Seattle Pacific University's Student Newspaper

The Falcon
A Coca-Cola employee and a Gwinn employee set up the new soft drink fountain in Gwinn Commons on Nov. 7, 2024.
Switching Beverages
November 15, 2024
A sign guides voters to the ballot drop box outside the Seattle Pacific University Bookstore on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Seattle.
Photo gallery: Election Day 2024
November 5, 2024
SPU Vice President for Academic Affairs Kathy Lustyk poses in her office located in Demaray Hall.
Learning about Dr. Kathleen Lustyk
October 30, 2024
Photo Courtesy Tori McArthur
Camp Casey sold to YMCA of Snohomish
October 25, 2024
Orange barriers mark the site of continuing construction on the north side of Ashton Hall.
More Ashton Hall upgrades
October 23, 2024
A student grabs a pride scarf during an event on April 14, 2023, in Seattle.
Queer joy at SPU’s [Redacted] Fest
May 29, 2024
Dr. Kevin Neuhouser (left) points in support of a student speaker during a demonstration in Martin Square on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, in Seattle. The demonstration was an announcement and commemoration of the lawsuit that students, faculty, and staff members brought against the Seattle Pacific University Board of Trustees.
SPU seems quiet after years of protest: why?
January 10, 2024
A pride flag can be seen next to a Seattle Pacific University Banner during a demonstration in Martin Square on Monday, Sept. 12, 2023 in Seattle. FILE PHOTO
First hearing for Seattle Pacific University V. Bob Ferguson
November 17, 2023
A flag in a window on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023.
End of the rainbow
September 27, 2023
End of Guillot v. Whitehead
End of Guillot v. Whitehead
July 31, 2023
Students Participate in a Genetics lab in Eaton Hall led by Dr. Tracie Delgado on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2023 in Seattle. FILE PHOTO
College continues after COVID-19
November 1, 2023
Students working early Friday morning in Dr. Cen's UFDN 1000 class on February 24th, 2023.
Reflecting on classes during COVID
March 1, 2023
Valerie masking as she heads for coffee. With illness on the rise, are more and more people masking again.
Recovery from the pandemic
January 18, 2023
COVID emergency no more
COVID emergency no more
October 26, 2022
A person checks in at the curative testing center at Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, Wash. Sept. 16, 2022.
Coronavirus in the new year
September 21, 2022
Doug Bright at his desk
Local journalist runs solo music paper for 43 years
November 15, 2024
Gep Repasky playing guitar on stage
Lunar Vacation brings childhood bond to stage
November 8, 2024
Coming together through culture
November 8, 2024
Technical Director Gideon Priest races to the finish in last year's buggy
Falcon Racing’s new plan to overtake the competition
November 5, 2024
Coby, the namesake of Coby's Dog Cafe, poses next to his pint-sized espresso machine in the cafe's dog lounge on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Seattle.
Seattle’s Newest Pawsitive Vibe
November 1, 2024
Senior Justice Dean tosses a volleyball in Royal Brougham Pavilion's lower basketball court.
New look for intramurals
October 15, 2024
KSPU host Hadley Weathers queuing her favorite songs for her weekly segment "Hadley's Hard Day's Morning."
Tune in to be part of the excitement!
October 11, 2024
Lecrae poses for a photo with SPU after commandeering freshman Arishia Eilbeigi's phone.
Lecrae and PEABOD bring exciting performance to SPU
October 11, 2024
(Last?) Lū-au
May 17, 2024
Students check out the shapadooah merch table on Thursday, May 25, 2023.
Shenanigans at Shapadooah
June 2, 2023
Retreat Cafe's activated charcoal latte and Mayan bowl. (Gabrialla Cockerell)
Relaxed approach to mindful eating
May 4, 2022
Memos Mexican Restaurant, located in the University District, is a late night fast-food joint that offers a variety of burritos, tacos and other Mexican eats for a great price. (Gabrialla Cockerell)
Tacos for two
March 4, 2022
