Author Archives: Amalia Martino

Retired Microsoft Partner Releases First Single and Embarks on Music Career

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 No Comments by Amalia Martino

After a twenty year career at Microsoft that skyrocketed him from an entry level lab engineer position to retire as a partner from the company, George A. Santino embarks on an encore career in music. He has recorded a full-length album of Frank Sinatra covers in his own unique crooner style; “That’s Life” the first single from the forthcoming album “Come Fly With Me” (May 15, 2012) is now available on iTunes.

A natural voice and a love for performing since a young age, George A. Santino decided early on that providing for his family was more important than fulfilling his musical passion. Now, with children in college and a successful career behind him, George is free to pursue the path he has always wanted.

“My wife keeps reminding me that I am retired but with voice lessons, recording sessions and now a music video shoot in the works, it certainly doesn’t feel like it. Besides having a heck of a schedule this music stuff is pretty fun,” says George.

About George A. Santino

George A. Santino is a Seattle-area singer, writer and motivational speaker who is making the most of his second career by embracing his passion for performing and storytelling. Recently retiredfrom a fulfilling career at Microsoft, George has left the rat race for the Rat Pack. His debut album “Come Fly with Me” is a collection of Frank Sinatra covers in George’s own crooner style. In addition to music, George is working on his memoirs which tells his story of
getting knocked down multiple times but always getting back up. Born in Philadelphia, PA to a family struggling to provide and growing up in a housing project where poverty and violence had a profound effect on his upbringing, George learned early on that he had to work hard to get ahead; he has a uniquely American story to tell.

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Black Stax Celebrates Freehold Theatre’s 20th Anniversary with Performance at Homecoming Event, September 24th in Seattle

Tuesday, September 13, 2011 No Comments by Amalia Martino

Seattle, WA /September 13, 2011 – Black Stax, the avant-garde of Seattle hip hop that recently performed for the Western Arts Alliance Conference at the Hard Rock Cafe and continues it’s support for the Seattle art community as music guests at Freehold’s 20th Anniversary Homecoming on Saturday, September 24 at Washington Hall, located at:

153 14th Avenue
Seattle, 98122

Festivities begin at 7:30 pm / This is a 21+ show.
RSVP at Brown Paper Tickets.

The special evening includes complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, Freehold Memories Story Slam moderated by Daemond Arrindell and dance floor celebration with musical guests Black Stax.

About Black Stax

As the avant-garde of Seattle hip-hop and “displaying soulful depth and thought-provoking messages like modern-day prophets,” according to the Jazz Music Examiner, Black Stax makes creative, challenging and emotional music with an injection of hip hop and 70s-era soul. The group is comprised of MCs Silas Blak and Jace ECAj and vocalist Felicia Loud and they’ve been featured in The Stranger, The Examiner, Publicola.com and national publication DEFT Magazine for their recently released debut album Talking Buildings, which is an eclectic, urban mix. The Seattle Weekly says, “In a genre where, more than any other, you need to bring it differently or bring it better, Black Stax have simply done it better.” A collaboration that works, Black Stax successfully blends musical genres and attracts a varied and supportive following. Learn more at www.blackstax.com

About Freehold

Freehold Theatre Lab Studio is a center for the practice of theatre and was founded in the fall of 1991. The Theatre Lab provides a forum for experimentation by professionals, the development of new performance material, and the rediscovery of classics. The Lab enables artists to explore new work – and new ways of working – in order to forge a deeper connection between actor and audience, self and community, life and art. Learn more at http://www.freeholdtheatre.org

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G.E.D Releases Debut Single “Don’t Call It Pop,” Now Available on iTunes

Thursday, September 8, 2011 No Comments by Amalia Martino

New York, NY /September 9, 2011 – The New York-based music collective G.E.D releases their debut single “Don’t Call It Pop,” which is now available on iTunes, as well as accompanying music video directed by Cyril Mahe.

