The Nabi 2.0

Last week, I went to Wal-Mart for my normal household goods. I wrote a list, but that didn't do me any good. My mission: diapers, wipes, pull-ups, sippy cup with straw, soap, trash bags, diaper pail bags, printer paper, printer ink. I ended up with over 400 dollars worth of items, not including McDonalds. Normally, I spend between 200 and 300 dollars. The Diapers, wipes, and Depends are over 100 dollars.

Diapers: $20 dollars
Wipes: $8.00
Depends: 19.95 a bag times 3 to 5 bags, depending on what's in stock.
Diaper pail bags: 5.00
Trash bags: 5.00
Printer ink: 50 dollars
Printer Paper: 10 dollars
Sippy Cup: 6 dollars or less
Soap: 4 to 5 bottles. 1.28 each.

While I was in the Electronics Department, I asked to see their tablets, but not an Ipad. Even though I have a Mac, I am still a PC at heart. I knew wal-mart had android tablets, which will work with either google play or amazon. I could not get google play on the tablet but I did install Amazon app store.

Nabi 2 Tablet

I had two employees try to shift me to the Ipads, so I said point me to where I need to go, so I can look and price. I saw the nabi box, but no nabi. I asked if they had either the nabi jr or nabi 2 in stock. The employee said no, so I kept looking. I saw one nabi left. It cost me $194 dollars but I thought it could help in certain situations. I had to take Brad with me to WIC (women, infants, and children) the other day. Normally, I would not take him because he acts up and has meltdowns because of the long waits. He sat peacefully and watched videos, played games, and listened to music.

ON THE OTHER FREAKING HAND:

Brad does not want other people to touch it, even though I bought it for me, him, and his brother. I downloaded apps from Amazon, which will appeal to both of them. The nabi already comes with various apps and stuff.

Brad gets mad when it has to charge. Brad will take it off the charger and try to get it to come back on

I sat through a long melt-down today,where Brad hit me because I was showing Kalen how to say his ABCs. Kalen starts school next year and I want him to have a head start, especially on language, since his primary word is EAT. Brad was screaming, punching, hitting.

I have to find new ways to teach Brad how to share and handle his aggression. it will be a long, hard road, but I can't go through a meltdown over something, I thought the whole family can enjoy.

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Deep Sleep Gummies by Natural Dynamix Product Review (Tomoson)

I reviewed Adult Gummy Vitamins in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. The product was developed by Natural Dynamix. I wanted to review the product for two reasons: I need to go to sleep sometimes. Being a night owl sometimes requires me to go to bed early and it's hard to do. The second reason is my 12 year old uses melatonin to sleep. I have tried pills, liquid, and dissolvable melatonin. For the most part, he goes to sleep at night, but other nights, the melatonin does not take and my child is up all night long.

The gummy vitamins contains 5 mg of melatonin, which is the exact amount I give Brad each night. The whole family has been taking these vitamins (people, 12 and over), to the point where my mother bought her own gummy vitamins (not from natural dynamix though).

The first night, my son slept for about 3 hours straight, which is a lot less than he normally sleeps, taking the liquid melatonin. My niece, 15, slept the whole night. She said she woke up refreshed. I also liked the gummies. I slept for about 4 hours straight. My mother slept for about 3 hours straight. I am not sure how many hours my sister slept.


Now on to the issues, I had with the gummies:

1. The gummies got stuck to each other in the bottle. They did not melt but you had to reach into the bottle and pull them apart to use them. 
2. You need to put them up high--way high. It is a gummy. Kids may think it is candy. Brad took a few on his own and wanted more. 
3. You need to hide them from relatives. You also need to use caution. I been using melatonin for a few years now. I normally get them from another website. When I got the gummies, my mother, sister, and niece wanted to try them I am not sure how much is too much for a gummy or any melatonin product. I had one relative, who wanted to take 4 gummies or 20 mg. I never even given Brad 20 mg. I refused to give my mother 20 mgs of melatonin. 

