The Tulsa Forum by TulsaNow

Oklahoma jail officers played ‘Baby Shark’ on repeat as a ‘torture tactic,’ federal lawsuit says

Last year, the Oklahoma County district attorney’s office investigated the incidents and charged the two former jail employees and their supervisor with cruelty to a prisoner and conspiracy, the lawsuit says. Former Oklahoma County Sheriff P.D. Taylor told the Associated Press last fall that officers Christian Charles Miles and Gregory Cornell Butler Jr. resigned during an internal investigation and that Lt. Christopher Raymond Hendershott retired.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/11/05/baby-shark-oklahoma-jail-lawsuit/

This has been a problem since the county jail was constructed in the 70s.  You would think they would have shown some improvements.  The county shouldn't have an overpopulated jail.

I don't believe overcrowding is either a cause of, or a justification for brutality and deliberate civil rights violations. 

(https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/DEtRtnDMovAtD4wO.gNH0g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTcwNTtoPTQ5OTtjZj13ZWJw/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/DWcEvSFeiz6XYftZvXHXgw--~B/aD0yMTA1O3c9Mjk3MzthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the-oklahoman/704b375cd31c9a6945d6b354a3454655)

(https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/u78Fjt3RHfGEA5Qj1r6v_A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTcwNTtoPTM4ODtjZj13ZWJw/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/Tk_bIbPeY61wn6bYSfmVXQ--~B/aD0xNjM2O3c9Mjk3MzthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the-oklahoman/0cb4386acf910bfec52e2965f6be2544)

(https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xSuvZpjX3FdIN35n7v80sQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTcwNTtoPTUzMDtjZj13ZWJw/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/Br0Dj7ogBGbvKBYceXWrhg--~B/aD0yMjM2O3c9Mjk3MzthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the-oklahoman/29fde150d8c5e04d0a8afa8a73f5179f)
Source: Oklahoman, November 14, 2021

Press release:

*****************

Southwest Airlines Announces Nonstop Service
to San Antonio International Airport

OKLAHOMA CITY, December 9, 2021 – Southwest Airlines announced today that it will begin nonstop service from Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers World Airport to San Antonio International Airport in San Antonio, Texas (SAT) beginning April 25, 2022.

“Southwest Airlines continues to grow in OKC, and San Antonio is a great market for our leisure and business travelers” says Jeff Mulder, Director of Airports. “We appreciate Southwest’ commitment to our community by adding more destinations for our passengers.”

The flights to San Antonio will take place on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, and Friday with one flight each day roundtrip. Southwest also announced they will be increasing their flights from Oklahoma City to Houston to four times daily Sunday through Friday starting in April.

As of today’s announcement, Southwest’s nonstop destinations from WRWA includes Atlanta, Chicago Midway, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Nashville, New Orleans, Orlando, Phoenix, St. Louis, San Antonio, Tampa and Ronald Reagan Washington National. The new service will bring the average number of daily departures by Southwest to 14.


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    By David Wethe and Alix Steel
     December 15, 2021, 2:30 PM CST

Billionaire oil wildcatter Harold Hamm is donating $50 million for a new research center at Oklahoma State University focused on “securing America’s energy future,” a move that comes as the industry debates how to transition to cleaner fuels.

The Harold Hamm Foundation and Continental Resources Inc., the shale driller controlled by the Oklahoma native, are giving $25 million each to the university to start the Hamm Institute for American Energy, according to a statement released Wednesday.

The donation “will bring together the brightest minds and future energy sector leaders from around the world, all with a goal of solving one of society’s most pressing concerns,” Kayse Shrum, president of Oklahoma State, said in a statement.

Hamm, 76, has been a staunch advocate of oil and gas production, even as drillers come under increasing pressure from policy makers and investors to rein in the emissions that contribute to climate change. A 2013 study from Oklahoma State researchers found that fracking’s secondary effects would increasingly challenge small towns and cities grappling with job gains and environmental costs. Earthquakes have been linked to activity related to shale production in states including Oklahoma.


Hamm has loosened the purse strings this year after surging crude prices boosted his personal fortune. Continental surprised investors last month by announcing a $3.25 billion deal with Pioneer Natural Resources Co. for Permian Basin assets and said it has set aside hundreds of millions to pursue acquisitions in the the world’s biggest shale field. Continental is also bringing back its dividend and doubling it after shelving the payout during history’s worst oil crash last year.

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          Yelp’s top 100 US restaurants 2022

          

               Cafe Kacao and Hall's Pizza Kitchen made the list:

17. Cafe Kacao, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma  

          (https://yelparticles.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cafe-kacao-oklahoma-city-oklahoma-breakfast-pupusas.jpeg)

Founded by the Del Cid family, Cafe Kacao combines Guatemalan breakfast and brunch items with influences from the rest of Central and South America. Ingredients ranging from tortillas to sausages are made in-house from old family recipes. Don’t miss the chipotle chilaquiles—pan-fried tortilla chips topped with eggs, avocado, feta, and cilantro, served with black beans.

Cuisine: Breakfast & Brunch, Latin American

What they’re known for: Coffees from Central and South America, and mochas made with Mexican cacao, are not to be missed. Customers love the breakfast pupusas—handmade corn tortillas stuffed with cheese and pork, served with scrambled eggs, black beans, and vinaigrette cabbage.

