What does it really mean to be a creative learner?

In this episode of the EduCurious Podcast, Dr. Amber Love Johnson sits down with local artist Blair Petersen Updike for a rich conversation about art, learning, curiosity, and community. Blair shares how boredom, self-directed discovery, and meaningful challenge shaped her as a learner and continue to shape the way she teaches and creates today.

Together, they explore the connection between creativity and education, the value of frustration in the learning process, the realities of building a life in the arts, and the role artists can play in conservation, storytelling, and community growth.

This episode is full of insight for educators, artists, parents, and anyone interested in how people learn best.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How curiosity unlocked learning

• Why boredom can be productive

• Teaching creative and nontraditional learners

• The role of challenge in engagement

• What art teaches us about life

• Building discipline and structure as a creative

• Advice for aspiring artists

• The power of mentorship and great teachers

• Florida landscapes, conservation, and community connection

• Why authentic art still matters in the age of AI

• The vision behind The Florida Gallery

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Creative Learning

02:25 The Journey of a Creative Learner

05:18 Teaching Art: Insights from Experience

07:57 Navigating Art Education and Career Paths

10:25 Influential Teachers and Life Lessons

13:09 Art and Community Engagement

13:47 Water Conservation Concerns

14:54 Activating Community Awareness

15:53 Future Aspirations for the Florida Gallery

17:06 The Florida Marketing Co-op Explained

19:27 Curating Local Artistry

20:56 Bridging Educational Gaps in Art

22:02 The Impact of AI on Traditional Art

23:21 Memorable Artistic Experiences

About Blair Petersen Updike

Blair Petersen Updike is a Florida-based artist whose work is deeply connected to landscape, place, and conservation. Her paintings reflect a commitment to beauty, storytelling, and the natural world, while her leadership in The Florida Gallery helps amplify Florida artists through collective visibility and shared purpose.

About EduCurious

The EduCurious Podcast highlights exceptional educators, artists, thinkers, and community voices while diving deep into complex issues in learning, growth, and human development.

#EduCuriousPodcast #BlairPetersenUpdike #CreativeLearner #ArtAndEducation #FloridaArt #ConservationArt #AmberLoveJohnson

Watch: https://youtu.be/FXM_tnG-G08

Learn: https://www.thefloridagallery.com/

About EduCurious

The EduCurious Podcast is an evolving platform dedicated to showcasing the incredible work of exceptional educators and delving into the complex issues facing education today. Through engaging podcasts and insightful interviews, EduCurious provides educators with a space to share their experiences, insights, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

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What does effective school leadership look like in a fast-growing public school district?

In this episode of the EduCurious Podcast, Dr. Amber Love Johnson sits down with Superintendent Fred Heid of Polk County Public Schools to discuss educational leadership, accountability, school culture, student assessment, district growth, and the future of AI in education.

Fred Heid shares his journey from biology major to superintendent and offers practical insights on how school districts can build stronger leadership pipelines, support teachers, improve school climate, manage population growth, and create better outcomes for students. The conversation also explores how educators can rethink grading, accountability, and the achievement gap while using innovation and artificial intelligence responsibly.

This episode is for: teachers, principals, assistant principals, superintendents, district leaders, instructional coaches, parents, education advocates, and anyone interested in K-12 leadership and school improvement.

Visit: https://www.polkschoolsfl.com/

In this conversation:

• Fred Heid’s path to becoming a superintendent

• What makes Polk County Public Schools unique

• Managing district growth and rezoning

• Building leadership capacity in education

• Accountability for leaders, teachers, and students

• Better approaches to student assessment

• School culture and parent engagement

• Student voice and advocacy in schools

• The achievement gap and education policy

• AI in education, data privacy, and teacher support

• Leadership lessons learned over time

If you care about public education, school leadership, AI in schools, student success, and the future of K-12 education, this episode will give you a lot to think about.

Subscribe to EduCurious for more conversations with educational leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

#EducationLeadership #AIinEducation #SchoolLeadership #FredHeid #PolkCountySchools #EduCurious #K12Education #PublicEducation

The EduCurious Podcast explores a wide range of topics, from cutting-edge classroom technology to the latest research in teacher training and professional development. EduCurious is committed to fostering collaborative PD by connecting and empowering educators and facilitating meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities in education. By highlighting educators' voices and expertise, we can inspire positive change and empower teachers to create impactful learning experiences for their students.

Meet the Host: Dr. Amber Love Johnson

Dr. Amber Love Johnson is an educator, lifelong learner, and passionate advocate for teachers and students. As the host of the EduCurious Podcast, she is driven by one central question: How can we better support educators and create meaningful learning experiences for all students?

