Doctor Vs Comedian

As a year-end treat, the guys go over their favourite entertainment from 2021… and decide to omit the big 2021 medical topic, since people are likely tired of talking about the Covid-19 pandemic. Ali starts off by talking about his favourite books he read last year (1:44). Then Asif discusses new music he got into in 2021. The guys then compare notes on their favourite movies of 2021 and disagree intensely about Wes Anderson and ‘The French Dispatch’. Then the guys discuss their thoughts on  best TV shows they saw in 2021.

NB: The pod will be taking next week off. We will see all of you in the new year!

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

Contact us at [email protected]

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Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

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Show Notes:  

• Asif’s fave music from 2021 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4K3Z1XgNFU&list=PLh7rgup-OZBcIjrILdZ7in5hFZ_2uv1uJ
• Canada Reads: https://www.cbc.ca/books/canadareads

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Today, Ali and Asif each list their top albums from one of the greatest years for music, 1991 (2:01). The guys go over their top albums, their honourable mentions and their lowlights of that year. Then, Ali asks Asif why the music from our youth connects so much with us (47:59). Asif discusses the research by Daniel Levitin on music and the brain and discusses why the songs from when we are young are “burned into our brains”. Asif then goes over the sociological reasons why we remember certain life events (we wouldn’t otherwise think about) when we hear a particular song.

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

Contact us at [email protected]

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

Instagram:   doctorvcomedian

Show Notes:

• Ali’s 1991 Top Album Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPJ2rcYQC88&list=PLh7rgup-OZBfxVyZVEg9YLAquqI538k36
• Asif’s 1991 Top Album Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM0zINtulhM&list=PLh7rgup-OZBdHLoGtlLM-4nmV1BUcFMdp
• Was 1991 one of the greatest years in rock? Alan Cross votes ‘yes’: https://globalnews.ca/news/8195404/rock-music-greatest-year-1991/
• 1991: The Most Important Year in Pop-Music History: https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2015/05/1991-the-most-important-year-in-music/392642/
• Daniel Levitin – This Is Your Brain on Music: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/298964/this-is-your-brain-on-music-by-daniel-j-levitin/

• This Is Your Brain on Music: https://www.salon.com/2006/09/05/levitin/
• Musical nostalgia: The psychology and neuroscience for song preference and the reminiscence bump: https://slate.com/technology/2014/08/musical-nostalgia-the-psychology-and-neuroscience-for-song-preference-and-the-reminiscence-bump.html
•  Why we're obsessed with music from our youth: https://theconversation.com/why-were-obsessed-with-music-from-our-youth-154864
• Why our teenage music listening has a life-long impact: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/bring-the-noise/music-from-our-teens/zvfphbk
• Q & A With Psychological Scientist Daniel Levitin (Part 2): https://www.psychologicalscience.org/uncategorized/q-a-with-daniel-levitin-part-2.html
• Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music: https://www.nature.com/articles/nn.2726#citeas

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In response to a listener's question, the guys attempt to answer the questions: “What does it mean to be funny?” and “What does it mean to be healthy?”. After a brief digression about humour in rats, Ali discusses how ‘funny’ laughter and active listening are intricately linked (2:21). He outlines the 4 major concepts that people find amusement in: 1) the misfortunes of others; 2) expressions of otherwise forbidden emotions; 3) juxtaposition of incompatible concepts; 4) realizing that certain expectations have been violated. He discusses how something is more funny if geographical or emotional remoteness lends a bit of distance. He also discusses the old adage of ‘humour is tragedy plus time’, as well as the concept of timing, ‘too soon’ and how comedy is tension and release. Then, Asif discusses how “healthiness” to him means optimizing your health and reducing your risk of disease (30:13). He then describes the two easiest ways to stay healthy: eat in moderation and exercise regularly. Asif then discusses the importance of mental and emotional health and learning to ‘live’ with stress. He also discusses not ignoring signals with regards to your emotional and mental well being. 

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

Contact us at [email protected]

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

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Show Notes:

• What’s So Funny? The Science of Why We Laugh: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/whats-so-funny-the-science-of-why-we-laugh/
• Science deconstructs humor: What makes some things funny?: https://theconversation.com/science-deconstructs-humor-what-makes-some-things-funny-64414
• Colin and Brad -  Mousetrap Game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAZcJ2gCpEo

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The guys start off this episode with Asif reviewing Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2:40). Then Asif asks Ali about his thoughts on Larry David, ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and cringe comedy (12:16). Ali talks about the influence of Ricky Gervais (The Office) and Sacha Baron Cohen (Da Ali G Show) on cringe comedy. After an aside about the new Willow TV show, the guys talk about Larry David and why he is shocked that ‘Curb’ makes people cringe. They guys then talk about their favourite moments and characters from the show. Then Ali asks Asif about ‘male menopause’ (39:34) and they discuss why the preferred terms are Andropause or Male Hypogonadism. Asif goes over the symptoms and how one can be tested for it. Asif then goes over the options for treatment for diagnosed individuals, as well as some of the side effects of treatment. 

