Cannon Fodder

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Namaste!

(Okay. So no video right now. It’s too big, so I’m going to split it in two sections and then post.   )

(Okay. So. Probably no video or pics at all. The download time is incredibly slow. I may have to do it when I get home! Or send Andy home with some of it, but he only gets back a couple weeks before I do. *sigh* We’ll see!)

So this is Day…uh…3? Of being in India. I’ve been picking up Hindi and Punjabi words and phrases here and there. I’ll be an expert in two months! Que paso in Punjabi means “What will you wear?” Of course, they spell it differently. Just don’t ask me how.

I am currently sitting in my hotel room in Ludhiana, Punjab…but the first few days were in Mumbai at the YWCA. I explain a lot more in my video blog, so I’m going to try not to repeat myself.

Manpreet just called—we’re going to sip some tea and go over our scripts. He’s playing Fateh, my college chum. Toodles for now!

4^th October, 2009

Anyway…So here I am. Still at the Ginger Hotel in Ludhiana. We’ll be moving to another hotel this evening, I believe. But I’m really clueless as to what’s supposed to be going on. We had breakfast this morning, and other than costume measurements, I’ve had a lot of time to myself. So I was able to get my first video blog edited (kind of) and saved. Yay!

Slept okay last night. There were power outages ALL the time…and in the early morning, they were about 30 minutes apart. Laptop is fine. It’s just annoying when it happens, because it pops the switches and fuses, so it’s loud. Hopefully our next place won’t have as many, but I’m not betting on that.

I was watching some Indian TV, but as I flipped through the channels, I came across Yentl! And I think you’ll all agree that one just doesn’t pass up Yentl, no matter where you are.

It was kind of funny, because on the flight over, I’d decided “A Piece of Sky” was my theme song, and I listened to it several times.

Lakhwinder hasn’t arrived yet. When he does, the four of us (me, Manpreet, Lakhwinder, and Pami—who plays Lakhwinder’s mother) will start rehearsing. Manpreet actually plays an American-born Sikh Indian, so we’ve been working a bit on phrases and sayings and such. Completely forgot to work on the American accent last night, though. He doesn’t have much in English, but it’ll be very obvious that he’s not American! So we’ll work on that, too.

By the way, do any of you Pennsylvanians know of certain words/phrases/slang that are used in the Philly area? Fateh and Carrie are from that area, so I’d like to incorporate some of it into our speech. No one will notice…but I will. Call me method.

I’m not, really. Well, okay…a bit.

Yesterday I woke up just before 3 so we could get to the airport. Our flight was to leave at 6.15, but there was some mix-up with the flights, and we ended up taking the 10.25 flight (which got delayed an hour). Since we were there so early, the three of us checked in our luggage—boy, did that take a while! And then we escaped the airport and took an auto to Juhu Beach. I took several pictures of this…tried to capture what it was like.

The thing that amazed me so much were the amount of people sleeping on the streets on Mumbai. So many, and the beach was no exception.

I had my first coconut water—straight from the coconut—and then they chop it up inside so you can eat the coconut. Didn’t taste at all like coconut. It was really good, but a completely different flavour than what I was expecting.

There was a huge bull just standing there, too. So naturally I took a picture. They took one of me, but wouldn’t let me touch it. So that picture is of me trying to pet it.

I have many rules I must obey, given by Ish:

I am forbidden to wander outside alone.

No fried foods.

No water, except bottled. (And all the guides say this, too. They say to brush your teeth with bottled water, and not to swallow any water from the shower, too…or much like Charlotte, you’ll Poughkeepsie in your pants. I brush my teeth with tap water, though.)

No fruit unless peeled.

No fruit drinks.

Basically, no liquids of any kind except bottled water. Or tea, since it’s been boiled.

No dairy.

(She wants me to take baby steps so I don’t get Delhi Belly. So far, so good.)

No food unless cooked very well.

No petting of the animals. At all. No exceptions!

I’m sure there are others I’m forgetting.

Oh, when we landed in Chandigarh, there was a whole slew of photographers. Alas, they were not waiting for us. I have no clue what bigwig flew in, but it wasn’t us. THIS time!

