09/02/2021 Cleaning Out the Sports Junk Drawer

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The Mac & Cheese stands alone.

Man, what lousy luck for the Red Sox to get hit with all these breakthrough COVID cases.

Gasper raises a good point: When have we ever seen accurate passers who spread the ball around be successful in this offense? Not for at least 1 years!

I’m sure the next Minifan live event will get the show back into the red! Or the black, whichever the good one is.

That was a well-timed loss, NE Revolution. Michael Gee would approve.

Can Scott Zolak wear a standard issue Klan hood, or does he need to go custom for the wonky eye?

Source: CLNS is laundering hot takes through Greg Bedard and the BSJ.

Cakes are cooking for Keanu Reeves, Lennox Lewis, Salma Hayek, Tommy Maddox, and Katarina Studenikova.

And a happy 90th birthday soon to the Springfield Newspaper’s Garry Brown!

ISIS-K, the New Coke of terrorist organizations.

From Cris, to Jac, the next Collinsworth’s Christian name will be just two CONSONANTS.

Schwarbsy. Owning.

Masking fatigue may be real, but at it’s worst doesn’t require getting hooked up to a ventilator.

Asante Samuel should do a podcast with Ted Johnson.

Carles Gil seemed to be grievously injured, but now is back? That never happens in soccer!

At this rate Zo is going to suggest it may be a good idea for Mac to have season ending knee surgery.

Allston Christmas is too commercialized nowadays.

Man, it has been so hot out, I’m hearing Andy Hart has been dating Nancy Quill just for the shade!

Bon Voyage, Jonah Keri! Ne fait pas tomber le savon.

The market for wildly inaccurate Montreal Expos articles dried up, I guess.

Heyyy besties, this week’s Phrase that Pays is”Considering talking about football is my job, I think I know.”

“Arm Talent?” Not actually a thing. Sorrey!

‘Antivaxxer Conservative Radio Talk Show Host’ just passed ‘Aspiring Rapper’ on the mortality rate charts.

Orange Line Update: Service is suspended between Ruggles and Jackson due to water in the track area. Customers can use Route 22 service between stations. Customers can also use Route 39 service between Forest Hills and Back Bay.

John Havlicek, who was the best all/around player in the NBA for four years.

Jed Hoyer > Brian Hoyer.

Bill is having the Pats training staff treat the team with horse paste and aquarium cleaner, caller!

Sometimes I swear they raise the gas prices just before holiday weekends.

Power lines!

Schedule more cupcake non-conference opponents, UConn Basketball. You can’t!

Florio’s take is something your dumbest acquaintance at work wouldn’t even say. “Imagine if the Bucs signed Newton?” would be met around the cubicles by the biggest “so the fuck what?” in the history of Earth.

Who do you think the vaccinated Red Sox player is? Tell us your best guess in the comments!

Jungle Cruise in on Dale Arnold’s Top Ten list of films based on amusement park rides.

Did it rain last night?

It was pleasure to cover Cameron Newton. He was funny, accountable and personable despite sucking shit. I enjoyed our weekly chats about how his day was going during media sessions. Best of luck to him.

So Carles Gil has his own Alex Guerrero? Interesting.

Bishop Sycamore, 2nd Century saint & martyr, whose impromptu sermons brought peace to those Christians about to be attacked by beasts in the Roman Colusseum; patron saint of athletic mismatches.

Pro tip: Vermouth? Not shelf stable. Refrigerate after opening.

Carson Green is now headed back to the #Texans practice squad, source said.

Honk if you remember “Ellis the Rim Man.”

News Item: Western Massachusetts residents preparing to close their pools for the season.

Cam was just turning his life around.

Your computer is like an umpire. When you have an argument with your computer, the computer always wins.

I have waited with a glacier’s patience
Smashed every transformer with every trailer
‘Till nothing was standing
65 miles wide..

Everything breaks their way, UMass football could go 6-6. Here’s hoping.

Apple cinnamon is significantly tastier than Pumpkin spice.

Can’t straight think? Slunk jeep.

Bedard wants a parade for the guy who threw 8 TDs. SMDH.

