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April 22, 2005 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Forgent Sues Microsoft for Infringement of JPEG Image Compression Patent
o Lawsuit Claims AOL Chat Room Monitor Seduced Girl
o Jamdat Acquires Blue Lava, "Tetris" Mobile Game License for $137 Million
o Calif. Senate Votes to Ban Websites That Enable Remote Game Hunting
o Secure Digital Music Distributor Musicrypt Raises $2.4 Million

> DMW Announcements:
--Digital Media Conference - June 17, 2005

> Featured Advertisement:
--PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 
 

o Briefly Noted: Creative Technology, Netflix, Fox - IBM, Broadcom - Nintendo "Revolution," Verizon - A&E Television Networks, DirecTV - VOOM rebate, VirtuosoWorks, Internet Streaming Media Alliance, Glasgow.tv, Oddworld, Buena Vista Games, SNK Playmore USA, European Commission - .eu domain
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--XML, RSS, Prism - Evolving Standards in the Information Industry
--Inside Sales Representative
--Video Games Producer, MTV.com
--Web Designer/E-Advocate
--Marketing Manager Software Company
--Outside Sales Manager - Digital Distribution of PC Games
--Software Engineer
--Account Executive/Senior Account Executive
--Director Of Marketing
--Business Development Manager
--Manager, Traffic Engineering and Provisioning
--Principal - Project Manager
--Marketing Researcher
--3rd Annual Homeland Security Contracting Forum - May 5-6, 2005 
--Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel
--iPath Technologies, Inc. Adds Juniper Netscreen Training to Curriculum
 


o Forgent Sues Microsoft for Infringement of JPEG Image Compression Patent

Austin, Texas -- Forgent Networks, a developer of scheduling software and holder of a number of technology patents, announced on Friday that it has sued Microsoft for infringement of its patent on JPEG Web image compression technology. Forgent's suit follows a prior complaint from Microsoft that seeks to invalidate the patent. It's unfortunate that, despite Microsoft's recent inquiries about licensing the patent, they chose to file a lawsuit, leaving us no alternative but to assert infringement claims against it," said Forgent chairman and CEO Richard Snyder. Forgent said it has generated more than $100 million in three years from licensing its '672 patent to 35 companies, adding that it has sued an additional 44 firms for infringing the patent.
http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/050421/085198.html 
http://www.forgent.com 
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o Lawsuit Claims AOL Chat Room Monitor Seduced Girl

Dulles, Va. -- A California teenager has filed suit against America Online and parent Time Warner, claiming that an AOL chat room monitor used his position to sexually proposition the girl over a two-year period. According to the Associated Press, the suit, filed April 1, alleges that the monitor -- whose job it was to protect children from online predators -- exchanged graphic images, emails and phone calls with the girl. AOL said that is has since fired the employee and referred the case to law enforcement agencies, including the FBI. It is reportedly the first suit of its kind against an employee of a major Internet service provider. The girl is seeking at least $25,000 in damages.
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/050421/aol_monitor.html 
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o Jamdat Acquires Blue Lava, "Tetris" Mobile Game License for $137 Million

Los Angeles -- Wireless game publisher Jamdat Mobile announced this week that it has acquired Blue Lava Wireless, the fellow publisher who holds the rights to the lucrative "Tetris" game license, for $137 million. The deal gives Los Angeles-based Jamdat an exclusive 15-year license to publish Hawaii-based Blue Lava's "Tetris" for wireless devices; the company plans to soon introduce the game for the first time in India and Latin America. "Tetris is a killer wireless gaming application and together with our existing content portfolio, we believe we will have an unmatched product offering for carriers and consumers," said Jamdat chairman and CEO Mitch Lasky. "The acquisition will also enhance Jamdat's global distribution strength, and increase our market share in Europe and Asia."
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050420/205980.html
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=8191
http://www.bluelavawireless.com 
http://www.jamdat.com 
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o Calif. Senate Votes to Ban Websites That Enable Remote Game Hunting

