NOVEMBER 2021 Vice President of Communications
Director of Publications
Junior Editors
Cover Design
Breanne Bacani
Mariko Gardiner Balreet Grewal Manav Joshi Phoenix Martinez
Contributors
Tahmid Al Hafiz Bennet Den Hoed Raynard Dizon Daniel Florendo Sebastian Holmes Joel Kayanja Kaelyn Nicolson Justyn Benedict Oliver
2
Safiya Ahmad Joel Kayanja
Copyright
Polina Reisbig Camryn William Engineering Restructuring Advocacy Group (ERAG) FYEC 21/22 Executives
All materials appearing in The Bridge bear copyright to their creator(s) under the Engineering Students’ Society (ESS) and may not be used without written consent.
Website
essualberta.ca
Contact
esscomm@ualberta.ca
@essualberta
Engineering Students’ Society of the University of Alberta
Photo: Bacani Photo:Breanne Tahmid Al Hafiz
DEAR READER, “From the Vault” can mean so many things to different people. It can mean something that we have kept a secret from others or, it can be sharing something that means a lot to us. However, it can also be an ode to Taylor Swift as she re-releases her albums and releases new tracks that could have made it into the original album. Those of you who know me would know that I have not stopped talking about Taylor Swift since I was 12 years old. When she released “Red (Taylor’s Version)” the day after my birthday, I said “wow Blondie, you didn’t have to!” So, it was only fitting to dedicate this edition of the Bridge to the queen herself, Taylor Swift. If you’re completely lost, have no fear - I created a “definitions for the new swifties” article just for this occasion. In all seriousness, this edition of the Bridge is more than just an ode to Taylor Swift. We highlight and share the amazing things that are currently happening in the Engineering Community. From an annual fundraiser called the Head Shave to the Inclusivity Poster Project and restructuring the engineering program as we know it. These accomplishments done by students, for students, means so much to this community. There are so many ways to make a difference in this community and we hope that this edition inspires you to dip your feet in the wonderful world of engineering. Best, Breanne Bacani Vice President of Communications
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CONTENTS 6 ESS Initiatives
Engineering Restructuring Advocacy Group (ERAG) Annual Engineering Head Shave Volunteers of the Month
14 Features
The Inclusivity Project BIPOC in STEM Meet the FYEC 21/22 Execs
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25 Baby, it’s Cold Outside
Winter Wear Pedway Cheat Sheet Photography Wellness Walk
36 Required Reading 44 Diversions
Remnants and Curses Coca in Coca-Cola Edmonton Transit Guide
Breanne’s Book Nook A Taylor Swift Rundown Lucy Looselips
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ENGINEERING RESTRUCTURING ADVOCACY GROUP Help improve the student experience in Y2Q2, discipline transfers and discipline placements.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? TELL US ABOUT
FILL OUT THE SURVEY BEFORE NOVEMBER 30, 2021
YOUR EXPERIENCES WITH Y2Q2, DISCIPLINE TRANSFERS AND PLACEMENTS
PROVIDE YOUR SUGGESTIONS ON HOW ACADEMIC STRUCTURING COULD BE BETTER
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WHAT IS ERAG? The Engineering Restructuring Advocacy Group (ERAG) is composed of undergraduate students focused on holding Engineering at the University of Alberta accountable for any current and new policies or academic structures.
This group will
govern its advocacy efforts by
aligning with the needs and experiences of students.
The goal of the working group is to catalyze change
to better
serve the current and incoming students through restructuring how the Faculty of Engineering is run regarding discipline selection, discipline transfers,
Y2Q2,
and non-academic assessments.
The work
from this term is to continue beyond the 2021-2022 Academic year.
WHY IS ERAG IMPORTANT? As highlighted by the 2020-2021
Academic year,
issues that persist
as a result of the structure of Engineering at the University of Alberta include isolation of Y2Q2 and transfer students,
a confusing
discipline placement process that does not serve the best interest of the student body,
and barriers that exist to prevent students from
succeeding in the engineering careers of their choice.
These issues cause students to feel powerless in decisions regarding their education and prospective career. This alongside the lack of Faculty academic support for resequencing or not following the traditional on student mental
academic structure,
has destructive effects
health and the retention of students in
engineering.
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FOCUS GROUP: DISCIPLINE MATTERS The purpose is to bring change to the way the university handles discipline placement and the discipline transferring process. group will real
focus on obtaining the perspectives of students to drive
solutions.
includes;
The
Key discussion topics that the group will
focus on
restructuring transfers/discipline selection process,
treatment of discipline selection depending on academic year, transferring disciplines,
and ways discipline selection is handled at
other institutions.
FOCUS GROUP: Y2Q2 Bring change to the way the university runs Y2Q2, stigma,
and connect the students.
This focus group would consist of
students who want to see this change. change within the faculty.
The group would push for
Ideally this focus group would review
new policies and structures the faculty creates. benefit from the students'
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change the
opinion.
The faculty would
FOCUS GROUP: NON ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT Goals include, disciplines.
bringing about other ways to place people in
For example,
introducing a PAF adjustment essay where
students can share their volunteering and other experiences that would make them a good engineer.
As well,
ways of assessment in engineering courses. work and out of the box assignments,
advocate for other Introduce more group
and shift the percentages on
exams.
FOCUS GROUP: COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH This committee works on changing the language used in the Engineering Faculty regarding all
of the above issues.
and push the survey and this group to students. Faculty members for support for this group.