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

Contact us at [email protected]

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

Instagram:   doctorvcomedian

Show Notes:

• How Larry David Makes You Cringe: https://medium.com/wisecrack/how-larry-david-makes-you-cringe-f6c1a1fa9ae4
• Watch the Evolution of Cringe Comedy in 9 Clips: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/29/arts/television/larry-david-curb-your-enthusiasm-cringe-comedy.html
• Larry David Is ‘Shocked’ That ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Makes People Cringe: https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2020/01/larry-david-shocked-curb-your-enthusiasm-makes-people-cringe
• Every Episode of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ Ranked: https://www.theringer.com/tv/2020/3/23/21188827/curb-your-enthusiasm-episode-rankings-updated
• Sharing the Enthusiasm: https://www.theringer.com/tv/2021/11/19/22789464/curb-your-enthusiasm-cameos-oral-history
• Male menopause: Myth or reality? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/male-menopause/art-20048056
• Male hypogonadism: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-hypogonadism/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354886
• Is testosterone therapy safe? Take a breath before you take the plunge: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/is-testosterone-therapy-safe-take-a-breath-before-you-take-the-plunge
• Testosterone Therapy for Hypogonadism Guideline Resources: https://www.endocrine.org/clinical-practice-guidelines/testosterone-therapy#2
• Testosterone Treatments: Why, When, and How? https://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/0501/p1591.html

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The guys start off the episode with Asif discussing the problems faced by men after trying on their suits after 18 months of the Covid-19 pandemic (1:18). The guys then compare two albums released in the fall of 1991, Soundgarden’s ‘Badmotorfinger’ and U2’s ‘Achtung Baby’ (3:15). They start off by discussing ‘Badmotorfinger’ and the amazing productivity of Chris Cornell in the fall 1991 and the overall innovation of the album. The guys then discuss U2’s ‘Achtung Baby’; they discuss the tensions the band had when recording the album and how the documentary ‘From the Sky Down’ details the trials and tribulations of making this album. They discuss how the band writing the song “One”  was the breakthrough that saved the album and the band itself. The guys then give their preferences about which album they prefer. Asif then discusses OCD, a topic suggested by a listener (28:51). Asif goes over the symptoms and how common it is. He then goes over the difference between OCD and Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD).  He then discusses whether OCD is genetic and the recommended treatment for OCD. At the end of the episode, listen to hear about  a podcast we are currently "Obsessed" with...

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

Contact us at [email protected]

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

Instagram:   doctorvcomedian

Show Notes:

• Tomorrow Begat Tomorrow: An Oral History of Soundgarden’s Badmotorfinger: https://www.spin.com/2021/10/soundgarden-badmotorfinger-oral-history-30th-anniversary/
• 30 Years Ago: Soundgarden Break Through With ‘Badmotorfinger’: https://loudwire.com/soundgarden-badmotorfinger-anniversary/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral
• The Past Brought Into the Light: Breaking Down a U2 Breakthrough, Chord by Chord: https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/29/arts/television/from-the-sky-down-a-documentary-about-u2-review.html
• U2’s ‘Achtung Baby’ at 30: Looking Back at the Pioneering Rock Giants’ Greatest Album and Backstory: https://www.rockcellarmagazine.com/u2-achtung-baby-30th-anniversary-look-back-history-listen/
• I’m Not Brave at All: https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/corey-hirsch-nhl-hockey-mental-health
• Personality disorders: review and clinical application in daily practice: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22150659/
• Suicide ideation and attempts in obsessive-compulsive disorder: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31046037/
• Canadian clinical practice guidelines for the management of anxiety, posttraumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive disorders: https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-244X-14-S1-S1
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder and body dysmorphic disorder: treatment: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg31
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Diagnosis and Management: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/1115/p896.html
• Obsessed: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/obsessed/id1559480972

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The guys start off the episodes by discussing Ali’s recent attendance at a Toronto Maple Leafs game and his ‘Sophie’s Choice’ of needing to choose whether to cheer for Toronto or the Boston Bruins (1:40). Asif then discusses his thoughts on the recent movie by Denis Villeneuve ‘Dune”. Then Asif asks Ali about Kumail Nanjiani and his thoughts on his body transformation and the reasons Kumail has given about his reasons for getting into shape (9:42). They then talk about Kumail posting pics of his new bod on Instagram and the response (good and bad) to it. The guys go out of their way to emphasize that they do not feel that Kumail has done HGH or steroids. Then Asif goes over exactly what HGH and steroids are as well as the side effects of taking them (33:17). He then discusses how they are allegedly used by actors in Hollywood as well as in Bollywood. 

