Looking to get out of the rat race and live a simpler, more self-reliant lifestyle? For many years, Nick & Lisa Meissner have been helping folks get out of the city and into country living, where they can become less dependent on "the system" for their basic necessities. The Ready Life podcast walks you through the steps you need to take to pull this off. Choose a location and property, live with off-grid solar power, grow and raise your own food, set up a water system that isn't dependent o ...
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#67 - Prepping for a financial meltdown - our unconventional strategies
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The next financial meltdown you face may not have anything to do with the stock market! Life can throw curveballs that hit even harder. In this episode, we reveal the unconventional strategies that could save your family and enable you to help others during hard times. If you "get" the concept of what we are talking about on this podcast but don't …
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#66 - 8 tips to research country property online (remotely)
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Trying to find the perfect property, but it's far away? Here are 8 ways you can research a country home or property online, long before you travel to the property. If you need to relocate to a country property and need help, you need The Ready Life Academy: https://www.thereadylife.com/academyLinks:-Google Maps: maps.google.com-Zillow: Zillow.com-G…
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#64 - Plan B for your water well - Hand Pump
29:25
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43 million Americans rely on a private well for water. Almost none of them would be able to access a drop of water when losing utilities. This week's episode is about the best solution for getting water out of that hole in the ground when you don't have power. Here's to hand pumps! Resources: Find your well log: TheReadyLife.com/findlog Installer L…
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Imagine a world where you can't buy or sell and you're forced to make do with the no-tech life of yesteryear. In this episode, we explore ways that you can ensure your family has their basic necessities without requiring any electricity. While we are big advocates for off grid solar power, not everyone is interested or able to set that up. If you d…
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#62 - This devastated our garden - here's how we beat it
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Of all the pests we've faced in our garden, one has done more damage than any other. After years of discouraging attempts, we finally have them under control. And the principles we used to win this battle can be used for almost any pest or disease. It's all in this episode! And you can learn principles like this in The Ready Life Academy on-demand,…
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Water is often an afterthought when purchasing a home. Here's how to evaluate an existing well so you can do due diligence before signing on the dotted line. FREE GUIDE - Find Your Well Log In All 50 States: https://www.TheReadyLife.com/FindLog Want to move to the country and do it right? The Ready Life Academy is your helping hand to do it right t…
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In this episode, we share numerous stories and tips from our encounters with bears, so you are equipped to safely handle your interactions with bears and not let the fear of them keep you from exploring God's creation. We look at ways to make your home & property an undesirable place for bears, how to try and keep them out of places they shouldn't…
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#59 - Break free from your box this Independence Day
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While everyone's eyes have been fixated on the drama of the presidential election, danger has been lurking in the other direction. Just two weeks ago on June 19 and then on June 27, efforts were put into motion to restrict our independence. Something that sounds absolutely wonderful (on the surface) is being used as a trojan horse to set bad preced…
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No, it's not for drinking. One hint...in the garden. And Coca-Cola is just one of our secrets for growing great tomatoes on a cold-weather homestead. How? Watch and see. Need a helping hand with getting your family prepared for tough times? The Ready Life Academy is your key:https://www.thereadylife.com/academy/…
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Without pollination, there's no fruit. But how does it happen and what can you do to improve it? In this episode, Lisa and Nancy walk through this essential process for anyone who wants food independence on their homestead. Realizing how dependent your family is for basic necessities like water, heat, food, and power? Here's your best first step to…
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#56 - How to save your fruit from the birds
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Ever noticed how the birds have a 6th sense for when your fruit is almost ripe and you're about to pick it? The day before you harvest, they move in and wipe it out. Or at least that's the way it seems. In this episode, you'll get an incredibly simple tip on how to protect your fruit from the birds without resorting to all sorts of elaborate measur…
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It's one pest that most areas have in common. But they are especially bad in our area, so we have a lot of experience. In this episode, we share a variety of methods we've used to deal with our mosquito problem, what's worked, and what hasn't. Ready to take your first steps toward indepednence? The Ready Life Academy provides your path to do it the…
