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Baja California Faces the Big Chill: How Cold is Too Cold?

Baja California, where margaritas flow as freely as the sunshine, is now bracing for a rare visitor: a cold front. Yes, folks, it’s time to put away your flip-flops and dig out that jacket you swore you’d never need. With not one but two cold fronts—numbers 9 and 10—set to crash the party, Baja residents are preparing for a taste of what the rest of Mexico calls “autumn.”

Blame It on the Polar Air

The good news? You’re not imagining things. The bad news? The temperature drop is as real as a frozen margarita in July. The cold front isn’t just a breeze; it’s a full-on polar air invasion. Temperatures are predicted to nosedive, especially in the early mornings when Baja’s usual sunny optimism might feel more like a frosty slap in the face.

Rain? Check. Wind? Double-check. And let’s not forget the chill-factor mornings that will have locals considering—gasp!—buying socks. It’s all courtesy of this polar express, sweeping through Mexico and reminding everyone that, yes, weather does occasionally change.

What to Expect in Baja

While the mainland is dealing with frost and even whispers of snow (seriously, Mexico?), Baja’s unique geography spares us from the worst of it. But don’t get too cozy. Winds will kick up, especially in coastal areas, and morning temperatures are expected to dip below the comfort zone for your average Baja native. You know, the kind who thinks anything below 20°C (68°F) is apocalyptic.

For those in northern Baja, temperatures could hit a teeth-chattering low, especially in Tijuana and Mexicali, where residents might even spot a bit of frost. Meanwhile, in southern Baja, Cabo San Lucas is likely to experience cooler evenings that might finally justify all those outdoor fire pits nobody ever uses.

Will It Snow? Don’t Hold Your Breath

Some parts of Mexico are expected to see snow (hi, Chihuahua and Durango), but Baja is, thankfully, not on that list. Our desert landscape might get a little damp and chilly, but the white stuff isn’t in the forecast. You can safely leave your snow shovel dreams for another day—or decade.

What Should You Do?

First, breathe. This isn’t the Ice Age. Second, enjoy the cooler weather—it’s practically a vacation from Baja’s relentless sunshine. Need tips? Here are a few:

                  •               Dust off that sweater you’ve been hiding in the back of your closet.

                  •               Stock up on hot chocolate—yes, you can still spike it with tequila.

                  •               Take a moment to enjoy how much better your coffee tastes when you can see your breath in the air.

For those running on solar-powered lifestyles, keep an eye on your panels. Overcast skies might affect your energy supply, so don’t be shocked if your favorite device takes a little longer to charge.

Sure, a cold front in Baja might feel like Mother Nature lost a bet, but it’s not all bad. The drop in temperatures means fewer mosquitoes (finally!), and you might even get to light that fancy candle that smells like pine trees for “seasonal vibes.” Plus, let’s face it, the chance to complain about the cold is a refreshing change from griping about the heat.

So, bundle up, Baja! This chill is temporary, and soon enough, we’ll all be back to sweating over our cervezas. Until then, enjoy the novelty of waking up and not immediately regretting life. Just remember: winter is coming—Baja style.

Get Your Holiday Spirit On at the Sassy Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair!

Mark your calendars! The Sassy Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair is back, bringing a festive day of creativity, music, and delicious food to Hacienda 43 on Saturday, November 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This beloved event is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season, whether you’re on the hunt for unique gifts, a fan of live music, or just looking to savor some amazing food.

The day kicks off with Sweet Sixx, blending bohemian blues, reggae, swing, and Latin beats to set the vibe. Then, prepare to be captivated by Derek Wille, an internationally acclaimed musician, producer, and composer whose emotionally rich performances are unforgettable. Finally, soak in the artistry of José Enrique Tovar, a Venezuelan virtuoso with a stunning repertoire, including his “Beatles Tribute.” Proceeds from José’s tips directly support his Academy of Young Soloists in San Felipe, where he teaches music to children for free.

Sassy Fine Art Festival back in June 2024

The fair features 35 talented artists and crafters, offering everything from hand-painted jean jackets by Emma Hernandez to stunning mosaic tile pieces by Mexicali artisans Rubi Guzman and Yaneth Montiel. Returning favorites like Narda Velasco and Marlen Castor will also showcase their exceptional works. Don’t forget to stop by the Facebook page “Sassy Events” to preview the artists and grab a program at the event (while supplies last).

