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Friday, 28 September 2012

Style Me A Vintage Winner

Drum roll please.

If you're not the winner of this nifty little vintage guide, do not be discouraged as we have an amazing line-up of giveaways coming up before Christmas so please keep sharing, following and reading our blog to be within a chance to get your hands on some retro freebies!

The very lucky lady who will be styling it vintage is....

Charlotte Siemianowicz or @lalablabbers on twitter! We look forward to seeing you on Saturday 6th October in Birmingham for your very first vintage fair, now that's exciting! Send us an e-mail at with your postal address so we can send you your lovely prize.

Gina xxx

Thursday, 27 September 2012

Beyond Retro

During my breaks I always end up on various vintage websites and eBay and Beyond Retro is one I can't help but browse. So when I looked today, I was super impressed by their shiny new user-friendly website. If you're London based, it's likely that you have a) heard about Beyond Retro or b) shop their religiously! The huge warehouse off Brick Lane is jam packed with fashion forward vintage and if you have the time to rummage, some real gems.

But we're talking about Beyond Retro's online collection today, I find it has always offered customers something a little more individual than rows and rows of similar looking 80s dresses.  These are my top Beyond Retro buys as they are all just that little bit special. What do you think?

Aztec prints never seem to go away. With contrasting lapels and a nipped in waist, this short tapestry jacket channels the aztec trend without being too full on.

Sticking with the 60s theme of yesterday, I was immediately drawn to this sheer sleeved beauty, match with a beehive and some striking earrings as well as the necessary cat-eye liner you're set.

Hurrah! This isn't just another loud Christmas jumper! Wear with a hounds tooth pencil skirt and elegant court shoes to create a more sophisticated jazzy jumper outfit.

It's not often you find such a cute short sleeved pussybow blouse. Pair with a grey pencil skirt for work.

Now I know that Summer is truly over, but prints are still alive and well! Keep the Summer alive with this tropical 80s wiggle dress.

Fancy trying something a little different? Or maybe you're just bringing back retro nightwear? 60s babydoll with matching bed jacket. It's absolutely gorgeous!

I very nearly skipped over this tan leather bag. Then I saw the birds! Embossed leather bags are common, but I've never seen one quite like this, very sweet.

Now I knew Cheryl Cole had to have gotten it from somewhere! As 80s party dresses go, it's pretty special and a metallic ruffles free zone. Black velvet peplum and embellished sheer plunging V. Show us to the rum.

We hope you enjoy picking out your favourite Beyond Retro items from their new revamped site too!
Gina x

Wednesday, 26 September 2012

Mrs Biggs: Vintage Drama

Mrs Biggs is a 5 part drama based upon the real Mrs Charmaine Biggs and the true story of Ronnie Biggs and the Great Train Robbery of 1963. All I needed to see was 15 minutes of Sheridan Smith all dolled up with that incredible red beehive to know I'd need to do some serious ITV Player catching up.

The most famous crime has been written for ITV under guidance from the real life Charmaine Briggs who has described the show as "a love story" and not a glamorisation of the robbery or crime in general.

More importantly to us right now, Sheridan Smith and fellow cast get to wear some fantastic 60s and 70s costumes that particularly suit Smith's curvy figure. I actually prefer her with red hair to blonde too - but that beehive is out of this world. Enjoy some of the images below,  but it really is worth watching to see even more of the stylings. Reserve your Wednesday night for some drama, just click here.

While I'm here, I've just found this beautifully tailored 1960s shift dress fromMartha's Closet that would be a fabulous addition to any bright red barnet.

I'm off to practice my beehive. Catch you later girls!

Gina x

Tuesday, 25 September 2012

Teatime Vintage: Chocolate Guinness Cake

Sheffield will be in luck on Saturday, that's for sure! But even if you're not based up north you'll be able to get a taste of what is on offer from Teatime Vintage with one of their favourite recipes. Retro aprons on? Check. Hair under silk scarves? Yup. Red lippy intact? Well, for now...let's bake!

Having the opportunity to host the Sheffield Vintage Fair Tea Parties is a complete thrill for us here at Teatime Vintage.  Planning the menu, baking the cakes, dressing the tables, using our gorgeous vintage china collection and serving our lovely vintage-loving customers all add to the fun.

We like to use seasonal locally produced ingredients whenever possible. And so, this time round we’ll be using the last of the late Summers berries alongside the richer spicier flavours of ginger and cinnamon more representative of Autumn.  Thankfully, chocolate NEVER goes out of season!

In addition to the standard tea party issue cupcakes – as lovely as they are - we will again be bringing a selection of layer cakes – elderflower and lemon drizzle, carrot and ginger,  rose and pistachio - our signature mini-Victoria Sponges, and of course our retro sweet bar.

Despite not being the most traditional of tea party offerings, one cake that will definitely be making a return appearance will be the much loved  Chocolate Guiness Cake. It is possibly the most dense and rich chocolate cake you will ever get the pleasure to taste, balanced out with a cream cheese topping. What’s not to love?  Want to have a go at making it yourself?  Marvellous.  It’s easy- peasy so get your sleeves rolled up and get stuck in!

For the cake
· 250 ml Guinness
· 250 grams unsalted butter
· 75 grams cocoa powder
· 400 grams caster sugar
· 142 ml sour cream
· 2 medium eggs
· 1 tablespoon(s) vanilla extract
· 275 grams Plain flour
· 2.5 teaspoon(s) bicarbonate of soda
For the topping
· 300 grams cream cheese
· 150 grams Icing sugar
· 125 ml double cream (or whipping cream) – we always use double cream

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees celcius and butter and line (put a disc or greaseproof paper to cover the bottom of your tin)  a round 23cm tin – if you have a springform tin (the ones where the bottom detaches from the sides) then your life will be much easier when you come to getting your cake out of the tin.

Put the Guinness and butter into a large wide saucepan and heat gently. Once the butter has melted whisk in the cocoa and sugar.  Beat the sour cream, eggs and vanilla extract together before adding to the pan then whisk in the flour and bicarbonate of soda.

 And that’s your cake batter made - it really is that simple!