Advertise
Reach out to
Work with ENGG 100 to
change the stigma around Y2Q2 and discipline transfers.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED? Email: Fill
esssl@ualberta.ca
out the Survey:
https://forms.gle/b1fWpcL4jB9JvbCY7
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WHAT IS THE HEADSHAVE? The Head Shave is an annual event proudly put on by the Engineering Students' Society (ESS) at the University of Alberta to help raise funds for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
WHEN AND WHERE IS THE HEADSHAVE? Due to COVID-19 Restrictions, this year will look. a little different than usual. Shaving and hair cuts will need to be done by the participant in their homes or by a professional. On December 7th, there will be a small gathering as a celebration of progress in the ETLC Solarium
HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE AND GO #BALD There are multiple ways to participate! You can cut and donate your hair or shave it all off and go #BALD. Not quite ready to go bald? You can also make a monetary donation. New this year, only at least 1 inch of hair is needed to contribute to creating hair mats that clean up oil spills. 10
WHY DOES THE HEAD SHAVE MATTER? The head shave is an opportunity for the engineering community to help Albertans in their struggle against cancer by raising money through donations. This year, hair donated will also contribute to creating mats to clean oil spills.
WHERE WILL THE PROCEEDS GO? All the proceeds from the Head Shave will be donated to the Alberta Cancer Foundation to invest in a better future for patients and their families at the Cross Cancer Institute.
A RECORD BREAKING YEAR The 2020 Virtual Head Shave consisted of 9 teams and over 40 participants. With the help of the engineering community and over 905 donors we were able to raise
$48, 738.00 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Our goal of raising $20,000 was surpassed due to the generosity of our Engineering at Alberta Community. Through your help with fundraising and head shaving, we hope to continue to provide funds to the Alberta Cancer Foundation 11
VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2021
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT VOLUNTEERING WITH THE ESS? My favourite part of volunteering with the ESS is getting to work with my team and my VP!
FUN FACT: I was born in the Philippines
JOEL KAYANJA 2ND YEAR MATERIALS DIRECTOR OF BRANDING
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT VOLUNTEERING WITH THE ESS? The ESS is such a tight-knit and well-connected group that it never made me feel out of place. Plus, not to mention that the people involved here have A+ sense of humour! FUN FACT: I rescue snakes, very real ones.
TAHMID AL HAFIZ 3RD YEAR ENVIRONMENTAL
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT VOLUNTEERING WITH THE ESS? My favourite part about volunteering with the ESS is meeting many new people and becoming more integrated with the engineering community. FUN FACT: My favourite intramural sport is inner tube water polo (would recommend)!
BENNET DEN HOED 5TH YEAR MECHANICAL CO-OP HEALTH AND WELLNESS COORDINATOR
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT VOLUNTEERING WITH THE ESS? Obviously the people (truly the most hardworking and creative folks!!), but also GEER store refreshments. FUN FACT: I ate cereal almost everyday for lunch in the 4th grade. I swear I'm not that picky anymore.
SAFIYA AHMAD 3RD YEAR MECHANICAL DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS
The following volunteers have shown exceptional work and have gone above and beyond their expectations. The ESS is grateful to have leaders like you. Thank you for all of your hard work. 13
ESS PUBLICATIONS FEATURES:
THE INCLUSIVITY PROJECT Meet Camryn and Kaelyn — two students working to make our community a safer, more inclusive place. Read on to find out more about these exceptional individuals and their initiative, The Inclusivity Project!
Note: This article has been reformatted for clarity.
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THE INCLUSIVITY PROJECT
Camryn William (she/her) is a fourthyear Materials Engineering student. She is the Co-President of MESS and the UofA Student Chair of the Association of Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). MESS holds many events for students to promote community within the program. The AMPP committee is a way for students to learn about industries, job opportunities, and help students network with people in the field. She is also a part of DivE and was the outreach coordinator; in this role, she organized presentations to high school students where they could learn about engineering. She enjoys cooking and hiking in her free time.
Kaelyn Nicolson (they/them) is a fifth-year Materials Engineering student. They are the Co-President of the Materials Engineering Club (MESS) and a member of Diversity in Engineering (DIVe). Both clubs have been fundamental to their university experience and they are so grateful to get to meet all of the wonderful people! Apart from school, they are an avid reader and have too many hobbies to count. They love cooking, crochet, rowing, and learning the viola.
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THE INCLUSIVITY PROJECT
Best class you’ve taken thus far Camryn: My “best class” is my process design class (MAT E 464) because I had to apply everything I learned in my degree thus far and finally started to feel like an engineer. Kaelyn: It’s hard to pick just one! My favourite materials engineering class was MatE 335 Phase Transformations I. I find it fascinating how changing the composition and temperature of a material can completely change how it behaves. BME 320 was easily my favorite general engineering course because I want to pursue biomaterials engineering after I graduate in the spring. HIST 115 had the most impact on me. My prof Lech is probably the coolest person ever and he completely changed my perspective on the role and impact science and technology have on the world. (This is my not-so-subtle push to convince you to take HIST 115 with Dr. Lech Lebiedowski for your ITS elective).
One piece of advice you would like to pass on Camryn: Pain/hardships do not last forever. This could apply to physical, mental, emotional but whenever I am going through something that sucks, I always let myself know that I'll get through, and whatever I am feeling won't last forever because I am better than the pain I am feeling (reword so it sounds like someone is telling you this or whatever). Not sure who told me this, It might have been a cross country coach in high school when I needed to run up a hill again but I found a way to apply it to many aspects of my life. Kaelyn: Take time to do things you enjoy. In first year, I wouldn’t let myself read because I always had assignments and I felt guilty for reading instead of working. It was not healthy and my family was genuinely concerned for my wellbeing. I started reading again to take a break from all of the stress of school and not only did my grades improve significantly, I also felt much better and I was able to handle the issues I faced instead of suffering in silence. I know it’s hard to take a break, but it will benefit you in the end.
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THE INCLUSIVITY PROJECT
For those who aren't familiar with The Inclusivity Project, how would you describe it and what should they know? Camryn: A project to promote inclusivity in engineering through the collaboration of students, which is the poster campaign where we give advice and tips on how to foster a more inclusive environment.
