Aging in place is becoming a preferred option for many aging adults in the US. HomeAdvisor published AARP survey results that found that 73-percent of those surveyed said they want to stay in their current residence instead of moving to an institution or nursing home. As boomers start experiencing the unavoidable physical limitations placed on them with advancing years, there are things they can modify or do to ensure their continued home safety.
Home safety tip #1: Remove any items that might get in the way and cause a person to trip and fall.
CDC reports that falls account for the most injuries for seniors over 65 years old resulting in about 3 million emergency room visits during 2018. As eyesight falters and reflexes slow down, it is important to prevent accidents. Keeping the floor free from pet toys, books, shoes, rugs that slide and large vases or pieces of furniture that impede walkways is the best way to safeguard against preventable accidents.
Aging in place safety tip #2: Modify the bathroom to make it more comfortable and safer for seniors.
CDC reports that an alarming 230,000 people are injured in their bathrooms annually. This high-risk area deserves extra attention as boomers determine the best ways to remain safe in their everyday activities. While most of these accidents are the result of falling, there are others concerns to consider too when safeguarding the bathroom.
Below are some strategies to consider.
Add grab bars next to the toilet and tub. Improve the lighting by using night lights. Install a bathing seat in the shower to prevent overexertion. Add a raised toilet seat. Consider installing a walk-in bathtub if possible. Remove items that might get in the way and cause you to trip. Prevent burns by adjusting hot water temperatures so they are no hotter than 120 F. Home safety tip #3: Take steps to prevent and prepare for a fire.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that adults over 65 are killed or injured at twice the rate of younger people. That’s why baby boomers should make a concerted effort to add fire detectors and extinguishers to their home.
NFPA recommends sleeping on the ground floor level so that it is easy to escape in the event of an emergency. Smoke alarms should be strategically placed in every bedroom. You should always keep a phone in each bedroom in case of an emergency.
Consider conducting a fire drill so you and your family know exactly what to do in case of a fire. Check each window and door to be sure you can open it easily. Verify that everyone can hear the alarm. For people who are hearing impaired, it is recommended that a flashing light be used in conjunction with an audible alarm.
Home safety tip #4: Keep your home secure from break-ins and uninvited visitors posing as salesman and repairmen.
It is important to install deadbolts on all your doors. This modification will keep most burglars from being able to enter.
While it is understandable that we all let our hair down at home, it is important to always keep all of your doors locked. If you are in the basement or garage, you don’t want to forget to lock up. You have to assume that people intent on theft or crime will be watching for someone to slip up.
Never let a stranger in your home. When waiting for a repairman, be sure to verify with the company’s office the person’s name, car and uniform if applicable.
Should a person show up at your front door due to an emergency and ask to use your phone, don’t open the door. Tell them you will make the call for them.
Home safety tip #5: Have emergency numbers on hand.
It’s always a good idea to have emergency numbers handy so that you can respond quickly in the case of an emergency. Writing them down so that they are available is also a smart move.
Some numbers to have on hand are:
Poison control Family member or friend Healthcare provider’s office 911 Home safety tip #6: Embrace technology.
Technology offers many security gadgets that work well for seniors as they prepare to age in place at home. While the obvious benefits of shopping online and ordering food or groceries via a smartphone are now commonplace, seniors are also reaching out to arm their homes with smart home devices to keep them safe.
One gadget that has gotten a lot of attention is the Nest Protect which operates as a carbon monoxide and smoke detector. Instead of knocking you out of bed with a loud alarm, this detector speaks in a human voice alerting you of the danger. It will also provide much-needed details about the location and levels affected.
Security cameras have become inexpensive and popular with models being sold for as little as $20. The Wyze Cam v2 camera is a favorite choice. It operates like a baby monitor and allows you to view your entire home. It also allows you a view of your porch which comes in handy when packages are delivered or to verify the identity of who is standing there. No expensive monthly subscription is necessary.
The Takeaway
Baby boomers recognize the many benefits of staying at home as they grow older. By making a few home modifications, there is no good reason why seniors can’t enjoy their golden years from the safety of their homes.
 

