Boost and Simplify your Productive: A Review of the HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W G2 with HDMI Adapter

The HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W G2 with HDMI Adapter is a powerful and versatile docking solution designed to enhance connectivity and productivity for users with Thunderbolt-enabled laptops. 

Laptops with Thunderbolt technology have special ports that offer several advantages over traditional USB ports such us; 

• Powerful Connection: Thunderbolt ports combine multiple technologies like DisplayPort and PCI Express (PCIe) into a single compact connector. This allows for significantly faster data transfer speeds compared to standard USB ports.
• Daisy Chaining:  Thunderbolt allows for daisy-chaining multiple devices. Using just one Thunderbolt cable on your laptop, you can connect several devices (like monitors, docks, and storage drives) in series.
• Compatibility:  Thunderbolt ports often use the same physical connector as USB-C. However, not all USB-C ports support Thunderbolt functionality. Look for the Thunderbolt logo next to the port on your laptop to confirm its compatibility.

In essence, "Thunderbolt-enabled laptops" signify laptops equipped with these advanced ports that unlock faster data transfer, multi-functionality, and a more streamlined workspace setup.

I bought my HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W G2 in 2022 for use on my two Chromebooks, the Thinkpad 13 Chromebook and the HP Chromebook - 15-de0021cl. I figured it would simplify things with my two Chromebooks by allowing me to connect them to peripherals devices, dual monitors with just a single Thunderbolt cable. This eliminates desk clutter and reduces wear and tear on my laptop's ports. The ability to connect multiple peripherals like keyboards, a mouse, an external hard drive, and an additional monitor significantly improves the way I use my Chromebook. Having a larger display and easy access to my peripherals makes everything easy and convenient.

This HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W G2 with HDMI Adapter streamlines connectivity, enhances display options, and provides a reliable solution for users seeking a comprehensive docking station for their laptops.

to be continued....

Ka Tato's Corner March 27, 2024

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Casio Illuminator AE1500WH: Easy-to-Read, Easy-to-Use Timekeeping for Everyday Life

 

I have not worn a wristwatch for a long time. I only started wearing one when I started to work full-time in the kitchen. Instead of using my phone, I chose a watch. In a busy kitchen, chefs often handle oils and greasy ingredients. Wearing a watch allows me to avoid touching my smartphone, preventing grease transfer. A watch for me is essential to keep track of cooking times, and food preparation schedules and helps me stay on schedule.

A chef's watch must be accurate, durable, and able to withstand the rigors of a busy kitchen. When I buy my watch it must include water resistance, easy-to-read dials, rugged and durable with comfortable straps. For me, my brand of choice for a Chef's watch is Casio. They are accurate timepieces, rugged, durable, comfortable, and provide water resistance.

One of my favorite Casio watches to wear in the kitchen is my Casio Illuminator AE1500WH. The AE1500WH is a rugged quartz wristwatch from Casio and belongs to the Illuminator series.

The best feature of this watch is simplicity and readability. With its large, high-resolution display with bold, positive digits dominates the watch face.  Forget squinting at tiny numbers  -  this watch prioritizes clarity even in low-light conditions, thanks to an orange backlight with a user-friendly button for activation.

I also like this watch very much because of its simplicity, Casio did a really great job of avoiding complex menus here.  Four clearly labeled buttons provide intuitive control over all functions,  from timekeeping to stopwatch, alarm, and countdown timer.  Setting and using these features is a breeze, making this watch perfect for users of all backgrounds.

It is also isn't just about easy reading; it's built to last. The watch boasts  100-meter water resistance,  meaning it can handle splashes, rain, and even a swim. That is why I'm not worried a bit about wearing it at work in the kitchen. It handles water splashes, hot or cold,  grease, and grim like a champ. The  10-year battery life is another perk –  no need to worry about constant replacements. Plus, a daily alarm keeps you on schedule, whether it's for that morning jog or important orders.