How did you come up with the idea to start The Inclusivity Project? Camryn: In the 2021 MESS AGM in January, there was a very constructive discussion about people's feelings in engineering and that they wish the university would do more to combat harassment and discrimination within the program.
What are your hopes for the future of the Project? Camryn: To get every engineering discipline involved and figure out a way to make this last after we graduate (specifically the poster campaign). Kaelyn: I want to see this project become something that everyone feels ownership of. The only way we will see real cultural change in engineering is if everyone is working together to change it. This starts with all of the disciplines getting involved and continuous faculty support. Camryn and I won’t be here forever and the Project must survive past our time here.
How important is inclusivity to the culture of engineering at the University of Alberta? Camryn: I think it's critical to culture. Engineering is a very challenging program for everyone and it becomes even more difficult when you experience exclusion, discrimination, harassment, or any sort of unprofessional behavior. We are all young professionals and we need to act like it. 17
THE INCLUSIVITY PROJECT
What can individuals do to ensure they are encouraging and fostering a respectful and safe environment? Camryn: There are lots of things you can do and our Instagram is a good way to start if you want specifics but I think the best thing to start with is selfawareness (how you act and what your biases are) because once you figure yourself out, you can work on combating anything that does not promote inclusivity. The other thing is openness and willingness to learn. It is very difficult to figure out what to do and what not to do and you will make mistakes but as long as you learn from them and you show that you care, that's all we can ask for.
Thank you to Camryn and Kaelyn for sharing with us!
Check out the Inclusivity Project on Instagram! @the.inclusivity.project
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P
N I ST C O E M
BI
Diversity In Engineering Presents
On November 7, 2021, the Diversity of Engineering club held its first-ever BIPOC in STEM event. With a total of 4 wonderful panelists, the event was hosted by Lycee Asuncion and Nimrit Kaler. A variety of questions were asked to the panelists regarding the experiences and lessons learned they encountered as a BIPOC in the STEM profession. They shared anecdotes that gave the audience a glimpse into some realities of working in the field. They also shared how they dealt with all different issues, how it affected them, and what they gained from experience.
Look out for DivE's upcoming IG posts this December with quotes from the amazing panelists ! @diversity_in_eng 19
INTRODUCING THE 21/22
FYEC EXECUTIVES
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President
Elly Bordian (she/they) Why did you decide to run? I really wanted to get involved and help out in the school community, and this seemed like the perfect outlet!
What are you most excited about this year? I'm really looking forward to GEER week, I think that will end up being a lot of fun, which is something we all really need right now.
Best part about being in engineering so far? Telling people I'm in engineering. Or the friends I've made and all the cool stuff I've learned. But mostly telling people I'm in engineering.
One thing you've learned and would like to share with your peers? Before this year started, I had a lot of people tell me that making friends that you can work with is the only way to survive first year, and they were 100% right. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there! I've been super lucky, and have made friends who I really like, and without them this semester would have been so much harder.
VP Academic Cynthia Cui (she/her) Why did you decide to run? I decided to run for the FYEC because I saw it as a great opportunity to get involved with the engineering community and a chance to make the first year experience a positive one for my peers.
What are you most excited about this year? I'm excited to be able to work with everyone on FYEC, meet new people, and, of course, GEER Week.
One thing you've learned and would like to share with your peers? Creating routines and schedules have been incredibly helpful for me to stay on top of everything.
Best part about being in engineering so far?
The people I've had the opportunity to meet has been the best part of engineering. The community is incredibly supportive and welcoming; it's great to be apart of this group that encourages and supports each other. 21
VP Communications Micah Lim (she/her)
Why did you decide to run? I decided to join the FYEC because of the opportunity to meet new people and improve my leadership abilities! I think that first year is a good time to start forming meaningful relationships with other students in our program (and even students from other faculties). I think that university should not just be about academics, but also about making meaningful connections with others and learning more about ourselves.
What are you most excited about this year? I am looking forward to GEER week, because everyone says it’s a blast and definitely one of the highlights in first year! I’m also excited to see how we’ve all grown as individuals by the end of this year.
Best part about being in engineering so far? The best part about engineering, so far, is the community! I love ranting about schoolwork with people I literally just met a couple minutes prior. It’s great to know I’m not alone in this journey and there are people who can relate to what I feel. It’s also great to have the same classes with everyone, and that upper year students also took the same classes. It’s a good way to connect all of us, since we can all discuss and ask questions about the same subjects.
One thing you've learned and would like to share with your peers? One thing I would like to share to everyone is to become more open to trying new things! Join clubs, or even just attend club info nights. Experiment and see what you like and what you don’t like. University is very different from high school. It offers so much more and sometimes I even get overwhelmed with all the opportunities handed in front of us, which is a good thing. Just go out there and have fun!
VP Finance Rafic El Hariri Why did you decide to run? I thought it was a great chance to meet people while having a role I enjoy doing.
What are you most excited about this year? Gear week
Best part about being in engineering so far? Working with others and cooperating to solve problems together
One thing you've learned and would like to share with your peers? 22
Time management is everything & cutting corners will get you a rusty car
PR Representative Navya Aggarwal (she/her)
Why did you decide to run? To be a part of the group engineering body and learn and grow
What are you most excited about this year? Christmas!!! Since it’s my first one to celebrate in Canada.
Best part about being in engineering so far? Cribbing about it and still managing to do all the stuff and enjoying the journey
One thing you've learned and would like to share with your peers? Never miss classes, just keep the pace.
VP Social
Anshita Jayeshbhai Zalavadia (she/her)
Why did you decide to run? To be a part of it and organise events for all first years and make it memorable for everyone.
What are you most excited about this year? GEER week
Best part about being in engineering so far? Learning and experiencing new things, learning new concepts and know more about engineering.
One thing you've learned and would like to share with your peers? Be up-to date and organised and try not to miss classes.
