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Post by Nene on Dec 22, 2008 17:11:02 GMT -5
tinkerbell, Thank you so much for those wonderful pictures and amazing stories.
It must have been very difficult for judges to choose the winner because those cats are equally beautiful and adorable. The penquins in santa outfits are just lovely. The monkey seemed to be very cooperative, hehe. Love them all.
Have you seen these stories yet?
A white Christmas? Well the stoats seem to think so
By Chris Brooke Last updated at 1:25 AM on 19th December 2008 They are not usually the first to spring to mind when a spot of weather forecasting is required but it appears the nation's stoats may know something the Met Office doesn't. In the grounds of a ruined 600-year-old priory in North Yorkshire, the fur of the stoats has turned from brown to white much earlier than usual.
Last year their transformation came in January and they stayed white later than usual...which allowed them to benefit from their natural camouflage against predators when snow blew in over Easter.
Dreaming of a White Christmas: The stoats' coat is turning white much earlier than usual
Now experts at Mount Grace Priory, near Osmotherley, are wondering whether the appearance of the ermine-clad stoats is a sign of things to come or just a reflection of the recent icy weather.
Becky Wright, from English Heritage and a member of the Mammal Society, said: 'Some of the stoats went white after the last New Year and stayed that way for much longer than we'd expected.
'Then we had a snowy Easter, showing that they have a sixth sense about these things.
'On that basis, the stoats could be offering a sign that we may need to wrap up warm for quite a few more months. Perhaps they know a white Christmas is on the cards.'
Their colour change is controlled by the stoat's pituitary gland which reacts to temperature and day length and the resulting ermine has long been prized by kings and nobles who wore it on their robes.
But even the distinguished stoats at the old Carthusian priory, who featured in David Attenborough's Life of Mammals television series, are unlikely to sway the experts of the Met Office.
Trusting in science, the forecasters don't believe a white Christmas is on the cards.
A spokesman said: 'It looks as though high pressure will be firmly dominating at the moment. That would suggest an overnight fog and frost on Christmas Day, but that's about it.'
This story reminds me of the movie "Groundhog Day and Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog from Pennsylvania.
Every February 2, people gather at Gobbler's Knob, a wooded knoll just outside of Punxsutawney to watch Punxsutawney Phil look for his shadow. If he sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, it means spring is just around the corner. The legend of Groundhog Day is based on an old Scottish couplet: 'If Candlemas Day is bright and clear, there'll be two winters in the year.' (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
Have you ever attended this festivity? It sounds fun.
[img src="http ://img185.imageshack.us/img185/9768/1751910d6ef9jx4rzcy2.gif"][/center] Venice art gallery to exhibit paintings by horse
A horse who paints with his mouth is to have an exhibition of his work staged at a Venetian art gallery. By Stephen Adams, Arts Correspondent Last Updated: 3:37PM GMT 18 Dec 2008
Curators at Galleria Giudecca 795, described as "an innovative place for art and culture", decided to stage the one-horse show after being impressed by the works of Cholla, a 23-year-old mustang-cross from Reno, Nevada.
Paintings by the 15-hand horse have sold for more than £2,000 and collectors include Martha Stewart, the businesswoman queen of American home-making.
Cholla - pronounced Choy-ah - uses his mouth to hold a brush and paints on an easel-mounted canvas in his paddock.
Rosalba Giorcelli, from the gallery, said when she first saw Cholla's art she did not realise it was painted by a horse.
She said: "We exhibited it at a recent art fair, and the reactions by the public and the artists were enthusiastic.
"They all understood we did not want to diminish any human artist's artwork, but we wish to contribute to a debate about contemporary art.
"Some of the abstract artists who visited us are sceptical, most are curious and they are eager to see other works by Cholla.
"He does not imitate any style or painter, he does not repeat the signs, like trained elephants do."
Cholla's owner, Renne Chambers, 51, said she first noticed Cholla's hidden talent four years ago.
She said he used to follow her around his paddock when she white-washed the fence.
She said: "He seemed really interested in what I was doing then one day my husband Robert joked to me that I should give Cholla a brush.
"He hasn't looked back since then, I give him the canvas and the paint and he just makes these wonderful pictures.
"I have thought he might be the reincarnation of a famous artist, maybe Monet or someone, but the one thing he is definitely is a horse who loves to paint.
She questioned the assumption that only humans could be artists: "Art is an expression of intelligence and animals are capable of thought and creative intention, so why should God give the gift of creation to humans only? God loves us all, great and small."
Isn't he amazing? I like his paintings. Cholla is indeed a fantastic artist. Maestro puts out a classical music album
December 22nd, 2008 // by javabeans Capitalizing on his success as conductor “Kang-mae” in Beethoven Virus, Kim Myung-min is putting out a classical music album. Er, what now?
No, Kim hasn’t suddenly revealed hitherto-unknown musical talent (though he professes to be a classical-music enthusiast). Rather, he’s “editing” a compilation to be put out by classical music label EMI Classics, which bears the title “Kim Myung-min’s Classic Maestro.” The album contains Kim’s favorite selections and recommendations, and is organized under four themes (passion, harmony, rest, solitude).
As Kim explains it, many people enjoy classical music but don’t necessarily know where to start; his reasoning behind his selections for this album is to provide the general public with a “first step” in their foray into the classics. The album goes on sale on December 26.
Uh, y’know I love Kim Myung-min, but this seems… unnecessary. The man couldn’t just post up an iTunes playlist?
Via Star News
I didn't know he likes classical music. IMO, it should have been released before Christmas. It's gonna be a great gift.
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Post by Nene on Dec 23, 2008 12:26:08 GMT -5
jinju,
[/color][/center] I'm glad you like HXM's pictures. He's really handsome and charming. Have you seen these pictures yet?
It looks like his new pastime will be playing golf, hehe. He looks great, doesn't he? credit: hxm google group I enjoyed watching Royal tramp too. HXM is very funny in this great series. Btw, I've been searching for Shanghai Bund around the web and found several versions but none with Eng subs. I don't understand why it took so long. Many fans are dying to get a hold of a copy of this popular drama. I hope the company in charge of this production will consider releasing it very soon.