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

Contact us at [email protected]

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

Instagram:   doctorvcomedian

Show Notes:

• Clueless Gamer: "Shadow Of War" With Kumail Nanjiani | CONAN on TBS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txvKrTplOVs
• Kumail Nanjiani’s Feelings: The man in the Marvel suit confronts his body: https://www.vulture.com/article/kumail-nanjiani-eternals-profile.html?utm_source=tw&utm_medium=s1&utm_campaign=vulture
• Kumail Nanjiani Can Do Anything: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a31195173/kumail-nanjiani-buff-interview/
• Tom and Lorenzo - Who Watches the Swole Men?On who gets to be an unhealthy hero and who doesn't:
• Steroids - Centre for addiction and mental health: https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/steroids
• Systematic review: the safety and efficacy of growth hormone in the healthy elderly: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17227934/
• Systematic review: the effects of growth hormone on athletic performance: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18347346/
• Hollywood and Steroids: When A-List Actors Go the A-Rod Route: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/hollywood-steroid-use-a-list-609091/
• The open secret to looking like a superhero: https://www.vox.com/the-goods/22760163/steroids-hgh-hollywood-actors-peds-performance-enhancing-drugs
• Hollywood’s Vial Bodies: https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2012/03/human-grown-hormone-hollywood-201203
• https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/instagram-fitness-influencers-scams
• Akshay Kumar: After 32 years of working out, I still don’t have more than 6 packshttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/akshay-kumar-after-32-years-of-working-out-i-still-dont-have-more-than-6-packs/articleshow/45258259.cms

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Today, the guys switch things around by discussing the medical topic first -- Tics and Tourette Syndrome (1:02). Asif discusses what the symptoms of Tourette Syndrome are, how you diagnose it and what causes it. He also talks about other commonly associated conditions and why you often do NOT need to treat tics. Then Ali and Asif discuss Tourette Syndrome on tv shows, movies and especially social media (20:50). Asif discusses how he was asked to be on the TV show “Employable Me” as a medical expert on Tourette Syndrome and his reasons for declining the offer.  Asif discusses the finding of an increase in psychogenic tics over the Covid-19 pandemic and it’s possible relation to TikTok influencers. And as a bonus, at the end of the episode, Ali announces his casting in the new CBC sitcom “Run the Burbs”. 

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

Contact us at [email protected]

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

Instagram: doctorvcomedian

Show Notes:

• Employable Me: https://www.tvo.org/programs/employable-me
• Asif’s Youtube Video On Tics and Tourette: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL4HrZDLJN0
• TikTok Teens and K-Pop Stans Say They Sank Trump Rally: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/21/style/tiktok-trump-rally-tulsa.html
• The Superstars of Tourette’s TikTok: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/07/disability-influencers-tourette-tiktok/619468/
• COVID-19 related increase in childhood tics and tic-like attacks: https://adc.bmj.com/content/106/5/420
• Gen Z Is Developing Unexplained Tics After Going Online, And Doctors Are Concerned: https://www.vice.com/en/article/xgx3en/gen-z-is-developing-unexplained-tics-after-going-online-and-doctors-are-concerned
• Rapid Onset Functional Tic‐Like Behaviors in Young Females During the COVID‐19 Pandemic:
• Tics and TikTok: Functional Tics Spread Through Social Media: https://movementdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mdc3.13267
• TikTok Tics: A Pandemic Within a Pandemic: https://movementdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mdc3.13316
• What Happened to the Girls in Le Roy: https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/11/magazine/teenage-girls-twitching-le-roy.html

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On today’s episode, after a brief discussion of Jerry Seinfeld’s “Is this Anything?”, Ali discusses how he and other comedians come up with material (2:21). He talks about writing out jokes, practicing them at open mics and refining them over time. He then talks about what happens when you recommend a joke to a comic. Then,  Asif discusses the health benefits of laughter on pain tolerance, interpersonal relationships and stress (29:17). He then discusses ‘laughter yoga’ and whether there is evidence for its use in medicine. Finally, he discusses so-called “laughing seizures”.  