Sacramento -- The California state Senate voted on Thursday to ban websites that allow users interested in hunting to log on and use their keyboard and mouse to remotely aim and fire loaded shotguns at live animals. The bill, introduced by Calif. state Sen. Debra Bowen, would make it illegal to create a site similar to Texas-based Long-shot.com in California, and bars the import into California of animals killed through such websites in other states. "It's an over-the-top, pay-per-view video game using live animals for target practice that ought to be banned from coast-to-coast," said Bowen. "Pay-per-view hunting doesn't meet any definition of 'sporting' that I've ever heard because there's nothing 'sporting' about sitting at your computer in your pajamas, using your mouse to shoot at hogs or antelope or any other animal that's halfway across the country." Similar bans are being discussed in 14 other states, while Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.) has introduced a federal bill that would ban Internet remote hunting nationwide.
http://tinyurl.com/8pp9t 
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-liveshot21apr21,0,4157569.story
http://tinyurl.com/8v7rn 
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c109:H.R.1558
http://www.live-shot.com 
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o Secure Digital Music Distributor Musicrypt Raises $2.4 Million

Toronto -- Musicrypt, the provider of a service that lets record labels securely distribute content to radio stations, announced on Friday that it has raised $2.4 million through a private placement of its shares. Toronto-based Musicrypt's Digital Media Distribution System is used by over 85% of the Canadian music industry, and was also recently endorsed by U.S. radio giant Clear Channel. The system has been used to secure delivery of over 750 tracks, from artists including U2, Britney Spears, Coldplay and the White Stripes. "This funding will provide Musicrypt with the resources necessary for our continued expansion into the United States and Europe," said Musicrypt president and CEO John Heaven. "We anticipate that this funding, combined with our partnership with Billboard and the endorsement of Clear Channel, will enable us to attain our goal of being the world’s leading secure digital distribution provider."
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050421/215823.html 
http://www.musicrypt.com 

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>DMW Events:
 



2nd Annual Digital Media Conference
June 17, 2005 | McLean, VA
www.digitalmediaconference.com

Mark your calendars! The 2nd Annual Digital Media Conference is set for Friday, June 17, 2005 at the Hilton McLean in Tysons Corner, McLean, Virginia. This is a must-attend event for media, entertainment and technology businesses, educational institutions and government agencies involved in the digital distribution of media, including information, education & entertainment products.

For more information click here
To register click here.

REGISTRATION
Early Bird: $195 (until April 30)
Pre-Registration: $295 (until June 1)
Registration:$395 (after June 1)

Register online at: http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1101

Phone registration: 323-852-7130


To submit speakers or request information about exhibiting or sponsoring at the 2005 conferences, please contact Tinzar Than, VP, Marketing & Events, Digital Media Wire, Inc. at: tinzar@digitalmediawire.com.
 

Past Events | Sponsorship Materials | Partners & Clients


 

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> Featured Advertisement:

> PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 

PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 is the leading global entertainment and media industry forecast, including in-depth global analyses and five-year growth projections for 14 industry segments covering every major global region. The complete 550-page book, is available in print or electronic format. The 50 page "Global Overview" (available in print or electronic format)or any of the 14 individual industry segment chapters (electronic format only) can be purchased separately for $95. For sample content and to order, click here.
 

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o Briefly Noted:

(Singapore) Creative Technology, the world's second-largest manufacturer of MP3 players, on Friday reported lower earnings for its recent quarter, citing lower income from investments. Net profits for its third quarter were down 72% from last year's totals, to $15.9 million; revenue for the recent quarter was up 65% over the previous year, to $333.8 million. Creative said sales of MP3 players were up four times over the same period a year ago, adding that this was the second consecutive quarter during which it sold over 2 million MP3 players. By contrast, market leader Apple reported shipping 5.3 million iPods during the same period.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050421/sfth118.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/050422/singapore_creative.html 
http://www.creative.com

(Los Gatos, Calif.) Online DVD rental service Netflix announced on Friday that it added 945,000 subscribers during the first quarter of 2005, a 56% increase over the number from the same period last year, and now counts a total of 3.02 million subscribers. For the quarter, the company reported a wider loss ($8.8 million) than a year ago ($5.8 million), while revenue climbed 54% from last year to $154.1 million. The cost to acquire subscribers rose to $37.89, from $35.12 a year ago, while the number of subscribers who opted not to pay after receiving a free trial ("churn"), rose to 5% from 4.4% last year. Netflix now expects to end the year with between 3.85 million and 4.15 million subscribers.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050421/sfth013.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/050421/earns_netflix.html 
http://www.netflix.com

(Los Angeles) Fox Entertainment Group and IBM this week announced a collaboration on a variation of the FCC-mandated "broadcast flag" technology, that would keep viewers from accessing local broadcast TV content outside of their home market. The technology is aimed at the growing number of consumers who have created their own home networks, which can shuttle recorded TV programs from one room to another. The Fox-IBM "metro coding" system would embed information in the digital broadcast stream that would prevent consumers from viewing programs originating outside of their home broadcast market.
http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/050418/084845.html 
http://tinyurl.com/byleh

