Randy Owen and John Rich. Photo courtesy of St. Jude.

Randy Owen presented John Rich with the first-ever Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award during the annual songwriter’s dinner at the Country Cares for St. Jude Kids seminar over the weekend. The award recognizes a member of the country music industry who has demonstrated commitment and dedication to kids battling cancer and other deadly diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Last year, John won NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice, where he competed on behalf of St. Jude and raised more an $1.4 million for the organization.

“St. Jude holds a very special place in my heart,” John said. “It’s like no other place and I’m just so honored to help raise awareness for this organization and to receive the first-ever Angels Among Us Award from Randy.”

“This past year John really embodied what Country Cares for St. Jude Kids is all about,” Randy said. “It’s really unbelievable to look back over the past 23 years and see what the country music industry has helped us accomplish for St. Jude. This award is a way for us to say thank you to select members of the industry for their continued commitment and support.”

Randy organized Country Cares for St. Jude Kids in 1989 when he appealed to fellow country music artists, radio stations, and country fans to help support St. Jude’s mission. Since it began, Country Cares has raised more than $400 million for St. Jude.

More than 25 artists were on hand to participate in Country Cares including Lauren Alaina, Kix Brooks, Martina McBride, Brent Anderson, Katie Armiger, Lee Brice, Edens Edge, Eli Young Band, Randy Houser, Kip Moore, Josh Thompson and James Wesley. Nearly 800 radio and music industry professionals were also present to work together on executing the annual radiothon fundraisers for St. Jude. To learn more about Country Cares for St. Jude Kids visit www.countrycares.org.

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Shania Twain and her husband, Frédéric Thiébaud, on their January 1, 2011 wedding day. Photo credit: Robert Evans, RobertEvans.com.

Several country stars tied the knot in 2011. Two of them even kicked off the year with New Year’s Day nuptials in tropical places! Shania Twain married husband Frédéric Thiébaud in Puerto Rico on New Year’s Day in front of 40 close friends and family. Shania announced their engagement on her website on December 21, 2010.

Kellie Pickler and husband Kyle Jacobs also tied the knot on New Year’s Day. The pair scraped their plans for a big Nashville wedding and eloped to Antigua where they were married at sunset. “We didn’t have anything but us and God and our minister,” Kellie told People, “and I can’t think of a word that can quite describe how perfect it was.”

LeAnn Rimes married actor Eddie Cibrian on April 22 at a private home in California. The 40 guests invited believed they were attending an engagement party but were surprised with a wedding ceremony. The couple exchanged personalized vows and Eddie’s sons Mason and Jake, from his previous marriage, were in attendance. “I’m looking forward to settling down,” LeAnn told People before her wedding. “Settling into our life.”

Chely Wright, who made headlines in 2010 when she came out, married her partner, Lauren Blitzer, during a ceremony at Lauren’s aunt’s home in Connecticut on August 20. Since Lauren is Jewish and Chely is Christian, both a rabbi and a reverend presided over the wedding. “The freedom of being out and open about who I am allowed me to find and fall in love with Lauren – the most amazing woman I’ve ever known,” Chely told People.

Another country music wedding took place in the tropics this year when Randy Houser married Jessa Lee Yantz in an intimate ceremony which included 20 close family members on September 2 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The couple exchanged self-penned vows in a ceremony presided over by close friend Rob Hatch.

Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland quietly married longtime boyfriend Justin Miller at a chapel in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains on November 26. The intimate group of close family and friends at the wedding included Jennifer’s bandmate, Kristian Bush. While few details are known about the wedding, Jennifer is said to have worn an Alexander McQueen gown during the small, sunset wedding.

There are already plenty of country music weddings on tap for 2012. Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott became engaged to Chris Tyrell over the Fourth of July weekend. Becky Robertson of Carter’s Chord will marry Jeremiah Scott, who proposed to her on her 30th birthday, and Hannah Blaylock of Edens Edge also received a diamond from her boyfriend, Justin. Steel Magnolia’s Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones are also engaged and have been for more than four years.

If you think a couple of names are missing from this story — you are correct! Stay tuned for another wedding-themed story — and it’s a big one –  in our 2011 Rewind!

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Blake Shelton photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Nashville.

Three-time GRAMMY® nominated artist Blake Shelton is setting sail with some of his country music friends on the “Blake Shelton & Friends Cruise” from October 14-21, 2012. Adding to the already previously-announced acts, Trace Adkins, Easton Corbin and Neal McCoy are Lee Brice, Randy Houser, Justin Moore and Jerrod Niemann. The “Blake Shelton & Friends Cruise” is a seven-day cruise to the Caribbean on board the Norwegian Cruise Lines “Pearl.” For more information on the cruise, visit www.BlakeSheltonCruise.com.

