Caedes

Artist Spoltight # 45

Submitted by mimi 11/07/09 6:46 AM GMT

I present to you our resident C-man corngrowth as your next artist to be spotlighted. He is known as Cornelius to many of us. Please take a minute or two out of your busy day and visit Mr. C's varied & diverse gallery.

Some of you already know that I had a maritime career (maritime officer) for more than 35 years. When I read Mimi's personal message I was both surprised and excited. It caused some blushes at my cheeks, and that ‘not done’ for a former seaman.

Please, let me introduce myself to the people who don’t who I am: I am Cornelius G, also known on Caedes as Corngrowth, Mr. C or Mr. Sea (thanks to my Owd Fellow Tick, lol). I’m almost 65 years young. My wife and I have been married for 41 years. Although my wife has serious medical problems, we really hope that some years may be added to her life. We both fight very hard for it. We had three children, one son and two daughters. Our oldest daughter died (on my birthday), so we have two children now. We have also one granddaughter and three grandsons. We are fond of them and they are our pride! The medical situation of my wife doesn’t allow me, on the one hand, to go far from the place where I live or to visit foreign countries for a photo shoot, but on the other hand I’m very lucky that my part of the world (Zeeland, The Netherlands) has so many excellent opportunities to make some fine captures.

Photography is not my only hobby. I still like to do some sailing as well. I had a racing bike too, but after having a serious accident with it, I quitted biking on it. The doctor said to me: ‘Cornelius, we haven’t found any brains in your head.’ (Because I didn’t wear my helmet) My humble reply was: ‘Doctor, this confirms that I’m a medical wonder, as I have seawater in my veins too and my wife says that I have a wooden heart.’ (lol)

I discovered Caedes in July 2006 while I was searching for a wallpaper of a Norwegian fjord. During my active career, our ship made a port call to a Norwegian port. I went on shore with my analogue camera in order to make some captures while standing on top of a hill. Once there, my camera refused to do any work as the shutter was frozen. On Caedes I found a rather similar wallpaper taken from the same spot. Caedes became since then my favorite site. I have made many Caedes-friends worldwide. Their personal interest, encouraging words, comments, advices, spontaneous help and so on; feel like a warm shower after one has suffering from the cold. Just great and many, many thanks! Those friends (!) have brought me to the front page. I feel very honored and grateful about it. Thanks also, to those who took the time and have done the effort to nominate me for this honor. Like to say too that a lot of good photographers at Caedes will never become AOM, not because their work is not good, but simply because people didn’t write and nominate them.

I was asked who has inspired me. Like to mention the name of Paul Gerritsen, but I realize at the same time that this is not honest to a lot of other great photographers on Caedes. Most of them are in my friends-list. Some others will follow soon.

I was asked too to pick my favorite image from my gallery. That’s pretty hard. My maritime images are the favorite category of mine, as the sea is still a part of my life. I realize very well that those images are not that interesting to a lot of people. Suppose too that from the people who like those images, only a few of them know how difficult it is to approach the subject in a safe and allowed way and to capture it from a ‘dancing and shaking’ platform.

About my equipment I like to say that I’ve rather expensive and unique equipment: my own eyes! They are assisted by a Nikon D80 camera body. I will replace it soon by a newer Nikon type with an anti-dust provision as the photo sensor of the Nikon D-80 is rather sensitive for dust, so forcing me to limit the change of lenses. Therefore I use on my photo shoots a general purpose lens (AF S Nikkor 18 - 200mm 1:3.5 - 5.6 G ED VR) and only in rare occasions some other lenses. Of course I'm using the traditional additional photo-equipment as well, like a Nikon Speedlight SB-800 (for a, so called, 'fill in' flash), a mono- and a tripod and some filters.

Think I’ve said already too much now. Have to move from the spotlight now as there’s a risk it will hurt my eyes. I will end my story with a sincere ‘Thank you’ to Caedes and the mods. Not only for all the work they’ve done, but for giving me the opportunity to be a Caedes member, so preventing me from having a boring and dull life after my retirement.

