By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer

By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer

By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer

Isaac Hinson

Isaac Hinson, Scene Editor

Scene Editor - Fall 2023

Sports Editor - Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023

Staff Reporter - Spring 2022

All content by Isaac Hinson
The Eras Tour, Night 2 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wa.

The Taylor Swift Album Rankings

Isaac Hinson and Winnie Killingsworth
April 18, 2024

With “The Tortured Poets Department'' being released tomorrow on Poetry & The Creative Mind Day (April 19), it's the perfect time to talk about superstar Taylor Swift’s first 10 albums, coming...

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Sydney Sweeney auditioned for Immaculate in 2014, but the movie went unmade. Sweeney bought the rights to the screenplay after her emergence from starring in Euphoria, bringing the dead-in-the-water project back to life. (Photo courtesy NEON)

‘Immaculate,’ and Sydney Sweeney the movie star

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
April 4, 2024

“Libs saw how the anti-woke crowd embraced Sydney Sweeney as their new darling and right away had to shove her in this blasphemous, satanic, feminist, pro-abortion, anti-life movie degrading christians!...

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Paul and Feyds final duel. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery

‘Dune: Part Two’ The biggest, boldest and best sci-fi film of the generation

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
February 29, 2024

Pretty much every decade has a saga, franchise or story that defines it. For the 70s-80s that franchise was “Star Wars” which was released in 1977, and had two sequels that followed in the 80s. The...

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The Best Picture power rankings: Can anyone beat ‘Oppenheimer’?

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
February 22, 2024

The 96th Academy Awards are right around the corner, and the race simultaneously feels decided, yet… close? It’s the general consensus that Christopher Nolan’s historical epic “Oppenheimer” is...

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Dr. Patrick Pease. Photo courtesy of the University of Northern Iowa

CWU finds new Provost in Dr. Patrick Pease: How it happened and his mission

Isaac Hinson, Editor-in-Chief
February 16, 2024

On the morning of Feb. 12, CWU’s President Jim Wohlpart sent out an email to students announcing that the search for a new provost had concluded, as he and his 11-member search committee had appointed...

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ASCWU finalizes letter standing in solidarity with Palestine

Isaac Hinson, Editor-in-Chief
February 7, 2024

The Associated Students of CWU (ASCWU) student government organization finalized a letter standing in solidarity with Palestine amidst the ongoing ethnic cleansing in Gaza and elsewhere. The conflict,...

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My Oscar predictions: What’s gonna be going for gold?

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
January 21, 2024

Tuesday, Jan. 16 marked the end of the Oscar nomination period, which lasted for five days starting Jan. 11. Official nominees are to be named on Jan. 23, one week after the nomination period. Since the...

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What to watch over the break

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
December 1, 2023

We’ve finally reached the end of fall quarter, or at least we are real close. Personally, I am more than ready to finish up the work I have left to do and then book it back home and...

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Thanksgiving opened to $10.3 million at the domestic box office (Photo courtesy Sony Pictures)

‘Thanksgiving’ carves its spot in the holiday horror pantheon

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
November 23, 2023

A movie based on a fake trailer that was made for a movie released in 2007? You must be kidding, right? Surely that can’t be good… Right? Released on this past friday, “Thanksgiving” is director...

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‘The Killer,’ and the top four David Fincher movies

Isaac Hinson, Scene Editor
November 13, 2023

Harkening back to his thriller roots, legendary director David Fincher returns this Friday with his new film “The Killer,” starring Michael Fassbender. Based upon the French graphic novel of the...

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Brian Valencia reading ‘The Dog Who Barked... and Barked, and Barked...’

CWU student harkens back to his childhood with children’s book

Isaac Hinson, Scene Editor
November 8, 2023

Junior public relations major Brian Valencia is releasing a children's book. “The Dog Who Barked… and Barked, and Barked…” tells the story of just that, a dog who has a real affinity for barking....

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My five favorite films for the fall

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
October 28, 2023

Fall is my favorite time of the year. It’s the cooldown after these increasingly hot summers. Cool mornings, even cooler nights. And those chilly evenings make for perfect cozy stay-at-home...

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Lidya Jewett (Left) and Olivia ONiell (Right) mid-exorcism Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures

Have faith in ‘The Exorcist: Believer’

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
October 12, 2023

50 years after the release of the original masterpiece, Pazuzu returned to terrorize new blood in “The Exorcist: Believer,” released on Oct. 6. “The Exorcist: Believer” marks the fourth consecutive...

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The Rocky Horror Picture Shows ensemble practices every Saturday and Sunday from noon to six p.m.

‘Rocky Horror’ ramps up production

Isaac Hinson, Scene Editor
October 12, 2023

Electricity flowed this past Saturday as the cast and crew of the upcoming shadowcast production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” convened to do their first stumble-through of act one of the show.  “Rocky...