34. The Hall’s Pizza Kitchen, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

          (http://yelparticles.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/the-halls-pizza-kitchen-oklahoma-city-oklahoma-quinns-burrata.jpeg)

This midtown hotspot is beloved by locals and tourists alike for its wood-fired pizza. Started as a food truck, it’s now a family-owned brick-and-mortar restaurant serving fresh salads with housemade dressings, hand-tossed pizzas, and a wide array of gluten-free and vegan options. If you’re hard pressed to choose just one menu item, order The Indecisive appetizer platter—with tasty bites of each one—or the half-and-half pizzas, available on 14-inch pies. Desserts, like The Hall’s tiramisu, are not to be missed. Yelpers love their rooftop patio and trendy, upscale ambiance.

Cuisine: Food Trucks, Pizza

What they’re known for: Hall’s is known for their Julius Caesar Salad, and pies such as Blanco, Sunday Lunch (topped with brisket), and Vegan Pepperoni. Their sweet and savory burrata is beloved, and you’re unlikely to find a better salted-caramel chocolate chip cookie anywhere.

Yelpers say: “Quinn’s Burrata was outstanding. We also did a half Smoke, half Bring the Heat pie. It was absolutely the best pizza we’ve had in OKC!” —Chad T.


Link:  https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-100-us-restaurants-2022 (https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-100-us-restaurants-2022)

Oklahoma, In the Press:

Interesting article from Forbes.  Oklahoma was listed as No. 4 for job growth.  However, the biggest flaw that stood out was when they listed  Arkansas as No. 9 for retirement with Tulsa's skyline shown.

 9. Arkansas

                                       (https://www3.forbes.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/9.-Arkansas.jpg)

Anyway, enjoy this interesting article:  https://www3.forbes.com/leadership/the-u-s-states-people-are-fleeing-and-the-ones-they-are-moving-to-version-5-ifs-vue-mn-wnb/?slide=39 (https://www3.forbes.com/leadership/the-u-s-states-people-are-fleeing-and-the-ones-they-are-moving-to-version-5-ifs-vue-mn-wnb/?slide=39)

                              (https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/oklahoma-city-skyline-dusk-downtown-oklahoma-city-skyline-dusk-thunderstorms-distant-background-reflections-204009495.jpg)

Oklahoma City receives Aaa bond rating from Moody’s and AAA from S&P; affirm stable outlook

Post Date:03/04/2022 2:09 PM

Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings have each affirmed the City of Oklahoma City’s top-notch bond rating
and stable long-term outlook.

Link from City of Oklahoma City website:  https://www.okc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4058/18?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#!/ (https://www.okc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4058/18?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#!/)

Oklahoma City's new Bus Rapid Transit Vehicles Unveiled.


                            
Officials with EMBARK and Oklahoma City unveiled the design of RAPID's bus rapid transit vehicle on Thursday.

The first RAPID line is planned to have 32 stops and stretch 9.5 miles each way and will integrate with the larger EMBARK transit network.--KOKH 25 Oklahoma City.

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America’s best places to live in 2022

1. Raleigh, NC

     Affordability: 7/10
     Diversity: 5/10
     Job market: 8/10
     Safety: 9/10
     Wellness: 7/10
     Highlights: NC State football games, Carolina Hurricanes hockey games, North Carolina Museum of Art

2. Charleston, SC

     Affordability: 6/10
     Diversity: N/A
     Job market: 9/10
     Safety: 7/10
     Wellness: 8/10
     Highlights: South Carolina Aquarium, Folly Beach, Charleston City Market

4. Oklahoma City, OK

     Affordability: 8/10
     Diversity: 8/10
     Job market: 10/10
     Safety: 7/10
     Wellness: 5/10
     Highlights: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City Zoo, Myriad Botanical Gardens

5. Tampa, FL

     Affordability: 7/10
     Diversity: 6/10
     Job market: 8/10
     Safety: 7/10
     Wellness: 7/10
     Highlights: Tampa Bay Rays baseball games, Busch Gardens, Adventure Island

6. Boise, ID

     Affordability: 5/10
     Diversity: N/A
     Job market: 10/10
     Safety: 8/10
     Wellness: 7/10
     Highlights: Boise River Greenbelt, Discovery Center of Idaho, Capital City Public Market

7. Providence, RI

     Affordability: 7/10
     Diversity: N/A
     Job market: 7/10
     Safety: 7/10
     Wellness: 8/10
     Highlights: Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, Providence Performing Arts Center, Narragansett Beach

8. Minneapolis, MN

     Affordability: 6/10
     Diversity: 7/10
     Job market: 9/10
     Safety: 4/10
     Wellness: 9/10
     Highlights: The Mall of America, Minnehaha Falls, Nickelodeon Universe


9. Cincinnati, OH

     Affordability: 9/10
     Diversity: 4/10
     Job market: 8/10
     Safety: 6/10
     Wellness: 8/10
     Highlights: Coney Island Park, Skyline Chili, Cincinnati Bengals football games

10. Jacksonville, FL

     Affordability: 8/10
     Diversity: 6/10
     Job market: 8/10
     Safety: 5/10
     Wellness: 8/10
     Highlights: Little Talbot Island State Park, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, Jacksonville Jaguars football games



Full List:  https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/best-places-to-live/us/ (https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/best-places-to-live/us/)

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KOKH – Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City Spark joins Women's Professional Fastpitch (WPF) as its newest franchise, with its debut season planned for 2023.