Best regards, Cornelius

Comments

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*caedes
11/08/09 9:13 PM GMT
Congratulations! I enjoyed reading your interview.
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-caedes
+purmusic
11/08/09 9:52 PM GMT
Congratulations, Cornelius.

And best wishes ... on all fronts. :o)

Enjoy your time ... keep shooting ... and happy shooting. 'We' will be here to enjoy the fruits of your artistic endeavours. And, thankfully so. :o)
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"An eye for an eye, and soon the whole world is blind." - Mahatma Gandhi
.Catharina1
11/08/09 10:12 PM GMT
Cornelius.. so deserved! Not only do you have your wonderful work.. but such great friend you are! Congratulations! Mich
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::jswgpb
11/08/09 10:18 PM GMT
The Lion tips hat to Cornelius........a well deseerved honor to one of the best photographers on the site. Good work my friend, enjoy your moment in the sun. :)
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Always remember - Follow the Yellow Brick Road, it will lead you to OZ and the Emerald City. A very nice place to live. Trust me on this one, I live there. The Lion **** MY CAEDES GALLERY****Another Site I'm AT - MY DA HOME PAGE
::nigelmoore
11/08/09 10:40 PM GMT
A well-deserved accolade Cornelius, I have long admired your work and you have waited far too long for the spotlight. Bask in it while you have it my friend, you do wonderful work on this site.
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"A camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera." Dorothea Lange
.Genver
11/08/09 11:28 PM GMT
Congratulations Cornelius,it is well deserved,you have some beautiful photos,you are a nice person too.
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::PamParson
11/09/09 12:06 AM GMT
Congratulations, well deserved!!!
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"Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you" ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
::braces
11/09/09 12:16 AM GMT
Congratulations Cornelius you certainly deserve this accolade. I have long admired your work which shows undeniable skill and a deep love of your your Country. I'll continue to look forward to your pictures.
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"If at first you don't succeed, try again. Then quit. There's no use being a damn fool about it." W.C. Fields. So, keep trying to see My Gallery.
::Jimbobedsel
11/09/09 3:33 AM GMT
I loved reading about you, Mr. C. and would like to congratulate you again. Three cheers for Cornelius.

Jimbob
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::Joanie
11/09/09 3:34 AM GMT
Congrats Cornelius! Your works are so beautiful and you deserve this title for sure! Way to go!
Joanie
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::phasmid
11/09/09 4:28 AM GMT
Well, it's about time! So glad to see you getting the recognition that you have earned here on Caedes.

And thanks for the look into your life. It's nice to know what goes into making a great photographer!

***PJ***
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::twinkel
11/09/09 8:36 AM GMT
Congrats Cornelius for being the artist of the month.

Your Gallery looks great, some pictures are very very familiar to me...hehe...

So enjoy your time in the spotlights!