The Verdict:

The Casio AE1500WH isn't trying to be fancy. It's a straightforward watch that excels at what it does best: providing clear and easy timekeeping.  With its large, readable display, intuitive controls, and user-friendly features,  the AE1500WH is a great option for everyday wear, work, or anyone who needs a no-nonsense timepiece.  The durability, long battery life, and affordable price tag make it an even more compelling choice.

You can buy the Casio AE1500WH on Amazon for only $21.92 at the time of this writing.

Ka Tato's Corner March 21, 2024

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What's in my Magnetic Knife Block?

 

My Wall Mounted Magnetic Knife Block from Harbour Freight

So what's in my magnetic knife block. The knives you see in my knife block are my go-to knife in my day-to-day work in my restaurant. I remove all the other knives that we don't use. We still have a other knives that are not in my knife block, like pairing knives with a couple of 8-inch chef knives and a santoku knife that other workers use.

From left to right :

1. Tramontina Bolo Machete: This 14" Bolo style Tramontina machete with 1070 carbon steel and a hardwood handle is made in Brazil. It is a really simple machete and to be honest, it looked rough and unfinished when I saw it the first time. I use sandpaper to smoothen the wood handle and everything looks great, it is sharp and really fun to use to chop some leg quarters and pork meat. I don't use it every day because it's to big and too long to use as a chef's knife.
2. 8-inch Vintage EKCO Eterna CHef's Knife with wooden handle, Made in Japan: I don't have a lot of info about this knife, except that is made from High Carbon Steel, keeps its edge nice and it's nice to use, and is well balanced. 
3. 5-inch Vintage Chef's Knife with wooden handle, Made in Taiwan : I also don't have a lot of information about this knife, but like my 8-inch it is made of High Carbon Steel, also keep the edge and easy to sharpen, a really nice backup to the Chef's Knife.
4. Guanfeng Chinese Cleaver : You can read my post here regarding this Cleaver.
5. Zwelling J.A. Henckels Honing Rod
6. Kiwi Brand Cleaver from Thailand,
7. Another Heavy Duty Meat/Bone Cleaver from our Local Asian Store.
8. Dexter-Russell 9" Heavy Duty Cleaver 

Ka Tato's Corner March 17, 2024

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My First Chinese Cleaver, Became my Favorite Knife

When I started working in the kitchen, I was introduced to a chef knife probably bought from a grocery store. I then moved up to a DALSTRONG Chef Knife - 8-inch Blade - Gladiator Series ELITE, I really liked this knife and used it daily for months until I found a used but really nice 8-inch Vintage EKCO Eterna Chef's Knife with a wooden handle. I started to use the EKCO knife daily and reserve the Dalstrong knife for catering jobs together with Dalstrong Meat Cleaver which I carry on my Knife Roll Chef Bag together with my other catering knives.

 I used this old knife daily for months together with it's smaller 5inch brother, they are great knives and still two of my favorites and the ones that are in my magnetic knife block.

One day, while shopping in a local Asian grocery store, I saw this Chinese Cleaver, sold for only $9.99, I immediately bought it. The next day, I was really excited to use it, being a first timer on using Chinese Cleaver, I was not expecting it to replace my Chef Knife, but it did. I use this Chinese Cleaver to cut anything, from onions to chicken leg quarters to slicing beef. The only cutting job I won't use it for is to chop really thick big beef or pork shanks and hocks. That is a job specifically assigned to my Dexter-Russell 9" Heavy Duty Cleaver.

So what did I like about the Chinese Cleaver:

