Too Far to Go

Book Description

Stories that trace the decline and fall of a marriage, a history made up of the happiness of growing children and shared life, and the sadness of growing estrangement and the misunderstandings of love.

Customer Reviews:

Greater than the sum of its parts.......2005-09-16

This book is comprised of several short stories, which, like the title characters themselves, often seem like little more than sketches. Although I initially found that frustrating, I eventually came to realize that that works in this book's favor. As the title would suggest, the focus is on the Maples- their marriage, their infidelities- and the brevity and compactness of the stories helps to highlight that. Current events, politics, and the existence and plight of children are of secondary importance, and are mentioned, when they are mentioned at all, primarily to mark the passing of time and to fit the stories into a larger context.

Like a relationship that has ended, in which we remember the beginning and the ending more than the middle, the two stories that stand out the most are the first and the last, "Snowing in Greenwich Village" and the ironically-titled "Here Come the Maples".

"Snowing in Greenwich Village" shows a young couple just beginning their lives together, naive and inexperienced, who know very little about each other. "Here Come the Maples", by contrast, shows a couple who deeply understand one another, the result of familiarity and the passage of time as much as love. By this point, however, it's too late, and there's nothing they can do but go their separate ways. The final sentence is a perfect summation, touching and sad, that, despite its transparent literary-ness, still gets me choked up just recalling it.

Thou still unravishýd bride of quietness..........2004-02-22

Of all the scientific works that have dealt with the subject of love, marriage, divorce, children, parents, and care, none can truly explain the complex emotional waves that crash into lives of people when love is born. John Updike's Too Far Too Go is an astonishing work of literary fiction dealing with the early love and eventual separation of a young man and woman. Using simple language that is refined and beautiful, Updike masterfully explores the complex emotions that arise out of marital conflict and the stress it can cause on others, especially children. Updike's characters are so real that it becomes hard not to feel true sympathy for them. They are flawed as any human being, which makes them so wonderful.

His best work in Too Far To Go is "Separating", the end of the road for the Maples who have been dealing with marital troubles and are contemplating a short separation. Being the child of a divorced family, I found his account so accurate that it felt as though the words and actions of the characters were lifted word for word from a real conversation. It brought tears to my eyes as Richard, who seems always to be the collected father, break down and cry at dinner and confess his own shortcomings to his family. Every couple considering marriage and every child whose life has been so hurt by a divorce should read Updike's work in Too Far To Go. He is truly an American treasure and a master of the English language.

Updike's wistful scenes from a marriage.......2002-05-29

Here come the Maples, John Updike's fictional representation of a typical married couple in mid-to-latter twentieth century America. The Maples fight, drink, and sex their way through life, somehow still managing to find a little happiness. This book, comprised of a number of related short stories, is highly evocative of the mood of the early sixties. The gender roles and sexual repression of earlier decades was giving way to a new kind of freedom, but there was still an awful price to be paid in anger, in jealousy, in heartbreak. Yet somehow, this book explains, life goes on; stands are taken, moves are made, and children are raised, despite all the unpleasantness. The stories are told from the husband's point of view, so it seems odd that we don't get a very clear picture of the 'other woman' who causes so much trouble. But the really big question that hangs over this melancholy little volume is: Why are these people so hung up on sex? Updike takes pains to show how much these people care for each other, but somehow they still can't seem to be satisfied with each other. No answers are offered here, but no judgments are passed, either. Essentially, we're presented with a novel of manners that documents (for future generations) a particular time and lifestyle.

As always, Updike's prose is as flawless as his characters are flawed. Confused, weak, vacillating, frequently suffering from some self-inflicted or psychosomatic ailment, Richard is the everyman we don't want to glorify even though we see much of ourselves in him. His more conservative wife Joan feels herself trapped in a pit of self-righteous indignation. Together they feed off each other's neuroses until the inevitable occurs. This is not a happy book, but it doesn't have a powerfully tragic feel either. It's almost as though Updike had written these stories about his own failed relationships, from which he'd since moved on, but which still bore a kind of nostalgic, wistful glow. A lovely book, although not a spectacular one, aimed at those who enjoy analyzing relationships, rather than those who expect big things to actually happen.

