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Oct

2017

Argentina: A Sellebrity Special Report

This article originally appeared in Sellebrity, Volume 1, Number 1.

Argentina is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest countries to visit and an important destination when it comes to luxury travel. With an abundance of culture, amazing architecture and some of the world’s most incredible wines, Argentina offers something special around each corner. Having the honor to experience Argentina in my travels to Buenos Aires and Mendoza with famed winery owner and friend Marcello Victoria, of Achaval Ferrer, I found a myriad of different hotels, restaurants and wineries that offered their own luxury travel experience. Join me through my travels and experience my top picks that Argentina has to offer.

WHERE TO STAY – – –

Park Hyatt Buenos Aires – Located in the fashionable Recoleta shopping and residential district on Avenida Alvear, the hotel integrates the city’s historical past and its innovative modern design with ultramodern comforts. Highlighted with beautiful gardens, the Park Hyatt offers a stunning array of sights and experiences along with the renowned graciousness and impeccable service. Learn more at buenosaires.park.hyatt.com.

Faena Hotel Buenos Aires – The “it” hotel of Puerto Madero is a converted warehouse that features a Philippe Starck-designed red driven interior located minutes away from both the Rio de la Plata and the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur. Feana is a unique luxury hotel that offers something for everyone with a distinct bistro, a library bar and a cabaret venue with the famous Rojo Tango Show. Other amenities include an outdoor pool lined with red lounge chairs, a spa, an elegant ballroom and an attached arts center. With walls of captivating red velvet, Faena Hotel Buenos Aires is an alluring adventure of seductive elements giving guests a one of kind experience. Learn more at faena.com.

The Vines of Mendoza – Nestled at the base of the Andes in Mendoza’s prestigious Uco Valley, The Vines of Mendoza offers an experience of the finest wines, glorious terrain and spacious private villas. Staying at The Vines Resort & Spa is a beautiful and balanced experience with a unique and rustic luxury.

Foodies rejoice and feast on the culinary excellence of famed chef, Francis Mallmann and his signature open-flame cooking at Siete Fuegos. Siete Fuegos offers true Argentinian flare and sets the stage for an array of paired wines that have been strategically curated.

What sets The Vines apart from other resorts are the Private Vineyards. Work side-by-side with world-renowned consulting winemaker Santiago Achaval and the vineyards talented team to make your custom small-batch one of a kind wines from your own vineyard on the property. Learn more at vinesresortandspa.com.

Cavas Wine Lodge Mendoza – The first lodge of its kind in South America, Cavas Wine Lodge offers guests a serene portrait that only Mendoza can offer and the legendary wine growing region at the base of the Andes. Cavas Wine Lodge is a luxurious boutique property hidden between top wineries and the beautiful Andes Mountain range and offers spacious villas, an amazing spa and vineyard lined walk ways that create a story like maze.

Guests will be taken on a culinary adventure by Executive Chef Leo Najle creating the most exquisite ever changing menu, organically grown and harvested dishes are paired with wines from the wine cellar hidden underneath the resort. Learn more at cavaswinelodge.com.

WHERE TO DINE & ENTERTAIN – – –

Don Julio – This Palermo Soho steakhouse is a must if ever traveling to Buenos Aires that serves choice cuts from their neighboring hidden butchery steps away from the restaurant. This rustic style and family owned warm and inviting gem serves the most memorable meats for which Argentina is known. With a paired marriage of Argentinian beef and wine, Don Julio takes you on a rustic culinary journey like no other. With the famous open kitchen, guests are given full access to view impeccable cuts of meat, marbled to perfection and season by the historic grills that speak volumes to the success of Don Julio. A note of advice, come with an empty stomach and time to truly experience Argentinean food at its best. Learn more at parrilladonjulio.com.ar.

Rojo Tango Show – Faena Hotel Buenos Aires draws fashionable crowds to Puerto Madero with its famed Rojo Tango show at El Cabaret. With internationally acclaimed dancers, Rojo Tango is the top performance that pairs amazing food, service and artistic musical journey performed by premier dancers, singers and musicians that have been acclaimed as some of Argentina’s best. Learn more at rojotango.com.