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By Carolyn Shockey 
​It dawned on me the other day, as I was reflecting in my quiet time, that I haven't been laughing much lately. Oh, I do get amused at a funny joke or email, but it seems like there isn't much going on to lift one's spirit.
Shortly thereafter, we had a siege of earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, and massacres all within a short period of time, affecting innocent people simply trying to live their lives. While some time has passed since then, and the news media is onto other stories, those people are continuing to struggle for basic necessities like clean water and electricity. Having lived through Katrina, and trying to rebuild my life, I can relate to the days of hanging on and hoping for help. Laughter is not a part of life in those times. Before our month of horror, I was looking at my life, and thinking that, while I feel joy and contentment on most days, I still wonder where and when my humor left. I'm sure that I was reacting to all the struggles going on at the time and reliving the anxiety but maybe I do need an attitude adjustment. I must admit I don't get the humor in most comedies and sitcoms these days, and there has been a time or two when I had to read the comics twice to get the point. It just seems I used to get a kick out of things a lot more than I do now. Could it be that I've lost my ability to laugh, or am relying on others to make me laugh, or just not looking for humor in things?
I've decided that for starters, I've got to be able to laugh at myself first. Now, that is not a blank canvas. There are plenty of silly, dumb, or stupid things I do on a daily basis that would certainly bring a chuckle or two. That is, if I'd forgive myself for being hu-man. My pups never fail to bring a smile as I watch them do their doggy things, and I'm making a conscious effort to appreciate them more for all their love and companionship and the joy that they bring. Actually, there is no shortage of things to laugh about, if that is our focus. We just need to be aware of the laughing matters in life and see them for what they are, rather than discounting them.
While all the external, seemingly negative things will go on from time to time, we can't let ourselves become
consumed by them. I have been aware that I have been pulled "off-center" with the recent disasters. I can only do what I can do to help, then get back to seeing humor in everyday events to keep me from taking life too seriously. Just maybe, seeing humor in a situation may help me to change my view and lighten my load.
When the holidays approach, they can bring their share of anxiety into our lives. Perhaps an "old tape" might somehow replay itself. Why not try to find a way to laugh it off, to diminish its negativity? Work to find a way to bring a laugh to others that may be in a sad or bad place during this time. Bringing a laugh to others is a gift that is difficult to wrap but easy to give. It is a gift everyone can give, and a gift much-needed in everyone's lives. Yours will be enhanced in the process, too.

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By Jean Mlincek
​Ah, the holidays are over and everyone's mind will be on his or her body, trying to get back in shape after gorging for two months' straight. Every New Years, Mr. or Ms. Oink decide it is time to diet, find a gym, strive to tie sneakers without passing out on the floor, and to discover a "core" that isn't pineapple or apple in nature.
One of the greatest tools to aid this noble struggle is a simple bathroom scale, although, truth be told, there are no simple bathroom scales anymore.  They all come with the capacity to tell one how much fat is in their big toe and a million other nifty measurements.
​
Frankly, I miss the old analogue scale. First of all, it was cheap. You could buy one for under $5; now you have to fill out loan papers to afford one. All the digital scales are "thin" models. Great! Now I feel like an elephant stepping on a potato chip. Give me my chunky analogue; at least I felt a sense of camaraderie with it.


Not only that, but I was able to talk to my scale ("Oh, my god! This can't be right!") versus having my scale talk to me: "Ya gotta lose that blubber, Oinky Poo."
I must confess that I am reticent to buy any electronic device that knows more about me than I know about me, and so, understandably, it took me a long time to join the search for the "Holy Scale". ". I simply wasn't interested in a machine that tracked my body vitals with some 15 to 20 health measurements. In fact, I was not at all interested in learning my BMI. To me, BMI sounded like something you would measure after prepping for a colonoscopy.
What is wrong with a scale that just tells you your weight, and doesn't advertise it in 3-inch-high neon numbers? Step on a digital and it tells you everything. And I mean EVERYTHING: body mass, body fat, water weight, bone density, heart rate, how much dead skin you are carrying around, and how many ounces are dropped in the average bowel movement.