I'm excited about Winter Sonata Anime too, so I went back to watch this great drama again. I really enjoyed the first episode--so cute. In the meantime, I found very interesting news related to BYJ & CJW for you.
Star’s Lover Hinting At Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo Possible Past Romance?
December 20, 2008 by coolsmurf SBS Star’s Lover starring Choi Ji Woo and Yoo Ji Tae started airing a fortnight ago. With regards to the many scenes where Lee Ma Ri (Choi Ji Woo) reminisces about past memories with her first love, many netizens are implying that the unnamed guy who plays her first love and looks like Bae Yong Joon, is implying that Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo was once romantically involved.
Choi Ji Woo and Bae Yong Joon The guy who plays Choi Ji Woo’s first love in the drama has been dubbed the “Little Bae Yong Joon” by some. Although he doesn’t show his full face, he does look like Bae Yong Joon from his expressions and from the side view.
Star's Lover Scene
] Choi Ji Woo once revealed that Star’s Lover had already been ready for filming 1 year ago. But she had deliberated over taking the role then. She was scared that the many scandals in the drama might be linked by others to that it really happened to Choi Ji Woo in real life. But according to the scriptwriter, the idea of linking Lee Ma Ri to so many men in the drama was to put across the stress that female stars have to face with regards to love scandals.
While Winter Sonata was airing (starring Choi Ji Woo and Bae Yong Joon), the both of them was spotted in Australia, doing the catwalk for a fashion show. Since then, the both of them have avoided appearing in public together.
I agree with some readers that the actor above resembles BYJ, hehe. IMO, there might be some truth to that rumor because they were very close and had such great chemistry in WLS.
This just in...
Actress Lee Ji Ah’s Sudden Debut As A Singer
Monday December 22, 2008 Korea In a campaign to help the needy, actress Lee Ji Ah is making her sudden debut as a singer.
On the 20th, cable channel tvN broadcast their world special ‘LOVE’ which led with the revelation of Lee Ji Ah’s soon to be released digital single ‘Love Virus.’
In this broadcast, Lee Ji Ah’s first recording was revealed to the public. ‘Love Virus’ is pop style winter season song which is created by hit composer Park Geun Tae and famous lyricist Yoon Sa Rah.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the International NGO (non-governmental organization), Good Neighbors. They will be used for children living in unfortunate environments in the Philippines and around the world.
In the meantime, Lee Ji Ah’s digital single ‘Love Virus’ will be released on various online sites on Christmas Eve.
source: seoulfull credit: Go News Wow, this comes as a surprise to me. She does have a nice singing voice, so she might be successful as a singer as well. You can listen to her single here. I like her song. It's very catchy and fun.Good luck, Lee Ji Ah!
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Post by TheBo on Dec 23, 2008 13:29:12 GMT -5
Happy Holidays to all of you, and stay out of trouble, you notorious reprobates! No reindeer spying! ;D
Bo
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Post by jinju0 on Dec 23, 2008 17:02:18 GMT -5
oh thank you for the wonderful photos of XHM! he is so cute! he is always so busy. i'm glad you are enjoying Royal Tramp. it really is a very good drama. he is so very playful in it. that is one of the reasons i find it so entertaining to watch. i love his cute smile. i don't know if this is a spoiler for you are not but he ends up with 7 wives! so do you think that maybe they had a relationship in the past? i'm not sure because they both seem to be so very private. but i guess anything is possible. they do make a cute couple. there was the rumor about BYJ & LJA remember? i wonder why BYJ doesn't have a girlfriend. maybe he is afraid of offending his fans. but he needs to be a person too. and just think how cute his kids would be lol.[/color] it doesn't surprise me the LJA has made an album. all the stars seem to be multi-talented. i think it's great. i like her song too. she sounds very young when she sings. and of course it is a great way to help out with the charities she is involved with. Good Luck LJA!Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
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Post by tinkerbell on Dec 27, 2008 14:25:18 GMT -5
NENEI liked your story about the stoats. That picture is beautiful! It looks so white and furry. Very cute.That's one fat groundhog! He is kind of cute. I've never been to Gobbler's Knob to watch Punxsutawney Phil look for his shadow. I always see it on TV though.Wow, Cholla is quite an artist. He's just as good as "other contemporary painters". At 23 years old it's nice he took up a hobby to keep him busy in his later years. heheI hadn't heard about Kim Myung-min's classical music album. I guess they are trying to cash in on the popularity of Beethoven Virus. Nice pics.Some seasonal photos A 25-foot tall sand sculpture of Santa Claus, created by Indian artist Sudarsan Pattnaik sits at the Golden Beach in Puri on Christmas Eve. (AFP)[/size] Visitors look at a giant ice sculpture of Santa Claus for the upcoming 25th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival at a park in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province December 24, 2008. (Sheng Li/Reuters)These two photos are from ukfan. Tree-mendous effort: Roger and Valerie Holley in front of their Christmas pudding-shaped tree, which took them five years to prune to perfection. Pictures taken in Manchester, England.
Have a great weekend!
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Post by Nene on Dec 31, 2008 12:44:07 GMT -5
jinju, I found some good news to share with you.
Huang Xiaoming was once again voted the Star of the Year for the second time. He totally received 1.13 million votes, biting Vicky Zhou and Zhiyi Chang. Since he was busy shooting the ending of "Secret Scent" in Guangzhou, he couldn't attend the award.
Wow, he beat Zhang Zhiyi. That's amazing! Actor Huang Xiaoming poses with the trophy at the Star of the Year awards ceremony held by a magazine in Beijing on Wednesday, December 19, 2007. Pics from Secret Scent
Have you seen this article yet? Actor Huang finds Prof Higgins By Wang Zhuoqiong (China Daily) Updated: 2008-01-10 06:53 You'd think recruiting someone in China wouldn't be a problem - but that's what film producer Sunday Sun encountered recently.
She was looking for an actress who had to do a ballet scene for a foreign film shoot as well as speak English, but couldn't find any.
"English speaking actors are a rare species in China," said Sun, who said she was one of the executive producers of Farewell, My Concubine.
"The girl who speaks English does not dance. The dancer does not speak English.