• First is the Distinctive Blade Shape: Unlike the pointed tip of Western knives, a Chinese cleaver boasts a rectangular, broad blade with a flat profile. This shape makes it perfect for forceful chopping motions and scooping up ingredients. The Chinese cleaver makes it really easy and fast.
• Versatility: While some might think cleavers are just for heavy-duty tasks, Chinese cleavers excel at various jobs. Their sharp, thin blade allows for precise slicing of vegetables, meat, and even fish alongside chopping and minc
• Balance and Technique: Chinese cleavers tend to be front-heavy due to the blade weight. This necessitates a different chopping technique compared to the rocking motion used with Western knives. A cleaver uses an up-and-down motion for powerful cuts.
• Efficiency: The broad, thin blade of the Chinese cleaver allows for more surface area contact with the cutting board, making it more efficient for chopping and slicing. This can help speed up food preparation, which is crucial in busy kitchen environments.
• Material and Construction: Traditionally, Chinese cleavers are crafted from high-carbon steel, known for its exceptional sharpness. However, stainless steel versions are becoming increasingly popular for their lower maintenance needs. They typically feature wooden handles for a comfortable grip.
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I really liked using the Chinese Cleaver compared to a chef knife, it's just so easy to use because of the reasons above. I didn't expect to like it but I did, and its the knife I use every day for almost all cutting jobs in my kitchen.

Leg Quarters for Chicken Adobo

Preparing Pork Butt for Pork Adobo

Preparing Fish

I wanted to buy another one exactly like this, but I cannot find it anymore. The inscription on the knife is Guanfeng. I was hoping to find one online, but none, nothing like it. The second cleaver I bought at the local Asian store is a Kiwi Brand Cleaver from Thailand, which I bought for something like $7 at that time, It is not as good as the Guanfeng when it comes to handling, the Guanfeng is more balanced, but they work equally the same. I like to use two knife when I'm cutting and preparing so that I can switch faster when I need to wash the other one.

I don't think I can ever go back to using a Chef Knife in my day-to-day work. I just like using the Cleaver so much and for me, it makes everything easy and faster. 

Ultimately, the best knife for you depends on your cooking style and preferences.  If you do a lot of chopping like me and enjoy a forceful cutting technique, a cleaver might be a great addition to your knife collection.

Ka Tato's Corner March 16, 2024

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The Gladiator in the Kitchen: My Experience with the Dalstrong 9-inch Meat Cleaver

Sometimes referred to as the "RAVAGER" which means destructive or violent, due to its size, shape, and appearance. I bought my Dalstrong 9-inch Meat Cleaver back in 2018 together with my Dalstrong 8-inch Gladiator Series ELITE Knife. The Cleaver boasts exceptional craftsmanship with a sharp edge that makes cutting or chopping easy, even with the toughest bones and meats. The high-quality German ThyssenKrupp stainless steel is heat treated to 56 Rockwell hardness and is resistant to rust and corrosion, and it has a sharp edge that can easily slice throughmeat and bone. The cleaver is also well-balanced and comfortable to hold. However I find this  heavier compared to my other cleaver which are traditional Chinese Cleaver.

What sets it apart is not just its performance but also its aesthetics. The knife features a striking design, meticulously polished spine, and luxurious Pakkawood handle. The Dalstrong Gladiator Series 9" Meat Cleaver comes with a lifetime warranty. 

Pros::

• The "Ravager" boasts NSF certification, meaning it meets health and sanitation standards for professional kitchens. This signifies its suitability for commercial use in terms of hygiene and material safety.
• I'm impressed by the sharpness, durability, and craftsmanship of the blade.
• I appreciate the ergonomic and ambidextrous handle, which is made of G10 Garolite and has a mosaic and engraving design.
• I find the knife versatile and effective for chopping and slicing different types of meats and bones.
• The shape of the Cleaver makes cutting really easy, it feels like gliding through the meat even though it's heavy.

Cons:

• I find this Cleaver quite heavy. After using it to cut chicken leg quarters and meat bones for long periods my arms start to hurt.
• The cleaver's hefty weight can be tiring for some users, those with weaker grip strength or who prefer lighter knives. Because of this, I still prefer to use my traditional Chinese Cleavers.

Overall Verdict:

     Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, the Dalstrong Meat Cleaver Knife is a solid investment. It combines functionality with style, making every culinary task a pleasure. Overall, a top-notch choice for those who appreciate quality cutlery.  However, its premium price, weight, and size might deter some budget-conscious cooks or those with limited kitchen space or strength. 

    Like me for example, I no longer use it regularly, I only use it when I really need something to cut through big bony parts like beef /pork shin, hocks, or feet.  My favorite do it all knife is a not so expensive chinese cleaver very much like the Winco Chinese cleaver that you can find on Amazon.

