30 November 2016

Nominations Now Being Accepted -- The Family History Writing Contest (NGS)


Nominations Now Being Accepted -- The Family History Writing Contest (NGS)

This post continues a periodic series where we, at NGS, highlight the various competitions (15 December deadline) and awards (31 January) where nominations are sought in order to recognize excellence. The winners will be announced at the annual NGS Family History Conference, 10-13 May 2017.

Sixth up is the Family History Writing Contest.

Deadline for Submissions—15 December Annually

To encourage members to write a family history that covers at least three generations and not more than four.

Prize
·         The person who compiles the most outstanding family history will receive an expense-paid trip to the next NGS Family History Conference. The benefits include travel to and from the conference, hotel accommodations, conference registration fee, and a complimentary banquet ticket.
·         Manuscripts meeting the requirements will be submitted to the editors of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly (NGSQ) for consideration and will be placed in the NGS Library.

Criteria
·         The Family History Writing Contest is open to all NGS members.
·         Contest judges, NGS officers, NGS directors, NGS staff, their family members, and former contest winners are not eligible to enter the contest. The NGS contest, like most others in the field, is not open to fellows of the American Society of Genealogists, who are elected to that rank on the basis of extensive and exemplary scholarship.
·         A paper with multiple authors will be accepted if it meets the requirements of the contest. If a winning paper has multiple authors, the prize will be awarded to the lead author.

Requirements
·         Manuscript Length: Between 4,000 and 10,000 words
·         Number of Generations: 3 to 4 generations
·         Originality: not previously published and not submitted elsewhere for publication;
·         Documentation: individual, specific citations (footnote form) for every statement of fact that is not public knowledge
·         Appearance: 11- or 12-point type, 1" margins, laser-quality print
·         Numbering system: NGSQ

Manuscript Length

The manuscript must be between 4,000 and 10,000 words, including the title, text, and footnotes. However, the title that appears as a running head on each page is counted only on the first page. Illustrations, maps, and photographs essential to the story may be used, but any captions should be included in the word count.

Number of Generations

The genealogy must cover at least three generations and not more than four, all descending lines, including female lines. The chosen progenitor and spouse will be the first generation. All their children, with spouse(s), constitute the second generation. All grandchildren, with spouse(s), constitute the third generation. It is not necessary to list the children in the fourth generation, but a contestant may do so. However, it is necessary to fully develop only three nuclear families: the progenitor, one of his/her children, and one of his/her grandchildren.

The family you select to write about must span at least three generations and may span any period of American history. The progenitor may have been born elsewhere, but he or she must have actually lived in colonial America or the United States. The second and third generations must also have lived in colonial America or the United States. The writer and his or her siblings or spouses may not be included as a member of the third generation.

Originality

A genealogy should not be entered in this contest if it has been submitted or will be submitted for publication before the contest ends, or if it has been evaluated by the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG). However, a genealogy may be submitted simultaneously to the NGS contest and the BCG provided it is cleared with both organizations first. If the family the contestant chooses has already been included in a published genealogy or article, it may be submitted here only if (1) the published source contained no more than the name, spouse, and their vital dates, or (2) the previously published work contained so many errors, a new genealogy is required to correct the mistakes. If an article alone would be sufficient to correct the errors, that family would not be a wise choice for the contest. In case of doubt, contact the contest chair

Documentation

Any fact stated that is not common knowledge must be documented. The clichés primary source and secondary source no longer meet modern standards of genealogical research and evidence analysis. As all genealogists know, (a) any source can offer both primary and secondary information, (b) original sources can contain secondary (secondhand) information, and (c) derivative sources can include primary (firsthand) information.

Sources

Original Source: the person or record whose information did not come from data already spoken or written. The original is the most authoritative source. Often, however, it no longer survives or its preservation dictates that it be examined only as an image copy (microfilm, digitized image, and so on).

Derivative Source: a person or record supplying information that is repeated, reproduced, transcribed, abstracted, or summarized from something already spoken or written. Because every repetition or recopying of data is an opportunity for error, the closer the derivative is to the original the more reliable the data are likely to be.

Information

Primary Information: data contributed by a knowledgeable eyewitness to or participant in the event that is the subject of the record or by an official whose duties included making a full, accurate record of it. Primary information is further evaluated by
·         how close in time and place to the event the record was created,
·         how involved in the event the eyewitness was (participant versus bystander, for example),
·         the age and sanity of the eyewitness and consequent extent of his/her understanding of the event's significance and details, and     
·         any bias on the official's or eyewitness's part that might have affected the account.

