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The Internet Can’t Stop Laughing At This Guide Showing How To Make It Look Like You’re Working Hard
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The Internet Can’t Stop Laughing At This Guide Showing How To Make It Look Like You’re Working Hard

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Looking like you are working really hard is a really handy skill to have, and not just for the lazy either. Sometimes you are just too productive and efficient in your job and have to fill the downtime somehow, without looking like a slacker. Looking busy all the time is definitely going to help you get that promotion too!

I have personally benefited from the infinite wisdom of George Costanza. “Always look annoyed,” he advises. “When you look annoyed all the time, people think that you are busy.” It really works! Following on with this theme, we have gotten some pro tips from those at the very top.

You probably know of the reputation that certain Presidents have for spending large amounts of their time in office on the golf course (not naming any names). In order to get away with this, they better look damn busy when they are back at the White House.

Imgur user TheGhostofElizabethShue has identified some of the classic tactics and poses that Presidents and those in power use when they want to give the impression of tireless dedication to service, presented in a hilariously tongue-in-cheek manner. Scroll down below to check them out for yourself and feel free to share your own tips and tricks in the comments below!

How to stage a photo to make it look like you’re working hard

Number one: Get on the phone. Hard working people make calls, probably? All you’ve got to do is act like you’re really making a call, and boom, done in one!” (Image credits: Reuters / Pete Souza)

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“Jesus Christ. OK, so maybe try not to look at the camera like it owes you money? Let’s try something else” (Image credits: White House / Pete Souza)

Number two: arms out on the desk, classic power pose, you’re working hard and being strong doing it. Nice” (Image credits: The New York Times / George Tames)

“F*ckin… god dammit just stop looking at me. This isn’t House of Cards” (Image credits: AP / Andrew Harnik)

“OK, OK, arms out yes, not looking into the lens, nice. Still on the phone… little awkward but OK. Feel free to mix it up but sometimes less is more” (Image credits: White House / Pete Souza)

“Good try, buddy” (Image credits: The New York Times / Harry Benson)

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Number three: Look relaxed. Working hard doesn’t mean you can’t make it look easy. You got this”  (Image credits: White House / Eric Draper)

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“…OK. Hey, you’re not looking at the camera. Good job” (Image credits: Reuters / Jonathan Ernst)

“Alright this is a little too relaxed, get your foot off the desk man you’re not a rowdy teen. You brought a friend though, that’s pretty good. Working hard means having meetings” (Image credits: White House / Pete Souza)

“Erm. OK, good practice, and not looking at the camera! Alright, we’re getting somewhere! You’re actually gonna need a real friend though, or people might think you don’t have any”  (Image credits: Reuters / Jonathan Ernst)

“Ohh. Er. Maybe other friends?” (Image credits: Reuters / Jonathan Ernst)

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“Umm… Do you know what a friend is? Someone you haven’t personally and professionally insulted for years, maybe?” (Image credits: Reuters / Kevin Lamarque)

“F*ck me. Alright, you’re just gonna be alone from now on. No shame in that, everyone knows it’s lonely at the top. Yeah, let’s go with that. OK OK, focus on the positive: not looking at the camera, that’s good, looking relaxed… like… *really* relaxed… like this is the first time you’ve been able to relax in months or something. Let’s just move on” (Image credits: Getty Images/ Alexander Shcherbak)

“Alright, guys if you’re not gonna take this seriously…” (Image credits: White House / Pete Souza)

“OK, you’re officially going backwards. You look like a police sketch artist working out of a Moroccan harem. Who’s your decorator? Colonel Gaddafi? I dunno, try getting some stuff on the desk” (Image credits: Donald Trump  )

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“Woah. Alright. Feels a little… sarcastic? Like is that really how you work?”  (Image credits: AP/ Richard Drew)

“OK, you’re just taking the piss now. Have you ever seen anyone read in your entire life? And I’m gonna say it, this is too much stuff, there’s a line between busy and hoarder”  (Image credits: The New York Times / Josh Haner)

“ARE YOU TWEETING? F*ck it. I give up” (Image credits:  The New York Times / Josh Haner)

Here’s how people reacted

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Ilona Baliūnaitė

Ilona Baliūnaitė

Author, BoredPanda staff

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I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

