Amazon.com
Carl Sagan muses on the current state of scientific thought, which offers him marvelous opportunities to entertain us with his own childhood experiences, the newspaper morgues, UFO stories, and the assorted flotsam and jetsam of pseudoscience. Along the way he debunks alien abduction, faith-healing, and channeling; refutes the arguments that science destroys spirituality, and provides a "baloney detection kit" for thinking through political, social, religious, and other issues.
Book Description
"A glorious book . . . A spirited defense of science . . . From the first page to the last, this book is a manifesto for clear thought."
*Los Angeles Times
"POWERFUL . . . A stirring defense of informed rationality. . . Rich in surprising information and beautiful writing."
*The Washington Post Book World
How can we make intelligent decisions about our increasingly technology-driven lives if we don't understand the difference between the myths of pseudoscience and the testable hypotheses of science? Pulitzer Prize-winning author and distinguished astronomer Carl Sagan argues that scientific thinking is critical not only to the pursuit of truth but to the very well-being of our democratic institutions.
Casting a wide net through history and culture, Sagan examines and authoritatively debunks such celebrated fallacies of the past as witchcraft, faith healing, demons, and UFOs. And yet, disturbingly, in today's so-called information age, pseudoscience is burgeoning with stories of alien abduction, channeling past lives, and communal hallucinations commanding growing attention and respect. As Sagan demonstrates with lucid eloquence, the siren song of unreason is not just a cultural wrong turn but a dangerous plunge into darkness that threatens our most basic freedoms.
"COMPELLING."
*USA Today
"A clear vision of what good science means and why it makes a difference. . . . A testimonial to the power of science and a warning of the dangers of unrestrained credulity."
*The Sciences
"PASSIONATE."
*San Francisco Examiner-Chronicle
Customer Reviews:
The Demon-Haunted World.......2007-09-29
Excellent book. Carl Sagan gives an analysis of how our lives are effected by many legends and superstitions in a respectful and considerate way.
All you need to know about critical thinking.......2007-09-20
Unfortunately, this book is often considered a science book or about the scientific method. The subtitle is "Science as a Candle in the Dark." That was an unfortunate choice because, with the exception of one chapter (I won't say which)it is much farther reaching than that.
It is about how we know what we know and how and why that frequently is incorrect. It considers why we are so un-critical in our acceptance of authoritarian statements from any source - scientific, social, business or political. The book is worth it just for the description and discussion of the "Baloney Detection Kit."
Though Sagan was by training a scientist, his knowledge of history and culture makes this (as well as most of his books) a compelling, enlightening and enjoyable read.
The case for a sensible worldview.......2007-09-18
As the 20th century's greatest voice for the popularization of science and rationality, Carl Sagan performed a noble public service. In this age of nearly instant communication and information overload, we each need to develop a quick and reliable method for sorting good information from interesting but bogus anecdotes. Sagan's "baloney detection kit" offers us that very tool for avoiding credulity.
As our society becomes ever more dependent on complex technology, it seems that an ever shrinking proportion of the population has a grasp on how that technology functions or what consequences its failure might give rise to. There seems to be a widespread desire by many individuals to divorce themselves from understanding in favor of immersing themselves in comfortable fantasy. Sagan argues that such a turning away from rationality and reason could usher in a new dark age.
For those who have an interest in seeing our society continue to progress, this book is somewhat of an eye-opener. The current increase in interest in the supernatural is precisely what Sagan was warning about. His writing style is personal and narrative, with many examples from his own life. The book is an easy and engaging read that holds your interest.
Highly recommended.
Excellent book...........2007-09-06
This is a fabulous book. Sagan does a wonderful job of promoting the field of science to non-scientists.
I wonder how many young - or open minded - people have been pulled into science fields after reading it?
My highest recommendation.......2007-09-05
This book can be the antidote to so much nonsense that fills the heads of well-meaning people everywhere. Sagan makes a convincing case for reason and skepticism.
If you remember just one thing, remember that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.
Average customer rating:
- Calculations are only as good as your numbers
- Pants on fire?
- Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
- Very Interesting
- History as Science Fiction
|
History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Similar Items:
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History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2 (Chronology)
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History: Fiction or Science? Astronomical methods as applied to chronology. Ptolemy's Almagest. Chronology III
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Discovering the Mysteries of Ancient America: Lost History And Legends, Unearthed And Explored
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They Cast No Shadows: A Collection of Essays on the Illuminati, Revisionist History, and Suppressed Technologies
ASIN: 2913621058 |
Book Description
Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.
Customer Reviews:
Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03
Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.
Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19
Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09
There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.
For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.
Very Interesting.......2007-03-07
It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.
History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10
Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.
I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.
Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.
Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.
I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.
This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.
Average customer rating:
- Very effective!!
- truely practical
- Not very practical.
- A good place to start once you've done your basics
- I love this book. It's simple, and it works if you believe it will.
|
Practical Candleburning Rituals: Spells and Rituals for Every Purpose (Llewellyn's Practical Magick Series)
Raymond Buckland
Manufacturer: Llewellyn Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Similar Items:
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Advanced Candle Magick: More Spells and Rituals for Every Purpose (Llewellyn's Practical Magick Series)
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Charms, Spells, and Formulas
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Buckland's Complete Book Of Witchcraft (Llewellyn's Practical Magick)
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Complete Book Of Incense, Oils & Brews (Llewellyn's Practical Magick)
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Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
ASIN: 0875420486 |
Book Description
This trusted guidebook by popular author Raymond Buckland has introduced candle magick to more than 300,000 readers. From winning love to conquering fear, obtaining money to improving relationships, Practical Candleburning Rituals is filled with simple candle rites that get real results.