"English proficiency is a crucial part of acting for a Chinese actor vying to be in Western films," said Sun, who is a producer at Beijing-based Enterprising Dragon.
The shortage of English-speaking acting professionals has been compounded with more overseas film production companies moving their bases to China to reduce costs, she said.
The good news: A rising number of Chinese artists have begun to learn English for a career boost in Hollywood and to secure roles which break the mold of kung fu characters.
For instance, A-list artists like Zhang Ziyi go the extra mile. According to media reports, Zhang spends six months a year in New York to study the language.
But artists who can't take a break from their hectic schedules hire native English speakers full-time.
A popular actor, Huang Xiaoming, started learning English about six months ago on movie locations or during photo shoots from a native of Arizona, Zachary Overline.
"It is in my interest to learn English," said Huang, who was last year approached by US directors for a possible role. On his official website, he lists starring in a Hollywood film as his career goal. "Other actors such as Li Bingbing also plan to have English teachers."
Overline said: "There is now more collaboration between Chinese and foreign filmmakers. English-speaking ability will help Chinese actors break the stereotype in Western films.
"What we get are movies like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, where there are emperors, everybody is flying...
"If you look right now, most Chinese actors do kung fu films. Even Zhang Ziyi was cast as an action star in Rush Hour 2.
"Like Huang, it is necessary for other Chinese actors to learn English. If your English is broken, it is difficult for you to get a good role. You only get a role because you are Chinese, not because you are talented," said Overline who said in jest that he would set up a company teaching English to Chinese actors.
Overline, 23, said he developed his own method of teaching, which is unlike what is taught by other expats.
There is neither homework nor tests. The "classroom", usually on movie sets, is in Shanghai one day, or Hong Kong the next, which means he has to constantly travel with his student.
"It is a really cool job," he said. "I am more close to my student and have total freedom to teach the way I want."
Overline, who was teaching spoken English at China Agriculture University before he met Huang and was promptly offered a job, explains his methodology.
"I ask questions that make him think or keep him talking. The next hour, I find a way to bring the same topic back into conversation, to refresh his memory. We do this a couple of times. When you speak aloud, apply it to what is going on in your life, you will have good results."
Now, he is proud to see Huang talk fluently when he is interviewed by foreign media or chatting with expat friends.
"I am sometimes surprised to hear him use words that I haven't taught him."
Wow, I'm impressed. Hope to see him in a hollywood movie soon.
Look what I found! Huang Xiaoming's picture in Huayi Bros 2009 Star Calendar. Huang Xiaoming is featured in the month of November, his birth month.
You'll never forget his birthday, hehe. I like his pic in the calendar. Very handsome!
See Huayi Bros 2009 Star Calendar Photos here. More HXM's pictures
credits: cctv, hxm google groups Kwon-Sohn couple spotted at Yiruma concert
dramabeans Guess the high-profile couple is back from their Australian trip: newlywed Kwon Sang-woo and his expecting wife, Sohn Tae-young, were seen in Seoul on December 28 at a concert for songwriter-pianist Yiruma. (She sure doesn’t look six months pregnant, does she?)
The connection isn’t entirely random, either; Yiruma married Sohn’s older sister in 2007 and is therefore brother-in-law to the Kwon-Sohn star couple.
The concert was preceded by special appearances of several of Yiruma’s close musician friends, Kim Beom-soo and Lee Hyun-woo.
Yiruma has contributed songs to numerous dramas, such as Winter Sonata, Summer Scent, Spring Waltz, and the film Oasis. He recently completed his army service, after which he released his sixth album.
Kwon Sang-woo and Sohn Tae-young, meanwhile, are expecting their firstborn in the spring.
I'm surprised to see Sohn wearing high heels! Btw, she doesn't look 6 months pregnant to me. She's very thin. What do you think? Anyway, KSW must be very excited to have his first child. Sohn and KSW will have a cute and healthy baby. Can't wait! Though I like BYJ, I want him to settle down like KSW too.
I agree with you that he's reluctant to get married because he doesn't want to upset his fans. He shouldn't be worried about his popularity too much. Just choose a nice and decent girl to marry and everything will be fine. Most of his fans are married , so they'll be happy to see him with his own family too. Hope to hear good news from him soon.
IMO, BYJ and CJW might have a romantic relationship in the past. From their pics above, they looked passionate and very happy. They're human, hehe. If I were CJW, I'd fall for this charismatic and charming guy like BYJ too, hehe. I'm glad they remain close. Can't wait to see them in anime Winter Sonata!
BYJ AT JYP'S CONCERT [Trans] BYJ & JYP joining hands? original in korean: donga ilbo 2008/12/26 translated into japanese (partial): tk3 / JOB translated into english: cloudnine / bb's blog Big stars of Korean entertainment, BYJ and PJY will join hands?
BYJ hardly makes public appearances, let alone in a concert venue of a domestic singer. It was previously unheard of. While shooting the concert personally, that night BYJ seemed to be in good spirits and stayed there till the very end.
People in entertainment business think the reason why BYJ attended PJY’s concert was not just for their friendship. Rather they assume those two will work together for something like 'a big picture or plan' from now or their relationship will develop into partnership.
Actually it was confirmed that during PIFF (Pusan International Film Festival) held in last October, PJY had often met with staff from BYJ’s agency. At that time BYJ was not there, however, PJY had close meetings and talks with the BYJ’s company and people related to him.
BYJ is an icon representing Korean wave in Japan and entire Asia, and top stars such as SJS, Che Gan Hee, Lee Na Young belong to his company. PJY also made Rain (Bi) a big star and Wonder Girls the most popular group as well. He is well known overseas too and through his US office he is planning to enter his entertainers into the American market. Moreover PJY shows a specific and keen interest in moving onto the image industry like movies and TV.
If a collaboration with BYJ is realized, those two plans of PJY will ride on the waves. BYJ and PJY, stars of Korean pop culture, are attracting attention of entertainment world.
If it's true, we'll see more of BYJ in the music world.
BYJ Attended 2008 MBC Acting Awards BYJ looks great, as always. Hope to see him more in 2009. credit: as labeled
Wishing you a very Happy New Year!