Organizers say Oklahoma City Spark’s inaugural season will launch in June of 2023. The team is expected to play at the 12,500 seat ASA Hall of Fame Stadium 2801 NE 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73111.

               Link:  https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/womens-professional-fastpitch-adds-okc-spark-as-newest-franchise/ar-AAZZRQS?cvid=62c0b4886bbb4cf584c3a30a9c0b9881 (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/womens-professional-fastpitch-adds-okc-spark-as-newest-franchise/ar-AAZZRQS?cvid=62c0b4886bbb4cf584c3a30a9c0b9881)


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  (https://hips.hearstapps.com/vidthumb/b5737478-a15c-4d58-bf85-37080576bce8/b5737478-a15c-4d58-bf85-37080576bce8_image.jpg?crop=1xw%3A1.0xh%3Bcenter%2Ctop&resize=810%3A*&quality=70)

                    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PConR_sbigk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PConR_sbigk)

       Mayor Holt has put $70 million on 'pause.' The arena would take years to develop and build. In the meantime,
       Thunder Alley upgrades and anything non-essential will be put on pause. That way the money can go toward
       a new space.

      Holt also made a push for voters to consider the OKCPS bond issue. This would be a $600 to $900 million-dollar
      bond that would go toward upgrades like new schools and new programs for students and more.

Oklahoma City--https://wprofastpitch.com/?ss_source=sscampaigns&ss_campaign_id=62ee9ebc93719c332e422f3b&ss_email_id=62f109071aa45d6e6ce7cb8a&ss_campaign_name=WPF+Welcomes+BeatBox+as+Official+Party+Punch%21&ss_campaign_sent_date=2022-08-08T13%3A03%3A51Z


 (https://wprofastpitch.com/?ss_source=sscampaigns&ss_campaign_id=62ee9ebc93719c332e422f3b&ss_email_id=62f109071aa45d6e6ce7cb8a&ss_campaign_name=WPF+Welcomes+BeatBox+as+Official+Party+Punch%21&ss_campaign_sent_date=2022-08-08T13%3A03%3A51Z)

New arena? OKC’s relationship with the Thunder faces an expensive test

          (https://nondoc-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/DSC_5255-640x417.jpg)
Link:  https://nondoc.com/2022/07/26/okc-thunder-new-arena-discussion-starts/ (https://nondoc.com/2022/07/26/okc-thunder-new-arena-discussion-starts/)


Jim Traber Afternoon Sports Podcast interview with OKC Mayor David Holt: https://twitter.com/mattravis/status/1547691000776167425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1547782772801957888%7Ctwgr%5E3bf0f2df8800b6fb8cdc3686c9404641d68ef95c%7Ctwcon%5Es4_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnondoc.com%2F2022%2F07%2F26%2Fokc-thunder-new-arena-discussion-starts%2F (https://twitter.com/mattravis/status/1547691000776167425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1547782772801957888%7Ctwgr%5E3bf0f2df8800b6fb8cdc3686c9404641d68ef95c%7Ctwcon%5Es4_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnondoc.com%2F2022%2F07%2F26%2Fokc-thunder-new-arena-discussion-starts%2F)

          

                  (https://www.velocityokc.com/clientuploads/directory/super_blog/200819_Convention_Center_JSV-3772_(Large).jpg)
                  New $261 million 602 room luxury Omni Hotel (left) and new $288 million Oklahoma City Convention Center (right) opened in 2021.
                  City paid ($85 million) in funds toward Omni Hotel construction.  These building are debt free.

        Oklahoma City, a state-of-the-art $288 million convention center built in 2021 that is debt-free; includes massive 500,000-sq-ft interior includes
        a 200,730 square-foot exhibit hall on the first floor, which is divisible into four halls. About 45,000 square feet of meeting spaces are on all levels of the
        building.

        The rooms can be configured to provide up to 27 meeting spaces.
          
        Now we need a new state of the art arena to match the convention center. Anticipate the cost of the new arena with 37% inflation on building
        materials to cost $450 million to $500 million on city owned land (My own personal estimate--could be higher).  
  
        City owns several downtown parcels like the 4-square block former Cox Convention Center site (occupied by Prairie Surf Media Studios).

        https://okcfox.com/news/local/new-thunder-arena-coming-okc-mayor-says-early-talks-happening (https://okcfox.com/news/local/new-thunder-arena-coming-okc-mayor-says-early-talks-happening)
        
        How are we able to pay off the debt; Bonds and/or sales taxes.

        $70 million MAPS 4 Funds (PAUSE) already collected; some of these funds may be used for arena architectural designs.

        Extension vote: Oklahoma City 2017 General Obligation Bonds June 2017 ends June 2027 (10 years)
        Extension vote: MAPS 4 initiative sales tax collection began April 2020 ends April 2028 (8 years)

        Oklahoma City Council will meet next month (Tuesday, October 4, 2022) with Oklahoma City Thunder ownership group representatives to begin preliminary
        talks on a new arena.

        Specifications on new arena to include NBA seating capacity, number of suites, premium and loge seats will be determined to yield a cost estimate
        of the new arena.  An architectural firm has yet to be involved or employed.   The $70 million funds from improvements to the Paycom Center (Put on Pause
        by Mayor David Holt) is apart of the funding source that could be used to craft prelims for the new Oklahoma City main arena.  

