BDPA iRadio Show - March 11, 2014

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very proud to be the creator of the BDPA iRadio Show. You can listen to the archive version of the show using the widget shown in the right-hand sidebar of this blog. FREE download from the iTunes Store is also available for our listeners!

Check Out Technology Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with BDPA on BlogTalkRadio

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The guest on the March 11th show:

Dalric Webb - President, BDPA Cincinnati - Dalric Webb is the president of our BDPA Cincinnati chapter. Under his leadership there has been a significant uptick in programs, members and donations associated with the chapter. Dalric has a powerful vision for the future of BDPA in the greater Cincinnati area. Our iRadio Show audience will be interested in hearing from Dalric on what he considers the ROI-value proposition for both IT professionals and corporate America when it comes to BDPA programs, scholarships and services. Dalric can be found on Twitter - @BDPACincinnati

Russell Fraenkel - Director, Advance IT Minnesota - Russell Fraenkel is the director of Collaborative Programs and Outreach for Advance IT Minnesota. Advance IT Minnesota is a center of excellence within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system whose mission is to inspire students to pursue an education and career pathway and through collaborative initiatives, prepare them for workforce demand and success. BDPA learned of Mr. Fraenkel when he was involved in the Aspirations in Computing Award at the state level in Minnesota ... and two of the 2012 applicants were BDPA Twin Cities student members Gabriella Knight and Sifora Tek-Lab (video, http://youtu.be/Kc2QzQBSVCg). Russell can be found on Twitter - @RWFraenkel

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We hope you enjoy the insights and commentary on the show from each of these guests. Please take a moment to post a comment to let us know that you care!

Bemley Scholar Mira Cruz Seeks Computer Science Degree from University of Maryland

Mira Cruz earned two silver medals and a bronze medal as a member of the High School Computer Competition (HSCC) teams trained by BDPA Washington DC in the 2008, 2009 and 2010 HSCC championships. She will use the Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarships that she earned as a result of those high HSCC championships to study for a computer science degree at the University of Maryland University College.

We asked Mira to share her thoughts on the HSCC experiences:

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All throughout my life, I've had an interest in technology. I started out playing video games, and it sparked an interest in me for wanting to create video games. That eventually led me to the fascinating world of programming.

As my interest in programming grew, I started to become more curious about computers in general. When I became enrolled at North County High School, I took immediate action and signed up for a computer class. Although there were no classes on coding, I was determined to learn it anyway.

For a short time - due to the hassles of high school - my technology drive was dulled. The revival came after I switched over to Penn Foster High School. Shortly afterward, my mother found out about BDPA, which led me to entering into a Flash Animation Course. In the course, we were being taught ActionScript and flash game development. It was through this course that I was introduced to Mr. Louis Shack, an instructor for the BDPA computer camp in Washington, DC. Mr. Shack brought me into the world of the high school computer competition. I am so grateful to him for introducing me to this program. BDPA has been a great and positive impact on my life.

When I first entered into the HSCC, I didn't know what to expect. Previously, I'd had to learn programming myself - by online tutorials and long manuals. I was thrilled to have teachers always available to help me. I settled in with my classmates very quickly. All of them were just like me - they had a passion for programming, and they weren't afraid to show it. I was amazed at the great level of maturity.

As the months of our training passed, I discovered an entirely new world of coding. We were taught Javascript, JSTL, SQL, and how to use Apache Tomcat; and how to incorporate all of them together into a website. I won't lie - we had to study hard. But at the same time, it was fun doing something I really enjoyed. I knew that I was doing what I could to help my team, and whenever I needed help or didn't understand something, my teachers and classmates were there to help me.

All of our efforts were rewarded when our team earned the silver medal for our second place finish at the National HSCC championship in 2008. I'll never forget how I felt when I went up on stage with my teammates to claim our trophy. Second place in the nation! All of our hard work was worth it! But even if we hadn't won anything, it still would have been worth it. The things I'd learned and the friendships I'd made were what made the experience so wonderful.

2008 HSCC Team (Washington DC)

I came back and competed again in 2009 (3rd place) and 2010 (second place) as a member of the BDPA Washington DC teams competing in the national HSCC championships. When I look back on how much I've learned, it's astonishing. BDPA has helped me with so much, not only in my knowledge of coding, but also in life-long lessons. Before joining BDPA and participating in the HSCC program, I could hardly communicate with anyone. I had been so afraid of people and the thought of a quick conversation could literally make me want to crawl into a hole. Over time, because of my work in the HSCC program, I became so confident and social that anyone who sees me today would wonder where the old Mira went. I don't know if it ever would have happened if not for the great teamwork and attitudes of my classmates and teachers.