:o)
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If you cant accept me at my worst, then you don't deserve me at my best.
::Hottrockin
11/09/09 10:51 AM GMT
Mucho congrats Mr. C!! You have such an amazing gallery full of fun things to check out!!
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Why do the pictures come out square when the lens is round??
.alexis518
11/09/09 1:17 PM GMT
A richly deserved honor, Cornelius! While looking through your gallery for just one of my favorites I was just amaazed at the wealth and diversity of fine images there. You tell us how much you've gained from being a part of Caedes, but you've given much more. Congratulations, and enjoy.
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Much of the beauty in life is found in people who care.
.meiamafreak
11/09/09 2:53 PM GMT
Congratulations!
Your gallery is splendid, and your interview was very enjoyable to read.
I'm am very glad that you got this deserving honor!
Have a wonderful day!
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cowboy country... My Gallery
::allisontaylor
11/09/09 4:00 PM GMT
Congratulations Cornelius! Truly enjoyed reading your bio. As with your comments your true blue personality shines through. I always enjoy your well composed photos. Especially drawn to the boats and canals. This one might my favorite of all... I've never seen frozen look so inviting! Thank you for sharing your photos and Zeeland.
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.Tamara94
11/09/09 5:11 PM GMT
Congratulations Cornelius! Although I am very busy with school, I still enjoy your beautiful work. Have a good time in the spotlight! Tamara
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::Ramad
11/09/09 5:31 PM GMT
Hearty congratulations Cornelius,my friend and colleague. I am so glad that you have been chosen for Artist of the Month. I know very well that you deserve this honour as I have been following all your postings for quite some time. Keep showing us more and more beautiful images from Zeeland.
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If practice makes perfect and nobody is perfect, then why practice?
::JQ
11/09/09 6:19 PM GMT
yay, congratulations mr c. your photography is always lovely and well presented and even though your current situation prevents you from travelling far it does not seem to matter as you always present a variety of views from the beach, to the countryside and the lovely windmills with names. enjoy your spotlight, you deserve it.
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::fogz
11/09/09 10:42 PM GMT
ahhhh Cornelius you found your rightful place on the front page - so lovely to see you in the spotlight ....a very deserved honour! Your photography is inspiring to many! I hope to be back again in the NY posting and commenting again! take care and enjoy the many comments that have already been left and the many to follow.
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..thanking you in advance for your comments. Please know that all your comments are appreciated....." Live well, love much, laugh often!" .... mygallery
::bean811
11/10/09 5:57 AM GMT
Congrats Cornelius!!! Very much deserved place in the spotlight...I've always been a big fan of your gallery and I'd have to say my favorite shots of yours are your Zeeland Winter shots. Sorry to hear that your circumstances don't allow you to venture too far from home, but it just goes to show that you don't need to travel far to find great shots.
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Check out my website
.89037
11/10/09 5:13 PM GMT
A very well deserved honor,dear friend!!...You were one of the first artists on this site that I really admired and one of my first friends! Absolutely all your pictures are great and I can not choose between .. I love them all!!!..I greatly appreciate your talent ,your kindness and your friendship! Congratulations from all my heart!!..Adriana
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Adriana....:)
.rozem061
11/10/09 6:12 PM GMT
If anyone deserve this special honor, it is you, Cornelius !
Not only for your wonderful pictures of your beloved province of Zeeland, but also for being a gentleman first, for all
members of caedes no matter what they do or who they are.
Congratulations, and I congrats myself too, because
I can proudly say: Cornelius,.... he is a friend of mine !
Thank you from the bottom of my heart !
John
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-*A Wallpaper is worth a million words - And I leave them Speechless!*- ...
::Roseman_Stan
11/10/09 7:14 PM GMT
Congratulations Sir C!! So glad to see you honored in this way. I enjoy your work very much and it is an honor to call you a friend.

Stan
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“Won't you come into the garden? I would like my roses to see you” - Richard Brinsley Sheridan
::egggray
11/10/09 9:47 PM GMT
Hey Cornelius, I just looked at your gallery and you have some very fine work in there. Thanks for sharing your part of the World with us. You deserve this honor and it was great reading about your life. Enjoy the Spotlight.
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If you wish to purchase framed photos, prints or greeting cards of my work please visit my website .http://www.redbubble.com/people/ziggy7
::100k_xle
11/10/09 10:53 PM GMT

CONGRATULATIONS MR.SEA, your ship has finally come in!

We should pop a cork and toast to your Honor. You've shared with us so many wonderful scenes from your homeland. My Favorites are all here, plus some I couldn't get in. Thanks for your Friendship and Support over the past three years. It's an Honor just knowing you. Hope You and the Wife have many more years together. Congrats Once more.

E J
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This Image GRABBED my EYE. That's Why I Stopped By. Thanks For Sharing ! Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience
::tigger3
11/10/09 11:56 PM GMT
Mr. C. I want to congratulate you on this well deserved honor. I for one always enjoy your wonderful seafaring images. Your photography is wonderful and comes from within your heart and soul. That really makes it even more special. You share what you love and you do it so well. I'm honored to have you as a friend. Sandi=^..^=
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Nature in all her glory is my uplift on life and so is my love of photography. sandi ♪ ♫
.LynEve
11/11/09 2:52 AM GMT
Sincere congratulations Cornelius - I am delighted to see you in the Spotlight. It is a much deserved honour.