With a variety of creative tacos, including various vegan options, there is something for everyone at El Borracho. (Taylor VanLanduyt)
Plant-based flavor town
February 24, 2022
Tea Republik has a wide array of tea and pastry options for customers. (Taylor VanLanduyt)
More options than milk or sugar
February 18, 2022
Melanie Martinez performing on stage as her new character during the song 'Battle of the Larynx.'
Stepping through ‘Portals’ to new eras
June 19, 2023
Do the write thing
Do the write thing
June 2, 2023
Miguel Castellano on the floor, then L to R: Calder Shilling, Claire Marx, Kelly Karcher, and Tyler Matthew Campbell in Jeeves Takes a Bow at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade. Miguel Castellano on the floor, then L to R: Calder Shilling, Claire Marx, Kelly Karcher, and Tyler Matthew Campbell in Jeeves Takes a Bow at Taproot Theatre.
Standing ovation for ‘Jeeves Takes a Bow’
June 2, 2023
Wednesday preforms at Neumos for a 21+ only concert.
Let us in!
May 26, 2023
People gather at Gas Works Park to enjoy the sun on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
Adventure on every avenue
May 10, 2023
‘Folie à Deux’ falls flat
October 18, 2024
'The Primevals,' released 30 years after filming. (courtesy of SIFF)
When a yeti, alien and a grad student walk into a battle arena…
May 24, 2024
The Höss family in their lovingly tended garden nextdoor to Auschwitz in The Zone of Interest.
Happening in your own backyard
February 9, 2024
‘The Holdovers’ is Hollywood holiday magic
January 26, 2024
A large interactive poster advertising the opening night of Mean Girls at Regal Cinemas Meridian on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2023, in Seattle.
Making ‘Mean Girls’ fetch again
January 19, 2024
Professor Snedker teaching a 9 am Prisons and Corrections class in Demeray Hall.
Vocational journeys
May 26, 2023
Ava Van Jenson's promotional image for "Love is Blind" Season Four courtesy of Ava Van Jenson and Netflix.
Former SPU student finds way to reality television on Netflix’s ‘Love is Blind’
May 5, 2023
Candace Vance and Nathan Hedman in Black Coffee.
Accepting God’s call to theatre
February 24, 2023
Jesse Jorgensen
Adjusting to unknown worlds through travel
February 3, 2023
SPU student Cara Hiroyasu displays her jewelry business "All Things Utensils." (Gabrialla Cockerell)
Silverware is a student’s best friend
April 15, 2022
Free to use image from pexels.com
Controversial marketing at 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
November 15, 2024
Man doing tattoo
The right age for tattoos
November 15, 2024
FILE: The campus ballet drop box next to the campus store remained unused on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. Student will be able to vote here during the up coming election.
Whose leadership will we follow?
October 28, 2024
Sean "P Diddy" Combs
Sean Combs sparking new conversation about years-old debate
October 24, 2024
Vice presidential candidates J. P Vance and Tim Waltz shaking hands before their debate Tuesday, Oct. 1.
A stark contrast in professionalism.
October 17, 2024
Second year Layne Kearns guards the ball against University of Tampa at the D22CA Canadian Tip-Off Classic from Nov. 1-3, 2024 in Langley, BC. (Courtesy of SPU Athletics)
Seattle Pacific women’s basketball loses twice in California
November 12, 2024
Senior Annika Esvelt participates at the 2024 GNAC XC Championships on Oct. 26, 2024 at Sudden Valley Golf Course in Bellingham, WA. (Courtesy of SPU Athletics)
Esvelt shows out
November 12, 2024
Senior Raymundo Mendez (9) during a match against Simon Frasier University on Nov. 2, 2024 in Seattle.
One week before finale
November 12, 2024
Fifth year Allison Wilks (3) prepares to spike the ball against Western Washington University on Nov. 9, 2024 in Seattle. (Courtesy of SPU Athletics)
Another split weekend for women’s volleyball
November 12, 2024
SPU Junior Trace Evans (14) trucks through against Cal Poly Broncos to make a layup on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2024, In Seattle.
Still much to learn
November 12, 2024