Another great series from Rabbit's author........2002-01-08

And so there I was, having just finished the latest of the Rabbit series, sad to be leaving a group of people with whom I had spent many entertaining hours, when I came upon this book in the store. Terrific, I thought, another series in which to immerse myself, even if for much less time. I was not disappointed. This is excellent.

In addition to the storytelling, it is interesting in that it gives one a picture of an artist in development. As with the Rabbit series, the writing improves with each story, as the writer matures over a period of years. I highly recommend this collection.

Also of interest: this contains "Gesturing," selected by Updike himself for inclusion in "The Best American Short Stories of the Century."

Rebecca Cune, I love you.......2000-12-13

The Maples story "Snowing in Greenwich Village" is the most erotic short story I've ever read. Now that I've told you that, you'll read it and be disappointed. But what makes me feel this way is what Updike deliberately doesn't say about this one evening in the life of Richard and Joan Maple and their guest, Rebecca Cune. Doesn't say, that is, until the final sentence. And in that sentence, a single omitted comma where anyone else might have inserted one had the effect of nearly taking my breath away. Once you're finished reading, go back and read the first sentence again to see how well it all ties together.

I don't mean to ignore the other stories in this collection. They're all good, and I'll take the Maples as a series over Rabbit's sequels anytime.

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8 Titles By Oldfield - Beloved Stranger - Dragon Man - Too Far, Too Fast - Touch and Go - Beware of Married Men - Sudden Fire - Sparring Partners - The Price of Passion
Elizabeth Oldfield
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: B000O1DKMK

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8 massmarket paperback Titles By Oldfield - Beloved Stranger - Dragon Man - Too Far, Too Fast - Touch and Go - Beware of Married Men - Sudden Fire - Sparring Partners - The Price of Passion

The Value of Patriotism (Historical and Present Day Incidences of Patriotism) Grades 7 - 12

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The Value of Patriotism (Historical and Present Day Incidences of Patriotism) Grades 7 - 12
Carolyn Simpson
Manufacturer: The Rosen Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000WU1ZD4

Product Description

Grade 7-12-Simpson uses a global perspective to present historical and present-day incidences of patriotism. Many topics, such as war, communism, civil rights, and women's rights are raised and briefly discussed in relation to the subject. The text is clear, and builds with each chapter. Students are challenged to analyze and evaluate the material as they go, since many questions are raised and no definitive answers are provided. Black-and-white photos enhance the book's appearance and reinforce references to world leaders and events. An interesting, multifaceted title that may not serve for reports, but that is sure to spark discussion.

ADS CAN GO IN MANY NEW SPOTS BUT THERE ARE LIMITS Flying shadow for Jurassic Park III pushed the envelope too far for some papers.: An article from: NewsInc

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ADS CAN GO IN MANY NEW SPOTS BUT THERE ARE LIMITS Flying shadow for Jurassic Park III pushed the envelope too far for some papers.: An article from: NewsInc

Manufacturer: The Cole Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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This digital document is an article from NewsInc, published by The Cole Group on September 10, 2001. The length of the article is 2160 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: ADS CAN GO IN MANY NEW SPOTS BUT THERE ARE LIMITS Flying shadow for Jurassic Park III pushed the envelope too far for some papers.
Publication: NewsInc (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 10, 2001
Publisher: The Cole Group
Volume: 13 Issue: 18 Page: NA

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The debate over Indian mascots: does the NCAA's ban on Indian mascots and nicknames go too far, or not far enough? Fans--and tribes--are divided.(SOCIETY)(National ... : An article from: New York Times Upfront