Your photography is wonderful and I always enjoy sharing your beautiful part of the world.

You deserve the spotlight not only for your images but also for your involvement in this site and your willingness to help and encourage others

Well Done my friend!!
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The question is not what you look at, but what you see ~ Marcel Proust
::SEFA
11/11/09 8:34 PM GMT
Congratulations Cornelius! I was really glad to see you are in the spotlight, it´s so very well deserved! I have enjoyed your many wonderful photos for a long time now and you are an inspiration to me. You are a kind and helpful friend and I am honored to be your friend. I wish you and your wife many more years together. Congratulations once again and enjoy your time in the spotlight, you deserve it!
Susanne
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SEFA
::casechaser
11/12/09 1:00 AM GMT
Cornelius, congratulations. You are so deserving and I am very happy for you.
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.SatCom
11/12/09 2:10 AM GMT
Congrats Mr. C. I follow you gallery frequently and this is a well deserved honor for your wonderful work and contribution to all of us true amateurs. I will continue to follow you and enjoy your work on my DT. Thanks for all that you do.
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Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter. - Ansel Adams....... My Gallery
::0930_23
11/12/09 5:33 AM GMT
Sea, I am so happy that you are in the spotlight. I can't think of anyone that deserves it any more then you. You are a man of character that happens to take great photos. I admire your photos very much, but it is your integrity and character that really shines.
You are a great Opa and I was sorry to read about your loss.

It is hard to pick a favorite from your gallery but I am partial to your End of the Day series especially the ones with the geese. They remind me of why life is good. They surround themselves with friends and family as they make their majestic flight with the V for Victory formation.

Congratulations on your victory as AOTM.
Good health to you and yours.

OFT

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Hopefully my photos and stories will let you know what makes me Tick
.luckyshot
11/12/09 12:35 AM GMT
Cornelius - You deservedly are in the spotlight - well deserved! Best wishes. Thad
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A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. - James Dent
::Dunstickin
11/12/09 7:24 PM GMT
Gosh, I am late again!...

One of my favourite friends and I go and miss his limelight!...

I have always said that you have a gift of portraying your images, as each tells us the story of your hometown scenery!...

We have shared stories of our lives and I like to think we have a similar lifestyle!...

Reap the rewards of A.O.T.M...it has been a long time coming!....

Your Gordie mucker!....
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* Owing to the deterioration in my hands, I find that I cannot comment as much as I should..But please know...I do look at all your posts!..and will leave my 'moniker' >OB< when I do so!...Thank you all * OwdBob'sGallery
::Stevenn120
11/13/09 8:42 PM GMT
My Congradulations on your honor an the pleasure of reading your interview
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::PatAndre
11/14/09 12:55 AM GMT
A well written and very interesting spotlight of your journey to and through caedes. I have always liked your images of boats kicking up spray as they plow through the waves. Those are my favorites. Congrats on this award and I do hope your wife's health will improve.
Momma
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::wheedance
11/14/09 1:21 PM GMT
A big, well-deserved congratulations! Thanks for telling us about yourself - I'll add my prayers to your hope that your wife will remain with you. I'm very sorry to hear about your daughter. Your positive attitude is very inspiring! I have the same camera you do! Hilda
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All of earth is crammed with heaven And every bush aflame with God But only those who see take off their shoes. - Elizabeth Barrett Browning<p> mygallery
::solita17
11/15/09 4:57 AM GMT
I say it's about time you became Artist of the Month! And so well deserved... your gallery is as varied as it is beautiful. You have in abundance what I call 'the eye', the ability to see a composition whether on land or at sea. I also enjoyed reading about your life and your family and your art.

And... you answered a longterm question for me in your narrative. I also have a Nikon D80, and have been dismayed at the mysterious spots that appear from inside the camera. Now I know what they are and why they are there... ;-)

Again, I say, Congratulations! Enjoy your month in the spotlight!

mary
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"Never let your studies interfere with your education." - Pete Seeger
RKG
11/15/09 3:02 PM GMT
Congratulations Cornelius. A most deserving recipient!!
Rick
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comments/critiques always appreciated
::zunazet
11/16/09 5:28 AM GMT
Congrats Mr C. You have posted many a beautiful image on the site and this is indeed a well deserved moment in the spot light!
DP
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.icedancer
11/17/09 2:02 AM GMT
Many Many Congratulations goes out to you Cornelius and what a marvelous write up you did. Your photography is so beautiful and you make each one so special with the great presentation.