Granted, my analogue had no capacity to motivate me, but, gosh, digital scales lay out a fitness plan, a diet, and Google the nearest gym for you, whether you want all that info or not. Hey! I don't want an entire motivational program; just give me my weight!
Did you know there are digital scales that read weight in 6 languages? Oy vey! Ca alors! No way! I think some will make a doctor's appointment for you. I found one on the internet that gives your metabolic age and measures visceral fat.
Don't know how visceral fat differs from plain ol fat, but I don't like the sound of that word.


Another scale can identify the
user based on past weights in the
event the entire family is
weighing in. Wow! Now we
will know who had his or her
hand in the cookie jar without
SEEING who hand their hand in
the cookie jar!
Maybe it's just me, but as grand as the digital scale is, I am very apprehensive about it. Soon, digital scales will be able to tell us the contents of our stomach after every meal, and I will no longer be able to hide the fact that I scarfed down a bag of red licorice in one day, or exceeded my Hershey Kiss quota by 20.
All this weighs heavily upon me, that's for sure. In fact, it leaves me without an ounce of energy to do anything about those extra pounds.
You can work your butt off, Mr. and Mrs. Oink; I'm going to go commiserate with Miss Peggy.
Jean Mlincek is a freelance writer who resides in St. Petersburg, FL.

By beingwithdestiny ​
A turkey neck can mean a lot... no not the one you put in a pot.
One that is earned and adored by you. An old woman that is your future smiles scornfully as she looks in the mirror. She is feisty as she mimics her grandchild's words.
"Turkey neck!" "Turkey neck!"
She touches the worn skin on her neck and thinks to herself,
These ropes and folds hold the wear of a life.
A life when I knew I had one.
A life that existed before grey hair.
A nostalgic look enters her stare...She remembers...
When I was needed,
The times I spent when I fed their mother my breast until
she settled to rest. Times that made me whole and fed my soul, With a husband to hold,
A house not yet sold,
A woman not yet old,
This neck is my story told!
Yes, I will hold up my neck...my turkey neck...
What the heck, THE MEAL WAS WORTH THE CHECK!
Destiny is a local poet who finds her motivation by watching her readers faces.
She loves to be there when their hearts smile as they read her poems and stories.
She has written over a 1,000 poems and stories... so far!
She is glad to be part of the community and would be happy to share many more of her
stories and poems with you!
You can reach her directly by e-mail at newdestiny222@yahoo.com or
on her website beingwithdestiny.com or her instagram beingwithdestiny.
If you wish to submit a poem contact the Sr. Voice Poetry Coordinator via email at ruthyakirahsolo@gmail.com.
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​The "Sunday Funday" craze is sweeping the nation -- or at least my Twitter stream -- and I honestly have no idea what it means.
What is Sunday Funday? And is it appropriate for us "adults?"
Urban Dictionary has seven -- yes, seven -- definitions of "Sunday Funday." And they all sound less than ideal.
Sunday Funday starts with Unlimited Champagne Brunch and continues until you pass out in a gutter, on a bar stool, in the bathroom, or face down in the sand.Activities of the day can include but are not limited to: watching sports games outside, playing sand volleyball, laying in a field of grass, laying face down on the sand volleyball court, beer bongs on the balcony, trying to find a bathroom in a supposedly closed office building when ur bladders so full it hurts to move, etc.
Um, what? no thanks.
Hoping that my social network was tamer than Urban Dictionary, I turned to Facebook and Twitter to find out what exactly Sunday Funday means.
With over 20 responses, here’s what I can successfully conclude about Sunday Funday:
It happens on Sundays. Glad that’s established, people. You’re a smart bunch.
It involves booze. Sort of a given, considering it involves the word “fun.” Mimosas were recommended, but beer seems to be an acceptable option, as well.
It happens early in the day. We’re all adults here. Going to bed at 9 p.m. has become part of the routine. You start early so you can end early.
Talking about it in any capacity is lame. Well, according to one person at least. “If you say or tweet that you're having a ‘Sunday Funday,’ then you are clearly NOT having a ‘Sunday Funday,’ he wrote on my Facebook page.
Guess I failed that one last week:
Sunday funday? (@ The Hill Tavern) http://t.co/hlqWKqBa
— Lisa DeCanio (@lisa_decanio) June 10, 2012
Here’s what’s up in the air about Sunday Funday:
Location. Some said a bar. Others advised it must “always” be outside, even if it’s raining (that’s what porches are for, apparently).
Food. Food was a requirement of Sunday Funday for some people. Others never mentioned it. One person even just defined Sunday Funday as "Friendly Toast." So, should we be eating on Sunday Funday?
Some sort of physical activity. I don't know about this one. A few ambitious people suggested exercise, and, more specifically, running should happen on Sunday Funday. Nothing about that sounds fun to me. Another person simply said "games," like cornhole. That's much better.
Given all that, my ideal Sunday Funday should involve a quick jog along the Esplanade in the morning, followed by mimosas at Friendly Toast, which leads to me passed out by 9 p.m. Oh, and I should never ever tweet about it. Did I get that right?
Either way, according to one Facebook friend, Sunday Funday means "Monday Regrets." Yikes.