Pour the cake batter into your prepared tin and bake for between 45 mins and an hour – I check after 45 mins by inserting a skewer (or knife) into the centre of the cake, if it comes out clean then your cake is ready. Leave to cool completely in the tin on a cooling rack.  If you try to remove the cake from the tin before it is completely cool then you risk it breaking up as it is such a very moist cake.

To make the topping, whip the cream cheese unit it is creamy and smooth.  Sieve the icing sugar onto the cream cheese and beat them together.  Add the cream and beat again until the mixture is thick enough to spread.  Spread onto the top of the cake using a pallet knife to form soft peaks so that it resembles the froth of a pint of lovely creamy Guinness.

Now pour yourself a cuppa, congratulate yourself on your baking brilliance, and enjoy a huge slab of your homebaked cake.  Delicious!

Hoping to see you on Saturday at our Vintage Tea Party!

Monday, 24 September 2012

Leicester Vintage Fair

 Our venue for the Leicester vintage fair is one of our favourites, Leicester Cathedral. And though they've just found Richard the 3rd round the corner, he didn't think to show up himself, rude.

 As usual, we had a cracking collection of retro and vintage clothing and accessories on offer, a vintage tea party and and a nostalgic playlist to match.

My pick of the day from this fair had to be this tempting box of Mary Quant stockings, I love the parrot so very much and for £3 - bargain.

Prints are going nowhere, are they? Mary Katrantzou, Preen and Erdem are all still churning out graphic rainbows, pretty florals and kooky photographic patterns so it's no wonder I'm still drawn to the fabulous prints at our fairs.That shirt in the top right from Marney's vintage was very nearly in my wardrobe...

Now it's turning dark at what seems like 2pm, I can't help but think about winter and all of the jazzy, glitzy party outfits I'll be keeping an eye out for, I'm a massive magpie. Sequins are slowly starting to make a bit of a stir at our fairs but mostly I keep getting distracted by all the jewellry. That statement collar is just beautiful and I've never seen anything quite like it.

I didn't think we'd get much better for bags than at the Nottingham Vintage Fair, well I was wrong! These leather box bags are all "I wish" worthy. And who doesn't love a bit of vintage Moschino?

It's a double whammy this coming weekend starting in our homeland of Sheffield at The Town hall this Saturday 29th September and keeping it strong and northern with The York Vintage Fair on the 30th.

Have you entered our giveaway yet? ENTER HERE THEN YOU SILLY THING!
Gina x

Friday, 21 September 2012

ASOS Marketplace: Our top Winter Warmers

Brrrrrr! Did anyone else struggle to get out of bed this week? My bedroom is bloody freezing.

But hey, don't get all shivery and shuddery because we have picked our very favourite winter cover ups from everyone's top online vintage shopping destination, ASOS Marketplace  What kind of cover up do you go for? Trench, cape, sheepskin or sequin we have the top picks laid out for your pretty little eyes to feast upon.

Madam Popoff have taken the cape crown with this welsh wool beauty in at £79.

Pretty Used Things have boyfriend blazers in rainbow colours, but this classic grey has won us over at a not too shabby £30.

Bang Bang have us all wishing we looked that snug with a striking orange sheepskin coat. Totally worth it at £90.

Cats Eyes have military ticked off with this oversized deep green trench at £55.

Vintage Tramp know what they're on about. Every vintage lady needs a bit of faux fur, this is a staple bit of kit at £65.

Raggdoll will see you're warm yet the envy of all the other vintage magpies at the party. Just look at those mermaid colours! Oh and did i mention it's only £39?

Go forth and buy wintry things.
Gina x

Thursday, 20 September 2012

"Style Me Vintage" Giveaway Time!

Oh yes indeed! To celebrate The Leeds Vintage Fair today at Leeds Met Students' Union we are hosting a giveaway!

Miss Naomi Thompson of The Vintage Mafia and off of Vintage Secret has delivered a spot on guide to sourcing and creating fabulous vintage looks - especially for those of you who are completely new to the styles. Having said that, there is a bundle of detail for each decade- from the 20s through to the 80s- that will be of use to even the most retro of you stylish lot.

If you'd like a terrific review of this lovely book go go go visit Cate Sevilla's top notch words on the topic. Couldn't have put it better myself. So I didn't bother.

Featuring the beautiful Fleur

Not forgetting Naomi herself!

So what do you have to do to get your hands on this gem? Have a look below:

1) Follow this blog and leave a comment below.

2) For a second entry, follow our twitter @VintageFair and leave a comment below saying so with your @username.

3) For a 3rd entry, "like" us on Facebook over at The Vintage Fair and leave a comment below saying so with your Facebook name.

The closing date for this competition is a a week today on Thursday 27th of September. Winner to be announced on Friday 28th. And I'm afraid this competition is only open to the people of the UK.

Get sharing and following for your chance to win!

Something Old Vintage Wedding Fair

As well as our usual Vintage Fair in Nottingham, we had the Something Old Vintage Wedding Fair on offer too (two fairs for one? Bargain!). This is the place to be for all you vintage bride and grooms!

We had a range of exhibitors showcasing their gorgeous vintage wedding ideas and wares. From kitsch stationary to unique head pieces, vintage inspired wedding gowns to individual wedding props and floral arrangements.

We are holding another Something Old Vintage Wedding Fair in Bristol on the 27th October and Manchester on 24th November where we will be even bigger and better with hair and make-up demonstrations and entertainment.

 So if you would like to register your interest as an exhibitor, please get in touch at

Gina and LouLou and Kirstin

Tuesday, 18 September 2012

The Nottingham Vintage Fair

We hit up The Albert Hall in Nottingham yesterday for the first vintage fair there this season. As usual, we had a charming kitsch tea party for you from Hello Sweetness and 40 stalls of mens' and womens' vintage as well as some kooky homeware too.The very first Something Old Wedding Fair was also on offer, but more about that tomorrow!

As I was wandering round, I couldn't help but notice a whole lotta collars. Peter pan collars, ruffled collars, lace collars and shirt collars. So I compiled my top four just for you. That purple stunner is from Curious Cleo and my personal fave is that little velvet jacket from The Gingham Deer.

I fell head over heels for this beautiful 70s green caped maxi dress from Jarvis And Janis. Oh my goodness I just can't stop daydreaming about it! Any size 10 vintage girl out there would be luck to have it in their wardrobe. Hickory Vintage had a gorgeous array of dresses but this little blue number stopped me in my tracks, it's just so pretty.