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The debate over Indian mascots: does the NCAA's ban on Indian mascots and nicknames go too far, or not far enough? Fans--and tribes--are divided.(SOCIETY)(National ... : An article from: New York Times Upfront
Robert Andrew Powell
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from New York Times Upfront, published by Thomson Gale on November 28, 2005. The length of the article is 891 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The debate over Indian mascots: does the NCAA's ban on Indian mascots and nicknames go too far, or not far enough? Fans--and tribes--are divided.(SOCIETY)(National Collegiate Athletic Association)
Author: Robert Andrew Powell
Publication: New York Times Upfront (Magazine/Journal)
Date: November 28, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 138 Issue: 6 Page: 22(2)

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Does NCLB go too far? (Notebook: education information from schools, business, research and professional organizations).(No Child Left Behind Act)(Brief ... An article from: District Administration

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Does NCLB go too far? (Notebook: education information from schools, business, research and professional organizations).(No Child Left Behind Act)(Brief ... An article from: District Administration
Angela Pascopella
Manufacturer: Professional Media Group LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from District Administration, published by Professional Media Group LLC on January 1, 2003. The length of the article is 326 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Does NCLB go too far? (Notebook: education information from schools, business, research and professional organizations).(No Child Left Behind Act)(Brief Article)
Author: Angela Pascopella
Publication: District Administration (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2003
Publisher: Professional Media Group LLC
Volume: 39 Issue: 1 Page: 12(1)

Article Type: Brief Article

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Does the Patriot Act go too far? A response to the September 11 attacks, the Patriot Act is intended to help the U.S. in the fight against terrorism.(Debate): An article from: New York Times Upfront

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Does the Patriot Act go too far? A response to the September 11 attacks, the Patriot Act is intended to help the U.S. in the fight against terrorism.(Debate): An article from: New York Times Upfront
Russell Feingold , and John D. Ashcroft
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Terrorism | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B00082H64I
Release Date: 2007-02-16

Book Description

This digital document is an article from New York Times Upfront, published by Thomson Gale on April 26, 2004. The length of the article is 542 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Does the Patriot Act go too far? A response to the September 11 attacks, the Patriot Act is intended to help the U.S. in the fight against terrorism.(Debate)
Author: Russell Feingold
Publication: New York Times Upfront (Magazine/Journal)
Date: April 26, 2004
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 136 Issue: 13 Page: 21(1)

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Eminent domain proposals go too far.(View Point): An article from: Westchester County Business Journal

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Eminent domain proposals go too far.(View Point): An article from: Westchester County Business Journal
Adam Bradley
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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This digital document is an article from Westchester County Business Journal, published by Thomson Gale on February 27, 2006. The length of the article is 947 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Eminent domain proposals go too far.(View Point)
Author: Adam Bradley
Publication: Westchester County Business Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 27, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 45 Issue: 9 Page: 46(1)

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HIAA says health care reform bills 'go too far.' (Health Insurance Association of America): An article from: National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management

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HIAA says health care reform bills 'go too far.' (Health Insurance Association of America): An article from: National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management
Mary Jane Fisher
Manufacturer: The National Underwriter Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management, published by The National Underwriter Company on March 23, 1992. The length of the article is 573 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: HIAA says health care reform bills 'go too far.' (Health Insurance Association of America)
Author: Mary Jane Fisher
Publication: National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 23, 1992
Publisher: The National Underwriter Company
Issue: n12 Page: p51(1)

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Hiding behind national security: The Bush administration's secrecy measures go too far. (First Amendment Watch).(Brief Article): An article from: American Journalism Review

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Hiding behind national security: The Bush administration's secrecy measures go too far. (First Amendment Watch).(Brief Article): An article from: American Journalism Review
Jane Kirtley
Manufacturer: University of Maryland
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from American Journalism Review, published by University of Maryland on January 1, 2002. The length of the article is 795 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Hiding behind national security: The Bush administration's secrecy measures go too far. (First Amendment Watch).(Brief Article)
Author: Jane Kirtley
Publication: American Journalism Review (Refereed)
Date: January 1, 2002
Publisher: University of Maryland
Volume: 24 Issue: 1 Page: 62(1)

Article Type: Brief Article

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Book Description

To end a fierce border war, a marriage is decreed between Robert Maxwell, the bold new leader of a Scottish clan, and Caroline Graham, a proud member of the English family that has clashed with Maxwell's kin for generations. But while an uneasy peace takes hold, a furious passion flares between husband and wife -- a battle of wills sparked by heated kisses and tempting caresses....