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VP Volunteers Vansa Chang
(she/her)
Why did you decide to run? To have an opportunity to involve myself in a team building and organizational environment and to build interest in first years for activities and events outside of classes.
What are you most excited about this year? Passing.
Best part about being in engineering so far? Everyone in first year is in a similar situation as you. Relatively similar schedules, similar workload, etc.
One thing you've learned and would like to share with your peers? Flunking midterms isn't the end of the world :']
STAY UP TO DATE ON INSTAGRAM! 24
Winter Wear Preparing for your first Albertan winter can be a little intimidating. To help you along, here is a guide to help you keep safe and warm!
Layer, layer, and layer. I’m talking pants, hoodies, shirts, and socks. Wind-resistant clothing is super helpful. Start with some thermal leggings + a full sleeve shirt. These can be found at many stores like Walmart. Something that won’t absorb sweat is the best underlayer. Then add on thinner layers to adjust to how cold it is outside. This could be a t-shirt and a hoodie or just your actual outfit. I like having a sweatshirt or hoodie I can remove depending on how the temperature fluctuates in the day! Lastly, your actual winter jacket! You want something with good insulation, some pockets, and suitable for your needs. Jackets are an investment so be sure to check that it is going to fit in with your priorities. Wear some thick warm socks if you are out for a long time or walking in the snow. A toque, beanie, or scarf of some sort is nice to have for your ears. Cold ears are very painful so you want to be ready. A hood on your jacket can also help here. Keep a pair of gloves and mittens with you as well. A set of thin gloves will be sufficient for a while but it is dependent on how long you are outside for.
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PEDWAYS A With one
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temperatures
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27
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28
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29
PHOTO BY: TAHMID AL HAFIZ
PHOTOGRAPHY WELLNESS WALK
30
PHOTO BY: BREANNE BACANI
PHOTOS BY: TAHMID AL HAFIZ
31
PHOTOS BY: DANIEL FLORENDO
32
PHOTOS BY: RAYNARD DIZON
33
PHOTO BY: BREANNE BACANI
34
PHOTO BY:SEBASTIAN HOLMES
PHOTO BY:JUSTYN BENEDICT OLIVER
35
Remnants and Curses Mariko Gardiner
Jorge was travelling, as he always was. He had fallen in with a small group, a caravan of sorts, a group of merchants with their families, and was telling stories to the children. One of the children had asked him for a love story, and so he happily obliged.
these creatures were fairies, small beings that lived in harmony with nature, for whom magic was second nature. Living alongside them were the first people, who were like us in almost every way, but they never experienced fear or anger.”
Hundreds of miles to the north there was another traveller. Sergei the door peddler was walking through the mountains. Around his neck was a small, brass key, insignificant in all appearances, but heavy on Sergei’s soul. For weeks, ever since he had received the key from a small man telling fantastic stories, his dreams had been plagued by a door. A simple door, made of flat wood with a brass doorknob, not unlike some of the doors in his own wagon. Yet, he could not shake the image from his head, and so he found himself travelling north, deeper into the mountains.
In the early days of his journey north, Sergei had come across a village every day. At each village, he would stop and try to sell his doors. He’d stopped trying after a while, the people of the north had little need for his doors, and even when they did, they didn’t have the money to buy one. So eventually he had stopped trying. He had still stopped at every village though, to ask about the door. At each village, his question was met with laughter. “A magic door? What’s next, flying pigs?” He still asked, for he couldn’t bring himself not to. As he went farther north, into the foothills, villages had become few and far between. It was in one of these that he finally got an answer of sorts.
Jorge pulled out his Mexican guitarrón as he started to speak. “Our story takes place a long time ago, during the age of the fey. Back then, the world was far larger than it is now, the trees were taller than our mountains, and the mountains were taller still. Inhabiting this world were strange creatures unlike anything you’ve ever seen, full of magic and wonder. Among
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“Among these first people was a man called Adam. Adam dreamed of learning magic, of talking to nature and becoming one with the world. One day, in pursuit of this dream, Adam left the small village that was all he knew and ventured into the woods. As he wandered, he listened to the trees,
trying to understand them, but all he heard was silence. He kept going, wandering farther and farther into the deep woods, having no fear, knowing of nothing to fear, and the silence only grew. Suddenly, a small figure appeared at his side. She was about half his height but made up for it by floating in the air, wings fluttering so fast they were almost invisible. For a time, Adam continued walking, the fairy following close behind. Eventually, he stopped for a rest, and when he sat down to eat, the fairy sat next to him.”
Sergei had ridden his wagon into the village, his poor donkey half dead from exhaustion. He hadn’t bothered to try selling anything, instead heading to the nearest bar. He had asked around about the magic door but received the same mocking replies as before. He barely had enough coin left to pay for some hard bread and mysterious meat, so he had decided to sell the donkey, wagon, and everything it for whatever he could, fully knowing it would be a huge loss. As he was finishing the transaction, an old man, almost decaying as he stood, approached him. “I heard you’re looking for a door.” “’Hello there,” Adam said to the fairy jovially, ‘I’m Adam.’ “’I’m Ellie.’ “Adam and Ellie continued to talk as Adam pulled out some bread. He offered it to her, and they ate together. Ellie told Adam that she had never seen a person before, and Adam told Ellie
that he’d never seen a fairy before. He told her of his dream of learning magic. They were both young and fearless, and so Ellie agreed to teach Adam magic, even though no human had ever done it before. They were both curious and bright, and so Adam learned quickly. Before too long, he could convince nature to listen to him, growing flowers with a wave of his hand, and healing his scrapes when he fell. He rejoiced in nature, and he came to love Ellie for teaching him. Ellie loved him too, loved his excitement at all the things that she had taken for granted. She marvelled at his progress, and they spent many happy years together.”
