What do you think about the people from Colombia that live in the U.S.?

rodpainter says on May 5, 2005, 19:27:

Colombians in the United States From One that made the decicion to come and live in the U S 50 years ago(Pre-Kennedy assasinaation, M L King's assasination, R Kennedy's assasination), only mixed feelings exist. No adoration for Gringos.
I've developed aprehension about their predicament of freedom and democracy(Tools used to punish and repress abroad), the more I read of their conduct in the past the less I trust their real motivations in foreig policy and the relations to the third world.

The goodness of America( A FRUIT BASKET ), you can not deny it, probably can not be duplicated in other lands, this is wonderfull.
The American way of life is superv, only unsustainble on the long run.

My sense of loss, when I think about Colombia, is the sense of " Lost Country ", lost identity. Colombians are very developed people, with a lot of malice and imagination, and culture, I go bananas realizing I have lost this when I came chasing a future that being here, is not better than what we have overthere(Barring the war that is killing us all), if we add patriotism to this equation, then we start really to feel the blues.

So it is not a simple matter, agreeing or desagreeing.

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platano says on May 5, 2005, 19:35:

When Al Qaeda begins nuclear attacks against the USA.... I suspect we will see a lot of Colombians in the USA decide that perhaps Colombia is the better country to live in. I predict a reverse brain-drain. Professionals, people who left Colombia and have acquired many skills in the USA will return to Colombia. By 2012 Colombia will have solved its problems and there will be no more civil conflict.

I pray everyday for an end to civil conflict in Colombia.

For more on the Al Qaeda nuclear threat see today's article U.S. nuclear experts say much work remains to secure world's nuclear material

"Nevertheless, in 2003, Osama bin Laden sought – and received – a religious edict from a radical Saudi cleric that permitted using a nuclear bomb against U.S. civilians."

Swami Plátano, el banano loco vidente
Estudiante del Manual de Urbanidad y Buenas Maneras por Manuel Antonio Carreño
Oxigeno Verde ¡Libertad por Ingrid y los demás!

plátano

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Rubiazo says on May 5, 2005, 19:50:

I was born in Canada I moved to the US in 1997 and I'm ready to leave this place. I'm strongly thinking about moving to Colombia or somewhere else in Latin America.

I don't like the way the US is going. I also hate the fact that in many places here you need a car. I hate the education system for my kids, I hate the dirty nasty food full of chemicals, I hate the total lack of culture and any respect for the arts, and I hate the fact that 50% of the population of this country are mental-midget religious maniacs.

I know lots of Colombians who want to go back but feel trapped here for one reason or another.

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ColombianoX says on May 5, 2005, 20:17:

COLOMBIANA CHIVIADA!!! "I am working in Usa and i will do every thing to stay here, because God Blessed America and i dont want come back never, is better stay here"

Syliannita,


And I hope you never do go back, we don't need people like you in Colombia, the country is a better place without you! Good riddance!! Ojalá que no vuelva nunca, colombiana chiviada!!!

God Bless Colombia!


ColombianoX

'Defensor de la Colombianidad'

ColombianoX 'Defensor de la Colombianidad'

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platano says on May 5, 2005, 20:27:

God blessed Colombia with the FARC... and God blessed USA with Al Qaeda attack on twin towers. God is falling down on the job. And the Pope still has not answered my email about why God allows FARC gas cylinders to kill innocent children.
And God has more blessings in store for both countries!

Swami Plátano, el banano loco vidente
Estudiante del Manual de Urbanidad y Buenas Maneras por Manuel Antonio Carreño
Oxigeno Verde ¡Libertad por Ingrid y los demás!

plátano

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utopiacowboy says on May 5, 2005, 20:38:

I hope all 600,00 of you go back home and stop bitching and whining about the US. If it's so bad go home, simple as that. No, you'd all rather stay here picking up the plata and bitch, bitch, bitch...

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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miamimike says on May 5, 2005, 21:14:

If someone asks me... about immigrating I tell them to go to Canada if they are planning to head up this way. Not because I don't want them here but I think there are better oppurtunities in Canada(like healthcare, public transportation,ect) Things have changed a lot here in the last decade-I say this a US Veteran so I am not left wing loony-I served when it was my time and more-12 yr. service in total. I plan on retiring out of the US though I am not sure of the country as of yet. If someone ever told me 30 years ago I would be saying this I would have thought they were crazy.Maybe I am. :)

My Avatar-- Sarah Palin Says " "You know the difference between a pit bull and a hockey mom?? Lipstick!" Now on a Short Verbal Tether by the Honorable John McCain

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kernow62 says on May 5, 2005, 21:57:

As a left wing loony I take exception with your last statement!

