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Old 2009-07-01, 09:13   Link #3161
MrTerrorist
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Cash for Pirate Bay file-sharers

Before, everyone was saying Pirate Bay is doomed since it was sold.

But now, the new owners offer money for users for sharing legal files, everyone screams with rejoice!
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Old 2009-07-01, 09:25   Link #3162
TinyRedLeaf
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China clamps down use of virtual money
Quote:
Shanghai (June 30): The buying and selling of the make-believe currencies used in online gaming has become so widespread that the Chinese authorities fear it will affect the real economy.

To quell that threat, those authorities said today that they had issued new regulations aimed at restricting the trade and use of virtual money.

China is one of the world’s biggest markets for huge so-called multiplayer online games like World of Warcraft, and tens of millions of young people are believed to be trading virtual goods and credits for real goods and cash.

The coin of fantasy realms have already moved markets here. So-called QQ coins — a form of currency produced by the Chinese Internet giant Tencent — have sometimes risen sharply in value against China's official currency, the yuan, alarming officials at the nation's Central Bank.

Some people have even traded virtual currencies in China, and exchanged them for clothes, cosmetics and other goods.

Last year, nearly US$2 billion in virtual currency was traded in China, according to the China Internet Network Information Centre. Some experts say they believe there is a much larger underground economy in the virtual world.

Dr Edward Castronova, an associate professor of telecommunications at Indiana University Bloomington who says he believes virtual currencies could pose a threat to world economies, applauded Beijing's move.

"This action shows that at least one government is concerned about the way virtual worlds challenge its control of society," he said.

- THE NEW YORK TIMES
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Old 2009-07-01, 18:04   Link #3163
james0246
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In other news (i.e. not discussions that should be in other threads ("cough" How Credible is This "Global Warming?" "cough"), Legendary Actor Karl Malden Dead at 97:

Quote:
Malden died in his sleep about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, said his manager, Bud Ross.

Malden appeared alongside Marlon Brando in two of director Elia Kazan's classic films of the 1950s -- "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "On the Waterfront." He won the best supporting actor Oscar for "Streetcar," which was released in 1951, in 1952 and was nominated for his role as a priest crusading against crooked union bosses in "On the Waterfront."

It could be a combination of things," Ross said. "He was 97 years old."
Malden also worked with the legendary TV producer Quinn Martin on the hit ABC show The Streets of San Francisco and is probably best remembered for being one of the original spokespersons for American Express and delivering the classic line "Don't Leave Home Without It."

Here's a more official obituary with a clip or two of some of his famous work...
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Old 2009-07-02, 07:07   Link #3164
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North Korea test-fires two missiles

Spoiler for Saving space:


Alternate news sources-
BBC
Washington Post
Cnn
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Old 2009-07-02, 08:22   Link #3165
Shadow Kira01
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It seems that North Korea is test-firing missiles once every 2 weeks intentionally..

Unfortunately, I don't think there are any feasible solutions to the problem taking into consideration of the situation at the United Nations.

----

N. Korea test-fires 4 short-range missiles off east Coast

Its been only a few hours and it seems that the last missile fired wasn't the 2nd one but the 4th one.. How many have they planned on firing?

Last edited by Shadow Kira01; 2009-07-02 at 10:34. Reason: updated.
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Old 2009-07-02, 09:25   Link #3166
monir
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Few posts moved to the Global Warming thread. Please continue this interesting discussion over there.
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Old 2009-07-02, 10:30   Link #3167
Shadow Kira01
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Japan eyes sending more troops to East China Sea

Quote:
TOKYO (AP) -- Japan is considering deploying more troops off its southwestern shores to defend a group of disputed islets in the East China Sea, an official said Thursday, prompting a warning from Beijing.

Defense officials are studying an overall troop realignment to focus more on the southwestern waters, including sending an army unit to Yonaguni island near the uninhabited Senkaku islets that are claimed by Taiwan, China and Japan, a Ground Self-Defense Forces spokesman said on condition of anonymity, citing department policy.

Currently, the only troops in the area are on Okinawa island, with 1,800 Japanese troops and also more than 20,000 American troops stationed there under Japan-U.S. security alliance.