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Post by Nene on Dec 31, 2008 12:45:45 GMT -5
tinkerbell,
Thank you so much for those fantastic seasonal pictures. I like them all especially sand sculptures of Santa Claus. They're simply amazing!
I also like pictures of the Christmas pudding shaped tree. It's awesome! Thank you ukfan for those wonderful pictures. Wishing you a wonderful New Year! I agree with you that they're trying to cash in on KMM's popularity. They're selling his suits, accessories and now this classical album.
I found KMM pictureque photoshoots in Vienna, Austria for you. I think he looks younger than when he's in BV. (credit: DCKMM)
[Clip] Kim Myung Min Photoshoot Interview - Maestro Classical CD It's a must see video. I like it. KMM is very funny in this clip. Enjoy!
WooHoo! KMM Won Daesang Award! Here are some of his pictures.
I found some interesting articles to share with you.
Greater Mekong Discovery The Mekong region is made up of the six countries through which the river flows. These are Cambodia, Laos, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam and the southern Chinese province of Yunnan. Environmental group WWF calls it a biological treasure trove and reveals that more than 1000 new species have been uncovered over a decade.
Decade of discovery: 1000 new species found in Mekong December 16, 2008 - 6:27AM BANGKOK - Scientists have discovered more than 1,000 species in Southeast Asia's Greater Mekong region in the past decade, including a spider as big as a dinner plate, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said Monday.
A rat thought to have become extinct 11 million years ago and a cyanide-laced, shocking pink millipede were among creatures found in what the group called a "biological treasure trove".
The species were all found in the rainforests and wetlands along the Mekong River, which flows through Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the southern Chinese province of Yunnan.
"It doesn't get any better than this," Stuart Chapman, director of WWF's Greater Mekong Program, was quoted as saying in a statement by the group.
"We thought discoveries of this scale were confined to the history books."
The WWF report, First Contact in the Greater Mekong, said that "between 1997 and 2007, at least 1,068 have been officially described by science as being newly discovered species."
These included the world's largest huntsman spider, with a leg span of 30 centimetres, and the "startlingly" coloured "dragon millipede", which produces the deadly compound cyanide.
Not all species were found hiding in remote jungles - the Laotian rock rat, which the study said was thought to be extinct about 11 million years ago, was first encountered by scientists in a local food market in 2005, it said.
One species of pitviper was first noted by scientists after it was found in the rafters of a restaurant at the headquarters of Thailand's Khao Yai National Park in 2001.
"This region is like what I read about as a child in the stories of Charles Darwin," said Dr Thomas Ziegler, curator at the Cologne Zoo, who was involved in the research.
"It is a great feeling being in an unexplored area and to document its biodiversity for the first time both enigmatic and beautiful," he said.
The new species highlighted in the report include 519 plants, 279 fish, 88 frogs, 88 spiders, 46 lizards, 22 snakes, 15 mammals, four birds, four turtles, two salamanders and a toad - an average of two previously undiscovered species a week for the past 10 years.
The report warned, however, that many of the species could be at risk from development and called for a cross-border agreement between the countries in the Greater Mekong area to protect it. (AFP)
Storenomorpha anne, from Lao PDR, was discovered in 2007. It is one of at least 88 new species of spiders found while on expeditions into Lao PDR, Thailand and Yunnan Province, China. (Photo: WWF/Peter Jager )
The Dragon millipede Desmoxytes purpurosea, from Lansak district Uthaithani Province, Thailand. This formidable-looking creature sees off predators first with its spiny bright-pink skin and second with glands that produce cyanide. (Photo: WWF/Somsak Panha)
The Laotian rock rat, Laonastes aenigmamus or Kha-nyou, thought to be extinct 11 million years ago, was recently rediscovered by scientists. The squirrel-like Kha-nyou has very distinct molars and jaw structure. (Photo: WWF/David Redfield )
The WWF's "First Contact in the Greater Mekong" reports that 1,068 species were discovered or newly identified by science between 1997 and 2007 – which averages two new species a week. The Theloderma licin was discovered in Thailand in 2007. (Photo: WWF/Daicus Belabut )
In Cambodia, a new species of rhacophorid frog, Chiromantis samkosensis, was identified in 2007. It is distinguished from other species of Asian Chiromantis by having green blood and turquoise bones. (Photo: WWF/L Lee Grismer )
Gumprecht's green pitviper known as Trimersurus gumprechti discovered (2002) in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, China, and Myanmar (Photo: Rene Ries) Wow, this is awesome! What a wonderful discovery! The incredible surfing rats who were taught to ride 4ft waves By Daily Mail Reporter
He looks like a drowned rat. But clinging to his very own surfboard, this is simply a pet exploring his wild side.
Tofu, as he is known, and his 14-year-old owner hit the waves twice a week at their local beach in Hawaii.
Along with his fellow rat Fin, Tofu catches waves of up to 4ft and even rides tunnels of water known as 'tubes'.
Surfin' USA: Boomer Hodel with Tofu his incredible surfing rat. The teenager built a surfboard for his rats Tofu and Fin and spent weeks teaching them to hold on until they can now handle full tube waves in Haleiwa, Hawaii
'Running on a wheel isn't enough for Fin and Tofu - they like a more extreme rush,' said owner Boomer Hodel.
'When they first started they were pretty shaky and would fall off quite a lot, but now their balance is so good they fall off less than most human surfers.'
The rats - both one-year-olds - surf for 20 minutes at a time before drying off in the sun.
Each time, they are raring to get back to the water. 'Rats are natural swimmers,' Boomer said. 'And they have a very adventurous spirit.'
Hodel started their training by gently pushing the rats into tiny ripples at the water's edge before moving them on to more advanced waves.
Both the rats can swim and, after some early tumbles, can now perform tricks - often catching tubes in front of stunned onlookers.
Hodel draws big crowds of spectators at his local Laniakea Beach.
Both the rats can swim and after some early tumbles can now perform tricks
He said: 'They love surfing. Fin's favourite trick is a tube ride - where the wave breaks over him and he rides through a tunnel of water.
