Religious people under-represented in TV industry, Ofcom finds

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Religious people under-represented in TV industry, Ofcom finds

The regulator told the five big broadcasters that “better monitoring is essential” to help ensure diversity within the broadcasting industry reflects the UK as a whole.

Ofcom found 22 per cent of TV staff (excluding on-screen personnel) identify as religious – compared with 67 per cent of the country’s working population.

 

It concluded: “The work broadcasters have done to promote inclusion in this area is positive…

“Broadcasters should ensure these are more consistent and that religion and belief is something all line managers are trained to be mindful of when supporting employees.”

The BBC, Channel 4, ITV, Sky and Viacom (the owner of Channel 5) were included in Ofcom’s second annual Diversity and Equal Opportunities in Television audit.

ITV was excluded from the religious diversity figures because it had not collected sufficient information of the faith backgrounds of its staff.

Wikimedia Commons/Mtaylor848

 

Ofcom also said: “Religion and belief is not an area of particular focus for any of the main five broadcasters, but they do have arrangements in place to promote equal opportunities in this regard.”

The report also found older people and the disabled were also underrepresented at the nation’s biggest broadcasters.

Six per cent of staff in the TV industry identified as living with a disability – compared to 18 per cent of people in the…

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Monk due to give evidence over Bishop’s death is found dead

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Monk due to give evidence over Bishop’s death is found dead

They said the post-mortem exam was performed late on Wednesday, hours after Zeinoun al-Maqari was pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital in Assiut, the closest city to the Al-Muharraq monastery where the monk has lived since last month.

The monk was buried on Wednesday night in St Macarius monastery (pictured below), north west of Cairo, where he joined as a novice more than a decade ago and the scene of the killing of the abbot, Bishop Epiphanius (pictured above).

 

Zeinoun died a day before he was scheduled to give evidence for the prosecution in the trial of two monks – one of whom has been defrocked – charged with the killing of the abbot.

Hearings were adjourned until 27th October.

Zeinoun was among six monks from St Macarius who were banished to different monasteries across the country as part of disciplinary action taken by the church following the death of Epiphanius.

The officials said questioning of witnesses and monks following his death showed that Zeinoun might have been an accomplice in the killing, but did not explain why he has not been arrested.

The officials said the post-mortem examination showed signs of an agricultural insecticide commonly used in southern Egypt, where al-Muharraq monastery is located.

The insecticide is sold in tablets, which are diluted in water before it is manually sprayed on crops.

‘Relieved’ Wiltshire congregation allowed back to church hit by Novichok poisonings

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‘Relieved’ Wiltshire congregation allowed back to church hit by Novichok poisonings

The vicar of Amesbury Baptist said members were “relieved” to be allowed back to their building on Butterfield Drive after a “troubling time”.

Rev Barry Davis said: “We are relieved and delighted that we can return home.

 

“It has been a troubling time for our town and our congregation.

“We are thrilled that we can now put this unhappy episode behind us and look forward once again as a church and as a community.”

Novichok victims Charlie Rowley and Dawn Sturgess visited the church before they fell ill in June, three months after the same substance was used against a former Russian spy and his daughter.

The pair was exposed to the deadly nerve agent when they came into contact with a perfume bottle discarded by the people behind an attack on Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury in March.

Ms Sturgess died eight days later.

Rod Minchin/PA Wire

 

Meanwhile, a restaurant in Salisbury visited by the Skripals shortly before they fell sick will re-open later this year.

Zizzi’s in the city centre was closed following the incident. The eatery has been undergoing decontamination.

Alistair Cunningham, chairman of the South Wiltshire Recovery Coordinating Group, said: “This is a real milestone as Zizzi is the final site in the city centre to be handed back following the clean-up by specialist teams.

“This is really welcome news for Salisbury and marks the…

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Kenneth & Gloria Copeland 28 September 2018 – No Burden

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Topic: No Burden [Kenneth & Gloria Copeland 28 September 2018 Daily Devotional]

For the [true] love of God is this: that we do His commands [keep His ordinances and are mindful of His precepts and teaching]. And these orders of His are not irksome (burdensome, oppressive, or grievous). – 1 John 5:3, The Amplified Bible

Do you know why the Word of God and the orders God gives to you in your spirit are not burdensome or oppressive? Because everything He tells you is for your good and for your victory!

God knows what it takes to live in victory in this present evil world. In fact, He’s the only One who knows. The people of this world cannot tell you how to live victoriously. They don’t know how. But God does! He can make things work, even in the middle of darkness, and if we’ll follow His instructions, commands and precepts from His Word, we can, too!