Newly updated and re-organized, this edition includes thirty-seven rituals-adapted for Christians and Pagans-that can be performed at home with readily available materials. No prior magickal knowledge is necessary. Diagrams and simple instructions make this candle magick primer an ideal practical guide for beginners.
Customer Reviews:
Very effective!!.......2007-09-01
I've read a ton of books on candle rites and spells, and this is my favorite. It has versions for Christians and Pagans. I think it's fasinating and there are rituals in here for many occasions. All of the ones I've tried have worked well for me. Is it magic, or the will of suggestion? I believe in magic, but does it really matter? IT WORKS!!!
truely practical.......2007-08-14
this book is great it doesn't spend alot of time on the ethics and history of magick but gets right into some very usable spells, and gives both a Christian and Pagan variation on each so everyone can use it.
Not very practical........2007-07-26
I think Mr. Buckland and I have very different definitions of the word, 'practical'. He appears to use it in reference to 'everyday things', meaning one can use candle magic for 9-to-5 type things as well as emotional/spiritual purposes.
I, however, do not think one can use 'practical' without including the meaning of 'cost-and-time effective'. Some of the rituals suggested in this book call for *several* candles, of various colors, with an emphasis on not 're-using' candles. Unless you have a store near you that sells candles relatively cheaply, this can put you back a good amount of money, aside from whatever you spend on your regualr practice.
Now, since a sensible person does not leave even a single candle burning unattended, you get to babysit all those candles--because in Mr. Buckland's opinion, you can't re-use candles, can't snuff them and re-light for the same purpose. Some candles can burn for as long as 12 hours! Not very practical!
All the focus on colors, incense, etc., made me think this was more like Dumbo's feather than a primer on candle magic. The inclusion of Psalms seemed odd to me. While I suppose it was done in an effort to appeal to a wider audience, I don't think it worked. For Wiccans with no desire to include Christian scriptures (and who can blame them? Those Scriptures rightfully belong in the context and beliefs of that religion, not Wicca), the Psalms are unnecessary padding to flip through.
For Christians... well, to most Christians, practicing magic of any kind is anathema. I think Mr. Buckland made a mistake here, and assumed that since many Catholics light candles to the saints and the Holy Mother as part of their worship, *all* Christians would do so. (They don't, and there are certainly plenty of Christians who would object to being considered Catholic!)
Truthfully, this book is dated. THere's nothing in it (aside from the Psalms) that is not also readily available in most "Wicca 101" books. There are other books on candle magic--I recommend "The Candle Magick Workbook" by Kala and Ketz Pajeon. Much more focused, and far better suited for people wanting to personalize their practice.
A good place to start once you've done your basics.......2007-01-19
and decided on the type of magic you would like to work. For those that work with fire, this is a good place to advance.
I love this book. It's simple, and it works if you believe it will. .......2006-12-06
I have had this book for about 5 years now. I have done the same spell a few times, and so far, each time I have done it, I have seen successful results. I did a new spell recently, and as soon as I finished it, it came true. Put your mind and body into the entire process. Imagine and really feel the words that you are saying as you do the spell. Do it continually until the end, have patience and believe it'll happen...that's all I have to say.
Book Description
The New York Times–bestselling author and psychic Sylvia Browne encourages readers to call upon the power of their own personal energy and spiritual candlelight to help make their dreams realities. Through a series of spiritual exercises—with themes ranging from energy, health, and physical and emotional healing to protection, wealth, and wisdom—she outlines how to jump-start a personal–spiritual routine to increase spiritual energy, personal awareness, and a connection to God. This highly visual guide also explores the symbolic meaning of color and scent combinations, groupings, and inviting the spirits of loved ones, angels, and spirit guides through the use of candle and prayer.
Customer Reviews:
A good book to keep by your bedside........2007-06-03
This book has some really pretty pictures, which I enjoyed looking at, but it really helps teach you about the different candle colors and how these colors represent spacific things in life. Very interesting book, I really enjoy looking at it and learning, daily.
Great book!!!
Not what I was Expecting.......2007-05-13
I am a huge fan of Sylvia's and I love pretty much all of her other products. But this one, did not quite meet my expectations...
I don't think it flows or reads well...I think the intent is good.
Interesting.......2007-03-26
I found this book to be very spiritual and calming. It was a nice peaceful release to read this book as well as replicate things in this tranquil and upbeat book. It has many candle setups to use towards your current mood to highten your connection to whatever you feel like being more connected to. This book will slow you down and make you look inside and around you and go hmmm I need to slow down and be calm. It was enchanting to see this book with all it's majestic candle rituals. I am very intrigued to try some of Sylvia's other books.
