Archive for September, 2005

Posted on Sep 30th, 2005

Chi Hair Straighteners feature high on the list of popular flat irons. Farouk Systems, the manufacturer of Chi hair straighteners, is renowned for quality hair care products.

Chi Hair Straighteners start with the original Chi Ceramic Hairstyling Iron, offering a variety of possible styles. The 1" ceramic plates produce negative ions, which protects the hair cuticle, and seals in moisture. Heat damage is thus kept to an absolute minimum. This process also seals in color, helping to maintain a vibrant look for a longer period.

Forming part of the Chi Hair Straighteners line, the Chi Ceramic Hairstyling Iron doesn’t feature an adjustable temperature dial. However, it has been designed to maintain an even temperature throughout the period of use. Flash Heating ensures that you can use the product within 6-10 seconds of turning it on. The amount of ceramic heat applied to the hair section, can be increased by a changing your grip on the flat iron.

The Chi Turbo Ceramic Hairstyling Iron is another product from the Farouk stable. These Chi Hair Straighteners are available in three sizes. The Mini Chi Turbo with .7" plates or the Regular 1" Chi Turbo will be a good choice for shorter hair. For serious hair, try the 2" Big Chi Turbo. Far Infrared technology allows for super-fast heating.

Variable temperature settings ensures a greater degree of control, and the ability to be gentle with delicate hair. In contrast to older copper coils, the heat produced by the ceramic plates and coils of Chi hair straighteners, is moist.

As with any thermal heating product, usage is safer and performance more effective if your hair is in excellent condition before attempting your new look. Ask your hairstylist to recommend a heat protector for use before styling. Heat is only distributed to the ceramic plates of the Chi, and the Chi Turbo comes with felt at the tip for extra protection. Nevertheless, it is sensible to be careful when using Chi Hair Straighteners or any of the other flat irons.

Small details haven’t been overlooked in these Chi Hair Straighteners. The length of the cord is very generous, and because of the 360 degree swivel connection, tangling doesn’t occur easily. The Chi Turbo, as well as the original Chi, fits in a standard curling iron station.

Ceramic flat irons can be utilized to create any of the celebrity hair styles that are so in demand. Make the most of any of the Chi hair straighteners. Ask your hairstylist to demonstrate how you can shape your hair into a fashionable, sleek, straight look, or fabulous flips and curls, or a charming crimped style.

Farouk Systems is a company of hair artists. Through Chi Hair Straighteners, they strive to transfer their magic to the hands and hair of every woman using their products.

For more information visit Best-Hair-Beauty.com

Rika Susan of Article-Alert.com researches, writes, and publishes full-time on the Web. Copyright of this article: 2006 Rika Susan. This article may be reprinted if the resource box and hyperlinks are left intact.

Posted on Sep 30th, 2005

Is Beauty Skin Deep?

The answer is yes and no. It’s a paradox, isn’t it? True beauty begins from the inside out. Don’t you wish there was some way to “wriggle your nose” and regain that soft skin you had as a child? Well, until someone comes up with the true “Fountain of Youth” we are stuck with what we have.

The best route to healthy skin is to take care of what you have. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? The truth is that your skin takes a beating from the environment every single day. Here are some of our favorite tips for keeping your skin fresh and healthy:

1. Stay hydrated and do it with plenty of water! That doesn’t mean soda, caffeine or any other type of liquid even if it is low cal. Soda (even diet soda) has a high concentration of sodium. Sodium retains fluids. You need fluid that will hydrate and flush your body free of toxins. Make sure you are drinking at least 8 glasses a day!

2. Protect your skin from harmful ultra violet (UV) rays. We all love the sun. We love being in it and we love having a beautiful tan. The truth is you can poison yourself with too much sunshine. UV rays cause skin cancer and if that isn’t bad enough it causes your skin to age faster than it should contributing to unsightly wrinkles. If you must play in the sun, make certain you are using an adequate sun screen. Don’t leave home without it!

3. Apply your sun screen even if you only make a quick trip to the grocery store. Yes, you can get harmful UV rays even while driving your car!

4. Keep your skin clean. Use a soft warm cloth. Skin does not require scrubbing. You will do more harm than good if you do.

