The Republican sweep of all five contested Mercer County Board races did not just happen. A number of factors came together in God's Providence, and it is proper to attribute the victory ultimately to Him. Looking back on how things came together, here are a few observations we can make.

We begin by looking at the 2012 General Election, which broke down what had been a crushing majority of Democrats on the Mercer County Board. After that election, the Republicans held four of the ten seats, and though they were still a minority, they were an effective minority. Nevertheless, it became quite apparent that, with anything short of a real majority of Republicans on the county board, we were not going to turn around the county's deteriorating condition. Thus was born the motivation to work hard for a Republican majority in the next election.

Then there were changes within the Mercer County Republican Party. There was a push to expand the Republican Central Committee (which consists of all of the precinct committeemen). In 2012 and 2013 we had
only five precinct committeeman positions filled. By April of 2014, 23 of the 24 positions were filled. As a result, we suited up a full team of committeemen and Republican regulars. As far as anybody's memory could be stretched, the Republican Party in Mercer County had never been in such good shape.

A good manager assembles a team of many talents; then he plays their strengths and covers their  weaknesses. Let's talk about the strengths.

First, we were Republicans, and because we were Republicans, we knew what needed to be done. In fact, at one point that became our theme: We know what to do.

Eventually, that fact developed into a document wherein all five board candidates, along with the two sitting Republican board members, pledged that if the voters gave the Republicans a majority, they would do eight necessary things - things which the Democrats had no will to do.

This pledge eventually became a tool to leverage the voters our way.

The board candidates and members pledged that if they were given a majority on the county board, then they would:

1. Balance the budget. Stop spending more than we take in.

2. Relieve the tax payer. Stop raising property taxes, and eventually reduce them.

3. Upgrade the county board's operation. Make the board more effective and government more efficient with a county administrator.

4. Serve the people. Republican board members would continue to forgo compensation at least until the budget shows a surplus.

5. Prosper Mercer County. Develop a plan to improve general prosperity by making Mercer County business and landowner friendly.

6. Implement full transparency. Improve the people's access to county information, including putting the Mercer County checkbook, board meeting minutes, budgets, etc. online.

7. Manage the jail obligations. Protect the people from the burden of the obligations of the jail expansion.

8. Empower the people. Give the people of Mercer County direct say over large county projects involving potential tax increases.

Our five county board candidates ran as a team, and they won as a team.

There were some big financial donors, and there were lots of little donors, so we were able to raise enough money to put together a Republican campaign like hasn't been seen in this county.

We ran full page newspaper ads and wrote letters to the editor. We distributed 4,000 red bags of literature door-to-door, from booths at the fair and other public events, and from floats and walkers in parades. We ran radio ads. We sent out mailers publishing our pledge to every household in the county. We redesigned our web page, worked our YouTube channel and several Facebook pages. We had press conferences and organized restaurant events.

The Democrats began following us around at events, but they would not show up where they were invited to debate us. They threw lots of false, misleading, and senseless stuff at us in letters to the editor, radio ads, and the usual public channels. We ignored all of the slanderous stuff, and most of the rest of the stuff, and moved right on.

On November 4th, the voters rewarded our efforts with a sweep. All five of our county board candidates won, carrying 21 out of the 24 precincts in the county. With the two Republicans already sitting on the board, Republicans now make up the Magnificent Seven. That leaves the Democrats with only three.

Many things contributed to our success. We have mentioned or alluded to only a few of those things. Each of you can likely think of a dozen things that you would add. The point that needs to be made is that though many things were necessary for our success, no one thing guaranteed success. We had some difficulties and some disappointments, but we were able to maintain solidarity and good communication among our regular members, and so we were able to keep things moving in the right direction. We assembled a good team, we worked with what we were given, we played our strengths, we covered our weaknesses, and when everything is said and done, that is the winning plan.

So count your blessings, give God the glory Who brought all of this together, and keep your promises.