Sylvia Browne never lets me down.......2007-03-11
This is an adorable little coffee table or end table book (I currently have it on my end table in my room) and I always look through it for cute ideas about decorating my house with candles. I've always been into the power of candles and I LOVE anything Sylvia Browne writes, so when I saw this on Amazon.com, I had to get it. It's GREAT! It has advice for what candle scents to burn, what candle sizes to burn, how to arrange them, what colors to get, different meanings or occasions that certain candles are for... I absolutely love it!
Comforting, inspriational, helpful and spiritual.......2007-03-02
What a lovely little picture book! It's kinda like a "sorry your feeling poorly" card, but extended and with very helpful information. Perfect for when a beloved person or pet passes over, or there is illness or unhappiness of any type in someone's life. With greeting cards at $4 and up, this makes it a bargain at about $10 discount, because the person can actually get (or remember) some helpful advice to call on their angels and spirit guides through the power of candles. Plus, if you know of an indigo or crystal child, they love this stuff and will be very pleased with it. (I have an indigo daughter and am always looking for spiritual books that she will love without saying they're "whacked--and that's not the way it is, mom!"). So please purchase with your needs in mind. It is not an extended, detailed treatise on a topic in sprituality, but it is very pretty and very comforting.
Book Description
In Origami Zoo, two of the world's finest paper folders present an exciting collection of original origami animals. Their creatures, ranging from the exotic to the familiar, the elegant to the whimsical, will both inspire the beginner and challenge the most accomplished folder.Choose among the dolphin, penguin, swan, owl, goose, kangaroo, praying mantis, or even the mythical Pegasus or extinct wooly mammoth. Each of these thirty-seven new projects is true origami-folded from a single piece of paper with no cutting or gluing-and is complete with clear step-by-step diagrams, instructions, and a photograph of the finished model.Origami Zoo will challenge and delight anyone with a penchant for creating something wonderful out of (almost) nothing.
Customer Reviews:
Nice Origami book........2007-01-11
Lang's book on Origami is a good buy for anyone interested in this ancient art of paper folding. It covers models that are simple to fold all the way to models that require more skill. It also includes quite a large variety of animals to explore.
A great book full of variety!!.......2006-08-04
This is the first origami book I have bought,Origami Zoo. Before I got this book I had to print heaps of stuff off the internet, and before long I had a huge collection of stuff I put in a folder. I soon found out that all the models I had printed out were way too hard for me, even though I'm around the intermediate to advanced level!! As cool as they may sound, the Biplane always confused me, the Bee always ripped and the Alien always became too small and thick.
But then I discovered Amazon.com. Here there were millions of choices of origami books, but I chose to get "Origami Zoo, an Amazing Collection of folded paper animals." This book was at my level exactly!!
My fav models are, so far:
- The Penguin. Even though this is one of the easiest, it still looks lifelike side-on.
- The Owl. This model is also 2D, but it perches on a thin rod, and looks lifelike as well.
- The Duck. This model is a particularly cute 3D one!
- The Sea Turtle. This model is both fun to make and cool to look at!!
- The Fox. This model is rather easy, 3D, and lifelike!
None of the models in this book are very easy. Most of them are at the intermediate level, but the last 10 or so models are complex. I still haven't gotten to the real complex models yet, but when I do, I hope I have a lot of large origami paper on hand!!
This book contains info at the start, about folds, paper, designing models and so on.
I would recommend this book to people who like to make a variety of animals, not just plain four legged animals, but insects and sea creatures as well!!
Lots of animals - Intermediate to Advanced.......2005-08-21
There is a great selection of animals to make in this book. Some are very advanced and complicated. Others are easier and more familiar. If you are a beginner, but are familiar with folds and instructions, it is worth giving it a try for a challenge.
Absolute excellence... Don't Miss!.......2003-07-02
Even though the final models are *extremely* complex, the book begins with very interesting texts about origami origins, evolution and approaches to creation; and the models go in progression from the very simplest ones. So actually this is an excellent "transition" book - if you have some experience with origami and have the ambition to try more complex stuff, there cannot be a better book than this one to guide you. The diagrams are crystal clear, and so are the indications. I got this book when I was 11 (I'm 24 now), and it is still every bit as amazing an enjoyable as back then!!
ABSOLUTELY Awesome...but CHALLENGING!!!!.......2003-04-19
Origami Zoo is yet another book my boys and I got from our local library. This book is by two of the BEST Origamists around, in our humble opinion.
We will be watching for it on ebay. While we are all beginner/intermediate folders, we are AMAZED by this book. There is nothing in it we don't like, but only a couple so far we've been able to figure out. It is WELL written. All the basic folds one needs, are clearly shown and explained at the front. While it has black and white illustrations, they are fairly easy to follow, and the written instructions are very good, IF you already know something about Origami. There are very nice & clear pictures at the beginning of each model, to show you how it looks, finished. I like that.
If you are intermediate to advanced, I would say this book will keep you busy for MONTHS, maybe years.
FUN, EXCITING, "CHALLENGING" ! I can't wait to get past the cool Dolphin, which I got pretty quick. If you are just starting out, don't be like us, find an easier book to begin with. Highly recommended!!