                       (https://biztimes.com/welcome-to-fiserv-forum/dsc_0013/)

                                      (https://dailyreporter.com/files/2018/08/PAGE2BuildingBlocksPhoto.jpg)
        

         By Margaret Naczek  –  Reporter, Milwaukee Business Journal, August 26, 2022

         The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and executives from Oklahoma City (100 people) had a 48-hour intercity visit to Milwaukee, learning about key
         venues and initiatives in the city from the Henry Maier Festival Park and Fiserv Forum to educational initiatives and the riverfront development.
        


        

There are a LOT of horses east side of Tulsa on land I have been told was Robson land.  I have not bothered to try to check that.

I am wondering what is done with all of those animals?   Only thing that makes any sense would be shipping to Europe.  (Food.)  Insights??

Horrible thought about horses being used for food, especially when horses are viewed in the domesticated ream.  U. S. doesn't use horses or dogs for human consumption.  Oh, the thought makes my blood boil.

I feel the same way about horses and dogs as food but it's a cultural thing at a minimum.  I believe the Hindus won't eat cattle (cows).  Not eating pork is an ancient health thing.

Interesting Red Arrow:

Cattle IIRC is considered sacred; Hindu moral law and history, substantially relates meat-eating in a similar view as that of shameful cannibalism.

Also, recall cattle eating the grass from graves and burial sites in India made them sacred.

That wouldn't go over well here in Oklahoma City where Stockyard City; it’s home to the Oklahoma National Stockyards, the world’s largest feeder and stocker cattle market, where live cattle auctions take place every Monday and Tuesday and are open to the public.

My dad was a butcher in Stockyard City, AKA Packingtown.  Recall the many times we visited Stockyard City as children (with two older brothers),  the smell of
that place is ingrained into my memory.  Seeing the big bulls with huge testicles hanging from underneath, made us burst with laughter.  

And I will never forget Friday night wrestling at the old historic Stockyards Coliseum in Stockyard City on Exchange Avenue, long after my
father passed.  

We would take the bus (First East Fourth) to the coliseum.  The last bus left for the city to main street downtown at 10:15 p.m., and we would walk
home about a half mile from downtown to Deep Deuce in OKC.  Passed three funeral homes (Rolfe, McKay Davis and Temple) to get home.   Always a chilling
feeling because sometimes we would see a body on a gurney being delivered to the various funeral homes and mortuary.  This was especially an odd feeling
because many of the Dracula, Wolf man, Mummy and Frankenstein movies were premiering at the infamous "Jewel Theater' on N.E. 4th Street sandwiched in between McKay Mortuary & Rolfe Funeral Home.  As children, our imagination kicked into play and the run to home was like Ichabod Crane's Legend of Sleepy Hollow being relived in our lives.

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Some of the most impressive historical structures I've seen in Tulsa:


Just reminiscing about the historic places.   I recognize Tulsa has Oklahoma's jewel,  'The Gathering Place' which I feel would have been more impressive downtown where Oklahoma City has its Downtown Scissortail Park.

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     Full Article:  https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/2022/8/21/23316032/okc-thunder-why-a-new-arena-is-vital-for-the-thunder-and-downtown (https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/2022/8/21/23316032/okc-thunder-why-a-new-arena-is-vital-for-the-thunder-and-downtown)


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Found an article from 2020 with a list of NBA arenas by age from oldest to newest. The Suns have the fourth oldest arena, opened in 1992.

The oldest three are

MSG - New York Knicks 1968

Target Center - Timberwolves 1990

Vivint Smart Home Arena - Jazz 1991

https://arenadigest.com/2020/01/08/nba-arenas-oldest-to-newest-2020-update/#:~:text=Madison%20Square%20Garden%20is%20currently,it%20competitive%20with%20newer%20facilities. (https://arenadigest.com/2020/01/08/nba-arenas-oldest-to-newest-2020-update/#:~:text=Madison%20Square%20Garden%20is%20currently,it%20competitive%20with%20newer%20facilities.)

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                    ^ ^  ^  Interesting post dbacksfan 2.0  ^ ^ ^

     NBA arenas - top ten:

          1. Chase Center, San Francisco, $1.48 billion, 2019 - 18,064
          2. Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, $1.2 billion, 2018 - 17,385
          3. Barclays Center, Brooklyn, $1 billion/$1.18 billion in 2021 dollars, 2012 - 17,732
          4. Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, $862.9/$988 million in 2021 dollars, 2017 - 20,332
          5. Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, $558.2 million, 2016 - 17,608
          6. Amway Center, Orlando, $480 million/$604 million in 2021dollars, 2010 - 18,846
          7. American Airlines Center, Dallas, $420 million/$643 million in 2021 dollars- 2001 - 19,200
          8. Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, $375 million/$610 million in 2021 dollars- 1999 - 19,079
          9. Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, $265 million/$404 million in 2021 dollars - 1999 - 19,800
        10. Moda Center, Portland, $262 million/$466 million in 2021 - 1995 - 19,393

              Average cost of the top 10 NBA arenas: $675 million
              Average age of the top 10 NBA arenas: 8 years, 6 months
              Average capacity of the top 10 NBA arenas: 18,824

Source Thunderwire - July 2022: Ranking all 29 NBA arenas in terms of construction cost:  https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/lists/ranking-all-29-nba-arenas-in-terms-of-construction-cost/ (https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/lists/ranking-all-29-nba-arenas-in-terms-of-construction-cost/)