The gummies are 21.99 on Natural Dynamix. The website also sells Kids' gummies in multi-vitamin' calcium and vitamin D; echinacea, vitamin c, and zinc; and omega 3. Other adult gummies on the website include calcium, fiber, omega 3, and the deep sleep. The website also sells sports nutrition products and adult supplements in pills, gummies, and capsules. 

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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Wearever Incontinence Underwear Product Review (Tomoson)

I reviewed the Wearever incontinence products, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. I have heard of Wearever on social media and in blogger groups and I finally got a chance to review their products. My oldest son is autistic and adhd. He is not fully potty trained yet. Depends are 18.99 a bag and he goes through four to five bags per month.

The website offers men's and women's urinary incontinence products. The products are washable and re-useable. Wearever offers women's briefs, men's briefs, and men's boxers. The website also offers a Sizing chart

Built-in pad

 I chose the boxer briefs. The boxer briefs cost $18.99 on the website. You also can buy a three pack or a 6-pack. If you order the 6 pack, you get free shipping.  I will be buying a 3-pack when I get paid again. Brad slept in the briefs the first night, I got the package in the mail. He was dry when he woke up. The briefs did their job, a very good job. Then, I washed them so he can wear them for the second night in a row.

The briefs come in navy, white, and grey. Inside each pair, you have a built-in pad, which absorbs fluids. I wish I bought the underwear when we went to the Schlitterbahn last week. I left them at home and brought the depends instead. Needless to say, I forgot to take off Brad's undies and the depends got soaked in the water. I had to get Brad out quickly before he successfully ripped his depends off. The website also sells swim diapers. I was just thinking about this the other day. I will order a pair of those in the future as well. The swim diapers start at 49.95. The swim diaper is also washable and re-useable.

All the products on the website offer security, with a level of discreteness. No one will know you are wearing a Wearever. The undies are not bulky like Depends or other similar products. The undies are made out of soft cotton and will last between 200-250
washes.

I will have a video review within the next few days.

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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Our trip to the Schlitterbahn. The good, bad, ugly.

I took the kids, mother, niece, nephew, and great niece to Galveston on Saturday. Mother drove. I had free tickets courtesy of US Family Guide Bloggers program. USFG provided 4 free tickets to the Schlitterbahn for participation in the campaign. The babies ( Kalen and the great niece) was free and my mother paid for my nephew a ticket.

We left the house around 10ish. Made a few stops along the way and got to the Schlitterbahn about 2ish. Note: I bought me and the kids, flip flops to walk around the park with and to get on rides with. Keep this in mind later. The park had a 50% off on all items in the stores with exceptions. I got a bag and a money holder  for $12ish. We then went to Wasserfest to the kiddie area. The water was 1 ft deep.  Kalen, Riah, and Brad had fun splashing. The niece and nephew got in Torrent river and left us until it was time to leave. Torrent River is a faster-paced lazy river.

My mother and I wanted a change of scenery, so we went to SurfenBurg, another area of the water park. My mother and great niece got a double raft (yellow with a kids seat) and went down the slower lazy river, named Kristal River. Kristal River goes around most of the park. I, like a dummy, decided to try to get Brad to go in the river. Kristal river is connected to a lot of the attractions in SurfenBurg and Blastenhoff, another area of the park. We entered the river, near the big wave pool, i think it was a wave pool, near the entrance.

Brad did not want to go in the water, but a few inches at a time. I should have listened to him. I thought he can handle the river since it was slower than torrent. I should have looked at the map. There was a conveyor system in the river, which required people to be seated in the raft. I was wrong. I got a double raft. Kalen and I on one side. Brad, on the other side. Everything was going good in the beginning, but then Brad started jumping and trying to do with the other "normal" crazy people was doing. He wanted to sit in the raft. He wanted to lay across the raft. So, I moved towards the edge of the pool to hold the edge, if Brad was doing too much. I also forgot Brad wears depends. This would have been a good situation to try out another product, I got for review, but I left it at home. Brad was trying to take off his depends on the water. Never drink the water at a water park, in a water ride or lazy river.

