'Sonics' tops 'Pioneers' in voting

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From Staff Reports
Published: May 6, 2008

Oklahoma City's NBA team might just be named the Sonics after all — if the readers voting in The Oklahoman's name bracket have anything to say about it.

But just barely.

In the closest result of the second round of the voting, the Sonics, a No. 2 seed, beat the Pioneers 258-254, a margin of four votes.

The rest of the second round was wild, with double-digit seeds getting through in all four regionals and solid names like the Black Gold, Mustangs, Energy and Tornadoes going down.

Here's the Sweet 16 matchups:

Alvan Adams Regional
•(1) Twisters vs. Bison (4): Bison put a plug in Black Gold. Texas Tea and Bubbling Crude could not be reached for comment.

• (11) Rattlers vs. Thunder (2): Thunder got the most votes out of the regional, not the Twisters juggernaut.

Wayman Tisdale Regional
• (1) Barons vs. (4) Lightning: Kasey Moody's sweet illustration has given the Barons a leg up. Black and gold the way to go.

• (11) Roughriders vs. (2) Sonics: Roughriders torpedoed the Mustangs. Sweet mascot idea — Inflatable Teddy Roosevelt.

Chris Paul Regional
• (1) Thunderbirds vs. (4) Boomers: This is the matchup of the tournament so far — a quality nickname vs. OU fandom.

• (6) Coyotes vs. (10) Navigators: Navigators benefit from fans bailing on Scissortails. Really, though, Navigators?

Desmond Mason Regional
• (1) Outlaws vs. (5) Cyclones: Outlaws recall Oklahoma's stint in the USFL. In 1984, that team went 6-12. Aim high.

• (11) Renegades vs. (2) Stallions: Stallions holding strong. Sweet mascot idea — Inflatable Rocky Balboa.

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Related Topics: Accidents and Disasters, Natural Disasters, Tornadoes


