- The Swine Flu is a worldwide story, but only little Wise County, Texas has decided that every school needs to be closed today.
- My complaint with the school closures over the Swine Flu is that catching the disease appears to be only an inconvenience - and a minor one at that.
- And there are so many single moms and two parent working families that the closing of a school creates a true crisis.I think school officials are
incentive insensitive to that. Edit: Ugh. It's Monday.
- Do teachers get paid for this off time? What about hourly support staff?
- My lawn has never been greener.
- My neighbor needs to understand that weeds are not his friend.
- Random movie thought: I watched a portion of the updated version of the The Hitcher last night and I noted the lead cop told the psycho killer, "In the great state of New Mexico, we do have the death penalty." Not anymore, I recalled.
- Also watched part of Dirty Dancing and thought about how bad Patrick Swayze is looking these days. (At least based upon some picture on a tabloid in the checkout line I saw the other day.)
- And in that movie, one spare character tells Baby that "Some people matter and some people don't" as he hands her a copy of The Fountainhead - a novel I declared last year to be one of the most ridiculous books ever written. (I had never noticed that scene until this time around.)
- Isn't it a little early to describe the injured Cowboys' coach from the roof collapse this weekend as being "permanently" paralyzed? Both the Morning News and Star Telegram used that term.
- In addition to my dream of being back in school, unprepared, with finals bearing down upon me, I also have a reoccurring dream of being on a high school sports team but can't find all my equipment while the team is taking the field/court.
- That Wolverine movie took in $87 million over the weekend? I've got no interest.
- America's Funniest home videos is edging closure to Idiocracy.
- Edit: And another.
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88 comments:
Man...how would you like to be those poor souls at Chico Middle School and High School? They are the only ones in the whole county that have to go to school today.
You need to spell check the third bullet point. The administrators may be "insensitive" but probably not "incentive"
Double-fake Grammar teacher
is tired head one symptom of swine flu?
Happy national teacher appreciation week to all our fine county teachers (May 04-May 08). Go ahead and take the week off.
Teachers, unlike state and county employees, and District Attorneys, do not get paid for holidays. I am hopeful they are being paid for the days off, and I believe they are.
I saw the WOlverine Movie over the weekend. The only problem is that, since it is a "prequel", I know there is more to the story. Therefore, when the movie ended, I wanted to see more of the st9ry. However, it was pretty good shoot 'em up for an X-Men movie, althoughnot as good as X-Men: Last Stand.
Love,
gern
Teachers are paid during the school closings. Duh! What about being sensitive to our hard working and under paid teachers? The schools do not have to make up the days missed or lose funding.
Single moms and both parents who work can find someone to take care of their children like any other time during spring break or Christmas holidays.
North Texas has been hit hard by the swine flu. Just guessing the reason is our economy draws more illegals to the area for jobs and they are in contact with others from Mexico where the swine flu started.
I stopped watching America's videos a long time ago...way too many were obviously staged, and it's just not as funny when it's fake.
On May 11th is everyone going to be well?
Hey BUbear would you like to come to dinner tonight, I'm feeling a little under the weather but I'm sure its nothing, go ahead and come over..
Miss Piggy
Yes, this virus does not seem to be any worse than the seasonal flu virus we are all familiar with. However, the concern is that this virus will mutate into something much more dangerous. And, the more times the virus infects a new body, the more opportunities it has to mutate. So, if closing the schools will reduce the number of new cases, then it may help reduce the chances of a harmful mutation appearing. That is the real risk here.
BG, youre nightmare about finals is my reality right now.
Thank you, Accomplice, 8:44 and 8:51.
Yes, I will enjoy my week off. It will allow me time to finish lesson plans for the rest of the year, enter grades in the grade book...heck I even have time to clean house and do some laundry.
But now I think I'll just go back to bed for a while and get some much needed rest. Trust me, we teachers are TIRED!
Thank you, Accomplice, 8:44 and 8:51.
Yes, I will enjoy my week off. It will allow me time to finish lesson plans for the rest of the year, enter grades in the grade book...heck I even have time to clean house and do some laundry.
But now I think I'll just go back to bed for a while and get some much needed rest. Trust me, we teachers are TIRED!
Strep throat is going around too! I've got that.. The only basic difference is with the flu, you have a runny nose.