The old man had told Sergei he had seen strange things deep in the mountains to the north. He had told Sergei not to look, told him that if he was looking for magic he would find nothing but pain. “All that’s left, the old man had said, “are remnants and curses, she destroyed everything else.” Sergei pushed anyway, and the old man gave him a direction. He followed it, on foot and eventually found a door in a mountain. For the first time since he had seen the key, he had felt hope. “Humans were not made for magic. Adam realized it almost as soon as they started. He noticed it when he first touched the deep power of the woods, of the great trees and all the wondrous creatures within it, and he felt himself to be less significant than the smallest ant. He did not fit into the complex web, and even as he tried to
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make himself a part of it, he felt that nature would consume him first. And so, while he was learning magic, he also learned fear.”
the trees. But when she showed him the simple technique, showed him how to open himself to everything, he froze and collapsed to the ground.”
Outside the door had been a bull’s skeleton with a human skull. He had opened the door and walked in, only to find a short corridor, and at the end a human skeleton with a bull’s skull. Without knowing why, he had moved bones inside, and arranged them to make a complete bull skeleton and a complete human skeleton. As he left, a shiver had run down his spine, and ancient instinct telling him to run, so he did, deeper into the mountains, but not before looking back and seeing the door disappear, leaving behind solid stone.
Running as he was, Sergei had quickly lost his way. With mountains surrounding him, higher than he’d ever seen before, he had lost track of all direction. Then the snow had started, and he couldn’t even see the mountains for the whiteness that had become his existence.
“He tried to avoid it, that allconsuming everythingness, by only doing small magic. Ellie saw this and thought he was struggling because he couldn’t do it, and so she pushed Adam to go farther, and because he loved the way she smiled at him every time he succeeded, he began to push himself too. And as he pushed himself farther into the magic, he found that at times he couldn’t breathe, he couldn’t see, he could hardly feel his own existence. Then one day, as Ellie was trying to show him how to weave the leaves of the trees to shelter from the rain, he lost himself completely. Ellie never even realized what was going on. When Adam never seemed to progress past small magic, she thought that it was her fault for not teaching him enough, and she had decided to teach him to control
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“Ellie tried to wake Adam, at first thinking that he was simply sleeping, exhausted from all his attempts, but he didn’t wake. She made him a shelter and kept him warm, preparing food for him when he woke up, but he never did. Eventually, as days passed by, she realized he wouldn’t wake on his own. She opened herself up to the magic of the forest to wake him and discovered that his soul had been consumed by it. She tried to get him back, but nothing worked, the magic would not give him back. And so Ellie turned her back on the magic of the forest.”
He had almost given up, but it seemed his mind was not his own. Onward and onward. One foot then the next. Nothing else mattered, nothing else existed, just him, the mountains, the snow, and the door. That ever elusive door. “She flew through the forest until she couldn’t fly any farther. The great forest that was everything she knew had betrayed her and she couldn’t
understand it. And as she tried, she became angry. The forest had taken everything from her, and she wanted to destroy it, but she couldn’t, not without losing Adam forever. But still, she wanted to hurt it, she wanted to burn it to the ground. As her anger raged inside her, an emotion that fairies weren’t meant to feel, she found a new kind of magic, one that used fear and anger rather than nature. This magic flew out of her in the form of fire and burned the forest to the ground, burning everything she could see. And as the forest was burning, she ripped Adams soul from it, and he woke up to a world on fire.
Sergei woke up to a world on fire. He had been lost in dreams of the door, walking mindlessly, when he realized the mountain were behind him. In front of him was a burning forest. However, as he was walking among the flames, they didn’t burn him. They weren’t quite there, just memories, and if he squinted in just the right way he saw a plain of black ash. “When they reunited, Adam and Ellie could hardly recognize each other. Adam was scarred, burns covering his entire body. Ellie had no injuries, but she was broken on the inside, scars running through her heart, cutting her off from the forest forever. And yet, these two broken people found each other and held on tight.
doubt that it was what he had been searching for. “They lived the rest of their lives together, and Ellie taught Adam a new type of magic, and he found he could learn it easily. They travelled to other human villages, and everywhere they went, they spread the knowledge of this new magic, along with the fear and anger it required. And they lived happily ever after.”
Sergei approached the door and put the key in the lock. It fit perfectly, turning smoothly, and the door opened. On the other side, he saw nothing. No room of keys, no black plains, no burning trees. It was as though the other side of the door had failed to exist, but the door itself hadn’t realized yet. Jorge finished his story and looked around. About a dozen children were looking at him, not breaking the heavy silence that always follows a tale well told. Then one of them asked, “Can I learn magic too?”
He stepped through the door, and he was no more. Jorge smiled at the child, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “No,” he said, “there’s no magic anymore. All that’s left are remnants and curses.”