​by Tim Bryce
​Every now and then you run into a story that restores your faith in mankind.  In today's world, we tend to be preoccupied by news of political backbiting, political correctness, lawlessness, and the lack of basic common courtesy.

However, I recently attended a re-dedication ceremony for AMVETS Post 98 in Holiday, Florida on Saturday, July 24th, which renewed my belief in honest friendship and community spirit.

The American Veterans (AMVETS) is a nonprofit organization founded by World War II vets and  open to those in all branches of the military with an honorable discharge (DD214).  AMVETS have provided assistance, jobs, and services to veterans and their communities for more than 70 years. 

Like a lot of nonprofits, the AMVET Post in Holiday suffered due to the Covid-19 epidemic, forcing the Post to curtail their programs and close the building. During this time, they put on a new roof, replaced the flooring, and painted a mural across the front of the Post.  Because of the renovations and as a sign they were back open for business, they re-dedicated the building.  The Post was originally founded in 1998 and is led today by John "Jack" Gerry as Commander, a very personable leader for the organization. "What I found refreshing about the Post was the camaraderie of the members and their dedication to the needs of the local community. In addition to being patriotic and good citizens, I found them to possess a genuine respect for the human spirit.  This explains their strong sense of fraternity and their willingness to help others. There also appeared   to be a spirit of harmony and cooperation less the petty politics one normally finds in a nonprofit.

The Post helps fellow veterans with wheel chairs, scooters and other economic assistance, thereby providing a support network.  For their community, they regularly support Gulfside Elementary in Holiday, Hud Workers, Toys for Tots, Operation Storefront, multiple food drives, and during the holidays they feed families and provide gift cards.  Their sense of volunteerism is truly admirable.  More groups should emulate them.

U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis of Florida's 12th District was on hand to help with the re-dedication and made it clear veterans are his top priority.  Because of the close   proximity of AMVETS to the American Legion Post 1731 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 10167, all within a short walking distance of each other, Cong. Bilirakis wants to lead an effort to rename the street they are on, from "Bartelt Road" to "Heroes Way," which was met with great enthusiasm by those in attendance.

One of the highlights from the ceremony was the Post recognizing Mirinda Tanner of New Port Richey, the young artist who painted the mural on the front of the Post.  "In the mural," she said, "I have included all of the branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and the new Space Force.  I wanted to show this Post was a home for all Mirinda was presented a recognition certificate along with $500 for her college  tuition by Lenny Piskac of the Post.  In the audience was her beaming family who was rightfully proud of her.
​
The Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, James S. "Hammer" Hartsell, was also on hand to present a challenge coin to Korean War Veteran Jack Westlake for his many years of service. During his comments, he mentioned there are currently more than 1.5M veterans in Florida.

Following the official ceremony, the Post was open for food and dance. As an outsider, I found the friendship and community spirit  most rewarding, and something we rarely see anymore.  This is why I recommend membership in such nonprofits, to enjoy camaraderie and better their communities, if not at AMVETS 98, then elsewhere perhaps.  The point is, if we want to promote moral values, now is the time to lead by example.