Through thoughtful conversations with educators and leaders, Dr. Johnson explores the challenges and possibilities in education. Her approach is grounded in curiosity, connection, and a deep belief in educators' power to transform lives.

Website: https://amberlovejohnson.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberlovejohnson/

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What does it really mean to live a fulfilled life?

In this episode of the EduCurious Podcast, Dr. Amber Love Johnson sits down with community leader and recovery advocate Andy Blair to explore his journey from outward success to inner transformation. After years of chasing achievement and status, Andy shares how a life-changing turning point led him to recovery and ultimately to a purpose centered on serving others.

Together, they dive into the realities educators face when working with students experiencing trauma, instability, and addiction. Andy offers practical insight on how teachers, coaches, and community members can build trust, recognize warning signs, and make a lasting impact, often through something as simple as saying, “I see you.”

The conversation also expands into leadership, education systems, and community responsibility, highlighting what it takes to build stronger schools and better opportunities for students.

This episode is for educators, parents, leaders, and anyone who believes in second chances, meaningful connection, and the power of showing up for others.

✨ Key topics include:

• Recovery and personal transformation

• Supporting students facing adversity

• Building trust in education

• Redefining success and purpose

• Leadership and community impact

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join the EduCurious community as we continue to learn and grow together.

About EduCurious

The EduCurious Podcast highlights exceptional educators and dives deep into complex issues.

The EduCurious Podcast is an evolving platform dedicated to showcasing the incredible work of exceptional educators and delving into the complex issues facing education today. Through engaging podcasts and insightful interviews, EduCurious provides educators with a space to share their experiences, insights, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

The EduCurious Podcast explores a wide range of topics, from cutting-edge classroom technology to the latest research in teacher training and professional development. EduCurious is committed to fostering collaborative PD by connecting and empowering educators and facilitating meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities in education. By highlighting educators' voices and expertise, we can inspire positive change and empower teachers to create impactful learning experiences for their students.

Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or just EduCurious, join the community as we explore various educational topics and learn from each other.

Meet the Host: Dr. Amber Love Johnson

Dr. Amber Love Johnson is an educator, lifelong learner, and passionate advocate for teachers and students. As the host of the EduCurious Podcast, she is driven by one central question: How can we better support educators and create meaningful learning experiences for all students?

Through thoughtful conversations with educators and leaders, Dr. Johnson explores the challenges and possibilities in education. Her approach is grounded in curiosity, connection, and a deep belief in educators' power to transform lives.

Be Social

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In this episode of the EduCurious Podcast, Dr. Amber Love Johnson sits down with Ruby Nugent, college athlete, coach, and passionate community leader, to explore how sports can transform lives.

Watch: https://youtu.be/KQbU5hVW1aw Ruby shares her journey from Lake Wales Little League to earning a full-ride softball scholarship, competing at elite levels, and returning home to give back to the next generation.💡 In this conversation, we talk about:• How sports build mental toughness and life skills• Why mentorship matters more than ever• The connection between athletics, education, and community• How to guide young athletes toward college and career success• The power of “pivoting” when life doesn’t go as planned• Why unstructured play is still essential for kids today🏟️ Plus, Ruby shares her vision for a game-changing training facility that could transform opportunities for youth athletes in small communities.Whether you're an educator, parent, coach, or student, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical advice.#EduCurious #YouthSports #EducationMatters #Mentorship #StudentAthletes #CommunityImpact #EduCuriousPodChapters 00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome00:22 Meet Ruby Nugent: Athlete, Coach, Community Leader00:42 Growing Up in Lake Wales & Athletic Journey01:49 The Power of Community Support in Youth Sports03:45 Using Sports to Shape Future Education & Careers05:57 Advice for Young Athletes: Dreams vs Reality08:01 Life Lessons Learned Through Sports09:56 Giving Back: Building the Lake Wales Little League11:42 Why Former Athletes Should Return & Mentor13:14 Life Lesson: Learning to Pivot14:06 Changing Paths: From Physical Therapy to Education14:49 Understanding Different Learning Styles15:44 Advice to Younger Self: Start Sooner16:04 Supporting High-Energy Students in the Classroom17:59 Influential Teachers & Coaches20:06 The Role of Mentorship in Education & Community21:46 Dream Vision: A Training Facility for Lake Wales'22:56 What It Takes to Make the Vision Reality25:27 Summer Training Tips for Student Athletes26:43 Free & Fun Activities to Build Athletic Skills28:18 Closing Thoughts & OutroWhether you're a teacher, a parent, or just EduCurious, join the community as we explore various educational topics and learn from each other. Subscribe so you’ll see the episodes when they drop! https://www.youtube.com/@Edu.Curious.Podcasts?sub_confirmation=1Be SocialWebsite: https://educuriouspod.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Edu.Curious.Podcasts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EduCuriousPod Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/49IJd6WG083nXhZeQWt2hk?si=300fba40fb83456c Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/educurious-pods/id1798666772 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edu.curious.podcasts/ Email: [email protected] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@educuriouspods About EduCuriousEduCurious is an evolving platform dedicated to showcasing the incredible work of exceptional educators and delving into the complex issues facing education today. Through engaging podcasts and insightful interviews, EduCurious provides a space for educators to share their experiences, insights, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.EduCurious explores a wide range of topics, from cutting-edge technology in the classroom to the latest research in teacher training and professional development. EduCurious is committed to fostering collaborative PD by connecting and empowering educators and facilitating meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities in education. By highlighting the voices and expertise of educators, we can inspire positive change and empower teachers to create impactful learning experiences for their students.Inspiring educational podcasts & interviews. Connecting educators, fostering PD, & driving positive change.

