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<h2>THE GOOD HOUR PRESENTS:1981 – The Novel, The Film, and The Parallels to 2025</h2>By Candace Goodman | Investigative Reporter for The Good Blog &nbsp; (Host of The Good Hour Podcast)<h3>&nbsp;📖 CHAPTER 1: 1981 – The Book That Foretold the Future&nbsp;</h3>Dystopian literature has always held a mirror to society, but some books don’t just reflect the world—they predict it. 1981, written by renowned author Richard K. Moore, was published in the early '80s during a time of global political unrest, economic uncertainty, and a rapidly evolving surveillance state.&nbsp;Set in a bleak, authoritarian world where personal freedoms are slowly being stripped away under the guise of security, 1981 drew inspiration from Orwell’s 1984 and Huxley’s Brave New World, but it carried a sharper, more visceral critique of how governments manipulate fear to control populations.&nbsp;🔥 KEY THEMES IN THE NOVEL: - Mass surveillance disguised as "public safety measures" - Digital identity tracking and the loss of personal privacy - Psychological conditioning through media propaganda - The illusion of choice in a controlled society - Resistance movements and their suppressionFast forward to 2025, and the themes of 1981 feel less like fiction and more like a roadmap.<h3>🎬 CHAPTER 2: 1981 – The Film Adaptation and Its Chilling Impact</h3>The 2022 film adaptation of 1981 took the novel’s already haunting premise and amplified it for a modern audience. Directed by visionary filmmaker Daniel Wexler, the film stayed true to the book’s core message but incorporated 21st-century technological fears: AI-powered surveillance, digital social credit systems, and the eerie silence of a world too afraid to speak out.🔍 What the Film Got Right About 2025: - Governments using AI to predict and control behavior - The rise of deepfake technology to manipulate truth - The slow criminalization of free speech under the banner of "hate speech prevention" - Social credit systems that determine access to public services - Corporate-government alliances that shape reality itself🎥 A Chilling Quote From the Film: &nbsp; “The most dangerous prison is the one you don’t realize you’re in.”The impact of the film was immediate—protests erupted globally as audiences drew direct parallels to real-world policies. Some nations even banned its release. But was this a coincidence, or a sign that 1981 struck a nerve?<h3>🕵🏽‍♂️ CHAPTER 3: The Parallels Between 1981 and 2025 – How Close Are We?</h3>It’s no longer speculation. The world of 1981 is unfolding before our eyes. Futurists, tech analysts, and historians have weighed in, and their assessments are alarming.🔴 EXPERT OPINIONS ON MODERN PARALLELS: Dr. Alan Forsythe, AI Ethics Expert: “We are entering an era where surveillance is omnipresent. Digital IDs, facial recognition, and predictive policing are no longer science fiction—they’re policy.” Samantha Liu, Cybersecurity Specialist: “The biggest risk to freedom in 2025 is data. Whoever controls the data controls the narrative. 1981 was a warning we failed to heed.” Thomas Grayson, Government Watchdog: “The merging of corporate and government interests has created a dystopia where laws are written for profit, not for people.”REAL-LIFE POLICIES MIRRORING THE NOVEL: Digital Passports – Originally marketed for travel, now being expanded to include social behavior tracking AI Censorship Algorithms – Monitoring and flagging "problematic" speech online Cashless Societies – The slow removal of physical currency in favor of trackable transactions Dissent Laws– Crackdowns on journalists, activists, and whistleblowers under vague lawsThe eerie accuracy of 1981 raises one crucial question: Was it a prediction, or a blueprint?<figure id="figure-iih3bx8s0vvm7cf2kpc"><img id="iih3bx8s0vvm7cf2kpc" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1991099600/photo/cyberspace-laws.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=0xUo5DwXIe5N6B5_RlBGt9WfLK2jwZ-8ykYOZn7HKpA=" alt="Cyberspace Laws" title="Cyberspace Laws" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1991099600/photo/cyberspace-laws.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=0xUo5DwXIe5N6B5_RlBGt9WfLK2jwZ-8ykYOZn7HKpA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>&nbsp;🧩 CHAPTER 4: Conspiracies, Cover-Ups, and the Mystery of 1981</h3>Every powerful story has its share of conspiracy theories, and 1981 is no exception.&nbsp;🔍 THEORIES SURROUNDING THE NOVEL AND FILM:Was Richard K. Moore connected to intelligence agencies? Some believe he had access to classified government documents that inspired the novel’s eerily accurate predictions. Why was the film delayed for five years? The 1981 adaptation was originally set for release in 2017 but faced unexplained setbacks, lawsuits, and sudden funding issues. Was someone trying to stop it? Did the book predict COVID-19 and global lockdowns? A chilling passage in 1981 describes a virus scare being used to implement emergency laws that never get repealed.🚨 SECRET DOCUMENTS &amp; LEAKS: Whistleblowers have alleged that certain policy papers from the 1980s resemble key events in 1981. Leaked CIA and NSA reports suggest that “media control models” were discussed decades ago. Declassified files mention plans for AI-controlled information warfare—eerily similar to what we see today.<figure id="figure-onphbxvvnm7cf365t"><img id="onphbxvvnm7cf365t" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1183879664/photo/classified-information.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=LmO0iRY2GPqax86VnkhshMueVKTlw39dAx066urQclM=" alt="Classified information" title="Classified information" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1183879664/photo/classified-information.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=LmO0iRY2GPqax86VnkhshMueVKTlw39dAx066urQclM=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>⚡ CHAPTER 5: What’s Next? Futurists Predict 2030 and Beyond</h3>If 1981 was right about the trajectory of 2025, what comes next? Experts have some unsettling predictions for the next decade:🔮 2030 Predictions Based on 1981 Themes: Algorithmic Governance – Laws written and enforced by AI, replacing human decision-makers Mandatory Digital ID Integration– No transactions, travel, or healthcare access without full biometric tracking Elimination of Physical Books – Digital-only access means information can be edited, removed, or rewritten in real-time End of Cash and Untraceable Purchases – Every financial transaction monitored, with spending controls based on social behavior Neural Surveillance – Brainwave monitoring and predictive policing based on thoughts, not actions🚨 FINAL WARNING FROM EXPERTS:🗣️ “The question isn’t whether a world like 1981 is possible—it’s whether we can stop it before it’s too late.”<h3>&nbsp;💭 FINAL THOUGHTS: Fiction or Reality?</h3>The world is changing at an unprecedented rate, and the warnings of *1981* should no longer be dismissed as paranoid fiction. It is a **cautionary tale turned current event—a reminder that the erosion of freedom doesn’t happen overnight, but through small, incremental changes that seem harmless at first.The most chilling part of all? People in 1981 thought their world would never come true.Will we make the same mistake?🔍 For more deep dives into literature, cinema, and their eerie real-world implications, listen to The Good Hour Podcast! <figure id="figure-0d7y2pc2mm7cf3pzm"><img id="0d7y2pc2mm7cf3pzm" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/20SfX6bZV0IldLQjh4g1Ba4cTOwFQlXZMlqYPdVAsZPr9QQBcGOijCWyICiF3ycI.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>