How can there be no blotchy Irishman in the running to be Mayor of Boston?

The practice squad is for stashing.

Kinda getting sick of grilling. There: I said it.

Best bet for the weekend: Trumping an All-Pro NFL player in football knowledge using your Fisher-Price credentials.

Chris Sale. Sy Syms probably wouldn’t have cared much for him, but Boston fans do.

Material from interviews, wire services, Twitter, Facebook, other writers, league and team sources, Bill James, BSMW poster Kingasaurus and #the15 were used in this column. Looks like a pump, feels like a sneaker.  

Katie. Keen!

Cleaning Out the Sports Junk Drawer: Emergency Cam Newton Edition

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Bill is Bill again and all is right in the world.

Cam Newton released, Spulpits, coffee girls hardest hit.

It’s a good thing Cam is so genuinely nice, otherwise that means the self-described tough & cynical Boston Sports media all got fooled.

Interesting. Belichick admitting his draft mistake of not trading up for Mac Jones, even if his arrogance won’t allow him to just come out admit it.

If anything Newton is a system quarterback. That system is Tecmo Bowl.

Fits. Cam wore them, and also gave New England fans them.

Next media move will be how Bill fucked over all the free-agents who came to Foxboro for Cam.

I think Bill said to himself: “Would Greg Bedard just give Mac the keys already? Yes, he would, and that is the only way forward.”

Can’t wait for Jac Colinsworth’s in depth analysis of the Cam Newton release.

Another miss for Fake Spike King.

No designed run plays for Cam in presason was a tell, in retrospect.

Prior to the news I felt like that striped shirt-wearing Jets fan trying to rationalalize selecting Ken O’Brien over Dan Marino. “Obviously Bill knows something the people up here don’t.” Everybody wuz sayin McCorkle.

I wonder is Stidhsy jumped out of the pedicure chair when he read the Cam news today.

The best thing about losing Cam Newton is losing his Tebow-like fanbase who, like a cult, follow him wherever he goes and blames everyone but him for every mistake he makes. Good riddance.

Props to TEC, who was on an island among the media saying it was still a competition.

Does Belichick leave for his dream job with the Giants now and grab Cam again on the cheap?

An unvaccinated, shotputting quarterback is a competitive disadvantage.

And this had to happen with the pandemic-related additional uneployment benefits ending in Massachusetts this weekend.

I guess Bill thinks Mac Jones is better than Ryan Mallett.

by̾e̺ ̣b̖ͧy̅e̝ ̰C̈́am̠̆

( Compiled from the15 and various BSMW board alumni accounts. )

MAC and puhlease

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Whatup my peeps!! Back from a mucho necessito mental health break. Before I get into why it is absolutely clear that Cam should be QBone, I just want to thank everyone for the messages, calls and letters checking in on me. It is hard to be a woman in this world, and even harder to be a woman in the world of sports.

Anyway, after a 3 and 0 preseason, the Patties and the Hoody are looking to dominate the NFL once again. The NFL these days is all about analytics. No more George Lombardi waving his fedora around screaming about lifting weights. It’s the Nine’s and the O’s not the Jimmies and Pros. So in a completely dispassionate and meticulous way, I have come to the irrefutable conclusion that Cam Newton needs to be Qbe1.

It’s not my opinion, it’s just facts. Let’s start with the Giants game. See below as Exhibit A.

There’s no way this was incomplete

Later in the game, maybe the 3rd or 2nd quarter, Cam did this.

Refs not even looking lol

That is what the NFL is all about. Also, show me one time Mac Jones ever looked this cool.

Swagger on a hundred thousand trillion – Jay-Z

You can debate this until the cows come home, but we’ve seen enough. It’s like in The November Man when Devereaux has to choose if he will kill Ulanova. There’s no choice. Mac may be a better passer, decision maker, more vaccinated, protector of the football, communicator of pass protections, know the playbook better, with a quicker release and greater accuracy, but Cam owns up to his mistakes, something Mac has never had to do.

It’s a no brainer. Lets’ go dollar Bill. As a famous sports fan once said: Do the Right Thing – Spike Lee.