Secondary Information: data supplied by a person who recorded it after hearing of the event or its details from someone else. It is judged according to
·         the probable number of times the story was passed along orally before it was written down,
·         the reputation of the secondary informant for reliability, and
·         the existence of any potential for bias on the part of the secondary informant.

Appearance
The manuscript should be printed on a letter-quality printer with one-inch margins all around. Use 11- or 12-point font size. The title of the genealogy and page number must appear on each page. Notes and references should appear as footnotes at the bottom of the page to which they apply.

Format
Use the format established by the NGSQ. Contest entrants are strongly urged to read papers written by recent contest winners, usually found in the December issues of the NGSQ. The 2007 winner, "A Family for Suzanne" by Ruth Randall, is available here for you to read.

"A Family for Suzanne" (PDF 941KB)

Evaluation
The criteria for excellence in a paper rely heavily on how you demonstrate your research skills. You must show the ability to use and analyze a wide variety of original documents. It should not be just the summarization of the work of others. Tell a story, place your family in historical context, but make sure the historical aspect is really relevant to your family and make if brief. The emphasis should be on the original research you did to create the family history.

Results
If an entry should not meet all requirements, the manuscript will be returned with an explanation. All other contestants will receive comments on their entries after a winner has been selected by the judges.

Mailing Instructions
Prepare a cover sheet containing your name, full address, telephone number, and NGS membership number. Include the title of the manuscript, number of words, and the year of the contest. This sheet will be removed before submission to the judges, so there should be an inside title page without the personal information contained on the cover sheet. Package your entry, including the cover sheet and the manuscript with all pages in order. Don’t bind or staple the sheets because they must be photocopied. If you want to be notified that the manuscript has been received, enclose a self-addressed stamped postcard. As a precaution, place cardboard or poster board on top and bottom of the entry before packaging it. To ensure safe arrival, use a sturdy envelope.

Mail to:
National Genealogical Society
Attn: Family History Writing Contest
3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300
Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370 USA 
E-mail contact information is required for all submissions.

Questions? Contact the NGS Awards Chair at [email protected].



Have you considered entering your family history research?







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copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.
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NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog. Any opinions expressed by guest authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from NGS. Please drop us a note telling us where and when you are using the article. Express written permission is required if you wish to republish UpFront articles for commercial purposes. You may send a request for express written permission to [email protected]. All republished articles may not be edited or reworded and must contain the copyright statement found at the bottom of each UpFront article.
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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!
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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to [email protected]
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Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.
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29 November 2016

AncestryProGenealogists Announces Scholarship Program for Professional Genealogists



AncestryProGenealogists Announces Scholarship Program for Professional Genealogists

From our friends at AncestryProGenealogists …


Ancestry has established the AncestryProGenealogists Scholarship Program to foster and support professional genealogists in their ongoing development efforts. The scholarships, being awarded for the first time this year, will be awarded to four aspiring or practicing professional genealogists and cover certain expenses of attending one of four U.S.-based genealogical institutes.

Award

The AncestryProGenealogists Scholarship Program will provide four scholarships that will cover tuition, round-trip standard economy airfare (Ancestry may substitute appropriate ground transportation for awardees who live within 300 miles of the applicable institute), and hotel expenses for one individual each to attend one of the four institutes listed below.  The scholarships will be awarded to qualified applicants who demonstrate a commitment to genealogy as a profession, a desire for professional development, and the ability to communicate that commitment in writing.

Institutes
Genealogical Institute on Federal Records (Gen-Fed) Washington, D.C. July 10-14, 2017
Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) Pittsburgh, PA June 25-30, 2017 or July 16-21, 2017
Institute on Genealogical and Historical Research (IGHR) Athens, GA July 23-28, 2017
Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) Salt Lake City, UT January 21-26, 2018

Abbreviated Rules

Applicants are asked to submit the following via mail or email:
1.   Name
2.   Mailing Address
3.   Email Address
4.   Phone Number
5.   Resume: Your current resume, irrespective of any genealogical experience.
6.   Institute Preference: Rank the four U.S.-based genealogical institutes based on your preference for attendance, from highest (1) to lowest (4): Gen-Fed, GRIP, IGHR, or SLIG. For GRIP, IGHR, and SLIG, specify which course you would like to take.  Gen-Fed offers only one course.
7.   Essay
·         Describe your experience to date, aspirations as a genealogical professional, and how attending your top-choice institute/course will benefit your career.
·         Essay must be no less than 500 and no more than 700 words.