The HSCC was a great thing for me, and I know it will be great for anyone else who aspires to program. It had an amazing impact on my life.

I am currently admitted into University of Maryland University College for a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science. My goal is to become a software programmer. I am very much looking forward to it!

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Mira is a real-like example of the 'classroom to the boardroom' motto of BDPA. We want to give our larger college scholarships to students like Mira in the future ... and you can help by making a secure online donation to our Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship Fund!

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This Week in BDPA (March 9-15, 2014)

BDPA offers strong programs in 46 cities around the nation. Are you taking advantage of these programs? Here is a weekly preview of upcoming events gathered from the centralized BDPA calendar:

• Mar 9:  BDPA Chicago - Workshop, 'Learn More About Virtualization, Linux, Security, Cisco (Chicago)'
• Mar 11: BDPA Education and Technology Foundation - Podcast, 'BDPA iRadio Show'
• Mar 13: BDPA New Jersey - Program Meeting, 'Agile Methodology: Why Organizations Are Using Agile for Software Development'
• Mar 13: BDPA Charlotte - Program Meeting, 'What Got You Here Won't Get You There'
• Mar 15: BDPA Cincinnati - Computer Camp, 'Student Final Projects and Parent Appreciation' 
• Mar 15: BDPA Greater Birmingham - Computer Camp, 'Kick-Off Session'
• Mar 15: BDPA Indianapolis - Computer Camp, 'Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) Program'
• Mar 15: BDPA Dallas - Computer Camp, 'Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) Program'

Please let us know of other BDPA events 

that we may have missed! 

You can always find BDPA programs, services or networking activity online at places such as:

• BDPA Facebook Group
• BDPA Foundation Facebook Page
• BDPA Foundation Twitter Account
• BDPA LinkedIn Network Group

BDPA supports your efforts for career advancement in the IT industry. Our hope is that you find reasons to provide tax-deductible support to our Causes, our HSCC Scholarship Funds or Your Causes! We encourage all BDPA leaders to take advantage of the centralized BDPA Groupsite Calendar to post your upcoming events.

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• This Week in BDPA (February 9-15, 2014)
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Grant Proposal: Macy's Foundation (BDPA Cincinnati)

Giving back to the communities where Macy's employees work and live is a deeply held value for the retail giant. They are proud that their contributions, leadership and volunteer efforts help create strong communities – providing a better environment for our stores to do business and for our employees and customers to live and work.

Collectively, contributions in 2012 from the company and the Macy’s Foundation – as well as employee contributions through workplace giving campaigns and customer contributions through its signature giving programs – totaled more than $70 million. Macy's associates, like Johnathan Watkins, gave more than 125,000 hours of their personal time for community service.

As such, we are proud to report that a $5,000 grant proposal was submitted to the Macy's Foundation earlier today. The proposal seeks funding to support the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) programs hosted by our BDPA Cincinnati chapter.

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) will work with any interested chapter to obtain grant funding for its SITES program. Just contact the BETF executive director to get started!

PPG Industries Foundation

PPG Industries Foundation supports STEM initiatives for nonprofit and governmental organizations reflecting the foundation's global footprint, emphasizing diversity and underrepresented populations.   Grant proposals are accepted year-round.   This may be a good funding source for any local BDPA chapter to consider.

Review the application guidelines and contact the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation executive director if you want to pursue.

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Bemley Scholar Zakaria Ahmed Seeks Medical Training at University of Minnesota

Zakaria Ahmed was a member of the 2011 National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championship team trained by our Southern Minnesota chapter. He earned a Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship as a result of his efforts on that team. Zakaria Ahmed used that Bemley Scholarship to support his education at the University of Minnesota, Rochester. His major is Health Professions specializing in the respiratory care field. He seeks to become a respiratory therapist on his way to medical school.

We asked Zakaria to share his thoughts on his BDPA experiences:

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"I first joined BDPA in 2007 while in the eighth grade. My parents took me to a computer camp full of people on Saturday morning hosted by BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter. I had no idea what was going on and I even wanted to go home at first, but, then I noticed that some of my friends were in the class and decided to give BDPA a chance. From that moment on I was addicted to learning more about building web pages.

During that same year, I was fortunate to be able to go to the national conference which was held in Washington DC. Although I didn’t participate in the competition, I was able to participate in the Youth Technology Camp workshops during the conference. I had fun learning more about programming along with meeting other people from different parts of the United States.