G.E.D. prefers to use the term “group” loosely. Rather, the constant need to create, refine and express their musical inspirations led them to co-op their individual talents in order to create something bigger than themselves. The high energy and genre leaping G.E.D. is made up of vocalists, MCs, composers, producers and engineers. From Dance and Hip Hop to traditional Salsa, each have had musical successes in their own right – from reaching the top of the Billboard charts to receiving a grant from Bronx Council of the Arts – and have something unique to contribute.

G.E.D. members include: two members from the Billboard Top Ten Hip Hop group T-Weaponz, one who crossed over to compose and perform for the Billboard Top Five Dance group Maniacalm; Izzy Ill and Dzilla got their musical chops being mentored by big brother and internationally renowned DJ on SiriusXM’s Shady 45, Tony Touch; Chica, who’s last project was produced with a great from the Bronx Council of the Arts; and Leonardo Lara and Eddie Fingaz, who have collaborated with many popular artists and has been seen at many popular venues around town.

G.E.D. Music

Not unlike the high-school equivalent degree, G.E.D. approaches success from a non-traditional angle. Rejecting the industry push to create stand alone singles, G.E.D is committed to the true aim of music: to evoke emotion and transport the listener to another place and time. “Our music is the sensation you feel on your taste buds when fluffy cotton candy becomes liquid in your mouth – substantial but changing form,” smiles Chica, G.E.D.’s font woman and vocalist. “Our catalog includes the emotion everyone experiences in their day to day lives. Not pretentious or overly shiny, just real,” adds Edward Gonzales.

Nevertheless, finicky commercial radio has embraced the debut project from G.E.D. “Don’t Call It Pop” (Championship Multimedia, 2011) is the first song from a comprehensive album due later this year, has been hitting the airwaves on Chicago’s 103.5 Kiss FM, Denver’s Hot 107.1, Honolulu’s 102.7 Da Bomb and Mobile, Alabama’s 93 BLX.

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Fashion Network-Seattle Hosts Haute Summer Night: Fashion on the Boardwalk, Showing Local Designers from Swimwear to Daywear and Lingerie on Friday, June 24 in SODO

Thursday, June 9, 2011 No Comments by Amalia Martino

Fashion Network-Seattle will host Haute Summer Night: Fashion on the Boardwalk fashion show on Friday, June 24 at the SODO Commerce Building located at 66th S. Hanford Street, Seattle, WA 98134. Doors at 7:00 and show at 8:00 p.m. with celebration to follow.

The runway show will include local designers (full bios follow) including: Heidi Fish, acclaimed fashion designer who delivers cutting edge, fashion forward swim apparel seen in the pages of Sports Illustrated; Ana Louie, a line of beautifully tailored dresses and separates for sophisticated young ladies sizes 7 to 14; Rene Ropas by Morgan Carson, historically inspired women’s daywear made from vintage and recycled fabric; and Suite No. 237, locally manufactured high-end fun and irreverent lingerie. The Coney Island-inspired event will also feature VIP cabanas, games, cocktails, appetizers and a carnival atmosphere.

Presented by Neuro Drinks, the night is also sponsored by local online shoe retailer OnlineShoes.com, Verizon Wireless, Yelp.com, 24 Seven, Pearl Vodka, IKEA, Dunn Lumber, DaMa Wines, and Emerald City Beer, among others. Additional companies are donating items for the gift bags, which will be provided to VIP ticket-holders and the first 100 general admission guests. A portion of the proceeds will benefit, Sew Beautiful a local 501 c3 non-profit and youth empowerment organization that teaches sewing technique and aims to build self-esteem in young women, broaden their creative minds and empower their true beauty within.

Tickets are available at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1697742995/efblike
General Admission: $75.00 / 18+. VIP Cabanas: $600.00. Cabanas include 6 tickets to event and private, front row VIP Cabana, as well as bottle service and access to exclusive VIP bar. Cabanas are 21+ only.

About Fashion Network-Seattle

Fashion Network-Seattle exposes Seattle’s fashion industry by promoting and profiling local designers, photographers, models and other industry professionals, as well as local boutiques; covering local fashion events such as fashion and trunk shows and store openings; creating original editorial content around fashion and beauty; and offering an in-depth fashion calendar.

