442:"It is not surprising that such a publication should have found favour among the people of the country, when newspapers were scarce, before modern progress had so changed means of communication. It has been said, with much truth, that the books in the average country cabin during the nineteenth century consisted of a prayer book, a chap-book and an Old Moore's Almanack. This last provided much material of a puzzling nature to while away long winter evenings, and encouraged those of an ingenious turn to try their skill in solving the problems proposed. As prizes were given for solutions to the puzzles, and for new puzzles for next year, the connection between issues was maintained. Let it not be thought that the poems have been mere drivel—far from it; many show distinct merit, and sometimes herald the rise of a new poet. John Keegan Casey ("Leo" of the Nation) appeared in the pages of Old Moore as a youthful and aspiring poet. So did Charles Kickham, under the nom-de-plume of "Cavellus." The late P. J. McCall made many contributions to Old Moore's Almanack in his early days. The pages of Old Moore were always open to the budding rhymester, and the better his work the more likely he was to have it published."
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east of
Portlaoise. The future astrologer spent his youth on the plains of Offaly. He had a great thirst for learning and acquired a deep knowledge in English, Irish, Latin and Greek. He also studied mathematics and astrology. When aged about 30 he went to Dublin, where for a time he led a precarious existence. Ultimately he settled on the Palmerston estate in Old Rathmines, between Milltown and "The Bloody Fields." Here he opened an Academy and taught mathematics and classics as well as astronomy and astrology. He is said to have taught the young members of the Palmerston household, but his fidelity to the Catholic faith and refusal to conform to the Established Church lost him their patronage. Before entering Trinity College, Thomas Moore, the poet, attended the academy of Theophilus as a pupil, and it is said that master and pupil, namesakes and kinsmen, remained always firm friends.
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of the country to call upon the public to either spurious imitations of the real work or to import amongst the people a contraband article called "Moore's
Almanack" which is we believe written and printed in England. The attempt should be made by Englishman to despoil us of our Moore's Almanac cannot be a matter of surprise when we know that our neighbours on the other side of the channel have long been endeavouring to despoil us of our Wellington by constantly speaking and writing of the Duke as an Englishman, never as an Irishman. We now conceive it to be the duty of the Irish press to earnestly resist the one dishonest attempt as the other.
290:"At the same time he removed to Dublin where he opened an academy in Charlemont St. and annually supplied the almanack. He was related to Thomas Moore, the poet, who attended his school for a considerable time before he entered college. Theophilus frequented the house of Thomas Moore's father in Aungier St.; they were kinsmen in name and race and consequently allied to each other by ties of close intimacy for many years. Moore's almanack had not the registry of his name till after the period of 1782 when Catholic disabilities were partially removed, when his name appeared in his almanacks. He died at the close of the eighteenth century."
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applied in differently. In ancient times the "Vates" was the oracle of his neighbourhood and many such were to be found. But at present we believe there is but one "Vates" in all of Europe and that is our
Theophilus Moore and most happy are we to perceive that our Theophilus Moore eschews all sorts of magic fortune telling and conjuring tricks of every kind and description whatsoever. Mr Theophilus Moore abjures alike heresy and idolatry. He is a genuine prophet, a poet and we feel confident, judging from his prophesies, that he is not only a pious Christian, but also a true-hearted Irishman.
331:"In his early manhood his figure was tall, slight, elastic and graceful; towards the end of his life it naturally was inclined to be stooped. His face was long, narrow and handsome, and his fine head was covered to the last with long masses of soft and wavy hair. His eagle eyes were set deep beneath shaggy beetling eyebrows. His nose was long and aquiline; and the furrowed lines on his high and intellectual forehead proclaimed to the world the deep and anxious thought that ever occupied his great and active mind."
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217:. The magazine was traditionally a resource for the merchants and business people of the late 1760s, and later, an entertainment-style publication for the agricultural community in rural Ireland. Farmers and fishing folk of the day found the tables of moon and tide times, and transport information, among other useful information very handy on a daily basis.
426:"in every part of the globe whither Irishmen have gone.The popularity of Old Moore's Almanack was well grounded, upon its usefulness and its interest. As regards the former, it supplied, in cheap and handy form, much information of everyday service to the farmer and rural worker, as well as to many town-dwellers."
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We are calling attention to this work, the genuine Old Moore's Irish
Almanack, we feel bound especially to notice because we are aware that the attempt is made to the great injury of the author, and to the great injury of the Irish trade, as well as great injury to the honest fame and fair reputation
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The woodcut picture of
Theophilus Moore used in the book for centuries was carved towards the end of his life, and it shows him bent over, with a walking stick. It seems to be an accurate portrait of Theophilus. Before photos were widely available, people described people's looks with "pen pictures."
