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Road Trip to Sydney, Cape Breton - Nov. 8th, 07


   Motivated by new skate parks and seemingly endless great weather this fall, we packed the car and hit the road Friday morning (October 5th) stoked for a fun packed weekend on Cape Breton Island. After many hours of gibber-jabber road banter we abruptly pull over to check out a rail in front of a church. Bruce & Mike are feelin' it and to the failing light a rail session goes down. A sweet end to a long day spent in the car. (Photos: After noon day prayer Mike Bernier Front Boards and Bruce Treby Back 50-50's, avoid the scourge of God, and leave one hard working' (old) rail something to be proud of.)

    Not too early, but earlier than I like there's rustling in the room, the boys are pumped to get going, ah, its so easy! We stayed at the Beacon motel which is right across the street from the new Coxheath Skatepark. A Spectrum Concrete creation, the park has lots to offer once last night’s milk shakes/vomit are sopped up, pre-breakfast roll around in the heat of the October sun. Props to Megan Detheridge, Jim Barnum and everyone else in the community that have made Coxheath a reality, a huge asset to Sydney and a real training ground for the local skaters.

After getting our fill and checking out of the Beacon, we headed out on a "shore tour" to make the most of the afternoon. Our first stop is Glace Bay to check out a new bowl, also the work of Spectrum Skateparks. This would be the first "above ground" concrete bowl I've ever skated. Above ground you say? Why's that? "Well son; ya see, this whole area is right contaminated" from all the industrial work that went down here. "O I see so now its recreational land for the kids, OK THEN!" (Sydney area has huge industrial history)

Anyhow really fun, high speed corners with extensions for the Gnarl and a spine into a mini bowl to get the young ones into it. Well built and no graffiti yet! Fresh & new, nice job people. While I enjoyed the trany and caught up with local Steve Waden, Bruce drew a flood of kids to a "dangerous in every way" rail across the lot. The situation became a heat score so we carried on down the shore... (Photos: Mike Bernier 50-50's large hubba @ Glace Bay; Chug chug, Mike and Bruce get safe in someones boat)


The scenic coastline led us back to the Sydney waterfront where we found a nice high stage/wheely setup. Good times till the sun dropped and the wind off the water chased us back to the warmth and safety of the Delta hotel. After setting in to a few cocktails the fitness room, pool & hot tub facilities entertain us for the evening. There were some tense moments in the pool when Bruce Ass charlied some kid in the back coming out of the waterslide real fast, the Dad was right there watching the whole thing and yelled at his kid and made him cry adding insult to injury, we sighed relief and took off to Megan's house for some late night BBQ action.

Sunday mornin' brings a quick dip for the boys while Watson sleeps... fancy breakfast @ the Delta with Bruce, naked in a complementary robe, Bernier, and infamous Mackel. The service and food were probably the worst we've ever ate, especially for the price. Stopped in the elevator after by an old couple enjoying the small amount of time they have left, got to experience; one more punch, and entered complaining. Mackel found hair in his eggs. Or egg in his hair...Back to the car bound for home. Sydney folk are super hospitable (surprise surprize) and we all agreed that returning to the island is a must. A good example that you don't have to go far to find new spots, good times and interesting culture.
(Photos: Hangin' with Charlie at the historic Vogue theater, down town Sydney)


Written/Photos by Jesse Watson, Mike Nauss



Published On: 2/8/2008
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Jim Barnum visited beautiful Northern AB to begin the design process for our design/build in this great little community. Watch for the park to be under construction in summer 07!

http://www.spectrum-sk8.com



Published On: 2/21/2007
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Congradulations to Jim Barnum, president of Spectrum Skatepark Creations Ltd. for winning North Shore's Business Excellence Award.
 
For more info read post on Jim at http://www.concretepowder.com/
 
 
 


Published On: 11/30/2006
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2006-10-07
Kimberly, BC rolls with Spectrum
Kimberley wanted the best, so they sole sourced Spectrum. The folks in Kimberley are on a mission, hoping to get the site prep work done this fall! We’re on it!”