The following year I was determined to be on the High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team. I did become an alternate to the chapter’s 2008 HSCC team, so I was able to practice with the team which was valuable in my learning. BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter won the 2008 HSCC championships and I was determined to be a regular member of the team in the future.

I didn’t make the HSCC team over the next two years, but, I did see improvements in myself during that time. I was more confident in myself and I was better able to speak in front of an audience, something that wouldn’t have happened without BDPA.

During my senior year in high school, I did make the BDPA Southern Minnesota HSCC team! That year I was assigned to be the web page designer. With the help of my teammates and past HSCC alumni I was able to excel in this role.

Our HSCC team won the 2011 National HSCC championship held in Chicago. It was a record-breaking fifth straight championship for our chapter.

Even though I am in the medical field, I credit BDPA with developing many new skills within myself such as communication, leadership and teamwork. Most importantly, BDPA gave me the confidence to go after what I want in life. I will use all of the skills I learned during my BDPA training to help me be successful in life. If it wasn’t for BDPA I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am so grateful to have been part of this organization and I will never forget the memories I have made in BDPA."

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Zakaria is one of the many young people impacted by BDPA programs, scholarships and services offered in 46 local chapters around the country. We need your financial support to keep BDPA thriving in these local communities. Won't you consider making a secure online donation today in honor of Zakaria and the other 'future faces of technology' who benefit from BDPA?

Related articles

• Rochester Post-Bulletin, 10/1/2013 (BDPA Southern Minnesota)
• KTTC Rochester, 9/9/2013 (Herchran Singh, BDPA Southern Minnesota)

Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corporation

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corporation recognizes the need to act as a responsible corporate citizen. They work to enrich the communities in which they live and work by addressing critical issues and needs by supporting a variety of 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.

Ball Aerospace focuses a substantial portion of their contributions budget on community programs which address education, diversity, health and human services, arts and culture. As a rule, they do not make grants to religious organizations, political groups, or individuals.

Decisions are made on a quarterly basis. Proposals must be re-submitted annually. Each proposal should contain a one-page cover letter, which summarizes the main points of the request. Proposals should briefly include the following information:

• Non-profit contact name, title, address phone number, fax number.
• Brief history of the organization, mission statement, goals and objectives.
• Type and scope of services offered, and the geographical area serviced.
• Specific details as to how requested funds would be used.
• List of other corporate funders.
• List of directors or officers, and their affiliations.
• Copy of the Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) letter.

Proposal requests should be addressed to:

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.
Corporate Contributions Program
1600 Commerce St., Bldg. RA-8
Boulder, CO 80301
email: contributions@ball.com
phone: (303) 939-6332
This blog provides information about funding sources that might be of interest to nonprofit leaders. We hope that you are finding this information useful.

Coca-Cola / Steve Harvey Scholarship Program

Comedian/ TV personality Steve Harvey and his wife, via their Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, have partnered with Coca-Cola to create the Coca-Cola "Pay It Forward" Scholarship Program. Students can compete for the opportunity to win an apprenticeship experience with Steve Harvey, and a $5,000 educational scholarship. Runner-up winners will receive a $1,000 gift card.

The apprenticeship will include the opportunity to participate in the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program, including working with members of his team and learning what it takes to run the Steve Harvey Morning Show and Family Feud. They also will have the opportunity to meet and be mentored by Steve Harvey himself.

To apply, applicants can either nominate themselves or someone else. They have to complete a short application, and write an essay submission. The essay must not exceed 100 words in length (each question is limited to 50 words); and must be 100% true and original. In addition, all applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 21.

The program is just one of many offered by The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, which provides outreach to fatherless children and young adults, by promoting educational enrichment, one-on-one mentoring and global service initiatives that will cultivate the next generation of responsible leaders.

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• Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation Partners w/ Coca-Cola to Offer Exclusive Apprenticeships (Nominations Deadline, March 15)

Freddie Mac Becomes a BDPA Sponsor in Order to Recruit Diverse IT Talent

BDPA is very happy to announce the return of Freddie Mac as a corporate supporter!

The company agreed to purchase unlimited job posting access to our BDPA Job Board. They look to hire IT professionals from with the BDPA membership. To do so, our members need to ensure that they have a current resume uploaded to the BDPA Job Board!

Freddie Mac's public mission has been to provide liquidity, stability and affordability to the U.S. housing market in all parts of the country and in all economic conditions. Never has this mission been more important than today. Freddie Mac is supporting the nation's housing recovery, providing access to affordable home-ownership and rental housing, helping borrowers avoid foreclosure and stabilizing communities. Today Freddie Mac is making home possible for one in four home-buyers and is one of the largest sources of financing for multifamily housing.