We did get out so we can throw away his depends. Should have stayed out. but Brad got back in the water on his own, with the raft, without my help. We moved around the river again. Until I saw that sign for the conveyor. Then something changed, Brad took complete control. The river was 3 ft deep. I am 5'2. Brad is 5'2. My feet was not touching the ground. Remember, I said, I was staying close to the edge to control the raft more, since I was carrying two special needs packages with me. I, somehow moved to the middle of the river. I had no grip. My flip flops failed me. My mind went panicky. I was praying. I was screaming. I was crying. The current was stronger and Brad was pulling me. I could not get control of him. I was scared for me and my baby. I had to get the life guards to pull all three of us out of the water. Not letting my son drown us all. Kalen was already half sleep. I can't swim. I love lazy rivers, but next time, no kids. They got Kalen first. They got me next. Took two guards to get Brad out. He was like a wriggly fish. Hurried up and climbed the nearest steps and into the restaurant above the lazy river. They sold alcohol but I did not buy any. I got the kids something to eat and calmed my nerves down. We did not get on anything else after that.

I got Brad some wings and I got me a salad. Kalen ate from both of us. Then, we stopped for ice cream. Brad got a bowl of chocolate. Kalen and I had a loaded funnel cake. Funnel cake, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and strawberry cheese cake ice cream.

Oh yeah, Back to the flip flops. Brad's flip flops went down lazy river, after they got us out. Brad also brought his backpack into the river. He did not want to give up the bag into the locker, so everything got soaked. Had to throw away about 6 depends, because they gained some weight lol. By this time, my mother found us. She had been looking for us for an hour. I did not know that lazy river ordeal took that long. I was ready to go home , but we had to find the niece and nephew first. The kids and I, went and got a icee. If you bought the collectible cup, you get free icees all day. Then, we went to the tables in Surfenberg, by the entrance. The same place, where I had the great idea to take Brad and Kalen down a slower paced lazy river. We eventually found the missing relatives and we got in the car and left.

We went to find a hotel for the night. It was around 6pm. I told my mother to take  us home, but nooooooo she had to listen to my niece and nephew. They wanted to stay at some hotel (they didn't know the name of) from the last time they went. I was googling prices of hotels. One hotel wanted 245 dollars for one night. We ended up at the Victorian Condo and hotel (not sure if the last part is right). It was a nice room. One bedroom suite, with twin bed in the hallway, and a pull-out couch. My niece slept in the pull-out. Nephew slept on a chair with a footrest or the twin in the hallway.  Mother slept on the pull-out. I slept in the bedroom. I was trying to sleep on the twin with just Kalen, but Brad was not having that. So, I swapped with my mother for the bedroom.

Kalen fell out the bed, while I was sleep. He is ok, but he was crying for a long time. Took a while to calm him down. Brad kept kicking me. Definitely see why I finally got him another bed.

Sometime between checking in and going to sleep, We ended up at Denny's. Kids eat free between some time and 10pm. 4 kids ate for free. yay. The staff was friendly and helpful. Back to hotel for sleeping and drying wet clothes on the balcony. Got up Sunday Morning. Did some sightseeing. Got on the ferry. Golden Corral. Saw my favorite attraction. The port with the Carnival Magic in site. Dropped nephew off with his mother. Headed home. Made a few more stops. Finally home. Lots of rain today.

Will I take my kids to a waterpark again? Not right now. If I do, kiddie area only. I also heard about splash pads in one of my special needs groups. I have more pics coming, but today's pics have not uploaded to Google yet. They are on facebook though.

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This week as a special needs parent

The past few weeks have been interesting, but this week takes the cake. Toss in a cycle and you have mama, filled with extra-emotions. I have not even exercised but once this week and broke my diet, a lot. Really hate to do the weigh-in later on tonight.

Anyway, Kalen has a global delay. He is delayed in walking, talking, and fine motor. Brad is autistic and adhd. Kalen is 2 and Brad is 12.

Kalen's ECI referred Kalen to a neurologist, who requested an EEG, EKG, audiology, and genetics testing. Kalen did excellent in Audiology. He has perfect hearing, even though he lost interest during the examination. Throwing a two-year old in an audio booth, with toys, is trouble lol.