As if the art and music weren’t enough, Chef Santos and his team are serving an all-you-can-eat Italian buffet for just 250 pesos, featuring dishes like Chicken Cordon Bleu, Fettuccini Alfredo, and decadent desserts.

Parking has been expanded this year, making it even easier to enjoy the festivities. Come for the art, stay for the music, and leave with a full stomach and holiday cheer! See you at Hacienda 43!

Baja’s New Luxury Towers “The Wavve” Break Ground

The Wavve, a new luxury residential project by Estrategia Urbana, has officially begun construction on the scenic toll road to Rosarito.

Located in Punta Bandera, at kilometer 18 of the coastal highway, The Wavve will feature two towers, each with 150 apartments offering stunning panoramic views.

Today, Thursday, the ceremonial first stone was placed, with company executives from Estrategia Urbana, Bustamante Realty Group, local officials, and invited guests in attendance.

Notable figures at the event included Arturo Espinoza Jaramillo, Baja California’s Secretary of Infrastructure; Mónica Vega Aguirre, Secretary of Environment; Miguel Aguíñiga, Secretary of Tourism; and Tijuana’s Secretary of Urban Mobility, María del Pilar Vázquez, among others.

Leading the ceremony were Jonathan Cohen, CEO of Estrategia Urbana, and Moises Zapan, the company’s CCO. They expressed their gratitude to local authorities, their clients, and everyone who contributed to the company’s establishment in Baja California. Special thanks went to the construction team working on The Wavve.

Héctor Bustamante, the director of the company managing the sales, announced that 60% of the units have already been sold.

Mónica Vega highlighted the project’s environmental efforts, which include a water treatment plant and solar panels for common areas, showcasing the developer’s commitment to sustainability.

With an investment of nearly 1.5 billion pesos, The Wavve is expected to generate over 450 jobs. According to Jonathan Cohen, this is just the first of several projects planned for Baja California by Estrategia Urbana, a company with over 25 years of experience and more than 70 projects completed in Mexico and the U.S.

More information on the project can be found at www.thewavvebaja.com

Valle de Guadalupe Film Festival to Honor Mexican Filmmaker Alfonso Arau

Lights, camera, action! The first edition of the Valle de Guadalupe Film Festival is kicking off with a well-deserved tribute to renowned Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Arau. Known for directing hits like A Walk in the Clouds (starring Keanu Reeves), Zapata: The Dream of a Hero, and the iconic Like Water for Chocolate, Arau has made a lasting impact on Mexican cinema. This special homage will take place on Friday, September 20, at 5:30 PM at the Museo de la Vid y el Vino. 

Arau also holds the unique distinction of being the first to direct famed American director Woody Allen in the film Picking Up the Pieces. Intrigued?

You can learn more fascinating details like this at the film discussion led by critic Ernesto Diezmartínez, starting at 6:00 PM right after the tribute. Following this, the visual artist Julio Orozco will unveil his exhibition “Halls of the Past, Projections of the Future” at 7:00 PM.

To round off the festival’s opening day, there will be a concert of “Great Works of the Seventh Art” performed by the Wind Quintet of the Baja California Orchestra at 8:30 PM. And if that’s not enough, stick around for the video mapping presentation “Libélula” at 10:00 PM.

Best of all? Admission to all these activities is free! The festivities start on Friday, September 20, at 5:30 PM at the Museo de la Vid y el Vino in Valle de Guadalupe. The museum is located at Carr. Fed. Tecate-Ensenada Km 81.3371 Fracc. Norte, 22750 Francisco Zarco, B.C.

For the full festival program, visit: https://festivaldecinevalleguadalupe.com

The 2nd Baja Women’s Conference is Here to Save Your Sanity: Ready to Recharge?

Ladies of Baja, it’s time to dust off your best yoga pants and get ready for a day that’s all about you—no kids, no partners, no to-do lists. Just you, a bunch of like-minded women, and an agenda that’s all about recharging those life batteries. 