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Customer Reviews:

A Nice Story and First In A Series!!!.......2005-08-17

Ms. Holling has created a very nice read with the first of her "Brides of the Bloodstone" series. With a mystery surrounding a mythical stone two families are bound to the other looking for a way to hold the stone.

Robert Maxwell is looking for peace for his family and clan. This bold Scottish leader decides that the easiest way to do this is to marry Caroline Graham. Marrying this lass will solve two problems. One, it will insure peace between the feuding families, and two, hopefully Carolines' brother will honor the agreement by freeing his brother that is being held hostage. Robert wants this thing to work so he is willing to be patient with his new bride, but will he be able to thaw the ice that seems to surround her on all sides?

Caroline Graham wants to be a nun. A bride of Christ, not a bride of Robert Maxwell. She knows though that her wishes are the least to be considered. Men, after all think of them only as pawns in their quest for peace. Despite Caroline's stubborn nature, she can't help but wonder if her husband is truly sincere when it comes to her. Can he really find her pretty, and desirable? Only time will tell but can she trust her heart to such a man? Is it her heart he wants to hold, or the mythical stone?

This was a nice well written read. Robert and Caroline were interesting characters although Caroline after a time became a bit too much. Thankfully she had a hero with patience which balanced out the read. Ms. Holling is a talented author and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

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A beautiful Scottish love story.......2002-10-04

Courtesy of The Best Reviews

Robert Maxwell, Laird of Clan Maxwell, longs for peace and the end to a bloody feud with the English Grahams. In order to achieve this, he decides to wed the oldest sister of the Graham family head. Robert enters into this agreement, much to the dismay of his entire clan, swearing to do whatever is necessary to make the alliance a happy one.

Caroline Graham is furious with her brother for signing her life away to the hated Maxwells. She has been convinced all her life no man would ever want her, the ugly sister, and she had planned to give herself to the Church as a nun. So she enters into this marriage determined to keep her icy demeanor (and her maidenhead) intact and show Robert just how unsuitable she was for a wife.

Robert is pleased when he meets Caroline and sets a course of seduction to convince her she is neither the ugly duckling she believes herself to be, nor the nun she desires to be. Caroline's walls are gradually beaten down by a very determined Robert, and she finds herself falling for him, all the while convinced he couldn't possibly love her.

An ancient legend stands in their way, however. There is a magical stone, taken from the scabbard of the legendary Excalibur, said to protect the possessor from harm. This stone is the basis for the nasty feud, and the cause of a deadly massacre 60 years previous. Problems escalate again upon the marriage of Robert and Caroline, as her greedy brother wants the stone for his own.

Can Caroline and Robert overcome their fears and plaguing doubts? Will their binding relationship put an end to the feud forever as legend proclaims?

Ms. Holling has woven an intricate tale of passion, greed, and vengeance. This book runs the gamut of emotions and desire. The characters are engaging, though it took this reviewer a while to warm up to Caroline. The plot is seamless and the legend of Excalibur is worked in effortlessly. The story is slow going for the first few chapters, but once it picks up, the reader will not be disappointed.

One will be eagerly waiting to see how the rest of the story pans out in successive books. This is a delightful read and comes highly recommended.

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Tempted By Your Touch (Brides of the Bloodstone, 1)

Manufacturer: Sonnet Book published by Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Similar Items:

Captured by Your Kiss

Tamed by Your Desire (Brides of the Bloodstone, #2)

Captured by Your Kiss: Brides of the Bloodstone

Tamed by Your Desire (Brides of the Bloodstone)

ASIN: 0739422219

Product Description

Fans of Connie Brockway and Claire Delacroix will be riveted by this tale of magic and passion in 16th century Scotland. Laird Robert Maxwell has decided it is time to end his clan's longstanding blood feud with the Graham's, so he arranges to marry Lady Caroline Graham. Sparked by heated kisses and tempting caresses, their battle of wills sonn flares into burning mutual desire. But as their marriage of convenience turns into a marriage of the heart, peace may not be as aimple as they envisioned, for someone thinks Robert possesses a magical stone said to have come from the sword EXCALIBUR. And he'll do anything to get it.