So, this was my week--this week.

Monday:

Kalen had Physical Therapy. He did excellent. Ms. Sandy even had him practicing outside on the sidewalk. He walked, with one finger holding Sandy, from the sidewalk to the house and back. She said with his progress (if he continues like he is doing), he may be walking by Thanksgiving.

Tuesday:

I had an eye doctor appointment to replace my glasses. I did an exam and picked out my new thin, black frames. Why I am replacing them? My wonderful son, Kalen, broke off both handles. I went to the dollar store, bought some reading glasses, installed new handles on my glasses, he broke those off too, along with the brackets. 

Later that day, Kalen had early childhood intervention. He did excellent. He played with the toys. It was also a sad day. It was Lisa's last day of working with Kalen. Everyone had to re-apply for their jobs. Lisa chose not to re-apply, so she can focus on school. She also mentioned the department lost at least 10 other people (those, who chose not to re-apply and terminations). This means over 300 kids do not have a therapist. The week before Lisa had told me to go on an advocate-emailing spree to get a new therapist for Kalen. Luckily, Lisa found him one or one was assigned to him, since he needs help with transitioning. Kalen will conclude both ECI and PT through Keep Pace in May. He also starts school in May (Head Start and a school for developmental disabilities). I will miss Lisa. She has worked with Kalen since he was 1 years old. 

This was not supposed to been an ECI day, but Lisa is having surgery, I think today, and wanted to see Kalen. 

Wednesday:

Brad had an new pediatric appointment at LBJ hospital. The appointment was at 12:45. The appointment lady told me to be there an hour early. I got there around 10:30. My mother dropped us off. After navigating the hospital, we finally found the pediatric clinic. I signed in. The registration lady said I was early. (No, for real). I sat down. My kids, my lovely kids, was fighting with each other. Pushing the stroller. and hungry. I fed them before leaving the house. I went to the vending machines on another floor, where the machine was fancy. The machine did not accept dimes, nickels, or pennies.

I also gave Brad his risperidone to calm him down BEFORE leaving the house. I gave him a smaller dosage of Melatonin to calm him down. None of it worked. Brad was good until they brought him back to take his vitals. The nice nurse, Ms. Wesley wanted Brad to get on the scale. This meant taking off his shoes and backpack. He screamed a loud, piercing scream. Would not cooperate. Finally when Ms. Wesley left the room, Brad took off his shoes, took off his backpack, stood on the scale, and another nurse ran quickly into the room, to get his weight. He also let her take his height.

We was getting ready to go into another waiting room, when another nurse said the room was ready. The children tore up paperwork out my purse, knocked over stuff in my purse, was screaming, hollering, fighting again. The dr, a resident came in. He asked me a bunch of questions. He did not access Brad at all, except his heart. On a good note, Brad has lab work next week (have to change the appointment. Overbooked myself accidently), will get a referral to a dentist, and will get a referral to a autism clinic.

Then, had to wait over an hour for my mother to pick us back up. Brad was starting to act up badly. He laid in the middle of the floor, by the sliding doors. He banged on the windows. Kalen slept the whole time during the middle of this. We was at the hospital from 1030 am to 430 pm. Too long if you ask me, especially for a mama, dealing with Aunt flo, and two special needs kids.

Thursday:

Kalen had an MRI and EEG scheduled at Texas Children's. I had no sleep since I had to get up before 5 am to get to the hospital at 6 am. I had to sign him in at one building, then walk to another room for vitals, then go to another building for the actual test. While waiting, I went to get something to eat. I had no idea how to get back. I knew what building he was in and what floor. Everyone I had asked did not know where radiology was. I ended up walking past the building I needed back to pediatric radiology registration to ask where I needed to go. I finally found my baby. Within minutes of me coming back, Kalen was brought into recovery, where they woke him up quick. Yay me. Kalen's EEG was in an hour. I wanted him to stay sleep. I found my way to the EEG room. Same building, Express elevator, 21st floor. Signed him in. Kalen went from waking up from MRI to active baby. He was crawling. He was climbing. He was trying to walk. He was pushing the stroller.

