Welcome to Thursday Doors! This is a weekly challenge for people who love doors and architecture to come together to admire and share their favorite door photos, drawings, or other images or stories from around the world. If you’d like to join us, simply create your own Thursday Doors post each (or any) week and then share a link to your post in the comments below, anytime between 12:01 am Thursday morning and Saturday noon (North American eastern time). If you like, you can add our badge to your post.

in primo piano – photos

Many long-time readers will recognize the photos in today’s gallery. As I mentioned yesterday, I attended the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Business. Today, that is the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, but we didn’t know Joe in 1977. Today, that school is in a shiny glass building that is low and long. When I attended, our classes were held in the Cathedral of Learning. It was a remarkable experience.

It was nice to be back on campus when it was active. The last time we were there, was the first year after covid, and activity was at a minimum. Pitt’s is an urban campus. I will share more photos from our visit in the future. Today, I’m sticking close to my old home.

We are still collecting doors to be used as inspiration for the 4th Annual Thursday Doors Writing Challenge. If you want to know more about that, see my post from last week. In short, you just have to find a way send me your door(s) or tell me where I can find them.

All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.

Bridge to Nowhere

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150 responses to “Alumni Doors”

  1. Dan, I remain infatuated with the Cathedral of Learning. I can’t imagine a place more splendid. Although I don’t remember photos of the red door there. Fabulous.

    Today, I have another “Who’s at the Door?” interview. I hope everyone will join us.

    Who’s at the Door? (5) #ThursdayDoors – Teagan’s Books (teagansbooks.com)

    Liked by 4 people

    1. What a perfect way to start Thursday Doors, Teagan! Thank you for bringing Jennie and Gloria to the door.

      Many of the interior and minor exterior doors on the Cathedral are red. I have to check, the red corner-ish door I featured may be a back door to the Stephen Foster Memorial.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. My nephew’s wife graduated from Pitt and also works there. Not sure what she does but think it’s something to do with recruiting. Small world. As always, great images, Dan.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. That’s cool. It’s a great university, and I always enjoy being “on campus.” I had friends who didn’t want to go to Pitt because it’s an urban campus, but I enjoyed that aspect. Being surrounded by culture added to the delightful experience that was Pitt.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. She did both undergrad and grad work at Pitt and loved it for that exact reason and considered herself fortunate to now be able to help others experience it.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I would agree. She is lucky, and I hope she brings many new people to share that experience.

          Liked by 1 person

  3. Some great doors! Especially the red side door of the cathedral and the wooden one in the last picture!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks. I tried to feature some that I hadn’t shared before, but I’ve featured this building several times. I really enjoy visiting, and it’s hard not to take pictures of doors.

      Like

  4. Wow..that’s an awe-inspiring place for learning 🙂.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I used to study at some of the carrels that ring the 2nd and 3rd floor of the Commons. It was hard not to be inspired.

      Liked by 2 people

  5. I would have gone to the Cathedral of Learning just for the revolving doors. The red doors are stunners too 😀

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Ha! I do like revolving doors, but once you step inside, you can’t help but be impressed and inspired.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. My Goodness Dan what amazing photos you can see exactly why it’s called the Cathedral of learning what a beautiful building! 💜

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Willow. My great grandfather was a construction foreman when the cathedral was being built. To hear my mother talk about it, he built the place single-handed, but it’s nice having a connection to the building and having a history with it.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. its always wonderful to have connection to a building a great sense of continuity! I have just returned from visiting Winchester Cathedral . I shall share at some point..

        I hasten to say I have no connection to that wonderful place 💜💜

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Still, I can’t wait to see your photos. My only connection is the song from the 60s 😂

          Like

          1. 💜very popular 😁

            Liked by 1 person

  7. […] Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors […]

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Beautiful building, very impressive!

    Here is mine:

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thanks Sofia, and thanks for sharing a beautiful photo.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Cathedral of Learning has great doors and building is beautiful

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks. It is a lovely building.

      Like

  10. Absolutely amazing – the Cathedral of Learning is surely an inspirational place with an awesome entrance way. What a place to learn! A fabulous post with some great doors too.

    A second, eclectic batch from Nottingham from me this week: https://scooj.org/2024/04/11/thursday-doors-11-april-2024-doors-of-nottingham/#Nottingham#UK

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Steve. It was an amazing experience to attend classes there. The upper floors are normal boring classrooms, but entering through the Commons was always a treat.