UPDATE: Gov. Branstad released from hospital in good condition; released at approximately 9 a.m., mild flu with dehydration cause of incident; other contributing factors, including cardiac issues and stroke, ruled out

(DES MOINES)  -  The Office of Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced that the governor has been released from Iowa Methodist Medical Center after being admitted out of an abundance of caution due to a mild flu and dehydration. The governor was released at approximately 9 a.m. and is currently resting comfortably at the governor's residence. The governor rested last night and continued receiving intravenous fluids.

Kevin J. Cunningham, M.D., F.A.C.P., who is the governor's personal physician and saw him both last evening and this morning, stated the following:

"Today, at approximately 9 a.m., Governor Terry Branstad was discharged from the hospital in good condition and he is now resting comfortably at Terrace Hill. After seeing him both Monday evening and this morning, and personally reviewing his medical tests and records, it's my opinion as a medical professional that the incident was caused by a mild flu and dehydration. We have ruled out other contributing factors, including cardiac issues and stroke. Governor Branstad will be able to resume a normal work schedule in the near future."

The governor and lt. governor have canceled their public events for the remainder of the week to allow ample time to rest and recuperate. This includes previously scheduled events in Cedar Rapids, Charles City, Waverly and Manchester.

They plan resume their schedules on Monday, February 2, 2015.

###

(DES MOINES) - The Office of Gov. Terry E. Branstad this evening released more information regarding  Gov. Terry E. Branstad's condition after he fell ill at an event at DuPont Pioneer.

At approximately 12 p.m., Gov. Branstad was transported from DuPont Pioneer in Johnston, Iowa, to Iowa Methodist Medical Center via an ambulance. The governor was alert, conscious and accurately answering questions during transport.

Upon arrival, he was given intravenous fluids after doctors noted that he was dehydrated and displaying symptoms of a viral illness. Out of an abundance of caution, doctors opted to admit the governor for overnight observation, rest and hydration.

Mark Purtle, M.D., chief medical officer of UnityPoint Health-Des Moines, stated the following:

"After personally reviewing the governor's medical records, with his permission, and visiting with him and his attending physicians, we believe the governor has a viral illness with dehydration. We also conducted a series of tests in which we ruled out other contributing factors, including cardiac issues. The governor is still receiving fluids and is resting comfortably."

The governor and lt. governor have canceled all their public for Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015. More information regarding the remainder of their public schedules for the week will be released at a later time.

The lt. governor intends to visit her doctor on Tuesday morning out of an abundance of caution.

This will be the final update for the evening of Monday, Jan. 26, 2015. More information will be released as it becomes available.

###

PELLA, IA (01/26/2015)(readMedia)-- The following students were named to the fall 2014 Central College dean's list:

Angela Allgood of Muscatine is the daughter of Jeff and Janet Allgood.

Daniel Dankert of Davenport is the son of Larry and Diane Dankert.

Miranda Ebeling of Muscatine is the daughter of Scott and Carol Ebeling.

Joseph Heath of Taylor Ridge is the son of Ronald and Lynn Heath.

Alicia Huegel of Bettendorf is the daughter of Tony and Debra Huegel.

Melissa Ketcham of Muscatine is the daughter of Raymond Ketcham.

Sydney Lunardi of Bettendorf is the daughter of Bruce and Marlene Lunardi.

Sarah Montgomery of Bettendorf is the daughter of Patrick and Jill Montgomery.

Lauren Parsons of Davenport is the daughter of Jerry Parsons and Lynn Welzenbach.

The honor is awarded to full-time students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average or higher on a 4.0 scale while taking 12 or more graded credit hours for the semester.

Founded in 1853, Central College of Pella, Iowa, is a private, residential four-year liberal arts college known for its academic rigor and strength in global experiential learning, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), sustainability education, athletics success and tradition, and leadership and service. Central continues to value its long-standing relationship with the Reformed Church in America that began in 1916. The college participates in NCAA Division III athletics and is a member of the Iowa Conference. Central is an active part of the Greater Des Moines region and just two minutes from Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake.