Comments

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yo grant from edmond, evidently you are not a veteran. our national guard is name the 45th thunderbirds and they were the greatest guard unit in the usa. patton called them the greatest soldiers he ever commanded and the group as a whole were the most decorated guard unit than any other. they had 9 medal of honor winners and numerous dsm's and many silvers and bronze besides purple hearts. i theink the thunderbirds would be fitting for oklahoma. since you live so close to okc you ought to go to the 45th museum at 36th and mlk. you will get a good feeling about them and our veterans of oklahoma. 45th kicked butt.
robert, cushing - May 10, 2008 7:23 AM
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I want to add my vote forthe NBA team comming to OKC. My vote is for the Oklahoma Twisters. Fred Brown, Norman, Ok. 73071
fred, Norman - May 8, 2008 10:08 AM
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Has anyone brought up the name, "Oklahoma City Natives?" Most of our car tags say NATIVE AMERICA. Our capitol building is crested by a Native American. A popular ad campaign describes Oklahoma as, "America in its Native state." Plus what sounds cooler than "The Natives are Getting Restless" Also the word native doesn't always have to refer to American Indians it can also refer to people from a certain geographical area. Maybe this name can enter the playoffs as a wildcard? Thanks!
Glen, Edmond - May 8, 2008 8:11 AM
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Thank you Michael...I know I'm outspoken on many issues, but I do strive to convey my thoughts properly, and I pride myself on my use of the English language. I'm sure the "fake Paul" wouldn't dare challenge me one on one, mainly because he/she would be at an extreme disadvantage even if I was in the middle of an epileptic seizure at the time....
paul, yukon - May 8, 2008 6:09 AM
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I believe you Paul...Even though,you and I have had some disagreements on some issues,I will always respect your right to your opinion and, whoever is writing the fake posts behind Paul's name needs please be a man or,woman and debate Paul 1 on 1 and,stop being child trying to make him out to be a bad person....See Paul,we are not all bad in OKC = )
james, Edmond - May 8, 2008 1:26 AM
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Nick..wake up. Thats not me doing those posts. If you follow my posts, and I see you do, then you'd know that those ramblings are from some ignorant person who wishes he was as literate as I. Other posters on other threads have already acknowledged that this "false Paul" can't be one and the same, but thanks for playing anyway....
paul, yukon - May 7, 2008 6:47 PM
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Why is every other trailer park I've ever driven passed had the name "Thunderbird" on their sign?
Chris, Portland - May 7, 2008 5:59 PM
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Scroll down once more Paul. Your words: "Sonics: Please do not move here!!! The only people that live here are,inbreds,rednecks and I do not think I have actually met anyone with IQ over 50.It is the worst state in the nation.No one has a full set of teeth and they all sleep with there relatives if a sheep is not available.If I could move I would. OKLAHOMA SUCKS!!!" See? Sleep with "there" sheep? Nicely done fella.
Nick, Oklahoma City - May 7, 2008 2:57 PM
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The Boz is the only one that loves Seattle. He got rich quick, with very little effort.
Vito, Genovese - May 7, 2008 11:54 AM
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try again Nick..my last post used none of those words..you must be confusing me with somebody else. THEY'RE all out there, and their agenda is wrong......want to try me again??
paul, yukon - May 7, 2008 10:56 AM
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Paul, stop trying to speak with intelligence, and stop being so negative. You don't even know the difference between their, there, and they're. Thank you, good bye.
Nick, Oklahoma City - May 7, 2008 9:53 AM
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The Bandits. Sums up Clay's strategy for moving the team.
Gaylord, seattle - May 7, 2008 9:00 AM
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Sorry Chris..this is somebody without near my fluency in the written language, and is making the paltry attempt to mimick me in an attempt to sway more people against me....and only a select few are buying it.....
paul, yukon - May 7, 2008 8:03 AM
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paul don't you live in OK? If so you just admitted to some pretty horrible things. Your an inbred redneck with no teeth that slleps with sheep. By that is not normal, you need help.
chris, Mustang - May 7, 2008 6:27 AM
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Sonics: Please do not move here!!! The only people that live here are,inbreds,rednecks and I do not think I have actually met anyone with IQ over 50.It is the worst state in the nation.No one has a full set of teeth and they all sleep with there relatives if a sheep is not available.If I could move I would.
OKLAHOMA SUCKS!!!
james, Edmond - May 7, 2008 1:19 AM
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Good God people,let not turn this into a Seattle vs. Oklahoma City thing.I have been to Seattle many times and,I love that I moved here to OKC from New Jersey 7 years ago and,I love living here.Both places are great in there own way.People need to focus more on things that really matter like,the endless war in Iraq
that we never should have gotten into.Our counrty is going down the tubes when it comes to our economy and,our school system in this country sucks...I know people are heated up in both cities but,please lets keep a GAME in perspective.
james, Edmond - May 7, 2008 12:59 AM
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Oh yeah, Largent HATED Seattle! My cousin's wife was his housekeeper (REALLY) and said his wife and kids LOVED it there and hated leaving. Steve loved the city but did miss the midwest and like most Seattle area types had a love-hate relationship with the weather. I think the fact he applied for the Seahawks job speaks volumes.
Leonard, Houston - May 6, 2008 11:05 PM
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Can't use OKC Storm, that might mean you approve of that "gay" team, the Seattle Storm! God forbid!
Leonard, Houston - May 6, 2008 11:02 PM
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Can't use OKC Storm, that might mean you approve of that "gay" team, the Seattle Storm! God forbid!
Leonard, Houston - May 6, 2008 11:02 PM