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Ilona Baliūnaitė

Ilona Baliūnaitė

Author, BoredPanda staff

I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

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funkymattrocks avatar
stellermatt
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

putting aside all his up-fuckeries, trump is hilarious. if only this was a comedy and not real life...

babybud81 avatar
Mary Launer
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this as it's not for or against Obama or trump. Just good old fashion humor laughing at presidents.

shopgirl_ny2010 avatar
Kelly
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again this obsolete title "The Internet Can't Stop Laughing". Most of the times, it isn't so. Please, try with a bit of fantasy...

lorih307 avatar
Lori Hilliard
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The picture of Trump Jr. is priceless. First, all the framed photos on his desk face away from him, so he's just showing them off instead of looking at them himself. Second, he is wearing a suit jacket, and on his chair is...another suit jacket? How many does he wear at a time?

pam_falcioni avatar
Pam Falcioni
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The one on the back of his chair looks like an overcoat to me (heavier material), but yeah the photos facing out are like he's saying to everyone who visits "look at my family, dammit!"

Load More Replies...
daniellosinger avatar
Daniel Losinger
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When Bored Panda uses the phrase “The Internet Can’t Stop Laughing”, you can be sure there will be no laughter.

dariab_1 avatar
Daria B
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It reminds me of that fake laughter on TV series, and how pointless my childhood self used to find them. When I was a little kid, I always thought "Why are they telling me when to laugh? If it's funny, I'll laugh spontaneously". (Of course my inner vocabulary didn't use precisely these words, didn't even speak English back then for that matter, but that's essentially what I thought about the insertion of fake laughter on TV series.)

Load More Replies...
izzybelly8283 avatar
lazy_panda
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

all the things on trump's "busy" desk are pictures of himself, golfing magazines, and fake binders and documents

gabbyw412 avatar
Gabby
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love how in the picture of him writing he is literally writing with the cap of the pen I am dieing

m3diamike avatar
Mike Morelli
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can you please STOP titling pages like "THE INTERNET IS ____ AND THEIR FACIAL EXPRESSION SAYS IT ALL" .... It's super borring. Use a period, stop generalizing, I miss Tickld enough.

pam_falcioni avatar
Pam Falcioni
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, this was cute and funny, but holy hell, "the internet can't stop laughing" again? Are you trying to emulate some crummy clickbait ad on Facebook?

lanavastielsmylah avatar
Lana Vasti Els (Mylah)
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whats the point of having pictures in frames on a window sill if you gonna stack them up like sardines? Just one bump and... my stress levels will be through the roof.

brucekunde avatar
Bruce Kunde
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

elsewhere I've seen a photo of Obama holding a phone upside down in a pose

g-debi avatar
Debi Gallagher
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Trump has got to be the ugliest man alive...I can hate him on that alone.

katara_april avatar
Lira Mai
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Trumps desk has a lot of clutters and pictures of him. WTF

mosessustain avatar
moses sustain
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Come see us at Atlas Loans today for the cash you need for your dream wedding, graduation party or much deserved vacation :-) All loans subject to our standard credit approval.@ Atlasloanfirm@outlook.com

alextamworth888 avatar
Nate Haggers
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Obozo holds the world record for most children killed by a Nobel Peace Prize recipient.

wednes avatar
Wednesday Friday
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"This isn't House of Cards..." Tell me about it! On House of Cards, when you serially harass people, you get fired.

sasyscarborough avatar
Sasy
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The feet on desk did make me blink a little, but it was more of a "what would Nicolas Cage be thinking' kind of way :)

gregs18348 avatar
Greg Schaper
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Interesting to note that the photo of JFK, titled "The Loneliest Job", by George Tames, is actually just JFK standing and reading the newspaper. It's a great picture though.

lizgee58 avatar
Liz Gee
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

what is that huge trophy on Trumps desk. did he win it for being the biggest A*****E .....

ilze-maskalane avatar
Sarcasticow
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't trust a person whose desk is as messy as in the last pictures... besides everything else about him

elextech avatar
Vincent Jay
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As I recall, Obama used John F. Kennedy's old desk. Maybe he shouldn't have been putting his feet on a national historical artifact.