We always have a tonne of vintage, retro and hand made jewellry on offer at our fairs, but I'm a huge fan of retro clip ons - so check these out! So Boho had a fine selection of vintage shoes, I especially love the embellished loafers below. Pretty Old Stuff had an array of customised timepieces as rings, necklaces and earrings all made out of old time pieces. Nifty eh?

Nottingham had a particularly good day for tan leather bags. Embossed leather holdalls? Yes siree. Old school satchels? You betcha. Box leather handbags? Yaha.

For all your vintage hair and beauty needs, all you had to do was to come and visit us and The Vintage Salon. Those pin curls are a work of art! Super stunning stuff.

Once you had done the rounds of our fair (and you really do need to do more than one round - gotta keep a beady eye out for bargains) how could you resist sitting down with a brew and indulging in on of these colourful little cupcakes? And yes. That is a mini biscuit on top of that chocolate one.

Next up The Leicester Vintage Fair on Saturday 22nd September.
See you there?
Gina and Loulou

Thursday, 13 September 2012

The Bright Young Twins

"I think me and Harriet lead lives that people wouldn't expect us to..."

Photo: Katie Holt

The The Bright Young Twins are Harriet and Aimee; two young beautiful women who describe themselves as "vintage creeps with questionable tastes". You can probably understand already, having looked at the image above and read this brief introduction, as to why I wanted to talk to these girls!

How did it all start?
H: It was your idea!
A: I suppose it was my idea, but we've both been reading blogs for some time and I thought 'come on let's do it!' We just decided that, we wear a lot of outfits anyway and since we read so many blogs we figured by writing our own we could 'give something back'.
H: We took so much inspiration from the people we followed on the internet that we felt we could inspire other people to do what those people did for us.

Are there any blogs in particular that you regularly read?
H: Confessions Of A Female Drag Queen has to be our favourite, (A: Oh yeah we love that girl!) Stella Rose is just amazing.
A: Oh and Fashion Forestry and Hannah and Landon are two blogs we love. But the blogs we read have dramatically changed over the past two years. We just read so many! Ooh! Fairy Fay has just launched her blog, she's our housemate and has this gorgeous 60s Rolling-Stones-girlfriend thing going on with her long hair, she's really cool.

Did you expect Bright Young Twins to take off like it has? You have 991 blog followers!
A: I know! I don't think either of us expected it to take off no, the first three months were just like, our mums, nans and friends reading it!
H: I nearly gave up, it got to the point where I felt we were giving and giving and getting nothing back. The whole point was to share stuff and we weren't getting the feedback, I'd wear an outfit and then think "what's the point in photographing it if nobody's going to appreciate it?" But then we got featured on the Swedish blog Miriam Kafferep and on Casey's Elegant Musings and it just went from there.
A: We also started going to parties like Blitz Party and the Chap Ball where we met other established bloggers like Fleur De Guerre which we were really chuffed about as she said she read our blog.

I don't see your blog as a "fashion blog" as you offer so much of yourselves to your readers. Was this a conscious effort?
H: Originally we were very much hoping to make the blog about historical garments and dating particular pieces and in depth posts on vintage styles but nobody read those posts! (But you can still find those in our archive). We looked at the blogs we read and why we like reading them and it's because they are about that person as much as they are about the clothes they wear.
A: Definitely, like I think Harriet's right when she says there's an element of voyeurism with blogs. I think me and Harriet lead lives that people wouldn't expect us to.
H: People seem to expect us to live a certain way, not to swear and be good girls! but we are not trying to re-live a certain decade. We just want to show how passionate we are about the fashions from those eras and how that fits into our very modern lives.
A: We are very much feminists and that's something we wanted to stress in our blog. People have this idea that women who wear vintage are expected to carry the morals along with that time, which is ridiculous!

Do you think living in London gives you a greater freedom to dress the way you do?
H: I think I would dress this way no matter where I lived, but I love this city. It has an impact due to the fact we have access to so much more.
A: There's never a point where we would change our style to suit our surroundings, we dress the same no matter where we go.

Give us some London tips, shops, drinking or otherwise.
H: We love Spitalfields on a Thursday. It's definitely our favourite place to shop. We love charity shops but if we told you our favourite charity shops then we wouldn't get all the best stuff! And Paper Dress too - clothes and booze!
A: We love bad bars. The irony is coming out now! We just love how the weirdest people would try and chat us up. But now we love Harriet's flat.

Harriet, you and flowers! When are these gorgeous floral hair pieces going to be available to buy?
H: ...definitely by Spring next year?! I've just started working in a florists' so it's pretty tiring getting up at 5am everyday but yeah, I love flowers. I'm just lazy!
A: That's exactly it! People follow us more for Harriet's style, but if it wasn't for me then the posts wouldn't even happen!

Aimee, congrats on graduating in English Literature! Has that been a big inspiration for your style?
A: I would say so, yes. I only started wearing dark red lipstick because of all the women in Dracula with their big plush lips not because of the magazines!

Dressing certain ways attracts attention. Have you found this and how do you react to the extra attention?
H: In Berlin a couple of years ago, we were stood next to the Brandenburg gate and people were taking pictures of us instead of the famous monument right next to us! We were like, "It's over there!"
A: It's not very nice. Harriet hates it and I don't like it very much either.
H: I have a strong opinion on the whole thing. Why can't people leave each other alone? I'm not a freak show. I may think that I think somebody dresses awfully but never in a million years would I think I had the right to tell them!
A: I suppose on the other hand, I've just come to expect it and accept it. You just have to deal with it.
H: I actually feel sorry for people. It's like, my hat is blowing your mind right now, it's a hat!

It was an absolute pleasure to meet the Bright Young Twinskeep up to date with all of their latest posts as they get up to goodness knows what wearing goodness knows what!

Gina x


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Social Experiment: Bike Theft in New York City

New York City, the home for thousands of bikes, is not, unfortunately, a safe place for them. Normally, a person would expect a reaction from people or the police when a thief steals one in the broad daylight, but not in New York.