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, January 28, 7:05 p.m.

iWireless Center, Moline
Wichita Thunder vs. Quad City Mallards

Friday, January 30, 7:05 p.m.
INTRUST Bank Arena, Wichita
Quad City Mallards vs. Wichita Thunder

Saturday, January 31, 7:05 p.m.
iWireless Center, Moline
Brampton Beast vs. Quad City Mallards

 

LAST WEEK
Saturday, January 24

Missouri 2 Quad City 1

 

Quad City
18-14-6, 42 points
tied 3rd place, Central Division
Coach: Terry Ruskowski

Wichita
19-15-6, 44 points
2nd place, Central Division
Coach: Richard Matvichuk

Brampton
13-23-2, 28 points
7th place, Central Division
Coach: Brent Hughes

QUACK TRACKS
Close Call
The Mallards played just once last week, falling 2-1 to the Mavericks in Missouri last Saturday night.

2015
With last Saturday night's loss, the Mallards dropped to 2-4-1 in 2015.

Tight
The Mallards head into this week's home-and-home with Wichita trailing the Thunder by two points in the race for second place in the ECHL's Central Division.  The Mallards are tied for third place with the Tulsa Oilers.  The Mallard have two games in hand on Wichita and four games in hand on Tulsa.

Red Light District
The Mallards are tied for seventh in the ECHL in goals allowed per game (2.8).  They rank eleventh in goals scored per game (3.1) after scoring three or fewer goals in regulation in each of their last eight games.

Special Teams
After surviving 21 of their foes' last 22 power plays, the Mallards are now tied for seventh in the ECHL in penalty killing (84.8 percent).  The Mallards have gone 2-for-25 on the man advantage over their last five games and rank seventeenth in the league in power play efficiency (15.7 percent).

First
Mario Lamoureux scored his first career AHL goal for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers last Friday against Portland after signing a professional tryout agreement with Bridgeport last Wednesday.  Lamoureux returned to the Mallards today.

Debut
Defenseman Bennett Schneider made his Mallard debut last Saturday after signing with the team last Thursday.

No Ordinary Joe
The Mallards' lone goal last Saturday night was Joe Perry's team-leading eighteenth.  That goal was just Perry's second on the power play this season.  He has scored 16 at even strength.

 

Foxy
Justin Fox has 13 points (three goals and ten assists) in his last 13 games. 

Between the Pipes
Parker Milner made 29 saves last Saturday night and has now allowed three goals or fewer in 17 of 19 games this season.  Milner ranks third in the ECHL in save percentage (.920) and eighth in goals against average (2.46).  Evan Mosher is tied for sixth in save percentage (.918).

Milestones
Darren McMillan reached 197 career points...Kevin Baker has 297 career assists...Matt Duffy has 97 career assists.

Head to Head
The Mallards have gone 2-3-0 against the Thunder this season: 1-1-0 at home and 1-2-0 in Wichita.  All-time, the Mallards have gone 8-15-1 against the Thunder: 4-6-1 at home and 4-9-0 in Wichita...The Mallards have gone 5-2-3 against Brampton this season and have posted a 3-2-0 record at home.  All-time, the Mallards have gone 12-5-6 against the Beast overall and 5-5-2 at home.

Ins and Outs
Mario Lamoureux returned to the Mallards today after signing a professional tryout agreement with the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers last Wednesday...Bennett Schneider signed with the Mallards last Thursday...Paxton Leroux (upper body injury) has missed the Mallards' last six games...Evan Haney (upper body injury) miss last Saturday's game...Matt Duffy missed last Saturday's game after being place on bereavement leave last Monday.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES
Wednesday, January 28, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Wichita Thunder
4 Tickets for $20; T.G.I. Friday's Postgame Party

Fans can get four tickets for just $20 for each Wednesday home game.  After each Wednesday home tilt fans can join the Mallards at T.G.I. Friday's on River Drive in Moline for a postgame party.

Saturday, January 31, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Brampton Beast
Genesis Jersey Auction
The Mallards will wear special edition old school jerseys during Saturday night's game that will be auctioned off after that game to benefit the Genesis Flu Free QC program.  Stenzel Auction Service will conduct Saturday evening's live auction.  For more information on Stenzel Auction Service, go to www.stenzelauction.com.