Brides of the Bloodstone Tempted By Your Touch

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Brides of the Bloodstone Tempted By Your Touch
Jen Holling
Manufacturer: Pockbook Sonnett Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HSD8UE

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Teilhard de Chardin, a 20th-century Jesuit priest and paleontologist, is a favorite theologian of contemporary notables such as Al Gore, Mario Cuomo, Marshall McCluhan, and cyberguru John Perry Barlow. Cuomo has said, "Teilhard made negativism a sin. He taught us how the whole universe--even pain and imperfection--is sacred." Ursula King, in Spirit of Fire: The Life and Vision of Teilhard de Chardin, has written an accessible, entertaining, and lavishly illustrated biography of Teilhard. His writings were all but ignored during his lifetime, but now serve as a lifeline for people of faith struggling to define divine imperatives for ecological responsibility and technological engagement.

Customer Reviews:

The Universe And Mankind Are Both Evolving Towards Perfection.......2006-02-26

Ursula King's biography of Teihard de Chardin is a fascinating book written in a style which makes a difficult subject seem quite understandable. King weaves the story of Teihard's life around snapshots of his constantly maturing vision of God, the universe and mankind.

Known for his original concepts such as the ongoing evolution of both the universe and mankind towards perfection and the existence of a global network of self-awareness, Teihard was always regarded as a loose canon by the Vatican. Consequently, not much of his work was released during his lifetime except for those relatively few items which were privately published and distributed among a circle of his friends. Since his death in 1955 all his books and essays have been made available to the general public. Teihard nurtured close, supportive relationships with a small number of caring females and left many letters which reveal the importance of these women in his life.

Although at times he is difficult to comprehend, there is no doubt that Teihard ranks as one of the most prominent thinkers of the twentieth century. The fact that he is recognized as a famous and respected scientist as well as a mystic, greatly increases his significance.

Great introduction to De Chardin.......2002-06-28

This is a great introduction to those who want to know more about this great man. No doubt as time go by his original thinking will be recognized, The author does a good job touching all periods of his life along with his writing. A lot of photos. But if you what to know De Chardin use his writings for prayer.

Before you read the works of Chardin, read this!.......2000-04-03

This is a fine introduction to the prolific life and writings of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, the most important theologian of the 20th century. Chardin's theology, banned for years by the Vatican, was at least a hundred years ahead of it's time. A geologist, palenthologist, mystic, spiritual lover, he proposed that Darwin's theories of evolution were not contrary to God's revelation but actually was Revelation.

King's book does a good job of detailing Chardin's life, his passions, his pursuits, his beliefs and his science. Though dry and slow at times, the author does help to illuminate the theology of someone who isn't easy to read. Though he lived a rich life, Chardin's writing can be somewhat cold and too scientific at times for the layreader to understand. This book, however, is good solid primer and should be the starting point for anyone interested in a man ahead of his time.

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Spirit of Fire: The Life and Vision of Teilhard de Chardin.(Brief Article): An article from: Theological Studies
James F. Salmon
Manufacturer: Theological Studies, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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ASIN: B00097QBCU
Release Date: 2005-06-01

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Theological Studies, published by Theological Studies, Inc. on September 1, 1997. The length of the article is 1366 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Spirit of Fire: The Life and Vision of Teilhard de Chardin.(Brief Article)
Author: James F. Salmon
Publication: Theological Studies (Refereed)
Date: September 1, 1997
Publisher: Theological Studies, Inc.
Volume: v58 Issue: n3 Page: p580(1)

Article Type: Book Review, Brief Article

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