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     Unlocking the World
     22 of the USA's most underrated destinations

     (https://dynaimage.cdn.cnn.com/cnn/q_auto,w_900,c_fill,g_auto,h_506,ar_16:9/http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.cnn.com%2Fcnnnext%2Fdam%2Fassets%2F220831092325-10-underrated-places-usa-oklahoma-city.jpg)
     Oklahoma

     A state that many people fly over and drive right through, Oklahoma is one of those underrated places you should visit sooner rather than later.
     Oklahoma City flaunts a surprisingly rich and varied food scene, especially the eclectic Paseo, Plaza and Uptown 23rd neighborhoods and the Asian district.
     The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Oklahoma City National Memorial are both must-see spots. For the outdoor inclined, Riversport OKC         
     offers whitewater rafting, tubing, ziplines and sky trails in the city center.
     Oklahoma's long stretch of Historic Route 66 is strewn with old-fashioned diners, museums and roadside oddities. Tulsa showcases local hero Woody
     Guthrie, the new Bob Dylan Center and classic Art Deco architecture, while Medicine Park village and the nearby Wichita Mountains offer a taste of Wild
     West days.

     CNN https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/underrated-destinations-united-states/index.html (https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/underrated-destinations-united-states/index.html)

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The 581,000-square-foot facility was designed to meet National Hockey League requirements. The venue was completed at a cost of $89.2 million and opened its doors on June 8, 2002. 



This makes the best option if you want widespread support of the citizens and voters to insure a top 10 NBA arena that is competitive with markets like Boston, Chicago, Miami, Milwaukee & Toronto. 

Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum is the latest small market to build an NBA Arena investing $524 million — $250 million from taxpayers
in various forms, $174 million from the team’s owners and $100 million from former Sen. Herb Kohl, who saved the team from leaving Milwaukee not once but twice.

Pete, OKCTalk.com owner suggestion of using the 4-square block Prairie Surf Media--Old Cox-Myriad site makes the best option since it is city
owned and already supports 950 underground parking spaces.

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                               Oklahoma City named as a top U.S. capital


          (https://www.velocityokc.com/clientuploads/directory/super_blog/Civic_Center_Skyline_cropped850px.png)
          Oklahoma City is ranked No. 10 nationally for being the best capital city, according to a recent WalletHub report. 
          Story link:  https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/inside-okc/oklahoma-city-named-as-a-top-u.s.-capital/?back=super_blog (https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/inside-okc/oklahoma-city-named-as-a-top-u.s.-capital/?back=super_blog)


          Rankings:  https://wallethub.com/edu/best-state-capitals/19030 (https://wallethub.com/edu/best-state-capitals/19030)

      Oklahoma becomes prime destination for TV and movie      productions:
                         "Hollywood on the prairie"


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                    CBS Mornings:  https://www.cbsnews.com/news/oklahoma-prime-destination-tv-movie-productions-hollywood-on-the-prairie/ (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/oklahoma-prime-destination-tv-movie-productions-hollywood-on-the-prairie/)

     "One reason Tinseltown is drawn to the middle of the country is money. Oklahoma lawmakers are luring production studios and creating local jobs with a                
       $30 million rebate program to shoot in the state. $240 million has been pumped into the state's economy in the last year and a half. . .

     . . . In the last year and a half, Oklahoma's film industry created 10,000 jobs."

 

(http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/christmas122022b.jpg)
                            To all our friends at Tulsa Now and The Great State of Oklahoma

Tourism:   Oklahoma City & Tulsa brace for the future.

Oklahoma City in 2021 Tourism $3.8 billion.  Future:  OKC  is now on its fourth iteration of MAPS, with upcoming projects including a multipurpose stadium, a new fairgrounds coliseum and the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center.  

OKC has reinvested in itself--in 1993, Oklahoma City voters approved a penny sales tax that generated more than $363 million in sales tax and interest over five-and-a-half years and paid for such projects as the Bricktown Ballpark, Cox Convention Center and Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Oklahoma City continues to extend MAPS projects--MAPS 4 center pieces  with upcoming projects including a multipurpose stadium, a new fairgrounds coliseum and the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center.

Upcoming developments include the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine and the OKANA Resort (now under construction) expected to continue attracting new visitors
to Central Oklahoma.

OKC voters approved two proposals: one for approximately $936,000,000 to fund acquiring, constructing, equipping, repairing and remodeling school buildings, acquiring school furniture, fixtures and equipment and acquiring and improving school sites”.

The second resolution for $19,000,000 will provide funds for the purpose of acquiring transportation equipment.


Tulsa In 2021, the Tulsa region continued to invest in itself ( Vision Tulsa) by advancing significant, game-changing projects. Projects like Zink Dam, the new Arkansas River Pedestrian Bridge, the reimagined Gilcrease Museum and the USA BMX headquarters all moved forward.

The opening of the Greenwood Rising history center helped Tulsa commemorate the centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre and invest in a better tomorrow.

Tulsa voters invested in future generations by overwhelmingly approving a $414 million Tulsa Public Schools bond package.

Tulsa’s Future, the Tulsa Regional Chamber-led regional economic development partnership, supported the creation of 4,125 jobs and $421 million of capital investment in northeast Oklahoma during 2021.

The partnership between the City of Tulsa and Tulsa County secured more than 200 private investors, and numerous regional and tribal partners to further economic prosperity in the Tulsa region.