ON THE AIR
Fox Sports Radio 1230 is the radio home of Mallards Hockey Presented by Genesis Power Sports Performance.  Mallards games broadcast on AM 1230 also stream live online at www.wfxn.net.  A limited number of Mallards games will not air on Fox Sports Radio 1230 due to conflicts with University of Illinois basketball and football and Green Bay Packer football.  ECHL-TV pay-per-view video webcasts and free audio webcasts of all Mallards games are also available at myqcmallards.net.

TICKETS
Single Game Tickets
Single game tickets for all Mallards regular season contests are now available.  Fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com for more information about tickets.  Single game tickets are also available at the iWireless Center box office, at Ticketmaster outlets, through www.ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free.  The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

Group Tickets
Groups of at least ten receive savings off the walk-up price and a host of group benefits.  Mallards group tickets are a great fit for youth organizations, friends, co-workers, family groups, religious groups, school functions and business events.  For more group ticket information, fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com.

-### Quad City Mallards ### -

 

If you have type 1 diabetes, one of the serious complications you may face is a condition known as ketoacidosis. In diabetic ketoacidosis, acids called ketones build up in your blood and could eventually lead to diabetic coma or death.

But by vigilantly controlling your diabetes and watching for early signs of ketoacidosis, you can help prevent it from happening to you.

What Is Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
"When blood sugars get elevated and there is not enough insulin, your fat cells start to break down their storage sites of energy, which are called ketones," says Jay Cohen, MD, medical director of the Endocrine Clinic and clinical assistant professor in the department of family medicine at the University of Tennessee. Ketones are acidic, and that acid builds up in your blood.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is found more often in younger people than older people, and more often in women than in men. At least 20 percent of people learn they have diabetes after seeking medical care for complaints that turn out to be symptoms of ketoacidosis.

Common Causes of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
The three common causes of ketoacidosis are:

Not enough insulin. This can happen if you don't inject enough insulin or if your insulin needs increase in response to an illness such as a cold or the flu. Blood glucose can't be used for energy without enough insulin to help in the process, so the body breaks down fat for energy and high ketone levels result.

"Elevated blood sugars could be due to an infection or any other physical or emotional stress ? good or bad," says Dr. Cohen. Unexpected increases in your blood glucose levels can increase your insulin needs. "You may have a certain amount of insulin that you usually use, but if you have an infection, you may need more insulin to help your body to improve blood sugars," Cohen explains.

Not enough food intake. If you don't eat enough, your body has to break down fat for energy, producing high ketone levels. This is particularly common in people who are sick and don't feel like eating.

Low blood glucose levels.
This situation can force your body to break down fat to use as energy, resulting in ketone production.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis Symptoms
Symptoms of ketoacidosis usually progress relatively slowly. But since diabetic ketoacidosis can be a life-threatening condition, it is important to seek medical help immediately if you experience any of its symptoms. These include :

  • Excessive thirst
  • Dry mouth
  • Frequent urination
  • Elevated blood glucose levels
  • Elevated ketones in the urine
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Skin that is dry or flushed
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Pain in your abdomen
  • Shortness of breath
  • A fruity smell to your breath (the result of elevated ketone levels)
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Confused state

Preventing Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Ask your endocrinologist how you can reduce your risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis. It is often a good idea to use a home dipstick test to check for ketones in your urine when your blood glucose levels are high (over 240 milligrams per deciliter) and when you have an infection.

Diabetes education also helps. One study found that hospital stays for ketoacidosis were reduced among a group of people who attended diabetes education classes.

Managing Diabetic Ketoacidosis
If think you may have ketoacidosis, it is essential to contact your doctor or get to the emergency room immediately.

"If we can catch it early, with medicine and IV fluids, we can stop the diabetic ketoacidosis from progressing to severe dehydration," says Cohen. "Diabetic ketoacidosis, if severe and not treated aggressively, has about a 5 percent death rate, so you really want to get a handle on it rapidly."

Remember that regularly monitoring your blood glucose levels, performing urine ketone tests as recommended, and recognizing symptoms that might indicate your ketone levels are high is the best approach to reducing your risk of diabetic ketoacidosis.