5. Exfoliate dead skin cells every night.

6. Create your own facial masks. Here are a couple of excellent masks that you can create with ingredients right from your kitchen: Oatmeal mask: Mix oatmeal with skim milk and apply. Eggs: A raw egg yolk makes an excellent face mask. Try adding a little honey to the egg yolk for a change of pace. Mayonnaise makes another terrific face mask and will leave your skin feeling very soft

7. Use an antioxidant cream. You are bombarded every day with environmental toxins that attack the surface of your skin. In fact most damage to the skin can be attributed to free radicals. When you expose yourself to toxins like air pollution free radical production increases. Apply an antioxidant cream to your skin before applying your sun screen.

8. The best cure for wrinkles is to never have them in the first place! If you are like most of us, you didn’t listen to your Mum when she tried to tell you to stay in the shade, stand up straight and stop squinting!

9. Stop shaving your legs and use hot wax. Much gentler on your skin.

10. Mix up a tablespoon of brandy along with a smashed up peach and apply to your face for twenty minutes then rinse. Makes for a great summer facial.

Simon is webmaster and editor of http://www.naturalremedies4u.com. If you enjoyed this article, visit http://www.naturalremedies4u.com/beauty.php for more great health and beauty information.

To sign up for our free newsletter, visit http://www.be-prepared.naturalremedies4u.com

Posted on Sep 29th, 2005

IF YOU WANT TO DO IT YOURSELF

Then you should browse the Internet or go to the nearest drugstore and ask for the most in-demand over the counter teeth whitening kit they have available. There’s certainly nothing wrong if you want to do the teeth whitening treatment all by yourself because it’s your teeth anyway and so you have the right to do whatever you want to do. Opting for a do it yourself teeth whitening treatment is also definitely cheaper than going for a professional teeth whitening treatment so if you’re still busy saving for the rainy days to come then yes, the practical choice would be going for an at home teeth whitening kit.

Now, before you purchase any do it yourself teeth whitening kit, make sure that you search and browse for consumer reviews first so you’d have an idea about which teeth whitening product is reportedly the most effective in provides results in the shortest time possible. Secondly, look for an over the counter teeth whitening kit that comes with a thirty day money back guarantee. I assure you, there are teeth whitening products that are out in the market and provide users with such assurance so better purchase one with a warranty like that. Thirdly, if the teeth whitening product you’re using is a toothpaste, make sure that it has the ADA seal of approval to indicate that it’s declared to safe to use for consumers.

Now, there are two types of at-home teeth whitening kits available in the market and they are teeth whitening kits that contain bleaching solutions and teeth whitening kits which contain whitening toothpastes. If your problems are mainly surface stains or you’re not that good with measuring solutions and the likes then you should stick with a teeth whitening treatment that only uses whitening toothpaste. But if your teeth discoloration problems go much deeper and you have no problems with measuring liquids and fitting the mold of your teeth then certainly it’s better to use a bleaching solution because it takes a more direct approach to teeth whitening.

ON THE OTHER HAND

If you seem to have problems about doing the whole teeth whitening treatment yourself, nervous about side effects and you have cash to spare for additional expenses then certainly, it’s more preferable if you let the experts take over and have the dentist take control of the whole teeth whitening procedure. With a dentist to help you out, you’re sure to have whiter teeth in no time at all!

Michael N. is webmaster of Teeth-Whitening-Insight.com. He provides more information about teeth whitening and tips on how to make your teeth whitening treatment last longer at his website.

Posted on Sep 29th, 2005

If you wear your hair natural, you are probably familiar with co-washing, or washing the hair with conditioner only. Conditioner washing avoids harsh results from frequent washing with shampoos and helps to keep natural black hair soft and manageable. Co-washing can be done as often as you’d like, even several times a day (this is a plus for natural hair wearers in the hot days of summer).

Oftentimes the question of "How do I co-wash my hair?" comes up. The answer would seem simple, but there are some steps you can take to get the most benefit from this technique and do it with ease.

* First, find a conditioner that works for your hair type. Search online for keywords "hair types" and narrow your hair type down to one or two close categories. You may be a combo 3c and 4a. This will help you better understand which type of conditioner to purchase among the many available.