WHERE TO WINE – – –

Matervini – A trip to Mendoza would not be complete without experiencing wines crafted by Argentinean legends and winemakers Santiago Achaval and Roberto Cipresso. In 2008 Matervini was born, and like all wines designed by these pioneers, challenged the different geology of the country.

With traditional winemaking and new sustainable practices Matervini leads the way in creating unique wines that stand alone with personality and tells a story that only its winemakers can.
Seasoned wine lovers looking for unique labels should look no further as the boutique winery produces some of the best forward thinking wines coming from Lujan de Cuyo. Learn more at matervini.com.

Familia Zuccardi – Since being founded in 1963 by Alberto Zuccardi, three generations have produced some of the top high-end wines from Mendoza. The Zuccardi family is known for their commitment to environmentally high quality wines.

With great wines comes an equally unforgettable culinary experience at the winery. First class service creates the story of food and wine that is as beautiful as the winery itself. Learn more at zuccardiwines.com.

Finca La Luz – Located in Valle de Uco, Finca la Luz lies at the base of the Andes Mountain Range and is a known for the large portfolio of high-end wines that have a unique personality and class. The family winery is a great visit for the luxury traveler that appreciates a wide range of the wines. Built in 1969, Finca La Luz stands as the oldest winery in Valle de Uco. Learn more at fincalaluz.com.ar.

Finca Don Duilio – Located in the Pedernal which is in the Southwest province of San Juan, Finca Don Duilio boasts a special family winery experience you’ll never forget. The family history has led the winery to develop its wines in a charming and magical environment ideal for growing vines. Unlike many winery experiences, you’ll walk the vineyards with the amazing family that welcomes you with open arms and brings love and laughter to your experience.

Take the drive and rent a helicopter out and enjoy wines, savor delicious dishes designed for lunch or dinner in a Valle Encantado, and take the opportunity to stay with Finca Don Duilio for the night in the spacious and unique guest rooms for the whole family or with friends and enjoy an incomparable view that awaits you. Every element to your experience gives you a look into the history that has made the winery so special and the wines which bring the story together. Learn more at graffignayanzon.com.

La Giostra Del Vino – I had the wonderful experience to meet and taste wines with Giuseppe Franceschini, the winemaker responsible for La Giostra Del Vino and one of the most amazing Chardonnay’s I’ve tasted in my time in the wine industry. Giuseppe brings an amazing blend of Old and New World philosophies to his winemaking, and integrates his experience in travel from all of the great regions in which he has made wine. With an array of cultural influences and unique way in winemaking Giuseppe creates wines that are true art. Learn more at lagiostradelvino.com.

Achaval Ferrer – Since the time it was founded, the wine cellar has pursued a path strongly marked by its philosophy and vision. Its Italian roots, given by Robert Cipresso himself, have been a pivotal contribution as an ideological foundation, which has been strengthened by bringing on and curating a growing vision by President & CEO Silvio Alberto.

Some stand out wines to experience are Quimera and Finca Bella Vista. These distinctive and unforgettable wines have an unmistakable mark of excellence one must experience. With years of staying true to the vineyards and the soils, Achaval Ferrer crafts wines that are pure perfection. Learn more at achaval-ferrer.com.

JA! Wine Shop – In the heart of Palermo Soho you’ll find JA Wine Shop, but more importantly you’ll find owner Joaquin Alberdi who is dedicated to show the great wines of Argentina like no other. With weekly samplings, the best cheeses and hospitality, JA! boasts the largest selections of Argentine Wine and more than 500 labels of large wineries and different terroirs. With a smile bigger than Argentina, Joaquin leaves a lasting warm impression and a storybook palate of wines. Learn more at lodejoaquinalberdi.com.

Destino Argentina – With pride and love for Argentina, Destino Argentino organized this recent trip to show the potential for luxury travel throughout Buenos Aires & Mendoza. Destino Argentina brings together 170+ leading companies in the country and, since 2003, has focused on international promotion of Argentina to awaken interest and make the country a premier destination for luxury travel. Learn more at destinoargentina.com.ar.

Oct

2017

Streaming the 2017 Emmy Nominees

This article originally appeared in Sellebrity, Volume 1, Number 1.