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miamimike says on May 5, 2005, 22:08:

Jim I never .. took you to be a left wing loony--Ha Ha. Orlando Central Loony yes-left wing no.Ha Ha

My Avatar-- Sarah Palin Says " "You know the difference between a pit bull and a hockey mom?? Lipstick!" Now on a Short Verbal Tether by the Honorable John McCain

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Rubiazo says on May 5, 2005, 22:18:

Canada is WORSE There is less opportunity for employment there, and taxes are SKY HIGH. As well, there isn't any better public transport than in the US anywhere in Canada. I was born there and have been from one end of the country to the other. Oh yeah, and Canada's medical system is collapsing. There are currently 4 patients for every hospital bed in that country. On the plus side, if you are Colombian you only have to wait 5 months instead of 2 years to apply for a tourist visa and get summarily rejected!

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BxUnika says on May 5, 2005, 22:38:

Ummm... Who is "we"? Sorry, but you're an American, sweetheart and you seem to forget this all the time. Why does it bother you that she wants to live here? You don't know her nor do you know her conditions back in Colombia. Que chiquitito tan arrogante y ignorante...

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BxUnika says on May 5, 2005, 22:39:

Kind of Agree With Utopia I'm not taht extreme, but I hate people who are anti-American and do nothing but bitch about the US and how much better their country is yet stay.

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kevluvsmedellin says on May 6, 2005, 00:28:

hehehehe I love that "dirty nasty food full of chemicals" line.
Its soo true.
The food in colombia is so natural and healthy.
You can eat a ton of fat and not get fat.
I think this is true.
Most Colombians who are here are here for the plata.
Can't blame them, gotta go where the money is.
At least most Colombians respect the law and come here legally.
I am a U.S. born citizen.
And I love my country.
But I agree with Rubiazo's viewpoint.
I feel our society is slipping, and fast.
Most people I see are products of the media.
If they tell us we need it, it must be true.
Vanity......It seems the number one priority for many of us is getting more Sh*t.
The "me, me, me mentallity is the norm.
The jerry springer society.
I don't want to sound like a sociopath,but I look around everyday at
peoples behavior and it makes me sick.
I think too many Americans have degenerate values and it is spreading.
It is actually very scary to me.

I hope it changes for the better one day.

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Copete says on May 6, 2005, 00:38:

Colombians in the US Having the opportunity to live in a country other than your own is always a good idea, no matter whether you think you home in Texas or Colombia is the best thing in the world. It will just give you a more open mind and better perspective on what's good and what can be improved.

I, as many other Colombians who are living in the US, face the dilemma of living in a place that provides the best opportunities for our professional development, although within a society we don't feel comfortable living in. It's unfortunate that sometimes you can't have everything you like in the same place, and the longer I live here, the more I'm convinced this isn't the place I'd like to live in for good. But I take as a transient stage, a step that's necessary at this point in my life. And I'll make my transitions at my own pace, not at the pace some American bigot tells me to.

And sylianita, you're the type of person that reminds me of that old song from Los Prisioneros "Por que no se van, no se van del pais..." But I absolutely agree that nobody should be forced to stay in a place where they don't want to be. If you like your new life better, so be it. Just as a suggestion, I'd recommend you to brush up on your English as soon as possible, if you hope to complete your transition into the American society. At the rate things are going now, the US is on the road to becoming more monolingual than it already is.

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Chavo del 8 says on May 6, 2005, 00:50:

I think they are trai

I think they are traitors

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Lionheart says on May 6, 2005, 01:24:

mixed feelings and I am a left-wing green looney (waiting for the hate mail now)

I am born US American, adopted German (EU now) ... I returned from Germany 11 years ago and all went according to the American Dream the first 5 years, but I noticed a downhill slope, but less steep than the slopes in Europe. Then the slope became steeper until the avalanche started, preventing any stopping.

I don't want to whine and bitch about the USA or any other country here, but I want to admit that the times have changed and options in in other countries are at least becoming more attractive. I would say this is the first time ever for the USA where people consider leaving the Home of the American Dream in larger masses. Many don't want to see it yet, and maybe the downhill avalanche will stop, but I do not believe a second what the politicians and media are trying to tell us. The world is very far from recovering, and I doubt the so-called (North-)Western nations will ever return to to what they used to be.