And in a recent development, Flying Dutchmen Travel is pleased to announce that due to a redeployment of ships in their fleet, the Norwegian Cruise Lines are substituting the Norwegian “Pearl” in place of the original ship the “Jewel.” The upgrade will treat guests to one of the cruise lines’ newest ships and includes an array of luxurious improvements. All original cabin reservations will be automatically transferred.

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Photo courtesy of Universal South. Photo credit: Danny Clinch

Randy Houser and Rodney Atkins are joining the lineup for Thompson Square’s Third Annual Josie’s Birthday Bash, to be held November 16 at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon. The annual charity concert was created by the husband and wife after they learned a close friend’s granddaughter, Josephine, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Proceeds from the concert will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“We’re so grateful to have great friends like Rodney and Randy,” Keifer Thompson said. “We know first- hand how hard it is for the families of children who have cystic fibrosis – not to mention how difficult things are for the children themselves. We’re happy to be able to give back. This is a cause that’s truly close to our hearts”

“The country music community is the greatest,” Rodney said. “When Keifer and Shawna called about this event and explained what a great cause it was for, it was an honor for me to say yes.”

5 Things You Don’t Know About Thompson Square >>

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to jump on board to help those undergoing treatment for cystic fibrosis in honor of Josie,” Randy said. “I know it’s important to Keifer and Shawna, but even more important to all the children living with cystic fibrosis.”

In addition to the concert, there will be a silent auction of notable memorabilia. The venue doors open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are available at www.wildhorsesaloon.com with general admission starting at $17.50. VIP/meet-n-greet tickets are available for $100.

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Reba McEntire photo courtesy of Valory Music Co. Taylor Swift photo courtesy of Big Machine Records.

Artists, music industry elite and country music fans turned out for the Academy of Country Music’s 5th Annual ACM Honors, an evening dedicated to recognizing special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on September 19. Hosted by Joe Nichols, the event was held at the historic Ryman Auditorium which was awarded with the ACM for Venue of the Year.

The evening was a mix of live music, historical video retrospectives and current video tributes and interviews. Garth Brooks, the late Hank Cochran, John Dorris, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Tom T. Hall, Reba, Taylor Swift and the film Country Strong were the Special Award recipients of the night. The winners of the Musician, Bandleader, Instrumentalist (MBI) categories and Industry Awards were also honored.

Several performances honored artists during the event. Rodney Atkins and Jerrod Niemann honored Garth by each performing a song of his each. Brett Eldredge performed his current single “It Ain’t Gotta Be Love” which is featured in Country Strong while The Isaacs honored Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers with a medley of their hits. Dean Dillon, Jamey Johnson and Joe Nichols paid tribute to Hank Cochran while Montgomery Gentry and The Whites honored John Dorris. Buddy Miller and Lee Ann Womack honored Tom T. Hall. Randy Houser, Thompson Square, Jack Ingram and Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, with Romain Virgo, also performed.

Presenters included Ronnie Dunn, Ralph Emery, John Michael Montgomery, The Oak Ridge Boys and the Academy’s Bob Romeo. Robin Meade presented Industry awards while Laura Bell Bundy handed out MBI awards.

Special Awards:

Reba received the Career Achievement Award which is presented to an artist who has advanced the popularity and acceptance of country music through their work in multiple areas.

Taylor Swift was presented the Jim Reeves International Award, given to an artist with outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world.

Country Strong, starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw, received the Tex Ritter Award which honors a movie released and/or receiving major exposure that features or utilizes country music.

John Dorris was honored with the Mae Boren Axton Award, given to recognize dedication and service by an outstanding individual to the Academy of Country Music.

Garth Brooks and The Gatlin Brothers were honored with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award which honors artists who are viewed as pioneers in the country music industry.

Tom T. Hall and Hank Cochran received the Poet’s Award that honors songwriters for outstanding musical and lyrical contribution throughout their careers in country music.