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 21st, because from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, the Second Baja Women’s Conference is taking over CEART in Rosarito. Think of it as a spa day for the soul, but with more chakras, a splash of creativity, and a side of salsa—yes, dancing, not the dip.

This isn’t your average conference where you nod off after too much coffee. No, this is a day designed to make you feel like the rockstar you are. Whether you’re looking to rediscover your creative side, sort out your chakras, or just want to have a comfortable chat about sex (because, why not?), there’s something here for everyone.

Sessions will be offered in English, Spanish, and even a bit of Spanglish because we know you’ve got that bilingual game down. Here’s just a taste of what’s on the menu:

Bilingual Sessions: Start your day with Gloria Snyder’s “Women’s Circle,” where you’ll find and strengthen your voice in life, speech, and even song with Carol Clary’s “Find and Strengthen Your Voice in Life, Speech, and Song.” If you’re in need of some serious zen, don’t miss Rose Lee’s “Chakras, Reiki, Singing Bowls.”

English Sessions: Things get spicy with Sherri Jaye’s “A Comfortable Chat on Sex,” where nothing’s off-limits. On the more holistic side, Winifred Morice will dive into “Nutrition: Wellness is an Inside Job,” while Sue McDevitt explores the “Role of Creativity in Self Care.”

For those of you who’ve been carrying the weight of the world, Alice Vernoux’s “Female Myth of Servitude: Reframing the Caretaker Role” is a must-attend. Heal through art with Shauna Robeson’s “Healing Art Therapy,” and learn how to stock a pantry that would make any nutritionist proud with Karen Schuppert’s “Building a Healthy Pantry.” 

If you’ve got some thoughts about your end-of-life plans but haven’t quite put them on paper, Marti and Karri Benjamin will guide you through “Making Your End-of-Life Wishes Known.”  Stress got you down? Maria Denzin will help you balance it all out in “Stress and Creating Balance.” Suzanne Mulroy takes a deep dive into what it means to be truly healthy in “Rethinking Dis-ease and What it Means to Be Healthy.” Marti Benjamin returns with “Flourish: The Science of Well-being,” and if you’ve got some old wounds that need tending, Elizabeth Bello’s “Transforming Trauma to Passion” will show you how to turn that pain into power.

And let’s not forget the often-ignored but totally important topic of menopause and andropause—Dr. Gloria Godinez has you covered in “Menopause and Andropause.”

Spanish Sessions: For our Spanish-speaking sisters, Dra. Gloria Godinez will also be discussing “Entendiendo la Menopausia y la Andropausia,” while Dra. Neblina Ninel Vega Salazar will explore “La Otra Cara de la Depresión.” If you’ve been carrying childhood baggage, Lic. Claudia Araujo’s “Sanando a Tu Niña Interior” is where you need to be. Creativity doesn’t just have to be in English—Sue McDevitt’s “El Papel de la Creatividad en el Autocuidado” will be offered en español as well. 

Gloria Snyder returns with “El Poder de tu Palabra,” a session that will have you owning your voice in no time. And for those looking to reclaim their power, Dra. Elvia Moreno Berry’s “Mujeres y Empoderamiento” and Nina Raffaele Aponte’s “Empoderamiento de la Nutrición Holística” will be essential stops on your conference journey.

But wait, there’s more! The day wraps up with a salsa dancing lesson from the fabulous Gabriela López Arnaut. So, not only will you leave with a recharged mind and spirit, but you’ll also have some new moves to show off at your next fiesta.

Why Should You Care? 

Let’s be real. Life gets hectic. Between work, family, and the occasional meltdown over where to put the avocado toast on the food pyramid, we all need a day to step back and focus on number one: YOU. The Baja Women’s Conference is your golden ticket to do just that. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, motivated, and maybe even a little bit wiser—or at least with a better pantry.

And hey, it’s not just about the sessions. It’s about connecting with other women who get it, who’ve been there, done that, and might even have the T-shirt. This is your tribe, and they’re waiting to meet you.

Tickets are going fast (because who wouldn’t want in on this?), so grab yours online for $65.00. If you’re more of a last-minute planner, they’re $75.00 at the door. Head over to Baja Women’s Conference Website for all the details, session info, and to snag your ticket before they’re gone.