The nominations for the 69th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards have just been announced, but with so many shows currently on the air, it can be difficult to watch all of them. Luckily, more and more shows are available to stream on various platforms. Below are some highlights of this year’s Emmy-nominated shows and where they can be streamed.

Atlanta
Where to Stream: FX (Hulu in 2018)

This freshman comedy, created by writer, actor and musician Donald Glover is the only new comedy to be nominated this year and it is easy to understand why. Glover captivates the audience as a struggling father living in Atlanta. At the show’s beginning, Earn (Glover) is working a dead-end job at the airport when he attempts to manage the burgeoning music career of his cousin Alfred who goes by the name “Paper Boi” (Brian Tyree Henry). Throughout the series, there are subtle yet intelligent cultural critiques, including an episode that presents the audience with a black Justin Bieber. Atlanta is nominated for 6 Emmys.

Big Little Lies
Where to Stream: HBO Go

Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Australian author Liane Moriarty, the HBO limited series Big Little Lies delves into the seemingly perfect upscale beach town of Monterey, California. The story follows the lives of four women as they navigate raising children and struggle with their romantic relationships while also delivering a juicy murder mystery. The show, nominated for 16 Emmys, raises questions of perfection, parenting and marriage while also examining the complexities of female friendship and stars Academy Award winning actresses, Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman along with a stellar cast that delivers incredible performances each episode.

Black Mirror
Where to Stream: Netflix

This British science fiction show was revived by Netflix in 2016 after being off the air for two years. Each episode focuses on a different cast and setting, all of whom live in a futuristic society that shows audiences the dark side of technology and a life defined by it. The Emmy nominated episode titled “San Junipero” stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Mackenzie Davis as two women falling in love while vacationing in a virtual world. The series attempts, successfully to examine modern society through an exaggerated society. Black Mirror is nominated for 3 Emmys.

Fargo
Where to Stream: Hulu

Nominated for 16 Emmys, this dark comedy crime drama is still going strong. Based on the Coen Brothers’ Academy Award-winning film of the same name, Fargo wrapped its third season in June and audiences are hoping a fourth is in the cards. Enlisting a new cast each season, Fargo focuses on the lives of different residents each season dealing with a new murder. The show depicts a different year each season, being set in 2006 in Season 1 and in 1979 in Season 2. With twists, turns and quirky characters, Fargo will not only keep your attention; it will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Crown
Where to Stream: Netflix

Based on the award-winning play by showrunner Peter Morgan, The Crown recounts the life of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940s to modern times. Nominated for 13 Emmys, including Best Drama & Best Actress for Claire Foy who plays Queen Elizabeth II, The Crown delivers precision in detail and an excellent script that focuses on truth rather than speculative history. The show is expected to run for 6 seasons and delves into each stage of the queen’s life, including romances & political rivalries. Each season is dedicated to a decade of The Queen’s reign and has been nothing short of captivating.

The Handmaid’s Tale
Where to Stream: Hulu

Based on Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name, The Handmaid’s Tale is set in the fictional totalitarian society of Gilead. Once part of the United States, Gilead is ruled by a regime that has made women property of the state. Gilead is also plagued with quickly decreasing birth rates and environmental disasters. Due to these circumstances, the last remaining fertile women are forced into sexual servitude. One of these women is Offred (Elizabeth Moss), who is determined not to let her situation break her and to find her way back to her daughter. The critically acclaimed drama is nominated for 13 Emmys.

The Night Of
Where to Stream: HBO Go

With 13 nominations including best actor nominations for both Riz Ahmed and John Turturro, The Night Of is a must-see. The HBO limited series tells the story of Pakistani-American college student Nasir “Naz” Khan, whose fun night out takes a tragic turn when a young woman he meets is found dead. As Naz waits for his arraignment, he must learn to trust his attorney (Turturro) and figure out how to survive on Rikers Island.

This Is Us
Where to Stream: Hulu

With its back-to-basics focus on family, This Is Us was the top rated new show of the year. This Is Us follows a group of people, most of whom have the same birthday, as they navigate parenthood, marriage, and sibling relationships. This group of seemingly random individuals are revealed to be intertwined in unexpected ways. This is a no-frills family drama with heart and will remind viewers of shows like Parenthood and Friday Night Lights. You will shed tears and laugh out loud, and by the end, you will understand why This Is Us has captivated audiences and earned itself 11 Emmy nominations.