      You have some great doors – hard to pick a favorite.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Glorious selection Dan

    Like

  12. […] (Brian Dodd) shares photos of doors, but not just any doors. Spectacular doors from his journeys. Dan’s Thursday Doors opened the door on this. I love doors of all sorts. I’ve trawled through my holiday snaps […]

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  13. Love the side door of the cathedral. Here is mine for this week https://wanderingteresa.com/a-walk-through-chinatown-and-its-doors/

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Teresa, and thanks for your bright colorful photos.

      Like

  14. The Cathedral if Learning us amazing. Wow!
    I love the red side doors.

    My dad used to sing Oh Suzanna. It was quite a popular song back in the 70’s (around here). We sang it as children. I have to go searching for it now to see when it became a hit, or when it was released. I’d imagine it was released long before the 70s.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Cathedral of Learning is amazing. (I hate when I forget to check for typos)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I never see mine until I hit “Reply” :-)

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    2. I remember singing that song, too. The memorial is an impressive little museum. I’m glad they built it to complement the Cathedral.

      Like

    1. Wow! the doors and buildings are amazing!

      Like

  15. The Cathedral of Learning–what an excellent name!–for an amazing building. They don’t construct campus buildings like that anymore–the new ones, like most modern buildings, are glass boxes.(K)

    Liked by 2 people

    1. The university recently purchased another historic building in the campus area. I am so glad they intend to preserve it as is. They are also building a curved steel and glass building which is only about five or six stories high. Quite a mix of old and new on campus.

      It looks like you had some fun with your doors this week. Well done!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks Dan. I did have fun.

        I’m glad they are putting an old building to good use too. Columbia keeps knocking buildings down and putting up strange glass boxes designed by semi-famous architects. I think there’s one building they bought that is landmarked though so they have to use it as it is at least.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. This is the building they bought. It’s the former home of the Pittsburgh Athletic Association. An investment group bought it, restored it but couldn’t get anyone interested in moving in. They outbid Pitt several years ago when the university wanted to buy it. Now the group needs money and the university was able to buy it. – https://savingplaces.org/stories/pittsburgh-athletic-association-faces-an-uncertain-future

          Liked by 1 person

          1. That’s a wonderful building! Great proportions.
            And also a great website I think I could spend a lot of time getting lost in.

            Liked by 1 person

            1. I’m sorry if I ruined your productivity.

              Liked by 1 person

            2. A good way to do it…

              Liked by 1 person

  16. […] Today being Thursday, as always if you want more doors, please visit Dan’s No Facilities site and enjoy the trip around the world enjoying the doors shared by other door bloggers. https://nofacilities.com/2024/04/11/alumni-doors/ […]

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  17. I’ve never been to the Pitt campus, but I know the CoL is a landmark building. Last two pics are my favs. How about those Pirates!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Pirates are off to a great start, Frank. I hope they can keep rolling. They started off hot last year, but faded. The Cathedral is such a wonderful landmark. I remember my parents taking visiting relatives there for a tour of the Nationality Rooms. I was amazed when I learned that the GSB classes were being taught in that building. That was one of the most interesting years of my life.

      Like

  18. Today’s post, I have shared a song from the PL song book, it is a song that touches my heart and I extend the joy and happiness to you all.. Dan. love the doors today, so different from those I am sharing https://dymoonblog.com/2024/04/11/jeudi/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you. You shared very special doors, and a wonderful message.

      Like

  19. I love that cabin (as you would suspect), but that cathedral is magnificent!
    Strange, I never knew that Stephen Foster died so young.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The built the cabin (a gift by an alumni – I guess I don’t do enough ;-) in 1987 to celebrate the bicentennial of the school. The name changed a few times during 200 years, but the school started near the Point downtown. The first time I saw the cabin, I thought it was associated with Stephen Foster. Oops.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. I cannot resist a red door! Lovely buildings and I love the little cottage – that it has been preserved, especially.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I probably shouldn’t tell you that the cabin is a replica. It was built in 1987 to celebrate the bicentennial of the school. But I do like it being there. It’s hard to imagine attending “college” in that building, especially after attending classes in the Cathedral.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Oh that’s okay :) No kidding! Attending college in such a small building… ‘course, we would have to picture how many would actually participate back in the day.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. That’s true. Looks like the building would hold three or four classrooms.