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We have a lot of tools! Many, we rarely (if ever) use. Some, we use periodically. A few, we use regularly. But one tool we use all the time--year-round. Start your journey to independence, with the training and support to do it right the first time. Join The Ready Life Academy: https://www.TheReadyLife.com/academy…
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Here's a fun episode, doing 'a few of our favorite things'...such as exploding popular myths that abound about living off the grid. You've probably heard some of them. Maybe you've even spread some of them 😉. This is our chance to set the record straight...at least from our perspective. Take your first step toward independence with The Ready Life A…
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#52 - How We Picked and Trained Our Homestead Guard Dog
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If we were limited to only one thing to protect our homestead, a good dog with proper training would be our first choice. In this episode, we’re sharing what we looked for in a guard dog and a bit on how we trained her to be so gentle with kids and animals. Some of it is in the dog’s disposition and some is the result of training. Here’s what our e…
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Boots are an often-forgotten necessity on the homestead. In this episode, we'll show you what we use and we we maintain boots to get a long life out of them The boot grease I use is Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP: https://amzn.to/3UvBica (affiliate link that helps us but doesn't cost you anything)
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#50 - Peat Moss: The weirdest thing you've never used it for
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In this episode, we share an unusual thing we've been using peat moss for on our homestead--with great results. And if you have chickens, you might want to try it too! Our favorite poultry supplement: https://the-fertrell-company.myshopify.com/collections/products/products/poultry-show-and-breeder-supplement Confused about how to start getting more…
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#49 - How to NOT massacre your blueberry bushes
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30:39
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In this episode of The Ready Life Podcast, we'll be pruning some blueberry bushes that are desperately in need of a haircut! Are you overwhelmed with the "nuts and bolts" how-to details of country living and setting up a homestead that is as independent as possible? The Ready Life Academy is your one-stop source for reliable training, community, an…
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In this week's episode, we're focusing on Noah and how he prepared for things which were unseen as yet. There are a LOT of parallels between the story of Noah and our day (Jesus himself said so). But while Noah built an ark, are you envisioning a "canoe"? If you want to set up your own little "ark" of refuge for your family and others, but you don'…
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One look at the world around us makes it clear WHERE we are and what direction it's taking. With massive instability everywhere, out-of-control inflation, political volatility like we've never seen, and powerful entities grasping for more and more control over us, it's time to do something about that. In this episode, we unpack what we are dealing …
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#46 - Our crazy off-grid pleasure that’s good for you
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We live off the grid and try to be energy efficient. But there are some things you simply have to prioritize--even if they do use a bit of power. In other words, your guilty pleasures. Want to know what ours is? It's the infrared sauna and we figured out how to make it happen with adding a bunch of extra cost to our off grid power system. You see, …
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#45 - The most bizarre burn remedy we've ever tried--that worked!
19:52
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In this week's episode of The Ready Life Podcast, we'll tell you all about the things that have worked for us when dealing with burns on the homestead, including this weirdest of remedies.But before you laugh and shrug it off, consider trying it out if you are ever in the position of needing to care for a burn at home.Here's the B&W Burn Salve we u…
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In this episode of the Ready Life Podcast, we share our experience with a battery-powered chainsaw. You'll hear it's pros, cons, and why we really like having one on our homestead.
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#43 - EMPs and Off-Grid Living: What You Need to Know
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In this episode, we dive into the topic of electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) and how they can affect off-grid living. With insights from retired Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, we discuss what EMPs are, their potential to disrupt modern life, and share our personal plans to protect our off-grid power system.Learn how to live an independent lifestyle with …
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#42 - A Muddy Mess: Thriving with challenging access
36:02
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This episode discusses the challenges of living in a rural area, specifically on road access and conditions such as mud, snow, and rocky terrain. We share personal experiences, give recommendations, and highlight the adventure of dealing with challenging access to a home or property.