That is exactly what art activist Casey Neistat wanted to test in his last social experiment. He locked up his own bike, and later ‘stole’ it as a suspicious thief would, complete with a saw or crowbar. Sadly, New York and its citizens did not react the way Casey wanted them too. Nobody dared to even look at him while the theft was in progress.

Only after he put on his most suspicious clothing and moved to a crowded area in Union Square with a drill, did police show up after only 9 minutes. After explaining his experiment, he asked the police if they’d ever caught a bike thief, and guess what they answered? NO!

The video below documents his interesting experiment. It is featured on NYTimesLaughingSquid, and StuffIStole.

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  1. Silvia

    Holly,I saw the nice mention of my book, The Happiness Project, here. I very much apirecpate those kind words and you shinning a spotlight on my work. Thanks and best wishes,Gretchen

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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

by Hector Diego

When we hear Beatles songs from their albums or singles, we are hearing the finished product. All the work that went into them remains hidden, as it should. But if you want to hear the Beatles at work, listen to their demos.

Cry Baby Cry

by Hector Diego

A demo Lennon made at Harrison's house.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Black Crowes - My Morning Song

by Jay Allbritton
It's important to have morning songs when you're not a morning person.

Sexy Sadie

by Hector Diego

Another of Lennon's quips: You'll get yours yet.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Pearl Jam - Immortality

by Jay Allbritton
From 2003.

Merlin's Magic - The Heart Of Reiki

by Hector Diego

I just have to post this one every once in awhile. It's beautiful and very relaxing.

Morgan Freeman Advocates Legalization

by Hector Diego

So now we have heard from God himself on this issue. What more needs to be said? With cynical dinosaurs like Michele Leonhart running the DEA, apparently, a lot more needs to be said.

Ed Sheeran - You Need Me

by Jay Allbritton
Another clip from Latitude Festival.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

John and Yoko...and Frank Zappa

by Hector Diego

Neither the sound nor the visuals are great, but they are good enough. I wonder what Yoko is driving at? And Zappa, well Zappa is a shredder, my friends.

At about 8.40 Zappa's band (the Mothers?) starts imitating Yoko. Hmmm...

Friday, July 27, 2012

Pomplamoose Mashup Gotye, Jespen

by Jay Allbritton
It's a super pop mashup.

Miracles of Modern Science - Call Me Maybe

by Jay Allbritton
MMS throw down on this cover of C. R. Jespen's monster hit "Call Me Maybe" (h/t Cover Me).

Lana Del Rey - Heart-Shaped Box

by Jay Allbritton
The prospect of the hated Lana Del Rey covering Nirvana sets up a negative knee jerk reaction. Del Rey, long considered by indie purists to be inauthentic, toying with the work of the sainted Kurt Cobain amounts to, as Stereogum's Tom Breihan puts it, "trolling the universe". One commenter on the post compared it Miley Cyrus's ill advised cover of "Smalls Like Teen Spirit".

I completely disagree with this lazy comparison. Del Rey pulls off a compelling take on a song that, coming from her, has a great deal of meaning. Breihan writes, "Given that all of LDR’s moves are painstakingly calculated and clearly all fame and its effects, this isn’t just a case of a singer singing a song she likes."

The song is unintentionally enhanced by the position of the phone filming Del Rey, which forces us to peek over the hedges to see her, as if she's literally the girl next door dreaming of being a famous singer and acting it out in her backyard. It's the innocent antithesis of pop fame.

by Hector Diego

If you don't know already that Julia was Lennon's mother, run down by an automobile when Lennon was about 16, well, you don't know Jack.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Violent Femmes - Kiss Off

by Jay Allbritton
I hope you know, this will go down on your permanent record.

Slow Club -- Nothing Can Stop Us Now

by Jay Allbritton
From the recent Latitude Festival.

Abbey Road Medley

by Hector Diego

The medley on the second side of Abbey Road supplies one of the most significant moments in 20th century music. And let this post stand for our daily dose of John Lennon for The Year of John Lennon, 2012.

Elliott Smith - Alameda

by Jay Allbritton
"So now you see your first mistake..."

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Jerry Seinfeld Drives. Larry David Eats A Pancake.

by Jay Allbritton
This is episode one of Jerry Seinfeld's fun new web series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. Wonder what that show is about.

From Crackle: Larry Eats A Pancake

Mr. Seinfeld is going out on tour. Brooklyn Vegan has details.

John Lennon - Hold On

by Hector Diego

Missy Higgins - Hello Hello

by Jay Allbritton
I know not of this Missy Higgins, but she did well for herself on The Tonight Show.

Monday, July 23, 2012

The Elected - Have You Been Cheated

by Jay Allbritton
Hard to believe it's been over a year since Bury Me in My Rings came out.

Alex Clare - Too Close

by Jay Allbritton
Nice acoustic rendering of that cool dub-step song from that commercial.

John Lennon - Well Well Well

by Hector Diego

From Lennon's minimalist Plastic Ono Band album, 1970.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

John Lennon - Imagine, Acoustic

by Hector Diego

Fleetwood Mac - The Chain

by Jay Allbritton
From 1997's The Dance.

Lissie - Pursuit of Happiness

by Jay Allbritton
Lissie turned rapper Kid Cudi's "Pursuit of Happiness" into a dynamic rock anthem.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Florence and the Machine - The Chain

by Jay Allbritton
Florence and the Machine entertain the hoards with this one time only cover of Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain".

John Lennon - Oh My love

by Hector Diego

With George Harrison on guitar, and Nicky Hopkins on piano. They have all left us.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Pearl Jam - Yellow Ledbetter

by Jay Allbritton
It amazes me to see this South American stadium fully engaged with this song, which was left off the 1991 album Ten.

Refused - New Noise

by Jay Allbritton
Back from the 90s, hard core Swedish band Refused stopped by Fallon to smack some people around with their awesomeness. It's delightful to see heavy music done well. There's just not a lot of that kind of thing anymore.

Lissie - Go Your Own Way

by Jay Allbritton
Positively brilliant Fleetwood Mac cover.

Fleetwood Mac - Don't Stop

by Jay Allbritton
Form the first inauguration of William Jefferson Clinton.