Anita Thrust is the lead writer for Competent Ladies Against Mansplaining section of The15net dot com. She lives in the Greater Boston Area with her rescue doggo Yodel, and her cats, Alice B. Toklas and Lil Wobey.

15 Things To Look For In The Final Patriots Preseason Game

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The New England Patriots play their final preseason game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium at 6pm Sunday night. There are many things to look for in both teams final tune-up before the regular season. Here’s just 15 things you should be looking for:

  1. Does Cam Newton start this game?

All signs point to Cam Newton starting this game. After missing most of practice this week due to COVID-19 protocols, Newton slid right back into place getting 1st team reps once he came back. Bill Belichick put his full faith in Cam last year and it seems he is being loyal to him this season as well. I want to see Newton start as well because I believe he totally earned it after his last preseason start.

2. How mobile will Mac Jones be in this game?

Not much worry has been put into Mac Jones putting a knee brace on recently. He said it was for precautionary reasons and I’ll take his word for it. However, let’s see how active Jones is in moving around in the pocket. We all know he has a decent arm, but I want to see if he can move accurately and efficiently.

3. Who is the Patriots “lead” running back following the Sony Michel trade?

The player who should assume lead running back role is Damien Harris. With only 137 rushing attempts last season, 691 yards, and 2 touchdowns, Harris was exceptional in his limited opportunity. He’s done nothing to lose faith in him this preseason and look for Harris to get the majority of carries in the game. The Patriots do have a deep running back room but hopefully the team has as much faith in Harris as I do.

4. Does Matthew Judon play in this game?

Matthew Judon has already done enough to be able to take this game off. I wouldn’t risk injury by playing him this game. The Patriots need Judon fresh and available for all 17 regular season games this year. Not just because he is currently our highest paid player but also he could make the biggest non-QB impact on the team.

5. How does Shaun Wade play in this game?

The Patriots acquired cornerback Shaun Wade this week from the Baltimore Ravens. At 6’1, Wade has good size for a cornerback but was not going to make the Ravens 53 man roster by all accounts. Wade was drafted in the 5th round in 2021 and gives the Patriots depth at the position (if Stephon Gilmore gets traded.)

6. How does Jalen Mills’ coverage look?

With Stephon Gilmore sitting out, Mills has bumped up as the number two cornerback behind JC Jackson. His coverage has been shaky in both games this preseason and I don’t think Mills is ready for this role. Keep a special eye on Mills against the Giants to make sure he is not getting burned up and down the field. This would not bode well after picking him up in the offseason on a 4 year, 24 million dollar deal.

7. What is Chase Winovich’s impact?

For a player with a very high ceiling, Winovich seems to be buried behind all the current Patriots front seven talent. From what I’ve seen in both preseason games, he’s played well and is probably worthy of more snaps going forward. Some people think all he cares about is his hair and weird conspiracy theories but I think this kid can play.

8. Which Patriots tight ends play against the Giants?

Top Tight end Hunter Henry has been battling injuries and Jonnu Smith has been getting limited action. Ideally, both of these guys get significant time in this game but that remains to be seen. The Patriots are going to need a significant impact from both Henry and Smith if they plan to make the playoffs this season.

9. How is the defensive coverage on Saquon Barkley?

If you know football, you know Saquon is a beast when healthy. Barkley has been battling a knee injury lately and has apparently taken a step back. If he plays, the Patriots will need to make him a marked man because he is the best Giants player on the roster. Team defense is necessary against a man like that.

(Editor’s note: Barkley has been ruled out for Sunday’s game. That information was unavailable at press time. Probably. )

10. Will any Giants wide receiver threaten JC Jackson?

It’s official- Giants top wide receiver Kenny Golladay will not play this Sunday. This means the Giants will be down to 2nd and 3rd stringers against JC Jackson which isn’t gonna cut it. Look for Jackson to shut down any man who crosses his path.

11. How early do both teams starters come out?

Now that there’s no longer a 4th preseason game, will this game be treated as most 3rd preseason games do? Most 3rd preseason games the starters play the longest time because they knew the scrubs would be in the 4th game. Things have changed with 17 games now in the regular season but I think the coaches will still play this game very hard. Look for the starters to be in at least until the 2nd half is over.