In this EduCurious podcast, Dr. Amber Love Johnson sits down with Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd for a real conversation about school safety, prevention, and the truth behind student behavior.Together, they unpack:The truth behind the “school-to-prison pipeline.”What actually works to redirect studentsEarly warning signs educators should never ignoreThe role of accountability, both for students and parentsHow schools can create safe environments without feeling like prisonsThe philosophy and structure behind Florida’s Guardian ProgramSheriff Judd shares insights from decades in law enforcement, emphasizing that prevention, not punishment, is the ultimate goal.This episode challenges assumptions, highlights educators’ unseen success, and explores how schools, families, and communities can work together to keep students safe and thriving.This conversation goes beyond headlines to explore:The truth about the “school-to-prison pipeline”How schools can become pathways to success insteadThe role of parents, educators, and systems in student outcomesEarly warning signs that should never be ignoredThe difference between normal teenage behavior and red flagsWhy words matter when it comes to student safetyThe role of accountability, guardrails, and support systemsHow the Guardian Program fits into layered school safetySheriff Judd also shares critical insights on:Why 75% of students who interact with the system never returnHow prevention is more effective than reactionThe importance of mental health support and early interventionWhy school safety should be felt, not seenThis episode is essential viewing for:Educators, school leaders, parents, policymakers, and anyone invested in the future of our students.👉 If you care about student safety, prevention, and education reform, this conversation is for you.Subscribe: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Edu.Curious.Podcasts?sub_confirmation=1⁠  The EduCurious Podcast highlights exceptional educators and dives deep into complex issues. The EduCurious Podcast is an evolving platform dedicated to showcasing the incredible work of exceptional educators and delving into the complex issues facing education today. Through engaging podcasts and insightful interviews, EduCurious provides educators with a space to share their experiences, insights, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.The EduCurious Podcast explores a wide range of topics, from cutting-edge classroom technology to the latest research in teacher training and professional development. EduCurious is committed to fostering collaborative PD by connecting and empowering educators and facilitating meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities in education. By highlighting educators' voices and expertise, we can inspire positive change and empower teachers to create impactful learning experiences for their students.Meet the Host: Dr. Amber Love JohnsonDr. Amber Love Johnson is an educator, lifelong learner, and passionate advocate for teachers and students. As the host of the EduCurious Podcast, she is driven by one central question: How can we better support educators and create meaningful learning experiences for all students?Through thoughtful conversations with educators and leaders, Dr. Johnson explores the challenges and possibilities in education. Her approach is grounded in curiosity, connection, and a deep belief in educators' power to transform lives.

Watch the full presentation: https://youtu.be/jKWPQBOp3Xg 

Join Amber Love Johnson for an engaging, honest, and practical professional development session focused on classroom management, trauma-informed teaching, and building relational resilience. This session blends personal experience, educational research, and real-world classroom observations to support new and developing teachers. Amber shares her journey from corporate work to education, her doctoral research at Florida State, and insights gathered from award-winning educators. This presentation explores:

#ClassroomManagement #TraumaInformedTeaching #TeacherPD #NewTeacherTips #BehaviorManagement #StudentConnections #CalmIsACurriculum #TeacherLife #EducationLeadership #TeachingStrategies #MaslowsHierarchy #PBIS #TeacherSupport #FirstYearTeacher #RelationshipBuilding #TeachingInPoverty #StudentBehavior #TeacherWellness #MiddleSchoolTeachers #SEL #TeacherTok #TeacherHumor #Teachertips #EdTalk #ClassroomTips #TeacherInspiration