Fleetwood Mac - Chain

by Jay Allbritton

Thursday, July 19, 2012

The Black Keys - Gold On The Ceiling

by Jay Allbritton
I dig these guys.

Linda Ronstadt and The Muppets - Blue Bayou

by Jay Allbritton
Circa 1980. Part one of full episode here.

John Lennon - Jealous Guy

by Hector Diego

A beautiful melody.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Lissie - Hello

by Jay Allbritton
Is it me you're looking for?

2012 - The Year Of John Lennon

by Hector Diego

People say the world is going to end in 2012. So we will be listening to John Lennon.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Free As A Bird

by Hector Diego

The late, great, John Lennon sings an early, unproduced version.

Lissie - Record Collector

by Jay Allbritton
Lissie stopped by the Current studios in Minnesota. The whole performance is here.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

John Lennon - Isolation

by Hector Diego

I like the stripped down, minimalist arrangement.

Fiona Apple at Largo

by Jay Allbritton
Short set by the great Fiona Apple.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Sarah Blasko - Don't Dream it's Over

by Jay Allbritton
"...but you turn right over to the TV page."

This Land Was Made For You And Me

by Hector Diego

We must post this for Woody Guthrie's centennial. It is required.

Woody Guthrie - Pretty Boy Floyd

by Hector Diego

I like Guthrie's observation about men robbing you with a fountain pen, but outlaws don't drive families from their homes. Ain't that the truth. It takes a lawyer to do that.

Woody Guthrie Centennial

by Hector Diego

Guthrie was born a hundred years ago today in Okemah, Oklahoma. If you don't know about Guthrie, you should, because he was a major figure in inspiring the folk music of the 60s, and he gave voice to the hope of justice and prosperity for the poor and oppressed.

13Chicken - Summer of The Drugs

by Jay Allbritton
YouTube Uke-ist busts a surreal, yet charismatic rendition of Soul Asylum's cover of Victoria Williams's "Summer of Drugs".

Friday, July 13, 2012

Across the Universe, I Want You (She's So Heavy)

by Jay Allbritton
A lot of people I talk to didn't like this movie at all. I thought it was really good. It's totally insane and doesn't seem to be grounded in any way, but it's got colorful and passionate re-creations of Beatles songs.

More Zen Garden

by Hector Diego

I just can't get enough of this music!

John Lennon - Give Peace A Chance

by Hector Diego

I'm not sure that everyone is talking about this stuff, but let's give it a chance.

Skeeter Davis - The End Of The World

by Hector Diego

Whenever the Station Agent posts a cover of a song from the 60's, I guess I can't resist posting the original.

The Last Names - The End of the World

by Jay Allbritton

Every bit as melancholy and infinitely sad as the original.

Year Of Mourning For Rilo Kiley Ends

by Hector Diego

Like Beatles people back in the 1970s, the dedicated staff at The Walrus Speaks will continue to hope that Rilo Kiley will get back together, but for now we are taking guitarist Blake Sennett's declaration that the band is finished. The Walrus Speaks has been observing a year long period of mourning for the band.

For the finale of our year of mourning I am posting "The Good That Won't Come Out" because it is the Rilo Kiley song that started it all for me. The Station Agent made this video several years ago, while a cat and I watched. This one's for you, Jayman.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Good Will Hunting Bar Scene

by Jay Allbritton
The classic scene that made Matt Damon and Gordon Wood famous.

Messiah College history professor

JJAMZ - Heartbeat

by Jay Allbritton
Finally got my hands on the new JJAMZ album Suicide Pact. I concur with Time Out New York's Mikael Wood who writes, "Far from a half-assed vanity project, Suicide Pact could end up the year’s best indie-rock record, full of sticky tunes, chewy guitar textures and some excellently icy vocals by [Z] Berg, who never sounded this sexy-scary in the Like."

Rilo Kiley - The Execution Of All Things

by Hector Diego

This song really grew on me.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Good Morning, Good Morning

by Hector Diego

More Lennon gold.

Elliott Smith - Miss Misery

by Jay Allbritton
This is the ending sequence from the film Good Will Hunting. This is the fulfillment of Chuckie's wish that one day he would knock on Will's door and he would be gone.

The song is Elliott Smith's "Miss Misery".

Blind Melon - Soup

by Jay Allbritton
Behold, the impossible voice of Shanon Hoon.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Nowhere Man

by Hector Diego

One of my very favorite Lennon compositions.

The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army

by Jay Allbritton
Blistering 2007 performance.

Monday, July 09, 2012

Meiko - Leave The Lights On

by Jay Allbritton
On tour this summer.

Rilo Kiley - The Good That Won't Come Out

by Hector Diego

Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley.

The Good That Won't Come Out by Rilo Kiley on Grooveshark

John Lennon - Beautiful Boy

by Hector Diego

Beautiful indeed.

Sunday, July 08, 2012

Elliott Smith - Say Yes

by Jay Allbritton
From his 1997 album Either/Or.

Saturday, July 07, 2012

Grouplove - Tongue Tied

by Jay Allbritton
Amazing how groups can spring onto the scene and I still don't hear about them until a year later.

Ticket To Ride

by Hector Diego

From the Ed Sullivan Show, August 14, 1965.

Friday, July 06, 2012

Mary Timony

by Hector Diego

From about 2005, I have heard. The drummer kicks you know what, does he not?

Caroline Smith - She Ain't Got It

by Jay Allbritton
From her 2010 stop at Current studios.

Bruce Springsteen - Dancing in The Dark

by Jay Allbritton
The boss dances with his daughter.

Rilo Kiley - With Arms Outstretched

by Hector Diego

With Arms Outstretched by Rilo Kiley on Grooveshark

John Lennon - Watching The Wheels

by Hector Diego

This is Lennon in his house husband phase. Well do I know it.

Thursday, July 05, 2012

2012 - The Year Of John Lennon

by Hector Diego

A girl with kaleidoscope eyes...

Blind Melon - Walk

by Jay Allbritton
Recently finished reading the book A Devil on One Shoulder and an Angel on the Other: The Story of Shannon Hoon and Blind Melon. My review is here. This is a live version of "Walk" the band recorded for MuchMusic back when MuchMusic was a thing.

Wednesday, July 04, 2012

You're Going To Lose That Girl

by Hector Diego

You better treat your woman right.