* Get to know your ingredients. The long, hard-to-pronounce ingredients on the label can be overwhelming. But with familiarity, you can learn to spot which ingredients you want to keep and which you want to avoid. Ingredients like propylene glycol, cetyl alcohol and panthenol are common. Search online for ingredients lists. One such list can be found at http://sci-toys.com/ingredients/ingredients.html.

* Recommended: Purchase an extended shower head/hose. Handheld shower heads with variable sprays offer the best control for rinsing the hair and are often well worth the investment.

* Rinse the hair with warm water. Avoid water that is too hot (if it initially stings your back, it’s too hot). Cleansing results from the action of water plus cleanser (shampoo and/or conditioner) and agitation (hand movements through the hair). Warm water will clean hair well while hot water can be damaging. While rinsing with water, gently comb your hair with your fingers.

* Apply your conditioner. This can be done in several ways.

(1) Pour a line of conditioner into your hand (as opposed to pouring a dollop) and apply each line onto parted hair sections. Work the conditioner from the roots to the tips. Continue until all the hair is covered.

(2) Squeeze your normal amount of conditioner into a large bowl, preferably plastic. With the shower head, add water to the bowl and mix the water and conditioner well with your hands. Bend your head over the bowl. With a cup or other small container, scoop up some of the mix and pour it onto your hair. You can then lean further over into the bowl and wash your hair with your hands directly over the bowl if you’d like. This allows for even coverage, but note that the conditioner will be more dilute.

(3) Squeeze your normal amount of conditioner into a large clean spray bottle and mix with water. Shake well and spray liberally onto the hair. Again, this mixture will be more dilute than a direct application. This method is great for those who only have minutes to spare in the mornings. Make a large batch of diluted conditioner, spray your hair and rinse out after bathing.

* Comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb with rounded-edge teeth. This step is optional, as there remains a debate as to whether combing while wet does more damage to hair than combing while dry. It has been said that combing while wet can stretch the hair past it’s longest point, thereby causing breakage. However, many who wear their hair natural report that combing while the hair is fully conditioned is the best time for them, as the hair is soft and pliable, leading to less breakage. In either case, comb hair gently by grabbing one small section at a time. Comb from the TIPS first, ensuring there are no snags then work your way to the roots. It’s ok if you cannot comb from root to tip in one stroke. The main idea is to ease tangles and distribute the conditioner evenly.

* Allow the conditioner to set on your hair for at least a few minutes if possible. Both steam from the shower and the conditioner itself will work on your hair during this time. Give yourself a nice salt or sugar scrub while your hair is being conditioned.

* Rinse your hair well, again with warm water. Ease your fingers through each section while the water flows through to remove any remaining conditioner.

* Optional: Apply your hair products at this step — while your hair is dripping wet. Many naturals swear by this technique and believe the best absorption is gained at this time. At the least, your product(s) can be more evenly distributed throughout your hair while it is sopping wet.

* It’s time to dry. Just as with the application, there are several ways to dry your hair.

(1) Dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing your scalp and hair with a towel at all costs! Instead, simply dab and pat your hair dry, or grab sections and squeeze excess water into the towel.

(2) Shake and go. Lay your towel across the back of your shoulders (lengthwise shoulder to shoulder). Grab the bottom corners of the towel and raise it up to your head, almost over your head. Think of Batman’s cape raised up as he jumps off a tall building! With the towel raised, shake your head from side to side (ear to shoulder) and left to right (like saying no), shaking excess water into the towel. This is what I call the "no touch" method. Sometimes drying the hair directly with a towel can remove products you’ve just applied, even helping to separate your freshly-formed coils and spirals. You want your coils to group together to avoid the frizzies. This method is perfect for the warmer months when you possibly can afford to go longer periods with damp hair.

(3) Blow dry, but with care. When blow drying, the use of a diffuser is best. A diffuser will spread the heat from your dryer more evenly and minimize potential heat damage. You can find diffusers at most beauty supply stores at a minimal cost. If you do not have a diffuser, use the low heat or cool setting and blow dry from at least six inches from the furthest part of your hair. Remember, you are not trying to get the hair bone dry — just dry enough to style and go out.

In summary, with the above methods you’ll find shampooing your hair by co-washing is a great alternative to traditional shampooing which can strip your hair of much needed oils and moisture. With just a touch of practice, getting in and out of the shower with a clean head of hair will take less time than applying your makeup, and your hair will benefit greatly from it.