Let me give you an example. One commandment that God gave to us is to love one another and forgive one another as He has forgiven us. This command is not grievous because it’s the key to our freedom. If you can walk in the love that’s been shed abroad in your heart, you’ll have joy every day. But if you don’t walk in this commandment of love, someone will get your joy before lunch! God knows that. So, He made a command of love and forgiveness because love works! Without love, there won’t be any joy, and the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Don’t resent God’s teachings. Don’t consider His ways a burden to your lifestyle. Rejoice over them. Take them gladly by the hand and let them lead you all the way to victory!

Scripture Reading: 1 John 5:1-5

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Kenneth and Gloria Copeland’s Daily Devotional Here ’’

This message was written by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, the leader of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries (www.KCM.org) that specializes in teaching principles of bible faith – prayer, healing, salvation and other biblical topics.

The post Kenneth & Gloria Copeland 28 September 2018 – No Burden appeared first on Flatimes.

TREM 28 September 2018 Daily Devotional – Fasting and Prayer

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Topic: Fasting and Prayer [TREM 28 September 2018 Daily Devotional]

“And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 13:3 (KJV)

Fasting is only a part of the discipline; but it never stands alone. Fasting without a time of prayer is starvation. Don’t get into a starvation mode; you are not called out to starve but to fast.

Take time to journey through the scriptures and you will see several references that confirm that fasting must always go with prayers. You can pray without fasting, but you cannot fast without praying.

When a fast is declared, or when you are observing a personal or family fast, always take out time to pray. If it is a corporate prayer, join the rest of the team to pray at the agreed time. If you cannot physically attend, consciously pray wherever you are. If you can dial in, do so and join in the prayer. In our scripture today, we see the Apostles come together in fasting and praying, they laid the example for us to follow.

Like I say and it bears repetition: Fasting does not change God. God has it all together and His thoughts towards you are good. He wants you blessed more than you even want it. He wants you so blessed that He paid the ultimate price for you. So you are not fasting to convince God about the need for you to be blessed. Rather in fasting, you are more open to receive instructions from God and be properly positioned to be blessed. Remember, it is not about “if”, it is when you fast. God wants you blessed and wants you to be a blessing. He wants you to be so sensitive that you know exactly what to do per time. He does not want you to run around in hits and misses, no, He wants you to be a sharpshooter, a solution provider, an answer to your world.

So in fasting, be attentive. Take a notebook, either physical or electronic and be prepared to receive instructions from His mouth and your life will never be the same again. I will hear your testimony.

Further Reading: Acts 13:1-4

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Isaiah 5-6; Evening- Ephesians 1

“If you missed yesterday devotional click HERE to read TREM Daily Devotional by Dr. Mike Okonkwo’’

Written by Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord.

The post TREM 28 September 2018 Daily Devotional – Fasting and Prayer appeared first on Flatimes.

Our Daily Bread 28 September 2018 Devotional – Asking God First

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Topic: Asking God First [Our Daily Bread 28 September 2018 Devotional]

Read: Psalm 37:3–7, 23–24, Bible in a Year: Isaiah 5–6; Ephesians 1

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Early in our marriage, I struggled to figure out my wife’s preferences. Did she want a quiet dinner at home or a meal at a fancy restaurant? Was it okay for me to hang out with the guys, or did she expect me to keep the weekend free for her? Once, instead of guessing and deciding first, I asked her, “What do you want?”

“I’m fine with either,” she replied with a warm smile. “I’m just happy you thought of me.”

At times I’ve wanted desperately to know exactly what God wanted me to do—such as which job to take. Praying for guidance and reading the Bible didn’t reveal any specific answers. But one answer was clear: I was to trust in the Lord, take delight in Him, and commit my way to Him (Psalm 37:3–5).

That’s when I realized that God usually gives us the freedom of choice—if we first seek to put His ways before our own. That means dropping choices that are plainly wrong or would not please Him. It might be something immoral, ungodly, or unhelpful toward our relationship with Him. If the remaining options please God, then we’re free to choose from them. Our loving Father wants to give us the desires of our hearts—hearts that take delight in Him (v. 4).

Prayer: Teach me, O God, to put You first in everything I do. Show me how to take delight in You, that my heart will be transformed to be like Yours.

Do your decisions please God?

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Our Daily Bread Devotionals HERE”

This message was written By Leslie Koh [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

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Seeds of Destiny 28 September 2018: The Benefit of Access to the Voice of God

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Seeds of Destiny 28 September 2018: The Benefit of Access to the Voice of God

Topic: The Benefit of Access to the Voice of God [Seeds of Destiny 28 September 2018 Daily Devotional]

Scripture: The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. Psalms 29:4

Thought For The Day: To be out of touch with the Voice of God is to be lost on the journey of life and destiny.

