Thursday, May 29, 2008

Windows on the world


Intriguing isn't it? That is what I thought when I saw these odd "Men in black" wandering on the Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir (a new bridge over the Seine, inaugurated in 2006) with these wooden frames. Then I spoke to Avi Wanono, the instigator of this event. He is a student at L'Ensad, a school that teaches decorative arts in Paris and this was a project he made for his studies. It's called "Les Voyeurs" (subtitle: Spectacular events) - in French voyeur does not necessarily mean the same thing as in English - and the idea is to get passers by to "have a better look at the urban space". Pretty creative eh?! (See more photo in this little slide show)Congratulations to Avi but also to Adrien, Benoît, Eliel, Fabien, Gaspard, Florent, Jean-Baptiste, Johnathan, Noam, Smail, Victor and Yacine!

68 comments:

  1. Two men, one frame. I find this very intrgiung. But as you cannot think before you write to get there first I won't I hope this will suffice.

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  2. Mirror, mirror, on the wall, tell me who's the fastest typist of them all? ;) Tee hee!

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  3. Have frame, will travel. A neat idea. Like the slide show also.

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  4. Lately I've been more interested in looking closely at the photo than being GF! (Of course I haven't a chance of being GF, so...) But look! In the background is a man with a smaller frame. He's either having a bad day or fixing his hair. Very interesting.

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  5. Just kidding, of course. Hey Rose, I did give you a good match today, didn't I? ;) Goodnight, everyone!

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  6. Me too, Petrea, maybe just not today, though, because I screwed up yesterday.

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  7. Ohhhhh! I thought for a split second there I may have had the GF!
    Does that mean I comment on the photo or not? LOL,
    This looks like a performance piece. When I enlarged the photo it was interesting to see a man behind them carrying a smaller version of what the men in the front are carrying. Quite intriguing Eric!

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  8. This reminds me of something...I can't figure it out. Maybe an Escher drawing. Maybe something out of a Duran Duran music video.

    So the idea is to look through the frame and realize that art can be found in everything we see? Is that it? Brilliant, if so. If not, I know what event I'm going to instigate tomorrow!

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  9. They both look very Franch, I think. And the concept is great, actually. Everyone's too stressed nowadays to really contemplate what's around them. Mmm, food for thoughts. (This really is my last comment for today.)

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  10. I was so busy typing-I didn't read the description!
    I love how all of the participants dressed for the occasion.
    The slide show is wonderful.
    Merci!

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  11. Eric, I'm a big fan of staged art. I've done some in Paris - you can check my Paris Photo Art for the photo taken in Jardin des Plantes.

    My favorite artist working in this area is Gregory Crewdson. His work has a feel about it that is downright eerie and reminds me of Edward Hopper in some ways. For more information use these links.

    http://www.artnet.com/artist/4589/gregory-crewdson.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_Crewdson
    http://www.guggenheimcollection.org/site/artist_works_172_0.html

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  12. Wow, the video is superbe!
    Windows on the World : that reminds me of the title of a book written by Frédéric Beigbeder. The subject of this book is 9/11... How a father with his two boys lived their last moments in one of the tower (very moving, of course).
    Do you remember, Eric, I spoke to you about the book, two months ago or so? Probably not!!! But yes I did ;)

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  13. I like the video, but I must say that I would feel tempted to hop through the frame when they were holding it steady across the bridge. It also kind of reminded me of a time machine - you hop through it and end up in Paris 200 years ago... Seriously, I've only taken cough medicine today.

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  14. What a beautiful idea, Pont Girl. (The time machine, not the cough medicine. That would be "Bad Pont Girl.")

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  15. may be the hand in the hair has a meaning ... little frame smaller vision u don t get all the picture and have a wrong idea this makes the person feel upset ... humm ... this all catch in one picture ... i like it [the pic and the frames] inge with no cough med

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  16. There is a commercial here in the states for an automobile (can't recall which) but it shows people getting out in their vehicles and seeing their surroundings through a huge frame suspended in the air. I thought of it when I saw your photo, Eric.

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  17. Very cool!! And the video is awesome! Nice job, Eric!

    As a child, I would pretend that I had a frame in my head and look out of the car window and "click" when it would be a good painting or photograph. I guess I'm still doing that today. :)

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  18. Hey, Alexandra -- congrats on redeeming yourself. Did consider giving you some competition (:-}, but that would have meant staying at the office when I didn't really need to . . . Whatever -- you win. Yay, you!

    Eric, did you take this photo when you were in the quartier photographing La Boudeuse??

    When you think about it, this is actually a very simple idea -- usually the best kind. These folks are certainly talented-- and I love the way they all dressed the same, in austere black suits. They made it so much more than just a simple idea.
    Once again, thank you for making Paris come alive for us!
    BTW, what did la charmante voisine Therese think of all this? (Je ne peux pas imaginer -- but please tell us, Eric.)