Designer Biographies

Ana Louie
http://analouieapparel.com/

Ana Louie is a line of beautifully tailored dresses and separates for sophisticated young ladies sizes 7 to 14. The line was inspired by founder’s eight year old daughter, Ana, whose eye for style emerged very early and whose drawings have been realized with fine materials and impeccable construction. The line debuts with the 1950’s Parisian-inspired, Ana Louie Holiday 2011 Collection, which includes ten pieces and is a confident array of beautiful dresses, ruffled collars, and tailored coats.

Behind the beautiful pieces and at the core of Ana Louie is a socially-conscious and China-focused mission. Ana was adopted from Yong Feng, Jiangxi Province China and today so much of the garments we love are manufactured close to her birthplace.

Heidi Fish
http://www.heidifish.com

Acclaimed fashion designer Heidi Fish has always prided herself on delivering cutting edge, fashion forward swim apparel. She follows current street fashion and accessory trends yet takes them a step further in her designs. “The fun part for me is creating design concepts then interpreting them as more than just a swimsuit. My suits are outfits. They’re a fashion statement that can be worn on or off the beach…a little exotic, a lot cutting edge.” She is a mother of five son’s who had a dream. Fish started her business in her kitchen. She than took her swimsuits and sold them off the beach near her home.

Currently her design studio, showroom and production is still done in house. Fish has vision, she is self taught. Her patterns and tailored cuts offer many unique styles. She shops the smaller specialty clothing Mills and chooses high quality European fabrics to produce her line.” The true key to my success has been understanding my clienteles’ style and flair, further recognizing that I need to develop my own brand and to market it accordingly.

Rene Ropas by Morgan Carson
http://reneropas.com/

Rene Ropas is located in the beautiful Belltown neighborhood on Western and Vine, where you will find alluring and unique handpicked vintage waiting to be modernized at the hands of the amazing stylist team to embody the feeling of being beautiful, inspired and unstoppable in every place of your life. Rene Ropas also carries the in house line made from vintage and recycled fabric in a way you would never believe it was recycled. The line is fresh and innovative with a historical twist. Rene Ropas line is designed by Morgan Carson, who always in incorporated traditionally non fashionable textiles to push what we believe to be fashionable and insure unstoppableness in every client and anyone who comes in contact with Rene Ropas. A little over a year old, the brand is growing fast and plans to take on big challenges with a ferocious appetite for the impossible and be a cause for greatness.

Suite No. 237 by Sally Kathren

Suite No. 237 embodies a place where a woman feels sexy from the inside out. Our lingerie is intended to be worn under clothes or as outerwear/ evening wear. The Suite No. 237 customer is fun, irreverent, and has the confidence to wear lingerie as a part of her everyday wardrobe in a way that reflects her own personal style. The focus of the line is on daywear — ranging from bras to panties and garter belts with a revival of bed jackets and other novel garments from past decades given a fresh, modern treatment.
Our garments are made of the finest fabrics and laces from all over the world, including France, Japan, China, Korea and the United States – and manufactured locally.

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University of Washington’s Verónica Quintero Crowned Miss Hispanic Seafair 2011

Friday, May 27, 2011 No Comments by Amalia Martino

Seattle, WA / March 26, 2011 – The Miss Hispanic Seafair Scholarship Program crowned and awarded scholarships to their queen and her court last week during a special ceremony at the Fisher Plaza Studio.   Veronica Quintero will serve as Miss Hispanic Seafar 2011 – 2012 and her court includes: Isabella Figueroa (First Runner-Up), Viviana Peñaranda (Second Runner Up) and Brenda Barrios (Third Runner Up).

As Miss Hispanic Seafair 2011-2012, University of Washington’s Veronica Quintero will receive a $5,000 college scholarship and will be expected to represent the Hispanic Community at the Miss Seafair Scholarship Program for Women, attend various Hispanic events & festivals throughout the year, serve as a mentor to future candidates for Miss Hispanic Seafair 2012 and beyond and as a positive role model for all communities alike.  She will also continue to grow her platform “Veronica’s Challenge: 11 Years of Hope.”  Ms. Quintero’s inspiring community platform represents the one year she underwent cancer treatment and the ten years she has been cancer free;  Miss Quintero will have completed eleven community service projects at the end of this year.  In addition to being crowned, Miss Quintero was also awarded for the Best Community Service Platform, Best Interview and Social Media Maven, as well as placed in the top three for Best Creative Expression.