Vanessa Aniteye crosses the finish line in a D2 leading 800 meter time of 2:08.74 at the UW invite on Jan. 27. 2023. That time would improve to 2:06.84 at the National Championships to win Aniteye a national title in the 800m.
A fairy tale ending
March 16, 2023
Solo shot of Taylor for her freshman year on the cheer team. (Courtesy of Taylor Hiroyasu)
Expanding experiences
April 26, 2022
Meghan's rowing headshot for her freshman year on the team. (Courtesy of Meghan Rustemeyer)
Becoming new athlete, learning from best
April 26, 2022
Vanessa Aniteye posing for her Seattle Pacific track and field press day photos. (Courtesy of Vanessa Aniteye)
Racing rebirth
March 29, 2022
Cookie Yitbarek and fellow SPU cheer teammate Brielle Baker. (Courtesy of Cookie Yitbarek)
Channeling emotion
March 8, 2022
Second year Layne Kearns guards the ball against University of Tampa at the D22CA Canadian Tip-Off Classic from Nov. 1-3, 2024 in Langley, BC. (Courtesy of SPU Athletics)
Seattle Pacific women’s basketball loses twice in California
November 12, 2024
Senior Annika Esvelt participates at the 2024 GNAC XC Championships on Oct. 26, 2024 at Sudden Valley Golf Course in Bellingham, WA. (Courtesy of SPU Athletics)
Esvelt shows out
November 12, 2024
Fifth year Allison Wilks (3) prepares to spike the ball against Western Washington University on Nov. 9, 2024 in Seattle. (Courtesy of SPU Athletics)
Another split weekend for women’s volleyball
November 12, 2024
Senior Raymundo Mendez (9) during a match against Simon Frasier University on Nov. 2, 2024 in Seattle.
One week before finale
November 12, 2024
SPU Junior Trace Evans (14) trucks through against Cal Poly Broncos to make a layup on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2024, In Seattle.
Still much to learn
November 12, 2024
(Last?) Lū-au
May 17, 2024
Courtesy of Seattle Pacific University Disabiliy Support Services
“You don’t notice it till you have to”
March 13, 2024
Seattle Pacific University forward Shaw Anderson (24) lays in the ball past a Northwest Nazarene player during the second half of a GNAC basketball game on Feb. 1, 2024, in Seattle.
Growing together, becoming more
February 29, 2024
Art and basketball
Art and basketball
February 6, 2024
Rae Perez speaks at a demonstration in front of Demaray Hall on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, in Seattle
Flags wave for Gaza at SPU
January 31, 2024
The Welcome Edition
The Welcome Edition
September 22, 2023
The Welcome Edition
The Welcome Edition
September 8, 2022
The Mind Edition
The Mind Edition
May 16, 2022
The Green Edition
The Green Edition
February 24, 2022
The Welcome Edition
The Welcome Edition
September 8, 2021
Naoshi Yonezawa is a third year majoring in Music Therapy
Creating a Home at SPU
March 1, 2024
Comfort and confidence after gender-affirming care
Comfort and confidence after gender-affirming care
November 15, 2023
Building connections through sports
Building connections through sports
November 14, 2023
Seattle's hidden gems
Seattle’s hidden gems
November 13, 2023
Rediscovering your roots after 18 years
Rediscovering your roots after 18 years
November 8, 2023
SPU's Season Recap with The Falcon
SPU’s Season Recap with The Falcon
September 14, 2023
Guantanamo Bay Exhibit - Opening Night
Guantanamo Bay Exhibit – Opening Night
November 21, 2022
Campus tradition returns: All Hall Ball is back
Campus tradition returns: All Hall Ball is back
May 24, 2022
Making the Mind Edition
Making the Mind Edition
May 8, 2022
A Day in the Life of a Student Athlete
A Day in the Life of a Student Athlete
April 25, 2022
Angela Ide has been the Opinions editor for The Falcon for the past year.
Farewell to The Falcon
March 11, 2021
Illustration by Mickey Flores-Nieves
Closeted life causing mental health concerns
February 25, 2021
Using the past, rewriting the future.
Excerpt of Spencer Vigil’s “Courage of Conviction”
February 20, 2021
Illustration by Gabrialla Cockerell
“Bimbo” is back
February 11, 2021
Illustration by Micky Flores-Nieves
Addressing the forgotten third-party
February 4, 2021
Seattle Pacific University's Student Newspaper