VALDOSTA, GA (01/26/2015)(readMedia)-- Laura Kathleen Marie Rodgers has successfully earned a Master of Education from Valdosta State University. The Blue Grass, IA, resident majored in Communication Disorders and is one of more than 490 students recognized for meeting the qualifications for graduation during Summer 2014 Commencement.

Valdosta State University is a comprehensive university, characterized by outstanding instruction, a wide range of student life opportunities and a close connection to the community. Established in 1906, the institution's mission is to prepare students to meet global opportunities and challenges through excellence in teaching and learning; to expand the boundaries of current knowledge, and explore the practical applications of that knowledge, through excellence in scholarship and creative endeavors; and to promote the economic, cultural, and educational progress of the community and region, through excellence in service outreach. VSU seeks to accomplish this mission in a dynamic, student-centered learning environment marked by a respect for diverse abilities, backgrounds, and contributions by all members of the university community.

Learn more about VSU at www.valdosta.edu.

January 26, 2015

EXTENDED PASSPORT HOURS & PHOTO SPECIAL

As a courtesy to our customers, the Scott County Recorder's Office will have extended passport hours and a discount on passport photos.

Saturday, February 7th, 2015 9 am to noon.

Saturday, March 7th, 2015 9 am to noon.

*Photo Discount $5 each (Reg. $8)

www.scottcountyiowa.com/recorder

CONTACT: Rita Vargas

(563) - 326-8652

rita.vargas@scottcountyiowa.com

Agreement expected to boost apple exports by $100 million per year

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2015 - This weekend, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reached agreement with Chinese officials to allow all U.S. grown apples to gain access to the Chinese market. This will allow a greater share of U.S. apple exports to China in the coming months and has the potential to increase U.S. fresh apple exports, which were valued at more than $1 billion in 2013, by approximately 10 percent. With this new agreement, the apple industry estimates that within two years, exports to China will reach 5 million bushels annually, a value of nearly $100 million per year. The agreement was reached during bilateral discussions between USDA and China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) in San Francisco.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today made the following statement regarding this announcement:

"USDA values the relationship we are forging with China to bring mutually-beneficial food and agricultural trade to Americans and Chinese alike. The new access for American exports we're announcing today is the culmination of decades of hard work by USDA staff. These efforts will result in high quality, fresh U.S. apple varieties available for consumers in China and a significant boost in sales for American apple producers.

"USDA remains a strong partner and advocate in the international marketplace, working with foreign governments and international organizations to ensure the smooth and safe flow of international trade. The past six years have been the strongest in history for agricultural trade, with U.S. agricultural product exports totaling $771.7 billion since 2009. Strong agricultural exports contribute to a positive U.S. trade balance, create jobs and boost economic growth. As the President said in his recent State of the Union address, we now look to Congress build on this success and pass a bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority bill to continue to support a robust trade agenda that will create thousands of new American jobs."

For more information, please see this fact sheet: FACT SHEET: Helping U.S. Exporters Gain Access to Valuable Overseas Markets (PDF, 45KB).

#

DAVENPORT, IA - The Quad City Rollers, the QCA's premier all-female flat-track roller derby team, are hosting their 2015 season-opening game on Saturday, January 31st, at the QCCA Expo Center, 2621 4th Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201.

The Quad City Rollers All-Star team will take on the Fly Over Femmes Fatales followed by a "Fresh Meat" Mixer for the debut of the 2014 Boot Camp graduates. The night also includes a special appearance from our Junior league, The Orphan Brigade, who will be scrimmaging before the adults play.

The 2015 season is the ninth for the Quad City Rollers. Doors for the January 31st game open at 5:00 pm, the Juniors begin at 5:30 pm, the Veteran Mash-up at 6:30 pm and the Fresh Meat Mixer begins at 8:00 pm.

A complete breakdown of the Quad City Rollers individual ticket pricing for the 2015 season is as follows:

  • Advanced General Admission Tickets (adult), $10.00

  • Day of Game General Admission Tickets (adult), $12.00

  • Kids 12 and under, FREE

Tickets can also be purchase online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1155609. Day of Game tickets can be purchased at the QCCA Expo Center beginning at 4:30 pm.