1981 - The Book You Never Heard Of

<h2>THE GOOD HOUR PRESENTS: Huey P. Newton – The Revolutionary, The Target, The Tragedy</h2>By Candace Goodman | Investigative Reporter for The Good Blog &nbsp; (Host of The Good Hour Podcast)<h3>🔥 INTRODUCTION: WHO WAS HUEY P. NEWTON? THE MAN BEHIND THE MYTH</h3>Few men in American history have embodied revolution as fully as Huey P. Newton. To his followers, he was an intellectual warrior—a philosopher with the spirit of a soldier, a man who could quote Marx and Mao in one breath and strategize a militant defense of his people in the next. He was not just a leader; he was a symbol of defiance, a walking, breathing manifesto against systemic oppression.&nbsp;For those who only know Newton as a radical with a shotgun, you’ve been misled—and that’s by design. The government worked tirelessly to erase and distort his legacy. But to those who studied him, those who understood his ideology, Huey P. Newton was a revolutionary architect who saw past the surface-level fight for civil rights and aimed for something much greater: Black liberation by any means necessary.When I began this deep dive into Huey’s life, I knew I had to do more than just recount his actions. I had to understand his mind. I read his writings, watched his speeches, dissected the Ten-Point Program, and analyzed every move the FBI made against him. This is not just a story—this is a reckoning with the truth.His teachings, his struggles, his failures, and his ultimate demise tell a story that is far bigger than one man. This is a story about how America reacts to Black power when it refuses to ask for permission.So let’s talk about Huey P. Newton—the mind, the movement, the martyr.<figure id="figure-tqz53482cbm7cd2m7n"><img id="tqz53482cbm7cd2m7n" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/73APz6RryXI1v97JYL0vnnuwVqBWPw2uITU851R59nL8UGMfW1q1cOczWHgE7iPZ.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 0%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="0%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>✊🏾 CHAPTER 1: The Birth of a Revolutionary 🌍</h3>Before he became a symbol of Black power and resistance, Huey Percy Newton was a young man born into a world of inequality. Born in Monroe, Louisiana, in 1942, he moved to Oakland, California, where he was raised in a working-class family. Unlike many revolutionaries, Huey didn’t grow up with academic excellence; he struggled in school, later admitting that he graduated high school barely being able to read.Yet, something was brewing within him. He educated himself, studying philosophers like Karl Marx, Mao Zedong, and Frantz Fanon. He saw the world for what it was—a system designed to oppress Black people—and he decided to fight back.🔥 KEY FACT: He was named after Governor Huey Long of Louisiana, a populist leader who championed economic justice. Ironically, Newton would grow into a leader who would challenge the very foundations of American capitalism.<h3>🏴 CHAPTER 2: The Birth of the Black Panther Party ⚡</h3>In 1966, Huey Newton and Bobby Seale founded the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. The goal? To protect Black communities from police brutality and create a self-sustaining society that would uplift and educate Black citizens.&nbsp;🔥 CORE PRINCIPLES: - The right to bear arms and defend the Black community. - Free breakfast programs for children. - Education programs to combat misinformation. - A ten-point program demanding land, bread, housing, education, and justice.📢 "The revolution has always been in the hands of the young. The young always inherit the revolution." - Huey P. NewtonThe Black Panthers terrified the U.S. government. They weren’t just protesting—they were arming themselves, standing up to police, and demanding real systemic change. The FBI took notice.<h3>👁️ CHAPTER 3: Targeted by the FBI – COINTELPRO Exposed 🕵🏽‍♂️</h3>Few men in American history have been more targeted by the U.S. government than Huey P. Newton. J. Edgar Hoover, the head of the FBI, labeled the Black Panther Party as "the greatest threat to the internal security of the United States."🔴 SECRET FBI &amp; CIA FILES REVEAL: - Over 300 pages&nbsp;of FBI documents dedicated solely to Huey Newton. - At least 24 search warrants&nbsp;executed on Newton’s home, cars, and known safe houses. - Multiple assassination attempts planned or considered. - The FBI infiltrated the Panthers, spreading misinformation and provoking internal conflicts.🔥 KEY FACT: COINTELPRO, the FBI’s counterintelligence program, used fake letters, phone taps, and informants to dismantle the Black Panthers from within. They falsely accused Newton of betraying his own people, causing internal chaos.👀 “You can jail a revolutionary, but you can’t jail the revolution.” - Huey P. Newton<h3>⚖️ CHAPTER 4: The Legal War – Trials, Convictions, and Exile 🏛️</h3>In 1967, Newton was wrongfully accused of killing Oakland police officer John Frey. His trial became a national sensation.&nbsp;📜 COURT RECORDS SHOW: - Newton was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in 1968 and sentenced to 2-15 years in prison. - 1970:His conviction was overturned, citing multiple procedural errors. - Huey went into exile in Cuba to escape further persecution.Despite his legal battles, Newton remained a voice of power and resistance. But years of FBI harassment, betrayal, and stress had taken a toll. The movement he helped create was falling apart.<h3>☠️ CHAPTER 5: The Untimely Death &amp; Conspiracies 🔪</h3>On August 22, 1989, Huey Newton was gunned down in Oakland, California in what officials ruled a drug-related murder. His killer, Tyrone Robinson, was a known gang member.&nbsp;🚨 CONSPIRACY THEORIES: - Some believe Robinson was a government informant used to eliminate Newton. - FBI files suggest that COINTELPRO wanted Newton "neutralized permanently." - Newton had become a liability—his radical ideology could still ignite a movement.📢 “We have two choices: freedom or death." - Huey P. NewtonEven in death, the story of Huey P. Newton remains shrouded in mystery, controversy, and a tragic sense of unfinished business.<h3>🕊️ CHAPTER 6: The Legacy &amp; Final Reflection ✊🏿</h3>Huey P. Newton wasn’t just a man—he was a movement. His vision of Black self-sufficiency, resistance, and education** laid the groundwork for modern activism.💡 HIS LEGACY TODAY: - The Black Lives Matter movement owes much to the Panthers' resistance model. - Community programs started by the Panthers still influence food assistance and education programs nationwide. - FBI documents continue to be released, showing just how coordinated the effort was to destroy Newton’s life and legacy.As we honor Black history, let us remember: Revolutionaries aren’t made—they are forced into existence by oppression.&nbsp;Newton’s story is a reminder that the fight for justice is ongoing.🔍 For more deep dives into history’s most powerful figures, listen to The Good Hour Podcast!<figure id="figure-6anuq75m2vm7cd0r7y"><img id="6anuq75m2vm7cd0r7y" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/29y8L7guoTlhpKrDZ9jBoOp8pG39msUGm3SqHbDufriMVATiFvzfBujra8RJZH3x.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/29y8L7guoTlhpKrDZ9jBoOp8pG39msUGm3SqHbDufriMVATiFvzfBujra8RJZH3x.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>