Average customer rating:
- Very slow, so much room for improvement
- Obsidian Triligy a super read
- Bridging the gap
- Lackey and Mallory Light a Candle in the Imagination in To Light a Candle
- A great start of a triology
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To Light a Candle: The Obsidian Trilogy, Book Two (Obsidian Chronicles)
Mercedes Lackey , and
James Mallory
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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The Outstretched Shadow (The Obsidian Trilogy, Book 1)
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Joust (The Dragon Jousters, Book 1)
ASIN: 0765341425
Release Date: 2005-12-27 |
Book Description
The Demon Queen Attacks!nbsp;To his own surprise, young Kellen, once the disappointing son of the great Mage who leads the City's Mage Council, has become a powerful Knight-Mage.nbsp; Valued for his bravery and his skills as both wizard and warrior, Kellen joins the Elves' war councils.nbsp; Yet he cannot convince the City of his birth that it is in terrible danger.nbsp; Kellen's sister Idalia, a Wild Mage with great healing ability, has pledged her heart to Jermayan, a proud Elven warrior.nbsp; Someday Idalia will pay a tragic Price for a world-saving work of Wild Magic, but until then, she will claim any joy life can offer her.nbsp; Jermayan, who has learned much fighting at Kellen's side and loving the human Idalia, finds that everything changes when he Bonds with a dragon while rescuing the Elf Prince and becomes the first Elven Mage in a thousand years.nbsp; Furious at her enemies' success with the dragon, the Demon Queen attacks in force.nbsp; Light struggles against Dark, like flickering candle flames buried deep in the shadow of Obsidian Mountain.nbsp;
Customer Reviews:
Very slow, so much room for improvement.......2007-09-19
After making my way through the first book I bought the second because it seemed that the story had finally been set up enough to get exciting. And indeed, some parts of the story are; however those parts are very small and are linked together by what I found to be very boring repetitive dialouge and unclear story padding. First, almost all of the writing about the elves I found to be very annoying. Mallory and Lackney set the creatures up by saying how they have perfected living, are graceful, everything they make is beautiful and harmonious, then continually tear them down with talking about how they never take action, must not ask anything directly but rather must go through a long formal series of questions. The character of Kellen can be annoying at times, he is always wondering why the elves don't do defeat Shadow Mountain and griping about how the elves are always drinking tea and about the elves ettiquette. Kellen's character seems very slow to change or evolve throughout the story and I feel is really rather dense. For instance, why does he not understand that it is emotional for the elves to kill the shadow elves, a race breed by the demons from elves and gobins. Obiviously the elves can see themselves in these creatures!
Another problem I have with the book is that much of the magic created is very much unexplained. For instance, the bonding with dragons is basically set up as sometimes a person/elf can bond with a dragon and then they have more magic than anyone. Finally, the elf army seems very weak. They are constantly suffering huge losses from Shadow Elves and in my mind I kept thinking "well what are they going to do if they actually have to fight the demons army? They've already lost half their own troops and that was just against a group of creatures that live in caves".
To sum it up, there are some enjoyable parts to this book, and the trilogy. However I do not think it comes close to being as good as some of the other fantasy out there. If you choose to read this, be prepared for some long repetitive passages
Obsidian Triligy a super read.......2007-09-05
Lackey has given another book that is very well done. It is easy to read, hard to put down, and all three are just the kind of books fantisy fans crave.
Bridging the gap.......2007-06-06
The middle book in a trilogy should bridge the gap while remaining in and of itself a good story, and "To Light a Candle" does this brilliantly. The characters we have already met continue to develop in new (and sometimes unexpected) ways and we meet some new characters as well that I have a feeling we will come to love as much as those with whom we started on this journey.
Tensions grow among the Elves when it is discovered that agents of the Demons have infiltrated their lands and call up an army for the first time in a thousand years. Creatures of Darkness thought extinct are seen, to everyone's dismay; however, new creatures of Light are also discovered. The Demon Queen continues to sink her fangs deeper into the Golden City (I don't know about anyone else, and yeah, she's evil as all get-out, but I like the Demon Queen character - she has style).
These books are written in a wonderful, epic style that would - I believe - translate beautifully to the big screen. Mercedes - you need to talk to someone about getting these books turned into a movie! :-) A big recommend from me to anyone who loves fantasy, sword and sorcery and just good old fashioned fun.
Lackey and Mallory Light a Candle in the Imagination in To Light a Candle.......2007-05-21
The action never stops in this battle between the Dark and the Light. The first book in the Obsidian Trilogy, The Outstretched Shadow, slowly introduces the reader to different mystical creatures while developing the main character, Kellen. Kellen has been kicked out of his home town and sent into the wilderness where he meets Shalkan the unicorn and his sister Idalia. The action that book ends with is the same thrilling action that To Light a Candle begins with. Kellen and the other creatures of the Light become aware that the Demon Queen is rising up her armies in order to destroy all those who walk in the Light, and they are just the ones to try and stop her. Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory together are able to develop a fascinating character while creating a tale filled with page-turning excitement that will leave the reader craving for more in To Light a Candle.
The awkward young man that Kellen beings as quickly develops into a confident, battle savvy knight. This change occurred in the first book when Kellen discovered that he was not simple a wild mage but instead he was a knight mage who only appeared in times of great need. His skills with the sword quickly increased as he fought past what the Dark threw at him. Also training in the House of Sword and Shield amongst elves. At times he is the only one who is able to see past the enemy's distractions into what the Dark is truly after. For that reason he becomes a great leader and aid to the Elvin forces when they engage in war with the Dark. His quick thinking and risk-taking nature allow him to climb the ranks in the army of the Light.