ruppnichole avatar
Nichole Antoinette
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The man in the framed photo in image 10 vaguely resembles Adolf Hitler. I'm assuming it's his father. Why does his father look like Hitler???

smason101 avatar
Sandra Mason
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do NOT love Obama.. strictly because he feels he has the right to put his foot up on a 250 year old desk. and way too many people give him a pass on it.

sherry_conroy1 avatar
Sherry Conroy
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Could this person hate President Trump anymore? Extremely biased. And Obama with his feet on that desk is just so wrong.

philemore avatar
moeless
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonder why the pic of Obama with the phone upside-down, cord at his ear, is not included? Oh, actually, I think I understand now. Doesn't serve the agenda. Sorry.

johnkamau avatar
John Kamau
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who’s your decorator? Colonel Gaddafi? ... I thought the Rocket Boy would suffice to do some curation here. I almost confused you there with a water paint

wteach avatar
William Teach
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Thanks for this bit of Trump Derangement Syndrome.

daveroger710 avatar
Dave Roger
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You literally post this stupid b******t on every article, William. The rest of us can see your comments. She's right, you're just another obsessed Trump supporter who projects what he does onto others. If you're here to "get away from politics" stay away from the articles that clearly deal with politics.

Load More Replies...
blueteal2 avatar
Patrick McKenna
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Obama putting his shoe on the desk in the oval office that's been there since the 30's is the most obnoxious picture. not funny, obnoxious. furthermore, staged to send a message of how he felt about things.

punxtasyjunkie avatar
Here to Troll
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Interesting how you don't care about all of the white presidents who've done that in the past. Google it before you try to make some worthless quip in retort.

Load More Replies...
lanza130 avatar
Melody Lanzatella
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

The irony of this thing actually reached out of the page and slapped me right across the f**kin face!

sprigganoberon avatar
ilikepie22334 avatar
John Smith
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Obama was such a POS. Thank God he's done.

blueteal2 avatar
Patrick McKenna
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

this comment section...nothing to critique obama about? safe and brainwashed.

pebblepet avatar
nek0kitty
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well i think every president can be and should be critiqued, but some have more negative things to criticize than others.

Load More Replies...
femmyfeminist avatar
funkymattrocks avatar
stellermatt
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

putting aside all his up-fuckeries, trump is hilarious. if only this was a comedy and not real life...

babybud81 avatar
Mary Launer
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this as it's not for or against Obama or trump. Just good old fashion humor laughing at presidents.

shopgirl_ny2010 avatar
Kelly
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again this obsolete title "The Internet Can't Stop Laughing". Most of the times, it isn't so. Please, try with a bit of fantasy...

lorih307 avatar
Lori Hilliard
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The picture of Trump Jr. is priceless. First, all the framed photos on his desk face away from him, so he's just showing them off instead of looking at them himself. Second, he is wearing a suit jacket, and on his chair is...another suit jacket? How many does he wear at a time?

pam_falcioni avatar
Pam Falcioni
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The one on the back of his chair looks like an overcoat to me (heavier material), but yeah the photos facing out are like he's saying to everyone who visits "look at my family, dammit!"

Load More Replies...
daniellosinger avatar
Daniel Losinger
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When Bored Panda uses the phrase “The Internet Can’t Stop Laughing”, you can be sure there will be no laughter.

dariab_1 avatar
Daria B
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It reminds me of that fake laughter on TV series, and how pointless my childhood self used to find them. When I was a little kid, I always thought "Why are they telling me when to laugh? If it's funny, I'll laugh spontaneously". (Of course my inner vocabulary didn't use precisely these words, didn't even speak English back then for that matter, but that's essentially what I thought about the insertion of fake laughter on TV series.)