2006-10-07
Spectrum's President Nominated for "North Shore's Business Excellence Award"
We’re in the thick of preparing reports, submissions & jumping through the all the right hoops, excited to be recognized for our well-rounded business. Stay tuned to see how we end up doing!


Published On: 10/12/2006
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2006-10-02
Little Current, ON park completed - October 2, 2006
At less than 2900 square feet, this amazing little micro park is one of the tiniest parks in the country, yet it’s chock full of a complete variety of street and transition elements with flow and lines to spare. We’ll have photos up soon!



Published On: 10/6/2006
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Skate Spot (published monthly in the Nerve Magazine) (thenervemagazine.com)

Shreditorial: Fall Out

Protest the Hippie

The motley skate crue at Protest Skateboards are premiering their new video “Never Give Up” on Friday November 17 at 9:30 pm at Coastal Riders in Surrey BC ( 10310 152nd Street, off Hwy #1). There’ll be a Vancouver premiere as well, location TBA, check calstreets.com for updates. Like a modern-day A-Team run by Murdock, Protest is the brainchild of friendly sasquatch Hippie Mike Faux. Catch the stylish stylishness of Jeff Cole, charisma of Jon “J. Lee” Irvine, mathematical precision of Cisco Gooding, feminine wiles of Carrie Williams and the mystery of Brad Danyluk. Highlights include a great many tricks featuring skateboards, plus Hippie busting out his custom 2x4 deck for some kickflip roof gaps and a 10-stair early grab. Video runs a half hour and comes with a bonus tour DVD. Buy it and protest everything.

Share the Rad

Jeff Cole organized Douglas Park Community Centre’s “Share the Wealth” Skate Jam and Protest demo for all the groms. All Nerve readers must buy something from each sponsor tomorrow: Protest, RVCA, Momentum, Boardroom, Vestal, Pacific Boarder, Thriller, and especially Downspace. Otherwise you’ll have bad luck for seven years.

VanCity Downtown Plaza

Underworld hosted the End of Summer Skate Jam to end summer with a bang, hand out prizes and commiserate over the start of rainy season. As usual, Underworld put on a good event to support the skate community. The comp went down at Van’s Downtown Plaza, which is currently only a temporary park. The Vancouver Skatepark Coalition is lobbying the City to make this park permanent, but needs help from skaters. To make this a reality, there has to be less garbage at the site, as far as the City ‘s concerned. It’s something to keep in mind – since we all need more parks and spots, not less. So remember to throw out your crap so we can all enjoy the plaza for a long time to come.

Almost Secret

If you bought the Almost “Cheese and Crackers” DVD, you’re in luck. Jay at Westbeach tells us there are 2 hidden bonuses. Go to the Main Menu, to the upper left icon and press left left up. Alternately, go to the lower right icon and press right right down. You may be rewarded with big wood and some fat blunts. It’s like Super Mario. If it doesn’t work, blame Jay.

This and That

"Thatmagazine", which has been floating around in small format for about 3 years, has grown – into a full-sized skateshop, that is. Drop by 12 E.Cordova St in Gastown, Vancouver and check out various local brands such as Vancity Skateboards, Lowsea Loc Skimboards, Thatmagazine, Powdered Donut Bearings, and Strike Three Clothing . The opening is set for November 1st, Release party coming up too. If you’re cold and lonely, Dan Cummer’s got new Maniac shirts and hoodies and Jay Pay ‘s on Co-Op radio 102.7fm.

Calgary

If you’re in Calgary you might check out the Group Seven shop’s hardwood miniramp. They’re at 2115 4th Street or call ‘em at 403.229.3117. We forgot to mention last month that D-Rock won Slam City, specifically the high score on Ms. Pac-Man, and won a shirt from a little company called Big Swell who you should support cuz they’re nice.

Rainful Wet Tour

Daewon, Marc Johnson, McCrank, Danny Garcia, Brandon Biebel, Jeron Wilson, Mike Taylor, and Van Wastell were in town on the Matix Grateful Shred tour, for a demo at the Plaza, but were rained out. They still showed up for a signing at antisocial, along with a bunch of groms. Rain sucks.