    I still like this Dalstrong Ravager, it's just too heavy for me. I use it for catering jobs together with my Dalstrong 8-inch Gladiator Series ELITE Knife which I carry on my Knife Roll Chef Bag together with my other catering tools.

If you're a serious home cook or professional chef seeking a top-tier cleaver for tackling tough meat cuts and a variety of hard to cut veggies, like those Kalabasa, the "Ravager" could be a worthwhile investment. Just be prepared for its hefty price tag and consider its size and maintenance requirements before diving in.

You can buy the Dalstrong 9-inch Meat Cleaver "The RAVAGER" here.

Ka Tato's Corner March 12, 2024

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Lodge 8FB2 9-inch Deep Fry Basket. A Solid Addition to Any Kitchen Arsenal

When I  added the Lodge 8FB2 Deep Fry Basket to my kitchen, it quickly became a go-to tool for my cooking adventures. The 9-inch size is perfect for various frying tasks, making it versatile for different recipes.

What stands out immediately is the durability and quality craftsmanship, typical of Lodge products. The silver finish gives it a sleek appearance, and the sturdy construction ensures it can handle the rigors of deep frying without any issues.

The basket is designed for convenience, with a practical handle that stays cool during use, allowing for easy and safe maneuvering. The size is just right for small to medium batches, making it suitable for everyday cooking or entertaining guests.

Cleaning is a breeze, thanks to the well-thought-out design and high-quality materials. The construction not only aids in efficient frying but also makes maintenance hassle-free.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, the Lodge 8FB2 Deep Fry Basket is a reliable and efficient addition to your kitchen toolkit. It brings a perfect blend of functionality and durability, making frying tasks a delight. Highly recommended for anyone looking to use their lodge Dutch ovens as a deep fryer.

Ka Tato's Corner January 12, 2024

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Tech meets Fashion: The Casio AE-1000W-4BVCF Orange Watch

Happy New Year to everyone. For my first post this year, I'm writing about one of my favorite everyday watches, the reliable, multi-functional Casio AE-1000W-4BVCF in orange color.

Features and Specifications:

Case and Material:

• Case size (LWH): 48.2 × 45 × 13.8 mm
• Case, bezel and Band Material : Resin
• Weight : 40g
• Water resistance : 100-meter water resistance

Major Functions:

• Multi Time (4 different cities)
• World Time - 
• 31 time zones (48 cities + coordinated universal time), daylight saving on/off, Home city/World time city swapping
• 1/100th-second stopwatch,
• Stopwatch measuring capacity: 23:59'59.99''
• Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times
• Countdown timer Unit: 1/10 second
• Countdown timer range: 24 hours
• Countdown start time setting range: 1 minute to 24 hours (1-minute increments and 1-hour increments)
• 5 daily alarms or one-time alarms
• Full auto-calendar (to year 2099)
• LED light Selectable illumination duration, afterglow Light color
• 12/24-hour format
• Accuracy: ±30 seconds per month
• Telememo
• Mem capacity: Up to 30 Sets of Data, with 8 character name and 16-digit tel no.
• Analog: 2 hands (hour, minute (hands move every 20 seconds))
• Digital: Hour, minute, second, pm, month, date, day

Power Supply

• Battery: CR2025
• Battery Life: Approx. 10 years

Dimensions

• Weight: 49 grams

Additional Features

• Classic analog-digital display

What I like about the Casio HDC-700-1AVCF.

• Most of the functionality written above.
• I Love the display with the world map on the left, and the Analog display on the right that looks like a Radar making this watch unique.
• Provides accurate timekeeping, has multiple time zones, a stopwatch, a countdown timer, and an LED backlight.
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What I don't like.

• The Countdown Timer doesn't have an auto-repeat
• Resin glass prone to scratches
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I've had this watch for over a year now, and like my other Casio watches, I have never had any issues with it.  This watch is a digital quartz watch that offers a lot of features for a low price. 