Huey P. Newton

<h2>THE GOOD HOUR PRESENTS: Trey Songz – The Rise, The Chaos, and The Future of a Star</h2>&nbsp;By Candace Goodman | Investigative Reporter for The Good Blog &nbsp; (Host of The Good Hour Podcast)<h3>&nbsp;🎤 CHAPTER 1: I Gotta Make It – The Virginia Dream 🌟</h3>Before the fame, the music, and the controversies, Trey Songz was Tremaine Aldon Neverson—a kid from Petersburg, Virginia, with a dream. Born in 1984, his childhood was shaped by his mother, April Tucker, a single parent who worked tirelessly to give him the best life possible.Unlike some artists who knew they wanted to be singers from day one, Trey wasn’t initially drawn to music. He was a quiet, introverted kid who only discovered his vocal talent when he was encouraged by his stepfather. By his teenage years, he was entering and winning talent shows, impressing anyone who heard his smooth, effortless voice—a sound reminiscent of legends like Usher and Donell Jones.🎶 THE COME-UP:&nbsp; By the early 2000s, Trey moved to New Jersey and signed a record deal with Atlantic Records. His debut album, I Gotta Make It&nbsp;(2005), was his official introduction—a young, hungry artist blending R&amp;B, hip-hop, and undeniable charisma.&nbsp;🔥 KEY FACT: Unlike many young artists, Trey reportedly turned down several deals before Atlantic, believing that waiting for the right moment would give him the control he wanted in his career.But while the music industry embraced his talent, the road ahead was not without obstacles. What seemed like a meteoric rise would soon take a turn, foreshadowing a much darker future.<figure id="figure-8jd994tj6m7cb9via"><img id="8jd994tj6m7cb9via" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2dM5B6yo07hGTh1T9X2HceoDeLPiqK93iqi1csETW3geP0pRnrsq2wgIdl2dmsfk.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2dM5B6yo07hGTh1T9X2HceoDeLPiqK93iqi1csETW3geP0pRnrsq2wgIdl2dmsfk.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>🎧 CHAPTER 2: Ready – The Golden Era &amp; The Warning Signs 🏆</h3>From 2007 to 2014, Trey was on top of the world. Albums like *Trey Day*, *Ready*, and *Passion, Pain &amp; Pleasure* made him one of the biggest R&amp;B artists of his generation.&nbsp;&nbsp;🏆 PEAK FAME: 🎵 "Say Aah," "Neighbors Know My Name," and "Bottoms Up" were chart-toppers.&nbsp;🎤 He toured with the likes of Jay-Z and Chris Brown.&nbsp;🔥 His reputation as a ladies’ man became part of his brand—something he embraced fully.But behind the scenes, the whispers of an aggressive temper, reckless partying, and a disregard for boundaries were growing louder.⚠️ INDUSTRY INSIDERS WARNING: - Club altercations. - Reports of hotel parties turning chaotic. - Artists and managers quietly distancing themselves from him.🚨 RED FLAG:Even at the height of his career, many industry professionals reportedly found him difficult to work with due to his alleged erratic behavior.<h3>⚖️ CHAPTER 3: Chapter V – Allegations, Settlements &amp; The Unraveling 📉</h3>This is where the whispers became full-fledged accusations.Trey Songz has faced multiple allegations ranging from violence to sexual misconduct. While some cases were dismissed, others led to settlements or drawn-out legal battles.🔴 KEY ALLEGATIONS: 2017: A woman accused Trey of assaulting her at a house party. A settlement was reached in 2018 for a rumored $1.5 million. 2020:A Miami woman alleged that Trey punched her in the face during an argument in a hotel. No criminal charges were filed. 2021: Keke Palmer publicly accused Trey of intimidation and coercion. *“I kept saying no, and he kept trying to push up on me. And then he put me in his video without my permission.” 2022:Former UNLV basketball player Dylan Gonzalez tweeted, “Trey Songz is a rapist. Lord forgive me, I couldn’t hold that in another year.”&nbsp;This accusation led to an investigation but no formal charges.📜 LEGAL DOCUMENTS REVEAL:- Court filings from a 2018 case show an initial lawsuit seeking $10 million in damages. - Confidential settlement agreements suggest payoffs in excess of $3 million across multiple cases. - Police reports in multiple cities (Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles) detail multiple accusations spanning nearly a decade.Trey has denied all allegations, stating in a 2021 interview, "I’ve been in the industry for a long time, and there’s always going to be people who have things to say about you. But I know who I am, and my truth will always stand."<h3>&nbsp;🎭 CHAPTER 4: Trigga – The Industry’s Verdict &amp; The Cost of Silence 🤐</h3>Once celebrated, Trey is now barely visible in mainstream media. While he still releases music, the excitement surrounding his name has faded.💔 WHAT CHANGED? - Brands and sponsors have distanced themselves. - Mainstream R&amp;B has shifted, leaving his sound outdated. - Former collaborators have stayed silent or cut ties completely.📉 THE REALITY CHECK: His 2020 album Back Home&nbsp;had moderate success, but nowhere near the dominance he once held. His career now seems to exist in a limbo—still making music, but no longer at the forefront.<figure id="figure-xzdbqvtlokm7cbaf22"><img id="xzdbqvtlokm7cbaf22" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/cacEfl4ELQyeExuaveH3rlT5LJRXiUpmZ2iKeqvMzhk8nBSQk0zu24c3l8VrnHsj.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 10%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="10%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/cacEfl4ELQyeExuaveH3rlT5LJRXiUpmZ2iKeqvMzhk8nBSQk0zu24c3l8VrnHsj.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 10%;"></figure><h3>✊🏾 CHAPTER 5: Back Home – The Legacy, Redemption &amp; A Black History Month Reflection 📜</h3>This conversation is bigger than Trey Songz—it’s about accountability, culture, and how we navigate accusations against Black artists.&nbsp;🤔 THE QUESTIONS WE MUST ASK: - Where is the line between accountability and cancel culture? - Can someone with this level of controversy redeem themselves? - Does the industry apply double standards when it comes to Black men facing allegations?🎤 "They love you when you're up, they question you when you're down." - Trey SongzAt this moment, the ball is in Trey’s court. He can address these allegations, take accountability, or continue to let silence define his legacy. Either way, the world is watching.For The Good Blog, I’m Candace Goodman—unbiased, unfiltered, and always watching.🎙 Listen to more deep dives like this on The Good Hour Podcast!