In the center of the plain was the door, plain and simple, completely out of place, and Sergei knew without a
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Coca in Coca-Cola Mariko Gardiner Coca Cola is one of the most popular drinks worldwide. In Canada, it’s the second most purchased beverage, after bottled water. A large part of it’s popularity lies in the fact that no other pop producers have been able to replicate the top secret recipe, even though many have tried. However, it turns out the reason for this may not be the secrecy, but rather the use of a very difficult to obtain ingredient: coca leaves. Coca Cola was founded in 1886 when John Pemberton made a drink combining a few different substances, alcohol, caffeine, and cocaine, which was called Pemberton’s French Wine Coca nerve tonic. After the introduction of Prohibition laws, the alcohol was removed from the beverage, and it was advertised as a legal alternative to alcohol. This mixture was originally created to help morphine addicts get off the drug and was claimed to cure disease and assist with health. However, many Americans who drank this early version of coke quickly became addicted since the mixture of cocaine and caffeine (both of which are addictive on their own) created a new compound, cocaethylene, which is even more addictive than either of its components. As a result, the recipe was quickly changed to lessen the amount of cocaine. By 1915, ‘trace amounts’ of cocaine were said to be in Coca Cola, although no one seems quite sure of how much ‘trace amounts’ means. It was enough to still have a distinct coca flavour, but not enough for the government to crack down. The amount of cocaine continued to decline until it was banned for non-
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medical use in 1920. After this, Coca Cola no longer contained cocaine in its processed form, but rather used extracts from the coca leaves. Coca leaves come from coca bushes, which are native to South America. These leaves can be used to produce cocaine, although doing so is highly illegal and requires a lot of processing. They are also commonly used in their natural form as teas or for chewing, especially in Bolivia and Peru, where the plant grows natively. The leaves do contain trace amounts of the compounds found in cocaine, but in concentrations of less than 1%. Many producers who use the leaves as an ingredient claim it has no harmful effects, although many of these claims have yet to be confirmed scientifically. In the United States, the importation of coca leaves and it’s banned to almost all commercial entities. The one exception to this ban is the Stepan Company, which imports and processes coca leaves for Coca Cola. In fact, this one processing plant imports about 130 to 150 thousand kilograms a year. The resulted of the processing is considered ‘natural flavours’, although the actual details are kept far from the publics knowledge. And since no other producers are allowed to use any coca products, it is impossible to emulate the distinctive coca flavour in Coca Cola. In Canada, the recipe for Coca Cola is slightly different. In fact, every country has a slightly different recipe. In Mexico, Coca Cola uses cane sugar instead of the high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) used in the USA. In Canada, where HFCS is more regulated, sugar is used in higher quantities. However, there are no sources on the use of coca leaves in Canada. It is possible that Coca Cola does not use their signature ingredient in Canada, but not likely.
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Edmonton Transit Guide Edmonton's transit system can be confusing at times, especially with the addition of the ARC card As the days get colder you may want to substitute walking with a quick train ride
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ARC Card Edmonton is pilot testing the ARC card, an electronic fare payment system. Currently it is only available to University students.
How to Use it: When you step onto transit tap the card reader by the driver. When stepping off, tap the card reader by the doors
Where to Pick up your ARC Card: ARC cards can be picked up from Student Life Central (lower level of SUB), the International Services Centre (Telus Centre), and the Onecard Office (HUB) during normal business hours
What About the LRT? The City of Edmonton has installed few card readers for the LRT, so if you don't see one make sure to carry the card with you as well as your student ID when travelling
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https://www.edmonton.ca/projects_plans/transit/smart-fare
MOST RECENT READ THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO TAYLOR JENKINS REID
BREANNE'S OCTOBER READ CONTENT WARNING: SEXUAL ASSAULT, DOMESTIC ABUSE, HOMOPHOBIA, ALCOHOLISM, SUICIDE.
A PUBLICIST HAS BEEN CHOSEN BY THE HOLLYWOOD STAR, EVELYN HUGO, TO REPORT ON A FUNDRAISER THAT SHE IS HOSTING. WHEN MONIQUE COMES TO EVELYN HUGO'S HOME SHE IS TOLD THAT SHE IS ACTUALLY GOING TO BE WRITING AND SELLING HER BIOGRAPHY. EVELYN HUGO TAKES MONIQUE THROUGH THE UPS AND DOWNS OF HER LIFE AS A HOLLYWOOD STAR AND REVEALS INFORMATION ABOUT HER SECRETS, LOVE LIFE, FRIENDSHIPS AND MORE.
THOUGHTS & OPINIONS WARNING: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS
THIS BOOK DID NOT WASTE ANY TIME AS IT GOT INTO THE MAIN PLOT OF THE STORY RIGHT AWAY. EVEN BEING FAST PACED, THROUGHOUT THE STORY THERE WERE ALWAYS MOMENTS WHERE I HAD TO PAUSE AND ASK MYSELF "WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT?" - THE BOOK WAS UNPREDICTABLE, INTERESTING AND PROVIDED SUCH A NEAT PERSPECTIVE ON OLD HOLLYWOOD AND BEING GAY IN A TIME WHERE IT WAS SEEN AS "CONTROVERSIAL". EVEN WHEN EVELYN HUGO HAD REVEALED WHO THE TRUE LOVE OF HER LIFE IS, THERE WAS STILL MORE OF THE STORY THAT KEPT ME CURIOUS. MY MAIN MOTIVATION FOR READING WAS TO FIGURE OUT WHY EVELYN HUGO HAD PICKED MONIQUE TO DO THE STORY - THE ANSWER WAS HEART BREAKING. BUT THE BEST PART OF THIS STORY IS HOW HONEST AND RAW THE WHOLE STORY FELT. THERE WERE MOMENTS WHERE I HATED EVELYN AND TIMES WHERE I FELT SORRY FOR HER, I THINK THE AUTHOR DID A FANTASTIC JOB AT TWISTING THE OPINIONS OF THE READERS ON EVELYN HUGO.
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HOW TO START A BOOK CLUB 1. Choose a book of the Month 2. Read! 3. Talk about your thoughts and opinion of the book and deep dive on all the details! 4. Choose a new book every month. 5. Repeat!
YOUR NEXT READ
NORMAL PEOPLE SALLY ROONEY
CONTENT WARNING: EMOTIONAL ABUSE, PHYSICALLY ABUSIVE FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS, SUICIDE, DEPRESSION CONNELL AND MARIANNE'S STORY BEGINS IN HIGH SCHOOL. GROWING UP IN THE SAME TOWN IS THE ONLY THING THEY HAVE IN COMMON BUT EVENTUALLY THEY FORM A BOND THAT TAKES THEM TO COLLEGE TOGETHER. THROUGH OUT THE YEARS IN COLLEGE THEY CIRCLE AROUND EACH OTHER, ABANDON EACH OTHER, FIND NEW PEOPLE AND COME BACK. HOWEVER AS SIMPLE AS THAT MAY SOUND, BOTH HAVE THEIR OWN DEMONS AND THEY MUST DECIDE HOW FAR THEY ARE WILLING TO SAVE EACH OTHER.