The Casio AE-1000W-4BVCF, affectionately nicknamed the "Royale Orange," is a watch that punches far above its weight class. Don't let the modest $20 price tag fool you; this resin-clad timepiece packs a surprising punch of features and personality.

It has a world map and time display, a stopwatch, a timer, and 5 alarms. The watch has an orange resin band and a black/silver two-tone case. The display is large and clear, with a mini-dial and a mini-map that shows the current time zone. The watch is easy to use and adjust, with four buttons and a light function. All of these features are surprisingly easy to navigate through the intuitive button setup, even for those of us who struggle with anything more complex than a microwave timer.

Casio didn't skimp on the durability department. The resin case feels surprisingly solid, and the 100-meter water resistance means you can take this bad boy from the boardroom to the beach without breaking a sweat (or a crystal). The battery life is also a beast, with Casio promising a decade of ticking before you need to crack it open.

The AE-1000W isn't perfect. The digital time display can be a bit small for some, the world time abbreviations can be cryptic at times, and the one that is important to me, is there is no Auto-Repeat feature on the countdown timer. But these are minor quibbles in the face of the watch's overall charm and value.

Overall, I highly recommend the Casio AE-1000W-4BVCF (Royale Orange), is a watch that delivers more than what you pay for. It is perfect for those with a global lifestyle or travel plans. It is a watch that you can wear for a long time without worrying about changing batteries or damaging it. If you are looking for a watch that has a lot of features, a cool design, and a low price, the Casio AE-1000W-4BVCF might be the one for you.

Ka Tato's Corner January 10, 2024

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HP Chromebook - 15-de0021cl: A Sleek and Reliable Laptop for Chrome OS Lovers

 

Today I'm writing about my HP Chromebook  Model:15-de0021cl. This Chromebook was released by HP  in the summer of 2019, around  four years ago. It is a laptop with 15.6-inc touch screen, an Intel Core i3, 4GB of RAM, and 128 GB of eMMC storage. 

Hardware Specification:

• Product number: 6MX43UA
• Product name : HP Chromebook - 15-de0021cl
• Microprocessor : Intel® Core™ i3-8130U (2.2 GHz base frequency, up to 4 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, 4 MB cache, 2 cores)
• Chipset : Intel® Integrated SoC
• Memory, standard : 4 GB DDR4-2133 SDRAM (onboard)
• Video graphics : Intel® UHD Graphics 620, Integrated
• Hard drive : 128 GB eMMC
• Optical drive: Optical drive not included
• Display : 15.6" diagonal FHD IPS BrightView micro-edge WLED-backlit touch screen (1920 x 1080)
• Wireless connectivity : Intel® Wireless-AC 7265 802.11ac (2x2) Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® 4.2 Combo
• Expansion slots: 1 microSD media card reader
• External ports : 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C™ (5 Gb/s signaling rate, Power Delivery 3.0, HP Sleep and Charge); 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A (HP Sleep and Charge)
• Minimum dimensions (W x D x H) : 35.8 x 24.6 x 1.79 cm
• Weight : 1.81 kg
• Power supply type : 45 W USB Type-C™ adapter
• Battery type : 3-cell, 60 Wh Li-ion
• Webcam : HP Wide Vision HD Camera with integrated dual array digital microphone
• Audio features : B&O, dual speakers
• Operating System :  Chrome OS

The  HP Chromebook  15-de0021cl is a budget friendly laptop, that offers excellent performance. It is powered by a Intel Core i3-8130U (2.2 GHz base frequency, up to 4 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 4 MB cache, 2 cores), 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which is still a lot even in today's standard and a Full HD Display. 

What I Like:

• The build is nice. Feels sturdy and durable
• Full HD display
• Good Performance
• Long Battery Life
• Touchscreen Display
• 2 USB-C and
• Supports Power Delivery 3.o
• Supports Google Play
• Supports Built-in Linux Box
• Compatible with most USB-C Laptop Docking that Supports the PD protocol
• Micro SD Card Slot

What I don't like:

• I find it a little heavy

Overall, the HP Chromebook 15-de0021cl is a good choice for students, budget-minded users, or anyone who just needs a laptop on the go that can handle everyday tasks. It is a good value for the price and offers good performance for its specs.