Tremaine "Trey Songz" Neverson

<h2>&nbsp;Are NFL Games Fixed? The Billion-Dollar Connection Between Football and Gambling</h2>By Candace Goodman | The Good Hour InvestigatesFor decades, whispers of NFL game-fixing have circulated in sports circles and gambling communities alike. But what if the rumors aren’t just the rants of disgruntled fans? What if the NFL's connection to the gambling industry is far more intricate than the general public has been led to believe? In this in-depth investigation, *The Good Hour* uncovers the tangled history between America’s most powerful sports league and the world of high-stakes betting—shedding light on the possibility that the games we watch every Sunday may not be as pure as they seem.<h3>A Deeply Rooted Relationship: The NFL and Gambling’s Shared History</h3>To understand how gambling and the NFL became so intertwined, we must rewind to the 1960s when legendary Las Vegas oddsmaker Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder played a pivotal role in bringing sports betting into mainstream sports culture. Snyder, a television personality on The NFL Today, subtly weaved point spreads and betting lines into casual conversations, introducing millions of viewers to the world of sports wagering.However, the real breakthrough in legitimizing the NFL’s relationship with gambling came in 2018, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing states to legalize sports betting. Almost overnight, the floodgates opened, and the NFL—an organization that had long distanced itself from gambling—embraced the very industry it once condemned.Behind the scenes, it was Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft who played instrumental roles in brokering partnerships between the NFL and gambling giants. Jones had been investing in gaming-related ventures for years, while Kraft held equity in DraftKings. Their influence helped pave the way for the NFL to openly welcome sportsbooks as official league sponsors.<figure id="figure-gopsx8lmscm76lrb5h"><img id="gopsx8lmscm76lrb5h" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/25bZpkoPhQ2OJtNjOJzF4vtmcYJjacfom0DArX1ycPTJAEV4e4EkJlsGkfAIh9IZ.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 10%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="10%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>The NFL’s Multi-Billion Dollar Betting Partnerships</h3>Fast forward to 2024, and the NFL is now deeply embedded in the gambling industry, with official sports betting partners including DraftKings, FanDuel, ESPN Bet, and BetMGM.- FanDuel: Signed a five-year deal worth $1 billion to become an official sports betting partner of the NFL. - DraftKings: Agreed to a partnership valued at $1.5 billion, integrating betting lines directly into NFL broadcasts. - ESPN Bet: The Disney-backed platform joined the fray in a $2 billion agreement to incorporate betting content into NFL media. - BetMGM: Invested $750 million in NFL promotions and in-game betting features.With such staggering figures at play, it’s no surprise that skeptics—including renowned investigative journalist Dan Moldea—have long suggested that the league might have more control over game outcomes than it admits.<h3>Dan Moldea: The Man Who Blew the Whistle</h3>Dan Moldea, a veteran investigative journalist and author of Interference: How Organized Crime Influences Professional Football, has spent years exposing the NFL’s connections to gambling. According to Moldea, the NFL has long maintained relationships with individuals tied to organized crime, particularly in the realm of sports betting.In his book, Moldea uncovers evidence of fixed games, detailing suspicious officiating decisions, questionable play-calling, and behind-the-scenes influence that may have shaped the outcomes of certain high-profile matches.One of his most infamous claims? That Super Bowl III (1969) was fixed, ensuring Joe Namath and the New York Jets covered the spread against the heavily favored Baltimore Colts. According to sources cited in Moldea’s research, Mafia-connected gamblers placed massive bets on the Jets, reaping millions when Namath’s “guaranteed win” came true.