The spokesman, however, said nothing specific has been decided and there are no immediate plans to send troops to Yonaguni, an undisputed island 300 miles (500 kilometers) southwest of Okinawa and 70 miles (110 kilometers) east of Taiwan.

In Beijing, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman urged Japan not to increase tensions in the region.

"We hope the relevant actions of Japan can be conducive to regional peace and stability," spokesman Qin Gang said at a news conference Thursday.

Yonaguni is 100 miles (160 kilometers) south of the Senkaku islets, which are called Diaoyu in Chinese.

The defense spokesman was responding to report Thursday in the regional Tokyo Shimbun newspaper that officials have decided to study a Yonaguni deployment.

The Japanese government is expected to issue a revised basic defense program at the end of the year.

Japan has lodged a protest with China several times over the entry of Chinese vessels into waters near the islands. Activists from Hong Kong and Taiwan have also sailed to the islands to make territorial claims.
Finally, the unpopular Aso Cabinet has decided to do something important. Took them forever to take the step..

Last edited by Shadow Kira01; 2009-07-02 at 10:36. Reason: fixed.
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Old 2009-07-02, 12:58   Link #3168
mg1942
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I lurked in 2ch and saw this...

"CP law amendment, passed by the legislature ... to match the ruling Democratic " (and international standards?)

http://74.125.19.132/translate_c?hl=...-_QWBl9L1Ty9hg

Original
http://tsushima.2ch.net/test/read.cg...us/1246541940/
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Old 2009-07-02, 13:47   Link #3169
james0246
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Homosexuality is not a crime!

Quote:
In a significant move the Delhi High Court (DHC) has legalised gay sex with a rider that "the provision of section 377 IPC will continue to govern non-consensual penile non-vaginal sex and penile non vaginal sex involving minors".

Section 377 of the IPC so far criminalised homosexuality among consenting adults. The DHC call this aspect of the section against the fundamental rights. "We declare section 377 of IPC in so far as it criminalises consensual sexual acts of adults in private is violative of Articles 14, 21 and 15 of the Constitution," a Bench comprising Chief Justice A. P. Shah and Justice S. Murlidhar said.

And therefore, "It cannot be forgotten that discrimination is antithesis of equality and that it is the recognition of equality which will foster dignity of every individual." DHC elaborated saying that any kind of discrimination is anti-thesis of right to equality, while allowing plea of gay rights activists for decriminalisation of homosexuality.
Indian Court Legalizes Gay Sex

Quote:
In what many are calling "India's Stonewall", the New Delhi High Court on Thursday decriminalized homosexual intercourse between consenting adults, by striking down section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. This law labels gay sex to be an "unnatural offense", punishable with up to ten years in prison. ...

In its ruling today, the Delhi High Court affirmed that claim, saying that Section 377 violated basic human rights. The same court however, had dismissed a similar petition in 2001. It is clear that this latest ruling is a reflection of increased activism by gay rights groups and high profiled supporters like Bollywood actress and Former Miss World Celina Jaitley, along with a more progressive government. ...

"We have finally entered into the 21st Century", claimed Anjali Gopalan, head of the Naz Foundation, to reporters here. "It is very clear now that sex between consenting results would no longer be an offence," added another Naz member.
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Old 2009-07-03, 09:18   Link #3170
Shadow Kira01
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Japan's royal couple head to Canada, Hawaii

Quote:
TOKYO (AP) -- Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko hope to reach out to Americans and Canadians of Japanese ancestry during a two-week tour that began Friday, but they won't be going to Pearl Harbor.

"Both Canada and the state of Hawaii are home to many people of Japanese ancestry," Akihito said in a statement ahead of the trip. "We are looking forward to meeting these people in various places during our trip and further deepen our understanding of the paths they have taken to this day."

There had been speculation in the Japanese media that they might go to Pearl Harbor, which would have been the first visit by an emperor to the scene of Japan's 1941 surprise attack. But palace officials said the purpose of their visit was not related to the attack. Akihito paid his respects at Pearl Harbor in 1960 as crown prince.

During their July 14-16 Hawaii visit, they will lay a wreath at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, the burial place for 34,000 veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

The 75-year-old Akihito and his 74-year-old wife will also attend a banquet marking the 50th anniversary of a scholarship set up in his honor, the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Foundation, according to the Japanese government. The foundation, established as a wedding gift to the couple by residents of Hawaii in 1959, exchanges two students between Hawaii and Japan every year.