8:51... you're an idiot!
#1 "ONLY" Wise County has decided to close all the schools? Really?? You may need to do a little fact-check here, BG.
#2 Patrick Swayze may not look that great, but he's 10 times the actor. His tv show, The Beast, was one of the best things on tv before it just entered its summer hiatus.
#3 Yes, when it is determined that one's "spine is completely severed", it is appropriate to use the term "permanently paralyzed" ... at least barring the development of some new medical miracles.
#4 OK, you caught the "incentive" typo; but on your final bullet point I think you meant "closer to" rather than "closure to" ... unless, of course, you were REALLY trying to finesse that "Idiocracy" point.
Hey, The Fountainhead is an all-time favorite of mine, couldn't ever read anything else by Ayn Rand but that one.
I think that when your spinal cord is severed, it's permanent.
ci ci's will not open till the 11th hu i think they are scared of the pig flu also.
I work hard every day and I am paid on commission. I don't get paid if I'm not working. Why should all the teachers get paid to sit at home? They seem to forget that paycheck they get during the summer when they don't work. My heart cries for them. Don't get me wrong, some of the teachers deserve more money than they get paid for their job, but sadly the vast majority of them show up for a check. If your child happens to learn something along the way, well,good for them. Just don't ask the teacher for any help if you don't understand something because,as we all know, this is more than they have time to cover and the parents should be more involved. The child must surely have a learning disability that will require several types of medication to make them into quiet, dosile little zombies that require no attention from said teacher so she can stand in the hall and text or do whatever she wants to do. Just don't expect one ounce of extra effort that is not required from them, because this in most cases is not going to happen.
Just heard this morning that Ft. Worth is now closed for 2 weeks instead of one week, supposedly health officials have said one week is not enough. I personally think it's a good thing the schools have closed because too many ignorant parents would just send their kids to school with fever, not wanting to be bothered with them. I realize their may be an overreaction here going on, but better safe than sorry. I think the real scare is that as of now there is no shot for the swine flu, and the chance of it mutating is a possibility. I'd hate to think I knew more than the health officials. There's a reason we have them.
Wow, 9:44. You obviously had a bad experience with a teacher. If you don't like having a job than pays you commission only, look for a salaried job so you can have vacation days and sick day. But don't blame teachers for you having the job you have. Hey, you could become a teacher and get paid for summers you wouldn't work. Maybe you could make a positive difference in the life of a child.....like most teachers do.
9:44 blogger
The paycheck we get in the summer are because we elect to get our 10 month salary in 12 month paychecks. We are not paid during the summer but often give up time for workshops. As far as your comment about texting in hall teachers in my building do not text in the hall or use their personal phones during school time. You need to be more understanding than critical.
Teachers are paid by the year, so, YES they do get paid for holidays (Duh)
Maybe when Bridgeport gets their new "Indoor Practice" facility all the alol the sick children's can be quarantined in there and teaching the kids can be continued. Oh No!! That won't work, because it would disrupt the powerhouse football team. DUMB IDEA--VOTE NO TO NEW TAXES.
Wow, 9:44, it sounds as if you've had a bad experience with a teacher or teachers. Just know that there are many, many of us out there who work really hard to provide your child with as much knowledge as we possibly can. Also, many of us listen to them before or after class when they want to talk about their family issues, good and bad. We also look at pictures of their prom dresses and current boyfriends and listen to the stories behind both. We answer parent phone calls at 9:00 p.m. and respond to parent e-mails throughout the day.
As for the medications, that's between the student, parents, and physician. I encourage my students, if applicable, not to use their "diagnosis" as a crutch.
I bring work home nightly and study hard to be prepared and "on my game" when I'm in that classroom. I pray for and worry about my students, much to the chagrin of my own family at times.
Lastly, and not so importantly, we're salaried employees for the 187 days that we're in school, and our paychecks may come 12 months a year, but it's a 187 day salary stretched to fit 12 months. The majority of us work in the summer and attend conferences and trainings in order to be better equipped to teach and mentor your child. And we do it because we want to. I went to school to teach, and although some days present challenges that no professor could prepare me for, I love it more and more every day.
I hope things go better for you and yours in the future; just try not to discount the majority for the mistakes of a few.