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Another account of his early life seems to match the one above. The alternative account gives his birth as 1730 in Offaly, the territory of the O'Moores. It has been asserted that he was a descendant of Rory Oge O'Moore, the ruins of whose castle may still be seen on the rock of
Dunamase, three miles
650:
This is the year of the cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrencies will change the world in a short span of time. Trade sanctions will be ignored as people move around them with e-money. Governments will scramble to try to regulate and tax it. Entrepreneurial spirit will use the cryptocurrencies to create and
394:
McCall was editor from 1874 to 1902, when he died at the age of 81 years. McCall held this position for more than a quarter of a century; he actually edited it until a month before his death. McCall was quite well known at this time in
Ireland for many accomplishments in publishing. And he was also
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There are famous examples of predictions coming true in the past which made readers talk endlessly. In 1903 it was foretold that "a crown would fall from a kingly head" – the chance was, no doubt, rather a wide one, but when, in June, 1903, the King and Queen of Serbia were assassinated, who could
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then tried to copyright the name "Moore's
Almanack." The court refused to grant exclusive use of the words "Old Moore" or "Moore's Almanack" to the plaintiff. This was due to the fact that many copycat almanacs were already published in England called "Old Moore's" and it would be too difficult to
406:
we see references to "Lady Di" and the contributors are also spoken of as "Diarians" – this latter term is, of course, derived from the word "diary," and may be the explanation of the title of the followers of Di. But whatever be the reason of their title, the bards were very proud of it, and had
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During John McCall's editorship he gathered around him a number of vivid personalities, who all contributed to the almanac. They linked together into a clan, and John McCall was regarded as
Chieftain. They considered themselves as the successors of the Irish Bards, and wrote of themselves as "The
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Theophilus Moore, Philomath, the author of The
Almanack before us, may be regarded as the only genuine living representative of the extraordinary class of beings who lived ages ago and combined together the power of foretelling future events with the gift of poesy and to whom the name "Vates" was
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We will not let the English have our Theophilus Moore no more than our Arthur Wellesley and we insist on proving that none but the real genuine Theophilus Moore, Philomath, abiding at Skerries could write such prophecies as to be found in The Almanac embellished with his portrait; as in the same
220:
Now that such information is available on the internet, the magazine was re-launched in 2010, offering a more diverse product to capture new audiences. The magazine is now full colour and now has editorial features. Topics include the revival of lost Irish traditions, technology, urban farming,
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From 1793 until his death, the almanac appeared with the compiler's name. It grew in popularity and fame. It was in the first decade of the nineteenth century that the famed astrologer died, or as the media reported, that he "was gathered to his fathers." He was then nearly 80 years old.
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received much kudos. After Old Moore's successful prediction of the victory of a horse called Blenheim in the Derby, many half-crowns were sent direct to the editor to be staked on the winner of the next big race. But he had to decline the responsibility and return the money.
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In order that the public may judge for themselves, and that the public may better distinguish between the real Theophilus Moore and the fictitious Theophilus Moore whoever they are concocted in England or Ireland, we shall place a few extracts from his prophecies before
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Warren obtained an injunction against Quirke restraining him from publishing any almanac containing a list of fairs taken from the plaintiff's publication. This stopped the sale of Quirke's almanac and he was debarred from selling any copies of the issue in question.
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country sporting pursuits, unusual breeds of animals, recipes, hints and tips, the paranormal, traditional medicine, horoscopes, and an analysis of antique issues of the Almanac (pre-1950). The circulation of the hard copy is around 47,000, with most sales achieved in
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had been published for about thirty years, "Philomath" became very well known for his prognostications. But many people wanted in on Theophilus' growing fortune, and claimed to be "Philomath," so in 1793, Theophilus Moore came out from the shelter of his
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manner it has been proved that none but the Irishman Wellington could have fought in the Battle of Waterloo and won it. The Verity of the Irish prophet is proved by his words as the valour of the Irish general was demonstrated by his deeds.
339:. And more copycat magazines appeared ("spurious editions" as they were called). The many copycat editions raised the irk of the real Old Moore's Almanac. In fact they editors of the time often wrote to newspapers complaining about it.