(Irvine, Calif.) Broadcom, a maker of chips used in wired and wireless broadband communications devices, announced this week that it has contracted with Nintendo to provide wireless technology for the company's upcoming next-generation GameCube console successor, codenamed "Revolution." Irvine, Calif.-based Broadcom develops both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technologies, meaning the "Revolution" console may be equipped to connect both to the Internet via a wireless connection, and to other game consoles in the vicinity.
http://www.broadcom.com/press/release.php?id=697530&source=home
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=8119

(New York) Verizon announced on Friday that it has signed a long-term agreement with A&E Television Networks, to distribute all of the company's networks on FiOS TV, an Internet-based digital TV service launching later this year. In addition to the A&E Network, History Channel, Biography Channel and others, Verizon has also signed deals to include programming from NBC Universal and Starz on FiOS TV.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050422/nyf055.html 
http://www.aetv.com

(El Segundo, Calif.) Satellite TV operator DirecTV on Friday offered subscribers of the soon-to-be-shuttered VOOM high-definition satellite TV service a rebate offer to sign up for DirecTV's HD service. Cable TV operator Cablevision sold the money-losing VOOM's assets and plans to shut the service down on April 30. DirecTV is offering a $200 rebate on its HD service equipment and three months of free DirecTV HD programming to VOOM subscribers who make the switch.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050422/225354.html
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/imagine/HDTV.dsp 
http://www.voom.com

(Greensboro, N.C.) Music notation software developer VirtuosoWorks this week shipped its Notion application, which allows PC users to compose music, conduct the score and hear it performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. The $599 application, targeted at music students and teachers, working musicians, composers and songwriters, features thousands of samples performed by the London Symphony Orchestra recorded at Abbey Road Studios.
http://www.notionmusic.com

(Las Vegas) The Internet Streaming Media Alliance (ISMA), an Apple Computer-backed industry group pushing for the adoption of open standards for streaming rich media content over the Internet, this week released the final version of its ISMA 2.0 specification. The 2.0 release adopts MPEG-4 part 10, also known as H.264 or AVC, and the High Efficiency AAC audio codec, and offers improved quality, greater scalability and reliable protocols, the ISMA said. "The specification cuts through confusing choices for audio and video codec profiles and levels, the multiple choices for network protocols and signaling, and establishes the interoperability points to assure robust delivery of audio and video over IP in a multi-vendor environment," said Yuval Fisher, of the ISMA's technical integration board.
http://www.isma.tv

(Edinburgh) Glasgow.tv announced that it is set to become the first city in the U.K. to launch a 24-hour, Internet-based TV channel. By the end of the month, the channel will showcase video footage of the Hogmanay celebrations in George Square, outdoor concerts and major road races. The project was undertaken by Glasgow City Council and broadband TV firm Narrowstep, which launched a similar service last month in Nuenen, the Netherlands.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/4/prweb231614.htm
http://www.narrowstep.com

(Los Angeles) Video game developer Oddworld, which recently released "Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath," said this week that it will shut down its game development studio and focus instead on developing ideas for film and TV. "This is a choice, not a necessity. The choice is a daring one, and not an obvious one to make. We see the excitement of what can be. We think that requires a new model," Oddworld president Lorne Lanning told GameSpy.com. Oddworld is closing its development studio in San Luis Obispo, Calif., and will move up north to Berkeley, Calif. "We believe there's a window that's open for all-CG feature films and TV, and if we don't crack it in the next 2-1/2 years, we're not going to be able to," Lanning told The Hollywood Reporter. "Our plan is to be a content creation company with someone else bearing the load of the actual production."
http://www.gamespy.com/articles/599/599811p1.html 
http://tinyurl.com/adv55 
http://www.oddworld.com

(Paris) Buena Vista Games, Disney's video game publishing division, announced on Friday that it plans to self-publish its titles in the U.K., Germany and France, beginning this summer. Buena Vista will release "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" and "Chicken Little" -- both based on upcoming Disney films -- in Europe in the fall of 2005. Disney said the new strategy will not affect existing European publishing deals for its titles with THQ, Capcom and Square Enix.
http://buenavistagames.go.com