Eastside

 Zoo York's AM Getting Paid went down Sept. 22nd to 24th 2006 at South Parc skatepark in Montreal . In it’s third year, the event’s a 3-day Am comp put on by Zoo York and Underworld skate shop. Dan Cordeiro and Dan Vezina were behind the street course design (Vez was the brains behind the Tazmahal park in Montreal in the 90s). Check the site for more details: www.south-parc.com. Also coming up is the premierefor Underworld’s latest video, check dates across Canada at: http://yesterdaysfuturevideo.com

Now that monsoon season is about to hit, it’s good to do a little research on your local indoor skatespots. This month we want to mention Adrift Skateshop in Toronto, run by ex-VanCity’s very own Lyndsey Westfall. The shop is at 751 Queen St. West, and is home to some small skate obstacles, lots of fun consumer items and a lot of heart. http://adriftskateshop.com or http://myspace.com/adriftskateshop

Error!

A.N.T.I.S.L.A.M’s Last Man Standing was actually won by John Baker who beat Seb in a confusing overtime scenario.

Leeside

Sept 24th was the hiphop, breakin’ and skatin’ show at Leeside to raise awareness and fundraise to make the tunnel an official skate, bmx and graf site. Performers included Curtis Clearsky, Rapsure Risin, 49th Peril, Brigee K, In:Stead, Su Commandante, Buzy B and Rupinder Singh. Thanks to antisocial for covering insurance costs, and everyone who came out.   Check http://leeside.ca/ or http://leematasi.spekt.net/ to donate to the park, which is in memory of Lee Matasi, the skateboarder and artist who was shot last year. On another note, Momentum Wheels has released a memorial wheel for Lee: the 'I Heart Lee Matasi' 53mm Momentum Wheel. 100% of the proceeds go to Leeside and it’s available at antisocialshop.com and darkflavour.com. Speaking of dark flavour, Matt Smed came up with Leeside Blend coffee and wants you to know all the profits go to the Leeside project. Now you can push, roll, sweat and piss Leeside - that’s what Lee used to do.

 

-D-Rock and Miss Kim. Email us at downspace@telus.net .


View Comments View Comments Published by misskim: 11:03 AM

Saturday, September 02, 2006
Skatespot: From Van to Slam and back Again

Calgary Slams

The circus rolled into Calgary last weekend. Slam, which moved from Vancouver to Cowtown, this year, hasn't weathered the move too well. Under new ownership  for the past 2 years, it's become more like a Rightguard ad and less like the homegrown contest that grew into a world-class event. Part of the of the problem is that it's no longer being managed by people who actually skate and have experience in the industry. Just the same it's always fun to see what unique course New LIne will come up with, and see your favourite locals skate with international pros. Last year's course was granite-enriched and pure-street-ish, this year more artifice with a mini-golf/cartoon flava - Peanuts doghouse, iced out gold-chain rail and an arcing Spiderman rail, plus a rolling My Humps ledge just for fun. Tech maestro Micky Pappa beat out Will Christafaro and some older and taller competition to win the Es Game of Skate. The comp overall was pretty fun, but not as many pros as in past years. Contest Results: 1. Greg Lutzka,  2. Chad Bartie, Australia;  VanCity's Ryan DeCenzo, Magnus Hanson and Nathan LaCoste, placed 3rd, 4th and 5th, 6th was Calgary's Ryan Oughton, 7. Dayne Brummet, 8. Sascha Daley, 9. Tony Trujillo, 10. Danny Fuenzalida; other good runs for Canucks were: 11. Scott DeCenzo, 12. Sheldon Meleshinski, 15. Chris Haslam, 16. Eric Mercier,  17. Jesse Langden, 19.Josh Evin (who also placed 10th in vert),  20.Greg Brewer,  21. Trevor Houlihan, 22. Josh Clark,  23. Micky Pappa and 25. Geoff Dermer, Vancouver. Men's Vert: 1. Rob Lorifice, 2. Sandro Dias, 3. Neal Hendrix. Girls' Street: 1. Lacey Baker,  2. Vanessa Torres,  3. Lauren Perkins. Canadian Kristen Zurwick came in 7th. Girls' Vert: 1. Karen Jones, 2. Holly Lyons, 3. Vanessa Torres  4. Amy Caron and Vancouver's Alison "Nugget" Matasi placed 5th.