Later that evening:

New rule! I must speak very, very slowly when speaking with Lakhwinder. And we have to stay several feet away from each other! He’s sick and Ish is worried about my immune system. I gave him some Emergen-C, and I’m drinking it, as well.

He seems very nice. He has “people.” We happened upon him in the lobby, so we made introductions. After that, a group of guys asked for pictures and autographs…too funny. His first movie was just released a day or two ago…very cool!

Manpreet is getting known, as well! He’s getting a Punjabi Film Award for Best Debut. He and I walked to the Big Bazaar (which is like the GB for those who know, or a mini-CostCo) and several people stopped to talk to him. One guy kept coming back…for his cell number, which Manpreet declined to give, but then offered his email address! And then the guy left, and came back for an autograph. It was pretty cool to me, but you could tell he was a bit embarrassed by the whole thing.

Must be surreal. I’ll let you know how it feels when it starts happening to me!

After the Big Bazaar, we walked to a small town nearby to visit a gurudwara, which is the Sikh church/temple. That was neat to go to…I even went barefoot and didn’t feel that my feet got dirty! I was worried because I didn’t have a scarf to cover my head, but Manpreet told me they have some there. And they did.

Tomorrow we move to the other hotel room. I’m really hoping for wifi. Or a cyber cafe near by. Something! I think I;m going to give in and pay for wifi here. It’s 1.6 rupees a minute, so…good thing I’m pre-writing this blog! 1 rupee is actually incredibly cheap ($1 = 46 rupees), but I know me. I can spend some time on the internet! So I’ll do what I need to do and get off. It’s 8.30 AM back home…I’ll try calling Andy through Skype, but I can guarantee he’s still in bed!

I read through what I wrote above…it’s all over the place, haan? (See? I’m trying to incorporate Punjabi into my everyday speech!)

Okay…signing off for now.

Love to all!

5 Oct 09

Okay, I’m back. No internet yet. But I’m almost positive I will tomorrow. Just need rupees—I still haven’t changed my moolah! Someone was going to do it for me (one of the crew), but I need to be there, apparently.

Tell you what: I can get used to this lifestyle. I like being taken care of. I have a driver…my meals are taken care of…there’s a gym down the hall which I even used! Not too shabby.

We’re still at the Ginger hotel. We moved today to the Chevron closer to town, but turned right back around. I guess Ginger gave them a good deal. It’s a nicer hotel…I don’t care either way—I was just glad to unpack!

Lakhwinder and I were able to spend some time alone together. He thinks his English is bad…but I told him he knows more English than I do Punjabi! (Everyone’s very helpful, by the way. I learn a little bit more each day. But I cannot speak in complete sentences! Just a few. Ki daang, kuker! Don’t know if that’s the right spelling, but it basically means “What’s up, amigo?”)

Anyway…Lakhwinder’s very nice—quite a cutie, too. Right after we wrap, he’s heading to the States for the first time. He has a concert tour in 7-8 cities. I’ll let you know more in case you’re interested in attending! I’d love to go…we’ll see. I’ll be here till the 22^nd, and I don’t think he’s coming anywhere near Denver. But we’ll see!

He’s from Amritsar, where the Golden Temple is. I asked him if he was there in 1984, when there was a big riot and terrorists, etc. He was, but was little…he remembers some, but not much.

People have stopped him, too, for pictures and to chat. He’s very humble and takes it in stride. I find it very cool! I told Manpreet, “I want fans, too!” He assured me I would, and that he was my fan. He’s a lot of fun. I’m glad to have these few days to spend with him, because our characters have known each other for years, and have an almost brother/sister teasing relationship…so we’ve been developing that—quite easily. He’s fun. (And single, gals!)

So…I’m going to have to get used to the times Indians eat. Crazy late! Dinner is more 9-11ish. Dude, that’s bedtime! You can’t go to sleep on a full stomach! So it’s 9.30 now and I am determined to have dinner with everyone tonight. I haven’t been hungry much—I eat mainly because I think I should. But it’s all so good, it’s not like it’s hard to force down!