Highlights included 319,268 event attendees, 58 events at the Cox Business Convention Center and Southern Hills’ hosting of the 2022 men’s PGA Championship.

Rogers State University is preparing to host the annual Tulsa Cup Oct. 24 and 25 in partnership with the Tulsa Sports Commission.  An estimated 500 people
will attend the two-day tournament, with 280 hotel room nights booked. Attendees will begin arriving in the city the weekend leading up to the event.

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      Does The Mayor Of Oklahoma City Provide A Post-Trump Road Map For Republicans?

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      Story link:  https://www.huffpost.com/entry/david-holt-oklahoma-city-mayor_n_63b7029be4b0d6f0b9f9377a (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/david-holt-oklahoma-city-mayor_n_63b7029be4b0d6f0b9f9377a)

           (https://www.kansascityfed.org/images/OE-Q1-2022-Map2.2.width-925.jpg)




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     Press release:

     ******************

     Business Leaders Launch the New Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce

     OKLAHOMA CITY (January 25, 2023) - The Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce board of directors announced today the official kick off for
     the new organization and its inaugural year during Lunar New Year. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt joined the celebration by serving as the guest speaker   
     at a media event at the Grand House Asian Bistro in Oklahoma City.

     With a growing Asian population and an increasing number of Asian-owned businesses in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, a group of community
     leaders and entrepreneurs created the new Asian Chamber with a mission to support the economic growth of the Asian community in the Greater
     Oklahoma City area.

     In addition to Mayor Holt, Gov. Kevin Stitt and Congresswoman Stephanie Bice’s staff shared remarks honoring the contributions of the Asian American
     and Pacific Islander members who have made Oklahoma and the United States their home.

     “Asian American and Pacific Islander residents have made a tremendous impact in the State of Oklahoma and across the nation, serving in vital leadership
     roles at the local, state, and national level, leading businesses, making breakthroughs in science and technology, building businesses, serving in our
     military, serving in public office, excelling in sports, arts, education and more,” said Governor Stitt.

     “The Asian American and Pacific Islander community is rapidly expanding and has already had positive effects throughout Oklahoma City. The Greater
     Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce will empower businesses and allow new growth opportunities throughout Oklahoma’s Fifth Congressional                             
     District,” said Congresswoman Stephanie Bice.

     ECONOMIC IMPACT

     The Asian community is one of the fastest growing populations in the nation, state and city. Locally, the meaningful contributions to the economy have
     also increased. The 2020 Census data shows that nearly 50,000 Asian residents live in the greater OKC metropolitan area. Surveys show there are more
     than 5,300 businesses resulting in $203 million in payroll and $1.25 billion in sales.

     “We started out with a small group of entrepreneurs from different businesses and backgrounds in early 2022 and quickly grew into a strong and
     passionate team of prominent business leaders serving as board of directors and committee members,” said Scarlet Le-Cao, the inaugural president of
     the Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce. “The Asian population is incredibly diverse, and we want to preserve our cultural heritage and             
     support economic development for Asian communities in the greater Oklahoma City metropolitan area. It is critically important to advocate, represent and         
     provide our communities with valuable tools for their businesses and professions.”

     The Asian Chamber will work closely in partnership with other chambers of commerce, the city and state to strengthen the minority business enterprise
     and workforce. The goal is to establish long-term relationships to build foundational growth for Oklahoma City’s economy.

     “For decades, Oklahoma City has been the proud home of a vibrant Vietnamese American community. The Asian community has grown significantly and
     made a remarkable impact on our neighborhoods and local economy,” said Mayor David Holt of the City of Oklahoma City. “This special Lunar New
     Year celebration not only marks a new beginning for the chamber and for our city but also promotes unity, spurs innovation and fosters economic growth.”

     FOUNDING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     A group of prominent business leaders and professionals make up the founding board of directors including officers Scarlet Le-Cao, president; Mary Nhin,
     vice president; Victoria Tran, vice president; Chante Sourignavong, treasurer; and Ernest Abrogar, Secretary.

     Other board of directors include Cassandra Kalancha, education programs committee chair; Mydazjah Petties, events committee chair;
     Thao Nguyen-Pham, membership committee chair; Thuan Hieu Nguyen, advocacy committee chair; Valorie J Filippo, board member; Tasneem Ahmad Al-                           
     Michael, board member; Mike Hoang, board member; Jacqueline Sit, marketing committee chair; Justin Le, board member; and Victor Flores, fundraising       
     committee chair.

     The advisory board includes Roy Williams, Meg Salyer, Ban Nguyen, Nathan Cao and Robert Palmer.

     “Our values treasure diversity, innovation, integrity, teamwork and communication, and we are excited as an organization to grow, serve and support our
     Asian community,” Le-Cao said.

     The chamber’s vision statements are:

          o To connect, strengthen and advocate for Asian businesses and professionals in the greater Oklahoma City metro by supporting pro-business policies.
          o To recruit Asian-owned businesses and Asian talents to areas we serve.
          o To facilitate fair and equitable access to opportunities for Asian businesses and professionals.
          o To pursue educational and cultural initiatives for the greater Oklahoma City Asian communities

     The chamber’s founding sponsors were officially announced at the event. The sponsors include: Paycom, Chesapeake, Jimmy’s Egg, OKC Thunder, Super Cao     
     Nguyen Market, OG&E, First National Bank, Gooden Group, Full Sail Capital, Nhinja Sushi & Wok, Ninja Life Hacks, True Sky Federal Credit Union, Tinker
     Federal Credit Union, Stride Bank, Practical Preparedness, THN Insurance, CMM Financial, Navaid Health, and Neuroradiology & Pain Solutions of Oklahoma.