Silicon Valley
Where to Stream: HBO Go

Silicon Valley follows computer programmer Richard (Thomas Middleditch) and his friends as they chase their dreams and attempt to find success in Silicon Valley. The group of friends live together in a startup incubator run by millionaire Erlich Bachman (T.J. Miller), who allows the group to live in his house rent-free in exchange for a stake in the projects. When Richard figures out an algorithm, the group must figure out, in a series of hilarious events, how to monetize it and strike gold in the high-tech gold rush. Recently rapping in its fourth season in June, the show is still holding strong and is nominated for 10 Emmys this year.

The 69th Primetime Emmy Awards will be held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, CA on September 17th.

Oct

2017

Raging Bull: Lamborghini’s Huracán Performante

This article originally appeared in Sellebrity, Volume 1, Number 1.

When something new arrives that can’t be pinned down by existing labels or categories, it’s time to create some new words; such was the case in 1966 when Lamborghini introduced the curvaceous Miura. With a revolutionary mid-engined layout, aggressively flamboyant styling by Bertone graduate Marcello Gandini and an unheard-of top speed of 174 mph, the Miura was more than just the fastest car in the world. It was the world’s first supercar.

The Miura was the opening salvo in the Ferrari vs. Lamborghini battle for exotic car supremacy that continues to this day, and without the market created by this new genre of luxury toy, there would be no Pagani, MacLaren, Koenigsegg or Bugatti supercars today.

But while Lamborghinis have always been quick, their wild styling and bull-in-china-shop attitude gradually became higher engineering priorities than handling, refinement and all-out speed. Conventional automotive wisdom has generally dictated that Lamborghinis exist to be seen in, while Ferraris exist to be driven.

Since Audi’s purchase of the company in 1998, however, Lambos have slowly become less like cudgels and more like scalpels. Even so, few things could be more shocking to the automotive world than this March’s announcement that the fastest production car around Germany’s famed Nürburgring circuit in Germany was…a Lamborghini.

Officially unveiled in June at Imola racetrack near Lamborghini’s home in Sant’Agata Bolognese, the 2018 Huracán Performante ingeniously combines the concepts of less-is-more and more-is-more to one end and one end only: speed.

More Power & Tech
In Performante trim, the Huracán’s 5.2 liter V10 boasts 631 hp, 29 more than the standard car. Peak torque similarly rises to 443 lb-ft, a gain of 30. But speed requires more than just power; the Performante’s springs have been stiffened by 10%, and thicker anti-roll bars, recalibrated dampers and stiffer bushings result in right-now direction changes and consistent power delivery to the super-sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires.

Perhaps the most fascinating Performante performance upgrade is its active aero package, designated Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA) by Lamborghini. A front splitter and huge rear wing combine to create up to 770 lbs of downforce at 193 mph…but since downforce also creates drag, the ALA system automatically opens and closes grille flaps in front and wing air intakes in back to compensate.

Ingeniously, by controlling airflow with flaps instead of the complicated linkage seen in other supercars, lateral (side-to-side) adjustments can be made on-the-fly. This means that during aggressive cornering, acceleration or braking (or any combination thereof), the ALA can actively direct and balance airflow and vertical force to increase traction to the rear tires.

Less Weight, Same Grip
Colin Chapman, the legendary engineer and founder of Lotus, famously stated that the best way to make a car faster was to “simplify, then add lightness.” And while active aerodynamics can hardly be called “simplification,” the Performante’s weight loss strategy is key to its record-breaking performance.

The most obvious path to lightening the Huracán would be to remove its hefty all-wheel-drive drive system and revert to rear-wheel-drive, as seen on the Huracán LP580-2. But sacrificing the ability to rocket out of corners that’s offered by AWD means losing precious tenths of seconds at the racetrack…so any pounds shed would have to come from elsewhere.

Amazingly, the Performante still weighs in at 90 lbs lighter than the standard Huracán, thanks to a higher percentage of composite materials (molded under pressure, resulting in a unique tortoiseshell-like appearance), a new stainless-steel exhaust and titanium engine components. When factoring in the added weight of the car’s bespoke active aerodynamics, the net reduction is even more impressive.