<figure id="figure-n4msvica4rm76lowkr"><img id="n4msvica4rm76lowkr" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2e2nOkd9AvfDtqI0mReSKFq7rv0WBZRVfJTosZK6ZS4jYFRqQuI8h4J8AiMATHnD.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 40% 70%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="40%" data-positiony="70%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2e2nOkd9AvfDtqI0mReSKFq7rv0WBZRVfJTosZK6ZS4jYFRqQuI8h4J8AiMATHnD.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 40% 70%;"></figure><h3>Investigations, Conspiracies, and Unanswered Questions</h3>Over the years, various scandals have fueled the belief that the NFL might manipulate outcomes to maximize betting revenues and TV ratings. Some of the most infamous cases include:1. The 2002 Super Bowl XXXVI Controversy The New England Patriots’ upset over the St. Louis Rams led to speculation that the game was rigged to kickstart the Patriots’ dynasty, bolstering NFL viewership and revenue. The Rams, favored by two touchdowns, lost in a game filled with controversial officiating.2. The 2018 NFC Championship Game: Saints vs. Rams A blatant pass interference call was ignored by officials, helping the Rams reach the Super Bowl instead of the Saints. The fallout was massive, with lawsuits filed and accusations that the NFL intentionally manipulated the outcome to boost Super Bowl viewership in Los Angeles—a critical market for the league.3. The Tim Donaghy Revelation While Donaghy was an NBA referee, his admission that he manipulated games for betting purposes raised concerns that NFL referees could be involved in similar activities. The NFL employs part-time referees, making them susceptible to external influence.4. The Recent Rise of In-Game Betting With in-game betting now a multi-billion-dollar market, conspiracy theorists argue that game outcomes are more vulnerable to manipulation. Adjustments in play-calling, questionable penalty flags, and sudden momentum shifts all fuel speculation that games are being subtly influenced to impact betting lines.<h3>Expert Opinions: The Debate Continues</h3>For the Defense: The NFL’s Stance The NFL has vehemently denied all allegations of game-fixing, stating that its officiating remains independent and that the league has implemented **strict integrity measures, including:<ul><li>Hiring ex-FBI agents to monitor suspicious betting activity.</li><li>A dedicated “Integrity Unit” to investigate claims of match-fixing.</li><li>Banning players and coaches from gambling on NFL games.</li></ul>The Prosecution: Investigators Speak Out Former FBI agent Vincent P. Caruso, who specialized in organized crime and sports corruption, argues that gambling’s grip on the NFL is too deep to ignore.“When you have billions of dollars on the line, the potential for manipulation is always there. The NFL may claim it polices itself, but history has shown that leagues often turn a blind eye to what benefits them financially.”Similarly, sports economist Dr. Thomas Wiggins states:“The NFL’s partnerships with betting companies are a conflict of interest. The league profits from gambling, and the idea that it wouldn’t influence games—whether directly or indirectly—is naïve.”<h3>Final Verdict: Are NFL Games Fixed?</h3>While there is no definitive proof that the NFL actively fixes games, the historical connections to gambling, lucrative sportsbook partnerships, and suspicious game outcomes leave room for doubt. What’s certain is that the NFL, once an opponent of gambling, now fully embraces it—creating a system where integrity and profit constantly collide.As sports betting continues to grow, so will the scrutiny. Whether the NFL is complicit or merely a beneficiary, one thing is clear: where there’s money, there’s motive.What do you think? Are NFL games manipulated for financial gain?<figure id="figure-m2n1w9dzkom76ljc0i"><img id="m2n1w9dzkom76ljc0i" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/3b722Q1qsV1yctOB6FHpyDjTsBy5vKETOhvSKxTrZn2nTEE5vh82uaFY8ZcuTrXr.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 40%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="40%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/3b722Q1qsV1yctOB6FHpyDjTsBy5vKETOhvSKxTrZn2nTEE5vh82uaFY8ZcuTrXr.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 40%;"></figure>