Elle Paris is the owner of My Natural which provides no-nonsense user reviews for hundreds of products for natural hair care.

Posted on Sep 28th, 2005

You’ve seen the ads. By using either strips soaked in a special solution or by brushing your teeth with a special formula, you can whiten your teeth. Many consumers are opting for these less expensive forms of teeth whitening. Others may choose to have their teeth bleached by a dentist, while still some go for a full veneer set of teeth whitening in true "extreme makeover" fashion. But how do these teeth whitening products work? And do over the counter teeth whitening products really remove more than coffee and tea stains to the enamel? This article will take a look what substances can cause discoloration of the teeth as well as the various methods used to whiten the teeth.

Discoloration of the Teeth: Causes

I’ve already mentioned some of the substances that contribute to staining or dulling of enamel, such as coffee and tea. There are more contributors to this problem. Some other factors that cause staining to the teeth include, tobacco use, caffeinated sodas, injury to the tooth, discoloration related to the antibiotic Tetracycline and aging.

Teeth Whitening Toothpastes

Teeth whitening toothpastes are recommended for minimal stains such as coffee and tea. They are however very beneficial for people who have already undergone a professional teeth whitening or bleaching session and would like to keep their results. These toothpastes consist of a mixture of a mild solution of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.

Teeth Whitening and Home Bleaching Kits

You can purchase home bleaching kits at any drugstore. These consist of a mouth tray and gel solution. You soak your teeth in the solution for at least 10 minutes. Though these have had successful reports, they aren’t fully recommended by the American Dental Association. If you decide to use a home bleaching kit, be sure to follow the instructions carefully, and not to use more than is recommended. Another form of these mouth tray/gel teeth whitening systems is the prescription kind. Yes, your dentist can prescribe an at home teeth whitening system. This is more advantageous than the over the counter brand, because the dentist can follow up with you and make sure that none of your previous dental work is being effected by the kit.

Teeth Whitening and Power Bleaching

The power associated with Power Bleaching refers to the level of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen Peroxide is the active ingredient that causes teeth whitening systems to work. For example, an over the counter teeth whitening toothpaste contains less than one percent Hydrogen Peroxide, while a few newer products do contain up to ten percent Hydrogen Peroxide. Some of the over the counter teeth whitening kits contain between 10 and 16 percent Hydrogen Peroxide, and a Power Bleaching solution contains up to 35 percent Hydrogen Peroxide. This procedure takes place in the dentist’s office and consists of the high concentrated Peroxide solution and the use of bright lights. The results are impressive and last for a few years. If you are interested in Power Bleaching, contact your dentist for recommendations.

Veneers

Veneers are a very popular method of permanent teeth whitening. Veneers are actually made out of porcelain and are attached to the tooth. It can be an expensive process though, costing as much as $900 per tooth.

Whichever method of teeth whitening you prefer, you should always consult with your dentist before choosing any products and use all products according to their instructions.

Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

Learn more about tooth whitening and which teeth whitening systems may best serve your needs at Lustrous Teeth.com.

Posted on Sep 28th, 2005

Like organizing our closets we must from time to time clean out our makeup cabinets and make sure what we have is still working for us. If you want flawless makeup and professional looking results you must use the correct makeup tools. The right blush brush for example, will make it possible that your blush gives you a perfect glow rather than a harsh streak or blob. Also, the right tools are necessary to do the job correctly – to define and conceal.

ESSENTIAL TOOLS:

Sponge: A sponge makes it possible to get into difficult spots and controls makeup application; used correctly a sponge will give your foundation an even finish. A sponge is great for touch-ups and is less likely to pull on the skin. Buy them in bulk and change them often.

Brushes: A good blush brush is soft with bristles that are about 1½ inches. Don’t use the small, hard brushes that come in compacts because it will be difficult to get a nice even finish. An eye shadow brush should also be soft. Look for a lipstick brush that is retractable. It helps keep the brush clean and in great shape. A blending brush should be about ½ wide and will help blend the different color eye shadows together to create a natural look. Use a brow brush to keep eyebrows under control and give them a smooth look. Your powder brush should be large, soft, firm and fluffy.