The Voice of God is the compass for life and destiny. That is why one of our greatest assets on earth is access to the Voice of God. Access to the Voice of God was behind the making of principal people in the Scripture. For instance, Moses heard the Voice of God, the patriarchs heard the Voice of God; and that Voice remained a principal asset in their lives’ journey on earth.

Now, the question is, how does God speak?

God can speak audibly to a person or through His Word (The Bible). God also speaks through dreams, revelations, the inward Voice or witness, visions etc. Whenever God speaks, change is guaranteed.

What then are the benefits of hearing the Voice of God?
1. The Voice of God is the Activator of Destiny: Abraham was almost a destitute until God’s Voice came (Genesis 12:1). So, to be out of touch with the Voice of God is to be lost on the journey of life and destiny.

2. The Voice of God is the Container of Power: God’s Voice is pregnant with power (Psalms 29:4). When the Voice of God comes, it empowers a person unto fulfilment. You cannot be connected to God’s Voice and be a weakling in life.

3. The Voice of the Lord is a Weapon for the Battles of Life: One of the weapons for the battle of life is Divine revelation. One revelation from God by His Voice can finish your enemy (Isaiah 30:31).
Beloved, my counsel is, do all you can to hear from God in every area of your life; draw near to God in personal relationship, intimacy, communion and commitment to Him.

Remember this: To be out of touch with the Voice of God is to be lost on the journey of life and destiny.

Assignments:
1. Study the Word of God continually and expectantly; you will hear His Voice in His Word.
2. Acknowledge God in all you do and seek His direction.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE SECRETS OF SPIRITUAL SENSITIVITY.

Prayer: Lord, open my ears to hear Your Voice. Open my eyes to see the revelation in Your Word and give me the grace to obey You always, Lord in Jesus’ Name.

Quote: God speaks to people who think, not people who worry. Culled from, 10 PRINCIPAL SECRETS OF PRINCIPAL PEOPLE by Dr Paul Enenche.

Amazing Fact: The Boeing 747 is capable of flying upside-down if it weren’t for the fact that the wings would shear off when trying to roll it over.

Today In History: 21-09-1892 – The first night time football game in the U.S. took place under electric lights. The game was between the Mansfield State Normal School and the Wyoming Seminary

Daily Reading: Isaiah 54:1 to 57:14, Ephesians 6:1 to 24, Psalm 70:1 to 5, Proverbs 24:8.

Also Read: Click HERE to read Other Inspirational Messages by Pastor Paul Enenche“

Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Paul Enenche of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Pastor Paul and Becky Enenche, as the Senior Pastors. It is a power-packed arena where God’s Presence, Principles and Power are at work for the salvation, healing and restoration of human destinies and dignities

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

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DCLM Daily Manna 28 September 2018 – A Call To Praise

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DCLM Daily Manna 28 September 2018 – A Call To Praise

Topic: A Call To Praise [DCLM Daily Manna 28 September 2018 Daily Devotional]

Text: Psalm 105:1-7 (KJV)

Key Verse: “Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works“ (Psalm 105:2).

MESSAGE:

David knew and loved the Lord. He was a man that saw God’s hand all around him. He felt compelled therefore to give thanks unto the Lord everywhere and every time. The psalm in focus has been associated with the return of the ark to Jerusalem. David called on the people to give thanks to the Lord while making His deeds known. This is a principle we must imbibe and continue with wherever we are. Furthermore, praising God helps us to remember the wonderful things He has done, as well as His judgments and decisions which favour us, His chosen ones.

Learning to praise and appreciate God is a good habit to cultivate. Sadly, people who chant human praise receive a lot of commendation from their human agents. We are to “enter his gates with thanksgiving” and His courts with praise. We are to show appreciation for all the good things He has done for us. No matter how challenging our situations might be, we should remember God’s faithfulness and thank Him for past blessings. Praise brought down the walls of Jericho; Jehoshaphat defeated the enemies of Judah with a praise band only; Paul and Silas escaped from their incarceration in Philippi through the praise route.

Find time and reasons to praise the Lord no matter what happens. As you remember and recount the goodness of the Lord, you will soon overcome the tests you are going through and your tests will turn to a testimony.

Thought For The Day: Praise is the rehearsal of our eternal song.

Bible Reading In One Year: Nehemiah 8-10

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Deeper Christian Life Ministry, DCLM Daily Manna HERE

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.

Flatimes’ Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

The post DCLM Daily Manna 28 September 2018 – A Call To Praise appeared first on Flatimes.

10 Key Exchanges in the Kavanaugh-Ford Hearing

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10 Key Exchanges in the Kavanaugh-Ford Hearing


10 Key Exchanges in the Kavanaugh-Ford Hearing


An emotional and sometimes tearful Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh declared his innocence Thursday of a high-profile sexual abuse allegation, moments after his accuser, Christine Blasey Ford, said she was “100 percent” sure Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her while in high school.