      AMVETS Post 98 is located at:
      4629 Bartelt Road, 
      Holiday, FL 34690.
Again, it is open to all honorably discharged veterans of all branches of the military, including the  National Guard.  For information, Contact Debra Brooker, 
the Post's 1st Vice Commander at: deborahbrooker@yahoo.com  
or stop by the Post to pick up an application.
​

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Admin@SeniorVoiceAmerica.org

​Type 2 Diabetes Prevention
By Mary Gynn, RN, BSN, MSN/MS, MPH, Diabetes Educator
The first step is for all of us to look into our family histories and search for people who have had or now have Type-2 diabetes. Second, we need to ask if we could possibly be carrying the gene. If yes, that’s a huge indicator. Either way, prevention is important for all of us, starting early in life. We shouldn’t wait until we get the diabetes diagnosis. Here are a few interventions:
LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION
A healthy lifestyle (i.e., a quality diet, avoidance of weight gain, abstinence from smoking, regular physical activity) is associated with a greatly reduced risk for developing Type-2 diabetes. In a Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) study published by the New England Journal of Medicine in 2002, 3234 subjects with prediabetes were randomly assigned to three groups: 1) a lifestyle intervention with the goal of losing 7 percent of body weight and increasing physical activities to 150 minutes/week), 2) metformin, or (3) a placebo. It was found that, compared to placebo, lifestyle and metformin decreased the development of Type-2 diabetes by 58 and 31 percent, respectively.
WEIGHT LOSS
There is strong and consistent evidence that obesity management can delay progression from Prediabetes to Type-2 diabetes. The ADA recommends a goal loss of 7 percent of body weight (ADA 2016 Loss of as little as 5-10 percent of body weight can prevent the development of Type-2 diabetes (Portero & Mcclellan, 2014). In the DPP study mentioned above, the strongest predictor of diabetes prevention was weight loss.
QUALITY OF DIET
The most successful nutritional strategy for the prevention and management of diabetes is one that individuals can adapt and follow permanently. It appears that the quality of the dietary fats and carbohydrates is more crucial than the quantity of the nutrients that are consumed. A quality diet can reduce disease risk by reducing oxidative stress and insulin resistance. In particular, diets rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, fish and naturally high-fiber grains, and lower in refined grains (processed foods), red or processed meats and sugar-sweetened beverages, have been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes (Ley, 2014). Several dietary patterns of quality can be tailored to personal and cultural food preferences with calories adjusted for weight control and diabetes prevention.
LOW GLYCEMIC CARBOHYDRATES
The glycemic index and glycemic load assess how a carbohydrate influences blood glucose levels (see: www. mendosa.com/gilists.htm). The glycemic load is the most immediate and direct measure of how a serving of food will affect blood sugar. Index and load knowledge has been shown to be beneficial for reducing body weight, total body and visceral fat, levels of inflammatory markers, and the occurrence of high cholesterol and hypertension.
QUESTION:
What is preventing us from preventing Type-2 diabetes?
• Diabetes prevention education is not widely practiced in the U.S.
• The majority of those with prediabetes remain undiagnosed or unaware
• Few have access to an accredited lifestyle-interven tion provider
• Most insurance providers do not cover services for preventing Type-2 diabetes
• The deadly, debilitating and costly complications of diabetes do not appear immediately after disease onset. They typically emerge a decade or more later.
• The challenge of prevention in the “real world.” While diabetes prevention has been demonstrated in research trials, the success rate appears to be low in the “real world.”
Perhaps only a population-based approach to prevention can address a problem of this magnitude, to increase focus on interventions aimed at children and their families and change the fate of our future generations.
Mary Gynn, RN and Diabetes Educator, facilitates diabetes education workshops in many Florida areas. Contact mtmgynn@gmail.com.
Mary Gynn is an RN, MSN/MS, MPH and Diabetes Educator. Visit http://www.teaching for health.com to learn more.
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Whether you're considering ways to give to deserving causes or looking for the perfect gift for a loved one for a special occasion, remember that not every gift is a tangible item. In fact, some of the best gifts are those you can't touch at all, but those that make the world a better place.
Socially motivated gifts, of your own accord or on behalf of someone else, are much more than a one-time present. They have the potential to make a significant impact on lives or to further the work of a cause-based organization.
Consider these giving options to make a lasting impact:
Retirement plans: Because retirement plans are taxed differently than most assets, they may actually become a tax liability. Naming a nonprofit organization as a beneficiary of your retirement account can be an attractive option for leaving a legacy and reducing income, and possibly estate taxes, for loved ones. A tax-exempt organization may be eligible to receive the full amount, bypassing income taxes. This means, for example, that a $100,000 IRA can be worth the full $100,000.
Life insurance plans: A gift of life insurance is an affordable way to make a significant gift while also enjoying tax savings during your lifetime. Benefits include the ability to give a significant gift at a fraction of the value; tax savings that can be immediately realized; a reduction in the final taxes of your estate and the ability to pass gifts outside of your estate.
Gifts of real estate: You may decide that the greatest gift you can make is to leave your home or other property to a charitable organization. This kind of gift is ideal for someone who intends to continue living in his or her home or property through their lifetime, but still make a charitable gift. You can leave this generous gift by signing an agreement with an organization about maintaining the property, so you can use it throughout your lifetime. You may even receive a tax deduction for your gift.
Gifts of stock: Stocks, bonds and mutual funds that have appreciated in value are among the best ways to gift a nonprofit organization. You may receive a charitable income tax deduction for the full market value of the stock (up to a maximum of 30 percent of your adjusted gross income) and avoid paying the capital gains tax on any increase in the value of the stock.
Gifts of cash: This type of gift is simple and eligible for an immediate charitable tax credit. Although many organizations allow you to specify how you would like the funds to be used, an unrestricted monetary donation allows the organization to allocate your contribution into the project or area that needs funds most.
If you designate a gift on someone's behalf, be sure to share a card or a note with the honoree letting them know about the contribution. Particularly if it's a cause close to the heart, it's sure to be just as gratefully received, if not more so, as any trinket you might buy.