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"WHO'S TAYLOR SWIFT ANYWAY...?" (and why are you writing an article about her?) Even if you aren't a fan of Taylor Swift, you may have noticed re-recorded versions of her old albums surfacing the internet. The most recent re-release is "Red (Taylor's Version)", which features 30 tracks, 9 of them being from "the Vault". "Fearless (Taylor's Version)" being released only a few months prior. It doesn't take a Swiftie to raise an eyebrow and wonder why, at 30 years old, Taylor Swift is re-recording albums that she released when she was as young as 16.
A BRIEF HISTORY: At 14 years old Taylor Swift signed to her first record label, Sony/ATV. When performing songs that she had written she was noticed by Scott Borchetta who then signed Taylor Swift to Big Machine Label. After her first single "Tim McGraw" spen t 8 months on the Billboard country singles chart, it was clear that Taylor Swift was going to be a success. Releasing her debut album, Taylor Swift, in 2006 her rise to fame continued. While opening for big country artists on tour, her debut album became certified platinum and she received an award for best new artist from the Country Music Association (CMA). 15 years, 11 albums (a full discography is featured in this article for reference), multiple awards, several world records, and a handful of tours later, Taylor Swift continues to produce music that breaks records (and no, I'm not being biased...she literally breaks records). 46
Fast forward to 2019 when her record label, Big Machine Records, was purchased by Scooter Braun. But why is this relevant? Taylor Swift being as young as 16 when she began her career, signed off the rights to all of her songs unknowingly. All of the songs on every album before Lover did not belong to her and now belonged to Scooter Braun. When Swift left Big Machine Records and signed with Universal Musi c Group, her original songs were sold by Scooter Braun to Shamrock Holdings. This meaning, any money earned from album sales and streams did not go to Taylor Swift. Less interested in the money lost, Taylor wanted to reclaim her music and her name with her new label, Universal Music Group. The only way, and best way for her to do so, is by re-recording all of her old albums. In November 2020, Taylor Swif t was legally allowed to re-record all of her albums prior to Reputation. Then in April 2021 Fearless (Taylor's Version) was released. In Fearless (Taylor's Version), the re-recordings feature slight alterations to her previous tracks however, not noticeable to the new Taylor Swift fans. Also in Fearless were tracks that nobody has ever heard before - songs that were kept "in the vault." Red (Taylor's Ve rsion), released in November 2021, showed the amount of control that Taylor did not previously have on the production of her music. Girl at Home (Taylor's Version) went from a slow, acoustic tune to a pop ballad with a retro feel in her re-recordings. This track is the most different from the original and fans speculate that she re-recorded it the way she wanted the song to sound originally, making Red h er transition album from country to pop. Now you know the reason for re-recordings and why your favourite radio tracks may sound a little bit more mature than how you remembered it. And maybe now you know why so many people are in amazement of Taylor Swift. 47
DEFINITIONS:
(for the new Swifties)
"SWIFTIE" An individual belonging to Taylor Swift's Fanbase. "BLONDIE" A nickname Taylor Swift's fanbase gave her. "13" Taylor's lucky number with significance to her own life. "(TAYLOR'S VERSION)" Songs officially owned by Taylor Swift. If an album or track does not end with "(Taylor's Version)" , with the exception of "Lover," "Folklore," and "Evermore" it is not worth the listen. "FROM THE VAULT" Tracks ending with (From the Vault) are part of the collection of songs that nearly made the original album, but didn't. "ALL TOO WELL (10 MINUTE VERSION) (TAYLOR'S VERSION) (FROM THE VAULT)" A heart wrenching, 10 minute recording of a previously released track. In the 10 minute version of "All Too Well" Taylor reveals all of the details of her past relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal who, not only stole her scarf but also "kept her like a secret" and never said he loved her. Yes, we hate Jake Gyllenhaal. "22" A birthday that has no significance to anyone but Taylor Swift because Jake Gyllenhaal ruined her 21st birthday by never showing up. (More reason to hate Jake Gyllenhaal) 48
CAN YOU MATCH THE TRACK TO THE ALBUM? (for the Swifties) 1. BEGIN AGAIN
A. TAYLOR SWIFT
2. HAUNTED
B. FEARLESS
3. DEAR JOHN
C. SPEAK NOW
4. HEY STEPHEN
D. RED
5. TOLERATE IT
E. 1989
6. I KNOW PLACES
F. REPUTATION
7. NEW YEAR'S DAY
G. LOVER
8. CLEAN
H. FOLKLORE
9. THE LAKES
I. EVERMORE
10. KING OF MY HEART 11. MIRRORBALL 13. THE ARCHER
SOLUTIONS: 1D 8E 2C 9H 3C 10F 4B 11H 5I 12A 6E 13G 7F
12. COLD AS YOU
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13 TAYLOR SWIFT SONGS FOR WHEN... YOU'RE A NEW SWIFTIE AND DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START "THE LAST GREAT AMERICAN DYNASTY" - SPEAK NOW
YOUR 21ST BIRTHDAY SUCKED AND YOU'RE MAKING UP FOR IT AT 22 "22 (TAYLOR'S VERSION)" - RED YOU FEEL ADVENTUROUS "GETAWAY CAR" - REPUTATION YOU FINALLY GET OVER A MENTAL BLOCK "CLEAN" - 1989
YOU OVERCOME A SPELL OF WORRY "OUT OF THE WOODS" - 1989
YOU MISS HOME "THE BEST DAY (TAYLOR'S VERSION)" - FEARLESS
YOU HAVE A SECRET (RELATIONSHIP?) "I KNOW PLACES" - 1989
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YOUR INTUITION ABOUT SOMEONE WAS RIGHT "I KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE (TAYLOR'S VERSION)" RED
YOU NEED TO FEEL SOMETHING, BUT ONLY FOR 10 MINUTES "ALL TOO WELL (10 MINUTE VERSION)(TAYLOR'S VERSION) (FROM THE VAULT)" - RED
YOU MISS SCREAMING AND FIGHTING AND KISSING IN THE RAIN "THEY WAY I LOVED YOU (TAYLOR'S VERSION) - FEARLESS
YOU WANT TO GO TO YOUR EX'S HOUSE AND TELL THEM HOW MUCH THEY SUCK BECAUSE THEY LOST YOU "I BET YOU THINK ABOUT ME (TAYLOR'S VERSION)(FROM THE VAULT)" - RED
YOU GO THROUGH A BREAK UP BUT REALIZE THAT YOU NEVER REALLY LIKED THEM THAT MUCH "I FORGOT YOU EXISTED" - LOVER
YOU REALIZE THAT YOU WERE THE PROBLEM "BACK TO DECEMBER" - SPEAK NOW
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ALL TOO WELL NOTABLE LYRICS FROM THE 10 MINUTE VERSION
I walked through the door with you The air was cold But something about it felt like home somehow And I, left my scarf there at your sister's house And you've still got it in your drawer even now And I was thinkin' on the drive down, "Any time now He's gonna say it's love," you never called it what it was 'Til we were dead and gone and buried Check the pulse and come back swearin' it's the same After three months in the grave And there we are again when nobody had to know You kept me like a secret, but I kept you like an oath Sacred prayer and we'd swear To remember it all too well, yeah
IF YOU'VE BEEN A TOXIC RELATIONSHIP YOU'D KNOW WHY THIS IS SO PAINFUL..