     To join The Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce, to become a sponsor or to learn more, visit asianchamberokc.com. (http://asianchamberokc.com.)


                    (https://d1pk12b7bb81je.cloudfront.net/generated/800x800/okdataengine/appmedia/images/123/123372/DSC05652.jpg)
                    Oklahoma City's Asian District is home to a diverse array cuisine, culture and shopping. Photo by Laci Schwoegler/Oklahoma Tourism.
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                    The gift section of the Super Cao Nguyen market in Oklahoma City's Asian District offers unique shopping finds.
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                    Military Park Vietnam War Memorial “Brothers in Arms” Monument
                    (https://d1pk12b7bb81je.cloudfront.net/generated/800x800/okdataengine/appmedia/images/35/35671/asian1.jpg)
                    Super Cao Nguyen Market is a mainstay for Oklahoma City residents and visitors.




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          In October, Oklahoma and Arkansas signed a memo of understanding to position the region as a national hub of advanced mobility. This collaboration,
          done in partnership with with Tulsa Innovation Labs and Runway Group, invests in advanced mobility development, including drones, electric and   
          autonomous vehicles, battery manufacturing, and transportation and logistics solutions. The project is expected to create 55,000 new high-tech jobs,
          and companies such as Walmart, QuikTrip, and J.B. Hunt will help pilot emerging technologies.


          Canoo, a Los Angeles-based EV company, is building a mega microfactory on a 400-acre campus outside of Tulsa. The facility will open next year and
          house a paint shop, body shop, and general assembly plant.

    Full link to story:  https://www.automotiveworld.com/articles/spotlight-on-oklahoma-a-growing-hub-for-advanced-mobility/ (https://www.automotiveworld.com/articles/spotlight-on-oklahoma-a-growing-hub-for-advanced-mobility/)

    Credit poster Plutonic Panda, OKCTalk.com


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                                              Oklahoma Wants to Be the ‘Next Texas.’ Imagine That.
                         March 2, 2023 in News, appeared first on New York Times:   


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          “I can’t believe I live in Oklahoma — it’s like even weird to say,” said Chris Bland, who took the $10,000 and moved in 2021
            from an apartment in Harlem, working remotely as an environmental scientist at New York’s Mount Sinai Health System.

           Since then, Mr. Bland, 29, has been selling his friends and family on Tulsa — restaurants, bars, $895 a month for a studio apartment
           downtown — and he has already stayed longer than the single year required by the program, which is funded by the Tulsa-based
           George Kaiser Family Foundation.


                    Full story link:  https://dnyuz.com/2023/03/02/oklahoma-wants-to-be-the-next-texas-imagine-that/ (https://dnyuz.com/2023/03/02/oklahoma-wants-to-be-the-next-texas-imagine-that/)


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                    Study: OKC a top city for affordable vacations

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                    Link:  https://journalrecord.com/2023/05/15/study-okc-a-top-city-for-affordable-vacations/ (https://journalrecord.com/2023/05/15/study-okc-a-top-city-for-affordable-vacations/)

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  Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt elected 2025-2026 president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors June 5, 2023.

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  Press release from the City:

  ************

  Mayor David Holt elected 2025-2026 president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors
  06/05/2023
 
  Today at the Annual Meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors in Columbus, the membership elected Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt to serve as the     
  2025-2026 President of the organization.

  In the near term, Mayor Holt assumes office immediately as the organization’s Second Vice President. In 2024, Holt will become First Vice President. At the             
  Annual Meeting in the summer of 2025, Mayor Holt will become the 83rd President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

  “I am incredibly grateful and excited for the honor of serving in these roles,” said Mayor Holt. “Mayors are the most visionary, effective and unifying leaders in     
  our country right now, and the opportunity to represent them is an opportunity I am very grateful to have. I thank my fellow mayors for their belief in me. This
  also presents an opportunity to tell Oklahoma City’s story, and it’s a reminder to Oklahoma City that we have an incredible platform as America’s 20th-largest         
  city.”


  A member of the Osage Nation, Mayor Holt will be the first Native American President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. During their year in office, the   
  President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors speaks for the nation’s mayors and their cities. Some of the most notable names in United States mayoral history
  have held the position, from LaGuardia to Daley to Landrieu. Holt is the second Mayor of Oklahoma City to hold the position, joining Mick Cornett, who served 
  as President from 2016 to 2017.

  Mayor Holt was elected to the Advisory Board of the Conference in 2019 and was elected a Trustee in 2020. In 2021, he served as national co-chair of mayoral         
  efforts to pass the Bipartisan Instructure Law. He serves as Vice Chair of the International Affairs Committee, Co-Chair of the Task Force on Electric Vehicles, is   
  a member of the Finance & Audit Committee, and has served as Chair of the Nominating Committee and as a member of the Site Selection Committee.

  Holt was elected as Mayor of Oklahoma City in 2018 with 78.5 percent of the vote and was re-elected in 2022 by a 40-point margin and with the most votes     
  for any mayoral candidate since 1959. When he took office, Holt was the youngest Mayor of Oklahoma City since 1923, and he will be one of the youngest U.S.   
  Conference of Mayors Presidents in history.