I'm an Android Phone user, and having Google Play on my HP Chromebook allows me to install and use the same apps I have on my phone. I also have Linux Box enabled so I can install desktop apps like Mozilla Firefox, Brave, and Libre Office.  One upgrade I made was to get the HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W with HDMI Adapter, Universal USB-C Docking Station, this lets me use my HP Chromebook with Dual Monitors, an external keyboard, and a mouse, I can hook it up to my switch via RJ45 ethernet wired connection.

Recommendation:

After having two Chromebooks, the Thinkpad 13 Chromebook and this one the HP Chromebook 15-de0021cl, I think, for now, I wouldn't be getting any Chromebooks, not for a long time. Unless Google removes the update limitation, Google makes Chrome OS Flex available to End of Life Chromebooks. My Thinkpad 13 Chromebook stopped getting updates last July, and this Chromebook will stop getting updates in the summer of 2025. I feel that Google must still support older hardware, just like in Windows. At least with Windows-based computers, I can install a Linux distro on older computers seamlessly. Also, the prices of Chromebooks are getting expensive, and none of the hardware is upgradable (cannot add ram and replace ssds). So for now I won't be buying any Chromebooks

Ka Tato's Corner November 23, 2023

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Casio HDC-700-1AVCF Review: A Durable, Reliable, and Accurate Watch for Everyday Wear

Today, I'm writing about my Casio HDC-700-1AVCF. Like any other Casio in the market the HDC-700-1AVCF is a tough watch. It is made of a heavy-duty resin watch which makes it durable and very reliable and it also looks good. 

First the Features and Specifications:

Case and Bezel

• Material: Resin
• Case Size (LWH): 53.3 mm x 48.8 mm x 16.6 mm
• Water Resistance: 100 meters (330 feet)

Band : Resin

Functions:

• World Time - 29 time zones (30 cities), Daylight saving on/off
• 1/100th-second stopwatch,
• Stopwatch measuring capacity: 23:59'59.99''
• Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times
• Countdown timer Unit: 1 second
• Countdown timer range: 24 hours
• Countdown start time setting range: 1 minute to 24 hours (1-minute increments and 1-hour increments)
• 3 daily alarms with 1 snooze alarm
• Full auto-calendar (to year 2099)
• LED backlight with afterglow
• 12/24-hour format
• Accuracy: ±30 seconds per month
• Telememo
• Mem capacity: Up to 30 Sets of Data, with 8 character name and 16-digit tel no.
• Analog: 2 hands (hour, minute (hands move every 20 seconds))
• Digital: Hour, minute, second, pm, month, date, day

Power Supply

• Battery: CR2025
• Battery Life: Approx. 10 years

Dimensions

• Weight: 49 grams

Additional Features

• Classic analog-digital display

What I like about the Casio HDC-700-1AVCF.

• Most of the functionality written above.

What I don't like.

• The Countdown Timer doesn't have auto-repeat
• Only 3 Alarms instead of 5
• Resin glass prone to scratches
• Led backlight, is not so bright.

This watch is a great all-around, everyday watch. Like most Casio watches, it is durable, water-resistant, and has tons of useful features, including 10 years battery life, world time, multiple alarms, stop watch, countdown timer, and an Analog Digital display. Before I forget, the Casio HDC-700-1AVCF is available in 3 Colors, the Black Silver, Tan, and Black Green. 

Casio HDC-700-1ACF Black/Green

This watch looks great and feels good on my arms. It's durable, and provides reliable time, it can be worn everyday and never fails. With the 10 year battery I won't have to worry about charging or replacing the battery anytime soon and the best part of it is the affordable price.

If you are looking for an everyday work watch, look no further. The Casio HDC-700-1ACF is a very good choice.

At the time of this writing it is available at Amazon for only $31.92

Ka Tato's Corner November 17, 2023

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