John Adams

by Hector Diego

If you have not seen John Adams, well, you simply must.

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Jimi Hendrix - Star Spangled Banner

by Hector Diego

Happy Independence Day. How fares the Republic?

Of Monsters and Men - Dirty Paws

by Jay Allbritton
From their performance at the Bowery in New York earlier this year.

Andy Griffith (1926-2012)

by Hector Diego

Griffith beats all.

The Word

by Hector Diego

I feel that "The Word" deserves more attention. Classic Lennon lyrics. "I'm here to show everybody the light."

Jonathan Krohn Gets Real

by Hector Diego

Jonathan Krohn is the 13 year old kid who wrote a conservative book in 2009, and was feted by the Red State Confederacy and discussed as an up-and-coming with potential. So what made him turn away from conservatism? He studied philosophy. It seems that his conservative ideas could not brook the cleansing power of critical thinking, a Foreword by former "Drug Czar" William Bennett notwithstanding.

Read about him.

Antique walrus print courtesy of FineRarePrints.Com


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Wednesday, 7 May 2008

Galacticawatch 5: Season 4, Eps 1-5

We left Season 3 of Battlestar Galactica on a whole slew of cliffhangers. Gaius Baltar has unexpectedly been found not guilty of being a traitor and a collaborator, but his life is in danger from many of the people oppressed during the occupation of New Caprica. Some sympathisers have whisked him off to safety, but who are they? What is their agenda?

Meanwhile, the Galactica and its attendant refugee ships have finally reached the Ionian Nebula after a grueling trek of some thirteen thousand light-years from the Temple of the Five, but instead of finding a clearly-marked signpost on the way to Earth the entire fleet momentarily loses power. When it is restored, a Cylon taskforce is bearing down on them. Unable to jump due to the power outage, the fleet is forced to prepare for a grim battle against the odds.

Colonel Saul Tigh, pilot-in-training Sam Anders, Chief Tyrol and President Roslin's aide Tory Foster have suddenly discovered that they are Cylons, four of the 'Final Five' who are held in near-mythical awe by the other Cylon models (who don't know anything about them and are programmed not to think about them, which is why Three's obsession with them last season was seen as such a crime). They themselves don't know what this means, nor have they suddenly gained any new memories or knowledge. They just know now what they are, but not what they must do.

Finally, as the battle kicks off, Lee Adama is rather shocked to find himself flying alongside Kara 'Starbuck' Thrace, who was last seen being incinerated in a fireball far above a gas giant planet hundreds of light-years away. And a Kara Thrace who was claiming to have been to Earth.

Say what you like about the troubled third season, it sure as hell went out with a bang. And we come back in on one. The season opener, He That Believath In Me, immediately picks up the story where we left off. Starbuck's return has floored everyone, but Roslin is convinced it's a Cylon trap. There is no time to dwell on that as the Cylons launch their assault, and for the first time we see killer dogfights in and around the civilian vessels of the fleet (something that actually was more commonplace in the original series). Things look bad for our heroes, who are grossly outnumbered and unable to protect the six or seven dozen civilian ships in the fleet (the viewer winces as a tighly-packed refugee liner is blown to pieces by indirect friendly fire), until one of the Cylon Raiders scans one of the Vipers...and suddenly the Cylons call off the entire attack and jump out. Our heroes are left stunned, especially the pilot who was scanned: Anders.

It's an amazingly strong opening sequence featuring - and this is no hyperbole - the finest CGI ever assembled for the small screen. Some of the CGI last season was ropey to say the least, but the stuff in this episode blows it away. But, as always with BSG, the stunning visuals take a back seat to the drama. The rest of the episode focuses on Starbuck's predicament. Is she who she says she is? Is she a Cylon, resurrected and now back to lure the crew into an ambush? There are no easy answers here and viewers may feel frustrated as Starbuck responds to some very logical questions with just vague assurances that she knows the way to Earth. However, things perk up a lot more as Baltar discovers that his rescuers are part of a cult of monotheists who have been outcast from the rest of the fleet. His belief in the One Cylon God attracts their attention and he soon finds himself in the position of being their de facto leader. Given that apparently 80% of the cult consists of attractive, young, generous, sharing women aged between 19 and 25, Baltar obviously sees the advantages in his new situation. Although the viewer's suspension of disbelief may feel somewhat tested. Anyway, a great opening episode that really raises the stakes for the season ahead.

The second episode, Six of One, opens with Starbuck holding Roslin at gunpoint and, reasonably, asking why it is that Roslin's visions get treated with respect when Starbuck's are dismissed out of hand. Roslin agrees that life is unfair and tries to shoot Starbuck in the face. Adama thinks they may have misjudged Starbuck and gives her a ship (albeit a rubbish one) and some crew to go search for Earth. Whilst watching the episode, this feels like a credible plot progression, but when summarised it does appear to be lacking in the logic department. Once again, some rather obvious BSG plot holes are paved over by incandescently good acting from the cast, particularly Edward James Olmos on top form as Adama. Elsewhere, James Callis does some absolutely hilarious work when 'Head Baltar' (previously only seen with Caprica-Six) appears to him and encourages him to seduce Tory (who herself has been asked by Tigh and Tyrol to 'feel out' Baltar to see what he knows about the Final Five), which he does with aplomb. Then it's time to catch up with the Cylons, who are divided over the revelation that the Final Five are among the human fleet. Cavill, Doral, Simon and, shockingly, Boomer are all for lobotomizing the Raiders and forcing them to resume the attack against Galactica, whilst the Sixes (led by a new individual named Natalie), Leoben and the rest of the Eights are dead against it. The debate ends in a shockingly violent conclusion that has severe repurcussions for the rest of the series.

Given the magnitude of the revelation of the Final Five, it's a bit odd that the reactions of the Four to their predicament has taken a back seat to the Starbuck plotline. The Ties That Bind refocuses attention on this story, as Cally becomes suspicious over Tyrol's absences to meet with Tory and Tigh, who are all struggling with their revelation (Anders is on the Demetrius with Starbuck and co). This is a busy episode that also takes in Lee's burgeoning political career as the new spokesman for Caprica in the Quorum, the Demetrius mission and also the Cylon situation, which is now devolving into full-scale civil war between the opposed sides. It's also a seriously negative episode, delving into Cally Tyrol's slide into depression, with the brutal ending proving that at least one of the Four has embraced their Cylon nature a little too readily. Incredible stuff with haunting music.