Our complete 2015 season home games are:

  • Saturday, January 31 at 6:00 pm

  • Saturday, March 14 at 6:00 pm

  • Saturday, April 11 at 6:00 pm

  • Saturday, April 25 at 6:00 pm

  • Saturday, May 16 at 6:00 pm

  • Saturday, June 13 at 6:00 pm

###

Nationally Recognized Retirement Expert Offers 3 Simple
Tips in 2015 for Improving Retirement Prospects

Imagine a bright, golden vista filled with soothing, warm sunshine - perhaps it is California's Highway 29. You're driving this scenic route after crossing the Golden Gate Bridge on a Tuesday during working hours. That's right, you're going to Napa.

Of course, this is precisely the kind of thing you're getting used to doing on Tuesdays - not only because you're becoming a wine connoisseur, but also because Tuesdays no longer belong to hours under the glare of fluorescent lights in front of your work computer. Aah, you're retired.

"That's the dream, and as a native San Franciscan I know it well. I myself have traveled the byways of food and wine in the Bay Area. More Americans could be living their dream during retirement, wherever they go to play," says Stephen F. Lovell, a nationally recognized retirement expert who emphasizes a comprehensive approach for well-being during one's golden years.

"Many baby boomers will retire in the next few years, and for many of them that dream has a nightmarish tinge?they're worried they'll run out of money."

Lovell, president of Lovell Wealth Legacy, (www.lovellwealthlegacy.com), says 2015 can and should be the start of that good life. He offers three simple ways to bring your dream into reality.

·  Revise your budget at the year's beginning. Ask yourself: How do I spend my money? Many of us believe we have a reasonable idea of where we put our money, but unless you account for your spending, you may miss out by not putting away enough for your happy retirement.

A household's discretionary spending on nonessential goods and services like a second smart phone case or the premier movie channel is could top 30 percent. And that is often twice what you intended?but you don't see it until you budget. "Budgeting puts you in the driver's seat," Lovell says. "From there you can control where you spend. You're buying on purpose, and sometimes you get a nice surprise. That alluring vacation is now within reach."

·  Be proactive about your financial interests before visiting a professional. Knowing which financial products may work best for your personal needs and how to protect your hard-earned money from unnecessary taxation is not what most laypeople excel at. That job is best handled by working with a professional. But, as with your health, you reap the benefits of being aware of your needs and of initiating the process of looking after yourself.

"Remember, 40 percent of retirees underestimate their life expectancy, according to an Ernst & Young study," Lovell says, "so if you don't want to run out of money, create your financial plan to cover this extended retirement period. Then, you odds for a comfortable retirement are improved."

·  Consider alternatives to stocks, bonds and cash. Many new investment types have appeared to solve planning and retirement issues. Yet most investors limit their choices by relying exclusively on stocks, bonds and cash. From 2000 to 2013, the stock market, for all its ups and downs, wound up at roughly the same place, around 1527. At a 2 to 3 percent investment cost per year, many investors, for all their efforts, lost money! "I educate my clients by bringing to their attention the wide universe of investment types. Results are that more suitable solutions are uncovered and then applied for the client's benefit."

About Stephen F. Lovell, MBA, ChFC®, CLU®, CFP®
CFS, BCM, CRPC®, AEP®, RHU®, AIF®

Stephen F. Lovell is a thoroughly credentialed, nationally recognized financial professional. Since 1990, he has been gathering various licenses ? in insurance, securities, real estate, commodities and as a registered principle ? to offer his clients a thoroughly comprehensive perspective on their wealth. He is president of Lovell Wealth Legacy, (www.lovellwealthlegacy.com), and a branch manager at LPL Financial. Lovell has earned several professional honors and memberships. Since walking with his mother as a child for the March of Dimes in San Francisco, he has been active in local and national charities. More recently, Lovell has taken to the airwaves as a radio host at KDOW, where he hosts a weekly show about pursuing financial success and, of course, enjoying the fruits of that financial success.

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