Load More Replies...
izzybelly8283 avatar
lazy_panda
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

all the things on trump's "busy" desk are pictures of himself, golfing magazines, and fake binders and documents

gabbyw412 avatar
Gabby
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love how in the picture of him writing he is literally writing with the cap of the pen I am dieing

m3diamike avatar
Mike Morelli
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can you please STOP titling pages like "THE INTERNET IS ____ AND THEIR FACIAL EXPRESSION SAYS IT ALL" .... It's super borring. Use a period, stop generalizing, I miss Tickld enough.

pam_falcioni avatar
Pam Falcioni
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, this was cute and funny, but holy hell, "the internet can't stop laughing" again? Are you trying to emulate some crummy clickbait ad on Facebook?

lanavastielsmylah avatar
Lana Vasti Els (Mylah)
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whats the point of having pictures in frames on a window sill if you gonna stack them up like sardines? Just one bump and... my stress levels will be through the roof.

brucekunde avatar
Bruce Kunde
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

elsewhere I've seen a photo of Obama holding a phone upside down in a pose

g-debi avatar
Debi Gallagher
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Trump has got to be the ugliest man alive...I can hate him on that alone.

katara_april avatar
Lira Mai
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Trumps desk has a lot of clutters and pictures of him. WTF

mosessustain avatar
moses sustain
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Come see us at Atlas Loans today for the cash you need for your dream wedding, graduation party or much deserved vacation :-) All loans subject to our standard credit approval.@ Atlasloanfirm@outlook.com

alextamworth888 avatar
Nate Haggers
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Obozo holds the world record for most children killed by a Nobel Peace Prize recipient.

wednes avatar
Wednesday Friday
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"This isn't House of Cards..." Tell me about it! On House of Cards, when you serially harass people, you get fired.

sasyscarborough avatar
Sasy
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The feet on desk did make me blink a little, but it was more of a "what would Nicolas Cage be thinking' kind of way :)

gregs18348 avatar
Greg Schaper
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Interesting to note that the photo of JFK, titled "The Loneliest Job", by George Tames, is actually just JFK standing and reading the newspaper. It's a great picture though.

lizgee58 avatar
Liz Gee
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

what is that huge trophy on Trumps desk. did he win it for being the biggest A*****E .....

ilze-maskalane avatar
Sarcasticow
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't trust a person whose desk is as messy as in the last pictures... besides everything else about him

elextech avatar
Vincent Jay
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As I recall, Obama used John F. Kennedy's old desk. Maybe he shouldn't have been putting his feet on a national historical artifact.

ruppnichole avatar
Nichole Antoinette
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The man in the framed photo in image 10 vaguely resembles Adolf Hitler. I'm assuming it's his father. Why does his father look like Hitler???

smason101 avatar
Sandra Mason
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do NOT love Obama.. strictly because he feels he has the right to put his foot up on a 250 year old desk. and way too many people give him a pass on it.

sherry_conroy1 avatar
Sherry Conroy
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Could this person hate President Trump anymore? Extremely biased. And Obama with his feet on that desk is just so wrong.

philemore avatar
moeless
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonder why the pic of Obama with the phone upside-down, cord at his ear, is not included? Oh, actually, I think I understand now. Doesn't serve the agenda. Sorry.

johnkamau avatar
John Kamau
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who’s your decorator? Colonel Gaddafi? ... I thought the Rocket Boy would suffice to do some curation here. I almost confused you there with a water paint

wteach avatar
William Teach
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Thanks for this bit of Trump Derangement Syndrome.

daveroger710 avatar
Dave Roger
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You literally post this stupid b******t on every article, William. The rest of us can see your comments. She's right, you're just another obsessed Trump supporter who projects what he does onto others. If you're here to "get away from politics" stay away from the articles that clearly deal with politics.

Load More Replies...
blueteal2 avatar
Patrick McKenna
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Obama putting his shoe on the desk in the oval office that's been there since the 30's is the most obnoxious picture. not funny, obnoxious. furthermore, staged to send a message of how he felt about things.

punxtasyjunkie avatar
Here to Troll
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Interesting how you don't care about all of the white presidents who've done that in the past. Google it before you try to make some worthless quip in retort.

Load More Replies...
lanza130 avatar
Melody Lanzatella
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

The irony of this thing actually reached out of the page and slapped me right across the f**kin face!

sprigganoberon avatar
ilikepie22334 avatar
John Smith
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Obama was such a POS. Thank God he's done.

blueteal2 avatar
Patrick McKenna
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

this comment section...nothing to critique obama about? safe and brainwashed.

pebblepet avatar
nek0kitty
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well i think every president can be and should be critiqued, but some have more negative things to criticize than others.

Load More Replies...
femmyfeminist avatar
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