MBI (MUSICIANS, BAND, INSTRUMENTAL) AWARDS:

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – Paul Worley
AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR – Chuck Ainlay
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Glenn Worf
PERCUSSIONIST/DRUMMER OF THE YEAR – Eddie Bayers
GUITARIST OF THE YEAR – Tom Bukovac
FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Aubrey Haynie
PIANO/KEYBOARD PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Gordon Mote
SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Bryan Sutton
STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Dan Dugmore

INDUSTRY AWARDS:

CASINO OF THE YEAR – Mohegan Sun Casino – Uncasville, CT
DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR – Steve “Bogie” Bogdanovich – Romeo Entertainment Group
NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR – Joe’s Bar – Chicago, IL
PROMOTER OF THE YEAR – Sally Williams – Ryman Auditorium
VENUE OF THE YEAR – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN

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The Oak Ridge Boys Photo Credit: Jarrett Gaza

The Oak Ridge Boys, Brett Eldredge and Robin Meade have been added to the lineup for the 5^th Annual ACM Honors. Joe Nichols is set to host the event and will also perform. ACM Honors is an evening dedicated to recognizing special honorees and off-camera winners from the 46^th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. This year’s event will be held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on September 19.

Artists previously announced include Ronnie Dunn, Rodney Atkins, Randy Houser, Jack Ingram, Jamey Johnson, Montgomery Gentry, Jerrod Niemann, Thompson Square, Lee Ann Womack, Dean Dillon, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, The Isaacs, The Whites, Laura Bell Bundy, Ralph Emery, John Michael Montgomery and songwriter/producer Buddy Cannon.

Tickets are still available at Ticketmaster.com and are $37 each. Taylor Swift, Reba, Garth Brooks and the Ryman Auditorium are among those to be honored at the event. See a complete list of honorees HERE.

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Ronnie Dunn photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

Ronnie Dunn, Rodney Atkins, Randy Houser, Jack Ingram, Jamey Johnson, Montgomery Gentry, Jerrod Niemann, Thompson Square and Lee Ann Womack are among the artists who have been added to the 5^th Annual ACM Honors lineup. Joe Nichols is set to host the event and will also perform. Other artists scheduled to perform include Dean Dillon, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, The Isaacs, and The Whites.

ACM Honors is an evening dedicated to recognizing special honorees and off-camera winners from the 46^th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. This year’s event will be held at the Ryman Auditorum in Nashville on September 19. Laura Bell Bundy, Ralph Emery, John Michael Montgomery and Buddy Cannon are also scheduled to appear. Tickets are still available at Ticketmaster.com and are $37 each.

Artists that will be honored include:

Special Awards recipients:

• Garth Brooks – Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award
• Hank Cochran (posthumously) – Poet’s Award
• John Dorris – Mae Boren Axton Award
• Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers –Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award
• Tom T. Hall — Poet’s Award
• Reba – Career Achievement Award
• Taylor Swift – Jim Reeves International Award
• Country Strong* — Tex Ritter Award (Produced by Tobey Maguire & Jenno Topping; executive produced by Meredith Zamsky; directed by Shana Feste;  Production studio Screen Gems / Sony Pictures Entertainment.)

Winners of the MBI (Musician/Bandleader/Instrumentalist) categories:

• Chuck Ainlay - Audio Engineer of the Year
• Eddie Bayers - Percussionist/Drummer of the Year
• Tom Bukovac - Guitarist of the Year
• Dan Dugmore - Steel Guitar Player of the Year
• Aubrey Haynie - Fiddle Player of the Year
• Gordon Mote - Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year
• Bryan Sutton - Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year
• Glenn Worf* - Bass Player of the Year
• Paul Worley - Producer of the Year

Winners of the Industry Awards categories:

• Steve “Bogie” Bogdanovich – Romeo Entertainment Group – Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year
• Sally Williams, Ryman Auditorium – Promoter of the Year
• Joe’s Bar (Chicago, IL) – Nightclub of the Year
• Mohegan Sun Casino (Uncasville, CT) – Casino of the Year
• Ryman Auditorium (Nashville, TN) – Venue of the Year

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Randy Houser and his fiancee, Jessa Lee Yantz. Photo courtesy of Alicia Katy Photography.

Congrats to Randy Houser, 34, and fellow singer-songwriter Jessa Lee Yantz, 29, on their engagement! Randy confirmed the big news with People magazine after fans began inquiring if it was true, after they noticed Yantz’s sister, Alicia, tweeting her congratulations on July 22.

“I had no idea anyone would care that I’m engaged,” said Randy. “But I want to thank everyone for their outreach and support regarding the news of our engagement.

“I finally found the person that I can’t be without,” Randy told People. “Jessa makes me a better person every day, and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with her.”

The couple is planning a small destination wedding in the Dominican Republic.

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Joey + Rory photo credit: Bryan Allen

Lee Greenwood, Joey & Rory, Ricky Skaggs and The Roys are set to perform at the 17^th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards on October 28 in Nashville. Storme Warren and Megan Alexander will host the event, held at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Additional events during ICM-Faith, Family and Country Week will be held at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel, including the Power Source No. 1 party, showcases, talent and songwriting contests, seminars, worship services, retail exhibits and more.