The lady in the EEG waiting room said the EEG person could take me an hour early since she had no one back there. So on, we went to the EEG room. It was made for sleeping. A big sofa bed and soft cushiony chairs for sitting and sleeping for the parents/guardians. The tech wanted Kalen to go back to sleep. Kalen was not having that. I presented him a boobie and between crying, screaming, and trying to unplug the wires, Kalen and I both went to sleep. Eventually, the tech came back into the room, woke me up, and told me to wake Kalen up. Kalen never woke up until I got home 2-3 hours later. The poor lady flashed lights in his face, called his name, flashed more lights in his face, and Kalen refused to stir. His hands moved. his body moved, but his eyes said, hey man, he is tired, leave him be lol.

I got home and crashed. My internet was down. Didn't feel like checking my email from the phone. I was tired. I said, screw it, and went to sleep.

Friday:

No therapies for any child today. I woke up about 10-ish. I been trying to clean all day long.  I got some work done. My youngest done pulled my mirror off the back of the closet door, with the door screws as well. He also left me a nice surprise when I went to do laundry. I put him in his crib, with the bed made. Came back, to see a naked baby, with all the bedding pulled off, except the bottom sheet. 

Monday, Brad has a psych appointment. Wednesday, Kalen has an ECG appointment. Let's get next week started.

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This is my life

I thought of this topic a few days ago. I was having a bad day with Mr.Meltdown and The Destructor. Definitely hard being a special needs parent at times. Toss in being irritated, cranky, and in pain (probably PMS now that I think about it) and I was ready to call it a day (and days).

I have to learn to accept this is my life and all that it encompasses. The meltdowns. The temper tantrums. The therapies. The constant picking up behind kids. The screaming. The hollering. The craziness.

So this is a list of things, which represent my life:

1. As soon as I clean, sweep, mop, carpet clean, some kid is going to spill something orange, red, or some other bright color on the floor or throw something on the floor, like cheerios, which will require me to clean some more. 
2. Melatonin has become part of my normal routine.
3. I will be happy to review any energy drinks, shots, or candies because some days I have zero energy. 
4. When I really want to sleep, some child is going to be cranky, irritated, sick, which will keep me up until I get them calmed down. 
5. I will not visit any churches unless they have a nursery and SPED program. 
6. Any help, when the kids are acting up, (within reason) will be appreciated. 
7. Going to a store or public outing, will be a challenge (Zoo, Schlitterbahn, San Antonio trips are coming up this year). San Antonio is fun. Megabus is fun. Riding public transportation (2 busses) with Brad is not fun. 
8. Some days I will not feel like getting up for therapy because I am tired, but I will push through it anyway. 
9. For a while, I will have to convince Brad to take his stinky butt a bath, using soap, (unless I do it myself) and then teach him how to dry off (unless I do it myself). I will also have a fight when it is time to brush his teeth or cut his hair (taking applications for a special needs barber). 
10. Kalen is a boob man. He will try to pull them out in the most inconvenient locations. 
11. Brad will be left with his grandma during Kalen's dr. appointments. 
12. Brad will somehow kick me while I am sleep. (Brad needs a bed ASAP). 
13. Kalen will only sleep in his crib when he extremely tired. 
14. IEP meetings are NO fun. 
15. Potty training is no fun. 
16. Some days I will be overprotective of my kids. Dont mess with Mama Bear. I have a violent side. I also cuss. 
17. Special needs parenting can (and is ) a lonely life. 
18. I can not take my kids everywhere. This is a fact. Some things I have to turn down, if you ask. I know my limits.
19. If you want to date me (yeah right, what's a date?), the kids must follow along. My family does not babysit. then, again, that may keep me strong on this celibacy path, or at least keep some fool from asking for sex on a date (that is, when i finally accept one). 
20. kiddie's father and relatives lives in GA. I live in Texas. 
21. Some days I lack patience and understanding
22. God is in control. Some days I don't understand why I was chosen for this role in life. I have to accept this is my life with both special needs kids, which dwell within this realm. Brad, aka Mr. meltdown, my wonderful, autistic, adhd son. Kalen, Mr. Destructor, my developmentally delayed (walking, talking, fine motor) child. 