And let’s not forget to give a shoutout to the conference’s advertising sponsor, The Shack Sports Bar and Grill, because nothing says “women’s empowerment” like knowing where to grab a cold one after a day of self-care.

So, whether you’re looking to strengthen your voice, balance your chakras, or just have a good laugh while learning a thing or two, the Second Baja Women’s Conference is where you need to be. This isn’t just an event—it’s an investment in yourself. And let’s face it, you’re worth it.

Don’t miss out on this chance to recharge, refocus, and maybe even learn how to dance like nobody’s watching (but if they are, you’ll be ready). See you there, chicas!

Baja California Braces for Scorching Temperatures This Weekend

Baja California’s Civil Protection authorities have issued a heat advisory for the upcoming weekend, warning of significantly higher temperatures across the region. Residents are being urged to take precautions and stay safe as the heatwave rolls in.

According to the forecast, Mexicali is set to hit a scorching 47°C, while Tijuana may reach 41°C. Other areas like Tecate, Playas de Rosarito, Ensenada, San Quintín, and San Felipe are also expected to see high temperatures, ranging from 32°C to 40°C.

Officials are advising residents to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and seek cool, shaded places whenever possible. For those who must be outdoors, it’s crucial to take extra precautions like wearing lightweight clothing and carrying water.

In case of an emergency, residents should call 911 or contact local authorities.

Stay safe, Baja California! This weekend’s heat is no joke, and it’s best to be prepared.

UABC Announces the 2024 Mexico International Wine Competition

The Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC), through its School of Enology and Gastronomy, has officially announced the 2024 edition of the Mexico International Wine Competition (MIWC). The event will take place on October 29 and 30, 2024, at the Department of Informatics and Libraries on the UABC Ensenada campus.

The MIWC is set to bring together top-tier wines from around the world, where they will be evaluated by a specialized jury. The competition aims to recognize excellence in winemaking according to international oenological standards, in a setting that promotes transparency, academia, and institutional integrity.

Alejandro Jiménez Hernández, the director of the School of Enology and Gastronomy, highlighted the event’s long-standing history. Initially organized by Baja California’s winemaking sector, the competition has been under UABC’s management for 17 years. The MIWC holds the distinction of being the first international wine competition in Mexico backed by an educational institution and meets the standards of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). Faculty and students from various university programs actively participate in the event, reflecting its academic roots.

Jiménez Hernández emphasized the expertise of the judges, who come with extensive national and international experience in the wine industry. This guarantees that the evaluation process will be both serious and objective.

UABC has also pioneered the use of a computerized wine evaluation system, developed in-house. This system ensures the results are processed and announced quickly, demonstrating the university’s commitment to transparency.

Griselda López González, the competition’s technical coordinator, provided details about the registration process, which is open to all winemaking companies interested in participating. Entries must meet specific technical requirements, such as chemical analysis, and wines will be judged in categories like white, red, rosé, sparkling, and sweet wines. López González also mentioned that the registration deadline is September 27, 2024, with entry fees varying depending on the number of samples submitted by each winery.

Winning labels in each category can earn distinctions such as Grand Gold, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and the prestigious Mexico Medal, awarded to the highest-scoring wine in its category. The total number of medals awarded cannot exceed 30% of the total entries, ensuring a selective recognition process. López González added that labels previously awarded in past editions—those with the same name, varietal, or vintage—are excluded from competing again.

UABC encourages regional, national, and international winemaking companies to take part in the MIWC. The competition not only recognizes excellence in wine production but also fosters collaboration and exchange within the industry.

For more information on registration and the competition’s guidelines, visit the official Mexico International Wine Competition website: https://concursodelvino.ens.uabc.mx.

Join Us for Wine Without Borders 2024!🍷

Mark your calendars for October 5th, 2024, when Tijuana’s Club Campestre will host the 3rd annual Wine Without Borders festival! This year, over 40 wineries from Baja California will offer tastings from more than 100 wine labels, and 25 regional restaurants will present a delicious gastronomic experience. Expect live music, guided tastings, and cooking demonstrations to elevate the festivities. Plus, Temecula, California, will be featured as the guest wine region!

Tickets are priced at $1,500 pesos, which includes access to all the fun and flavors this exciting festival has to offer. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a foodie, this event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of cross-border culture and cuisine.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to savor the best of Baja and beyond!