The action and excitement never ceases in To Light a Candle. The creatures of the Light seem to be out numbered and much weaker when compared with those of the Dark. The Elves are the ones subtly attacked by the Demons. The Demons move in this way to avoid real war where the Elves were victorious in the past. Instead the Elves must battle against drought, sabotage, and other creatures of the dark, while the true enemy is waiting until the Light grows dim. With each new obstacle thrown at the Elves, many lives are lost. Each new creature that the Darkness sends seems to be more powerful than the previous. This kind of warfare must rely on Knight-Mage Kellen's ability to see past the obvious and into what the Dark is truly trying to do.
The battle between Light and Dark is constant. Losses do occur in the Elvin forces, but the Light still shines in the Darkness. Kellen's development gives the Elves hope as the peril continues. This leads towards an adventure-filled novel where danger is just a page turn away.
A great start of a triology .......2007-04-11
Well, I read some previews before buying these books and so I was prepared
for reading...
...But some things make this book even better than I expected. First of all, I really liked the concept of magic in this book - nothing is for free. Secondly - I really liked the main character and his growing as I raced threw the pages - from an innocent boy without a clue to a young man with a great burden and hartbreaking responsibilities.Finally what I really liked was the fast pace of this book - it is nothing like the Sword of truth or the Wheel of time series. There is never a break in the story - it just keeps going and going.
I really liked that. I rally liked this book and those that follow.
Hope this helps...
Jaka Vodenik
Average customer rating:
- Delighted
- sublime taste with a caveat
- One of the absolute best
- A seriously flawed cookbook
- NYC Gouret Vegan without the schlep into NYC
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The Candle Cafe Cookbook: More Than 150 Enlightened Recipes from New York's Renowned Vegan Restaurant
Joy Pierson ,
Bart Potenza , and
Barbara Scott-Goodman
Manufacturer: Clarkson Potter
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Binding: Paperback
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Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor
ASIN: 0609809814
Release Date: 2003-07-22 |
Book Description
It's hard enough to satisfy choosy diners at a hot New York restaurant—imagine having to do it without using meat, fish, dairy, or eggs! The Candle Cafe has been doing just that for years, offering vegan food that has earned the praise of food critics, celebrities, and countless New Yorkers.
The food at the Candle Cafe expands the horizons of vegan cuisine, proving that the healthiest food can also be the most flavorful and satisfying. From delectable appetizers like Quesadillas stuffed with Portobellos and Red Peppers and Tofu Satay with Coconut-Peanut Sauce to classic dips like Hummus and Babaganoush, veggan cooking never tasted this good. Even the soups are special—Spring Vegetable Minestrone Soup is filled with fresh flavor, and Butternut Squash Soup gets a kick from toasted pumpkin seeds. Hearty, satisfying sandwiches and main courses like Barbecued Tempeh-Chipotle Burgers with Grilled Pineapple, Porcini Mushroom Stroganoff, and Indian Eggplant Curry are infused with delicious flavors from around the world. For dessert, treats like Chocolate Mousse Pie and Lemon-Tofu Cheesecake with Blood Orange Glaze are creamy and indulgent.
With helpful tips on cooking beans and grains, a full glossary of ingredients, and plenty of color photographs,
The Candle Cafe Cookbook is a treasure trove of vegan recipes that have been drawing crowds and raves for years.
Customer Reviews:
Delighted.......2007-07-21
The Candle Cafe book is just what I needed. I am trying to pass the Veg Soc Diploma, and need to construct a dinner party menu for 4 people. I want to make a vegan meal, and the recipes in this book look fairly easy to make, colourful, and there are lots of tips. The one thing which would have really helped me, would have been some menue suggestions. However I am looking forward to trying out all the dishes. Thanks,
sublime taste with a caveat.......2007-06-18
After reading many of these reviews, I realized that I wasn't crazy! While the taste of the recipes I've made so far have been sublime (the tofu satay and the roasted veggie panini on ciabatta were heaven!), I agree that some of the recipes make an awful lot of sauce, or the ingredients amounts are incorrect.
For example, someone mentioned the Aztec Salad. Yes, it took almost two hours to put together, but the tempeh and roasted tomato dressing flavors were worth it. However, the marinade looked like way too much liquid (and like other reviewers, I couldn't afford to waste too much agave nectar!), so I just cut it in half. The quinoa part of the salad did make too much, so I wonder if I had halved the quinoa, it would have been a better balance (couldn't really taste the corn or beans or peppers). I also found the Chana Masala to smell amazing, but a little dry. The herb farm dip called for a whole onion, which was waaaay too much (my eyes watered when I opened the food processor's lid!).
However, if you are experienced in the kitchen, you can recognize these issues, and counterbalance them by tweaking the recipes. It is a shame that there was not better editing, but the book really isn't that expensive (on Amazon ;)
Overall, I have had good success with these recipes, and the flavors are truly amazing. Fresh and interesting, the recipes are far from dull! I can't wait to make the tempeh burgers with mango ketchup and grilled pineapple this weekend! I have just learned not to try these recipes out on anyone other than family before a test run. I heard about this cookbook after visiting the real Candle Cafe in NYC, which is definitely not a hit or miss! Buy this cookbook for its creative, amazing flavors, but be prepared to alter some recipes.