This is my life. 

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GungHo Energy Gel Shots (BlogDash)

Disclaimer: This post contains one referral link. The rest was provided in the media copy.


I reviewed GungHo Energy Gel Shots, in response to a request on BlogDash. The package arrived July 22, 2013. One of the samples was leaking.  The energy gel shots are to give you focus, which is perfect for me. Somedays I am frantic and losing my mind because I have so much to do, but not quite sure how to do it all in one day.

The product tasted part tangy and part citrusy. It had a similarity to another product, but I can not figure out which one.

Video of me trying Gungho:

About GungHo:

• Currently, there is an epidemic where students and moms need an energy boost to improve focus and productivity. I, for one, haven't had a monster or a redbull in a minute, but I will try Mio and Mio like energy products, plus the energy powder products. I need more focus, especially with blogging and the kids. 
• GungHo is a natural product to improve focus and concentration.  (article)
• Some of the side effects of ADHD medications is addiction, crashing, teeth grinding, and pressure. 
• Gungho helps nourish your brain and helps the brain function. The product is supposed to provide an immediate boost of focus and concentration. 
• GungHo was featured in in AllThingsD, the WSJ, Time Magazine, Wired etc. Study the science here if you want more information.
• Press Release:  "Don't Be Gamed: Three Tips to Picking The Right Energy Shot"
• Reviews of the product by females 
   (compilation of legit lady testimonials)
• Study on how Caffeine and Vitamin B overload affects women (
  Female physiology experts have explained that Caffeine & B Vitamin overload is a nightmare physiologically for women.)

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Reading Kingdom Review (Tomoson)

I reviewed Reading Kingdom, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. I received a one-year membership for participation. Reading Kingdom is an online program, which teaches children how to read and write to a third grade level. The program was based on Dr. Marion Blank, Columbia University, who is a renown expert on reading and language development. The website is designed more for kids 4 to 10.

I wanted to review the product for my oldest son. He loves websites such as ABC Mouse, Zac Browser, and StarFall. Brad is special needs. He was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD at an early age. He has made progress over the years, but still struggles with the basics such as reading, writing, comprehension, numbers, and the ABCs. He knows 1, A, and B, but either does not know or refuses to say any other letters and numbers. Brad can recognize words, but can not read or write.  I wanted to try out Reading Kingdom to see if he can make progress. Brad also does not have any speech therapy for the summer. The program is very visual and provides voice instructions and help.  I knew it would take some work because it required a lot of direct supervision and hand over hand work. Sometimes it required showing him exactly what to do. One of my biggest challenges was getting him to pay attention and participate, but I knew that beforehand. Brad requires direct supervision and a lot of patience to get him to try a new game or product or website. I knew I was not going to see progress immediately. The first challenges was to get him to participate in the exercises. It took a few days before he started helping me click versus hand over hand. Any progress is better than no progress. 

The website is free to sign up and you get a 30 day trial. Once enrolled, your child can take an assessment to determine which level to begin on. You can track your child (ren's) progress by name. You also can view what activities your child(ren) have completed. The program is more designed for kids, who work more independently. The exercises are simple to do. If your child is struggling, the program will give helpful visual instructions and help. Reading Kingdom also works on iPads.

Next, you have the option of using the physical keyboard or an on-screen keyboard. I used both to see which would work best with Brad. Parents or guardians also can send a reader report to their email. The report shows your child (ren's) progress in seeing sequences and letter land (if your child is on this level). It also shows progress in the overall program. Parents and guardians also can increase or decrease the response time. Finally, kids can take keyboard and mouse lessons, if they need additional training.  I am still working with Brad in Reading Kingdom.

The price for the program for one reader is 19.99 month or $199.99 year. Each additional reader is 9.99 month or $99.99 a year. The website also sells educational books as well.

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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