9:44am Teachers do not get paid while they are off during the summer. Those checks are from time they did work during the the school year. Most teachers work on a 10 month contract and their pay is spread out over 12 months. If you have the math skills to figure your commission, feel free to thank one of them.... sent via my cell phone, while standing in a hall.
Oh crap, Ive got the hiccups, is that a sign of piggy flu?
9:44 AM: First of all, we are not being paid to sit at home. Secondly, the money we get in the summer is money we have already made during the school year but is distributed throughout the summer months as well. I don't know whose classroom you have visited, but you obviously haven't been in mine. We don't sit at home in the summer and "do nothing!" We will attend 30-40 hours of professional workshops or more,some will teach summer school, all will learn new school curriculum, some will work sports camps and all will take care of their families on top of all of this. We are professionals and 95% of us care about ALL kids...there are always exceptions! If you think we have it great all the time, go to college, get a degree and join us! Secondly, I have a child that requires medication and it isn't to make him into a "zombie"... It is to help him focus on what the teacher teaches him during the day, and he has been very successful because of it. For whatever reason, you seem to have a grudge towards educators...probably because "little johnnie" doesn't get his way at school like he does with you at home. Amazing!
Can't we all just get along?
Yeah The Fountainhead is about personal integrity can't imagine that a liberal lawyer would like such a book.
9:44, I've volunteered for many years in B'port schools and I've seen the things you're describing. I've also seen a few teachers who care about students. Typically, the students they care for are usually white and from prominent families. Teachers who complain about their pay and the workload are idiots. They knew what they were getting into when they took the job.
Anybody want to predict how many babies are going to be born to teenage mothers in about 9 months?
I'm thinking we're going to see a big spike.
As a 20+ year educator I think one of the biggest problems we face is teachers who are really bad but don't recognize they are really bad. I mean, who is going to admit to being unprofessional or a bad teacher? Most teachers can't admit when they are wrong...let alone admit that although we want. To be treated as professionals we don't always act in a professional manner. In the business world professional people have to work early, stay late, and attend professional conferences and yet I don't hear them complaining all the time like teachers in my building. I'm not perfect but I do try to keep a positive attitude and gladly go to training to learn new things to constantly improve my craft. Unfortunately, sometimes teachers get a bad rap because they deserve one! .
Hey 10:08 and 9:44, how many days are in a year? Do only 187 days make up a year? NOT. Try 365 days! Now, understand this, you elem. school dropouts, TEACHERS are PAID for the 187 days they are contracted for. That leaves 178 days that they are NOT PAID. Those 178 days INCLUDE, summer months (actually only about 10 weeks) AND holidays! So, now, can you figure out that when we do recieve our summer checks, it is for work already completed? Bet if you contract your house remodeling, your contractor wouldn't let you continue to pay off your debt like that, but teachers sure let the state pay off its debt to them each year. So get off our backs. I'm sick to death of people like you two (evidently uneducated)who spout out crap that you both obviously know nothing about. Maybe the two of you need to go BACK to school and learn what you left behind when you quit school! You people who keep talking about teachers who get paid for summer months they don't work are just showing your ignorance. Duh!
btw, that goes to the first 10:08 poster, not the second one, who is obviously a teacher and understands every bit of my rant! lol!
11:36
Getting the summer off is a perk to being a teacher. We receive money that has been held from our paycheck throughout the year for the summer months. We do not receive anything free. I can tell you that being a teacher is mentally and physically exhausting. On the flip side, it is the most rewarding career. I have the chance to change the world one student at a time. Keep in mind the school is responsible for educating your child. You are responsible for raising them! I often find that hostility towards teachers comes from the fact that some parents are confused about their role and responsibility as a parent. Teachers are well educated professionals who truly care about all children - even yours. Don't be envious that we have a few days off. Be thankful that we work for administrators that put the health and safety of your children first.
11:27, yes, we get to schoolearly, we stay late, we do paper work at home....are we paid as well as others in other professions? I think not. Many of us have 2nd part time jobs just to pay the bills.
Are we treated like other professionals? Many times, not.
You say we complain....no! We are trying to explain what our professional involves.
I've had many jobs, from waitress to a supervisor at a major automobile assembly plant. None have been as demanding as teaching.
As I've said before, please don't bash us unless you've been where we have. I'm not talking about subbing, either. We have great subs in our district, but they come in, do the job then get to leave everything behind. Not so with us.