Let me tell you about driving here. I know I mentioned it in the video, but I can’t properly get across how INSANE it is here. Everything and everybody uses the roads…cars, rickshaws, buggies drawn by horses/mules/people, trucks, buses, cows, bikes, mopeds, whatever. And everyone has the right of way. There are no rules, except maybe “Might Makes Right.”

There are lines painted on the road—I saw them! But no one uses them. It could be a two-lane road, but it’s turned into 5 or 6. Horns are used all the time. From what I’ve noticed, sounding the horn can mean: move, go faster, here I am, I’m turning whether you’re coming or not, I’m annoyed, there’s traffic and I can’t do anything but I’m frustrated, you’re too slow, make a new lane and get outta my way. Basically, it means just about anything. And some people have musical horns and they just constantly lay on them. It’s like a very loud ice cream truck heading down the road. On the backs of trucks, “Blow Horn” is painted.

Those who have driven with me know that I tend to freak out. (I have no depth perception, among other things!) So I’m worse here! The drivers laugh while I’m in the back not-so-quietly freaking out. Imagine the absolute worst driver you know. Worse than me. Now picture everyone driving like that, only ten times worse. And faster. And louder. With cows and bikes! Ay-yi-yi.

Ah! Thursday’s photo shoot! It went well—they straightened my hair…we took some photos and then they decided they didn’t like it straight. (My hair is very fine, so when straightened, it lacks volume.) So we wet it down and got it curly again…and my hair will be curly for the film.

The photo shoot was for the cover of Carrie’s novel. I explain that in my video… I’ve seen the finished picture, all airbrushed and everything. I was so jetlagged, but damn, I look good! Airbrushing is fabulous. Wish all my pics could have it! My make-up was a little orange to me, but not to anyone else. I’m picky, though.

I’m not sure if it’s also the movie poster…we’ll see. That would be so weird—having my big face on a movie poster!

Having a lot of fun, even though I can’t go anywhere alone. I’m looking forward to shopping!

Okay, I’m sleepy. Jetlag has me falling asleep pretty early. Which is good, because we’ll have a lot of early morning shoots. But…dinner is so late! I think I’m going to give in and eat right now. I don’t want to sleep on a full tummy.

Right-i-o. It’s 10.00. I’m eating!

6^th Oct, 2009

I have internet access!!! I’m going to go ahead and load all this up—yay!

Lakhwinder, Manpreet, and I—maybe a few others—will be going to a bigger gurudwara tonight. I’m looking forward to it. I’m going to ask if I can do the ritual stuff, too. I did a little bit last time—they put some sort of food in your right hand and you eat it. I can’t remember what it’s called, though.

Can’t wait to start filming tomorrow! Even though it’s an early call. But that’s what film’s like. Theatre’s the opposite—you stay up all night with everyone and you sleep all day.

Ohhhhhhh!!!!!! I have a bone to pick with you, Sarah Ohh! The second night I was here, I had a funny dream. A bunch of us were back in high school, but at the ages we are now. Cillian Murphy went to this school, too, and I had a huuuuge crush on him. (Probably made up cheers a la Bill, too). Anyway, I was always too shy to talk to him. At some point we had lockers near each other, and I’d only manage to smile at him. So…okay, I’m walking through the halls with some friends when I see him with a girl. But I can’t see who it is, so I ask my friends. They try and distract me and say, “You don’t want to know. Trust me, it’s better you don’t know.” Turns out, Sarah Ohh has taken my crush for herself! How dare you! I kept thinking she was doing it to help me, by getting to know him and talk about me or something. (High school, right? ) But no. She stole him. It made me cry. I don’t think I can forgive you for this, Sarah. Cilly is mine.

All righty, then. It’s probably a good thing for Andy that I can’t even get him in my dreams. I love you, sweetie. (Andy—not Cillian!)

So.

Food = Delicious.

People = Wonderful

Clothing/Linens = GORGEOUS!!! Can’t wait to shop.

Sat Sri Akal!

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I’ve been trying to keep people updated via my Facebook statuses…unfortunately, certain people only catch certain updates, and some not at all. I wanted to hold off on writing a new blog, but…ah, who cares? I’m excited!