Kudos to BDPA leaders Curtis Jenkins and Perry Carter for their help in bringing Freddie Mac back to the BDPA table after a 2-year absence!

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BDPA Legacy: Ollie Morgan (1944-2009)

BDPA Foundation Blog pauses to share memories of one of our fallen leaders, Ollie Morgan, who passed away on Monday, March 2, 2009 in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Ollie Morgan is a legend within the BDPA family. Ollie served on the national BDPA board of directors for a number of years as BDPA Chicago chapter president, national president and immediate past president. Over the past decade he was an author and photographer living out his dreams in New Mexico.

Ollie was a key player in the growth of corporate sponsorships. He created the concept known as 'Corporate Advisory Councils'. We now have active CACs in many of our larger and more successful chapters around the nation.

Ollie was the first to understand the importance of developing a 'return on investment' value proposition. Ollie's vision turned into the record-setting corporate sales revenue coming into the BDPA Chicago and National BDPA treasury since the mid-1990s.

Ollie was a prolific writer. His articles about BDPA regularly appeared in the National JOURNAL and the BDPA Chicago PROFESSIONAL newsletters.

I appreciate the powerful legacy of Ollie Morgan ... particularly in the 1993-1995 era. Ollie should be a future member of the BDPA Hall of Fame. For now, we honor him here on our blog.

Please share your memories of Ollie in the COMMENTS area below!

Top 10 BDPA Chapters (Membership, February 2014)

The lifeblood of any nonprofit association is its membership.  We are proud to announce that membership has grown for the 2nd straight month.  In fact, the total membership increased by 10% in the first two months of the year ... and up 52% from this time last year!  It appears that the BDPA 2.0 reset implemented by the new leadership team at the national level is making a difference.  Kudos to the National BDPA VP-Membership Management Adrienne Thomas and her team for leading this membership renaissance around the nation.

Dalric Webb

We want to take a moment to congratulate BDPA Cincinnati chapter for its remarkable spurt of membership growth in February 2014.  They moved up two spots in the national ranking to become the 3rd-largest chapter in the nation!  BDPA Cincinnati chapter president Dalric Webb was the chapter's VP-Membership Management last year.  Under his leadership the chapter has grown over 166% in the past 12 months!  The chapter is leveraging its corporate sponsors as part of its strategy to grow memberships.  Perhaps other chapters should take a look at what is going on in Cincinnati! 

We believe in the management maxim -- you get what you measure.  Let us assess the numbers in order to honor those local BDPA chapters who are demonstrating success in their efforts to recruit and retain members. Let's take a look at the ten largest chapters in BDPA-Nation:

1. Chicago - president, Reggie Rush
2. Washington DC - president, Perry Carter 
3. Cincinnati - president, Dalric Webb (up 2 spots from last month)
4. Philadelphia - president, Eileen Gadsden (down 1 spot)
5. Atlanta - president, Derrick Brown (down 1 spot)
6. New Jersey - president, Goldie Bonney
   
7. Los Angeles - president, John Malonson 
8. Dallas - president, Chad White
9. New York - president, Tyronne McKinney
10. Detroit - president, Beverly Moore

The leap in memberships for BDPA Cincinnati chapter means that we now have five chapters in the 'BDPA Century Club'! The benefit of having powerful leadership is obvious when we see that Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Washington DC each have over 100 members. One of the common denominators for each of these chapters is that they place a high premium on the delivery of quality programs and services to their members. These chapters work hard to ensure that there is a strong return on the $100 investment that each member makes thru annual dues.

What are your thoughts about the value of BDPA membership? What can your local chapter do to improve the value-proposition for you on a personal or professional level?

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• Top 10 BDPA Chapters (Membership, January 2014)
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BDPA Founder Earl Pace Asks, 'Is BDPA a Promise Unfulfilled?'

National BDPA founder Earl Pace was the guest speaker for BDPA Philadelphia chapter last month. His presentation revolved around the provocative question, 'Is BDPA a promised unfulfilled?'

 

Mr. Pace shared his personal story on how career limitations for African Americans in the 1970s led to the formation of BDPA. Mr. Pace provided advice on how to continue to build on the 40-year legacy of BDPA in America.

This is a 'must-see' video for all past, current and future BDPA members!



Comments?

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BDPA Corporate Supporter: CRS Group

Please join us in welcoming back CRS Group as a BDPA corporate supporter! They recently agreed to purchase corporate memberships, conference registrations and a small business table at recent BDPA Chicago chapter banquet. Very cool!

Our corporate champion for CRS Group is its chief executive officer - Michael Gaines. Our account manager for this corporate sale is Nashunda Bolden (Chicago).