Before the awards, the first-ever PINK Carpet Gala Event will take place as breast cancer survivors and country artists celebrate and raise awareness for the cause. During the ceremony, orchestra seating will be filled with breast cancer survivors, each of which will be sponsored by a family member, friend, or business.

The annual Inspirational Country Music Awards are held to honor the biggest names and emerging talent in Christian and Inspirational Country Music. The member-voted ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards Show is the keynote event of Inspirational Country Music Week, in Nashville. Past shows have included performers such as Hank Williams Jr., Randy Houser, Craig Morgan, Point of Grace, Wynonna, Josh Turner, The Oak Ridge Boys, Lonestar, Merle Haggard, and more.

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Taylor Swift on stage in Seoul, South Korea on the Asian leg of her 2011 Speak Now World Tour. Photo courtesy of Taylorswift.com.

As the sun starts setting a little later and temperatures heat up, it’s time to start thinking about those wonderful summer days and nights. What better way to spend them than watching your favorite country artists sing your favorite songs? In no particular order, here’s our list of the Top 10 must-see summer music tours:

Taylor Swift’s “Speak Now World Tour”

Taylor Swift continues her “Speak Now World Tour” this summer headlining major stadiums and arenas across North America. Getting things started with two shows at Omaha’s Qwest Center Memorial Day Weekend, Taylor hits more than 50 dates through mid-September as she takes the scenic route through more than 20 states and 4 Canadian provinces. Detroit’s Ford Field, Foxboro’s Gillette Stadium and 4 sold-out appearances at Los Angeles’ Staples Center in late August are all on the itinerary. If you’re reading this and haven’t bought your tickets yet, it’s time to start calling every friend and cousin you have since all but 6 shows are sold out through September 21. Opening acts include NeedToBreathe, Randy Montana, Frankie Ballard and James Wesley. Tickets range from $27.00 – $89.50.

Jason Aldean’s “Summer 2011 My Kinda Party Tour”

Jason Aldean keeps rollin’ this summer and hosting nothing but good times at 18 shows scheduled through July and August. The party starts July 8 with a high profile gig at Milwaukee’s famed Summerfest before performing in 12 states coast to coast as well as Alberta, Canada. Other key dates include July 23 at Wyoming’s Cheyenne Frontier Days and a Saturday night show August 13 at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, MO. Chris Young and Thompson Square join on most dates to kick the party into high gear. Tickets range from $23.25-$70.00.

Brad Paisley’s “H2O II World Tour”

Has Brad Paisley ever taken a break from the road? It seems the current ACM Entertainer of the Year just keeps on giving the fans exactly what they want since he was forced to dry out his road gear after May 2010’s Nashville flood. If you remember, this was just before kicking off the original “H20 World Tour.” Paisley fittingly kicks off the new edition of “H2O II World Tour” at the Virginia Beach Ampitheatre on June 3 with 19 shows through the Midwest and Eastern seaboard before heading to Europe in early August. Tour stops include Country Stampede in Manahattan, KS on June 25 and Maine’s Scarborough Downs on July 17. Special guests include Blake Shelton and Jerrod Niemann. Tickets range from $30.00-$125.00.

Kenny Chesney’s “2011 Goin’ Coastal Tour”

We all know Kenny Chesney’s been goin’ coastal for a while now, so it really shouldn’t be any surprise that he launched out of West Palm Beach in front of more than 50,000 fans for his summer tour…in late March. The massive 46-date tour will include 11 US stadiums such as LSU Tiger Stadium, Landover, MD’s FedExField and Green Bay’s Lambeau Field as it navigates 34 states, 4 Canadian provinces and our nation’s capital, Washington, DC. Other highlights are sure to include July’s 3-night stand at Denver’s Red Rocks. And to top it off, supporting acts include Zac Brown Band, Billy Currington and Uncle Kracker. You know what they say, “Everything gets hotter when the sun goes down…” Tickets range from $25.00 – $252.00.

Keith Urban’s “Get Closer 2011 World Tour”

Keith Urban’s proven to be an absolute road warrior on his trek around the world that will land him back in the US this summer headlining arenas starting June 16 in Mobile, AL. Forty-plus dates through more than 30 states are on the books through mid-October. Most of July and August will be spent touring the Eastern US along with the Midwest and South before heading out West in late September for a series of gigs including Los Angeles’ Staples Center. Other prime dates include Hampton, VA’s Hampton Coliseum on July 26 and Lafayette, LA’s Cajundome on August 27.  Supporting acts include Jake Owen. Tickets range from $24.00 – $90.90.