Always, Patsy Cline: A Musical Play Review

BY MARTINA DOBESH

Amazing talent hides out in Baja’s coastal hills. Seldom are we treated to having so many gathered together in one room. But the La Misión Performing Arts held at the Quinta Los Defines gave the community a real treat. It was almost like being present at the Grand Ole Oprea. The setting brought everyone up close and very personal for this musical play, Always, Patsy Cline. It brought the local talent together for a humongous production featuring two powerhouse women to carry the load, Ginevra Altomara as Patsy and Lisa Rath as her friend Louise. The show’s title was inspired by Cline’s letters to Louise, which were consistently signed “Love ALWAYS… Patsy Cline.” It is said that “It has that magic ingredient that just draws you in — the friendship of the women, the incredible music of Patsy Cline, and in our space the intimacy of storytelling,” 

The original production opened in 1988 and went on to be an international hit. The musical is based on a true story about Patsy Cline’s friendship with Louise Seger. You might remember some of Patsy’s  most famous songs, I Fall to Pieces, Crazy, and Sweet Dreams. She recorded nearly 100 songs and Ginevra, as Patsy Cline, sang 27 of them in this two-hour performance! Ginevra hit the songs out of the ball park, all the while looking beautiful. The power of her voice astounded the audience. And we wanted to know how was it possible for her to remember all those lyrics?! Each with a wardrobe and scene change. One answer might be the years of commitment to developing her art. 

Photos by Kathey Fatica

Enter stage left is Lisa Rath, as Patsy’s friend Louise Seger who became a fan and had the starstruck good luck to have her idol actually stay overnight in her home. Lisa played her part with big bold brightness. Her blond wig, her bawdy movements had us all captive and laughing. And again, we were flabbergasted that she carried off seven separate dialogues of 330 to 500 words and each lasting about five minutes! This is beyond believable. All this with her own scene and costume changes to remember. Both women were truly remarkable and enthralled the audience with their prowess.

Now it takes many passionate people to produce a musical play. Director Danny Ingersoll exclaimed, “Theatre is magic!” And he has been committed to creating this magic for the community, and proud that he has “learned theatre by doing theatre.” This was a huge production he took on and brought the magic of real life to the stage. One of the brilliant additions were the separate band members playing parts as actors. Usually we never see the band, only hear them as background. Each member has a long list of credits to their names and all very seasoned performers. The “Bodacious Bobcats” all had Bob names for the fun of it. Jim Bob played by Miguel Korsa on Guitar, Billy Bob by Bruce Erickson on lead guitar, Ray Bob, by David Finch on the fiddle, Jay Bob, by Glen Brown, Jr. on Bass Guitar, Bob Bob, by Randy Seol on drums. Joe Bob, was played by Derek Wille a MYNDSTREAM recording artist who made the baby grand piano come alive. All this amazing talent provided the feel of the Gand Ole Opry. Assistant Director Jan Folsom pulled all this together managing the stage. Set design by Michael Fatica were cute little intimate sets for certain scenes. Paul Ross was the set master builder of a flashy juke box and nice detail sets to support all the action. And part of this fun was they called for participation from us to sing along. We would be remiss to not acknowledge the beautiful location provided by David Cattanio of the lovely Quinta Los Defines.

So, could it get any better? You bet! I had been invited to the last dress rehearsal before opening night. Part of that invitation was to follow the cast to Splash where David Finch, “Ray Bob” would take his fiddle to join the master guitarist, Miguel de Hoyos for a jam session. We really got to see David’s fiddle in action to resounding cheers from the diners. David has played beside many diverse artists Alan Cuming, Tony Bennett, and Dee Snider to name a few. He has acted on Broadway and the West End in London, as well as the BBC Symphony Orchestra in London and so much more. 

Of course, we know Miguel! We have come to think of him as our own. He has traveled the world and played for presidents and dignitaries. He has performed more than 80 concerts in Germany. As well as all over Europe and Mexico. He is also known as part of our community and teaches guitar and Spanish to the locals. How could we be so lucky to have Miguel living nearby and playing Wednesday nights for an early evening performance? Well, just lucky I guess. One visitor said that in San Diego his performance would be a $200 gig!