'Sometimes he falls off his board and I have to take him back to the beach to warm him up with a towel. But he is always raring to get back out there.
'The first time I took the rats down to the beach it was to give them a wash because they were all dirty. But they loved the water so much I had to take them back.'
Hang 10: Hodel started by gently pushing the rats into tiny ripples at the water's edge, then moved on to more advanced waves and taught him to perform tricks like 'tube-riding'
The water-loving rats are even on a special diet to stay in shape.
'It has really boosted their performance,' said Hodel.
'I give them high protein, low carbohydrate foods. Rats are natural swimmers and have a very adventurous spirit.'
He made the 1ft-long surfboards himself with the help of pals Jeremy Martin and Akila Barrnett , both 14.
Ratical: Children watch Fin the incredible surfing rat in action
Hodel got the idea when he snapped his surfboard on a big wave and decided to turn each half into a smaller surfboard using sandpaper and fibreglass.
His incredible pets were caught on camera by Hawaiian photographer Clark Little.
He said: 'I saw these kids walking down the beach with two rats and some tiny surfboards so I went over to see what they were doing.
'I couldn't believe it when the rats started surfing. They was really good, surfing very fast and having a grand old time.
'I thought it was weird at first at first but they both seem to really enjoy it and the rats are good swimmers.
'Rats are survivors. Maybe that's why these ones are so good at extreme sports.'
Wipe-out: Hodel takes his pets surfing for 20 minutes at a time before heading back to the beach to warm up in the sun and dry off with a towel
Aww, they're so cute! I wish I could surf like them. Have a fantastic New Year!
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Post by Nene on Dec 31, 2008 12:54:22 GMT -5
BO,When I saw this story, I immediately thought of you, hehe. Leathery Donatella Versace forgets to pack her sunscreen for Caribbean getaway
By Liz Thomas
There's 50 and fabulous. And then there's Donatella Versace.
The fashion designer, once famed for her curves, appeared tired and gaunt as she strolled along a beach in the Caribbean.
The 53-year-old, who is spending the Christmas period in an exclusive resort on St Barts, has previously admitted to having cosmetic surgery to stave off the signs of ageing. donatella
Leathery: Donatella Versace revealed her over-tanned leathery body on the beach in St Barts yesterday
But yesterday onlookers claimed it was likely that the mother of two's love of sunbathing will prove her undoing.
The habit has taken a heavy toll on her skin, which appears to be deeply wrinkled and loose on her emaciated frame.
She has also desperately clung to her long platinum blonde hair despite it making her appear much older. Enlarge donatella
Overdone: Donatella also looked painfully thin as she walked on the beach with an equally tanned male companion
Miss Versace, who is worth £500million, battled a cocaine and alcohol addiction for more than a decade, and was forced into rehab four years ago.
She said at the time: 'I did it for myself, first. You can't do it for another reason. I knew I was hurting people.
'And if I wasn't functioning, nothing around me was functioning - I was aware of that.' donatella
A white shade of pale: The designer, pictured last year at the Swarovski Fashion Rocks party in London What was she thinking? Someone should have told her not to wear anything too revealing at her age, hehe.
2008 MBC Acting Awards
December 30th, 2008 // by javabeans
MBC hosted its awards ceremony for the 2008 Acting Awards on December 30. Let me first reiterate that I think these end-of-year broadcast-station awards are mostly meaningless. That said, this year’s Daesangs were TOTAL WEAKSAUCE, MBC. Top honor (the “Daesang” grand prize) went to…
Oh, you mean it was split this year? Between Beethoven Virus’s much-lauded epitome of awesomeness, Kim Myung-min, and East of Eden’s overblown and overrated Song Seung-heon?? I mean, I could understand going for the sentimental vote and awarding deceased Choi Jin-shil (she got a lifetime achievement instead), but Song Seung-heon winning acting awards is in itself a joke.
You know what that means: MBC really thought Kim deserved it but was too afraid of pissing off Song. After all, this IS his first television role back from army duty and a five-year gap since his last. He couldn’t be the star of a big-budget drama series with soaring ratings and NOT get an award, even if his acting is hardly the heart of the show, right?
Don’t get me wrong: He’s improved immensely over the span of his career. However, as mi madre says, “He had nowhere to go but up” since he started at the bottom of the barrel and has just now worked his way into “acceptable” range. But really, when the Daesang losers still win for Top Excellence, there’s no good reason to split the Daesang. (Unless, again, we’re going for sentiment and co-awarding Choi, but that’s a rare scenario indeed.)
WINNERS
Daesang/Grand Prize: Kim Myung-min (Beethoven Virus), Song Seung-heon (East of Eden) Top Excellence (Actor): Jo Jae-hyun (New Heart), Jung Jun-ho (The Last Scandal of My Life) Top Excellence (Actress): Lee Mi-sook (East of Eden), Bae Jong-ok (Woman of Matchless Beauty Park Jung-geum) Excellence (Actor): Lee Dong-gun (When Night Comes), Jo Min-ki (East of Eden) Excellence (Actress): Han Ji-hye (East of Eden), Moon Sori (Golden Age of My Life) New Actor: Park Hae-jin (East of Eden), Jang Geun-seok (Beethoven Virus) New Actress: Lee So-yeon (Golden Age of My Life), Lee Yeon-hee (East of Eden) Popular Actor: Song Seung-heon (East of Eden) Popular Actress: Lee Yeon-hee (East of Eden)
Golden Actor Award, Miniseries Category: Ji Sung, Kim Min-jung (New Heart) Golden Acting Award, Serial Drama: Park Geun-hyung (Woman of Matchless Beauty Park Jung-geum and East of Eden), Hong Eun-hee (Don’t Hesitate) Golden Acting Award, Supporting Actor: Park Chul-min (New Heart and Beethoven Virus), Shin Eun-jung (East of Eden) Golden Acting Award, Mid-level actor: Yoo Dong-geun (East of Eden); Song Ok-sook (Beethoven Virus)
Best Couple: Song Seung-heon & Lee Yeon-hee (East of Eden) Drama of the Year: Beethoven Virus Special Child Actor Award: Park Gun-tae, Shin Dong-woo, Nam Ji-hyun (East of Eden) Lifetime Achievement: Choi Jin-shil (The Last Scandal of My Life) Special PD Award: Lee Soon-jae (Beethoven Virus); Yeon Jung-hoon (East of Eden)
Family Award: I Love You, Don’t Cry Writer of the Year Award: Na Yeon-sook (East of Eden), Hong Jin-ah, Hong Ja-ram (Beethoven Virus), Kim Eun-hee (MBC Special)
Radio Top Excellence: Lee Moon-sae (This Is Lee Moon-sae In the Morning) Radio Excellence: Kang-in (Good Friend); Kang Seok-woo (Women’s Era) Radio Rookie Award: Kim Shin-young
Photo Gallery
Congrats to KMM and all the winners! Have A Rocking New Year!