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Largent hated Seattle so much he applied for the GM job with the Seahawks. He hated Seattle so much he moved from Oklahoma City to Washington DC. By the way, Desmond Mason, one of the brackets, lives in Seattle.
mickey, sumner - May 6, 2008 10:44 PM
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My cousin Steve Largent hated Seattle.
Theus, Oklahoma city - May 6, 2008 9:51 PM
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Breaking news folks: The judge today ruled that Bennett can not combine the two legal issues meaning that even if he wins the case to break the lease there will be another trial to determine how large the damages he would have to pay would be should he choose to break the lease. That ends any chance of the team moving for this upcoming season meaning that the relocation approval will expire and he will have to re-apply at some point if he still owns the team and wants to try to move it again.
Save Our Sonics, Key Arena - May 6, 2008 9:44 PM
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Wow so much negativity over the name of a basketball team. Really?!! Please don’t use the name pioneers! Not cool at all. How about the Stampede? Or OKC STORM? Just not the Pioneers!
Michael, Dallas - May 6, 2008 9:30 PM
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I hate to break this to you folks but you won't be getting the Sonics at all but even if you did the name will never go with it. At some point in the legal process Clay will have no choice but to give up the name and history to negotiate his way out of something. Even if that didn't happen there would be an eminent domain case filed to take it away from him so you can be sure he is not going to put any effort into keeping it.
Save Our Sonics, Key Arena - May 6, 2008 9:22 PM
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Don't go with "Thunderbirds." If they can't be the "Indians" then why is an Indian reference OK? Because Thunderbirds isn't offensive? Neither is Chiefs. Unless you chose to take is offensively. So, let's just make it easy. Don't go with "Thunderbirds."
Grant, Edmond - May 6, 2008 9:03 PM
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Boomers. All the way. And not because of OU. Because of history, and because it's a good name, unique to Oklahoma, ends in an 's' (unlike lame soccer team names). Boomer also has many meanings. Landrun - "The Boomers sprint across the prairie to stake their claim." Thunderstorms - "There's a Boomer, blowing in from the west." Oil history - "The Little Nellie was a Boomer." or "This town was built in the Boom." All that has nothing to do with OU. Cowboy fans can easily get behind it. The Oklahoma City Boomers.
Grant, Edmond - May 6, 2008 8:56 PM
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My guess is,he is probably fat,ugly and,not very successful with the ladies.Seeing how he hates everyone.
james, Edmond - May 6, 2008 8:45 PM
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Where are you from Paul?
What do you do for a living?
My guess is your a 16-19 year old punk.
or some 30sh guy who still lives with his mom.
You seem to have a lot of time on your hands.
Your are one here 24-7 LOL!!! Try and get a life man.
james, Edmond - May 6, 2008 8:37 PM
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Paul does not live in oklahoma....So,dont pay him any mind.
james, Edmond - May 6, 2008 8:31 PM
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You forget that our hockey team is named the Thunderbirds.
Save Our Sonics, Key Arena - May 6, 2008 8:31 PM
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I like Thunderbirds. After all, you take a team from the Northwest why not take a Northwest Indian Totem to name it after. Don't you guys ever do anything original down there?
mickey, sumner - May 6, 2008 8:25 PM
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I guess Seattle must not be as great as you guys say it is. If all you have left to do is post on Oklahoma news message boards. As if that wasn't enough to make you pathetic, you write about your fantasies of what think Stern and Bennett are doing to each other.
chris, Mustang - May 6, 2008 7:39 PM
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Paul has the name....for the reasons that Gregg gives. Clay and Stern need to get a private room.
Gaylord, seattle - May 6, 2008 6:10 PM
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Great ideaa Neal, steal a logo, to go along with your stolen team....lol....Personally I like the Barons, and the pics of the uniforms I saw were cool. I think this will be your best option for your expansion team in 2011.
Jesse, Seattle - May 6, 2008 5:58 PM
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OKC Outlaws. We already have a cool logo (we can steal it from the USFL)-- I loved that one with the all black and bandana!!!
Neal, Marlow - May 6, 2008 5:45 PM
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Oklahoma City "Kats" or "Cats"? We could make that short for bluecats (fish) yet still have some type of a Tiger/Lion/Cougar mascot. That way, people won't associate us with a flathead freshwater fish. Bahaha!
Nick, Oklahoma City - May 6, 2008 5:03 PM
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Let's not name them something that further helps our negative image. Tornadoes, storms, lightening... Surprised nobody said "bombers". Since those things are the only thing people think of when they hear Oklahoma.
Jess, Warr Acres - May 6, 2008 4:56 PM
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I like that name there Paul because that is what Clay Bennett does to David Stern every chance he gets
Gregg, Seattle - May 6, 2008 4:22 PM
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As a transplanted Okie sitting down here in Florida I find all of this kind of sad and humorous. The sadness comes from the Seattle people who obviously have never met the great people of Oklahoma. The humor comes from reading all of the suggested names. One of the things I remember most about Oklahoma are the storms, especially this time of year. Therefore, I like the Oklahoma City Storm, but I think a WNBA has already taken that. So, perhaps the Wind would work or a Wind Storm. A little thunder, some lightning, a gust of wind and a siren going off would be pretty nice when the team takes the court. I'll go back to my palm tree now. Ya'll have fun figuring it out!
keith, jacksonville - May 6, 2008 4:19 PM
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I still say to call them the "blows"...the name "OKC Blows" has a nice ring to it..
paul, yukon - May 6, 2008 4:14 PM
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just giving you some good names when the SEATTLE SUPERSONICS stay in SEATTLE.my favorite OKC I JUST LOST MY TEAM TO MY WIFE IN A DIVORCE BATTLE BECAUSE OF MY AFFAIR WITH DAVID STERN AND SHE IS KEEPING THEM IN SEATTLE