The Falcon
Seattle Pacific University's Student Newspaper

The Falcon
Rio Giancarlo

Rio Giancarlo, Editor-in-Chief

Rio is a senior visual communication major with a minor in journalism. After serving two years as the photo editor Rio was hired as editor-in-chief for his final year with The Falcon. An accomplished photojournalist Rio was accepted into the Eddie Adams XXXVII and does freelance photography for Getty Images, the AP, and other local outlets.  In his free time you can find him skiing, or wishing he was skiing. 

All content by Rio Giancarlo
Seattle Kraken right wing Eeli Tolvanen (20) fist pumps in celebration after scoring in the third period against the Calgary Flames in an NHL game at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle on Jan 27, 2023. The Flames defeated the Kraken 5-2.

[Photo] Kraken first in Pacific Division, drop Friday game vs Calgary

Callaghan Bluechel, staff writer
January 31, 2023
SPU student Adam Haagenson lines up his driver behind the ball before teeing off during a round at West Seattle Golf Course in Seattle, Wash. on Jan. 27, 2023.

[Photo] Waiting another year to putt

Uriah Aguon, staff writer
January 31, 2023
Dr. Deana Porterfield shakes hands with a faculty member after her introduction at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Wash. on Jan. 26, 2023. Dr. Deana Porterfield was appointed to the position by unanimous vote and will begin work at Seattle Pacific on July 1st, 2023.

[Photo] Seattle Pacific University announces new president

Audrey Oscarson, News Editor
January 26, 2023
As part of the day of common learning there will be a poetry open mic with keynote speaker Lo Altman in upper gwinn.

[Photo] Art and Atonement: The 2023 Day of Common Learning

David Armour, Staff Writer
January 24, 2023
Junior Cox Lucy Sandahl steadies the boat before launch. The rowing team often launches at the canal before dark, prompting concerns about safety.

[Photo] Safety going forward

Uriah Aguon and Callaghan Bluechel
January 24, 2023
Seattle Pacific Athletic Director Jackson Stava hands Mens Basketball Head Coach Grant Leep the game ball from his 100th win at the helm of the Falcons.

[Photo] SPU men’s basketball team gains over 100 wins under head coach Grant Leep

Mahad Abdulqadir, staff writer
January 24, 2023
Seattle Pacific University professors enter Tiffany Loop during SPU's new student orientation on Sept. 9, 2022. Faculty members are being offered severance packages as the university faces cuts to try to stabilize financially.

[Photo] SPU faculty receive buyout options

Antonio Nevarez, Staff Writer
January 18, 2023
Fifth year guard Ashley Alter advances the ball during SPU's game against Pacific Lutheran at Royal Brougham Pavilion on Nov. 5, 2022.

[Photo] 31 on the 31st

Callaghan Bluechel, staff writer
January 17, 2023
Seattle Pacific forward Shaw Anderson (24) lays the ball past Western Oregon defenders during Great Northwest Athletic Conference game between the Seattle Pacific Falcons and the Western Oregon Wolves at Royal Brougham Pavilion in Seattle, Wash. on Jan. 12, 2022.. Seattle Pacific defeated Western Oregon 87-79.

[Photo] A millennium in points

Uriah Aguon and Dante Buell
January 17, 2023
The office of safety and security is located at 601 West Emerson St. across from Arnett Hall.

[Photo] Safety concerns arise after stabbing

David Armour, Staff Writer
January 11, 2023
xFormer SPU athletic director Jackson Stava (center) hands coach Grant Leep the game ball from his 100th win at the helm of the SPU mens basketball team as Zack Paulsen (right) looks on.

[Photo] What they left behind

Uriah Aguon, staff writer
January 10, 2023
Grad transfer Casson Rouse advances the ball against Douglass College on Nov. 22, 2022.

[Photo] Hit the court running

Callaghan Bluechel and Kyle Morrison
January 10, 2023
Fifth year guard Ashley Alter handles the ball during SPU's game against Pacific Lutheran at Royal Brougham Pavilion on Nov. 5, 2022.