A PARALLEL TO LOVER WHERE SWFT SINGS "ALLS WELL THAT ENDS WELL TO END UP WITH YOU." HINTING AT A NEW KIND OF LOVE NOW SHE HAS. They say all's well that ends well, but I'm in a new hell Every time you double-cross my mind You said if we had been closer in age, maybe it would've been fine And that made me want to die
JAKE GYLLENHAAL USING THEIR AGE DIFFERENCE AS AN EXCUSE FOR THEIR BREAK UP (HE WAS 29, SHE WAS 20) 54
The idea you had of me, who was she? A never-needy, ever-lovely jewel whose shine reflects on you Not weepin' in a party bathroom Some actress askin' me what happened, you That's what happened, you FANS SPECULATE THAT THE ACTRESS MENTIONED IS JENNIFER ANISTON, WHO COMFORTED TAYLOR DURING THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS IN 2011 IN BEGIN AGAIN TAYLOR SINGS " I THINK IT'S STRANGE THAT YOU THINK I'M FUNNY BECAUSE, HE NEVER DID."
And I was never good at tellin' jokes, but the punch line goes "I'll get older, but your lovers stay my age"
A HARD NUDGE AT JAKE GYLLENHAAL'S CURRENT RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS 25 YEAR OLD GIRLFRIEND . THEY HAVE AN AGE GAP OF 16 YEARS.
SWIFT NEEDING TO REMIND HERSELF THAT SHE EXPERIENCED THE RELATIONSHIP THE WAY SHE KNOWS SHE DID INSTEAD OF HOW HE WANTED HER TO BELIEVE IT HAPPENED.
Just between us, do you remember it all too well? Just between us, I remember it too well Wind in my hair, I was there, I was there Down the stairs, I was there, I was there Sacred prayer, I was there, I was there It was rare, you remember it all too well Wind in my hair, I was there, I was there Down the stairs, I was there, I was there Sacred prayer, I was there, I was there It was rare, you remember it (All too well) 55
THIS JOURNAL BELONGS TO
LUCY LOOSELIPS xoxo
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THE STUDENTS' UNION ON BLAST! For once the antagonist of my story isn’t the Engineering Students’ Society. This time we are turning our heads away from engineering and up to the all-powerful, dominating student group, The Students’ Union. What is there to say about them, other than that they are always dressed like they’ll sue you for wasting air, or they consistently fail to meet students’ expectations, which are already shorter than the executives. Maybe it’s their obvious control over the Dean of Students, or Student Group Services? While all the peasant student groups below the SU are struggling to make ends meet, the SU is lording above it all. What many students fail to understand is the amount of restrictions that are preventing student groups from hosting events. Groups like the ESS are faced with cancelling the event, or producing it either virtually or at a heavily reduced capacity. They are not allowed to provide food for any more than 25 people, they can’t host at any off campus venues, and max capacity is 50 people, or one third of the venue capacity (whichever is smaller).
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But guess the dangily ding dong what, the Students’ Union does not have to abide by these restrictions - and for this, I’m MAD. Oh but Lucy, why don’t they need to follow their own restrictions? Because they hold themselves as gods who have blessed us simple folk. This is why the SU can hold a large dodgeball tournament, with unmasked athletes and packed spectators (with 70 people per room), but student groups are struggling to host safer events with less people. Even hosting an event as simple as a movie night is a struggle for anyone but the SU. But do you know why it doesn’t matter? Because the SU was able to shove all of the competing events into the gutter while their event participation rose like the covid cases after Kenny’s Open for Summer campaign. Isn’t it strange that the SU, which has been tasked with supporting all of the students and student groups at the university, will hold all of their own events but not lift a finger to help others with theirs?
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They are willing to take advantage of an unfortunate situation to benefit themselves to the detriment of others. Is that really why they are being paid around $40,000 yearly salary? I’m not so sure. In conclusion, is it the fault of SU to take advantage of a situation, or is it the fault of the University of Alberta for refusing to take responsibility for their own students? Because in the end it's better to have students get sick on their own accord at Midway than at a regulated event, right? In the end it's the students that suffer, while those above them thrive.
xoxo
LUCY LOOSELIPS
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