Maybe this is a signal for all ... the next world generation is ready to be born. I don't draw a line between the two possibilities, love or hate the USA etc etc ... but I am keeping all senses open to all options.

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Dan says on May 6, 2005, 04:07:

UC's comment:
"I hope all 600,00 of you go back home and stop bitching and whining about the US. If it's so bad go home, simple as that. No, you'd all rather stay here picking up the plata and bitch, bitch, bitch... "

I was laughing like hell with this one... HAHA

God Bless America!

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kernow62 says on May 6, 2005, 04:26:

Lionheart you said it better than I could express. I am grateful for the US, I have made a bit of money for my retirement here. I too am leaving my options open about where I might retire to. I am not a US citizen, I have made that choice in order to have options on where to live. My wife also has her Colombian citizenship, but it is dual with the US. I know the US would rather not have dual-nationals. Is there such a thing as holding more than two passports, for example could she hold British, US and Colombian?

Chavo (Who are the traitors?)

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lpdiver says on May 6, 2005, 06:38:

At least most Colombians respect the law and come here legally. Man you are on some good drugs. I can find ten illegal Colombians to every legal one.


T

"cook some rice!"

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N2Aquatix says on May 6, 2005, 06:44:

Lesser Of Evils Of course, I side with the cowboy once again on this issue. If you don't like it here, then just get the F*CK out. It's that simple. If your country is so wonderful, then why do so many of you want to leave it. Having travelled about half of the globe, I can honestly say that I love it here in the USA and would never want to live anywhere else. It may not be perfect, but it is the lesser of the available evils to choose from in my opinion. If you want a better lifestyle, then come on, otherwise stay home! VIVA LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS!!!

Jay

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kernow62 says on May 6, 2005, 08:00:

To be blunt I am here strictly for the money. I will pay my taxes while I am here, I will try and be a good egg, but I am not really planning on staying once I retire. I hope this doesn't offend anyone, but that is the way I feel. Imigrants have been doing that for ages not just in the US, early in life they will travel seek a fortune (relative term) and hope some day to retire in their homeland, many actually get stuck in their new home and cannot afford to return to their home country. Many others find that they like their new home and decide to become a citizen and remain. My grandfather did the same thing, came to the US earned enough to buy some land and build a house back in Cornwall and as soon as he had he buggered off back home. I think that is the dream of many who come to the US, to Canada, to Germany to England, to France they are there strictly for the money and opportunities.

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N2Aquatix says on May 6, 2005, 08:11:

Politically Stable Don't feel all alone, kernow62. I don't plan on retiring here either. Those retirement bucks will go a lot further somewhere else like say Panama, Costa Rica, err ummmm Colombia. Okay, okay, you know my secret now. Yeah, if I could make this money and live there and the damn place was more POLITICALLY STABLE, then I would jump on it in a heartbeat simply because I could live like a king on little or nothing. I know a lot of gringos that have done exactly that.

Jay

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platano says on May 6, 2005, 09:16:

GIB, I respect your opinion, and as a green banana my opinion may not be worth much, but I was in Houston at Christmastime (when it snowed) and saw the Nutcracker. I have also attended events in Medellin and Cali in opera houses. My humble opinion is they were comparable productions. I respectfully dispute your use of the word "sucks" in the same sentence when referring to Colombian orchestras and ballet.

But then we are talking aesthetic experience so it is natural that we might have different preferences. Perhaps I have just been fortunate to have pleasant aesthetic experiences in Colombia? Or perhaps the arts in Bogota "suck" more than the arts in Medellin and Cali? I really don't know how to resolve this conundrum.

Plátano, el banano verde
Estudiante del Manual de Urbanidad y Buenas Maneras por Manuel Antonio Carreño
Oxigeno Verde ¡Libertad por Ingrid y los demás!

plátano

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ColombianoX says on May 6, 2005, 09:44:

"Who is "we"? Sorry, but you're an American, sweetheart and you seem to forget this all the time. Why does it bother you that she wants to live here? You don't know her nor do you know her conditions back in Colombia. Que chiquitito tan arrogante y ignorante..."