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  19. Very interesting. I notice that the men in black seem to have purposely placed themselves inside the frame. I'd have thought it would be more comfortable to have carried the thing in front of themselves or behind, so i'm guessing the purpose was to be within, for some reason.

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  20. Oh Alexandra! Tonight you deserve to be GF, fair and square.

    Very funny your "mirror mirror..."



    Fantastic project, congrats to Avi Wanono!

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  21. Corinne I read the same book & thought about 9/11 when I read windows on the world as Eric's title today-only I didn't remember the name of the book I just remembered Windows on the World being the name of the restaurant at the top of one of the World Trade Center buildings. Thanks for reminding me- it was a very moving portrayal of what happened that day. As sad as it was to read I was glad I did.

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  22. I was just reading my Musée d'Orsay book today and remember something...here it is:
    "On the other hand, there were the painters of modern life led by Degas, whom Duranty (a critic) defended even more vigorously. He justifed the daring framing of Degas, Caillebotte and Manet by what we see when we look out of the window: 'Depending on whether we are close to it or a long way away, and on whether we are sitting down or standing up, a window frame surrounds the scenery we can see outside in the most unexpected way, showing us the endless variety and novelty that is one of the saving graces of reality.'"

    That I read this today, and here is Eric's photo--I couldn't think of a better example of serendipity. (Is there a translation for this?)

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  23. Yes...many years ago I too was an Art Student and this is the time of year that Art Students look for "unusual projects"! ;-)

    I really liked your slide show Eric and it looks like Spring is in full bloom in Paris! The foliage of the trees and the green of the lawns is a total affirmation that Spring has sprung in Paris and summer isn't all that far off!

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  24. I think Eric being Johnny-on-the- spot with his camera to capture the walking-frame-gents is equally impressive. You always seem to be where the Parisian action is. Amazing! Honestly, I appreciate the cleverness of the artistic expression, but that's about it. Doesn't one get the same effect by looking through one's hands?

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  25. Well, I think this idea is absolutely fabulous ... to encourage the passer by to get a better look at the urban space. Tomorrow I'm going to do just that. Nice job, Eric, again.

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  26. I think there is something Rene Magritte-ish about this photo

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  27. Just reAD SOME OF YESTERDAY.... pETRA..eIFFEL TOWER EQUALS sUZY. sEE WHAT i MEAN?
    Lynn, a layover is the time we spend in a city after a flight. Don't get me started on cockpit.
    Gotta get downstairs to leave this beautiful city.

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  28. Alexandra
    It is nice to have competition and even nicer knowing that PDP is liked by so many ;)
    Well done.

    PHX
    I can't wait to hear Lynn's comments on cockpit! lol

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  29. This is a nicely captured shot & nice reading the backdrop of the shot.

    http://calcuttanow.blogspot.com/

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  30. Looks like something out of a movie, or something suspicious. ;D Great capture!

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  31. Nice one, to frame the reality to see life more beautiful and as an art work... I like the concept. It's like to wear coloured glasses in the 70's to see la vie en rose.

    Lynn, Petrea, about yesterday, I'm sorry about the 'old lady'! In French it's not politicaly incorrect to say 'vieille dame' (old lady), it's absolutely not pejorative. Was good to know that, it will permit me to avoid blunders!!

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  32. The picture reminds me of the wooden frame I built to stretch canvas on to paint two large oils for a school. It was hard to do to keep the canvas from deforming the frame I had to put braces in the middle part and offset them so the canvas would not rest against them. It was a long time ago when I had more ambition than common sense.

    I think the student idea is worthy and should work out to give a better view of the space.

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  33. Eric - I know you hear this all the time, but I must say you ALWAYS seem to get the best photo! They are interesting and beautiful to study. And I love the way you really get out into your city - this is a TRUE daily photo blog of a city. Some city blogs just give pictures of flower in somebody's backyard. Thanks for the daily walk through Paris, in your camera lens.

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  34. Yes, Magritte fits well, Phx! All we need is Eric ironing in the background.

    Cockpit? Ok i have to bite. You mean there's another meaning than the area in which the pilots sit? Cockpit, cockpit, pit, cock, hmmm. I don't like the way my mind's going. Yet again on PDP. Please put me out of my misery.

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  35. No matter, Guille. It was only for that reason that i corrected you. I couldn't stand back and watch you go to England and call someone old. EEK! A definite no-no here in old Blighty. You'd have got some very offended looks back. Old is for books, furniture, boots, even dogs but not for people. Though they can say it themselves. "Ohh, not me; I'm an old man now, i couldn't manage dancing all night anymore." but you could never say that same thing to or about someone. Unless it's a joke and you think that person will also laugh! Be sure though, be very sure. lol.

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  36. Guille, thank God in France there not much of this crazy political correct thing.