One of the absolute best.......2007-02-11
I own over 40 vegan cookbooks and this is in my top 3.
A seriously flawed cookbook.......2007-01-04
Did the reviewers who gave this cookbook 5 stars even try making any of the recipes?! There is no way "Candle Cafe" merits a flawless rating! Many other reviewers have pinpointed this book's numerous shortcomings: inaccurate measurements, hard-to-find ingredients, faulty directions. I totally agree and would further emphasize that THIS IS NOT A LOW MAINTENANCE COOKBOOK. "Ingredients found in any grocery store"? How many run-of-the-mill grocery stores carry agave nectar or umeboshi paste? "Quick and easy recipes" for "busy mothers on the go"?! Candle Cafe's recipe for seitan steaks requires cooks to soak wheat dough in the fridge overnight, wash and rinse said dough multiple times over the course of 2 days, boil it in broth for 2 hours, and then marinade the steaks for 2+ hours. Honestly, the average main course in this book takes at least an hour to prepare (this is coming from someone who's tried her hand at at least half of these recipes).
The one recipe worth having in this book is seitan piccata; and I would recommend checking out this cookbook from a local library to copy it for free. If you're looking for a practical but delicious vegetarian cookbook, try one by Deborah Madison ("Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone" or "Vegetarian Suppers.") For great vegan recipes (including a really fast homemade seitan recipe) look for "Vegan with a Vengance" by Isa Moskowitz. "Candle Cafe" totally isn't worth the money. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either a friend of the author or someone who hasn't tried making any of these recipes.
NYC Gouret Vegan without the schlep into NYC.......2006-12-16
I can't say enough. The book is terrific and easy to follow. As would be expected, some of the more complicated menu items have more complicated recipes (duh). With a reasonable amount of effort, the ordinary home cook can enjoy these vegan gourmet delites without the schlep into NYC.
The only recipe to completely stump me is the homemade seitan...hope to get that one figured out soon.
Book Description
Over 80,000 Jewish adults suffer unnecessary stress and anguish each year. Why? They are planning their 40,000 Jewish children's Bar/Bat Mitzvah parties. Part of the planning includes the all-important Candle Lighting Ceremony. It is this ceremony that is a major source of tremendous stress - creating the poems to be recited by the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child while calling honored guests up to light candles.
Of course, many books have been written about the Bar Mitzvah, from service to celebration. Some even refer to the Candle Lighting Ceremony, but none include poems for the child to recite. This is the first book published with already written, ready to use poems. Included are poems for:
memorial, welcome, grandparents, aunts and uncles, generic family, gentile relatives, absent guests, family friends, child's friends, siblings, parents, parent to child and good luck candles. Written in a humorous tone, "This one's for you" literally walks parents through the entire Candle Lighting Ceremony from "Who to do we ask?" to "The Big Blow Out." It covers every nerve-wracking detail of the entire ceremony. It even has printed worksheets to make the whole selection/preparation process easy.
Customer Reviews:
So unexpectedly helpful!.......2006-08-11
I was given a quote of $350 to have my son's candle lighting ceremony written for us. We were blown away!! Such a lot of money. So we heard about this book and took a chance hoping it would help us. WE LOVED IT!. It was perfect for us. Together we sat down with our son and in one evening created the perfect ceremony. Thank you Author. We will recommend it to our friends that are also doing the Bar Mitzvah circut now.
Worth every penny.......2006-03-22
This book helped make our candle lighting ceremony memorable. I wanted to write my own personalized poems for each special person who we wanted to light a candle and this book was the answer. Using the guidance provided by the book, I was able to write very special poems. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to write their own candlelighting poems!!!!!!!!!!!!
Came Just in Time.......2006-01-25
This is a great book that helped my daughter and wife to prepare for the candle lighting ceremony at my daughter's Bat Mitzvah. We receive the book in just 2 days and overnight they wrote the whole ceremony. We were very impressed.
Bar Mitzvah poems for the poetically challenged.......2005-08-20
I was a little shocked by the price, especially given that the book is more of a bound "booklet". However, for the poetically challenged and stressed out mom of a Bar Mitzvah to be, I was able to easily create the poems with some help and input from my son. So, my conclusion ... it was money well spent.
GREAT HELP FOR US.......2005-07-12
This book really helped make it easier for us to write our son's candle lighting ceremony. The poems were wonderfully funny and sentimental. Everyone loved them! Being our first Bar Mitzvah, the author's directions made it very easy for us to understand the whole procedure.
We would recommend this book to anyone having a Bar/Bat Mitzvah and concerned over creating the candle lighting cereomy.
WE LOVED IT and gave it to our friends who are having an affair soon.
Amazon.com
"Please, please, please, burn candles!" pleads Betty Oppenheimer. "Too many people save them, keep them wrapped up in a drawer or forever in the same centerpiece holder, never to be burned." If that isn't enough incentive to use candles, the rest of this thorough guide certainly provides it in the form of step-by-step instructions covering virtually all aspects of making rolled, poured, molded, dipped, and decorated candles--even candleholders. Though there are no photos, the line drawings are quite helpful, as are the crafting tips that--along with well-chosen candle-related quotes--fill the book's margins.