(Wall, N.J.) Japanese video game publisher SNK Playmore USA, announced on Friday that in June it plans to release "KOF: Maximum Impact - Maniax," the first Xbox title in its "King of Fighters" franchise.
http://www.snkplaymoreusa.com

(Brussels) The European Commission announced that all European companies, institutions, organizations and citizens will be able to use ".eu" in Internet addresses starting at the beginning of next year. "The final countdown to the advent of Europe's own '.eu' Internet identity, by the end of 2005, has begun," the Commission said, adding that the new suffix was not intended to replace existing European endings such as .fr for France or .be for Belgium. The Commission said that one implication of the new domain name was that it will allow local disputes to be settled at the European Court of Justice, whereas users of the existing ".com" currently have to settle disputes in Virginia. Public institutions and trademark holders can begin registering their ".eu" address in the last quarter of this year, the Commission said.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?P59821EE 

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> Classifieds -- Advertise

> XML, RSS, Prism - Evolving Standards in the Information Industry

The digital content industry has been helped and hindered by standards for decades and they have proliferated to span the entire content value chain. The list now includes XML and XMP for data & metadata; NewsML and NITF for formatting, and RSS and Atom for distribution to name a few. Moderated panelists discuss on April 28, 11:30 - 1:30. For more info, contact blake@siia.net or go to http://www.siia.net/events/prereg.asp?eventid=443
_________________

> Inside Sales Representative

ON24 is currently experiencing record growth and is conducting a search for a top notch Inside Sales Representative to strategically assist in the development of the inside sales group. The ideal candidate will be a well-respected, driven and proven leader who has the ability to meet sales targets and build relationships with a high-level audience.  Contact jobs@on24.com
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> Video Games Producer, MTV.com

Video Games Producer serves as production team lead for MTV.com's video games area & editorial coverage. Responsible for seamless execution & creative vision for area, including design, editorial & video production, wireframes, func. specs, production sched, resource alloctn, must have 4-8 years of exp building web content for major brands and/or video games content. Ideal: knows MS Visio, HTML editing tools (Homesite) & strong affinity to MTV brand (on-air and online), pc and console, gaming culture.  Contact careers@mtv.com
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> Web Designer/E-Advocate - Alexandria, VA

National non-profit highway safety group seeks Web Designer/Manager of E- advocacy in Alexandria, VA. Experience (3-4 yrs) online journalism or designing and developing websites required. Bachelor's degree preferred. Competitive salary and benefits package including 401k. Email resume to: hiring@go21.org
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> Marketing Manager Software Company

We are seeking a motivated, enthusiastic, flexible person who is upbeat by nature and views themselves as outgoing, yet with a strong eye for detail. Our company works with nationally known partners and is a great small company environment for the right person. Excellent Microsoft Officer skills are a must; HTML skills also required; ability to create HTML marketing materials; excellent written skills; skills in Photoshop and Front Page and other related products, a plus. This job will allow the right candidate to create, monitor and analyze their own marketing campaigns, and manage product strategy and support. We are located near Porter Square T stop. Excellent salary and medical benefits. Please email Carol@kmt.com
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> Outside Sales Manager - Digital Distribution of PC Games

Outside sales for Trymedia, the world's largest digital distribution provider of PC games and DRM technology. Increase distribution of digital PC game catalog, technology, and services to large web sites, portals, ISPs, online networks, and cable providers. Manage entire sales cycle for warm and cold leads. Light travel. Experience: 2 years Internet sales creating affiliate networks. Selling content aggregation and fully managed services in digital media. Strong Rolodex. Email salesjobs@trymedia.com
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> Software Engineer

We are seeking a highly motivated Java software engineer with 3 plus years of programming experience to work in a closely-knit team environment. This engineer will be expected to quickly acclimate to the dynamic environment and be able to take ownership of software development efforts and deliver them within specified time frames. Candidate must possess a positive attitude and be comfortable functioning in a multi-tasking environment. Send resumes to careers@unanet.com
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> Account Executive/Senior Account Executive - Stamford, CT

Environics Communications has an exciting opportunity for a public relations Account Executive / Senior Account Executive with two to six years of experience in an agency or corporate environment. This is a generalist position, though healthcare, technology and corporate communications experience are highly desirable. In addition to demonstrated exceptional media relations skills, the ideal candidate will know how to manage client relationships and work in a fast-paced environment. Visit us at http://www.environicspr.com Send resumes to communicate@environics-usa.com
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> Director Of Marketing