12. How does the Giants offense look?

With Golladay out and an injured Barkley, the rest of the Giants offense doesn’t have much to write home about. I don’t expect them to perform well against the Patriots on Sunday night. We’ll get to their quarterback later on but look for the Pats to absolutely smother this Giants offense.

13. Will JJ Taylor shine in all facets of the game?

A lot of folks are high on JJ Taylor as am I, but can he shine in this game as well? Taylor should get a great opportunity in the backfield and special teams which allows him to show his speed and grit. As much as the Giants offense sucks, so too does their defense so expect Taylor to go off in this game.

14. Does Gunner Olszewski shine in an upgraded role?

Gunner Olszewski is a player who needs to have a big impact in this game. I’m not sure if he’s going to be a part of the roster but he needs a good game to solidify his role. Gunner can play WR and play a role on special teams so look for him early and often.

15. Who has the better Jones?

At some point New England Patriot Mac Jones should square off against lackluster New York Giants starter Daniel Jones. Daniel Jones has been with the Giants for two seasons and had a decent first season but took a step back in 2020. I think time will tell that the better Jones is in New England even though Mac has never played a regular season snap yet.

Follow me on Twitter: @jmarion34

Check out the “Entitled Town” Podcast on Twitter as well: @EntitledTown

The Saints Make Jameis Winston Starter for week one

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – AUGUST 23: Jameis Winston #2 of the New Orleans Saints looks to throw a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Caesars Superdome on August 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

According to Adam Schefter and other sources, the New Orleans Saints plan to make Jameis Winston Week One starter against the Green Bay Packers. At only 27 years old, it feels like Winston has been in the league a lot longer and this is his first starting job since being with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019. Of course the Saints had to name a starter this year after having Drew Brees for many seasons.

With the Saints being my second favorite team I felt it necessary to comment on this decision and I believe it is the wrong one for the team. Sure, at 6’4, 231 lbs. Winston absolutely has the body to be a starting NFL QB but does he have the mind?

Winston has always been known as an interception machine and I’m not a big fan of quarterbacks who turn the ball over constantly. In his last full season in 2019, he threw 30 interceptions compared to 33 touchdowns- not a good ratio. I must mention he did also throw for 5,109 yards which is his most in a single season.

Despite the lofty accrual of yardage, Winston is not the guy that I wanted to be starting QB. That man would’ve been Taysom Hill. Hill is less reliable (at the moment) in his accuracy with the football but I believe his style of play is much more the way the league is going and the Saints should go.

Most of the league has moved on from the prototypical “pocket passer” and this would’ve been a wise move for the Saints as well. This decision may cost them early in the season but I believe after seeing Winston chuck the ball up for grabs enough that the move to Hill will be made.

Follow me on Twitter: @jmarion34

Also check out the “Entitled Town” Podcast which is accessible on Twitter @EntitledTown

08/25/2021 Cleaning Out the Sports Junk Drawer

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Bob. Now that was a real hurricane.

The Football Gods can be so cruel, even in preseason.

East side of the hurricane gets the strongest winds, West side gets the heaviest rain. It’s the McDLT of weather systems.

Are the red-hot Revs peaking too early?

Mike Richards getting cancelled was off the board in Vegas.

Maybe the league should have written the COVID test protocol in Cam’s lunatic Instagram font?

I like my cults currency-based.

First Don Everly, then Charlie Watts. Be careful, pioneering rock & roll bass guitar player.

The Patriots running test is overrated for running backs.

Cakes are cooking for Tim Burton, Joanne Whalley, Vivian Campbell, Marti Noxon, and Spider One.

Trinitron. Traded.

For decades, all good stories started with multiple high schoolers in an American made vehicle hauling beer.

Green Line D Branch Update: Regular service has resumed with residual delays of up to 15 minutes. Shuttle buses are being phased out at this time.

Like I’ve been saying, only Barnes can kill Barnes.

Seahawks LB Ben Burr-Kirven suffered a torn ACL on Saturday night, source said following the MRI. The former fifth-round pick had worked with the starters and was impressing at camp, emerging as a key player. Now, done for the season.