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In this week's episode of The Ready Life Podcast, we're diving into the challenges of shade on solar power systems. We'll explore practical solutions to ensure your solar panels get the most sunlight, from strategic placement to tree management. And our focus is on doing a solar shade analysis. Join us for some insightful tips on optimizing your so…
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#40 - How To Craft Sauerkraut: A Homestead Essential for Delicious Self-Sufficiency
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In this eye-opening episode of The Ready Life Podcast, we dive into the world of sauerkraut, an ancient superfood that's making a modern comeback. Discover the incredible benefits of this simple, yet powerful fermented food and learn how it can enhance your health, boost your homestead's sustainability, and provide a delicious gateway into the worl…
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#39 - Kids Edition: Starting your Own Garden Plants from Seed
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Join Nathan and Heidi in this special episode of The Ready Life Podcast: Kids Edition! These green-thumbed siblings spill the beans on why they're crazy about starting their own seedlings and why you should be too. Tune in as they dish out the dirt on the benefits of DIY seedling projects and share their top tips for success. So grab your gardening…
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#38 - Is Your Country Home Making You Sick? Our Story of Poison and Purity
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In this episode, we share a deeply personal story of how environmental toxins can affect your health, and surprisingly, they can be right inside your home. We discuss the harmful effects of environmental chemicals, and Lisa's personal struggle with environmental toxicity from living in a modular home. Our story starts with inexplicable illness and …
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#37 - Propane Showdown: Is It Your Achilles Heel or Off-Grid Lifesaver?
18:51
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In this week's episode of the Ready Life Podcast, we explore the use of propane in off-grid living. We tackle common questions about independence when relying on a non-renewable energy source and weigh up the costs of propane versus electricity. We discuss how treating propane as a convenience can balance independence with off-grid cost-effectivene…
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#36 - An ER Doc's Tips For How To Handle Homestead Medical Emergencies
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49:14
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In this episode, we are joined by Dave Pruett, MD and his wife Beth, who together founded AMP-3. Pulling from Dr. Dave's 28 years of emergency medicine experience, they discuss key medical emergency preparedness techniques, tools, and training necessary for people living in rural or remote areas. They share personal experiences and practical advice…
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#35 - 🥶 -24°F Chaos: The Crazy Stuff No One Thinks About
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Brace yourself for a chilling adventure in this episode of the Ready Life Podcast. We're sharing our story during a -24°F (-33 in some places) Arctic blast in the rugged mountains of North Idaho. From battling frozen pipes to ensuring our animals' safety, it's a real-life winter saga.Tune in to find out how wood heat became our hero and saved many …
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#34 - Efficient Off-Grid Refrigerators: Turning Your Home Into a Power-Saver
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In this episode of the Ready Life Podcast, we provide sound advice on choosing the most energy-efficient refrigerators and freezers for off-grid living. We explain why energy efficiency is pivotal for off-grid living and delve into how the most unassuming lifestyle changes can significantly reduce power consumption, eventually slashing thousands (o…
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#33 - Store What You Eat, Eat What You Store: Food Storage Made Simple
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22:42
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In this episode, we dive into the topic of food storage. It's an aspect often overlooked, but important for everyone regardless of where you live or what your financial status is. This is NOT another "buy a year's supply of freeze dried food for your bunker" approach. It's a rare but practical method of food storage called the "Rotating Pantry Meth…
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#32 - Jumpstart your 2024 plans and dreams with this method
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In this special '2024 Plan for Preparedness' edition, we're diving deep into our personal strategies for success and clarity in the coming year. We'll walk you through six pivotal steps that have revolutionized our approach to homesteading preparedness, offering insights and tips that you can apply right away. Whether you're a seasoned homesteader …
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#31 - Preparedness with a Heart: 10 tips for when your family’s not on board
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28:26
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In our special Christmas episode, we delve into a topic close to our hearts: balancing preparedness with family unity. Over the years, we've observed the challenges of aligning preparedness or homesteading goals when not everyone in the family shares the same enthusiasm. In this episode, we share 10 practical tips based on our experiences, aimed at…
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In this episode, we share the journey of 20 years to get to a new beginning that will help you reach your new beginning! The Ready Life Academy: https://www.TheReadyLife.com/academy
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#29 - 9 Money Hacks That Helped Us Pay Off Our Homestead Early
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Discover how we successfully built our solar system without incurring debt, even during the lowest earning period of our marriage. We're excited to share the strategies that not only helped us manage our finances effectively but also empowered us to achieve our homestead dream of owning our place free and clear. Join us for this episode packed with…