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Post by jinju0 on Dec 31, 2008 16:45:47 GMT -5
oh what wonderful news about HXM! he is fantastic! i can't wait to see Secret Scent. thanks for the photos from the drama. i looks great. boy, i wish i was zach. can you imagine teaching HXM english! what a dream job loli wonder how this people get these jobs.yes i did see that KSW & STY were at a concert in korea. i saw a photo of her that showed her tummy and she is showing already. how very exciting. KWS gets to hide his face and his poor wife has to take the pictures lol.yes i don't see BYJ getting married anytime soon. i think he has too much going on in his life. i love the photos of him at the MBC awards. he is so handsome. i love his long hair! i have been watching Four Gods again and it is soooo good. there is a lot that i have forgot. i also love JYP! he is an amazing dancer. i saw some of the stuff from his birthday concert. he has a youtube channel check it outthere are alot of practice videos from Wonder Girls and his two boy bands. and him too. his dancing is amazing. he is a hard worked.
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Post by Nene on Jan 1, 2009 15:23:43 GMT -5
jinju, remember the story about BYJ joining hands with Park Jin Young? According to Yonhap News, it's official now.
original in chinese: yonhap news 2009/01/01 translated into english: happiebb / bb's blog
BYJ & JYP Collaborating to Release Entertainment Products
inger cum music produer Park Jin Young (37) and drama-cum-movie start Bae Yong Joon (37) will be joining hands in the entertainment arena.
Music producer Park Jin Young who has set up JYP USA in New York is very active, together with Bae Yong Joon, who has ignited the fever of Hallyu, will be working hand-in-hand to penetrate the overseas markets.
A spokesperson from JYP Entertainment said on 1st, both are pioneer leaders in the music and drama/movie arena respectively, and they will be able to exert astounding influence and power when they join hands. JYP Entertainment headed by Park Jin Young and Keyeast, a KOSDAQ-listed company whereby Bae Yong Joon is the largest shareholder, will be collaborating.
The spokesperson added that they will possibly start with releasing TV dramas or other similar products. The products will be released in the domestic market first, and then pushed out to overseas markets. They have already started discussing about plans and contents since some months ago, and the concrete plans will be announced in the near future.
News about the these two men's collaboration started to spread when footage of Bae Yong Joon watching Park Jin Young's concert on 24th December was released. The two men were not long-time friends, but they have gotten to know each other through the introduction of their two companies' representatives. These two men, who are of the same age, have seen their friendship deepening through their work interaction.
Wow, I'm very excited about this news. These two will definitely help boost the Korean entertainment industry. I hope they'll start by producing Drops of God, one of the most anticipated dramas of 2009.
Both of them have a midas touch. Whatever they touch will turn into gold. Since PJY USA based in New York, we'll see Korean dramas, movies and concerts more. PJY mesmerized me with his vigorous dancing styles. Can't believe he's already 37. I didn't know Wonder Girls are under PJY. They're fabulous! Thank you so much for the link. Good luck BYJ & PJY!I'll follow you to watch Four Gods after I finish watching Winter Sonata. I love BYj's dramas and I love his long and lustrous hair. Some people criticized him that he looks feminine with the long hair. I think he looks great. He's not the only one who looks feminine. My other favourite actor, Lee Jun Ki also looks feminine and he's very popular. I'm so happy that he won several awards: Best Excellence Award (male), Top 10 Star Award and the Netizen Highest Popularity Award. I'm very proud of him. Here are some of his pictures. credits: as labeled It's the first day of the year and I hope you'll enjoy the rest of the day with your friends and family. Have a wonderful day!
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Post by tinkerbell on Jan 1, 2009 22:04:06 GMT -5
NENE Wishing you happiness and peace in the new year.
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Post by tinkerbell on Jan 3, 2009 17:54:59 GMT -5
NENEThank you for the pictures from the Drama Awards and the Photo Shoot Interview. I enjoyed the video clip and photos very much.I think he's a wonderful actor and I'm glad he won the top prize.KIM MYUNG-MIN What an interesting article about all the new species found in the Mekong area. Yikes, that's a big spider! I wouldn't want to encounter one of those. The dragon millipede is a very pretty color although deadly. The Laotian rock rat does look like it's in the squirrel family. The tail is so fluffy but it's still a rat. That frog is amazing, green blood and turquoise bones! Colorful inside and out.Surfing rats, now I've seen it all! Very funny pictures. I can imagine the attention they get riding the waves. Amusing story.Her are some beautiful ice sculpture pictures for the upcoming 25th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival which will kick off Jan.5, 2009. (Park in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province) Stunning pictures. Can you imagine all the time and work put into these?
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Post by Nene on Jan 5, 2009 12:45:24 GMT -5
tinkerbell, Thank you so much for those wonderful pictures of ice sculptures. Those artists are incredibly talented. I wish I could attend that festival. It must be fun.
How's your holidays? I hope you had a blast! To start the New Year, I'd like to share some nice stories and pictures with you..
Orangutan rides a jetski
Four-year-old rescued orangutan Surya is having a whale of a time playing on an inflatable jet ski at the centre which is its home.
Last Updated: 3:39PM GMT 02 Jan 2009 Surya a 4-year-old Orangutan rides an inflatable Jet Ski. Surya a 4-year-old Orangutan rides an inflatable Jet Ski. Photo: BARCROFT MEDIA
The animal, dressed in a child's wetsuit to keep it warm, enjoys floating across the wide pool, before waving at onlookers.