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Fair Play Alden Ehrenreich and Phoebe Dynevor in Fair Play

New this weekend: ‘Saw X,’ ‘Dumb Money’ and ‘Fair Play’

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
October 9, 2023

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. The weather starts to cool down, I’m able to get out my sweaters and studios begin to release my favorite kinds of movies: Oscar-fare and horror.  This...

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Courtesy of Writers Guild of America

WGA and AMPTP sign new deal, strike ends

Isaac Hinson, Scene Editor
October 5, 2023

  The Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) reached an agreement on a tentative new deal on Sept. 24, ending the 148 day long writers...

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CWU athlete’s perspective on ‘person first, player second’

Anna Fridell and Isaac Hinson
May 31, 2023

  The number on the back of a jersey isn’t the only thing that defines who an athlete is. To be a student-athlete comes with an extra responsibility of balancing multiple identities, according...

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Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,’ and the summer movie slate

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
May 10, 2023

Once more with feeling. The summer movie season has kicked off with the premiere of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” on May 5, written and directed once again by James Gunn, the movie comes five years...

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Jacob Basham, Photo by Jacob Thompson

CWU football coaching staff welcomes new faces and promotes an old one

Isaac Hinson, Sports Editor
April 26, 2023

CWU Football Head Coach Chris Fisk has some new help in the coaching staff, as well as a returning face in a new position.  James Basham and Ronnie Scott have taken over as Defensive Line Coach and...

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Men’s rugby looks forward to postseason after historic year

Men’s rugby looks forward to postseason after historic year

Isaac Hinson, Sports Editor
April 5, 2023

The CWU men’s rugby team have punched their ticket to the playoffs. Finishing the regular season with a nearly undefeated 8-1 record, the Wildcats cemented their best ranking in team history, earning...

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The cast and crew of ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ accepting Best Picture. Photo courtesy of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

‘Everything Everywhere’ sweeps, and the future of the Oscars

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
April 4, 2023

The 95th Academy Awards took place on March 12, and A24’s “Everything Everywhere All At Once” swept in historic fashion. The heavy frontrunner coming into the ceremony, everything went according...

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Joy, Evelyn and Waymond Wang. Photo courtesy of A24

Who’s taking home the gold?

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
March 8, 2023

This Sunday marks the commencement of the 95th Oscars. A year’s worth of movies watched, campaigns ran and other awards shows attended have all led to this, and right now it seems like the clear frontrunner...

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Sophie and Calum. Photo courtesy of A24

‘Aftersun,’ and our parents’ mortality

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
March 1, 2023

Released this past year by A24 and MUBI, “Aftersun” has been the breakout sleeper hit of this award’s season. Directed by long-time short, but first-time feature-director, Charlotte Wells, “Aftersun”...

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Still from “Triangle of Sadness”. Photo courtesy of NEON

‘Triangle of Sadness,’ and the “Eat the rich” dilemma

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
February 22, 2023

The term “Eat the rich” originates from a quote by Genevan Philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, reading: “When the people shall have nothing more to eat, they will eat the rich.” Rousseau said this...

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The Best Actor gauntlet

The Best Actor gauntlet

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
February 15, 2023

One of the most coveted awards of the ceremony, the Best Actor race is always tight, and this year seems to be no different. After being won last year by Will Smith for his performance in “King Richard”...

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A lone Oscar. Photo by Andrew Eccles.

Surprises and snubs from the Oscar nominations

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
February 1, 2023

A day often met with feelings of anticipation for fans, confusion for those in the industry who find themselves off the ballots and relief for people like my mother and I, who want to know what movies...

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Samaad Hector leading the huddle. Photo by Jacob Thompson/Thompson Sports Media

Men’s basketball catching fire

Isaac Hinson, Sports Editor
January 26, 2023

After beginning the year with a record of 1-7, CWU men’s basketball has caught fire and won seven of their last ten games and found themselves in the midst of a four game winning streak.  Junior...

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Sammy Fabelman getting the shot (Photo courtesy Universal Pictures)

The Fabelmans: Spielberg at the peak of his powers

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
January 25, 2023

One year removed from his masterful re-imagining of “West Side Story,” legendary Director Steven Spielberg returns with a deeply personal story about his childhood, how he grew to love movies and the...

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Geno Smith leading the huddle. Photo by Jane Gershovich

Seahawks land fifth pick in NFL draft

Isaac Hinson, Sports Editor
January 18, 2023

On March 8, the Seattle Seahawks traded All-Pro Quarterback (QB) Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. In exchange, they received QB Drew Lock, Tight-End (TE) Noah Fant, Defensive Lineman (DL) Shelby Harris...