East Infection

Spectrum's Prez Jim Barnum joined "East Coast Skate Militia" Richard Sarrazin, Steve Lange and Brent Jordan in skatepark and spot entrenched North Carolina's Outer Banks. Am Getting Paid goes down Sept. 23, 24 amd 25 at South-Parc skatepark in Montreal - check south-parc.com for more details. Bad news from Montreal - the Big O Pipe is in jeopardy. A soccer stadium is is plaaned for that site, which could mean the end of the Pipe's existence. Montreal skaters are organizing to try to save the classic spot: go to their website and sign their guest book to help Save the Big O pipe.

http://www.savethepipe.blogspot.com/

Back in the Van

The Underworld sponsored Fraser Heights Comp went down Aug 19. First place went to Ryan Decenzo, 2nd Dustin, Montie, 3rd Magnus Hanson. The Vancouver Skatepark Coalition voted in thier new Board. Congrats to Michelle Pezel (Prez), Jeff Chan (VP), Char Hunter (Treasurer) and Lee Ann Slade (Secretary). A main priority is getting Leeside built - soon and right. Check vspc.ca and antisocialshop.com for upcoming meetings. Summer End Skate Jam, put on by Underworld Skateshop is Sept. 3rd at the Downtown Plaza, with lots of cash prizes for best tricks. After party at Lucy Mae Browns. Coming up, the official opening of Quilchena Park is Sept. 9, with demos planned. Hope they fix the bad coping job before it goes down. Plus Matix and Supra's Greatful Shred Tour, with your shredologists: Marc Johnson, Daewon, McCrank, Biebel, Danny Garcia, Mikey Taylor, as well as Travis Stenger and Mike McDermott. Signing at Antisocial at 3pm Sept. 20, and The Source Skate Shop, Calgary, Sept. 24, 3 pm.Demo in Van at the Plaza (Georgia Viaduct) and Calgary at the Millenium Park; both demos at 5 pm.

D-Rock and Miss Kim

downspace@telus.net

 

View Comments View Comments Published by misskim: 9:05 PM
Updated On: 9/2/2006 at 9:06 PM

Saturday, September 02, 2006
Skatespot World Tour - Survivors’ Account

This summer, Skatespot mediasupernova toured all 4 major international cities, starting with Winnipeg - now international centre number one. Is too, you bullies, judging by its new Plaza at the Forks, maybe the best streetpark yet. A well-composed architectural landscape, it’s big, (stairs, rails, banks, granite ledges) and distinguished by details - 2 sculptures, one a fish-like steel cantilever next to a China Banks replica, one a steel/concrete ribbon we call “My Humps”, plus local skate-art displays. New Line creatively multiplied the banked-ledge-next-to-stair element from Vancouver’s plaza; the pool-like bowls include oververt clamshell and cradle. Thanks RJ/Kyle of New Line, to Mr. Burns’ (true fact) donation of $2 million (Excellent, Smithers) and to Sk8Skates for design input. Opening week saw Koston, Appleyard, Keegan Sauder, Geoff Dermer, Kris Foley and Jim Barnum show and shred. Not bad, prairie town.

Ah, Montreal, home of le street shred. This summer South Parc hosts hella comps – check south-parc.com. Don’t miss the hallowed Big-O fullpipe next to ’67 StadeOlympique. (photos at parfond.com).  Big-O rulers Marc Tison and Barry Walsh are writing a book - “Pipe Fiends” – send Big-O photos/stories to  HYPERLINK "mailto:marc.tison@gmail.com" marc.tison@gmail.com. Known for gnarly streetskating, Toronto also harbours Gymbo’s inner city indoor skatepark Shred Central. (check  HYPERLINK "http://www.shredcentral.com" shredcentral.com) Manzanita, Oregon - We surfed, but the Skatallica tour destroys Oregon’s bowls each summer – (grindline.com or dreamlandskateparks.com)

Finally, back in Van, Underworld hosted eS Game-of-Skate July 29, , Bowl Series wraps up (Whistler, Aug. long weekend), Leeside progresses (antisocialshop.com), and VSPC’s new Prez/Veep vote is Aug. 12 at antisocial.