Photo Courtesy of Studio Seven

“Winning the Miss Hispanic Seafair title is an incredible blessing that I plan to utilize to educate, inspire and inform my community about the issues that need to be addressed. One of the main topics I plan on addressing is that of the importance of pursuing a post-secondary education,” says Veronica Quintero.

Isabella Figueroa, a senior at Interlake High School in Bellevue, was crowned 1st Runner Up and will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Blanca Torres Memorial Fund.  Ms. Figueroa also won the Highest GPA Award for High School Students and the People’s Choice $100 award.

Second Runner Up, Viviana Peñaranda who attends Highline Community College, will receive $200 from an anonymous donor and additional $200 for Winning People’s Choice Awards, and also received the Creative Expression award, the HSO Spirit Award, and was in the top 5 for the Social Media Maven.

Third Runner Up, another University of Washington student, Brenda Barrios also received a People’s Choice $100 Award, and was a guest weather anchor on Univision KUNS-TV Seattle for one week.

Other award recipients include:

Dulce Zamora – Top 8 & Won Highest GPA for College/University Level
Brenda Arellano – Miss Congeniality & People’s Choice $100 Award
Maria Laura Parra – Social Media Maven Top 5, People’s Choice $100 Award
Michelle Pinales – Top 8
Victoria Sifuentes – Top 8
Danae Del Rio – Top 8 & People’s Choice $100 Award
Aileen Mata – Social Media Maven Top 5

“I was honored to be able to work with and mentor twelve outstanding young ladies.  They have been working hard for months and I am proud of them all, but most of all I’m proud that they each left with a smile on their face, and happy for the winner,” says Michelle Font, who is the director of the program and knows first hand the benefits of scholarship pageants as she served as Miss Washington 2008 while attending the University of Washington, which has led to a career as an engineer at Boeing.

The entire Miss Hispanic Seafair court will be in attendance at the Hispanic Seafair Festival on Sunday, July 31st at the Seattle Center and the winner and runner up of the Creative Expression Award, Miss Peñaranda and Miss Barrios, will be perform for the crowd.

About Hispanic Seafair Organization

The Hispanic Seafair Organization (HSO) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the advancement and education of Hispanic women and representing the Hispanic community during Seattle’s Seafair celebration and throughout the year.

HSO provides college scholarships to qualifying young women, and has celebrated Seafair the Latin way at the annual Hispanic Seafair Festival at Seward Park, since 1980.  This year’s festival will be held July 31, 2011 at the Seattle Center.  It is a free event, which includes a full day of Latin music, dance, and arts and crafts, and an opportunity to sample diverse regional cuisines.

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Jessica Felman to Perform at the Rose City Rocks Music Festival, Saturday, May 21, Pasadena

Wednesday, May 11, 2011 No Comments by Amalia Martino

Pasadena-native and singer/songwriter Jessica Felman, who recently performed at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip, will play at the Rose City Rocks Music Festival in Pasadena, California on Saturday, May 21st at 8pm on the Old Towne Pub Band Stage. She joins a line up that includes Fools Paradise, Chop Suzy, Glen Iris, Die Fast and Lady Sinatra.

Rose City Rocks Old Towne Pub Stage is located at:

66 North Fair Oaks Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91103-3610

Doors at 5pm/Show at 8pm/21+
Tickets are $8 and can be purchased online or at The Old Towne Pub in Pasadena.

Jessica Felman and band will perform songs from her new EP “Starting Over,” which has been featured on All Things Girl, The Country Site, The Female Musicians Daily, and University of Miami Alumni News. The title song has played on KBCO 97.3 FM, KBHR 93.3 FM, WBOR 91.1 FM, and Much Ado About Nothing radio show.