[Photo] Contenders in the making

Mahad Abdulqadir and Kyle Morrison
January 10, 2023
Members of the SPU cross country team run on the Ship Canal trail near Wallace Field during a practice on Jan. 10, 2021.

[Photo] SPU student-athlete stabbed on Ship Canal Trail

Audrey Oscarson and Kyle Morrison
December 30, 2022
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[Photo] Seasons come to a close

Maya Ewing and Callaghan Bluechel
November 15, 2022
Karson Kuhlman (25), Yanni Gourde (37), and Brandon Tanev (13) of the Seattle Kraken face off with Yakov Trenin (13), Mark Jankowski (17), and Tanner Jeannot (84) of Nashville to start the second period of the Kraken's game against the Nashville Predators at Climate Pledge Arena on Nov. 8, 2022. Seattle defeated Nashville 5-1.

[Photo] Second year success

Dante Buell, staff writer
November 15, 2022
Jackson Stava and Shelby Stuve converse after the volleyball senecio r day ceremony at Royal Braughamn Pavilion on Nov. 12, 2022.

[Photo] Seattle’s loss is California’s gain

Uriah Aguon, staff writer
November 15, 2022
x

[Photo] Midterm election results

Ella Beth Sessions and Audrey Oscarson
November 9, 2022
Chiara De Virgilio (11) carries the ball down the court during the third quarter of Seattle Pacific's exhibition game against Pacific Lutheran on Nov. 5, 2022.

[Photo] Back on the court

Callaghan Bluechel and Maya Ewing
November 8, 2022
Smoke fills Tiffany Loop on Wednesday Oct. 19, 2022. The AQI was nearly 200 at the time of the photo.

[Photo] Rain, rain, come to stay

Caleb Cissna, Staff Writer
November 2, 2022
x

[Photo] OL Reign closes a successful season

Maya Ewing, Staff Writer
November 1, 2022
x

[Photo] Bouncing back to the top

Stephanie Fombona-osorio, Staff Writer
November 1, 2022
5L0A1152

[Photo] Red wings can fly

Uriah Aguon, Staff Writer
November 1, 2022
x

[Photo] The making of Interbay

Callaghan Bluechel, Staff Writer
October 25, 2022
The SPU cheer team preforms a stunt during the 2021-2022 basketball season.

[Photo] Cheering along

Maya Ewing, Staff Writer
October 25, 2022
x

[Photo] A place students need

Uriah Aguon, staff writer
October 18, 2022
The Mens and Womens soccer final four and championship matches will be hosted at Interbay stadium.

[Photo] Championships on the line

Mahad Abdulqadir, staff writer
October 18, 2022
Trace Evans

[Photo] Trading places

Callaghan Bluechel, staff writer
October 18, 2022
Christian Bond smiles for the camera as he makes his way to Interbay Stadium for a women's soccer game in early September.

[Photo] Forging new bonds

Uriah Aguon, Staff Writer
October 11, 2022
The SPU women's varsity 8 launches from the UW boathouse before their race in the Windermere Cup last spring.

[Photo] Good Waters Ahead

Maya Ewing, Staff Writer
October 11, 2022
A car drives past the Flatstick Pub on Westlake avenue in South Lake Union on Thursday night, Oct. 6, 2022.

[Photo] Thursday night tee time

October 7, 2022
Through the smoke a bus can be seen crossing the West Seattle Bridge across Eliot Bay from Kerry Park in Queen Anne Wednesday evening, Oct. t, 2022. The bridge had been closed for nearly two years before reopening a few weeks earlier.

[Photo] Reconnecting West Seattle

Audrey Oscarson, News Editor
October 5, 2022
A couple holding hands walks through Martin Square in front of a row of red flags, one reading, "She expects commitment from me way too fast" on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. The flags are part of a campaign raising awareness about and helping prevent stalking, dating violence, and sexual assault on college campuses.

[Photo] Red Flags at Tiffany Loop

David Armour, Staff Writer
October 19, 2022
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From left to right, Jeff Gordon, Evan Carpenter, Darius Holmes, and Kainoa Lee cheer during a SPU women's volleyball game on Sept. 29, 2022.