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Samantha Bowman leads the huddle. Photo by Jacob Thompson -Thompson Sports Photos

Women’s basketball surging through season

Isaac Hinson, Sports Editor
January 11, 2023

The Wildcats currently sit at 11-3 and rank fourth in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) with a 3-2 conference record.  Of those 11 wins, eight of them have been won by 20-points or more....

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Julio swinging for the ball. Photo by Alika Jenner - AFP

Breaking down Julio Rodriguez’s historic season

Isaac Hinson, Sports Editor
November 22, 2022

After cementing himself as the Seattle Mariners best player during the year that they made the playoffs for the first time in two decades, outfielder (OF) Julio Rodriguez has been awarded American League...

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The Trail Blazers celebrating Jerami Grants game-winner in Phoenix (Left to right_ Keon Johnson, Oliver Sarr, Damian Lillard, Jerami Grant, Nassir Little, Jusuf Nurkic. Photo by Barry Gossage

Don’t sleep on the Trail Blazers

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
November 16, 2022

The Pacific Northwest is becoming a hub of the sports world once again. The Seahawks find themselves at 6-3 and on top of the NFC West, thanks to the resurgence of Seattle legend Geno Smith. The Mariners...

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Madison Hadden being celebrated. Photo by Jacob Thompson / Thompson Sports Photos

Women’s rugby team reflects on senior night and looks forward to playoffs

Isaac Hinson, Sports Editor
November 16, 2022

The regular season for the women’s Rugby team has come to a close, and the Wildcats sit with a 4-3 record as they prepare for the D1 Elite Semifinals.  Before the game, the Wildcats found themselves...

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Tanner Volk enjoying the moment. Photo by Jacob Thompson

Volk wins LSC Defensive Player of the Week

Isaac Hinson, Sports Editor
November 9, 2022

Football’s safety Tanner Volk won the Lone Star Conference (LSC) Defensive Player of the Week award this past week, making him the third Wildcat to take home an LSC Player of the Week award.  His...

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Kuzma finishes through the contact. Photo by: Jacqueline Hixssen

Wizards fall to Pacers at home

Isaac Hinson and Jacqueline Hixssen
November 2, 2022

The Washington Wizards (sixth in the Eastern Conference) of the NBA lost at home 127-117 to the Indianapolis Pacers (12th in the Eastern Conference) Friday, Oct. 28. The Pacers took control over the...

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Sports Scores

Sports Scores

Jacqueline Hixssen and Isaac Hinson
October 26, 2022

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Samaad Hector at media day. Photo courtesy of Jacob Thompson / Thompson Sports

CWU men’s basketball prepare for upcoming season

Isaac Hinson, Sports Editor
October 26, 2022

The men’s basketball team plays their first exhibition game on Nov. 1 against Whitworth University in Spokane.  Coming off a 17-9 season, which included a heart-breaking loss in the Great Northwest...

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Michael Myers looming. Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures

“Halloween Ends”… Thankfully

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
October 26, 2022

After much anticipation, Oct. 14 saw the release of “Halloween Ends” in theaters and on Peacock. Directed by David Gordon Green, the film marked the conclusion of the recent “Halloween” trilogy,...

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Sports Scores

Sports Scores

Jacqueline Hixssen and Isaac Hinson
October 19, 2022

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Fans in Tomlinson Stadium Photo by Jacob Thompson  Thompson Sports Photos

CWU brings home the victory at Homecoming

Jacqueline Hixssen and Isaac Hinson
October 19, 2022

As the sun set and the stadium lights burned, the CWU football team rushed onto Tomlinson Stadium to play Midwestern State University (MSU) in their annual Homecoming game last Saturday, Oct. 15.  CWU...

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Hannah Stires lining up to make the play (Credit Jacob Thompson Thompson Sports)

Wildcats win three player of the week awards

Isaac Hinson, Sports Editor
October 12, 2022

Three wildcats won player of the week awards last week. Tre’jon Henderson won Lonestar Conference (LSC) Offensive Player of the Week. Hannah Stires won volleyball Greater Northwest Athletic Conference...

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Wildcats enjoying the rock wall.

[Photo] Clinic offers lessons on ropeless rock wall climbing

Kimberly LaRiviere, Staff Reporter
October 12, 2022

Wildcats enjoying the rock wall.

Sports Scores Courtesy of Jacqueline Hixssen

Sports Scored

Jacqueline Hixssen and Isaac Hinson
October 12, 2022

Oct. 6 Women’s Rugby @ Penn State Win 63-12   Oct. 6 Volleyball vs. University of Alaska Anchorage Loss 0-3   Oct. 6 Soccer @ Seattle Pacific Loss 1-3   Oct....