172:(since that time, it has been incorporated into the city). A teacher of Irish, English, Greek and Latin, he became known as a clever mathematician and a wizard of astrology, gaining the nickname 'The Irish Merlin'. He published his
527:
The editor and the prophet have not always been the same person, as is the case in the 2018 edition. Michael Fanning, a native of Brackenstown, Co. Dublin, was a regular contributor to almanacs, and did some of the predictions for
257:
came onto the scene. It was published by Theophilus Moore, known henceforth to generations of Irish people as "Old Moore". But when it was first published, this almanac did not bear the compiler's name, but it was indeed the first
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doubt the vision of the prophet? In that year also, Old Moore declared that "the Eternal City would have cause to go into mourning," and the death of Pope Leo XIII in July, 1903 was the apparent fulfilment of that prophecy.
555:. It was seen as having the powers of "open sesame" to many a country cabin and often ensured a meal or a night's lodging for the wayfarer. One pedlar has said that he always set out with a bundle of the recently issued
244:
The magazine has increased its circulation year-on-year since 2010, which is unusual as printed magazines across the board have seen their circulations fall as more people turn to online reading material.
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for Ireland and the world. The weather predictions always receive a lot of attention in Ireland, where the weather is a highly prized conversation subject. For example, the 2018 predictions included:
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have many elegies penned for departed bards of this clan. On the death of John McCall, the bards became very vocal, and many elegies appeared for many years in praise of his work and in his memory.
298:
These two separate accounts do match up. Both agree that Theophilus Moore commenced his almanack shortly after coming to Dublin (the almanack would later be spelled almanac). In its early issues the
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meant that more copycat versions sprang to life, all wanting a piece of the pie. In 1851 the enterprising John Francis Nugent, of 35 Cook Street, Dublin, started his own almanac, in opposition to
266:. At the time, the Catholic faith was actively being quashed, and Theophilus, a convinced Catholic, wanted to publish anonymously so he could be free to be completely Catholic in the
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its staying power. Theophilus Moore himself was said to have had a great skill in prophecy, and subsequent editors made sure that whoever did the predictions was good at it.
482:; there were the usual prophecies and weather forecasts. In the end, Nugent's almanac was taken over by Nugent's widow but in 1898 she re-married and allowed it to lapse.
335:
The editorship of the almanac is not clear for a considerable time after the death of Theophilus. However, the magazine continued to be published every year under the name
399:
Bards of Di." This title is thought to be derived from the Goddess of the Moon, Diana; the connection of the bards with astrology makes the reference easily understood.
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was published by Theophilus Moore. He says it was known as one of 'Stewart's Merlins' because it was printed by A. Stewart, a well-known printer and editor of the time.
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The Old Moore's Almanac started its life as the 'Irish Merlin' in 1764. This is the cover of the 1792 Irish Merlin, it can be found at the National Library of Ireland.
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at the time, P.C.D. Warren. Not only was this new copycat edition stealing its thunder, it wasn't even producing original copy; it was stealing the exact copy from
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until his death in 1866, and after that it was taken over by his assistant. But then something strange happened. In 1886, McCall, long-time editor of the genuine
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known during his editorship to have advanced the almanac to a very considerable extent. McCall was known as "a man of wonderful knowledge and natural ability."
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from 1765 was sold on eBay. You can also find copies in the Marsh Library in Dublin, and in Trinity's Old Library, which also holds the Book of Kells.
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once foretold that the Derby would be run in a snowstorm; as this race takes place in June, the likelihood seemed remote, but it happened, and the
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for the first time in 1764, and received such support that the other Irish almanacs gradually dwindled away. Theophilus Moore is now buried in the
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656:
This year, there will be a lot of well-known people who will die suddenly/unexpectedly. 2018 will be the year of the shock-death of famous people.
48:
135:
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is a history journal established in 1938, published biannually by the Old Dublin Society, which still exists today. (olddublinsociety.ie)
661:
In Ireland, there will be more discussions about getting religion out of school. Irish Millennials to move abroad in increasing numbers.
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simultaneously. He carried on like this for 12 years. It would seem to be a conflict of interest: Nugent's Almanac was very similar to
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This woodcut image was printed in Theophilus Moore's original editions, and has continued to appear in Old Moore's Almanac ever since.
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under his arm, knowing that for many a day he could obtain his bed and board from those he visited, thanks to the welcome given to
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517:, to distinguish it from all of the other non-genuine competitors. The almanac without the "k" was forevermore the genuine one.
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are in the National Library of Ireland in Dublin. The books cannot be borrowed, but they can be perused in the reading rooms.
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391:" was added to the title, in honour of how long Theophilus actually lived, which was a remarkable achievement of the time.
241:. The in-house psychic remains anonymous, often quoting that he "likes to stay under the radar" and away from public life.
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This is the introductory page of the 1792 edition of the Irish Merlin. It is available at the National Library of Ireland.