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About EduCurious

EduCurious is an evolving platform dedicated to showcasing the incredible work of exceptional educators and delving into the complex issues facing education today. Through engaging podcasts and insightful interviews, EduCurious provides a space for educators to share their experiences, insights, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

EduCurious explores a wide range of topics, from cutting-edge technology in the classroom to the latest research in teacher training and professional development. EduCurious is committed to fostering collaborative PD by connecting and empowering educators and facilitating meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities in education. By highlighting the voices and expertise of educators, we can inspire positive change and empower teachers to create impactful learning experiences for their students.

Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or just EduCurious, join the community as we explore various educational topics and learn from each other. 

Be Social

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TPT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-educurious-lab-for-the-gifted-imagination 

Dr. Lynn Johnson, an accomplished educator and entrepreneur, shares an inspiring story of perseverance and purpose that deeply influences her work in business and education. Johnson’s journey, which began in the Lake Wales projects and culminated in a PhD, is a powerful testament to overcoming adversity. She actively uses her personal background—including being raised by her grandmother—to connect with and uplift young people, proving that one's beginnings do not dictate one's future.

In the Warner University classroom, Johnson is known as a rigorous business professor who teaches "life is all about" accountability and relationship-building, not just theory. She blends academic concepts with real-world examples to prepare students for professional challenges.

Johnson’s doctoral research on employee retention led to her published book and her CARES leadership framework: Connection, Acknowledgment, Respect, Empowerment, and Support. She champions this profound yet straightforward philosophy in all her roles, particularly as President of one of Florida’s largest SHRM chapters, where she trains leaders to genuinely care for their people.

Johnson emphasizes that the most critical element for educators is the initial "C" for Connection. She urges teachers to intentionally reach out to struggling students, recognizing that this simple act can change a life. Her commitment to her hometown remains strong through her consulting, mentorship, and service on the charter school board, where she continues to pour back into the community that raised her. Johnson's ultimate goal is not chasing titles, but maintaining the flexibility to live a balanced life while continuing to train and help others succeed.

Dr Johnson’s Website: https://www.triumphanthrsolutions.com/ 

#LeadersCARE #PeopleFirstLeadership #FromStruggleToSuccess #LakeWalesHomegrown #LifeOverTextbook

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About EduCurious

EduCurious is an evolving platform dedicated to showcasing the incredible work of exceptional educators and delving into the complex issues facing education today. Through engaging podcasts and insightful interviews, EduCurious provides a space for educators to share their experiences, insights, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

EduCurious explores a wide range of topics, from cutting-edge technology in the classroom to the latest research in teacher training and professional development. EduCurious is committed to fostering collaborative PD by connecting and empowering educators and facilitating meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities in education. By highlighting the voices and expertise of educators, we can inspire positive change and empower teachers to create impactful learning experiences for their students.

Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or just EduCurious, join the community as we explore various educational topics and learn from each other. 

Be Social

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Edu.Curious.Podcasts 

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This EduCurious episode features Emergency Management Senior Planner Jerri Sackett. She details the crucial collaboration between emergency management (EM) and schools, especially for shelter planning and disaster preparedness. Sackett highlights EM's role as the middleman between local and state governments, emphasizing the need for comprehensive safety plans, volunteer support, and proactive community education.

Florida Division of Emergency Management

https://www.floridadisaster.org/

FL Dept. of Education EM: Critical incident/emergency planning for schools

https://www.fldoe.org/finance/emergency-management/critical-incident-emergency-planning-

f.stml  

Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools

https://rems.ed.gov/?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 

#EmergencyManagement

#EduCurious

#SchoolSafety

#EdChat 

#DisasterPreparedness

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About EduCurious

EduCurious is an evolving platform dedicated to showcasing the incredible work of exceptional educators and delving into the complex issues facing education today. Through engaging podcasts and insightful interviews, EduCurious provides a space for educators to share their experiences, insights, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

EduCurious explores a wide range of topics, from cutting-edge technology in the classroom to the latest research in teacher training and professional development. EduCurious is committed to fostering collaborative PD by connecting and empowering educators and facilitating meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities in education. By highlighting the voices and expertise of educators, we can inspire positive change and empower teachers to create impactful learning experiences for their students.

Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or just EduCurious, join the community as we explore various educational topics and learn from each other. 