Eyelash curler: An eyelash curler is a must if you have short, straight eyelashes or just straight eyelashes. An eyelash curler (along with mascara) will give your eyelashes the appearance of being longer.

Tweezers: Have tweezers close by to keep your eyebrows well groomed. Well-groomed eyebrows will open the eye.

ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS

Cleanser: To have radiant skin you must keep it clean. A cleanser that is compatible with your skin type will do that and keep it moisturized.

Moisturizer: Moisturizers will keep your face feeling fresh and will help foundation glide on. Choose one that is compatible with your skin type.

Exfoliant: Exfoliants do a great job keeping dry patches to a minimum and will get rid of flaky skin.

Foundation: Foundations give the skin an even look and will protect it from the elements. You should be able to see your skin through your foundation. It shouldn’t look like a mask.

Powder: Whether you choose loose powder or a powder compact powder will give your face the final touch, keep your makeup in place and get rid of shine.

Mascara: The best mascara brush has wide spaces and does not cause mascara to clump. Only wear waterproof when you plan to get wet and change your mascara every 3 months to avoid it drying out or attracting bacteria.

Blush: Blush can be powdered or cream. A cream blush is harder to apply and is best for those with dry skin. A powder blush will go on much easier.

Eyebrow Pencil: Use an eyebrow pencil if your eyebrows are thin or to fill in gaps. Choose a color that is a shade lighter than your hair.

Eyeliner: Keep the edges rounded for a softer look; when applying make sure the eyeliner is in the lash line.

Eye shadow: Powder shadows are easier to apply than creams. Use a matte shadow if you have wrinkles around the eyes and keep eye shadow light.

Lip liner: To outline the lips choose a shade that complements your lipstick.

Lipstick: Use a shade that complements your skin tone.

Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who helps women feel more confident by dressing to suit their body type. To get tips on how to dress slimmer and find your best styles get a copy of her ebook “Image Makeover” at http://www.how-to-dress.com or go to http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to get the Free Report “ 7 Things Your Girlfriends Won’t Tell You About Beauty and Fashion”.

Posted on Sep 27th, 2005

The quest for beautiful skin and hair is prevalent among women. You can make inexpensive, natural beauty and hair treatments from ingredients you have in your home that will perform just as well or better than products you purchase in the store.

If you only have one natural beauty remedy in your pantry, make it Olive Oil. It’s extremely versatile and can be used on every part of your body.

Olive oil is excellent for removing mascara. It’s much better than petroleum jelly or baby oil and is beneficial to the skin around your eyes.

Use a few drops of olive oil in warm water for a wonderful at-home manicure. Apply your favorite lotion afterwards to lock in the moisture.

Beeswax and olive oil melted and poured into a small tin makes wonderful lip balm that will keep your lips soft and smooth. Dry feet can be healed after one night of this treatment.

Before bed, rub olive oil into your dry, cracked feet. Do not rinse. Then, put a cozy pair of socks on and go to sleep. Your feet will drink in the moisture and feel much better by morning.

Add a few drops of olive oil to your bath water for the best skin softener you can imagine. And, if you’re feeling extra decadent, then add a few drops of essential oil for a natural aromatherapy bath.

A very small amount of olive oil applied to dry hair will condition and get rid of frizz. This is a great leave-in conditioner.

Olive oil can also work as a shaving cream for men with sensitive skin.

Don’t buy those expensive Sea Salt Scrubs. Make your own. Just add sea salt to olive oil and you’ve got a sea salt scrub that will feel like heaven. Add a drop of essential oils if you’d like your scrub scented.

Please use caution when using olive oil in your bathtub as it will get quite slippery and you don’t want to fall.

It is not necessary to pay a lot of money for beauty treatment products. The things you have in your very own kitchen can often be the best beauty products available.

Melissa B. Rayn loves to experiment with different homemade bath and body recipes. Her passion for creating beauty and spa recipes inspired her to share them with others at her website http://www.mybeautyrecipes.com

Posted on Sep 27th, 2005

Isn’t it a shame when you have to worry about covering split ends (or trichoptlosis)-the bane of every self- respecting woman’s life! They happen when the protective cuticle has been stripped away from the ends of hair fibers. Split ends are more likely to develop in dry or brittle hair, and typical causes of damage include excessive dying or vigorous brushing.