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Old Moore was so popular at one time that the travelling pedlar or the man walking the roads had often cause to bless the
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532:; Bernard O'Neill, of Blackwatertown on the Moy near Armagh, was the prophet for some time previous to 1914-15.
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under the pen name "Kevin Kay" for two years. He was succeeded by Michael Fanning, and then by Seamus Bolger.
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the Lithographic Group, possess back issues dating from 1914 onwards. Issues before this time are held in the
314:, and claimed his success. From that point onwards, the almanac appeared bearing his name. The title was now
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434:, they gained the best begging takings at the fairs and marts that were listed faithfully in each edition.
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In 1874, the editorship was given to John McCall. It was thought that just before this sometime, the word "
615:
Occasionally, old copies of the Almanac are offered for sale on eBay or other auction sites. Recently, an
489:
by W. A. Quirke of 25, Wicklow Street, was the subject of a legal action by the proprietor of the genuine
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was, at this point, fed up to the gills of other publishers stealing their thunder, and also their name.
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did not bear the compiler's name, but merely his nom-de-plume: "Philomath." (Philomath means "tutor.")
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build whole new disruptive businesses. Western free-economy countries will thrive using it.
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Here's everything that's going to happen in 2018* *According to the Old Moore’s Almanac.
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270:, without attracting undue attention from authorities to his entrepreneurial efforts.
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A pen picture by the Revd. Patrick O'Byrne, of Ralston Street, described him well.
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He is an article from the Weekly Telegraph in 1852, in the literature section:
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In 1940 the circulation was 200,000 copies, and even more than that were sold
16:
This article is about the Irish publication. For the English publication, see
316:
The Irish Merlin, or Moore's Almanack, 1793, by Theophilus Moore, Philomath.
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which has been published for nearly two and a half centuries. Its founder,
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In 2018, the editor and the prophet are once again two different people.
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262:. There was a good reason why Theophilus did not put his name to the
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According to McCall, Moore did indeed commence his almanac in 1764.
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Nugent acted as manager and editor of this rip-off version of the
142:
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Historian B. P. Bowen B.L., B.Sc. He wrote an article about the
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After McCall, the relatively famous Patrick Keary edited the
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is published annually in November. The current owners of the
237:. The predictions are the most popular section of the
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developed close bonds of fellowship and friendship.
630:Vol. 3, No. 1 (Sep., - Nov., 1940), pp. 26-37. The
55:. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
485:There were other copycats. An edition in 1900 of
509:police. The ship had sailed. It is assumed that
520:The perceived accuracy of the predictions gave
8:
430:Even beggars were said to have bought the
115:Learn how and when to remove this message
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497:, and printing it under its own name.
318:Soon after, it simply became known as
197:(with a "k"), an English publication.
277:from 1874 to 1902) in his manuscript
7:
437:Historian B. P. Bowen said in 1940;
53:adding citations to reliable sources
180:, in Dublin, but the tradition of
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754:Publications established in 1764
608:After around 1900 it was called
184:continues unbroken to this day.
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40:needs additional citations for
759:1764 establishments in Ireland
582:The title started its life as
168:which was then a village near
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457:Nugent's Old Moore's Almanac.
350:for the year of Our Lord 1853
164:, ran a classical academy at
506:Genuine Old Moore's Almanac
253:In 1764, an almanac called
215:National Library of Ireland
191:is not to be confused with
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720:, accessed 20 October 2020
402:Often in the pages of the
279:History of Irish Almanacks
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591:The title was changed to
574:Historical copies of the
632:Dublin Historical Record
628:Dublin Historical Record
476:Nugent's Moore's Almanac
687:Poor Richard's Almanack
273:John McCall (editor of
600:By 1853 it was called
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642:The almanac includes
563:in the countryside.
178:Drumcondra Churchyard
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64:"Old Moore's Almanac"
673:Old Farmer's Almanac
602:Old Moore's Almanack
511:Old Moore's Almanack
432:Old Moore's Almanack
412:Old Moore's Almanack
410:The later issues of
211:Old Moore's Almanac,
194:Old Moore's Almanack
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644:predictions
638:Predictions
595:around 1782
201:Publication
743:Categories
305:After the
75:newspapers
561:Old Moore
487:Old Moore
749:Almanacs
666:See also
557:Almanacs
166:Milltown
105:May 2014
586:in 1764
576:Almanac
553:Almanac
545:Almanac
513:became
249:History
239:Almanac
223:Athlone
158:almanac
89:scholar
307:Merlin
300:Merlin
231:Galway
227:Dublin
170:Dublin
156:is an
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389:Old
51:by
745::
229:,
225:,
118:)
112:(
107:)
103:(
93:·
86:·
79:·
72:·
45:.
20:.
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