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Movie theatre front at night. Photo courtesy of Pexels

What happened to movies?

Isaac Hinson, Sports Editor
October 5, 2022

The state of the film industry had left me wondering, what happened to the way things used to be? What happened to going to the cinema on a Saturday night and struggling to choose between the five new...

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Tia Andaya surrounded by CWU audience members in the SURC. Photo by Jacob Thompson / Thompson Sports Photos

Volleyball team enjoys return home after 11 game road trip

Isaac Hinson, Sports Editor
October 5, 2022

The SURC was booming, cheers could be heard as you entered the building. A red carpet led the way to courts 3 & 4 in the Recreation Center as both courts and the walkway above were filled to the brim...

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CWU football player running. Photo courtesy of CWU Flickr

Sports Shorts

Isaac Hinson and Jacqueline Hixssen
October 5, 2022

XC at Whitman College Invitational  Oct. 1 Men’s team: 4th  Women’s team: 5th    Women’s Rugby at Victoria  Oct. 1 Loss 12 - 27    Women’s Soccer at Saint...

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Brittany Aanstad throws javelin.

Track and field coach reflects on her decade at CWU

Isaac Hinson, Sports Editor
September 28, 2022

Assistant track and field coach Brittany Aanstad has established herself as one of CWU’s most decorated coaches as she heads into her 10th year as a member of the track and field coaching staff.  “I...

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Jon Kitna Wildcat Classic Golf Tournament readies for 20th anniversary

Jon Kitna Wildcat Classic Golf Tournament readies for 20th anniversary

Isaac Hinson, Staff Reporter
June 1, 2022

As the school year begins to wrap up, the CWU community looks forward to summer and its festivities. July 7 marks the beginning of the annual Kitna Wildcat Classic Golf Tournament, celebrating its 20th...

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Allie Thiessen had career highs in Batting Average .392 and on base percentage .471
this past season. | Photo courtesy of Kim Douglas/Crazy Bees Photography

Allie Thiessen hits on First Team All–GNAC selection

Isaac Hinson, Staff Reporter
May 25, 2022

Allie Thiessen was awarded a First Team All-GNAC selection this month, following a season where she held career-bests on multiple statistical fronts. Thiessen led the Wildcats in batting average at .392 ...

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Courtesy of Pexels.com

HBO Max is far better than Netflix

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
May 23, 2022

Netflix is no longer the top dog of streaming services. For the first time in over a decade, the streaming juggernaut reported a decrease in subscribers. This could be for a variety of reasons; some point...

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Nolan Milliman in his warm-ups before a game

Looking back and to the future

Isaac Hinson, Staff Reporter
May 18, 2022

The baseball team saw one of their freshman pitchers make an impact down the stretch. While Nolan Milliman got off to a slow start in the first half of the season, his improvement in the second half showed...

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Junior McCall DeChenne representing CWU in hurdles

Spring sports looks forward to championships

Isaac Hinson, Staff Reporter
May 11, 2022

For spring season student-athletes, this is the time where they finally get to put what they’ve been working on all year during practices on the field. Let’s look at how each program did.  Rugby Being...

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CWU Football has high ambitions following spring game

CWU Football has high ambitions following spring game

Isaac Hinson, Staff Reporter
May 4, 2022

The CWU football team competed in the annual Crimson vs. Black spring football game which took place on April 23. Redshirt sophomore running back Tyler Flanagan said both sides of the ball looked...

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Jacob Thompson performing his season-best pole-vault at the Beach Invitational.

Student athletes give insight into culture in CWU sports

Isaac Hinson, Staff Reporter
April 27, 2022

Sports teams measure success in various ways. Most of the time a team's success can be judged based on the record they have that season. However, that isn’t the only way teams judge a season as successful.  One...

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Marijuana in CWU athletics

Marijuana in CWU athletics

Isaac Hinson and Jacqueline Hixssen
April 20, 2022

Marijuana has long been banned for collegiate athletes. Marijuana is a legal drug in Washington, but the punishments a student-athlete would face makes the drug virtually untouchable for athletes.  Logistics...

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Courtesy of Pexels.com

Will Smith Should Not Be Getting Blacklisted From Hollywood

Isaac Hinson, Columnist
April 20, 2022

As I am sure we are all aware by now, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars, overshadowing a ceremony otherwise worthy of the name the Oscars. With Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor,...

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Womens relay look to maintain their momentum gained at last meet

Women’s relay look to maintain their momentum gained at last meet

Isaac Hinson, Staff Reporter
April 13, 2022

At the Hayward Premiere meet, the women’s 4x400 relay team placed second in their race. The runners, freshman Madison Thompson, senior Kay Lester, senior Madison Child and junior Meridith Massey, finished...

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