You tell 'em, 11:36!!! And thanks to "lovelit", also! GO TEACHERS!! :)
I just sat down and did the math...just used ballpark figures (teacher salary = $45,000 and college educated worker = $70,000). That equates to avg daily teacher salary of $241 and avg worker salary.of $264. I would say teachers are not paid a disapproriate amount compared to any mid level management position in America.
I bet any number of you teachers could identify at least 5 teachers in your own buildings that should NOT be in the classroom! What about the poor kids who get stuck in THEIR room??
I'm Hot for Teacher........
Follow me on this one:
A teacher that gets paid a salary of $45,000 per year and works 187 days gets paid a daily rate of about $241 per day. If they worked 243 days, which is what most regular full time employees in private businesses work, their salary would be about $58,563 per year.
Also, teacher's salaries are annualized, meaning their pay is spread over the entire 12 month calendar. That way they receive a paycheck each month and not just for the 9 months they work.
Something else, say an elementary teacher has 20 kids in their class, that is $12.05 for each child each day. Equals to $60.25 per week, $241 per month, and $2,169 over 9 months of school.
Pretty simple really. This is the data. You can judge for your self if $241 per day is well-paid or not. No opinion expressed, only facts.
12:40! Stop with the shennanigans! ;)
OK 11:36. Let's take it nice and slow. Average Texas teacher income = $41700.00 divided by 187 days come to approx $223.00 per day.
Now take average income in Texas for college degreed person of $57000.00 and divide that by 260 working days & that comes to approx $219.00 per day.
DUH-----
Simple math that I was taught by wonderful teachers in public schools as well as college.
Now we won't get into all the extra early and late hours and weekends that we all have to endure, because that, my friend, you would come out much better that the "private sector".
I am not trying to dis teachers or the job they do. I have many, many great friends and family in the education business. I am just sick and tired of hearing how BAD you have it. Public and private service both have drawbacks as well as rewards. Be thankful for the opportunity you have chosen to follow and I'll be thankful for mine.
The first 10:08
12:48...Thanks, and 12:31, you are still not getting it!!! This is not black and white. Didn't you read where teachers go to workshops during their time off, many times paying for the workshops out of their own pockets, work many nights and weekends on school related things, and I could go on and on. But why bother. You STILL won't get it!
BG, I think you should do a poll to find out how people feel about the flu. That way we can really see what your readers think.
Has anyone suggested that we go ahead and call swine flu/H1N1 "Captain Trips?" If the symptoms subside, then come back worse than ever (with accompanying deaths,) I'm moving to Boulder.
Well, "first 10:08", if you will reread my comment to you, you'll see that I am not bickering about HOW MUCH we are paid, but simply setting you straight that we are NOT paid for our time off during the summer! Geeeeeze... where in my comment do you see anything about AMOUNT we are paid? Again, your ignorance is showing. (btw: when I began teaching over 20 years ago, I was paid $17,000. It has taken me OVER 20 years of teaching to finally reach the $50,000 mark - - NOW I am talking amount!, get it?) Most who work in the "professional- private sector" fields are way into the six figures after 20 years experience. Figure that!
ALSO, I never said "how bad we have it." I chose my profession and reap many rewards from it, mainly from the wonderful kids I teach and have taught over the years. I live within my means, and believe me, I don't live lavishly, but I am quite happy. What IRKS me are those continual remarks about the "summers off with pay; holidays off with pay." Educate yourselves and stop making such ludicrous remarks!
I'm college educated and only make 40,000.00 per year. What are you talking about 58K and 70K for college educated? Give me a break, not here in Wise County.
Wordkyle, "Captain Trips".... is that from a Steven King novel? I'm thinking "The Stand". Good read BTW.
Speaking of dreams, I had a weird dream last night. I dreamed my family decided we were going to Saturn. I couldn't figure out why, and I kept going through everything in my head--won't the trip to get there take (I dunno) 5-7 years?, there is no surface to land on!, what about harmful radiation?--but then ultimately decided that if we were going, that I was going to take a book. So I went back inside to get one. Ridiculous.
I am a teacher and I love my job!
I try to do my best everyday and help each child the best I can.
My job has its ups and downs!