“I was not at the party described by Dr. Ford. This confirmation process has become a national disgrace,” Kavanaugh said. “The Constitution gives the Senate an important role in the confirmation process, but you have replaced advice and consent with search and destroy.”


Minutes earlier, Ford had said Kavanaugh did something that scarred her for life.


The two spoke in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee during a historic hearing, with Kavanaugh’s nomination hanging in the balance – and with all eyes on a handful of key votes within the Republican caucus that could determine whether he sits on the nation’s most powerful court. Among those key votes: Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.  


Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of North Carolina expressed frustration at the process  


“We’re 40-something days from the election, and [the Democrats’] goal – not Ms. Ford’s goal – is to delay this past the mid-terms so they can win the Senate and never allow Trump to fill this seat. I believe that now more than ever,” Graham told reporters.


“I feel…

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Open Heavens 28 September 2018 – He will surely Remember

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Open Heavens 28 September 2018 – He will surely Remember

Open Heavens 28 September 2018 Friday Daily Devotional by Pastor E A Adeboye – He will surely Remember

Topic: He will surely Remember (Open Heavens 28 September 2018)

Memorise: “And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.”– Esther 6:3

Read: Esther 6:1-12 (KJV)

1 On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

2 And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.

3 And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.

4 And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king’s house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

5 And the king’s servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.

6 So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?

7 And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour,

8 Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:

9 And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king’s most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.

10 Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king’s gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.

11 Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.

12 And Mordecai came again to the king’s gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 13-15, Mark 14:32-52

Open Heavens 28 September 2018 Friday MESSAGE:

One characteristic attribute of our Father in heaven is that He remembers details of past, present and future events. For this reason, it is dangerous to be part of bad events which He has noted down for judgment, because He will surely remember (1 Samuel 15:2-3). The good thing is that he will surely remember your good works also. Today’s Bible reading narrates a classic example of remembrance of good works. On the night before the day when Haman intended to get the king’s permission to hang Mordecai, the God who specializes in remembering and recompensing good deeds took sleep away from the eyes of King Ahasuerus, and he could not sleep no matter how hard he tried. . Naturally, when a person cannot sleep, he or she tries to find something to do. The Lord used this to lead Ahasuerus to open the book of records for Mordecai’s sake. The king found in it that Mordecai had been instrumental to foiling an assassination plot against him. He then asked a question, which serve as food for thought: “What honor and dignity has been done to Mordecai for this?” There is one fundamental lesson that every person, especially children of God, must learn here. It is imperative to always remember every good deed people do to us. A proverb in my native language says, “Failure to appreciate good deeds is like daylight robbery.” I pray that your good works of many years shall be remembered this season, and you shall be honored in Jesus’ Name.

Beloved, learn from the experience of Mordecai that God will always cause people to repay your good deeds. In this regard, the Lord said in Luke 6:38a:

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.”

What the Lord is saying here is that God will compel men, even when they are not willing, to bless you for your good deeds. The interesting aspect of Mordecai’s story is that the fellow who wanted to get permission to kill him came into the palace court just at the nick of time to be used by the king in honoring this same Mordecai. I pray once again that your enemies shall become your stepping stone to glory in Jesus’ Name. I just want to encourage you to be addicted to good works (Romans 12:9). Many children of God block their way to glory and honor because they are bankrupt of good deeds, even though they are born again. Beloved, good deeds are proof of your encounter with the Master who himself went about doing good (Acts 10:38, James 2:18).

Open Heavens 28 September 2018 Friday Prayer Point:

Father, help me to combine good works with my faith so that I may be like You indeed. Also, please remember me for the past deeds Your Holy Spirit has helped me sow in people’s lives.

Also Read: Open Heavens 27 September 2018 – Lessons from Mud

Open Heavens 28 September 2018 Friday Hymn 6: A New Thing
(Tune: There shall be showers of Blessing)

1. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because GOD will do new things
Sinners will soon be forgiven
Prodigals will come home soon.

Chorus:
Shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Rivers in desert now flowing
Halleluyah to our king.

2. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Sickness and sorrow will be gone
Bondage will be forgotten.

3. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
The barren will be fruitful soon
Failure will be forgotten

4. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Poverty will be forgotten
Stagnancy will soon be gone.

5. We will soon shout Hallelujah
Because God will do new things
To all miracles are given
There shall be celebrations

6. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Many will have testimonies
Of prayers answered fully

7. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
One of us will chase a thousand
Two will conquer ten thousands.

8. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Songs of praises we will sing
Halleluyah to our King.

Open Heavens 28 September 2018 Friday Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC. Open Heavens 28 September 2018 Friday Daily Devotional

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

The post Open Heavens 28 September 2018 – He will surely Remember appeared first on Flatimes.

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