The couple are expected to meet with Gov. Linda Lingle and attend a reception co-hosted by the Japanese ambassador and the consul general.

But palace doctors have warned their health is "not in top form," and that may mean last-minute itinerary changes.

Akihito has osteoporosis and is still recovering from stress-linked irregular pulse. He has also undergone surgery and treatment for cancer. Michiko injured her knee during a tennis game in February and has had stress-related illnesses over the years, including a nervous breakdown that left her unable to speak in the early 1990s.

Before heading to Hawaii, the couple will spend 11 days in Canada, where they will visit Ottawa, Toronto, Victoria and Vancouver to attend various ceremonies.

Akihito's previous trip to Canada was in 1953, a year after Japan and Canada signed the peace treaty ending World War II hostility and the first time he ever traveled abroad. He was crown prince then, 19 and single.

Akihito still remembers traveling on the transcontinental train for four days, during which many Japanese immigrants greeted him warmly at each station between Vancouver and Toronto.

"I was deeply touched," he said.
It seems that people with royalty are always living tough times.
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Old 2009-07-03, 11:30   Link #3171
TinyRedLeaf
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Quote:
Originally Posted by james0246 View Post
Homosexuality is a crime!
Quote:
Singapore (Oct 23, 2007): Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Singapore should strive to maintain a balance between conservative citizens and giving space for homosexuals to live and contribute to society.

Mr Lee was among the many MPs in Parliament who spoke in support of keeping Section 377A of the Penal Code, which deems sex between men a crime.

The passing of the amended Penal Code concluded two days of debate on the most comprehensive review in more than 20 years.

Section 377A may be the hot button issue in Singapore, but whether homosexuality is debated here or in Western countries, it would remain a contentious topic, said PM Lee, adding that abolishing 377A would not end the argument because there are deep concerns of moral values among the majority of Singaporeans.

He said abolishing Section 377A could send the wrong signal and push gay activists to ask for more, such as changing what is taught in schools and advocating same-sex marriages and parenting.

- CHANNELNEWSASIA
Group sets up site to urge keeping gay sex ban
Quote:
Singapore (Oct 17, 2007): In an apparent counter move, a group calling itself "the Majority" has set up a website to collect signatures backing a call for the Government to keep the law against gay sex.

The group, in an open letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, asks the Government to "do what is right and retain Section 377A for the future of our children and our nation".

The online letter read: "Section 377A is a reflection of the sentiments of the majority of society. Most Singaporeans hold conservative family values and do not accept homosexuality as the norm.

"Repealing Section 377A is a vehicle to force homosexuality on a conservative population that is not ready for homosexuality."

Repealing the law, the letter said, could lead to the redefinition of same-sex marriage and the trend of adoption by same-sex parents.

The website, which went live yesterday at about 12.30pm, seems to be a response to an ongoing public online campaign calling for Section 377A to be repealed — even sporting a similar website design.

In the latest Penal Code review, which was finished last month, the Government decided to uphold the status quo on this issue. The Ministry of Home Affairs had said that Singapore was generally a conservative society and "we should let the situation evolve".

Mr Martin Tan, 30, who organised this latest online show of support for Section 377A, told TODAY the website allowed the "silent majority" to have its say.

"What the gay community does in private is their private space," said Mr Tan, an executive director of a not-for-profit organisation. "We just do not want our country's legislation to change just for a small minority who are vocal."

- CHANNELNEWSASIA
377A serves public morality
Quote:
Below is an extract of Nominated MP Thio Li-Ann's speech in Parliament (Oct 23, 2007).

Two camps championing two distinct criminal law philosophies are polarised over whether to retain or repeal Section 377A, which criminalises public or private acts of gross indecency between two men, such as sodomy.

The "liberal" camp wants 377A repealed. They offer an "argument from consent" — Government should not police the private sexual behaviour of consenting adults. They opine this violates their liberty or "privacy". They ask, "Why criminalise something which does not 'harm' anyone; if homosexuals are 'born that way', isn't it unkind to 'discriminate' against their sexual practices?"

These flawed arguments are marinated with distracting fallacies which obscure what is at stake — repealing 377A is the first step of a radical, political agenda which will subvert social morality, the common good and undermine our liberties.