One of the ups is listening to your child tell what goes on at his/her house everyday!!!
Unfortunately 12:58 I am afraid it is YOU who doesn't "get it"! You don't work any more on your "own time" than any other hard working professional We all work outside the hours of 8 to 5 in order to get our jobs done...difference is that you, my friend, are paid a fair amount (based on figures provided) by MY tax dollars!
1:42, I beg to differ. I pay taxes too. Guess I'm paying for my salary? Imagine that.
Well, 1:42, just what IS your profession? What is your annual salary? How many hours a day do you work? We've certainly thrown out teacher's job descriptions here and their salaries, so if you want us to compare apples to apples, then share. And, are you a college graduate? If so, in what field?
OK 1:06---Only the facts:
Your numbers
$50,000.00 div 187 = $267.00 day
$267. x 260 = $69,420.00 day
I know many college educated people with 20+ years experience that would be very happy with that.
Many make much more than that just as there are many in the teaching field that make much more. Once again--just the facts.
Gosh Barry, looks like it's going to be a busy week on the blog!
I love it! Hope you can keep up...
My sister is retiring from teaching first grade after 30 years in Massachusetts. She has a Masters and gets paid about $60,000 a year. Her classroom size went from 22 to 27 this past year. (state mandated) It was impossible to teach she said. Way too much work and the kids are the ones who suffer from the large numbers. The kids weren't the problem as much as the parents were.
1:42 well at least your tax dollars are well spent! I work hard for my money, so get over it!
1:39...Hee Hee. Heard some shocking stories myself! (Dad's in jail, mom got drunk, etc..)
But we listen, give a hug, call CPS.
Dang, somebody's gotta do it!
oh wait 1:42, Failed to mention, I own my home so I pay taxes also, I still have a part time job. Lot's of us do!
So we are paying ourselves, i suppose.
"And there are so many single moms and two parent working families that the closing of a school creates a true crisis.I think school officials are incentive insensitive to that."
One question; Who forced them to have sex and procreate? Suck it up and QQ!
alright alright...... does anyone really have the right to gripe about their job with the economy the way it is?? Not the time to be wishing your job was this way or that way..... be grateful you have one.
I'm not following your "logic" 1:53. Where does the 260 days come in? And, actually there are not "much more" in the teaching field that make more than $50,000. But WHAT is your POINT? You lost me, bub.
Ok....I have my MBA, work as a consultant, work approx 10-12 hours a day, am married to someone who owns a small business, am a parent, own my own home, attend church regularly, care for my elderly grandparents, and make approx $60k per year. I make a decent living, like what I do,and contribute to my community. What I've learned from the comments made by teachers on this blog confirm what I already knew. Many teachers feel they are underpaid and overworked...welcome to the real world...and when you compare what you make per day to what most professionals make per day...I'd say you are doing pretty well! There are rewards and challenges just like in most professions.
You can tell the teachers aren't working today. Their whining is wanna be novels. The rest of us have to work harder so we can get off early, get home as quick as possible, and keep the kids from drinking all of our beer!
2:55 correct me if I am wrong but it wasn't the teachers that started this conversation. I believe it was someone that is apparently jealous because teachers in Wise County got the week off of work. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all of the teachers. You do indeed work hard. Enjoy your time off. If any of you need a part time job check with Barry - he may need someone to help with the increased blog posts this week! lol
"I'm not following your "logic" 1:53. Where does the 260 days come in? And, actually there are not "much more" in the teaching field that make more than $50,000. But WHAT is your POINT? You lost me, bub."
2:47 PM
OK--I'll try to speak a little slower.
Your contract is for 187 days a year. This is what you said earlier.
Most private sector contracts are for a year. Take away weekends and you get 260 working days.
52 wks x 5 = 260. This is called math, bub.
I for one, am thankful for teachers. I couldnt do it, nor would I ever want to!
It can be a rough job. You just wouldn't believe some of the things teachers have to deal with. Kids these days can be very disrespectful. When you call the parents, it somehow becomes your fault that their child decided to curse at you.I love my job as a teacher. I love my students. It is a calling, not a job. I am convinced that not everyone is cut out to be a teacher.
Barry i think many people have forgetten the very hot girl in the pic. maybe more pics of same hot girl would calm everyone down about the teacher income issue.