Book Description
With illustrated step-by-step instructions and complete source lists, The Candlemaker's Companion shows you how to create rolled, poured, molded, and dipped candles; scent, color, and decorate candles - naturally; make innovative containers, holders, and gift packaging; create luminaria, lanterns, and floating candles; and use specialty techniques like overdipping, painting, layering, and sculpting.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book.......2007-03-28
I have made candles since I was in the 5th grade and always made them from kits or just dabbling in the kitchen with some left over wax. I often found many problems with my results and never could find solid instructions about the details of candle making. This books chapter on wicks explained so much to me and has since made my candles not only more successful but I know why they are successful. No more smoking wicks and sputtering wax. If you want to make beautiful gifts for yourself and friends and are tired of just buying a kit. This book should be your next step. It dymistifies the mystery.
like the variety.......2007-01-24
This is a walk through of the whole gamut of candlemaking. Our family has used this guide to roll, dip and pour candles and my wife used Oppenheimer's processes in her summer school classes. Dipping was a big hit and required no artistic skills and the results were very professional. They made great gifts at Christmas time.
For beginners it is a must have primer and for range of ideas, can't be beat. Jen also ordered the Candlemaker's Companion but the instructions inside weren't as good as in this book.
Highly Recommended Book.......2006-04-14
This is a highly recommended book. It is rare that an author's love for the subject is so obvious and couples with so much practical advice. Loved it.
Excellent Introduction to Serious Hobbyist. A few minor blemishes........2005-09-17
`The Candlemaker's Companion' by Betty Oppenheimer is a the very first book I have read on home candlemaking, and I got it primarily as a source for techniques for decorating commercially made candles, but I am happy to report that it lives up to its subtitle of `A Complete Guide to Rolling, Pouring, Dipping, and Decorating Your Own Candles'
The author states and I agree wholeheartedly that there are a lot of similarities between candlemaking and cooking, as long as you don't push the analogy too hard. Both skills use chemistry, heat, and measuring in roughly the same amounts, somewhere between a teaspoon (5 ml) and five pounds. And, if Ms. Oppenheimer's book were to be compared to a cookbook, it would not be to the Betty Crocker / Better Homes and Gardens / `Joy of Cooking' genre of lots of recipes with little why and wherefores or to the `Gourmet Magazine' / Martha Steward school of emphasis on elegance and entertaining or to the Eric Rippert / Thomas Keller / Daniel Boulud school of cuisine as high art. It can be most closely compared to Alton Brown of `Good Eats' and Shirley Corriher of `Cookwise' where the why of things is given just as much importance as the how and how much.
As someone totally new to the candlemaking craft, I am really impressed by how many variables go into making a successful candle. A matter so humble as the wick requires a whole chapter, and the first long chapter to boot. Dismiss any notions that any length of cotton string can serve as a wick. After reading this book, I am convinced that your conventional kitchen twine will fail miserably as a wick, regardless of the thickness of the candle or any other variable entering the picture. The best wicks are braided from many, many strands of cotton in such a way that as they burn, they bend so their tip reaches out to the outer layer of flame and becomes oxidized (turned to ash) without smoking as a result of partial burning.
As a former chemist, the varieties of waxes are a bit more familiar to me, but the variety and techniques of additives to the wax involves a second major section, albeit not even as long as the chapter on wicks. Heating wax is one place where the parallels to cooking are significant, as the range of temperatures are similar to deep frying, and safety measures are similar.
The variety of techniques for making candles is also familiar; as I have dealt with all sorts of candles, including poured, dipped, rolled, and sculpted. What is unfamiliar is the amount of care one needs in the selection of the best combination of wicks and waxes for each technique. Buying your 11 pound block of paraffin and some coloring at your local craft store, throwing it all into a heating pot, and pouring the result into a mold with wick will probably lead to a less than perfect result.
This brings up the fact that like baking and unlike savory cooking, candlemaking measurements must really be pretty precise, which, among other things, means you really do need a pretty accurate scale for measuring weight. The author makes no suggestions, but I will chime in and say that the type which are best for cooking, the digital, dual unit electronic models are really the best. And, largely agreeing with the author, I will say that this is the ONLY tool that you can share between your kitchen and your candlemaking bench. The author, from long experience, I am sure, says that any tool you use for candlemaking will acquire traces of wax that you will invariably be unable to clean from the tool. This includes all other types of measuring devices.
This brings me to the fact that the author has some serious weaknesses in her discussion of measurements. At the top of the list is her mistaking a gallon for 3.76 milliliters (ml) rather than 3.76 Liters. This means she is off by a factor of 1000! While this may not cause any problems for anyone ignoring the metric measurements, it can cause serious headscratching for someone not thoroughly familiar with the metric system, is valiantly trying to work with it for all its obvious examples. My more general issue with Ms. Oppenheimer's measurements is that she interchangeably uses volumes, weights, and relative size (parts). My suggestion would be to stick primarily to metric weights and do conversions to volume only when really necessary, as when you are figuring out how much wax you need to fill a particular vessel to a particular level.
My only other major issue I could find with the book is in the fact that Ms. Oppenheimer makes a reference to the color wheel as if this device typically taught in the seventh grade were a working part of all her reader's everyday knowledge. While I have a vague notion of what the color wheel looks like and how its used, I have no certainty that I know where to find one which will work with pigments (one of the things I do remember is that there are different color wheels for combining pigments and beams of light.)