Many thank for giving us more detailed info on your family & background, Cornelius. I've treasured your friendship here and for all you kind comments and help you have offered me.

Best Wishes to you & your family, plus take care my very sweet friend, Skates
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::danika
11/18/09 10:55 PM GMT
Congratualtions Cornelius ... a much deserved honor. Enjoy your time in the spotlight.
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“There are many paths but only one journey.”
=ppigeon
11/19/09 7:55 AM GMT
Thanks Cornelius for your wonderful gallery. Personally, I really like your 'Winter In Zeeland' series. Congrats :-)
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-Pierre-
::gerryp
11/24/09 8:09 PM GMT
Cornelius...a little late getting this off to you...but you have to know that I am very happy for you. long overdue...gerry
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"The more we come in contact with animals, and observe their behaviour, the more we love them, for we see how great is their care for their young." - philosopher Immanuel Kant
.Gabbels
11/29/09 12:06 AM GMT
Congratulations with your well deserved place in the spotlight!
It was a real pleasure reading your story.
I know the reason you can't leave the country, but on one hand I'm glad... cause now I can enjoy our country through your eyes and see how amazingly beautiful it is!

Hugs and kisses
Gabrielle
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When you're through with life and all hope is lost. Hold out your hand 'cos friends will be friends - right till the end.
::tealeaves
12/02/09 3:01 AM GMT
A belated congratulations on a very well deserved honor! A look through your large gallery is proof to your outstanding and varied talents! Thank you for sharing them here! I enjoyed reading your bio. Best of wishes and warm regards Cornelius! :) Lori
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*Tea is a cup of life*
.jazzilady
12/12/09 6:20 PM GMT
Great interview and a great gallery! Prayers are going up for your wife, keep up the great photo gallery!
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::corngrowth
12/23/09 1:42 PM GMT
Thank you all very much for your congratulations on the occasion that I've become 'Featured Artist' in November 2009.

Your nice words are higly appreciated by me.

Hope you'll enjoy my future images as well. I'll do my best for it.

Regards, Cornelius.


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Cornelius was here either to enjoy your image or say 'thank you' for your interest in my gallery. In the first case, please CLICK HERE to see my work!
+nmsmith
12/28/09 2:48 AM GMT
Congratualtions, Mr. Sea! Sorry to be slow with this, but it's the first opportunity I've had to slow down a bit and take some vacation time. Hope you had a merry Christmas. My best wishes of health to both your dear wife, and to you. Your gallery is filled with beautiful images - I'd love to visit your country someday.
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.cynlee
06/05/10 3:24 AM GMT
Hi Cornelius. As you know,I have been ill for some time so this will be short as I also get numbness in my fingers of my right hand.I am trying to catch up on a few things here and I have been meaning to write something about your work and this spotlight for a long time now. You already know that I am a big fan of your photograhs and I have quite a few favorites. You really deserve this spotlight since you are one of Caedes best. I hope that all is well at home for you too now. Take care,my friend,and thanks for the peek into your life.
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Life is precious; therefore, do not waste it by doing things mechanically without love. We should try to put love into everything we do. - Amma
::bfrank
12/08/14 11:11 PM GMT
Hello Cornelius. I am glad to have known you for the time we have been acquainted. You know many of us have had our ups and downs since the first time finding this great wallpaper site. Caedes is very unique. Over the years I have really enjoyed our...what I would call our new found family. I invest time with so many of them and I really have a good time doing it. I hate it when I hear some of the bad stuff that happens to them. I lift them up in my prayers. That being said I bet a lot has happened since you first typed this out. I know a lot has happened to me since then. I am glad to be your friend Cornelius.
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Life's moments are sweet. I just want to capture all that I can of them.

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