Applications may be submitted on or after November 21, 2016.  Electronic entries must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, December 31, 2016.  Mailed entries must be postmarked by December 31, 2016, and received by January 5, 2017.  A panel of AncestryProGenealogist professionals will review and select by January 31, 2017, four winning essays from the pool of eligible entries.  Each entry will be judged based on the clear relationship between the submission and the following criteria: (1) sense of commitment to genealogy as a profession (40%); (2) sense of desire for professional development (40%); and (3) ability to communicate that commitment and desire in writing (20%).  The Grand Prize winner will receive tuition to his or her first choice institute, plus travel and hotel costs.  The Second, Third, and Fourth Prize winners will receive tuition, plus travel and hotel costs, to their first choice institute, unless already chosen by a higher place awardee, in which case the next applicable and available choice will apply.  The approximate retail value of each prize is $1,200 - $2,000.  The judges’ decisions with respect to the selection of the awardees and the interpretation of the Official Rules will be final.  The names of the four selected recipients will be announced on www.progenealogists.com/scholarship by March 1, 2017. The Official 
Rules, which shall control over these Abbreviated Rules, are available here

By submitting your application, including any personal information contained therein, you attest that the information provided is true and correct and that the essay is original work by you. You also agree to be bound by the Official Rules and consent to the collection and use of your personal information in accordance with Ancestry’s Privacy Statement, available here, which provides in part that Ancestry or AncestryProGenealogists may contact you via the information you’ve provided for other future opportunities sponsored by Ancestry or AncestryProGenealogists.  Please see the Official Rules before submitting your application.

Please direct inquires to [email protected].

More details can be found here.


Which institute would you like to attend?






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copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.
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NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog. Any opinions expressed by guest authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS.
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Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from NGS. Please drop us a note telling us where and when you are using the article. Express written permission is required if you wish to republish UpFront articles for commercial purposes. You may send a request for express written permission to [email protected]. All republished articles may not be edited or reworded and must contain the copyright statement found at the bottom of each UpFront article.
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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!
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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to [email protected]
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Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.
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28 November 2016

National Genealogical Society 2017 Family History Conference Program NOW AVAILABLE


National Genealogical Society 2017 Family History Conference Program NOW AVAILABLE

Arlington, VA, 28 NOVEMBER 2016—The National Genealogical Society is pleased to announce the release of its 2017 Family History Conference program, Family History Lives Here. The program, which includes more than 175 lectures, is now available online at http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/program/ and as a sixteen-page registration brochure, which can be downloaded at https://goo.gl/uci0ec.

Experts in genealogical research and history will address a broad array of topics, including records pertaining to the Carolinas and neighboring states, migration into and out of the region, military records, and state/federal records. Additional themes will discuss researching Native American, African American, and female ancestors as well as families with black sheep. Presentations about sharing methodology; solving research problems, and a full track on DNA research in genealogy will round out the conference.

The conference will take place at the Raleigh Convention Center located in Raleigh, North Carolina, 10–13 May 2017.   Registration opens on 1 December 2016 at http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/register/.  A number of special events have been planned with limited seating, so register on 1 December, or as soon as possible thereafter, if you plan to attend these events.

Up-to-date information about the availability, amenities, and rates for conference hotels can be found at http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/attend/accommodations/.

Sign up for the NGS Conference Blog at http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/blog/ so you do not miss conference news or announcements.
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Founded in 1903, the National Genealogical Society is dedicated to genealogical education, exemplary standards of research, and the preservation of genealogical records. The Arlington, Virginia- based nonprofit is the premier national society for everyone, from the beginner to the most advanced family historian seeking excellence in publications, educational offerings, and guidance in research. It also offers many opportunities to interact with other genealogists.







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copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.
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NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog. Any opinions expressed by guest authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from NGS. Please drop us a note telling us where and when you are using the article. Express written permission is required if you wish to republish UpFront articles for commercial purposes. You may send a request for express written permission to [email protected]. All republished articles may not be edited or reworded and must contain the copyright statement found at the bottom of each UpFront article.
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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!
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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to [email protected]
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Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.
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23 November 2016

Thanksgiving Traditions

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Thanksgiving_postcard_circa_1910.JPG 

Thanksgiving Traditions

As Kimberly Powell states in her post Top 5 Family Thanksgiving Traditions, “Traditions are a big part of the Thanksgiving holiday, and every American family has their own way of celebrating. From stuff the turkey to taking in a football game …”

Such traditions are part of our heritage.  Many of what have become your family’s traditions probably reflect traditional practices that you and/or a spouse grew up with or new traditions created for your new family.