Sha’Carri Richardson. Such a big personality. Like Cam’s!

Seeing the outpouring of heartfelt grief over Jimmy Hayes makes me wish I had known him. Or heard of him prior to this week, to be honest.

You didn’t how good you had it while the PayPig was around, did you, ladies? Sad.

Hey Gang from Paddy’s, this week’s Phrase that Pays is “playing like a team that already won the snaps that mattered.”

On old Olympus’ Towering Tops, a Finn and German viewed some hops.

I like drip-brew coffee better than the Keurig pods. There: I said it.

With non-team media brusquely banned for locker room access, what does this mean for old friend Amalie Benjamin?

If this Mike Richards thing has taught us anything, it’s this: never make a podcast.

Waiting is the hardest part.

Mac Jones should be playing from the start.

I’m done with Cam messing with my heart.

Waiting is the hardest part.

Perillo “likes to defer to Zo on the football stuff?”

Blehhhh! Staying home the last year before your daughter leaves for college! BLEHHHHH!!

‘Ivermectin’ sounds like a hockey player name. Or maybe tennis.

Famous adopted people include Simone Biles, Gerald Ford, Jamie Foxx, Faith Hill, Ray Liotta, and Dave Thomas.

Happy for all the OnlyFans creators.

Now I’m in my car
I got the radio on
I’m yellin’ at the kids in the back seat
‘Cause they’re bangin’ like Charlie Watts. You think you’ve come so far
In this one horse town
Then she’s laughin’ that crazy laugh
‘Cause you haven’t left the parkin’ lot.

Jungle Cruise is in Dale Arnold’s list of Top 5 Movies based on theme park rides.

Honk if you remember the McDLT’s styrofoam-intensive packaging.

Is that Milk Crate Challenge thing a fundraiser for sickle cell anemia research? What?

A: Tom Flores.

Someone put two dollars on the five horse in the third race at Saratoga to win. I’m good for it.

I hope no rappers expected to use Airkraft One as an AirLyft while it’s away on a mission of mercy delivering supplies to earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

Wow. That Kirk thing? At Saco? Classic!

Sure Mac has looked effective in the joint practice against the New York Football Giants. But Cam just tweeted something profound in Sanskrit while dressed like the bad guy from The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle.

Maybe there’s something to this ‘drinking light beer’ business?

No, getting past the 98.5 call screener is decidedly not tougher than what Sony Michel accomplished in the 2018 Playoffs. Losers.

Really though: are the Eagles going to commission a statue of last week’s joint practice?

Best bet for the weekend: accusations of racism.

The15 Remember, Sony Michel. Well done. Bonne chance.

Material from interviews, wire services, Twitter, OnlyFans, other writers, league and team sources, @ralvarez617, and #the15 were used in this column. Do not apply externally.

This is Marianne Faithfull, who probably met Charlie Watts.

The Patriots rout the eagles 35-0 in preseason game two

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Much has been said/made about the quarterback controversy in Foxborough, MA. Start Cam Newton or Mac Jones Week One? I think this game settled that debate.

Cam Newton played well in a few series going 8/9 with 103 passing yards with a 151.4 QB rating. He looked efficient and better than he did last year at times. His TD throw to Jakobi Meyers was excellent. This means much more after having two joint practices with the Eagles before this game was played. If Bill Belichick wasn’t leaning towards him as starter yet- this game solidified things.

Even without any of the Top tight ends available, Newton was surprisingly accurate and decisive with his throws. A lot of credit can go to the offensive line in this game as well, which was the true shining star of the game.

Patriots rookie Mac Jones looked great behind that offensive line also. Jones went 13/19 for 146 yards and a 91.1 QB rating. His presence in the pocket is remarkable at such a young age.

The Patriots defense still plays without Stephon Gilmore and after a shaky first game of the preseason, free agent addition Jalen Mills looked good at slot cornerback tonight as well. The Eagles were seemingly never truly at their best (starting Joe Flacco at QB) but this is a very encouraging game all around.