“I’m very excited to once again play the Rose City Rocks Music Festival. Not only do I enjoy sharing my music with everyone, but it’s a great opportunity to check out other artists too.” says Jessica.

About Jessica Felman

Daughter of the California sun and a scholar of music, Jessica Felman creates folk music that incorporates elements of rock and pop to produce a raw sound that’s all her own. Guitar in hand, she’s reminiscent of a youthful Sheryl Crow and at the piano, she displays the sultry purr of Norah Jones paired with the raw strength and sentiment of Alanis Morrisette and charm of Michelle Branch.

About Rose City Rocks

Rose City Rocks Music Fest is an annual music festival held in May of each year in the heart of Old Towne Pasadena. In recent years it has from a single day multi band event to having showcased over 80 bands in 2010 over 5 days and 4 stages. All Stages neighbor each other located within the same block between Union and Holly streets in Old Town Pasadena at Fair Oaks. All Rose City Rocks Stages and Film screenings are 21+ and require a purchase of a daily wristband. You can purchase daily wristbands at The Old Towne Pub best entered down the alley at 23 E. Holly Street Pasadena, CA 91103. Discounted event passes will be available for purchase online by following the store link and will be available for purchase in May at The Old Towne Pub.

Last year’s festival saw the addition of The Rose City ArtWalk presented by The Majestical Roof. The Rose City Artwalk is a collection of vendors and exhibitors offering unique locally crafted non-mass produced products and artwork.

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Miss Hispanic Seafair Scholarship Program Crowns Their Queen, Saturday, May 21st at Fisher Plaza Studio in Seattle

Thursday, May 5, 2011 No Comments by Amalia Martino

Miss Hispanic Seafair Promotes Academics, Community Service and Leadership;  Provides Collegiate Scholarships

The Miss Hispanic Seafair Scholarship Program will announce their queen and her court as well as speciality awards, and present college scholarships at the 2011 Coronation Event, Saturday, May 21 at Fisher Plaza Studio, located at 140 Fourth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98109.  Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and ceremony runs 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

This evening is open to the public and tickets are $20.00 – $35.00 and available at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1656100441.  All funds raised from ticket sales will be added to the scholarship fund.

“We have twelve young ladies who have been working hard for months and are very much looking forward to the coronation.  They are all exceptional and well deserving.  The program will have the traditional evening wear as well as interview portion, and finally our queen will be decided by the judges,” explains Michelle Font, director of the program.  Ms. Font knows first hand the benefits of scholarship pageants, she served as Miss Washington 2008 while attending the University of Washington, which has lead to a career as an engineer at Boeing.

Annette Morecraft, publicist at biscuit 8; Angelina Kayyalaynen, Miss Washington USA 2011; Chelsea Rogers, Miss Washington DC USA 2008 and founder of Brains & Beauties Pageant and Lifestyle Consulting; Jeff Lang, former Sony Music Producer; and Albert Torres, CEO and publisher of Tú Decides Newspaper, will judge and decide the queen.

About Hispanic Seafair Organization

The Hispanic Seafair Organization (HSO) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the advancement and education of Hispanic women and representing the Hispanic community during Seattle’s Seafair celebration and throughout the year.

HSO provides college scholarships to qualifying young women, and has celebrated Seafair the Latin way at the annual Hispanic Seafair Festival at Seward Park, since 1980.  This year’s festival will be held July 31, 2011 at the Seattle Center.  It is a free event, which includes a full day of Latin music, dance, and arts and crafts, and an opportunity to sample diverse regional cuisines.

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Seattle’s R&B/Pop Duo Steelo Release New EP Neon Grey and Promotes with California Shows over Cinco de Mayo Weekend

Monday, May 2, 2011 No Comments by Amalia Martino

Seattle-based R&B/pop/hip-hop duo Steelo releases a new collection of original music in the new EP Neon Grey and follows with shows in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle.