I can tell you that on Thanksgiving my family always has turkey with stuffing (no giblets), mashed potatoes, rolls, cranberry sauce (served from a can and in slices) 5 cup salad, a vegetable, and pumpkin pie with cool whip topping just like I always had growing up. After living in the south for many years we added sweet potatoes prepared with brown sugar, marshmallow crème, and spices as a requirement. 

Since my mother was born in the UK, we’ve also been known to have Christmas Crackers at Thanksgiving, though more often at Christmas and New Years Eve festivities.

I grew up watching the Macy’s day parade and we have continued to do that, though now afterwards we watch The National Dog Show after my children fell in love with it many years ago.

Some families have traditions of sharing Thanksgiving with parents, siblings, etc.  We’ve always lived far enough away from family to not make that practical, although it is a beloved tradition for many.


What are your Thanksgiving traditions?  

Are they the traditions of your parents or your grandparents?

Maybe you have traditions with deeper historic roots.  We would love to hear about your Thanksgiving traditions and whether they are family traditions or new traditions.




Editor’s Note: This post originally appeared 24 November 2010; image added 2016.





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copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog. Any opinions expressed by guest authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from NGS. Please drop us a note telling us where and when you are using the article. Express written permission is required if you wish to republish UpFront articles for commercial purposes. You may send a request for express written permission to [email protected]. All republished articles may not be edited or reworded and must contain the copyright statement found at the bottom of each UpFront article.
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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to [email protected]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.
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Want to learn more about interacting with the blog, please read Hyperlinks, Subscribing and Comments -- How to Interact with Upfront with NGS Blog posts!
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22 November 2016

Nominations Now Being Accepted -- Rubincam Youth Awards (NGS)


Nominations Now Being Accepted -- Rubincam Youth Awards (NGS)

This post continues a periodic series where we, at NGS, highlight the various competitions (15 December deadline) and awards (31 January) where nominations are sought in order to recognize excellence. The winners will be announced at the annual NGS Family History Conference, 10-13 May 2017.

Fifth up is the Rubincam Youth Awards.

"To encourage and recognize our youth as the next generation of family historians"

Deadline for Submissions—15 December Annually

History

The Rubincam Youth Award was established in 1986 to honor Milton Rubincam, CG*, FASG, FNGS, for his many years of service to the National Genealogical Society and to the field of genealogy. These awards encourage and recognize our youth as the next generation of family historians.

The awards may be given annually to a student in either one or two age categories for an appropriately prepared genealogy. Up to two honorable mentions (runners-up) may also be named in each category. The awards are announced and presented at the annual NGS Banquet at the annual NGS Family History Conference. If the winners are not present, award presentations may be made at another agreed-upon time.

Click here to see past winners.

Categories

Senior

High school students in grades 10–12 or between the ages of 16–18. The award winner receives a $500 cash prize, a plaque, and a one-year NGS membership (non-print). Presentation details of the winning submission may appear in NGS Magazine. (This was the only category in the Rubincam Youth Award until 2007.)

Junior

Middle school students in grades 7–9 or between the ages of 13–15 years. The award winner receives a $250 cash prize, a plaque, and a one-year NGS membership (non-print). Presentation details of the winning submission may appear in NGS Magazine.  (This category was established in 2007.)

General Guidelines for the Awards

Students
·         Young persons worldwide are eligible to apply.
·         NGS membership is not required.
·         Students must apply under the appropriate age/grade award.

Submissions
·         Must be in English
·         Must be original unpublished work
·         Become property of NGS and will not be returned
·         Are not eligible for later resubmission
·         Will not be returned if incomplete

Submission Requirements

The following downloadable PDF files detail submission requirements for both the Senior and the Junior categories of the Rubincam Youth Award.


Mail to:
NGS Rubincam Award
National Genealogical Society
3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300
Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370 USA
E-mail contact information is required for all submissions.

Questions? Contact the NGS Awards Chair at [email protected].

Note that this competition is open to ALL Youth in the age ranges specified. Please let others know about this award!

What youth would you like to see nominated for this competition?



*Certified Genealogist, CG, Certified Genealogical Lecturer and cgl are service marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists® used by the Board to identify its program of genealogical competency evaluation and used under license by the Board’s associates.




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog. Any opinions expressed by guest authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from NGS. Please drop us a note telling us where and when you are using the article. Express written permission is required if you wish to republish UpFront articles for commercial purposes. You may send a request for express written permission to [email protected]. All republished articles may not be edited or reworded and must contain the copyright statement found at the bottom of each UpFront article.
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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to [email protected]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.
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Want to learn more about interacting with the blog, please read Hyperlinks, Subscribing and Comments -- How to Interact with Upfront with NGS Blog posts!
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