Be Social

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Watch: https://youtu.be/8piNimZb_k8 

Visit: https://www.orangeblossomrevue.com/ 

Reid Hardman, co-founder of the Orange Blossom Revue (OBR) and Vice President of the Blossom Charitable Foundation, shares the evolution of a beloved Lake Wales event and its impact on the community, particularly within the educational sphere.

Hardman recounts how OBR began as a humble Rotary barbecue fundraiser in 2008, slowly transforming into a full-fledged music festival by 2014. What started as a shared passion for music between Hardman and co-founder Rusty Ingley blossomed into a dynamic event. The Blossom Charitable Foundation, established in 2021, now hosts OBR, taking on the significant risk to ensure its continued success. Hardman emphasizes that at its core, OBR is a "love letter to Lake Wales," deeply rooted in the community and family traditions.

The festival's educational impact shines through its extensive volunteer program, involving over a hundred individuals annually, including many students from local high schools and colleges like Warner and Weber. Hardman highlights how OBR provides real-world experience, teaching students responsibility, communication skills, and the importance of community engagement—skills crucial for their future. Hardman and Rusty initially envisioned an entrepreneurial market for middle schoolers, demonstrating their commitment to fostering youth development beyond mere volunteer hours.

Hardman also details the Foundation's direct contributions to educational programs, notably supporting Sandy's Music Girls, an initiative bringing music to young girls. The exposure for college students assisting with the festival is immense, offering practical experience that stands out on resumes. Hardman speaks with pride about Lake Wales' unique identity, which OBR helps to preserve and promote, drawing visitors from across the globe. He champions the Lake Wales Charter School system for its flexibility and ability to adapt to the community's diverse needs, aligning with the distinctive spirit of Lake Wales itself. OBR, under Hardman’s guidance, continues to be a vibrant force for community building and youth empowerment in the educational landscape of Lake Wales.

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About EduCurious

EduCurious is an evolving platform dedicated to showcasing the incredible work of exceptional educators and delving into the complex issues facing education today. Through engaging podcasts and insightful interviews, EduCurious provides a space for educators to share their experiences, insights, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

EduCurious explores a wide range of topics, from cutting-edge technology in the classroom to the latest research in teacher training and professional development. EduCurious is committed to fostering collaborative PD by connecting and empowering educators and facilitating meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities in education. By highlighting the voices and expertise of educators, we can inspire positive change and empower teachers to create impactful learning experiences for their students.

Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or just EduCurious, join the community as we explore various educational topics and learn from each other. 

Be Social

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David Price, President and CEO of Bok Tower Gardens, highlights the profound educational mission of this iconic Florida landmark. Price emphasizes that the gardens are far more than a beautiful tourist destination; they are a vibrant "living classroom" fostering experiential education for all ages, from toddlers to seniors.

Price explains that Bok Tower Gardens offers a rich array of learning opportunities. Visitors engage in hands-on experiences through diverse classes in art, nature, and horticulture. The gardens host thousands of schoolchildren annually for field trips and special events like Earth Day and the Tropical Fruit Festival, providing memorable, immersive learning beyond traditional classrooms. Price believes that exposure to the garden's inherent beauty and "soft fascination"—effortless contemplation of nature—inspires deep, personal discovery, akin to meditation.

A key aspect of Price's vision involves community engagement and nurturing future generations. Bok Tower Gardens actively uses social media to reach a broader audience, complementing its multi-generational legacy where families return for decades. Price enthusiastically describes how the gardens utilize student volunteers and offer diverse internships, exposing young people to a wide spectrum of careers from horticulture and conservation to marketing and philanthropy. He shares his own journey, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, following one's passions, and taking chances—qualities he encourages in young people.

Price's personal passion for sculpture, inspired by nature, further illustrates the intersection of art and environment that the gardens embody. He encourages everyone to embrace art as a personal retreat and a means of self-discovery, regardless of perceived skill. Under Price's leadership, Bok Tower Gardens continues to evolve while honoring its foundational principles, welcoming a diversity of people and ideas, and providing a unique space for growth and escape.

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About EduCurious

EduCurious is an evolving platform dedicated to showcasing the incredible work of exceptional educators and delving into the complex issues facing education today. Through engaging podcasts and insightful interviews, EduCurious provides a space for educators to share their experiences, insights, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

EduCurious explores a wide range of topics, from cutting-edge technology in the classroom to the latest research in teacher training and professional development. EduCurious is committed to fostering collaborative PD by connecting and empowering educators and facilitating meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities in education. By highlighting the voices and expertise of educators, we can inspire positive change and empower teachers to create impactful learning experiences for their students.

Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or just EduCurious, join the community as we explore various educational topics and learn from each other. 

Be Social

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EduCuriousPod 

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