Surya lives at The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species in Miami, Florida, USA.
He is put in the pool every week to keep him active and challenged and appears to enjoy splashing about with his trainers.
Animal expert Dr Bhagavan Antle said: "Suyra loves playing in the water. But he doesn't like getting his head wet, so he wears a lifejacket so he doesn't go underneath.
"He is quite content when he's bobbing around on the top. And he loves the jet ski because he can look down on all of us."
Dr Antle and his team of handlers introduced Surya and other orangutans to water when they were just babies and played in a large bath.
"The orangutans love playing in the bath. But they don't swim naturally and so if you introduce them to the pool, they'd sink to the bottom," he said.
"So we discovered wearing children's lifejackets helps to give them confidence. Now some of them can even swim without their life jackets.
"But Surya prefers the jet ski and he'll always head for it as soon as we get into the pool."
If I'm not mistaken, Surya didn't wear his life jacket. Wow, he's very intelligent. Thanks to everyone at the institute for taking care of those Orangutans. See the dog whose best friend is an owl (pictures)
By Sian Alexander, sundaymirror.co.uk 4/01/2009 T-Wit, T-Whoof (pics: SM)
Here's proof that even the oddest friendships can be an owling success.
Beryl the Bassett Hound, 16, and Wol, the four-year-old tawny owl, became inseparable after their owner realised they had a shared interest... watching EastEnders on the sofa.
Sara Ross, who runs a rescue centre in Tenterden, Kent, said: "One day Wol plonked down on Beryl's back in front of the TV. Now you can't keep them apart. They enjoy nature documentaries, but also love the soaps.
"Wol gets in a right flap when they finish."
Hard to believe they liked to watch soaps, hehe. They're so cute together. This is another heart-warming story. Just the bear necessities Taotao, a 10-month-old polar bear sways and waves his paws in the air as if saying hello to his visitors. But behind the antics is a sad story.
10-month-old polar bear Taotao.
Like Knut, the polar bear from Germany, Taotao was abandoned by his young mother shortly after birth, according to Li Li, a keeper at Laohutan Ocean Park in Dalian, Liaoning province.
Li says that Taotao is one of the first generation of polar bears born and raised in China since this rare species was introduced. He was in such a vulnerable condition at first that he had to be kept in a special incubator for weeks.
"We sat beside the incubator 24 hours every day to monitor his temperature and breathing, help his with urination and defecation, and even smell his waste to tell if he was healthy," Li says.
During the first few weeks, keepers had to wipe their hands and clothes with Taotao's diapers in order to smell familiar to Taotao, or it would not let keepers come close, according to Sun Shijia, one of Taotao's keepers at the park. As the days went by, Taotao grew more attached to its keepers.
"He sucked our fingers like a nursing infant and purred like a gentle cat being caressed," says Li Ping, another of Taotao's keepers.
Taotao often bit them tenderly, according to Li, a way of showing affection and happiness during play. Even so, the keepers' hands and arms were black and blue.
After meticulous care for 10 months, Taotao grew quickly from several hundred grams at birth to the present 35 kg. Sun says the helpless baby with light pink skin and fine soft hair has grown into a vigorous child with snow-white fur and an air of charming naivety.
Taotao swims in his special swimming pool every day. On hot days he lingers in the pool for hours, paddling in the water and splashing. Sometimes the keepers have no alternative but to carry him out, according to Li Ping.
There is a long story behind Taotao's birth.
Keeper Li says that Taotao's parents were from Finland and were presented by the Finland National Park as ambassadors of friendship between China and Finland in 2001, settling in Laohutan Ocean Park.
Taotao was not born for seven years. According to Li, the reason for this was that the male bear is 16 years old this year, or over 40 in human terms, while the female bear is only 9, still quite young, in comparison.
Taotao was born on March 9, 2008. Sun says the inexperienced mother was at a loss, confused by the birth of this poor little creature and left him on the cold ground.
Taotao survived, though, thanks to his human nannies, who spared no effort in taking care of him.
"We have given Taotao more care than our own children," Sun says. After reading about his ordeal, I just wanted to hug and cuddle with this cute polar bear. So glad it's healthy now.
Cute Animal Pics These baby animals are so adorable. Their cuteness can't be described in words. I just love looking at them. They brighten my day! It’s Kang-mae mania! Kim Myung-min (Beethoven Virus, White Tower) held a fan signing event on January 3, and although he doesn’t typically fall into the category of idol star or crowd generator, he had just that effect with the thousand fans in attendance.
The event was to promote his new classical music compilation album, called Classic Maestro. One of Kim’s managers explained his own surprise that the numbers were greater and the crowds more enthusiastic than expected. Read more here. credits: as labeled Wow, the crowd was huge. KMM looks fabulous. Looks like his classical album is selling like hot cakes, hehe. Congrats! Enjoy!
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Post by Nene on Jan 5, 2009 17:37:59 GMT -5
jinju, I'm so happy for Huang Xiaoming. He's doing so well. 2009 will be another good year for him. According to this news, On Dec 29, he attended Wireless Music Award in Beijing and sang the song Nice Person Card. At this Music Award Show, he was awarded the most downloaded singer in the n-singing major category. WooHoo, that's just wonderful!
HXM Sings At Wireless Music Award
He's quite handsome and very charming here. I like his new song--very nice. Hope to see him as a successful singer too.
More Video Clips He looks very happy. Glad to see him surrounded by his fans. Very popular indeed!
credits: tudou.com, xm google groups How do you like Prince William's new look?
Personally, I don't like it . I prefer his clean-cut image. He needs to lose that beard, hehe.
Have you read this article yet?
Prince Dog-Beater: Outrage as Edward repeatedly lashes out at gundogs with a 4ft stick
By Miles Goslett Last updated at 10:33 PM on 27th December 2008
Prince Edward has been accused of animal cruelty after losing his temper and lashing out violently and repeatedly at his gundogs with a wooden stick.
The 44-year-old Prince reacted angrily when he saw two black labradors trying to grab hold of the same dead pheasant during a shoot at the Sandringham Royal Estate in Norfolk yesterday.