(Lots of links in here, for your learning pleasure!   )

This is what’s going on:

I have accepted a role in Tangra Productions’ short film The Here Between, based on Ambrose Bierce’s  “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge.” The film will be set in the 1930s, though my particular costume (as the town…err…girl-for-hire) is more flapper-esque.   It’s going to be a lot of fun. We’re rehearsing Saturday and Sunday, though I may not make Saturday’s, and we film the last weekend of August.

The weekend after that, I shoot my scenes for The Highwayman, based on the poem by Alfred Noyes. (These literature interpretations are right up my alley!) I’m not positive when filming will wrap, as they’re still trying to get enough funding. This is how non-Hollywood movies are done, folks. Not a lot of money…so it takes a while to get them completed!

I’m about 99% sure I didn’t get the nurse role (mentioned in my previous blogs), but a friend of mine did get the football player: watch out for Tre Mosby, folks! When you see ads for a movie called The Frankenstein Brothers, remember Tre!

Now, onto the really exciting stuff!

As you know, I’m up for the lead in a Punjabi film entitled The Sixth River, being filmed on location in the Punjab region of India. This is an incredible opportunity for me–I just can’t tell you enough how excited I am! I’ve been in touch with Ish amitoj Kaur from Noor Nissan Films.

She called today to let me know that she’s sending the contract for me to peruse tonight, and we’ll be going over that later on. They’ll be flying me to LA this Friday (or possibly San Fran on Wednesday) to meet with everyone. As the filming begins 5 October, they’d like to make a decision as soon as possible. All this does not mean I have the role. It does mean, however, that I’m one step closer. And this is probably the biggest turning point in my career.

I know it’s hard for “civilians” to understand this world. But even if I don’t get this role, this is still HUGE for me. It would be for anybody in my position. An unknown actor, constantly trying to put themself out there, struggling to prove that they’ve got the goods. Finally someone’s willing to take a chance! And if they don’t, I’ll at least know that by golly, people like me! It’s a big deal, and I’m not going to let people tell me it’s not.

This isn’t Bollywood, though there will be some songs and a couple dances. Take a look at Rang De Basanti (or here) to get a better idea. Our story is about an American girl who goes to India, working on her book and visiting an old college chum. And then some other stuff happens. What? You want me to give it away?! Heck, no–go buy a ticket when it comes out! 

And as if all this wasn’t exciting enough, I just got news yesterday that a British production company with access to IFC funding options is interested in producing my short Irish film. To that, all I can say is:

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Funding? Wouldn’t that be nice?! Funding means it’ll be that much easier to get Cillian Murphy attached, which in turn means I might get even more funding! Which means…I can film in Ireland, rather than finding someplace in Colorado that sort of looks like Galway. It means I don’t have to stress too much about costumes from 1691, and what’s in the cottage, and whose cameras and lighting I need to borrow. With Cilly, it would also mean the biggest stressor disappears: the casting of Boy. There’s no one else for this role. Sorry, but there isn’t. (Plus, when I actually meet him, I can then officially start calling us Chrillian.)

Tee-hee.  Hey, you don’t really expect me to change with success, do you? Once a dork, always a dork!

And I just thought of something!  I might be able to help my friend Patrick Monaghan with his film, The Scattering. You may remember I dedicated a whole blog to it a few months back…? Maybe not. Anyway, if I’m in touch with the IFC in some way, shape, or form…maybe that’ll help Patrick.

I always believe in helping others out. Not necessarily giving them things, you know? But giving them the opportunity. When I’m big and famous, I’ll be helping friends or family out, sure.  But only by helping them get their foot in the door. After that, they have to prove themselves.

That’s all I want for me. Getting through the door is the hardest part. Showing people I’ve got what it takes? No problem–but you have to find a way to show them! Ugh.

I still haven’t written my short! It’s been a little hectic around here. That doesn’t look like it’ll be changing anytime soon. But…it kind of looks–and I hesitate to say this for fear of jinxing it!–like I might be able to quit the survival job within the next 6 months.

Knock on wood, good juju, good energy, light a candle, say a prayer, whatever it is you do: do it!

I’m hoping this next blog will have even better news. Until then–

Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally…golly, what a day.