          Liked by 1 person

  21. […] us, simply create your own Thursday Doors post each (or any) week and then share a link to your post on Dan’s […]

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  22. What a fabulous place to attend! I love all of these door pictures. My dad sang Stephen Foster’s songs to us all the time. I’m sure you love going back to visit. Here are some old photos with good memories. https://darlenefoster.wordpress.com/2024/04/11/thursday-doors-from-albertas-past/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It was an amazing experience to attend classes in that building, Darlene. I always felt blessed. I love visiting Pittsburgh, and this is one of my favorite places to visit.

      Thank you for sharing your personal doors today.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. As always Dan, your photos are wonderful. You do a great job with light in the images that adds something hard to describe and very special.

    Love the old log cabin so nicely preserved down to the neatly arrange chinking between the logs. So cool that it just sits there near a parking lot (it looks like) quietly proclaiming the long history of the whole place.

    The Cathedral of Learning is marvelous building. I have not seen a university building that tall…so awesome. I love all the doors and beautiful church like archways. It must be a tranquil place for study, the high ceilings carrying sound upward retaining the quiet space below. Is that the place some people call “Cathy” in Pittsburgh?

    As always photos of your university remind me of my time at university as well. Thanks for the memories. It was an enriching time. Blessings to you Dan. I thoroughly enjoyed your photos.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Suzette. The Cathedral is the second-tallest educational building in the world after the University of Moscow’s main building. Now a part of me wants to see that building ;-)

      Students do (or did when I was there) call it Cathy. The Commons takes up the first three floors, and there are many study carrels and furniture set in little hideaway areas. The structure is steel, faced with stone and the ceiling was built with material to help absorb sound. Despite all the people, the Commons is a very quiet place. The classrooms on the upper floors are basic classrooms, but just being in the building was inspiring.

      Like

  24. Ginger Salvatore Avatar
    Ginger Salvatore

    Never get tired of seeing your photos of the Cathedral of Learning. Every square foot of this building is amazing.

    Love those two Stephen Foster songs. I did not realize he was so young when he died. Impressive memorial building in his honor.

    I do love the log cabin. Is it the original or a replica? Either way, I still love it!

    This was another nice tour Dan of your old stompin’ grounds.

    Ginger🦋 Sent from my iPad

    >

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Ginger. I know I drift back to the Cathedral often, but I love the building.

      The cabin is a replica, donated by an alumni (not this boy) in 1987 for the school’s bicentennial.

      I didn’t realize Stephen Foster died so young. I should say I didn’t remember because we learned about him in school. Then again that was when we thought 30-something was old.

      Thanks for taking the tour!

      Like

  25. Aw, you know the Cathedral of Learning is my imaginary fabulous architecture boyfriend! Also: arches and red doors! Sara took a BUNCHA pictures at the Country Club Plaza, and I have more of them this week: https://marianallen.com/2024/04/thursday-doors-country-club-plaza-continues/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m sure the Cathedral has been described by many, but not as lovingly as that.

      Great doors by Sara!

      Like

  26. I have never seen a red door in a Church….hmmm!

    https://seachurn.blogspot.com/2024/04/thursday-doors-april-11.html

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It’s really not a church, but they call it a cathedral.

      Beautiful images and poetry from you , today. Thanks.

      Like

    2. Episcopal churches often have red doors.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes they do, and many share a certain sharp arch shape

        Liked by 1 person

  27. Very impressed. I like that shot of the red side door seen through the gates of the parking lot.

    Here’s my entry: https://anotherglobaleater.wordpress.com/2024/04/11/temporary-doors/

    Liked by 1 person

  28. […] robust ones: a clear case of Batesian mimicry. Sometimes though, the mimicry fails and you see the door open to show that there’s no space for activity behind […]

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  29. Interesting that Stephen Foster is from PA, yet his song “Suwannee River” is the Florida state song. There is a plaque when you go across the river, too. The memorial to him is beautiful–as is the Cathedral. Although, revolving doors in a cathedral did make me laugh a little. I’m imaging those doors during Mass…🙄

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haha – you made me laugh with that last comment, Lois. Across from the Cathedral of Learning is Heinz Chapel, an equally gothic non-denominational church. It has huge red doors, but not revolving. I am glad they built the memorial to match the style of the Cathedral so well. I didn’t know that was your state song. I thought that would have been 🎵M I C (see you real soon) 🎵K E Y (Why? Because we like you) 🎵M O U S E.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. THAT song I know! Our state song…not so much. Hey, DeSantis….! 😆