Our client, a very exciting and well funded start-up is looking for a Director of Marketing to develop segmentation and acquisition strategies, work with product development to enhance product offering, define the brand promise, develop strategy to improve the customer experience, and analyze marketing results. Candidate must have 8-10 years of direct marketing experience. Product development and/or brand marketing experience is helpful. If you're interested, please send resume to resumes@hartleyhickey.com.
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> Business Development Manager

This position with the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development Business Investment Team will proactively function as a Business Ambassador to market Loudoun County as a favored business location. Requires any combination of education and exp. equivalent to Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or public administration or related field, and at least three years related professional exp. working with business, civic and elected leaders. This position requires the ability to work non-standard hours to include early mornings, evenings and weekends (Hiring Range: $38,965 - $58,447/yr) Apply immediately Ref # 05-299. Email resumes to hr@loudoun.gov For more info, visit http://www.loudoun.gov or call Human Resources: (703) 777-0213.EOE.
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> Manager, Traffic Engineering and Provisioning - Silver Spring, MD

Discovery Communications, Inc., the leading global real-world media company with an exciting array of TV networks such as Discovery Channel, has an opening for a process oriented manager with min. ten years exp., including exp. managing engineering teams; operational exp. with a range of network and security equipment and internetworking protocols, including OSPF, BGP, and DNS. Apply at http://corporate.discovery.com/careers/careers.html; Job Req#2001. EOE. Apply online at http://www.discovery.com
_________________

> Principal - Project Manager

Using the VALID methodology, the Principal ensures that projects and tasks are clearly delineated and that milestones are met in a timely manner in order to deliver projects on schedule. Require: Project work plan development and project estimation skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Systems Development project management skills including initiation, envision, design/build and deployment requirement phase experience as well as requirements definition, tracking, testing and defect tracking experience. Coaching and mentoring. New opportunity and business development. Send resumes to resume@digitalfocus.com
 _________________

> Marketing Researcher

Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) seeks a researcher to develop and maintain a database of companies, conduct research on firms and business markets. Individual must have a BA, be proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Access software, a self-starter, well organized, and with strong written and oral communication skills. Salary $38,000 - $46,000 based on experience. See http://www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org for more details or e- mail resumes with cover letter to resumes@fceda.org by March 31, 2005
 _________________

> 3rd Annual Homeland Security Contracting Forum - May 5-6, 2005

5 Top DHS and DOE CIO's and other insiders confirmed include: Steve Cooper, CIO, Dept. of Homeland Security; Charles Armstrong, CIO, Border Security, DHS; Scott Hastings, CIO, The US-VISIT Program, (which awarded a contract worth up to $10 billion to Accenture), DHS and others. Panel Topics include: DHS Contracting Opportunities, Next Generation Homeland Security and DOD Technologies: Small-Medium Sized Business Opportunities, Homeland Security Contract and Grant Winners: How Your Firm Can Secure DHS Business and more. May 5-6, 2005. Hyatt Crystal City, Arlington VA. For more info or to register visit - http://www.potomactechwire.com/homelandconference2005.html
_________________

> Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel

Enter the Blogosphere prepared - Enhance your sales and marketing programs. Take advantage of blog relations and blog technology at its forefront. As blogging matures and becomes a prevailing force in communications, allow Strategic Communications Group to assist you in meeting your sales, profitability and corporate valuation goals. Contact us for a free white paper. Send inquiries to info@gotostrategic.com or call 301.408.4500. Visit http://www.gotostrategic.com/blogptw.html  for more info.
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> iPath Technologies, Inc. Adds Juniper Netscreen Training to Curriculum

iPath Technologies, Inc., has added a new offering to its Juniper networking courses entitled Implementing Netscreen Security Gateways. INSG is valuable to network engineers, support personnel, resellers, and others who implement NetScreen products. For the latest course dates and locations, please visit http://www.ipath.net For information contact training@ipath.net
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About Us
Digital Media Wire, Inc. is a news organization, publisher and events company serving the digital media industry since May 2000. Our daily newsletter delivers original briefings on business, legal and financial developments shaping digital media and read by over 30,000 executives and professionals.

Digital Media Wire, Inc. is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an international network of publications that includes Digital Media Law Report, Potomac Tech Wire, New England Tech Wire, Southeast Tech Wire, Bay Area Tech Wire, Tri-state Tech Wire and European Tech Wire. The network reaches more than 70,000 individuals from over 70 countries each business day.

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