The Billion Dollar Heist?

<h2>Hooters Exposed: Scandals, Secrets, and How Orange Shorts Took Over the World</h2>Hooters isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a cultural flashpoint that’s inspired lawsuits, protests, Halloween costumes, and even loyalty marches. Since six friends—Lynn D. Stewart, Gil DiGiannantonio, Ed Droste, Billy Ranieri, Dennis Johnson, and Ken Wimmer—opened the first Hooters in Clearwater, Florida, in 1983, the chain has balanced on a thin line between sports bar, sexy entertainment, and so-called “family-friendly” dining.This is the full story of how Hooters became a household name, its global empire, and the spicy scandals along the way.<figure id="figure-3hjuglryim5yiqxos"><img id="3hjuglryim5yiqxos" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2a7eEKmBlUf1sekyjiUpyDrGlb01rl4YDHka0MPVjyw1JEkwZLECAY86EKxeytsr.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2a7eEKmBlUf1sekyjiUpyDrGlb01rl4YDHka0MPVjyw1JEkwZLECAY86EKxeytsr.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>“From Cheeky Joke to Global Juggernaut”</h3>When the founders came up with the name “Hooters,” they knew they were playing with fire. “We wanted something that got attention,” admitted Lynn D. Stewart. “The name made people laugh, and the logo sealed the deal.”The uniform—a tight white tank top and bright orange running shorts—was inspired by cheerleaders and fitness trends of the 1980s. “We wanted our servers to look approachable, confident, and fun,” said Ed Droste. The look became so iconic that it’s now one of the top Halloween costumes, with knockoff versions flying off store shelves every October.But not everyone was laughing. “It’s not a restaurant—it’s a strip club with chicken wings,” activist Gloria Felton said during a 1988 protest outside the original Clearwater location.<figure id="figure-hu16fvdaam5yispt1"><img id="hu16fvdaam5yispt1" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/0h6VNwmcaBxpQvz8TuKf25zlL861PKp7lyg0wMZpCJzE4ccwZpYwVNNxBIwasR4K.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/0h6VNwmcaBxpQvz8TuKf25zlL861PKp7lyg0wMZpCJzE4ccwZpYwVNNxBIwasR4K.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>“Family-Friendly or Just Freaky?”</h3>Despite its provocative branding, Hooters insisted it was a family-friendly establishment. With kids’ menus, high chairs, and birthday party packages, the company pushed a narrative that anyone—kids included—could enjoy the experience. “We’re not just for men,” Droste said in 1995. “We’re a place for families to watch the game, eat wings, and have a good time.”But critics weren’t buying it. “You can’t have scantily clad women serving food and call it family-friendly,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in 2016.Still, loyal customers defended the vibe. “My dad brought me here after Little League games,” said Marcus Taylor, a regular at the Atlanta Peachtree Hooters. “It didn’t seem weird—it was just part of the fun.”<figure id="figure-fe3ix8g0ksm5yiucsz"><img id="fe3ix8g0ksm5yiucsz" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/fPTNnMCcbDd0zcWUHlOQbvusjz5zYcpspIm1tj2gYdr3UeBNeAUekOenvUrWYQeZ.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined% 30%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined%" data-positionY="30%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>“From Calendars to Catfights”</h3>Hooters didn’t just sell wings—it sold an image. The annual Hooters calendar became a symbol of success for its servers, with girls like Lynne Austin gaining fame as the first cover model. “Being in the calendar meant everything,” said Shannon Hilliard, a former Hooters Girl.But competition to land a spot was cutthroat. “Girls spent thousands on plastic surgery and grueling diets,” said a former employee. “It felt more like a beauty pageant than a job.”Activists criticized the calendar as another way to exploit workers. “It’s just a money-making scheme that profits off these women’s bodies,” said protestor Cynthia Bernard.<figure id="figure-s5mdj75tx8m5yiwfmh"><img id="s5mdj75tx8m5yiwfmh" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37zbR7G91C24KH6R4XhKp1FhTLyNl23DYq1GAFZ5BlaORvzHaqMiMepxzMoaTTZn.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37zbR7G91C24KH6R4XhKp1FhTLyNl23DYq1GAFZ5BlaORvzHaqMiMepxzMoaTTZn.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>“Marching for the Orange Shorts”</h3>In 1997, lawsuits demanding that Hooters hire male servers shook the company. Employees responded with one of the most infamous protests in restaurant history: the “March to Keep Hooters Girls.”Servers, clad in their iconic uniforms, took to the streets to demand their right to remain the face of the brand. “Hooters Girls are what make this company special,” said one marcher. “Without us, it’s just another sports bar.”Critics called the march a sad display of internalized sexism. “It’s women fighting to defend a system that objectifies them,” argued labor rights activist Naomi Green.