        Like

  30. I didn’t know that Stephen Foster was from Pittsburgh. And now I have “The sun shines bright..” going through my head. What melodies. The Cathedral is amazing to me since I can’t help seeing the contrast to Purdue back in the 60s. I doubt I’d be able to study at all if I had to spend time in the Cathedral; I’d just daydream, I think. And it all began in a little log cabin? Well, maybe not so little: the size of ideas is hard to measure.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Well over 200 years ago, Maureen. Down by the river, although I think that was the Monongahela River, which to my knowledge has never inspired a song. I can tell you that I studied in carrels that ring the second and third floor walkways around the Commons, and it was hard not to daydream. I like your comment about measuring ideas. That’s quite good.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks! It’s hard to believe that “Monongahela” never inspired a song. It’s such a great word! If I’d attended classes in the Cathedral, I’d still be an undergrad. If that.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Ha ha – According to some research I’m doing for a future book (not next, but the one after) the School of Social Work is in there. I’m sure there are other schools – it’s 42 stories tall.

          Liked by 1 person

  31. “Revolving doors of Cathedral of Learning” sounds like it could be a philosophical treatise on the ways in which well-educated people learn new things! Or a rock album title.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ha – PErhaps the way they learn new things and forget some of them (like me with accounting).

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Beautiful photos, Dan. The door of the nationality room is extraordinary. Thank you for sharing this photo journey.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Gwen. I have to tour the Nationality rooms again so I can capture all the doors. I think there are 31 of them now.

      Like

  33. What an amazing building! I loved the red doors, and the little log cabin.

    Liked by 1 person

        1. Thank you so much, Dan! I’m glad you like them too.

          Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Deborah. The log cabin is neat to see next to the now signature building on campus.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. The juxtaposition is quite striking!

        Liked by 1 person

  34. Hi Dan, these are all wonderful pictures. What a great place to study. I did my entire degree and Honours through a correspondence university. I would have loved to attend such a marvelous institution.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. My undergraduate study was on another urban campus (West Virginia) but nearly as stately as this. I feel blessed to have been able to study in that building.

      Like

  35. […] This post is part of the Thursday Doors group hosted by Dan Antion over at No Facilities which you can click on to see other doors from around the world-https://nofacilities.com/2024/04/11/alumni-doors/ […]

    Like

  36. Great doors, Dan. A lovely place to learn.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks John. It really was.

      Liked by 1 person

  37. Awesome pictures as always, Dan. I believe I have seen pictures of this building in your earlier posts. In fact, when I see buildings, parks, and bridges in movies I instantly recognize them. Not only in the US but in other countries as well. Do you know what’s my favorite popular global icon? I mean for instance some people like the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, and so on. As a hint, I will say No it is not in India. It is an Art Deco statue on top of a mountain. I think I made it very easy for you. Also about this Thursday Doors Writing Challenge I am a bit confused. I need to send you a maximum of three images of any of my doors images so what do I write about it? I mean if the doors content is already published what more do I write about it? Or should I not write anything about it and just send you the image link. Sorry, I’m confused. Help me.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Sharukh. You have seen this before. This might be my favorite building. I’m guessing you’re referring to the Christ statue in Brazil.

      As for the writing challenge, here’s the essentials:

      • You can send up to three of your door photos (but you don’t have to) that you or others can use for inspiration for writing
      • At the end of this month, I will post a gallery of all the doors which have been contributed
      • Using one (or more) of those doors as inspiration, you can write a story or a poem or anything you like
      • You don’t have to use your doors as inspiration, you can use anyone’s
      • You don’t have to write anything – you can just contribute a door
      • Similarly, you don’t have to contribute a door in order to write something
      • Door submissions run through this month
      • Writing begins on May 1st
      • You can see last year’s doors and read last year’s writing entries here.

      Like

      1. Full marks for guessing, Dan. Christ The Redeemer in Brazil remains my favorite. Thanks for helping me clear my doubts. I will send in the doors by this weekend or earlier. Take Care and Hugs.

        Liked by 1 person

  38. Dan I will love all of your images. I am on my phone with these Thursday Doors in Newfoundland.Thanks for this idea. Anita

    Liked by 1 person

  39. Dan j saw these images with these Doors .I visited in Newfoundland. I saw these amazing doors on my Phone. Anita

    Liked by 1 person

  40. Dan I saw those an amazing doors . But I have on my phone in Newfoundland. Anita

    Liked by 1 person

    1. 100countrytrek.com. Anita

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Those doors are amazing, Anita!