Regarding my original purpose for buying this book, I can state that it gives many sound looking techniques for decorating the outside of commercially purchased candles, although I did find a few slips in lists of materials which I would consider a major flaw in a cooking recipe.
I recommend this book for the `sophisticated' beginner who is willing, as the author wisely suggests, to do a little experimentation in pursuit of the hobby. If you just want to knock off a few votive candles, buy a ready-made kit for the purpose.
Recommended, with warning to keep your brain fully engaged as your read.
Good book, hoping for more illustrations.......2005-07-28
Great book when it comes to content, but lacking in illustrations.
Book Description
Seize control of your destiny with the simple but profound practice of Advanced Candle Magick. Ray Buckland's first book on candle magick Practical Candleburning Rituals explained the basic techniques of directing positive forces and making things happen. In Advanced Candle Magick, you'll use advanced spells, preparatory work, visualization and astrology to improve and enhance your results. Create a framework conducive to potent spellwork through the use of planetary hours, days of the week, herb and stone correspondences, and color symbolism. Create positive changes in your relationships, finances, health and spirit when you devise your own powerful rituals based upon the sample spells presented in this book. Taking spellworking one step further, Ray Buckland gives you what you've been waiting for: Advanced Candle Magick.
Customer Reviews:
The next step up............2006-01-03
This teaches you more techniques to use in candle magick. You get to use stones now!!! Again... very informative.... but not enough useful spells/rituals. Get practical candleburning rituals with this book.
More Complicated.......2005-07-08
I of course tried Buckland's Practical Candle Magick with success and was curious I got this but advanced does mean advanced. I agree with one other review- dress the candles? Where I live in the Twin Ports area who can get stuff like candles and incense and also pentagram amulets, etc at local stores even something like Wal Mart had roly poly votive holders the same ones as seen on online occult shops. I haven't tried any of these yet. A lot of where the advanced part comes in a lot of this stuff is hard to get and pricey- like a crystal ball those are usually at least 50 bucks. Not as well suited for younger audiences who rely mostly on money from parents plus whatever they get these odd jobs here and there like mowing lawns or babysitting but still barely anything like 20 bucks. Overall, I would still say this is worth getting but a little on the tacky side with some unintentional humor with the drawings. I want to try the puberty spell- I want to grow a habdlebar mustache.
He really means it- Advanced!!!.......2003-11-19
I love this book. I bought the two- his first candle ritual book and tried the spells with success ofcoarse. This book is advaced and offers more rituals like contacting the deceased of a loved one. Im right now gathering the required elements to contact my grandma and confers with her. Anyone who cares wish me luck and blessings.- Anthony G. Oh and buy this book!
Get over yourself. It's not that bad........2003-03-25
Okay, okay. I'm the first to admit that "Turn Your Boyfriend Into A Toad--The Like, Omigod! Bridget Jones Guide To LUV spells" books are INANE. But some of this criticism is a bit harsh. Yes, this book is a simple spell book (despite the advanced title). You won't find abstract keys to spiritual mysteries (and I have a feeling that if Buckland did this, the same naysayers would be frothing at the mouth at him 'breaking his vows'. You can't please anyone. Although I do suspect that THAT is the point: most people want to be the chosen few who get to do witchcraft and LOVE when a writer wastes the 'average joe' or 'average jane's' money with abstract ... that won't accomplish anything except for a strict minority of high priestesses/priests of certain elitist covens. But I digress). What you will find is some rituals that MAY or MAY NOT do anything...it all depends on the individual practitioner's will, power-raising, etc. Which is what kills me about the skeptic who wrote the facetious review ("That's what these books are all about, made up stuff, tee hee, I'm so clever and sarcastic"): He (or she) can "prove" that magic(k) is a sham by doing a ritual without ANY intention of sincerity, effort, or emotion(I doubt these types even have any, the world is just one big ironic Quentin Tarantino film for them) and say "Just as I thought, it's all B.S." It's like the typical hardcore atheist/paranormal debunker who responds to the suggestion of realms beyond what is visible/audible with the catch-all "If I can't see it, It's not there." Circular reasoning, sarcasm, and skepticism--what a great combination. (There. I can be sarcastic too. It doesn't take much skill). Anyway, back to Buckland's book. For the minority of us out there who don't either a. like to make fun of things we can't always see with the five known senses or b. like to dismiss anything that is marketed to people who want to alter their lives in a positive manner rather than engage in high esoteric rituals and/or elitist spiritual navel-gazing, this is not a bad book. Yes, a bit simplistic (The five page chapter on Voodoo and Black Magic was the epitome of this)--especially for a book called "Advanced". But, hey, I'd certainly get more out of this book than yet another hodgepodge of philosophizing on The Tree of Life without ANY practical applications.
It 's great pleasure to read this interesting book.......2000-09-12
The information in the book is very popular and this is bad,but i'm thankfull to the publishers for give me the chance to live with my dreams.it gives me the opportunity to hope that my wishes will come true.Ray,i recommend you to write another book,where you have to presentate more candle magicks to your ultras fans. ultras:Julia & Kalojan
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