Gregg, Seattle - May 6, 2008 4:06 PM
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How about the Seattle Suck's,the Seattle Sour Grapes, or the Seattle Waaa Waaaa's in honor of Gregg.
Outlaw, Edmond - May 6, 2008 3:57 PM
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Outlaws...hands down. The name of a sports team should invoke an image of toughness and instill fear in an opponent, it should also be phonetically pleasing. Oklahoma City Outlaws does all this. Thunder would come in second...
Outlaw, Edmond - May 6, 2008 3:51 PM
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Gerry, are you unaware that Oklahoma's 45th Infantry Division, which has served honorably in many combat zones over the years, is known as the Thunderbirds? To denigrate them by referring to a cheap wine is really offensive. You can find some equally unrelated flaw in ANY name you come up with. For instance, why would we want a team named after a fast food joint (Sonics)?
Bob, Signal Hill - May 6, 2008 2:46 PM
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The Oklahoma City Bball team should retain the name 'Sonics', to find out why, type 'Oklahoma City sonic boom tests' in your search engine.
Tim, Oklahoma City - May 6, 2008 2:29 PM
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How about the Oklahoma City Pride?
Tim, Yukon - May 6, 2008 2:15 PM
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Bill, danny from wherever, usually is wrong on whatever he writes, so bare with him! he kind of suffers from waterhead.
itmustsucktobeosu, ardmore - May 6, 2008 2:15 PM
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Thunderbirds! Yes, by all means, name the mascot after a fortified wine!
Gerry, Elk City - May 6, 2008 1:53 PM
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Danny says: "The Utah Jazz!! Yeah, Salt Lake is the birthplace of jazz." Danny I think you'll find that the Jazz migrated from New Orleans where Jazz was a very appropriate name. Same thing with the Lakers when they left Minnesota for Los Angeles.
Bill, Oklahoma City - May 6, 2008 1:45 PM
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and can't leave out Forrest from Columbus.
Tim, Yukon - May 6, 2008 12:46 PM
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Speaking of retards, Paul from Yukon and Jesse from Seattle are out in full force.
Tim, Yukon - May 6, 2008 12:44 PM
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Thunderbirds also pays homage to our friends and family who have served and are serving in the Oklahoma National Guard's 45th Infantry Brigade. It goes to our history and patriotism.
curtis, cushing - May 6, 2008 12:11 PM
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All these Seattle nerds come on here to obsess over a freaking basketball team. A freaking basketball team that the owners paid 300 million for and they want to gripe and act like they stole something.
jim, del city - May 6, 2008 12:03 PM
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g you have got to be the only NHL fan in town. Good luck getting your wish.
jim, del city - May 6, 2008 12:01 PM
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Who cares! NBA sucks. I hope they stay in S town! We want a true sport NHL!
g, Oklahoma City - May 6, 2008 11:47 AM
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They only SAY they're thumpers. The divorce rate is 2 to 3 times the national average, and child abuse runs rampant, as does drug use, incarceration..you name it....certainly not very religious at all.
paul, yukon - May 6, 2008 11:29 AM
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How about the OKC Aftermath?
Nathan, Oklahoma City - May 6, 2008 11:27 AM
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"It's gotta be the "Outlaws", just to shove in the face of Seattle for stealing their team. It's what we are doing, lets be proud of it." If this is the attitude of your average OKC citizen, I feel sorry for you all. Stealing is a terrible thing, and also breaking a commandment as well, thought you all were bible thumpers down there???
Jesse, Seattle - May 6, 2008 10:57 AM
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It's like it was retard day at the dailyoklahoman and they let a special kid pick the names...
Samuel, Flint - May 6, 2008 10:53 AM
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These are all TERRIBLE names...c'mon, twisters? sounds like a game or a girl's gymnastics team...the name should be: Oklahoma City Arrows...an arrow logo going diagonally across the jersey would be great, plus you could have the war drum and tomahawk chop thing going in the stands for great home identification and advantage
Jim, Rockwall - May 6, 2008 10:04 AM
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Its gotta be the Twisters. Says it all.
John, Edmond - May 6, 2008 9:55 AM
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They need to name the team OKC Airforce.
JJ, Piedmont - May 6, 2008 9:28 AM
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The new name should be synonymous with Oklahoma and the region (EXCEPT Boomers...that reminds me of that stupid song OU stole from Yale, "Boolah, Boolah").
Stallions too close to The Mavericks. Outlaws, although has a nice ring to it..the OKC Outlaws..is better than the OKC Inlaws...but may be too remeniscent of the old football franchise. But, then again, who'd remember the Outlaws outside of Oklahoma? NOBODY!!.
The OKC Sonics is like The UTAH Jazz?! The Utah Jazz!! Yeah, Salt Lake is the birthplace of jazz. Right.
The Thunderbirds is a unique name and certain pays homage to our large Native American populace.
Too bad Chiefs and Braves were never brought up.
I like the Rattlers, Thunderbirds...and would have voted for "The OKC Horny Toads" if it'd been on the menu.
Danny, Smyrna - May 6, 2008 9:11 AM
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Too late Britton...the doubt has already been removed...
paul, yukon - May 6, 2008 9:00 AM
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It's gotta be the "Outlaws", just to shove in the face of Seattle for stealing their team. It's what we are doing, lets be proud of it. It's the only way we are ever going to get a team.
forrest, columbus - May 6, 2008 8:28 AM
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Ok, this is really scaring me. Are we really going to pick a name for the sonics from this list. If so, we must actually be the hillbillies and rednecks the rest of the country believes we are. I would rather the Sonics stay in Seattle and save us from our own embarrassment. What's the saying... It's better to be thought a hillbilly then open your toothless mouth and remove all doubt.
Britton, Edmond - May 6, 2008 8:16 AM
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