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#28 - Designing an Amazing Solar Power System That Fits Your Life
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27:52
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It's the thing that almost no one does but everybody should--design your solar power system before buying anything. Why? And what could happen if you don't? Tune into this week's episode to find out. We share experiences from homes that incorrectly sized their systems, and the challenges they faced as a result. The point is to make your power syste…
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#27 - Squanto's Secret: A Thanksgiving Tale of Preparedness & Sharing
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In this episode, we're diving into the Thanksgiving story, bringing out the lessons of the pilgrims and Squanto and how they tie into our own mantra of 'prepare to share'. Join us for a mix of storytelling, practical tips, and a bit of Thanksgiving warmth. We’re all about learning from the past to better our present, embracing gratitude, and really…
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#26 - Growing Fresh Veggies Year-Round In Snow Country with Dawn Trammell
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Dive into an extraordinary tale of winter gardening in one of the most challenging climates in the continental US. Our special guest, Dawn Trammell, shares her inspiring journey of transforming a snow-covered backyard into a productive garden. It's not just about defying the cold; it's about redefining the conventional gardening calendar. This epis…
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#25 - When Water Worked Wonders: The Spanish Flu & Hydrotherapy's Triumph
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Step back in time with us in this eye-opening episode as we dive into the health preparedness lessons learned from one of history's deadliest pandemics, the Spanish Flu of 1918. Discover how a simple yet powerful hydrotherapy remedy known as fomentation treatment offered a beacon of hope during this global crisis. We'll explore the astonishing resu…
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#24 - Gaza, a lesson in why dependence is dangerous
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Leaving aside the politics, civilians living in Gaza are in a mess right now. Little to no water, food, power, or sanitation. Believe it or not, our situation in America could be very similar if the right (or wrong) things happen. In this episode, we unpack some lessons we can learn from one of the most fought-over places on earth. And as usual, we…
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#23 - Our Favorite Applesauce Tradition: The Apple Doesn't Fall Far
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13:23
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It's one of our favorite times of year--applesauce time! Here's what we're up to... Show Note: https://www.thereadylife.com/23
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#22 - Feeding Freedom: Building Your Home Grocery for Self-Reliance
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Picture a grocery store and all the various departments. Now picture what those departments could look like in your home grocery. It's an exciting thing! On this episode, Nancy Meissner joins us to discuss what it looks like to have a well-rounded plan for food security. Food Planning Calculator: https://www.thereadylife.com/foodplanner Show Notes:…
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#21 - Generator Smarts: How to choose the best backup generator
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Need a backup generator and can't figure out which one to get? This episode is for you! In this episode, we are drilling down into generators with some tips to help you choose the right one and avoid a costly mistake on a cheapo generator that dies quickly (best case) or that ruins a bunch of electronics in your home (worst case). While fuel-powere…
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#20 - 5 Big Questions Before You Buy a Country Home
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Here's your cheat sheet of questions to ask before purchasing a country home or property. On this episode, we cover 5 of the key questions that need discussion here. But you can also download the full sheet of 20 questions, accompanied by details on why they are important and how to interpret the answers. Just visit the link below... Download All 2…
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#19 - These 6 water heaters are your best off grid options
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Conventional electric water heaters depend on the power grid and use tons of electricity, making them unsuitable for an off-grid solar power system. Thankfully, we have a number of great off-grid alternatives to choose from. Some are very convenient, while others are totally renewable and independent. Whatever your goals, this episode will equip yo…
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#18 - How We Stored Fuel For 6 Years In Perfect Condition
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Gas or Diesel can go bad in mere months. Here's the method we used to store gasoline in a hot and humid climate for 6+ years--and it still ran perfectly in the car. Just to be clear, relying on fuel isn't ideal, but there are times when a fuel-powered device can make life a lot easier. And why not just have a supply of fuel on hand so you can use i…
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#17 - From Forest to Fireplace: Where and How to Find the Best Firewood
19:27
19:27
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Wood heat is the most independent heat source there is! But there’s one downside–it needs wood. Unfortunately, firewood doesn’t usually fall in your lap! And while the cheapest sources require more work, there are really easy options if you're willing to pay more. And in this episode we share our top 6 sourcesfor where to find firewood. We’ll also …
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