of the larger parties and they lack cohesion in their message.
I went to Occupy to support the Global Occupy Movt. however in creating the Occupy movt. many of the old rules also applied in our new Occupy. The same discrimination was applied to cannabis activists without even the sniff of use, just like the other society. In fact the number of cannabis activists and supporters without ever being overt was a large number of the Occupy movt.
Occupy still is going but the demands of children and school holidays, Christmas meant that my last visit to Occupy was to take down some Xmas Cheers.
So far this year, the National Government is rushing through legislation about food and as we all watch the Rena break up and spill it contents along the shore. We can only hope that something that catastrophic will happen to the National Party, ACT, UF cabal and sanity and democracy shall return.
Alternatively, and by not scolding those who did not vote, perhaps some of the 100% of representatives (MPs) should reduce their numbers to be like 68% representative. Representing only the percentage of voters who engaged in the voting process.
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