He approached the dogs with his shotgun tucked under his arm and a 4ft stick raised menacingly in the air. He then brought it down sharply several times towards them.
One of the dogs ran off and was seen cowering as Edward chased after it and took another swing at it. prince edward dogs
Prince Edward with his gundogs on a pheasant shoot on the Sandringham Estate, Norfolk
Last night Andrew Tyler, director of pressure group Animal Aid, said: ‘Hitting out at a dog makes them fearful, traumatised and breaks any bond of trust. It’s not only morally dubious but it’s counterproductive.
'If Prince Edward made contact with either dog, it is a breach of the Animal Welfare Act, which makes it an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to an animal.’
One onlooker said: ‘It looked as if he took about three swipes at this dog with his stick.
‘It happened when Edward was shooting by himself in a field, with Peter Phillips about 200 yards away. prince edward dogs
The Prince takes a vicious swipe at his dog
‘At the end of the drive, the dogs went off to pick up the dead birds, but these two dogs looked like they were squabbling over one pheasant.
‘They clearly were not doing what they were supposed to do so Edward took it upon himself to impose some discipline. It was quite a big stick and it would have hurt the dog if it had been hit with any force.’
Barry Hugill, from the League Against Cruel Sports, said: ‘I would not be at all surprised about Prince Edward mistreating a dog. This is a young man who has been brought up to regard it as his right to slaughter and mistreat animals for pleasure.’
Edward outraged animal rights campaigners in December 2005 when he battered to death an injured pigeon which had been shot during a pheasant shoot at Sandringham.
prince edward dogs
Edward brandishes his wooden stick menacingly, before bringing it down with violent force
Mr Tyler added: ‘It’s about time the Royals got the message that most people regard the shooting of birds for sport as repellent.
‘The public will certainly be no more tolerant of dogs being picked on because they don’t play their obedient walk-on part in this sick spectacle.
‘He certainly appears to have lost his temper and was acting impulsively without restraint.
But we can’t expect high manners in the context of a sport that is about killing animals for pleasure.’
It is not the first time the Royal Family has been accused of animal cruelty. Last year Prince Philip was part of a shoot in which a fox was clubbed to death with a flagpole, and Prince Harry was questioned by police over the illegal shooting of two hen harriers, Britain’s rarest birds of prey. prince edward dogs
One of the labradors slinks away, with Edward in pursuit
Eight years ago the Queen was also accused of cruelty after she was photographed wringing the neck of a pheasant at Sandringham.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said last night: ‘I can confirm there were two dogs fighting over a pheasant. Prince Edward did separate them but no harm was done to either dog.’
Other Royals on yesterday’s shoot included Prince William, Prince Andrew, Prince Philip and Princess Anne’s husband Tim Laurence.
Autumn Phillips, wife of the Queen’s grandson Peter Phillips, was also there, taking part in her first Christmas shoot with her new relatives.
However, the 30-year-old, who married in May, ventured out without the proper ear defenders, and was forced to protect her hearing from the deafening gunshots by clasping her hands to her ears.
Losing his temper: Edward strides after one of the labradors, who were fighting over the same pheasant
It's kind of embarrassing. Though he didn't actually hit his dogs, he frightened them. It's quite disturbing to see him chasing his labradors across the fields like that. I feel sorry for his pets. Some said dogs are like elephants. They never forget. That's scary. I found KSW's latest pictures for you. Very nice.
[/b][/center] Hope you like pics of your two fav actors. Enjoy! Another good news..
Rapper G to debut in Japan January 4th, 2009 // by javabeans
So Ji-sub is making his Japanese singing (well, rapping) debut, reports a Japanese newspaper. The actor put out a single last year using the name “G” and appeared in the MV; after the song’s release, it was belatedly revealed that the “faceless rapper” G was in fact So Ji-sub. Now it’s being reported that he’ll begin promoting his music career in Japan as soon as February of this year.
He has not ever performed live as G (nor made appearances), but he does enjoy popularity in Japan from his past dramas I’m Sorry, I Love You and What Happened in Bali. Last December 26, his fanmeeting in Osaka was attended by 6,000 fans.
His management, BOF, says that they have not yet fixed plans for Japanese activities. So Ji-sub is currently filming the highly anticipated SBS drama Cain & Abel, as well as working on the Korea-China joint film Sophie’s Revenge. (You’d think he has enough on his plate without choosing this time to branch out into a second career.) (credits: as labeled)
That's very exciting! Good luck, So Ji-sub!
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Post by tinkerbell on Jan 7, 2009 14:45:44 GMT -5
NENE I had a great holiday, thank you. I hope you enjoyed yours as well. That orangutan, Surya is so funny. I can just imagine how he looked in a child's wetsuit! He's definitely having a great time. Beryl the Bassett Hound and Wol the owl are very interesting. How funny that they watch TV together. I guess even animals don't like being alone.Taotao is so adorable! He does look very cuddly. I admire the care takers love and dedication. They sure went through a lot to help him thrive. The pictures are very cute. Thank you for all the cute animal pictures. I like them all but I especially love the little horses!Thank you for the update on Kim Myung-min. I'm glad so many people enjoyed Beethoven Virus and are recognizing his talent. The photos are very nice. I found a similar article too.Classic Maestro gets a special limited edition run Beethoven Virus’s Kim Myung-min’s classical-music compilation album, Classic Maestro, has met with such success that another pressing is in the works, this time as a limited edition as a particular keepsake for fans.
Only 200 of these special-edition CDs will be released, each coming with Kim’s autograph and labeled with its own unique number. Because of the small number of albums that will be made available, a management rep explained that they are currently deciding how to distribute them, such as via internet lotteries, applications, and other methods.
It was explained that one of the immediate reasons for deciding to go with this special edition album was the January 3 fan-signing event, when they were surprised at the unexpected crowds, well exceeding their anticipated attendance (they’d planned for 200, and more than a thousand showed up, some of whom camped out overnight). There were requests for an additional fan-signing event, and the album was proposed as a suitable alternative. They really should make more than 200 CDs. Many people will be disappointed especially since it's autographed and a collectors item.
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