BxUnika,

Are you referring to me? Yes I am an "American", as is everyone else who was born in this hemisphere, so believe me that I know very well that I'm an "american" ! It doesn't bother me that she wants to live in the USA, what bothers me is the disdain with which Sylianita refers to Colombia by saying she "doesn't want to go back never". That comment demonstrates resentment towards Colombia, something that I will respond to, especially when coming from another colombian. By saying "We", I am speaking strictly from a pro-colombian point of view, but you wouldn't know that since you're not colombian.


GringoInBogota,

What a shame, you were behaving pretty nice recently but you had to ruin it with your offensive remarks about the colombian arts. You said our Ballet was a joke, sure that's why Sonia Osorio's Ballet de Colombia has received many good reviews from around the world. And I guess having many museums that display great works of art made by non-(US)americans (foreigners) really makes US art so much better, right?


ColombianoX

'Defensor de la Colombianidad'

ColombianoX 'Defensor de la Colombianidad'

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ColombianoX says on May 6, 2005, 11:04:

"but I am here and you are not so you also have no frame of reference."

GIB,

Actually, I saw the Ballet de Colombia in Miami a couple of years ago and I liked it. They even had a nice article about them in the Miami Herald.


CX

ColombianoX 'Defensor de la Colombianidad'

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Caballista says on May 6, 2005, 13:48:

No confundir........... Para decir lo que voy a decir, prefiero hacerlo en mi idioma natal: Castellano o Español y un poco de Ingles.
Primero que todo, cuando a mi me preguntan: are you American? respondo :Yes.
P: From where? R: From Colombia;
P: Columbia South Carolina? R: No, Colombia, South America.!!!!!

Entonces, por favor recuerden que America es un Continente, no un pais; y este pais se llama Estados Unidos de America (USA), por lo tanto cuando se refieran a los Americanos, somos todos los nacidos en el Continente Americano; recuerden a Sur America, America Central y Norte America. Lo aprendi en el colegio.

Vivo en NY desde hace 14 años, amo a mi pais y vivo orgullosa de ser Colombianisima, y agradezco todas las herramientas que obtuve alla, para sobrevivir en Norteamerica, teniendo la vida que quiero; pensaba irme 4 meses para Colombia Saliendo el 30 de Mayo y hoy me ofrecieron el negocio "de mi vida", lo que me proporcionara todos los medios para organizar algo en Colombia y viajar cuando desee, recargar las Baterias con Cumbia, Joropo, Paso Fino, Guanabana, Guayaba Agria con sal, Granadilla y abrazos Colombianos

.................para seguir En USA otro tiempo y por eso en NY, como Bandeja Paisa, voy a La Cascada, y disfruto aqui, con lo de alla, que muy amablemente otros Colombianos han traido para hacerme la vida mas alegre en Norte America. Y cuando siento nostalgia, la vivo y luego me voy para Manhattan, o East Hampton o Monticello y me alegro de estar en un pais donde lo tengo todo. Hasta Paso Fino Puro Colombiano y Guanabana y Empanadas con Aji......Salud!

He dicho.

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utopiacowboy says on May 6, 2005, 21:26:

When I go to Colombia, I don't expect anyone to speak English to me just because I'm a gringo. I don't spend all my time bitching about food handling practices or playground equipment because it's not what I am accustomed to. What's the point of traveling if you want everywhere you go to be exactly like the place you just left? I enjoy Colombia for what it is and try to make the most of my time there. My wife has the same attitude that I do. This is not Colombia but it's a good place to live and she enjoys it for what it is. She doesn't spend any time whining - she lives life to the fullest.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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Rubiazo says on May 6, 2005, 21:53:

culture in Colombia Gringo, you must be completely blind!!! In my 6 days in Bogota I saw some shit that blew my brains out. And i've been a professional musician all my life. I saw rock bands down there that kicked the shit out of anything we have up here. Thats Colombia's #1 attraction to me- how they take the arts so seriously down there.

They play American music better than the Americans do, especially these days. I work in this music industry, and man, it is in sad shape. I'm still doing very well (thank god or whoever) but I've seen the axe fall on so many other musicians I get to wondering when I'm gonna wake up and be completely without any work.

I haven't seen any classical music in Bogota yet, but after reading your post I will be sure to do so. I also had the best sushi of my life in Bogota btw, which also blew my mind. I couldn't believe a place with no immigrants was so cosmopolitan.