  In his professional life, Holt is the Dean-Designate of the Oklahoma City University School of Law. Mayor Holt is a graduate of The George Washington   
  University and Oklahoma City University. Mayor Holt is married to Rachel, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs. They have two children,   
  George and Margaret.

  Oklahoma City has a population of 694,800 and is the 20th-largest city in the United States.
                   

     OKCTalk.com reports:

     Huge news: OKC may host Summer Olympic events
     Published on 06-05-2023 05:46 PM

     The Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee is considering moving the Games' canoe slalom events to the Riversport Rapids Whitewater Center in                                            
     Oklahoma City.


     (http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/riversport060423c.jpg)

     Link to OKCTalk:  https://www.okctalk.com/content.php (https://www.okctalk.com/content.php)


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    Could OKC revisit an idea for the Boathouse District if the 2028 Olympics
  canoe slalom events are held at Riversport Rapids Whitewater Center.

      OKCTalk.com archives:

          (http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/boathouse060723c.jpg)

          (http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/boathouse060723b.jpg)
                  ^ The Grand Stands v
          (http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/boathouse060723a.jpg)

          (http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/boathouse060723d.jpg)


     Other events associated with the use of OKC Riversports Whitewater Center like 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships.  

              2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships:  https://www.riversportokc.org/events/2026-icf-canoe-slalom-world-championships/ (https://www.riversportokc.org/events/2026-icf-canoe-slalom-world-championships/)




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     OKCTalk.com reveals latest Boathouse Row Master Plan:

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(http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/riversport060423c.jpg)


     If OKC gets Olympic whitewater events, could others follow?

              OKCTalk.com report - link:   https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=959-If-OKC-gets-Olympic-whitewater-events-could-others-follow (https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=959-If-OKC-gets-Olympic-whitewater-events-could-others-follow)

 (http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/olympics061123a.jpg)



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     Oklahoma City's District Hotel Is the Queer Capital of the Plains

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Link to story:  https://www.riverfronttimes.com/news/oklahoma-citys-district-hotel-is-the-queer-capital-of-the-plains-40256617 (https://www.riverfronttimes.com/news/oklahoma-citys-district-hotel-is-the-queer-capital-of-the-plains-40256617)

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         Top 20 Cities for Real Estate Development Over the Last Decade

                                    Oklahoma City City ranks 10th      

                   (https://milehighcre.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/top-20-cities-for-real-estate-development-over-the-last-decade-750x375.png)


          Oklahoma City, OK, rounds out the top 10 best cities for real estate development, following a decade of steady economic and population growth. Single
          family home construction performed exceptionally, with almost 33,200 building permits issued over the past decade, positioning Oklahoma City in the 6th
          spot nationally for this indicator. Commercial real estate development was active too. Oklahoma City saw the addition of 15.6M square feet of new     
          industrial space, 4.3M square feet of retail space and 1.3M square feet of storage space over the past decade.

 
          Link:  https://www.storagecafe.com/blog/most-active-cities-for-real-estate-development/ (https://www.storagecafe.com/blog/most-active-cities-for-real-estate-development/)


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Am I reading that right that it was 15.6 million sq/ft of industrial over 10 years?

                                        $700M project could bring economic boom, more entertainment to
                                                                downtown Oklahoma City

                        (https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QmEIKPrZuMw/maxresdefault.jpg)

                                             Video Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmEIKPrZuMw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmEIKPrZuMw)

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     Southern Living - The 35 Best Things To Do in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

                   (https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ds_e9KlhHghjhAhzs2646mjbVFc=/750x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/AutomobileAlleyDaytime-9de7c088850f46f0a16bc858a51afd50.jpg)

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     Link:  https://www.southernliving.com/best-things-to-do-oklahoma-city-8364716?utm_campaign=southernliving_southernliving&utm_content=manual&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_term=6536fb1a1014b10001967827 (https://www.southernliving.com/best-things-to-do-oklahoma-city-8364716?utm_campaign=southernliving_southernliving&utm_content=manual&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_term=6536fb1a1014b10001967827)

  

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     This City in Oklahoma Belongs on Your 2024 Travel List — With a New Hotel in a
                 Gorgeous Building From the 1930s

                    
                    (https://grandlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/historic-lighting-building-renovation-restoration-preservation.jpg)
                      
                    (https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cde0ba723024d000161f360/1669143857812-8NG1BYLD5LBJ6GSHKZD3/image-asset.jpeg?format=1000w)

          Story link:  s://www.travelandleisure.com/the-national-oklahoma-city-hotel-review-8417803]http (http://http[/size)s://www.travelandleisure.com/the-national-oklahoma-city-hotel-review-8417803[/url][/b]
  
 
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          OKC NAMED A SWEET SPOT FOR APARTMENT SIZE

               (https://images.405magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Culture-01-Development-Lift-746x418.jpg)

               
   OKC - Velocity link:  https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/economy/okc-named-a-sweet-spot-for-apartment-size/ (https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/economy/okc-named-a-sweet-spot-for-apartment-size/)

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               (https://www.oklahoman.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2024/02/19/NOKL/72664775007-bolt-tower.jpg?width=660&height=409&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)

          Arts commissioners voted unanimously to recommend city council consider placing a 75-foot-tall sculpture at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds.  
          Projected cost:  $905,000 would come from the Arts budget.  --Oklahoman, February 21, 2024

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