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Four Veterans Start A New Life, with their New Home

On October 16, 2020, Floyd Nelson was able to move in his new home. Floyd will be settling into "home" now that Ken, Steve and Don setup their furnishings in Tampa. Steve Czernesky, Don Falaas are Elks members of Lodge 2731 in Zephyrhills. Ken Fabiani is the Veterans Committee Chairman and was our Exalted Ruler in the past. Ken is the photographer. Left to right: Steve Czernesky, Floyd Nelson and Don Falaas. Furnishings valued at $3500.00, moved in and setup.
#78th Veteran
On October 15, 2020, Zephyrhills Elks Lodge 2731 furnished the home of Ron & his wife in Tampa, FL. The Elks Veterans Committee with help of Steve Czernesky, & Don Falass, who are Elks Members of Lodge 2731 in Zephyrhills. Ron is the 78th veteran we have moved into his home in Tampa; Ron and his wife will be able to start a new life with the help and support from the Zephyrhills Elks Lodge and the Veterans Committee. We estimate a total of $3500.00 to furnish their new home.
Veteran #76 in Tampa
October 8th, 2020, Zephyrhills Elks Lodge 2731 was able to move into his new home. Willie Pease Jr. moved into his home of Tampa, FL. Having all the furnishings to be able to return to his new life. We use an estimated total of $3500.00 worth of furniture to his new home. Steve Czernesky, Don Falass are members of our 2731 Elks Lodge in Zephyrhills. Ken Fabiani, Chairman of the Veterans Committee, PER and currently the photographer for this article.
Veteran #80
October 17, 2020, the Veterans committee with the help from Zephyrhills Elks Lodge 2731; member Don Falaas, Steve Czernesky & Ken Fabiani were able to furnish the home of Patrick Dickson. Patrick is the 80th Veteran who the lodge has been able to furnish their home as they move out to start a new live. The approximate value of the furnishings and kitchen setup is $3500.00. The Elks will continue to help support our Veterans. They hold a special place in our HEARTS.
From left to right: Steve Czernsky, Elks Member, Patrick Dickson, Veteran, Don Falaas, Elks Member with Ken Fabiani, Chairperson of the Veterans Committee & PER of Lodge 2731 in Zephyrhills and is the photographer for this picture.
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