Rascal Flatts “Flatts Fest 2011”

Rascal Flatts is taking their concert experience to the next level this summer with “Flatts Fest 2011.” Starting June 18 in Bristow, VA, the group is creating a festival atmosphere throughout the parking lot and plaza areas to encourage a full day outing and turn their show into an experience.  The 23 festival tour stops will be complete with attractions like mobile karaoke vehicles, putt-putt golf, carnival games and food vendors. Rascal Flatts will hit 4 additional country music festival dates including Country Thunder USA in Twin Lakes, WI. Supporting acts include Sara Evans, Easton Corbin and Justin Moore. Tickets range from $21.00 – $76.00.

Lady Antebellum

Fresh off a trip down under to support Keith Urban in Australia, Lady Antebellum starts their summer 2011 tour June 2 in Thackerville, OK before hitting 15 of the biggest fairs and festivals in the country, as well as select headlining dates, through Labor Day weekend. CMA Music Festival in Nashville on June 10? Check. Country Jam USA in Grand Junction, CO on June 23? Oh, of course. What about Country Thunder USA in Twin Lakes, WI on July 21? You better believe it. State fair highlights include North Dakota on July 24 and Indiana on August 19.  Tickets range from $33.00 – $57.50, but for our money we’d hit the June 11 show at Wild Adventures Theme and Water Park in Valdosta, GA where General Admission entry is free with park admission.

Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown Tour

On the Country Throwdown Tour’s second annual incarnation, Willie Nelson hits the road for 24 rowdy shows with several of his closest friends. Jamey Johnson leads a pack of outlaws including Randy Houser, Lee Brice, Jack Ingram and Brantley Gilbert hitting such well-known amphitheatres as Red Rocks in Denver. Kicking off Memorial Day Weekend in Philadelphia, the tour hits 17 states from coast to coast before finishing up at Billy Bob’s Texas for Willie Nelson’s 4^th of July Picnic in Ft. Worth. The Bluebird Café’s tent will also be back featuring such singer/songwriters as Adam Hood and Caitlyn Smith. Tickets range from $21.50 – $95.00.

Tim McGraw’s “Emotional Traffic Tour”

Continuing his “Emotional Traffic Tour” started earlier this spring, Tim McGraw kicks off a new leg Memorial Day Weekend at the Winstar World Casino in Thackerville, OK. McGraw is taking to the road this summer for more than 35 shows as he hits amphitheaters coast to coast. On the itinerary through 22 states and parts of Canada are festival stops at the Bayou Country Superfest in Baton Louge, LA, and the great Jamboree in the Hills in Morristown, OH. Joining Tim this summer are The Band Perry and Luke Bryan. Tickets range from $25.00 to $89.00.

Toby Keith’s Locked and Loaded World Tour 2011

Fresh off a USO tour performing for the troops in the Middle East, Toby Keith is wasting no time getting back on the road this summer to continue his massive “Locked and Loaded World Tour.” Getting things started June 30 in Mt. Pleasant, MI, Toby will play host for 45 shows through mid-October before heading to Europe. Along the way, Toby will play the legendary Buffalo Chip Campground at the Sturgis Rally in Sturgis, SD (you know that’ll be a good one) with additional stops including Los Angeles and Washington, DC. Riding shotgun will be Eric Church. Tickets range from $29.50 to $105.70.

Also worth considering…

Eli Young Band

These guys are superstars in Texas – but this summer they’re not only entertaining the fans at home, they’re taking their star power beyond the Lone Star State. Eli Young Band is hitting the road for 15 dates stretching from Texas to the Midwest, Southwest and Rockies. And if that’s not sweet enough, the trek opens with a headlining performance May 21 at the Pasadena Strawberry Festival in Pasadena, TX. Tour stops include a performance on the river Memorial Day Weekend at Whitewater Amphitheater in New Braunsfels, TX, the famed Joe’s Bar in Chicago on June 18 and a headlining gig at Green River, WY’s Flaming George Days. The boys close out the summer by heating it up at Waco, TX’s Margarita and Salsa Festival on August 27. Tickets range from $10.00 -  $51.00.

Colt Ford

Colt keeps the good times going strong this summer with 31 shows from May through August. Touring mostly through the East and Southeast, Colt’s eclectic mix of country, rock and a little hip-hop bring the party every night while playing every sort of venue from festivals to boat harbors and campgrounds. Highlights include Rams Head Live in Baltimore on May 12, Roanoke Rapids Jam, NC on June 18 and the West Virginia State Fair on August 20.  Tickets range from free to $35.95.

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