I’ve been strong on the record that this defense will be top 5 in the league when all is said and done. I stand by that take and will never waver on it. If we ante up and pay Gilmore- my take will look even better.

More news and notes from this game:

  1. Jalen Hurts didn’t play one snap for the Eagles in this game which is not a good sign for that team. Joe Flacco and whatever trash they threw out there isn’t winning you many games. Give the kid a chance unless he’s injured.
  2. I know I raved about the offensive line but special teams also played well for the Patriots this game. Besides the kicking game of course.
  3. Rhamondre Stevenson is an absolute savage. After a strong outing in the first preseason game, Stevenson followed that outing with another 2 TD effort in this game. Sony Michel’s days may be numbered.
  4. The Eagles were never ready to play this game. They looked flat and defeated from the jump.
  5. Watch out for Matthew Judon like I’ve been saying. He’s going for 10+ sacks this season.

This has been my first article for #The15 and I’m blessed to be able to write for them. Follow me on Twitter @jmarion34.

The 15net.com Announcement: Patriots pre-season Coverage!

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The15Net.com has long demonstrated frustration over the lack of quality, honest, agenda-free Patriots coverage in Boston Sports Media. Today, we offer a solution.

The 15Net.com’s coverage of tonight’s Patriots pre-season game will be handled by Joshua Marion of “The Joshua Marion and Friends Podcast.”

The newest author at The15Net.com, Joshua Marion

The 15 are excited to add Josh to the roster, and we’re confident his Patriots coverage will be more McDonough than Mittens. Josh is enthusiastic about sports (and the Patriots in particular), likes to keep things moving, and his Patriots insight will be authentic, informative and entertaining. Josh has editorial control over his Patriots coverage on the site and brings a fresh perspective that we hope you’ll find refreshing.

Josh’s Twitter handle is @jmarion34, and you can find his podcast here:

https://www.talkshoe.com/show/sports-talk-with-joshua-marion-friends

Welcome to The15Net.com, Josh. We’re Truly glad to have you in sports with us.

From the 15 vault – An Investigation: Did Dan Lifshatz really play Division 1 Tennis in college?

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From February 16th, 2019. Article originally written by @MRAGS316, with contributions from @SalPetrino

Does this look like someone who played tennis at a division 1 college less than a decade ago?

For those of you not familiar with Dan, he is an angry debt collector/glorified secretary for the Felcher and Mazz show on 98.5 The Sports Hub. His duties mostly include answering the phone, finding the warmest napkins for the Felgy, and washing Big Gym’s sick beamer in exchange for where to find best restaurants for protein on the north shore.

Dan also moonlights a wanna be Twitter sports betting sharp, dishing out the hottest daily pickzz you can find. Amazingly, he was able to spin this into his own podcast on the Sports Hub along side Joe Murphy called The Bankrupt Boys. Zoinks!! [Side note: If you’re getting your sports betting tips from the guy who answers the phone for the sports radio show, it’s time to reassess.]

Recently it has come to the attention of #The15 that Dan, on multiple occasions, has claimed he played tennis while in college at the University of Hartford. Noted #The15 adjacent Polar Bear lover @SalPetrino provided the receipts.

Wow! That’s pretty impressive. Playing any sport at major American University is a big deal. Just for fun we decided to see if we could locate any of Dan’s stats since he emphatically declared he played tennis in college. According to his LinkedIn profile, Dan attended the University of Hartford from 2010-2013 and luckily the UofH sports website had the rosters of the men’s tennis team going back many years. Surely, we would find some info of Dan’s career as a D1 tennis player. Here are the rosters of the teams the years Dan was enrolled:

Hmm… weird. No sign of Dan on any of the teams. In fact there was no trace of a Dan Lifshatz anywhere on the University sports websites. The only connection between Lifshatz and the University’s men’s tennis team was an article he wrote after a tough loss for the Hawks in The Informer, the school newspaper.

Maybe Dan just thinks covering the team is the same as playing for team or he just completely made it up. Either way I look forward to hearing the explanation.

[Editor’s note: We still await clarification from Dan on this apparent mix up. If we got the story wrong, please put us in our place.]

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