You will want to check in for all the upcoming productions like the Halloween Murder Mystery and other events for the holidays. Check in with David Cattanio at Quintalosdelfines@gmail.com

Editor’s Note: Martina is a freelance writer, columnist for Baja Bound and author of Dust in My Sandals, Tales from a Baja Traveler. Give the gift that keeps on giving to friends and family.

No Paella Left Behind in the 2024 Paella Contest

BY LUISA ROSAS

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you mix a competitive spirit with delicious food and fine wine, look no further than the Dr. Ramón García Ocejo Paella Contest. Held on August 18, 2024, at Viña de Liceaga as part of the XXXIV Fiestas de la Vendimia, this event is where paella meets pageantry—Ensenada style. With over 2,500 attendees, it was the talk of the town, or should we say, the taste of the town?

Picture this: a balmy summer afternoon, surrounded by the rolling vineyards of Baja California, shaded by ancient oak trees. Now add 160 different wines from 84 wineries, live music, and 90 teams determined to create the perfect paella. If that doesn’t scream “perfect day,” we don’t know what does.

The Fiestas de la Vendimia aren’t just about drinking wine and eating paella (though, honestly, that’s reason enough to go). It’s also about celebrating Ensenada’s rich culture and deep-rooted traditions. The Paella Contest, organized by Provino Baja California, brings together locals and tourists alike to enjoy the fruits of the region’s labor—literally.

The Competition Heats Up

You might think that making paella is just about tossing some rice and seafood in a pan, but you’d be wrong. Very wrong. These 90 teams took their craft seriously, preparing their paellas with the same intensity as a chef on a cooking show—minus the dramatic background music. The rules were simple: cook the paella in the same-sized pans, with the same amount of rice, and over an open flame. The catch? Impress a panel of judges from the Asociación Gastronómica y de Paelleros de Baja California, A.C. (AGAPE) with the best color, appearance, flavor, and texture. No pressure, right?

The judges used a color-coded system to keep everything anonymous and fair. The paellas were graded not only on taste but also on presentation. After all, you eat with your eyes first, and nothing says “delicious” like a perfectly golden paella, glistening in the sun.

And the Winners Are…

Let’s get to the good stuff: the winners. In the “Quality” category, first place went to San Sebastián, followed by Martes de Ricos and Pacífica at Ensenada Bay in second and third, respectively. For “Presentation,” Los Jacaleros took the top spot, with Vivencias and Tía Margarita rounding out the top three.

What did the winners take home besides bragging rights? Trophies, wine, and, of course, paella pans—because you can never have too many. They also got some stylish aprons, t-shirts, and hats, so everyone knows who the real paella masters are. Thanks to sponsors like Banco Afirme and Distribuidora La Canasta, the lucky teams also received promotional goodies and vouchers totaling 14,000 pesos. That’s a lot of paella ingredients.

Music, Fun, and Family

But the Paella Contest wasn’t just about food and competition. It was a full-blown fiesta, complete with live music on two stages. DJ Robbie Solis kept the energy high with his electronic beats, while Ovejas Negras took us back with some classic rock in both English and Spanish. And let’s not forget La Gran Familia, who had everyone dancing for five hours straight—burning off all that paella, no doubt.

For the younger crowd (and those young at heart), the event featured workshops in arts and mural painting by the Prisma Academy, along with a pétanque game hosted by the Mexican Pétanque Federation. It’s not every day you get to throw metal balls around while your parents sip wine and munch on gourmet rice dishes.

The Grand Finale

Just when you thought the day couldn’t get any better, there was a raffle. Courtesy of the Baja California Sur Tourism Promotion Trust, one lucky attendee won a package for two, including round-trip tickets from Tijuana to Loreto, four nights at La Misión Hotel, dinner at Raíz Restaurant, and a tour of Bahía Loreto National Park. Now that’s what we call a grand finale!

As the 34th edition of the Paella Contest wrapped up, it was clear that the event had once again brought together the best of Ensenada’s food, wine, and culture. The only downside? Waiting another year to do it all over again.

In the meantime, don’t worry—there’s no bad news here, only good times and great food. Cheers to that!

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