Record Breaking Results
The Performante is as head-turning and brutal as a Lamborghini should be, but at its heart is bleeding-edge engineering and a holistic focus on performance. This is a car that demands your attention; the sonorous V10 revs seemingly instantly to its stratospheric 8500-rpm redline, so be ready with those carbon-fiber shift paddles unless you’re prepared for the embarrassment of bouncing off the rev limit within earshot of everyone within a half-mile radius.

The steering is similarly quick, and thanks to Lamborghini’s Dynamic Steering system, the ratio actually changes depending on which driving mode you’ve selected (most similar systems only adjust the weight and feedback).

Of course, in those instances when your driving skills get you into a bit more trouble than you’d intended, the Performanté’s fade-free carbon-ceramic brakes are more than up to the task of rescuing both you and your $280,000 steed. And with this much power, this much beauty and this much grip at your disposal, no one could possibly blame you for getting lost in the playboy race car driver fantasy. After all, that’s what supercars are all about.

Oct

2017

Spotlight: Villa Capistrano

This article originally appeared in Sellebrity, Volume 1, Number 1.

With a history dating to 1776, the California city of San Juan Capistrano – perched between Los Angeles and San Diego – is one of the state’s oldest, most beautiful and most diverse communities. Many of the city’s homes pay architectural homage to Mission San Juan Capistrano, the city’s namesake…but none more dramatically or luxuriously than Villa Capistrano, located at 26162 Calle Roberto.

Purchased by Hollywood screenwriter Steve Oedekerk (whose credits include the Ace Ventura films, Evan Almighty and Jimmy Neutron) and his wife Tonie in 1997, the lush two-acre estate features an impeccably detailed 10,400 sq ft main home filled to the brim with unique amenities. A Spanish courtyard-themed home theater (complete with a star-filled night sky), a vaulted game room with raised karaoke stage and a soaring, 2-story living room that recalls a 5-star hotel lobby solidify Villa Capistrano as one of the state’s most distinctive and luxurious homes.

But it’s what’s outside the main house that truly amazes. Towards the back of the property sits The Clubhouse, a soaring, airy 3,222 sq ft live/work space that wouldn’t be out of place on a tech campus. Designed for film/television collaboration, The Clubhouse’s work space (with twin 25-ft desks) blends with a meeting area, a lounge, a kitchen, a dining space and a game room….all with tranquil views of Villa Capistrano’s resort-like outdoor space.

There’s no better place to enjoy San Juan Capistrano’s famed Southern California weather than the estate’s 2+ acres of relaxation. Covered, arched patios extend from the main home and encompass romantic seating areas and an outdoor kitchen with pizza oven; beyond them you’ll find a breathtaking, brick-lined Spanish pool & spa, dramatically accented with flaming terra cotta bowls.

But that’s not all. Between the wings of the main home is a private, tree-lined courtyard with a peaceful fountain….perfect for large-scale entertaining. But your guests needn’t feel confined to one space; wandering the beautifully landscaped grounds reveals a picturesque fire pit, as well as a stately, heated gazebo. And should the need for exercise arise, your own lighted tennis court and basketball court await…to say nothing of the property’s two workout rooms.

Villa Capistrano is truly one-of-a-kind, and its luxury and sophistication are unparalleled. The estate is offered at $9,995,000 by Kofi Nartey of Compass and Tracy Weintraub of Surterre Properties.

Jul

2017

Capitalizing Legally in The Name Game

This article originally appeared in Sellebrity, Volume 1, Number 1.

Athletes, entertainers, and celebrities have tremendous value in their own name. Fans know who these people are often before the person obtains the financial benefits of stardom, and others will attempt to profit from the use of a celebrity’s name in a number of ways. Improper exploitation of a celebrity’s name, likeness, and image can be shut down if proper action is taken, and the support team around the public persona remain vigilant.