...The real question today is not "if" we should repeal 377A now, or wait until people are ready to move. This assumes too much, as though we need an adjustment period before the inevitable. The real question is not "if" but "should" we ever repeal 377A. It is not inevitable; it is not desirable to repeal it in any event. Not only is retaining 377A sound public policy, it is legally and constitutionally beyond reproach. Responsible legislators must grapple with the facts, figures and principles involved; they cannot discount the noxious social consequences repeal will bring.

...to say a law is archaic is merely chronological snobbery.

...you cannot say a law is "regressive" unless you first identify your ultimate goal. If we seek to copy the sexual libertine ethos of the wild wild West, then repealing 377A is progressive. But that is not our final destination. The onus is on those seeking repeal to prove this will not harm society.

...To slouch back to Sodom is to return to the Bad Old Days in ancient Greece or even China where sex was utterly wild and unrestrained, and homosexuality was considered superior to man-women relations. Women's groups should note that where homosexuality was celebrated, women were relegated to low social roles; when homosexuality was idealised in Greece, women were objects not partners, who ran homes and bore babies. Back then, whether a man had sex with another man, woman or child was a matter of indifference, like one’s eating preferences. The only relevant category was penetrator and penetrated; sex was not seen as interactive intimacy, but a doing of something to someone. How degrading.

...I have noted a disturbing phenomenon over the 377A debate — the argument by insult. Instead of reasoning, some have resorted to name-calling to intimidate and silence their opponents. People with principled moral objections to the homosexual agenda are tarred and feathered "homophobes", "bigots", to shut them up. This strategy is unoriginally imported from foreign gay activists, which stifles creative thinking and intellectual enquiry.

When you shout, full of sound and fury, and call your opponents nasty names, this terminates public debate. No one wants to be called a bigot. But think about it — if I oppose incest, am I an incestophobe? If I oppose alcoholism, am I a winophobe? If having an opinion means you are bigoted, then we are all bigots! What is your phobia?

==========
Thio Li-Ann is a Singaporean law professor at the National University of Singapore teaching public law, public international law and human rights law. She was educated at the University of Oxford, Harvard Law School and the University of Cambridge. In January 2007, she was appointed a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) in Singapore's 11th Parliament.


For more about section 377A of Singapore's (and India's) Penal Code, go to this link.
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Old 2009-07-03, 13:10   Link #3172
james0246
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^I think the most appropriate phrase is "Two Steps Forward, One Step Back."
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Old 2009-07-03, 15:26   Link #3173
mg1942
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This just in!

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will resign
.
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Old 2009-07-03, 15:31   Link #3174
james0246
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mg1942 View Post
I read this news a hour or so ago, and I am still unsure how to react to the information. It's very strange news, no matter how you look at it, and it is hard to see how this will help her political career.
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Old 2009-07-03, 20:10   Link #3175
Shadow Kira01
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N. Korea launches 2 Scud missiles: Yonhap

Quote:
North Korea has fired two Scud missiles, Yonhap News Agency reported Saturday, citing an unnamed source.
The action came after Pyongyang test-fired four short-range missiles off its east coast into the Sea of Japan on Thursday.
==Kyodo
I wonder what North Korea is up to..

First, they fired four short-ranged missiles and they fired another 2 scud missiles under 24 hours. Their actions don't seem the slightest provocative as that this isn't the first time North Korea has test-fired missiles. Most likely, North Korea is doing it as a means of testing the waters to see how the United States will react. If the US isn't going to make a predicatable move, it is entirely possible that North Korea will fire more missiles in a desperate attempt to garner attention. The proper action would be to strengthen sanctions and ignore them.
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Old 2009-07-03, 22:39   Link #3176
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shadow Kira01 View Post
N. Korea launches 2 Scud missiles: Yonhap



I wonder what North Korea is up to..

First, they fired four short-ranged missiles and they fired another 2 scud missiles under 24 hours. Their actions don't seem the slightest provocative as that this isn't the first time North Korea has test-fired missiles. Most likely, North Korea is doing it as a means of testing the waters to see how the United States will react. If the US isn't going to make a predicatable move, it is entirely possible that North Korea will fire more missiles in a desperate attempt to garner attention. The proper action would be to strengthen sanctions and ignore them.
I think that is called "attention-seeking". I mean. They've alway been like that. Unless they can show that they can fire a proper working missile, the best thing to do is not sanctions (because that hurts the people, not the government - heard of the black market?) but rather to continue efforts to strengthen the security umbrella over ROK, Japan, Taiwan, and MAYBE. Singapore. They need it after all.