Neon Grey includes the intra-continental collaboration “My Queen”, which was recently heard on KUBE 93.3’s Sound Session, Chicago’s KISS 103.5 and New Jersey’s Mix 1620; “Roller Coster” produced by Happy Perez whose noted for his work with Baby Bash and Miguel’s “Sure Thing”; as well as three other R&B influenced urban and pop tracks.   Steelo will hit the road to promote the new EP with shows in San Francisco and Los Angeles, including 330 Rich, Horizon’s and Ecco Lounge, and return to Seattle for a Japan Benefit show on May 15th at Fremont’s White Rabbit.

Steelo is comprised of MC A.Uno, who is Iranian and Mexican and is known for delivering rhymes in English, Spanish and Farsi, and singer Bobby K, who’s noted for his musical range and smooth delivery.  Steelo released their debut album “Music” in 2009, which was recently signed to Toyko-based P-Vine records and re-released in Japan.  The group has appeared on the National Sneaker Pimps Tour, the largest traveling hip hop lifestyle and sneaker exhibition in the world, sponsored by Xbox and Verizon Wireless; at Seattle Fashion Week, and a BMI showcase at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood, which aired as part of a special on NBC Mun2’s “One Nation Under Hip Hop.”

Learn more at www.steelomusic.com

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Daughter of the California Sun and Scholar of Music, Jessica Felman Releases Debut EP “Starting Over,” Available on iTunes

Monday, April 4, 2011 No Comments by Amalia Martino

Singer/songwriter Jessica Felman, who played an EP release show at the Cat Club on the Sunset Strip last week, releases her professional debut EP “Starting Over,” which was recorded with Juvenal Juarez at J2 Studios in Sherman Oaks, CA and is available on iTunes.

“I’m proud to say I’ve poured my heart and soul into this EP, and I’m excited to be sharing this life changing experience. The music and lyrics take you through the ups and downs of life, providing the hope and inspiration of Starting Over.” says Jessica.

Daughter of the California sun and a scholar of music, Jessica Felman creates folk music that incorporates elements of rock and pop to produce a raw sound that’s all her own. Guitar in hand, she’s reminiscent of a youthful Sheryl Crow and at the piano; she displays the sultry purr of Norah Jones; paired with the raw strength and sentiment of Alanis Morrisette and charm of Michelle Branch.

Jessica attend the University of Miami where her carefully crafted music career started with a degree in voice and music business.

“I chose to postpone my music career in order to finish school and was very serious with my studies.  So much so that I graduated with honors.  I’m at a point that I’m very proud of the work and passion I put into my music,” shares Jessica

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Seattle’s R&B/Pop Duo Steelo Will Appear on KUBE 93.3’s Sound Session this Sunday, April 3rd with DJ Hyphen and J. Moore

Thursday, March 31, 2011 No Comments by Amalia Martino

Seattle-based R&B/pop/hip-hop duo Steelo, who’s urban love song “My Queen” recently hit the Seattle airwaves, will be interviewed by DJ Hyphen and J. Moore on KUBE 93.3’s, “Sound Session,” this Sunday, April 3, at 10:45 pm.

“My Queen” is an intra-continental collaboration that started with a beat by San Francisco’s Freddy Stylez, followed by lyrics and vocals provided by Seattle’s Steelo and New York’s Izreal Medina, and finally arranged by Seattle producer Illoquint. It is the first single off of their forthcoming EP “Neon Gray,” which will be released on May 3, 2011.

“‘My Queen’ celebrates the women in our lives. They are our Queens! It’s been a group effort and those around us have really rallied to help us promote. We’re thrilled that now we get to share our work with our hometown.” says A.Uno of Steelo.

Steelo is comprised of MC A.Uno, who is Iranian and Mexican and is known for delivering rhymes in English, Spanish and Farsi, and singer Bobby K, who’s noted for his musical range and smooth delivery. Steelo released their debut album “Music” in 2009, which was recently signed to Toyko-based P-Vine records and re-released in Japan. The group has appeared on the National Sneaker Pimps Tour, the largest traveling hip hop lifestyle and sneaker exhibition in the world, sponsored by Xbox and Verizon Wireless; at Seattle Fashion Week, and a BMI showcase at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood, which aired as part of a special on NBC Mun2’s “One Nation Under Hip Hop.”

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