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Have a callback tomorrow for a SAG feature film. Casting is being done in LA, but they’re filming here in Denver, which is nice. I think it’s a “Dude, Where’s My Car” kind of a movie. Not exactly my type, but whatever! Hopefully you’ll see me as the nurse! One line–woo-hoo!

I’m also super-crazy-excited about a film shooting in India. I don’t know how many people they’re looking at for the lead, but I’m one of them.  I wish I could put sound clips on my blog–you’d be forced to hear my excitement!!!

It’s from an Indian-American production company (NN Films)…I’d be filming for about a month…they pay all expenses, plus a very small salary. A month in India? Doing what I love? Yes, please!

Plus, I can shop for saris and linens and all the gorgeous woodwork and stuff! Yay!

Oh–there’s a small chance I might be going to Sundance this year with some friends. Our friend’s sister (both Indian-American, coincidentally) will hopefully have her film accepted–we’re almost positive it will! And then we can support her film…schmooze on the slopes…grab some SWAG…sip cocoa…and pass out my business cards to EVERYONE!!! Please visit her site when you get a chance: Mridu Chandra

At this moment, I am happy. Except for this pounding headache that keeps reappearing, but I’ll just sing it away! Tra-la!!! Tra-la!

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Dia dhuit!

Quite a bit has happened in the past couple of weeks–pretty exciting! I had two film auditions last week, and was asked to do a table read for two scripts. We had “rehearsals” last week, and this week we’re reading in front of an audience.

This is more for the writers. They finish a draft and want to hear it read out loud by someone other than themselves! So there are a handful of us doing it. There really wasn’t a part for me, so I’m the “narrator,” which basically means I read all the action, narration, camera shots, etc. I didn’t think I’d be reading much, but I read the ENTIRE TIME! I love it.

Yesterday’s was what I call a Greenpeace meets Mission Impossible script, and tonight is a comedy action-type script with vampires and demons. Very cool. And funny as heck!

I have to go in to the agency tomorrow to get pictures taken of my hands! They’re submitting me for hand modeling. Woo-hoo! I’ll be like George Costanza and wear gloves all over the place now.

I’ve submitted myself for a web series, and a female lead for a film being shot in India next month. (Oh, I would LOVE that!)  I try to keep my eyes and ears open for gigs–let me know if you hear of anything!

OH! Gary is trying to win a contest–he’ll use the money to make a kick-ass film. And, naturally, I’d be in it! So–could you vote for him?!

http://www.hiremytvad.com/video-detail.php?videoID=-R59M3VQztE

The good thing is, it’s pretty darn funny.

I’m still plodding forward on my shorts. I’ve decided to concentrate on the Irish one first, since that will take more time and resources. You’d think I’d want to start off with an easier one, right? But this one is talking to me, and I have to get it out. It’ll be in Irish, and it’s a little controversial…but I’ll write it in such a way that lets the audience decided for themselves which is which. Doesn’t make any sense, what I just said, but I’m not divulging the story for others to steal!

I’d originally thought of this as a feature–actually, all the shorts I’m thinking of started that way. But in the role of Boy had to be Cillian Murphy.  Of course. Roll your eyes all you want, but once you know the story, you’ll agree! There’s no one else for this role.  It’s going to be a very quiet film, not a whole lot of dialogue. The roles are Boy, Girl, Baby, and Man.  And in the 17th century. (Don’t ask me how I plan on filming this! It will get done! It is written, and so it is!)

I talked to my agent about trying to get Mr. Murphy, and he gave me some really good ideas. I think the story is such that it will attract his “people” enough to get it to him, and if I have a letter of intent, I can get funding.

Am I holding my breath?

No…I’d like to live several more decades, thanks. But–you know me. Try and get the best. Shoot for the moon, right? If I miss, I’m still among the stars!

I’m excited about this one for so many reasons–one of which is it can be turned into a feature if it does well. It can continue where the story left off, or there can be a prequel. I’m doing so much studying these days. Even though their background won’t come up (or only a bit) in the short, I have to know where they came from, how they got where they are, etc. I have to know who their grandfather was, why their father died, etc. I imagine some people don’t write that way, but it really helps me.