<figure id="figure-0x4b1werlm5yiy23t"><img id="0x4b1werlm5yiy23t" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9X5upUFXHD8gUOeHYiX6ZRLeE2azvBZW7MUSQR0S3Z68peF6FDHTTgsIM4lSFItm.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9X5upUFXHD8gUOeHYiX6ZRLeE2azvBZW7MUSQR0S3Z68peF6FDHTTgsIM4lSFItm.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>“Breastaurant Betrayal: How Twin Peaks Stole the Spotlight”</h3>Hooters wasn’t just a pioneer—it was a target. Former Hooters executives Randy DeWitt and Scott Gordon co-founded Twin Peaks, which marketed itself as “Hooters, but better.”“We saw Hooters falling behind,” said DeWitt in a 2018 interview. “Twin Peaks was our way of fixing what they missed.” With its lodge-themed décor, skimpier uniforms, and edgier vibe, Twin Peaks quickly captured Hooters’ younger audience.“It felt like betrayal,” said a former Hooters manager. “They stole the playbook and then played us off the field.”<figure id="figure-xcd9j9y3iim5yj013r"><img id="xcd9j9y3iim5yj013r" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/29o9ybSU1BHmq0h1EysN5dhXcUNCyo4SuueEBtXOn4n4vLeEhUGuSKw5FMAD8GO1.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/29o9ybSU1BHmq0h1EysN5dhXcUNCyo4SuueEBtXOn4n4vLeEhUGuSKw5FMAD8GO1.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>“Hooters in the Hot Seat: Lawsuits, Loopholes, and Legal Drama”</h3>Hooters has faced countless lawsuits, but the chain always found a way to dodge the bullets.&nbsp;1. Gender Discrimination (1997): Male plaintiffs sued after being denied server positions. “It’s discrimination, plain and simple,” argued attorney Cary Ichter. Hooters countered by classifying servers as “entertainers,” claiming their gender was essential to the role. The case ended in a $3.75 million settlement, but Hooters kept its hiring policy intact.&nbsp;2. Sexual Harassment Allegations: Numerous Hooters Girls have described toxic work environments. “We were told to ‘laugh off’ inappropriate comments,” said a former server in a 2005 deposition.&nbsp;3. Body Shaming Scandals: The company’s “Image Enhancement” program emphasized physical appearance, sparking criticism for unrealistic beauty standards. “It wasn’t just a job—it was a daily audition,” recalled one former employee.<figure id="figure-bfwd4tw3pm5yj1x6u"><img id="bfwd4tw3pm5yj1x6u" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/10p9AM7nKKKuBQPm7Wm6UnEL8SJTfGZCTCaYcsd9TVewf1rIYApCRNhNNLcbAzGp.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 40% 25%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="40%" data-positiony="25%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/10p9AM7nKKKuBQPm7Wm6UnEL8SJTfGZCTCaYcsd9TVewf1rIYApCRNhNNLcbAzGp.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 40% 25%;"></figure><h3>“The Politicians Who Love—or Loathe—Hooters”</h3>Hooters has always divided public officials. In Florida, politicians like Jeb Bush openly supported the chain, calling it a “homegrown success story” at a ribbon-cutting in 1999.But others weren’t so kind. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio condemned the company in 2015, stating, “We shouldn’t celebrate businesses that profit from objectifying women.”Meanwhile, regulators allowed Hooters to operate as a “family-friendly” restaurant because alcohol didn’t dominate its revenue. “It’s a technicality,” said activist Gloria Bernard. “But one that lets them market sex appeal to children.”<figure id="figure-yfg7vd2wkem5yj5w1y"><img id="yfg7vd2wkem5yj5w1y" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/ceBib0gTKcuuStccKxpLYLsQ4T4AHWcEWmvHJU7U7axea1bHE4jDeJ1yDjpVdwIa.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/ceBib0gTKcuuStccKxpLYLsQ4T4AHWcEWmvHJU7U7axea1bHE4jDeJ1yDjpVdwIa.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>“What’s Next for the Wing Kings?”</h3>As society shifts toward inclusivity and respect, Hooters finds itself struggling to adapt. Recent efforts to modernize the menu, tone down the branding, and focus on food quality have had mixed results. “We’re evolving,” a spokesperson said in 2024. “But we’ll never lose the fun that made us famous.”Critics remain skeptical. “Hooters is clinging to the past,” said Dr. Susan Douglas, a media studies professor. “If they don’t fully reinvent themselves, they’ll fade into irrelevance.”Still, with Halloween costumes flying off the shelves and new international locations opening, Hooters isn’t going anywhere just yet.So, what do you think: is Hooters a nostalgic slice of Americana or a relic of outdated values? The debate isn’t over—and neither is Hooters’ drama-filled legacy. <figure id="figure-ijitvchdbtm5yj7uxr"><img id="ijitvchdbtm5yj7uxr" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2ePnQg591ZhNbnrwAOAVUAAenYGFGGvRSgW9iNREASpyb90oXhEJGa9VBc01xXua.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 70%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="70%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2ePnQg591ZhNbnrwAOAVUAAenYGFGGvRSgW9iNREASpyb90oXhEJGa9VBc01xXua.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 70%;"></figure>