As well as to get out of that cashpit known as Middle East and move all of 'em to Japan/ROK.
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Old 2009-07-03, 23:07   Link #3177
Shadow Kira01
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South Korea currently claims that the third missile has been fired Saturday morning. Although it haven't been confirmed but I believe in the sightings as that today is July 4th. North Korea's recent missile activities are most likely a response to the national American day. I didn't realized it until just now.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ShimatheKat View Post
I think that is called "attention-seeking". I mean. They've alway been like that. Unless they can show that they can fire a proper working missile, the best thing to do is not sanctions (because that hurts the people, not the government - heard of the black market?) but rather to continue efforts to strengthen the security umbrella over ROK, Japan, Taiwan, and MAYBE. Singapore. They need it after all.

As well as to get out of that cashpit known as Middle East and move all of 'em to Japan/ROK.
And what makes the North Korean people different than the government? You do realize that it is only natural for nations in which North Korea poses a threat to not act like the charity? I do not agree with military actions as that the abductees do live in North Korea; without a clear idea as to where they are currently residing in, it would be unwise to make military attempts as that their lives are most important. Thus, sanctions are really the only option. Although, sanctions do seem to be rather ineffective as that tons of Japanese businessmen and Chinese companies are working together to make it so and they are doing a very good job. Strengthening the security umbrella is unnecessary as that the North Korea of today is not much of a threat; however, their supporter are somewhat of a threat and that is why the security umbrella is continuing to be enhanced.
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Old 2009-07-03, 23:14   Link #3178
Ascaloth
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shadow Kira01 View Post
South Korea currently claims that the third missile has been fired Saturday morning. Although it haven't been confirmed but I believe in the sightings as that today is July 4th. North Korea's recent missile activities are most likely a response to the national American day. I didn't realized it until just now.
So....NK is offering some bonus fireworks out of their own pocket for America's big day. Generous of them.
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Old 2009-07-03, 23:29   Link #3179
ZephyrLeanne
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shadow Kira01 View Post


And what makes the North Korean people different than the government? You do realize that it is only natural for nations in which North Korea poses a threat to not act like the charity? I do not agree with military actions as that the abductees do live in North Korea; without a clear idea as to where they are currently residing in, it would be unwise to make military attempts as that their lives are most important. Thus, sanctions are really the only option. Although, sanctions do seem to be rather ineffective as that tons of Japanese businessmen and Chinese companies are working together to make it so and they are doing a very good job. Strengthening the security umbrella is unnecessary as that the North Korea of today is not much of a threat; however, their supporter are somewhat of a threat and that is why the security umbrella is continuing to be enhanced.
1. It's because when sanctions come down, the DRPK gov will then take more away from its people just to maintain their standard of living. After all this is communism.

2. I think it needs to expand too. Like to Singapore, it's southern-most ally in Asia.

Oh and on Singapore.

Quote:
Originally Posted by TinyRedLeaf View Post
Homosexuality is a crime!


Group sets up site to urge keeping gay sex ban


377A serves public morality



For more about section 377A of Singapore's (and India's) Penal Code, go to this link.
Amen. 377a must stay. I wish we had this where I am right now (OK fine, I'm in HK - Wait I think HK does have it... I dunno. Did the British law pass down to HK?
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Old 2009-07-03, 23:38   Link #3180
Terrestrial Dream
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ShimatheKat View Post
I think that is called "attention-seeking". I mean. They've alway been like that. Unless they can show that they can fire a proper working missile, the best thing to do is not sanctions (because that hurts the people, not the government - heard of the black market?) but rather to continue efforts to strengthen the security umbrella over ROK, Japan, Taiwan, and MAYBE. Singapore. They need it after all.

As well as to get out of that cashpit known as Middle East and move all of 'em to Japan/ROK.
Can't really help it I mean Michael Jackson's death is taking all the attention away from them so now they have to go to extra miles for attention .
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