D-Rock and Miss Kim
downspace@telus.net



Published On: 9/27/2006
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Skatespot: From Van to Slam and back Again

Calgary Slams

The circus rolled into Calgary last weekend. Slam, which moved from Vancouver to Cowtown, this year, hasn't weathered the move too well. Under new ownership  for the past 2 years, it's become more like a Rightguard ad and less like the homegrown contest that grew into a world-class event. Part of the of the problem is that it's no longer being managed by people who actually skate and have experience in the industry. Just the same it's always fun to see what unique course New LIne will come up with, and see your favourite locals skate with international pros. Last year's course was granite-enriched and pure-street-ish, this year more artifice with a mini-golf/cartoon flava - Peanuts doghouse, iced out gold-chain rail and an arcing Spiderman rail, plus a rolling My Humps ledge just for fun. Tech maestro Micky Pappa beat out Will Christafaro and some older and taller competition to win the Es Game of Skate. The comp overall was pretty fun, but not as many pros as in past years. Contest Results: 1. Greg Lutzka,  2. Chad Bartie, Australia;  VanCity's Ryan DeCenzo, Magnus Hanson and Nathan LaCoste, placed 3rd, 4th and 5th, 6th was Calgary's Ryan Oughton, 7. Dayne Brummet, 8. Sascha Daley, 9. Tony Trujillo, 10. Danny Fuenzalida; other good runs for Canucks were: 11. Scott DeCenzo, 12. Sheldon Meleshinski, 15. Chris Haslam, 16. Eric Mercier,  17. Jesse Langden, 19.Josh Evin (who also placed 10th in vert),  20.Greg Brewer,  21. Trevor Houlihan, 22. Josh Clark,  23. Micky Pappa and 25. Geoff Dermer, Vancouver. Men's Vert: 1. Rob Lorifice, 2. Sandro Dias, 3. Neal Hendrix. Girls' Street: 1. Lacey Baker,  2. Vanessa Torres,  3. Lauren Perkins. Canadian Kristen Zurwick came in 7th. Girls' Vert: 1. Karen Jones, 2. Holly Lyons, 3. Vanessa Torres  4. Amy Caron and Vancouver's Alison "Nugget" Matasi placed 5th.

East Infection

Spectrum's Prez Jim Barnum joined "East Coast Skate Militia" Richard Sarrazin, Steve Lange and Brent Jordan in skatepark and spot entrenched North Carolina's Outer Banks. Am Getting Paid goes down Sept. 23, 24 amd 25 at South-Parc skatepark in Montreal - check south-parc.com for more details. Bad news from Montreal - the Big O Pipe is in jeopardy. A soccer stadium is is plaaned for that site, which could mean the end of the Pipe's existence. Montreal skaters are organizing to try to save the classic spot: go to their website and sign their guest book to help Save the Big O pipe.

http://www.savethepipe.blogspot.com/

Back in the Van

The Underworld sponsored Fraser Heights Comp went down Aug 19. First place went to Ryan Decenzo, 2nd Dustin, Montie, 3rd Magnus Hanson. The Vancouver Skatepark Coalition voted in thier new Board. Congrats to Michelle Pezel (Prez), Jeff Chan (VP), Char Hunter (Treasurer) and Lee Ann Slade (Secretary). A main priority is getting Leeside built - soon and right. Check vspc.ca and antisocialshop.com for upcoming meetings. Summer End Skate Jam, put on by Underworld Skateshop is Sept. 3rd at the Downtown Plaza, with lots of cash prizes for best tricks. After party at Lucy Mae Browns. Coming up, the official opening of Quilchena Park is Sept. 9, with demos planned. Hope they fix the bad coping job before it goes down. Plus Matix and Supra's Greatful Shred Tour, with your shredologists: Marc Johnson, Daewon, McCrank, Biebel, Danny Garcia, Mikey Taylor, as well as Travis Stenger and Mike McDermott. Signing at Antisocial at 3pm Sept. 20, and The Source Skate Shop, Calgary, Sept. 24, 3 pm.Demo in Van at the Plaza (Georgia Viaduct) and Calgary at the Millenium Park; both demos at 5 pm.