Anybody who thinks NYC is this great cultural center and hotbed of music and the arts has info that is at least 20 years out of date. Or if you're in town, PM me or email rubio at ricamusica.com. Show me something cultural worth going to and i'll pick up the tab!! It's gott a be after 11pm on a weeknight tho. (This CERTAINLY wouldn't be a problem in Bogota or Rio so it shouldn't be a problem here!!)

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Rubiazo says on May 7, 2005, 06:23:

well.. if i could find more culture in 6 days than in NYC where I've lived for years and know the city backwards and forwards, I think that proves my point!

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cobbook6104 says on May 7, 2005, 12:29:

to each their own florida bob

Well once again a string of useless messages from bias, bigot amatuer writers.
Colombia is beautiful to me, climate, people and lifestyles. Not for everyone and same as the U.S.. Please don't feel the need to crucify another persons wonderful dreams and personal enjoyment, by turning it into a letter shouting contest.If u like it here in U.S. then please enjoy, if u don't, clam up or leave. Same to all of u in Colombia.
There are advantages to both countries and it is only your choice which is most important to you.
For me, I'll be retiring in 5 years to Bogota, I can't wait!! Hope u all find your dream, I am living mine.

Good luck to all!!!

Florida Bob

florida bob

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Lionheart says on May 7, 2005, 23:44:

Rubiazo & metal bands I am in contact with many metal bands in Latin America and play them on my radio station. I agree with you fully, they know how to handle their instruments better than the average band in the USA nowadays. Another mainstream metal direction is coming from Europe now. Many bands are touring both continents, fronting each other frequently, leaving out the USA, not sure about Canada. The USA mainstream public has become ignorant to the other continents and radio stations hardly grant them airtime.

Rubiazo, send me a PM if you are interested in more about this.

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elmodefoque says on Sep 8, 2005, 05:51:

I had no choice, my ass was dragged here many moons ago. It took me a few years to really appreciate NYC and then adopted quite well and now I would defend this place with my life. The first time a had a slice of pizza, then 15 cents, I threw up, WTF is this slimy shit? I asked my father who then slapped me upside my head and told me “eat it and shut up you ungrateful little modefque, no more butifarras for you, from now on is hamburgers and French fries” I then cursed him in Wayuu, but he did not know what I said.

PROUD ENEMY OF THE RIGHT WING!!!!!! THANK YOU!

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quindioman says on Sep 8, 2005, 05:59:

dunno about the original question but the first thing I said to my pops back in Armenia was...."muchas gracias Padre por emigrar a Inglaterra...pero de curiosidad por que no fuiste a estados unidos?"
"Porque no me llamaba la atencion el pais....es mas estaba de apunto de emigrar a Australia"
Just makes me think.....I coulda been a xxxx guzzling, pome bashing, put another on the barbie modefok......

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quindioman says on Sep 8, 2005, 06:02:

but I do say this if they wanna go green carding fine....just don't forget your roots.....I'd also give them an Atlas just so they do know they have more options than they were lead to believe.

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elmodefoque says on Sep 8, 2005, 06:22:

Going into my fifth year in the USA, I started enjoying authentic American food more and more and was not only eating pizzas but tacos, falafle, gefilte fish, and chicken chow mein. The thing that I’m still most grateful about, is the gringas, up to then I did not now that it was possible for anyone to make my toes curl in ecstasy.

PROUD ENEMY OF THE RIGHT WING!!!!!! THANK YOU!

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morphus says on Sep 8, 2005, 10:13:

i did'nt catch this thread. i was in Colombia when it was posted. the OP was brave to post it on here. there is no sense staying loyal to only one country. theres a whole world out there for everyone to enjoy. a flag and a government is bullshit for simple minded people.

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soccerstud says on Sep 8, 2005, 12:55:

sorry first thing if u plan to stay in the u.s have the decency to learn the language just like i expect americans that come to colombia to live to learn spanish. i am greatful for things that the u.s has provided for me but this country is given way to much credit our country might have it's problems but the u.s has way more problems and they r getting worse thanks to the fracking moron bush. the u.s has given me the opportunity to come out of the closet, yes i am gay, and that's not something that is very socially acceptable in colombia. it is slowly changing though and i plan to make a litlle bit of change when i get there myself with my partner as we r both planning on moving there soon. i would never take the u.s over colombia even though i have spent most of my years in the u.s. i think it must be a colombian thing cuz u just grow up with a sense of belonging that never goes away. u might leave colombia but colombia never leaves u.

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