Escape Velocity starts off with a funeral and ends with the birth of a new religious movement. Baltar's group is attacked by a fanatical group known as the Sons of Ares, leading to a massive debate in the fleet about religious freedom. Unfortunately, both the Sons' use of violence and Roslin's unsubtle attempts to use the attack to force through draconian new anti-assembly laws end up bolstering Baltar's position and popularity, especially when he is rifle-beaten by an overzealous marine in front of dozens of witnesses. Elsewhere, Caprica Six and Tigh find an unusual bond building between them. This is rather odd, offbeat episode. Baltar's increasing religious popularity seems to be developing quite quickly, but with only sixteen episodes to wrap up the whole season that may be unavoidable. The Six/Tigh stuff is downright bizarre, and hopefully a result of some unconscious Final Five stuff because otherwise it is seriously messed up and disturbing. To some degree, a quieter episode than others of late but without something more forceful driving it, the cracks in BSG's storytelling are more apparent than ever.

The Road Less Travelled refocuses attention on the Demetrius mission as it stumbles across a crippled Cylon Raider containing a Leoben, who wastes no time in getting into Starbuck's (and Anders') head. As the Demetrius crew contemplate mutiny, Starbuck finally realises how divisive her actions have been, but still can't seem to find a way of turning them around. Back on Galactica, Baltar attempts to reach out to Tyrol. This is a more dramatically satisfying episode, anchored by Tehomah Penikett's excellent performance as Helo. Helo has been badly served by the writers since early Season 2, with no real consistency as to where he is used or how, being bounced around from Raptor pilot to Galactica temp XO with no rhyme or reason. And the less said about his signature episode from last season, The Woman King, the better. Here he finally gets some good dialogue and development as his position as Starbuck's best friend and 'rock' finally comes under the strain. Very good stuff, and it bodes well for his forthcoming major new role in Joss Whedon's new project, Dollhouse. Back on Galactica things are less dynamic, but Callis and Douglas turn in solid performances during some very angry, intense exchanges that lead to an intriguing ending.

So, BSG Season 4 has opened very promisingly. The search for Earth is back on and now a higher priority than ever. Very subtle clues throughout the episodes (most notably the appearance of the constellation of Orion in several background shots) show that the search is indeed approaching its end, whilst the civil war amongst the Cylons was an inevitable new development which sets things up for huge confrontations down the line. In terms of dialogue, the show has found its feet again, with logical, obvious questions being asked and the actors all working at the top of their game. However, some plot developments still feel forced or illogical, and the choice of at least one of the Final Five, Tigh, still feels like a retcon too far.

401: He That Believath in Me ****
402: Six of One ***
403: The Tighs That Bind ***½
404: Escape Velocity ***½
405: The Road Less Travelled ***½

Forthcoming: Faith (09/05/08), Guess What's Coming to Dinner (16/05/08), Sine Qua Non (23/05/08), The Hub (30/05/08), Revelations (06/06/08)

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Wednesday, December 2

Birthday Party Pictures

Birthday Decorations

The YUMMY Rhonda Tull Cake!

Blowing out the candles.

Memaw, Nanny, Britt, Paisley & Adam

Waiting for some cake :)

My sweet little almost 2 year old.

Talking to Meme

Opening presents

1 comment:

The Traveling Turtle said...

the decorations were so nice! it looks like she had a blast and really enjoyed her cake. :):) smart girl.

Happy (2 days early) birthday sweet Paisley!


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Tuesday, 4 October 2011

On Sleeping

I have the gift of sleep. I have always had it.

Recently, I have been asked, by several different people, about my sleeping patterns. This has given me cause for thought.

When working I go to sleep quite early, between 9 and 10pm. I normally do not drink caffeine after lunchtime, and often drink camomile, or hot milk and honey, or hot chocolate before I go to sleep. I am so rock and roll.

'It's going to be SO cosy in bed!' That is what my Ma always told us as kids. I believe it too. Once I am tucked up under my blankets very little in the world can disturb me.

I dedicate time to winding down after a day. I have a shower, get dressed in my PJ's and drink my tea. I have a brilliant book I am looking forward to on the bedside table - this week it is Julian of Norwich. I read a few chapters before I begin to feel myself getting sleepy.

Compline, I always say that in bed. For me, it is a way of reviewing the day with God: this happened; that happened; I said something stupid; I needed You; You were there for me. Then there is those last words: The Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. I always translate that in my head, selfishly perhaps: God grant me rest. I have always prayed for sleep.

After that, if it is more that 5 minutes before I hit the world of nod I am surprised.

I sleep deeply. Sometimes too deeply. I have slept through fire drills and through teenagers having a dorm party (probably best). I have slept through a French holiday house being hit by lightening (or I would have done, had not my Ma woken me up to tell me about it), and through two day coach journeys to Poland and the South of Spain.  Noise, it seems, does not worry me that much.

I can sleep anywhere, most especially in cars (almost instantly), trains (despite paranoia about missing my stop), planes (I'll be snoozing before take off, and will see you after landing) and meetings (including Church services); indoors or outdoors, in a bed or on the floor. I am a lover of comfort, but it is not a requirement for relative unconsciousness. Neither is darkness: there have been no blinds on the skylights in this flat since I moved in. It drives other people mad! I barely notice.

Stress, such as we had with OFSTED last week, only makes me want to sleep more.

Apparently, Scientists believe the position in which a person goes to sleep provides an important clue about the kind of person they are. They have spoken about 6 different positions in which people naturally fall to sleep. Thinking about it, I can safely say that I adopt two of these positions with any regularity, the foetus and the starfish.

The Foetus: Those who curl up in the foetus position are described as tough on the outside but sensitive at heart. They may be shy when they first meet somebody, but soon relax. More than twice as many women as men tend to adopt this position.

Log: Lying on your side with both arms down by your side. These sleepers are easy going, social people who like being part of the in-crowd, and who are trusting of strangers. However, they may be gullible.