Once the hair cuticle is removed, it is impossible to replace. Typically, the hair splits into two or three strands, and can be as long or two to three centimeters in length. The best treatment is to cut off the split end of the damaged fiber.

But you don’t necessarily have to go to the salon every week to keep your split ends in check. Back in the sixties and seventies, women used to burn off their split ends! Sure that’s a little excessive. And there are easier ways to get rid of those dead ends before they split further… do-it-yourself hair trims.

These do-it-yourself trimming tips are for women who are happy with their hair; for those who don’t need a restyle, but simply want to freshen things up with a ‘homegrown’ sort of look. If you are in any doubt, leave it for the professionals!

To Remove Split Ends:

* Take small sections of hair and carefully twist them in a gentle downward motion. Any split ends will automatically stick out.

* Carefully snip into the twist with sharp scissors. Don’t cut right through; just cut into the thickness to remove the damaged cuticles and give a natural layered effect.

* Be careful to cut roughly the same amount from each twist. Remember, sometimes the simplest, and least expensive, ideas are the best. So get trimming! You’ll not only save a bundle but also time that will ease your life.

Discover all you ever wanted to know about hair. Latest hair styles, new hair loss treatments, best methods of hair removal. Click for daily updated blog of hair news and articles. http://www.hair-unexpurgated.com/

Posted on Sep 26th, 2005

Confusion Marketing - How they get you to buy more skincare products

With new creams and ingredients being launched onto the market all the time, it can be confusing. Unless you’re in the position to spend hours on your skin care routine every day by using all of these different lotions, you’ll need to pick and choose which are right for you.

4 Skincare Products You Can’t Do Without

Here’s a ‘foundation’ minimum that we recommend you use:

· Sunscreen: You NEED this. It’s essential for preventing sun damage and lowering your risk of developing skin cancer. If you use only one product, sunscreen should be it. A lotion with SPF 15 moisturizes, protects with SPF, and smoothes skin AHAS and vitamin C.

· Eye cream: The skin under your eyes is more delicate and dry than the skin on the rest of your face. Purchase an eye cream which treats the eye area with more emollient moisturizers.

· Face Cream With Retinols: Worried about wrinkles and pigmentation spots? A face cream with retinol is order of the day. Use it in place of your regular moisturizer after washing your face in the evening.

· Body lotion: A lotion with AHAs is recommended for your whole body. For dry spots put on extra lotion before bed and let it soak in while you are sleeping.

A lot of people with sensitive skin have reverted to natural skin care solutions. Many people use natural skin care formulas to care for their skin at home.

Article by Sheila Flitcroft of http://www.skincareproductinfo.com (The resource for skin care product information)

Posted on Sep 26th, 2005

The hair iron is coming more and more popular. It is used by women of all ages and for various purposes. We have gathered a few tips and guideline by women who use or used hair iron or other products to straighten their hair. We strongly advise to read it before you start using hair iron or other hair straightening tool

1. Use the hair iron only after you have cleaned your hair. Actually, it can be dangerous to use it before you clean your hair because dirt or grease left in the hair will be cooked by the heat of the hair iron and the damage made is inevitable.

2. Do not iron your hair with a clothes iron. If you will use it without taking the necessary safety measures, your hair will singe. The singed hair can not be cut out or covered up. Use a hair iron produced for this purpose instead

3. A short straightening method using a hair flat iron : First dry your hair for about 15 minutes using a dryer, then continue drying your hair and at the same time comb it with your fingers. Comb it carefully so that you will get the curl out. Then, for a short time (no more than five minutes) use the hair iron at the ends of your hair. This is a proven and safe way to straighten and keep your hair shiny.

4. Following blowing dry your hair with heat, We advise you to switch to cold hair (Most products have this option). It makes your hair shiny and it is healthier for your hair.

5. Always use a brush while blowing dry your hair. It makes your hair straight and saves time.

6. Blow hair dry at night for a great and straight look in the next morning.

7. Try putting some gel after dividing your hair into three sections while blow drying your hair with a comb for straightening your hair.

911 Corp. executed an independent research to find the best hair irons. The results were clear. Sedu hair iron is the most efficient hair iron. Find out more on All about hair irons

Check out the most comprehensive hair resource - 911stophairloss

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