Ok enough about what teachers make. Nice pic Barry! That is a nice morning pick me up!
I'm the 9:44 blogger. Maybe some of you didn't read the whole post. I said that some teachers deserve more than they get paid for doing their jobs. Some of them care about every child as though he or she were their own. My comments were not directed toward these teachers. I have a child that has a learning disability and asked repeatedly to have my child tested for this problem. My "rage", if you will, is directed towards the teacher that told my wife and I that our child was just "lazy and doesn't try to read". The next year, a teacher that cared about my childs education had the tests done and the problem we had suspected was confirmed. If you don't have a child with dislexia, you probably don't know what it is like to come home from work to find your child and your wife both crying because they are both at their wits end from not being able to read and not being able to help. There is no amount of money that can make a teacher want to go into this teaching program. They don't do it for the money, they do it because that is the kind of person they are. And, if you don't understand that, you might happen to be the one who is there to get the check in life that I talked about previously. Yes, I've had a bad experience with a teacher. My childs needs were interfering with her cashing her check. But, luckily, progress has been made in the case of my child,and others, and that is all that really matters to me. I can't start to thank the good teachers enough for what they do every day. My child is now an A-B student and I am proud of that, because I know that has taken a lot of hard work on everyone involved's part, especially a few teachers. So, if your feelings were hurt by my comments, this is not an apoligy in any way. Perhaps you should take a look at yourself in the mirror if you are interested in finding where the problem lies.
9:44 and now 4:51, thanks for sharing. I truly am glad that your child found a wonderful teacher that made a profound difference; that's what it's all about. Awareness is never a bad thing.
On a lighter note: I just want to reiterate to all that I love my job, have beautiful students, am cool with the pay, and look forward to that TCU conference this summer...mmmmK:)
3:49, are you telling me that you get your weekends off with pay? Well, hell, you're just like the teachers! They get weekends, summers and holidays off with pay too!! Isn't that all included in a yearly contract?????
lol! Just kiddin'! But I think you have it now! We get summers and holidays off, but our pay is not included for those days, just as your weekends are not included. NOW we're on the same page!! :-)
4:51, Thanks for you're input. And this is from a teacher.
If someone tries to kill you with their ninja bike but instead they just ram into you, are you obligated to assist the attempted killer, or can you flee in order to get away and protect yourself?
me i drops out hi skool but i makes over $400,000.00 per year and my hoes works 365 dayz a year !!
Teachers are underpaid. I am not one, nor is anyone in my family, but anyone who understands what is associated with being a teacher in today's society would understand.
3:53: There is always one that says they are thankful for teachers. Yes I am thankful for teachers, too.
I am also thankful for that bank teller that gave me the money I needed out of my checking account that got there by my paycheck that i got paid for working.
I am also thankful for that guy who helped me find the right toilet seal for my toilet. Then there was that nice lady at the checkout.
Teachers hold a special place because they care for our children, but, they are employees. I would dare to say that daycare workers do not get the same respect as a 2nd grade teacher.
8:35 Interesting that you say that a daycare worker does not get the same respect as a teacher. It is probably because to become a teacher a person has to devote at least four years of their life to prepare for the job. They are trained professionals. I personally do not feel that daycare workers are any less valuable. I don't think that had to put the time, money, and effort preparing for their job.
Man I like and appreciate teachers, but this was too much dumb teacher talk for one post. Can we talk about tunnels or something now?
I am thankful for my job and I LOVE my students....but imagine not being able to go to the bathroom all day!!!! :) It's harder than it sounds! Teachers deserve respect for what they do.....Happy Teacher's Week!
If we HAVE to talk about teaching, can we discuss books instead of salary? I would be pretty happy if a portion of my salary came in the form of books...that way I wouldn't have to feel guilty about the amount I spend on them.
Im still Hot for Teacher...the one on the Left..oh yea..the House Frow on the right...not so much
You probably put your hip pads on backwards....again.
Double Fake Max Moore
If teachers are going to complain about anything related to money, it should be the Social Security injustice we face. When a spouse dies, teachers are unable to collect the social security earned by the spouse. And, our own SS benefits (earned in other employment) are reduced because we pay into TRS.
We were told that this unfairness would be rectified as soon as Tom Delay left office, then as soon as the Democrats gained control of both Houses. I'm still waiting...
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