        Like

  41. I love the Cathedral of Learning, the embodiment of the Sacred Halls of Academe.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Liz. I was truly blessed to be able to study there for 12 months. I will never forget that experience.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re welcome, Dan.

        Liked by 1 person

  42. Dan for sharing your images and saw these doors on my phone. Anita

    Like

  43. I like the old doors best. Perhaps because I am old(er) myself?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You understand the value.

      Like

  44. What a beautiful place to study! Surrounded by history…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It was, Pam. I was so fortunate to have that experience.

      Liked by 1 person

  45. Cathedral of Learning is such a an august name. I would learn more there I bet.

    Susan

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I found it very easy to learn and study there.

      Like

  46. […] For more great doors, visit No Facilities. […]

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  47. […] Doors post each (or any) week and then share a link to your post in the comments section at Dan’s post, anytime between 12:01 am Thursday morning and Saturday noon (North American eastern time). If you […]

    Like

    1. Not late at all, Willow. We don’t close the door until noon Saturday (and we reopen it for friends).

      Like

      1. Thank you that’s good to know 💜

        Liked by 1 person

  48. I forgot how much I love your doors posts! These photos always make me wonder a little. In a good way. :)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Seeing doors from all over the world has always amazed me.

      Like

  49. It’s huge! But it looks very atmospheric, Dan. You’ve captured it really well. I need to look back at the story book post for the closing date and remind myself of the conditions. I’m sure I have some Tavira doors to contribute if I get my act together.

    Liked by 1 person

  50. Always like to see that Cathedral lit up after a Pitt Panther victory. Can’t imagine how cool it was to actually attend classes in there, Dan. Great shots here.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Bruce. I like how they continue to update its role on campus.

      Liked by 1 person

  51. Impressive buildings and doors.

    LinsArt: Friday Catch Up – 12 04 2024 (linsartyblobs.blogspot.com)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks! I love your artwork today!

      Liked by 1 person

  52. The Cathedral of Learning doors are so majestic. Gorgeous architecture. As for Stephen Foster, when I was tiny, my Grandfather would bounce me on his knee while singing “Old Susanna.” He recited or sang so many of those songs. For some reason, I thought he was from Indiana probably because my Grandfather was such a fan. Your post brought back so many wonderful memories and tunes playing in my head.

    Like

    1. I’m sorry to be so late replying. This comment was stuck in my spam bucket. Stephen Foster wrote songs that fit everywhere. I’m glad you liked these doors.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes, I love his music. It was good to learn a little more about him. James Whitcomb Riley is the one, who lived in Indiana, I think. Without touching the Google search button, we are tapping an almost 70 year old memory. Whew!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I think you’re right. Shhhhh

          Liked by 1 person

  53. I love the revolving doors, the big and little red doors of the Stephen Foster Memorial, and the Cathedral of Learning overall. A very cool place to study. I think my favorite is the log cabin though.

    Here’s my post for this week:

    Thursday Doors: Street Art in Chania

    I hope you have a wonderful weekend, Dan! I have a few weird door photos (haha) that I’ll send in the next couple of days for TDWC.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Brenda, and thanks for the doors and artwork you shared today.

      Like

  54. […] These are photographs of the door to the outside shower in our chalet at Ivory Tree Game Lodge. You can join in Dan Antion’s Thursday Doors challenge here: https://nofacilities.com/2024/04/11/alumni-doors/ […]

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  55. Hi Robbie. You’re not late, but I’d hold the door open if you were. Your photos are amazing. I wouldn’t want to miss them.

    Like

  56. The Cathedral of Learning is stunning, both close up and far away. Wow! Revolving doors are unusual in such a building, but they look wonderful. Lucky you to have had your classes there instead of the new building!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I was very lucky, Jennie. I felt so at home in that building. I really was inspired to learn.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Of course, and who wouldn’t be inspired in such a great venue. Yes, lucky you! 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  57. I’m a big fan of revolving doors, which bring back enjoyable memories of my childhood, when there seemed to be more of them. There’s also a great scene in “Return of the Pink Panther” movie that involves a revolving door, but I can’t seem to find a link that will let me view it. Sigh.

    Like

  58. […] No Facilities “Short but intense family drama, Miriam. As others have said, there are a lot of ways this can go, and I think I’d enjoy following along almost any of them. You’ve told us a lot in a few paragraphs. I want to know more. I want to know how Kyla makes out in LA and what poor Cole is left with. I hope Kyla can make it back to rescue him.” […]

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