I’ve temporarily titled it Wild Geese, for not only the Boy and Girl, but also because of what happens in Ireland’s history at that time. I hope I haven’t said too much. If people steal my things, I can show proof that I did it sooner!!! Don’t make me come over there and sue you!

I’ve started learning Irish, more seriously this time. I go on vacation in a couple days…the travel will be perfect to go through some lessons!

Slán go fóill!

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…you’ve got to do it yourself!

And so, I am.

There are a couple of gigs coming up within the next year. The Highwayman is set to begin filming early September, 2009. I’m looking forward to lacing up my corsets again and becoming Lady Catherine!

I’m also going to be featured in a dark comedy by Gary C. Warren..filming this coming spring, 2010. (Tentatively!) Speaking of Gary, his latest feature The Path of Torment was recently selected for the Action on Film International Festival in Pasadena next week! They’re nominated for several awards, so I’m sending good juju their way. If you’re in the area, please check out his film on Monday the 27th of July at 6 PM! You can get more info here.

But my main reason for blogging today is to let you know that I’m finally going to be writing/producing/etc 2-3 of my own short films. I’m pretty excited about them! One will be set in Ireland and have parts in Irish Gaelic, and another is an office dramedy. As of right now, they’re just small cocoons of ideas, as Anne Shirley would say, not quite ready to burst into butterflies.

I’ll write more about the process as I continue, but for now I’m just announcing my intentions!

I’ll admit I’m a little terrified! It’s a daunting task…the equipment, casting, music, the editing process, and everything in between! But I believe I’m up for the challenge, and I have several friends I can turn to for help and advice. (Thanks in advance!)

If you’re interested in helping out in any way, shape, or form, I will gladly accept!

In the meantime, I’d better stop blogging and start writing scripts!

“And scene…”

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Spring is here!!! My favourite season! But this blog isn’t about that, huh?

I know, I know…it’s been a while. I had a friend remind me that I needed to update–and I have time. So here I am.

You lucky people.

Let’s see…what’s been going on…? Auditions, auditions, auditions…voiceovers, radio spots, and one film. The callbacks were two weeks ago. Haven’t heard anything, but am in contact with the director constantly. (We’re friends, and getting something else set up–but there’s no way I’m going to bug him about casting. If he’s decided, then great. If he hasn’t, my asking will not help!)

Speaking of what Paddy and I are setting up…! I have managed to get Lana Veenker out to Denver to give her GO PRO workshops. This is a huge deal for me–I can’t believe that it was me who got this to happen.

Lana is a Portland, OR-based casting director who has helped cast films like TWILIGHT, CORALINE, etc. I’ve been following her blog, Tools4Actors, for a while now, and she is just a treasure trove on information. Because she’s a regional CD, she knows the problems we face here in Denver and it will be great to get her perspective.

Somebody asked me if I really believed in her, or if I was just getting kickbacks. Which is a legitimate question in this business. No, I get no kickbacks. I do get a one-on-one career consultation with Lana, which is like gold to me…but no financial incentives. These will be fantastic workshops, and I hope a lot of Colorado actors will be there.

I am going to be writing a TV show with an old friend of mine–hallo, Gary! We’re still thinking of what we want to do, but we’re pretty excited. At least, I am. At the moment, he’s more excited about the good reviews coming in for his first feature-length film, THE PATH OF TORMENT.  I get my own private screening of the film next month–very much looking forward to it!

Here are the links for the reviews:

Moviecynics.com

Antagony & Ecstasy

I was put through for a female lead in a sci-fi/romance being filmed in May in the UK. I’m sure they’ll go with someone local, but it was nice to be submitted–for someone to think of me!

The Highwayman will begin principal photography in August. Macleish Day, the guy playing the title role, really won’t be available much until then. I can’t plan that far ahead…I hope I’m here for it, but if not, that only means my career is moving forward even more.

Wow…this whole thing is very disjointed, eh? I’ve got a few things running through my mind at the moment…and I’m watching my dog–Ella–walk around with a treat hanging out of her mouth. It’s a thin rawhide strip, and she likes to wander about with it sticking out of her mouth for half an hour or so. Hey, she’s crazy like her mummy–what can I say?

And with that, I’m going to sign off.

Much love to you!

GO PRO with Lana Veenker

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