Hooters "Exposed"

Oil prices on global market. Crude oil Pumpjack on oilfield on sunset.

<h2>Oil: The World’s Greatest Addiction and the Cost of Quitting</h2>Oil is everywhere. It powers your car, builds cities, and even shows up in your phone, sneakers, and makeup. But this dependence runs deeper than most realize, and imagining a world without oil feels impossible. Here’s how we got here, why oil dominates, and what it would take to break free.<h3>How Oil Took Over the World</h3>Before oil, coal and wood powered the world. Then, in 1859, Edwin Drake drilled the first oil well, and everything changed. By 1914, oil fueled 90% of transportation, and by the 1970s, it accounted for 50% of global energy use. Cars, planes, plastics, and even agriculture relied on this liquid gold.Today, the numbers are staggering:&nbsp;• 31% of global energy comes from oil, more than any other source.&nbsp;• 96% of vehicles run on oil-based fuels.&nbsp;• Over 99% of plastics are made with petrochemicals.&nbsp;• The global oil market is worth $4.5 trillion—larger than Germany’s economy.Oil isn’t just energy; it’s power. Nations like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the U.S. dominate the industry, controlling 75% of the world’s oil supply.<figure id="figure-3z0r6kf27m5egnjqs"><img id="3z0r6kf27m5egnjqs" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1498717643/photo/us-dollar-big-money-stack.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=vLyx648aCmVkj60VsO4Zu9NnvyXWBeQQRTv0kfsWiPg=" alt="US Dollar Big Money Stack" title="US Dollar Big Money Stack" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1498717643/photo/us-dollar-big-money-stack.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=vLyx648aCmVkj60VsO4Zu9NnvyXWBeQQRTv0kfsWiPg=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><h3>What Happens in a World Without Oil?</h3>No oil means no gas-powered cars, no cheap plastics, and no affordable fertilizers for food. A world without oil would look radically different:&nbsp;• Transportation Overhaul: EVs would dominate, but planes, ships, and long-haul trucks would need alternatives like hydrogen or biofuels.&nbsp;• Plastics Revolution: Algae-based plastics could replace petroplastics, but costs would rise.&nbsp;• Economic Shifts: Oil-dependent nations like Venezuela and Saudi Arabia would face collapse without diversification.Transitioning to renewables would cost $100 trillion globally and take decades. Experts predict a fully oil-free world by 2075 to 2100—if we act now.<figure id="figure-fppkzip509m5egpg25"><img id="fppkzip509m5egpg25" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2156966176/photo/environmental-concept-with-hand-holding-planet-earth-showing-sustainable-and-eco-friendly.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=FUa4_NPJuF0nOR3XA5X87H877pa-EocMxW9zuPxM4NQ=" alt="Environmental concept with hand holding planet earth showing sustainable and eco-friendly renewable energy" title="Environmental concept with hand holding planet earth showing sustainable and eco-friendly renewable energy" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2156966176/photo/environmental-concept-with-hand-holding-planet-earth-showing-sustainable-and-eco-friendly.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=FUa4_NPJuF0nOR3XA5X87H877pa-EocMxW9zuPxM4NQ=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Who’s Leading the Change?</h3>Some nations are already pivoting:&nbsp;• Norway: Over 80% of new cars sold are electric.&nbsp;• Germany: Nearly 50% of its electricity comes from renewables.&nbsp;• China: Dominates EV sales, accounting for 50% of the global market.But globally, oil still powers 31% of energy, while renewables lag at 15%.<h3>The Takeaway</h3>Oil isn’t just fuel—it’s the backbone of modern life. Breaking free will require massive investments, new technologies, and cultural shifts. But the stakes are high: continued oil dependency fuels climate change, political instability, and resource scarcity.The question is: Will we quit oil on our own terms or wait until we’re forced to? The clock is ticking. The future depends on what we do next.

Oil Fiends

The Goods Virtual World

The Goods Virtual World is an educational platform designed to help people understand the systems, incentives, and psychological forces that shape decisions before commitment occurs. It offers written works, structured learning modules, and conceptual tools focused on clarity, timing, and long-term thinking.

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