    Phx, totally agree with you, Magritte!


    Lynn we all love the way your mind goes... now let's just wait til Phx tells you (us) what cockpit she's talking about.

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  37. The political correctness in England is crazy in my opinion too Monica, it's just absurd, some of it.

    However 'old' has always been impolite in English! At least in my living memory. Elderly is best to use. I would not call Therese elderly though, i would say she is mature.

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  38. Ohhhh i want to live in France! I know it's impractical, that i haven't a hope in hell of doing so, but i want to. I've always wanted to. I nearly did once, nearly moved to Charente. Ohhh. This is a propos nothing, just watching an antiques programme set in Marseilles. I want to be there!

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  39. Eric, I just want to echo what M.K. said: you really get out and about, all over town, for the great photos. It makes for a diverse and fascinating picture of Paris.

    You're an inspiration to me to try new routes and new places in my town, and really discover it with my camera. Thank you.

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  40. Always finding the intriguing in the everyday. Great job Eric!

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  41. Lynn, do you want to share a flat with me?? I'm currently looking for someone to share a flat for September. ;)
    Cockpit, cockpit, for God's sake Lynn, what are you thinking about?! hehe.

    Monica, I HATE the politically correct words. It's a crime against truth and honesty!

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  42. Well said Guille! re; politically correct.

    Oh how i'd love to share a flat with you Guille! he he. As i said it's a hopeless dream for me anyway, to live in Paree. Possibly later when my sons are off living their own lives, it could happen... but i love having my son with me so i don't want to wish that time away either. We would have a giggle though. It's an idle wish for me that's all. Cock, pit, cock...? Ummm, hum, hum, i just daren't say

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  43. Isn't "politically correct" an oxymoron?

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  44. Eric,I can only echo the others;you always seem to be on the spot and get great photos of the Paris action.
    This happening is a fascinating kind of art, and it really can make you stop for a while and look at reality with new eyes. GREAT !

    Tomorrow morning I'm going away, on work, for a week. And I won't have internet access, so I'll miss my daily PDP fix, and ALL of you, terrible.
    Take good care everyone ! And don't change your photos, otherwise I'll think I have entered the wrong blog, when I come back.
    See you in a week ;)

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  45. Coltrane, if I was not studying politics I could laugh...No, I'm kidding LOL
    It's definitely two antithetic terms!

    Lynn, it's a pious wish you know...(about your son);)

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  46. Bettina, see you in a week! Don't worry about the photos, the names stay!

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  47. Bettina, I hope you are still here -- I mailed the gallery cards yesterday. You should receive the package in 5 to 10 business days. I put a little surprise in the package :-)

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  48. phx-cdg a dit...
    "Lois, your picture on your blog with the scene of Paris came to mind." Thank you for thinking of me. That was a beautiful comment. It was poetry. And I was surprised to see myself there. I finished the painting "Kissing Sur le Seine" the night before last. Eric, Katie and BuzzGirl saw it when they came over to my studio. It usually does not take a year for me to paint a painting. I have been traveling a lot to Paris and Montreal. Usually I paint three paintings a year. Maybe this is changing.

    alexa a dit...
    "And where is Lois today?"
    I was at an interview. And then I went over to have lunch with the guys and watch the international soccer game -- US vs. UK. The UK won. The US isn't very good at this sport. It is my favorite male sport. The men are very handsome I think. Then after that I went to Cafe Bastille and hung out with Olivier (from France), Eric (from France), Jerome (from France), Sabina (from Bulgaria), Cindy (from France) and Julie (from France). Olivier just bought a big screen TV for the cafe. They are getting ready for the EuroCup starting June 6th. They were hanging little flags from all the countries. I could not guess which one was Russia (I got it wrong two times). Ilya, (from Russia), looked at me sideways. Hmmmm

    Lynn, I have been telling people my whole life that, when I become an old lady, I want to live in France. I said, I like the way they treat older women there. I don't like the way they treat the elderly here in the US. They have a fixation on "young".

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  49. I commented about the slide show in that section. I am going to comment here as well -- I'm saying something different though. The slide show was so beautifully composed that at the end I felt a big swelling up inside of me. I really miss Paris. That was a beautiful ending. It also brought to mind the view I get of the Pyramid Building (same shape as tour le Eiffel) when standing on top of a San Francisco hill. We have a lot of those.

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  50. Oh BTW, All those people I named above at Cafe Bastille are silent PDP observers. Sabina likes Eric's photos and comments very much. Remember the time Eric posted a link to a site where this man taught us French in a few minutes? It was really funny, and the gang at Cafe Bastille got a big kick out of it.

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  51. Guille!!! If I´m lucky enough you´ll be looking for someone to share a flat with next year, vers mai ou juin...

    he he here I am stealing the offer you´ve made to Lynn, I´m shameless...!