[Photo] Student section struggles

Stephanie Fombona-Osorio and Maya Ewing
October 4, 2022
From left to right Rory Mcclelland, Jon Owen, Drew Thompson, and Brennan Leblanc line up at the start of the Puget Sound Invitational race in Lakewood, Wash., on Sept. 3, 2022. (Rio Giancarlo)

[Photo] A giant chip on the shoulder

Kyle Morrison
October 4, 2022
Junior physiology major Kenzie Garrett listens to "Bad Omens" by 5SOS during a late night study session in her dorm.

[Photo] “BLENDER” of emotions

Isabella Tranello, Features Editor
September 30, 2022
Sophomore Hiyan Zamora looks at a casting call for the SPU theater departments winter play that is posted in Weter Hall. Auditions were held in September and the play will run February 2nd-4th and 9th-11th.

[Photo] Break a leg, get on stage

Clarissa Minton, Staff Writer
September 30, 2022
A student holds a rainbow flag while another holds a sign saying "closets are for cloths" during a demonstration in Martin Square at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Wash., on Sept. 12, 2022.

[Photo] SPU faces hiring difficulties

Ella Beth Sessions, Staff Writer
September 28, 2022
Junior defender Donovahn Allen (4) celebrates with teammate Cade Cooke (5) after scoring a header against Western Oregon at Interbay Stadium in Seattle, Wash., on Sept. 22, 2022.

[Photo] Making the goal

Uriah Aguon and Callaghan Bluechel
September 27, 2022
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[Photo] One runner’s story

Mahad Abdulqadir, staff writer
September 27, 2022
Copies of the lawsuit were placed on the small stage set up for the demonstration in Martin Square at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Wash. on Sept. 12, 2022.

[Photo] Lawsuit filed as SPU lands worst list

Ella Beth Sessions, Staff Writer
September 21, 2022
Wildfire smoke drifting in from outside Seattle gives the sunset over Interbay extra color.

[Photo] World on fire

Caleb Cissna, Staff Writer
September 21, 2022
SPU Alumn Nik Reisrson passes the ball forward past a Lane United Defender during Ballard FC's away game at Lane United's Civic Stadium in Eugene, Ore. June 17, 2022.

[Photo] Soccer-crazed neighborhood in a soccer-crazed city

Kyle Morrison, Sports Editor
September 20, 2022
SPU Men's soccer Alumn Alex Mejia dribbles past a Defender during Ballard FC's match against Cultures United at Interbay stadium in Seattle, Wash., June 6, 2022.

Libby Michael sprints to victory at the Puget Sound Invitational race in Tacoma, Wash., on Sept. 6, 2022.

[Photo] Reloaded and ready to run

Kyle Morrison, Sports Editor
September 20, 2022
Junior middle blocker Allison Wilks (3) spikes the ball past the Alaska Fairbanks block while libero Abigail Cunningham (1) looks on, Royal Brougham Pavilion, Seattle, Wash., Sept. 15, 2022.

[Photo] Love, diligence and joy

Kyle Morrison, Sports Editor
September 20, 2022
Seattle Pacific University students gather in front of Ames Library on the SPU campus in Seattle, Wash. on May 15, 2022

[Photo] Controversy continues

Audrey Oscarson, News Editor
September 13, 2022
Lebron James dunks the ball as spectators look in awe.

[Photo] SPU fills Seattle basketball void

Kyle Morrison, Sports Editor
September 13, 2022
The bench celebrates Sofie Beedle's game winning during the first half of their opening game against San Francisco State at Interbay Stadium in Seattle,Wash., Sept.1, 2022

[Photo] Unfinished business

September 13, 2022
Attorney Paul Southick addresses protesters in Martin Square at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Wash., Monday, Sept. 12, 2022.

[Photo] First Guillot v. Whitehead hearing draws near

Ella Beth Sessions, Staff Writer
February 15, 2023
Atterny Paul Southwick

SPU community members at demonstration in Martin Square on Sept. 12, 2022. There is a strong sense of allyship within the SPU student body that can be seen during the demonstrations.

[Photo] First day outcries

Audrey Oscarson, News Editor
September 13, 2022
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