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

Contact us at [email protected]

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

Instagram: doctorvcomedian

Show Notes:

• Social Laughter Triggers Endogenous Opioid Release in Humans: https://www.jneurosci.org/content/37/25/6125
• Effects of laughter and relaxation on discomfort thresholds: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3302270/
• Six Science-Based Reasons Why Laughter Is The Best Medicine: https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddisalvo/2017/06/05/six-science-based-reasons-why-laughter-is-the-best-medicine/?sh=65281b007f04
• Does laughing have a stress-buffering effect in daily life? An intensive longitudinal study: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0235851
• Laughter yoga versus group exercise program in elderly depressed women: a randomized controlled trial: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/gps.2545
• Laughter-inducing therapies: Systematic review and meta-analysis: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953619300851?via%3Dihub

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Today, in honour of the 30th anniversary of the release of Guns N’ Roses’ ‘Use Your Illusion 1 and 2’ and Metallica’s ‘Black Album’, the guys debate which album is better (and yes, we know UYI is 2 albums -- we’re counting them as one…) (1:41).   Ali starts off by recounting the story of how he attended the infamous Metallica/Guns N’ Roses concert in the summer of 1992, which resulted in a massive riot in downtown Montreal. The guys discuss how big GNR were in the early nineties and recount how anticipated the double album release was. Then the guys talk about Metallica’s 1991 album, which has come to be called ‘The Black Album’. They discuss how the album was considered a major sonic departure from their previous albums and the influence of Canadian producer Bob Rock. Then Ali asks Asif about whether we need to take vitamins (33:59). In short, Asif says in general “no” we don’t, but he does talk about some specific medical situations where we may need to take vitamins. He then talks about examples of toxicities associated with taking too many vitamins. Finally Asif shout outs the true experts in the field, nutritionists and dieticians. 

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

Contact us at [email protected]

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

Instagram: doctorvcomedian

Show Notes:

• Why a Guns ‘N Roses and Metallica concert ended in a riot: https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-1992-montreal-riot/
• Supplemental Vitamins and Minerals for CVD Prevention and Treatment: https://www.jacc.org/doi/abs/10.1016/j.jacc.2018.04.020
• Enough Is Enough: Stop Wasting Money on Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/abs/10.7326/0003-4819-159-12-201312170-00011
• Acute Selenium Toxicity Associated With a Dietary Supplement: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/415585
• Refractory hypercalcemia owing to vitamin A toxicity in a 4-year-old boy: https://www.cmaj.ca/content/192/25/E671

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Today, the guys discuss the hit Netflix Show ‘Squid Game’ (1:13) and the influence of Korea on popular culture (BTS, ‘Parasite’) . They talk about how it was developed by writer/director Hwang Dong-hyuk, Netflix and Ted Sarandos. They discuss how it became a global phenomenon and how it’s ‘The Prisoner’ and ‘The Hunger Games’. They mention the excellent acting by Lee Jung-jae,  Kim Joo-ryoung and Anupam Tripathi. Ali points out the stress of Hwang being a writer-director on every episode and he had 6 teeth fall out because of stress. Then Ali asks Asif if doctors should cry in front of patients (25:39). Asif brings up papers that discuss how patients feel about doctors crying in front of them as well as how doctors feel about the topic. He then talks about his own personal views on crying in front of patients and some real life examples. 

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

Contact us at [email protected]

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

Instagram:   doctorvcomedian

Show Notes:

• Saturday Night Live - ‘Squid Game’: https://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/squid-game/757125868
• 'Squid Game' director Hwang Dong-hyuk: 'This is a story about losers': https://www.cnn.com/style/article/squid-game-director-hwang-dong-hyuk-spc-hnk/index.html
• Translators, experts weigh in on 'Squid Game' subtitle debate: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/translators-experts-weigh-squid-game-subtitle-debate-rcna2568
• Squid Game: 15 Questions the Finale Left Us With — Plus, Grade Season 1: https://tvline.com/lists/squid-game-finale-recap-burning-questions/was-old-man-truly-confused/
• ‘Some see crying in front of patients as unprofessional. Most see it as being human’: https://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2017/oct/12/crying-healthcare-patients-unprofessional-being-human
• The Physician’s Tears: Experiences and Attitudes of Crying Among Physicians and Medical Interns: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10880-019-09611-9

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