Today was a good BDPA Day!

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Message from National BDPA President

Dr. Craig Brown

BDPA Family,

I am honored to be addressing you as National BDPA President. BDPA weathered the recession with the grit of its members, strong continuity of leadership, commitment to community and its dedicated sponsors that believe in the BDPA mission and vision. Because of that our brand is strong.

Today we are the largest African American Information Technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in STEM education across the country. As President I plan on growing the BDPA brand by putting an emphasis on gaining new membership and retention. The economic landscape is still very challenging, but as our organization changes with the times we can face new challenges and continue on a path to greater opportunity for all National BDPA stakeholders.

I propose the following main areas of focus:

1. First, increase national visibility to who we are and what we do. Showcase our success stories to help gain greater notoriety as a Brand offering solutions to the nations critical problem of skilled IT professionals and students who want to study STEM related subjects as collegiate students;
2. Second, increase our viability so that we can withstand economical shifts by staying relevant with solid programs and member value proposition. BDPA service offerings and member programs are the foundation to continuous success and are the basis for the organization Mission Statement;
3. Finally, increase the marketability of the BDPA brand. This should increase the demand for BDPA service offerings by driving more awareness about our organizations unique capabilities demonstrated for over the last 40 years.

Admittedly, this will not be easy. But nothing worthwhile ever is.

2014 National BDPA Board of Directors

I recognized up front that I needed to build a strong team. Without this, the vision that I have placed before you would not succeed. As a volunteer organization, the National Leadership Team needed to be strong enough to carry the workload of such a huge undertaking. I believe that I have accomplished this requirement. In addition to the elected officers that your delegates have selected to join the leadership team, I have added strong appointed officers that possess what it takes to accomplish the goals set by the vision that we are committed to.

Within the first 45 days of 2014 the BDPA Leadership Team has already laid out the road map for what is needed. The 1st Quarter Meeting produced outstanding plans that I believe will yield the production necessary to produce BDPA 2.0 (which is what we have 'nicknamed' what is coming soon). My goals are simple. Increase awareness to the BDPA Brand. The benefits are widespread. Vastly improve the BDPA membership 'value proposition' through improved services, stronger programs and collaborative initiatives.

Please visit the BDPA.org website and meet the National Leadership Team. Thanks for your support and I look forward to serving as your National President for 2014 & 2015.

Sincerely,
Dr. Craig Brown, president
National BDPA

BDPA Brotha' Tips: Growing Your Chapter with Speaking Engagements

I have been in BDPA since 1988. Some of y'all refer to me as the BDPA Brotha! One of the constant concerns that I hear expressed by most local chapters is that they are the 'best-kept secret' in their community and industry.

The more people that know about BDPA ... the more business you can get ... the more that you can grow your chapter. One way to boost your personal and professional image is through public speaking engagements. Be strategic about your process in accepting speaking engagements.

Don't use speaking engagements to make 'hard' commercials about your programs and services. Instead, you should focus on providing your audience with value that they can immediately understand and respect. Customize your presentation to fit the specific audience that you are talking to. Be passionate and knowledgeable about your speaking topic. Your audience will see your value and respond accordingly.

Here are some ways that you can prepare and locate speaking engagements to build your local chapter or business:

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• Alumni - Your involvement in college and university events may open the door to opportunities to speak to small groups. Also consider pointers from other alumni and business professionals who are active public speakers.
• Books - Take a moment to read 'Public Speaking for Dummies' by Malcolm Kushner.
• Friends and Family - Ask them to listen to you practice, but make sure they are brutally honest about your flow, technique and presentation. Have them list three things you did well and three things you can improve upon.
• National Speakers Association - Check out this website to see tips and resources for aspiring speakers. NSA is one of the leading professional associations for speakers with local chapters all over the nation.
• Speakers Bureau or Agent - If you are unable to manage the process yourself, a professional organization or agent can do it for you by booking engagements, negotiating fees and handling travel arrangements for a 'per project' or monthly fee. This may also open up speaking opportunities that you never knew about because you'll be in a database.
• Toastmasters - This nonprofit organization for beginning speakers (with local chapters worldwide) can help familiarize you with public speaking. Many of the speeches are given in front of members, and the organization also provides mentors for those looking to overcome presentation anxieties.

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I hope that these chapter marketing tips are helpful to you. Feel free to contact me by email or phone (513.284-4968) if you would like to discuss additional ways to market your nonprofit business.

In the meantime, I will continue to share these 'BDPA Brotha' tips on a semi-regular basis!

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