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  52. Monica, I'm not an exlusive person! I can share a flat with you, Lynn, and all those who want it :) But my offer was for a long period, something like...ten years? I mean when my studies will end. Ok, then ten years. LOL
    Anyway, you're welcome anytime you want (if I have an apartment...).

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  53. Ten years? Save me a small corner of the flat then Guille! Please. lol.

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  54. David, thanks for the links on Gregory Crewdson. I did not know him. I, too, love staged art ;)


    Errr Corinne "Do you remember, Eric, I spoke to you about the book, two months ago or so? Probably not!!! But yes I did ;)"
    I'll be honest... I don't!


    Thiên. "I thought of it when I saw your photo." Actually I may have seen this commercial - or a commercial like this - too because it rings a bell.

    Thanks Christie. Funny the childhood story. Very funny actually.

    Alexa "Eric, did you take this photo when you were in the quartier photographing La Boudeuse??" Yes!
    About Thérèse. She sent me a nice thank you email saying that her brother and few other people loved it ;) I don't think she could read all the English comments though...


    Jeff "That I read this today, and here is Eric's photo--I couldn't think of a better example of serendipity. (Is there a translation for this?)" We have no word for serendipity ;)


    Coltrane "You always seem to be where the Parisian action is. " It was sheer coincidence.
    "Doesn't one get the same effect by looking through one's hands?" No!!! LOL.

    Laurie "Tomorrow I'm going to do just that.". OK, we want the photos ;)

    Abraham "It was a long time ago when I had more ambition than common sense.". I LOVE that!

    M. K. "Thanks for the daily walk through Paris, in your camera lens." Thank you ;)

    Lynn "All we need is Eric ironing in the background." LOOOOOOOL

    Guille "Thank God in France there not much of this crazy political correct thing."? Errr. Are you kidding? What do you call calling a cashier a "check out lane hostess then?"

    Petrea "Eric, I just want to echo what M.K. said: you really get out and about, all over town, for the great photos. It makes for a diverse and fascinating picture of Paris." Blush ;)
    + Sherry ;))

    Coltrane "Isn't "politically correct" an oxymoron?" LOOOOOOOL

    Bettina "Tomorrow morning I'm going away, on work, for a week" Come back soon! I'll save all the photos especially for you ;)

    Thanks for the tip about Cafe Bastille. Telle them to check tomorrow's (Friday) post;)

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  55. BTW, tomorrow (May 30) is Michael's birthday...

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  56. Eric, it was not me, it was Monicaaaaaaaaa!
    Et je suis moi même une HOTESSE DE CAISSE!

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  57. When I read your blog title, I immediately thought of the restaurant at the top of the World Trade Center Tower in NYC before 9/11.

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  58. Lois - I envy you having Europeans to watch soccer matches with. Loved it when I was there, but it's a bit hard to be as enthusiastic here. You're right -- we're just not as good (yet, anyway).
    I too have vowed to live in Paris when I am a vieille dame. I truly hate the way that older people here are patronized. If I have to stay here, I plan to be very eccentric.

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  59. Alexa "I plan to be very eccentric" I will love you as a vieille dame then!
    I don't really understand what you and Lois mean when you say that you don't like the way US people treat ederly people...

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  60. Lynn, you got the meaning right the first time when it came to cockpit. After that, you made me hear things I never heard before!!
    You reminded me of Gertrude Stein with your repetition. A Rose is a Rose is a Rose, but not our Rose.She is one in a million. So is Michael, and I wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY now as there will be no computer for me tomorrow. I still can't figure out facebook to send you a card there,so please know that I am thinking of you.

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  61. lol Eric - a checkout lane hostess? Pah!!! That's as bad as anything here in the UK and i thought that was impossible.

    I think the UK has gone barmy in it all to be honest. Not only the correctness thing but health & safety and i'm a really cautious, safe person! Today in the UK paper it reports that uni students may no longer throw their mortar boards (graduation hats) into the air as is the tradition - in case they hurt themselves or others. I despair.

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  62. Eric, yes that was me. Well, how was I suppose to know a cashier is a check out lane hostess???!!!! LOL

    I know it's Michael's birthday. Time to wish him a great one.

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  63. Guille, ok 10 years might be a bit too much. But I'll take the offer even if for a day!!!

    And you're welcome to stay in my flat anytime you want too, that is, if you ever feel like coming to Rio. Michael seems to enjoy Rio a lot, so maybe you would too!

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  64. Oooops Sorry Guille, I got you confused with Monica. It'll teach me to answer comments before it's late at night and my eyes are half-way closed LOL!

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  65. Good job! I like that one of the guys is on a bicycle an the other is on a skateboard. Yes, be sure to go inside the photo by blowing up. Look at the face of the guy in the foreground.

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  66. How odd but cool at the same time! Nice catch!

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