D-Rock and Miss Kim

downspace@telus.net

 


Published On: 9/2/2006
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Skatespot World Tour - Survivors’ Account

This summer, Skatespot mediasupernova toured all 4 major international cities, starting with Winnipeg - now international centre number one. Is too, you bullies, judging by its new Plaza at the Forks, maybe the best streetpark yet. A well-composed architectural landscape, it’s big, (stairs, rails, banks, granite ledges) and distinguished by details - 2 sculptures, one a fish-like steel cantilever next to a China Banks replica, one a steel/concrete ribbon we call “My Humps”, plus local skate-art displays. New Line creatively multiplied the banked-ledge-next-to-stair element from Vancouver’s plaza; the pool-like bowls include oververt clamshell and cradle. Thanks RJ/Kyle of New Line, to Mr. Burns’ (true fact) donation of $2 million (Excellent, Smithers) and to Sk8Skates for design input. Opening week saw Koston, Appleyard, Keegan Sauder, Geoff Dermer, Kris Foley and Jim Barnum show and shred. Not bad, prairie town.

Ah, Montreal, home of le street shred. This summer South Parc hosts hella comps – check south-parc.com. Don’t miss the hallowed Big-O fullpipe next to ’67 StadeOlympique. (photos at parfond.com).  Big-O rulers Marc Tison and Barry Walsh are writing a book - “Pipe Fiends” – send Big-O photos/stories to  HYPERLINK "mailto:marc.tison@gmail.com" marc.tison@gmail.com. Known for gnarly streetskating, Toronto also harbours Gymbo’s inner city indoor skatepark Shred Central. (check  HYPERLINK "http://www.shredcentral.com" shredcentral.com) Manzanita, Oregon - We surfed, but the Skatallica tour destroys Oregon’s bowls each summer – (grindline.com or dreamlandskateparks.com)

Finally, back in Van, Underworld hosted eS Game-of-Skate July 29, , Bowl Series wraps up (Whistler, Aug. long weekend), Leeside progresses (antisocialshop.com), and VSPC’s new Prez/Veep vote is Aug. 12 at antisocial.

D-Rock and Miss Kim
downspace@telus.net



Published On: 9/2/2006
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2006-08-02
Spectrum's President returns from insane R&D trip
Jim Barnum joined pro skaters Richard Sarrazin, Steve Lange and the truly awe inspiring Brent Jordan, along with the rest of their "East Coast Skate Militia" on a phenomenal trip to North Carolina's Outer Banks, of all places. One would never guess, but some of the newest parks & most insane terrain is popping up in this beautiful, coastal, southern state. Thanks to everyone down there for the incredible hospitality...see ya next year!


2006-07-30
Spectrum's President featured in Tourism BC video
Check the link!


2006-07-29
Spectrum awarded Port Hope, ON
Port Hope joins the ranks of those selecting Spectrum to produce a unique design. Uninterested in cookie cutter parks, they came to Spectrum to get the straight goods that will not only be unique to their community, but will both nurture and challenge skaters for a lifetime.


2006-07-18
Spectrum awarded Belleville, ON park design
The parks just don't stop! This country rules, we're so lucky to live in such a progressive & supportive place. Belleville has stepped up in a major way, after seeing the work we did in neighbouring Madoc and Quinte West, they want to have the best park around. Let's do it!


2006-07-15
Kenora, ON skatepark is open!
Kenora's grand opening was unreal. We brought out Vancouver pros Kris Foley, Geoff Dermer and Spencer Hamilton to demo for the kids. Our demo team was joined by the crew from Sk8 Skates in Winnipeg who made the trip out for this gem of a park, as well as locals the Serdelutz Brothers along with President Jim Barnum & our construction crew members Brandon & Luke. The demo went off, & this park is worth visiting not only for Spectrum's usual "never been done before" street elements, but for the view. Check the photos on our "skateparks" page; Kenora stepped up to the plate & gave the skaters the finest site for a skatepark that we've ever seen in over 8 years in the business. Who's game to top this one?


http://www.spectrum-sk8.com/



Published On: 8/11/2006
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9 blog postss
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