In a recent move, UFC Champion Conor McGregor, through his company McGregor Sports and Entertainment, filed trademark requests for his name and ‘The Notorious’, his nickname. McGregor is a recent example in a long string of athletes and celebrities who have locked up their name with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Trademarking their name is becoming more commonplace for entertainers and athletes, and the practice is becoming big business. The USPTO allows people to trademark any “word, phrase, symbol, or design, or a combination thereof, that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of others.” Similarly, the USPTO allows protection of service marks. Service marks are the same as trademarks, except that it identifies and distinguishes the source of a service rather than goods. Athletes are trademarking their names for both trade and service marks for various reasons.

Like entertainment before it, sports has become big business for the talent, and it hasn’t stopped with the final whistle. Athletes are becoming more adept in business, and they are branding themselves strategically to set up their post athletic careers. In addition to their names, athletes are protecting their nicknames. Hall of Fame baseball player Randy Johnson received a trademark for ‘The Big Unit’. NBA player Jeremy Lin secured ‘Linsanity’, Darrell Revis owns the rights to ‘Revis Island’, Super Bowl champion Marshawn Lynch has ‘Beast Mode’. Even Tim Tebow received a trademark for ‘Tebowing’.

These filings have helped celebrities manage their rights, even with the proliferation of social media and the internet. In 1999, Congress passed the Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act. Under the Act, a trademark owner can collect damages, and discourage an infringing domain name that is identical or similar to a distinctive or famous trademark. Athletes have gone on the offensive to protect their digital rights utilizing this law. Venus and Serena Williams were able to take back domain names, and social media companies have been responsive in shutting down accounts when a trademark owner finds accounts that infringe.

Athletes and entertainers have done more than just take back domain names. Some, like Shaquille O’Neal who received a trademark for his signature, license out their name (or in his case, his signature). Others look to create and license out their mark in various ways. McGregor claims he intends to use the ‘Connor McGregor’ mark “with products such as aftershave, video games, books, clothing, restaurants, barbershops and health clubs.” Regardless of how McGregor ends up using the mark, it will protect him from others capitalizing on his name without his consent.

Some athletes have not taken advantage of the opportunity they have to register their names, and it has caused problems and confusion. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, has not protected his name. A person looking to capitalize on the race to the bottom by teams so they could draft Luck, registered “Suck for Luck”, and received the mark. Additionally, the United States Supreme Court in June ruled that even offensive marks can be registered. This means that entertainers and athletes (including leagues, teams, bands, performance groups, and individuals) should keep their marks current and be active in defending their marks to avoid squatters or others looking to capitalize quickly on the visibility of talented individuals.

While entertainers and athletes becoming savvier, action is often taken well after they should. With musicians or players who are getting their first taste of stardom, they should look to protect their names before they reach their peak. It is never too late to lock up their trademarks, but the earlier they do it, the more advantage they will have.

A few steps can help entertainers and athletes (and their advisors) protect their intellectual property rights before they become problematic:

With your lawyer, discuss securing trademarks for your name, nickname, logo, and other images associated with you and that you earn an income.
Strategize with your lawyer, business manager, and marketing agent to determine how you plan on capitalizing on your name, image, and likeness apart from your team/band/employer.
Work with your lawyer, business manager, and financial advisor to set up a holding company for your intellectual property.
Develop a game plan with your lawyer, marketing agent, and commercial agent on how you will work with brands looking to endorse you, and stopping others from using your name, image, and likeness without your permission.

There are a lot of different scenarios that can occur when working with athletes and entertainers regarding their intellectual property. These talented professionals should have a forward-thinking team working with them and protecting their intellectual property so they can focus on honing their craft and being the best in the world at what they do. When handled correctly, athletes and entertainers can make their on-field/stage income last a lifetime by creating additional revenue streams that may rival their income from their primary profession.

– – – – –

Author Brandon Leopoldus is an is a California-based attorney protecting the assets, reputations, and transactions of businesses and individuals including athletes and entertainers. He is with the firm of Gerard Fox Law P.C. based in Los Angeles, and works regularly out of the firm’s other offices in New York City and Washington, D.C. Leopoldus is the Regional Captain of the Sports Lawyers Association, and has worked with Super Bowl Champions, Hall of Famers, MLB All-Stars, All-Americans, nationally recognized recording artists, actors, producers, directors, and other talented clients. He can be reached at BLeopoldus@GerardFoxLaw.com.

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