The yearner: People who sleep on their side with both arms out in front are said to have an open nature, but can be suspicious, cynical. They are slow to make up their minds, but once they have taken a decision, they are unlikely ever to change it.

Soldier: Lying on your back with both arms pinned to your sides. People who sleep in this position are generally quiet and reserved. They don't like a fuss, but set themselves and others high standards.

Freefall: Lying on your front with your hands around the pillow, and your head turned to one side. Often gregarious and brash people, but can be nervy and thin-skinned underneath, and don't like criticism, or extreme situations.

Starfish: Lying on your back with both arms up around the pillow. These sleepers make good friends because they are always ready to listen to others, and offer help when needed. They generally don't like to be the centre of attention.

I can relate to these two ideas. They make sense to me. I think that many things are taught to us through sleep.

I am interested to note though, that a gift of sleep is not complimented by a gift of waking up! My working day alarm sounds at 5am. There are 4 different alarm sounds in my room, including the radio. I regularly change both their tone, and their position in the room. I put them far enough away from me that I have to get out of bed to silence them. I turn lights on, and employ a variety of snooze buttons. But still, still it takes an Act of Will to get started in the morning, a determination fuelled by sugared tea and a sense of unfulfilled duty. If anyone has a solution to this getting out of bed problem, I am all ears. One of the most challenging aspects of my sleep pattern is people waking me up unexpectedly. I feel like I have been hauled from the depths: I do not know where I am, I get confused. It is frightening, I do not like it.  I long one day to waken, full of the joys of spring!

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Rum and Eggnog Tres Leches Trifle

For the last couple of years, I have been in charge of making dessert for The Neighbour's annual Xmas dinner. They throw a big dinner party for out of town friends and their in town sister with other people added to the guest list each year. We are fortunate enough to be included because it is always an impressive feast and tons of fun. Every guest gets a stocking filled with homemade cookies and a beautiful, hand painted ornament. Last year I made two desserts because it is always a crowd of at least 11 or 12 people but they were both a lot of work and both required slicing and plating and felt too formal for this type of gathering.  This year I wanted to make one dessert that would be substantial enough to feed a big crowd, easy to serve and not require pretty plating. Since this is basically three desserts in one, big bowl and requires nothing more than a big spoon and a shallow bowl, it fit the bill.

At first, I was going to just make my Rum and Eggnog Tres Leches Cake , which is already very festive but I felt the need to ramp it up a notch. Since the cake is already soaked, why not throw together a trifle? It's like it was invented for trifle, to be honest. The only change to the actual cake was to replace the dark rum with spiced rum, but, otherwise, the cake remained unchanged. Some crushed up spekulas was thrown in for crunch and texture and a ring of berries in the middle just for a pop of colour. You can make your own pudding, from scratch, if you like but I used a box of jello vanilla pudding made with eggnog instead of milk and it was perfect and I will do it again, dammit. I honestly think that this is THE ultimate Christmas dessert. It is a bowl full of Christmas.

I had cake and a bit of pudding etc leftover so I made a couple little individual trifles for The Kid and I think I might even serve them like that the next time because they were pretty adorable. As much as I think the whole "dessert in a jar" thing is probably getting tired, how cute would a dozen of these in a small jar be?

The sugared berries was just me totally showing off.

Rum and Eggnog Tres Leches Trifle

serves 10-12

1 box vanilla pudding mix (I KNOW I KNOW)
2 cups eggnog
2 cups whipped cream in total

250g crushed up spekulas cookies (also called speculaas, spekulatius, or speculoos)
about  125g blueberries

sugared berries:
1 egg white and a tiny splash of lemon or lime juice
125g raspberries
about 100 grams of blueberries
sugar (up to you. I used a mix of blue sanding sugar and plain white sugar)

So, click that link up there and go and make the cake and soak it overnight (or at least all day if you wait to make it the day of)

At least a few hours before serving, make the vanilla pudding mix (I KNOW ALREADY) but sub in eggnog for the milk (the kind of I used called for 2 cups of milk which I think will be pretty standard).
Set the pudding aside and whip up 1 cup of heavy cream until you get stiff peaks. Fold that whipped cream into the eggnog pudding and set aside.

Put the spekulas in a plastic freezer bag and smash them up. You don't want them totally crushed because they are providing a bit of crunch. Set aside

Make your sugared fruit by whisking the egg white with a tiny splash of the citrus juice until frothy. Using a clean, small paint brush, brush a little bit of egg white on each berry and then roll it around in a little bowl of sugar. I like the mix of the blueberries half in plain white sugar and the other half in the coarse blue sanding sugar.
Set them aside on a parchment lined baking sheet to dry - it takes about 4-6 hours to dry completely.

To assemble, either the night before or earlier in the day on serving day:

Use a big, glass bowl of some kind. It must be clear glass so your guests can ooh and ahh over the beautiful layers.
Cut your soaked cakes into chunks and line the bottom of the bowl with a layer of cake. Make sure you fill the gaps with chunks of cake - it doesn't have to be neat.  Next, spoon on half of the pudding mixture and use a spatula to spread that evenly over the cake. Now, sprinkle 1/2 of your crushed spekulas cookies evenly over the pudding, making sure that you get them right up to the edges of the glass so they will show in the finished trifle. Make a second layer of cake chunks, then pudding and now sprinkle all of your blueberries over the pudding, again being sure that you ring the layer with them so they will show through the glass. Scatter the rest of the crushed cookies and then top with a final layer of cake chunks. At this point, you cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for the rest of the day.

Make your sugared fruit now because it has to sit and dry for at least a few hours. To make them you need to whip up the egg white with a splash of lemon or lime juice till frothy. Put your sanding sugar and your regular sugar into small, shallow bowls. Using a small paintbrush, brush each berry, individually, with a bit of egg white and then roll in the desired sugar. Set aside on a parchment lined baking sheet and when they are all done (I know, it's tedious work but look at how pretty it is!) set that aside for the rest of the day to dry.

Okay, time to serve this baby up!
Whip the second cup of heavy cream  and when it reaches nice, stiff peaks, spread that over the top of the trifle (i don't sweeten the whipped cream because the dessert is plenty sweet already but that is up to you). Artfully arrange your sparkling, sugared fruit over the top and dig in.

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