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31 Saturday Mar 2012

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I am not really a fan of an early flight but since I was on a budget, I had no choice. We flew to Singapore via Tiger Airways at 840am. So, imagine waking up at 5am on a Saturday. Boohoo.

But this flight was not as early as my flight to KK last year at 6am. Still, Aslan and I were almost walking zombie today. While waiting to depart the plane, we had breakfast at the Coffeebean.

Hungry and Sleepy Aslan

Almost empty at 745am

Aslan's meal

My meal

After breakfast, we went to the departure hall 8 and we waited less than half an hour before we boarded the plane.

Inside Tiger Airways

Zombified Aslan and I

I am not too keen flying with Tiger Airways but today it was surprisingly fine. The plane arrived earlier than expected and when we landed in Singapore, we were 30 minutes ahead of schedule!

Being a short stay, we decided to stay at the Wanderlust. I was there last year and I enjoyed the quirkiness of the hotel. Upon arrival, our room was not ready. To kill some time, we decided to go to Bugis Street as I wanted to look for a cheap bag and a sun hat for the next beach holiday.

In less than hour, I found everything I wanted to get and everything cost SGD 25, which was such a bargain! We then bought some lunch and walked around the almost empty market. Easy stroll compared with the peak hours of this super popular market.

Colourful jeans

Our favourite place to buy affordable and delicious juices in Singapore.

We were hoping we could get our room was we got back to the hotel but sadly, we had to wait another hour! :( Apparently the previous guests overstayed. Sakai!!! Hmmph.

Anyway, the last time I stayed here, I got the White room, this time, black!

The theme is called Fade to Black by Metallica.

Aslan thought he was getting the bigger room since he saw the last room I stayed in but I didn’t know that. Eik. Anyhow, he found the room interesting and just the right size for a short stay.

The enclosed toilet

The sink area, in between the two enclosed areas

Enclosed shower

The bed on the platform with the neon lights on the wall

From the bed, you can see the little shelf with the lamp, coffee/tea making facilities, iPod dock and flat screen tv.

Self portrait

We rested for a short while before going out again. You see, two days before, we bought tickets to watch the Hunger Games at GV at Plaza Singapura. While waiting for the taxi to arrive, Aslan took some photos of the lobby area.

Old barber chair turned into a lounge chair

Trolley chair!

The football game table thingy

Wallpaper just next to the counter

We arrived at Plaza Singapura around 3pm and went straight to the cinema on the seventh floor to redeem our tickets. The Hunger Games movie was entertaining but I must say that the book is more impressive.

Anyway, will blog more soon, early flight to catch tomorrow!

Love,
E.

 

Tumis Cafe, Kuching

25 Sunday Mar 2012

Posted by in Barefoot Day, Food, Review, Sarawak

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I have been hearing great reviews about Tumis Cafe from my friends on Twitter. Due to my curiosity (I should know better not to entertain that silly inquisitive nature of mine…), I decided to give it a try.

Tumis Cafe is located opposite of the main entrance to Hilton. The construction to the left of the cafe made that area looks dodgy and dirty. It is a relatively new cafe but it already looks so worn out. There are some discoloration on the floors and it seems like the staff rarely cleans the place out. I don’t know but maybe it is just the design of the floor pattern.

At the time, there were only two waiting staff and perhaps two chefs at the back. If you are short for time, do not go here because it took at least 15 minutes before our food arrived (They do warn you in the menu). The food and beverage menu is extensive but that does not mean good news.

One, not all items were available that day. I mean, why bother put it on the menu??? Secondly, due to too many dishes, I doubt it they can keep up with the standard. Third, their speciality dishes are not so special after all.

I am disappointed at how these cafes never learn. They always serve the same thing every other cafes and restaurants in Kuching serve! Are these people kiasu or something? Why not come up with something different? So what if you think you can prepare a better dish than everyone else? So generic, it bores me. Meals here are averagely priced.

One thing I must give credit to Tumis Cafe is Roti Milo. Somehow tastes better when other people makes it for you. I am sure this establishment can be a whole lot better than it is now, pity that.

Mmm... Milo.

If you are looking for somewhere to chill and have something light, Tumis Cafe is alright. The selection of the roti bakar is nice and the portion is quite big. I mean, what can go wrong with toast? :p

Mee Goreng Tumis

This dish is supposed to be one of their best dishes according to FourSquare but Aslan did not agree to that. It tasted nice but there was nothing special about it.

Ayam Bakar Solo

This dish would be a big disappointment if it was not for the sambal. Sad to say that this is not their best dish. And yet they claimed this is one of their specialities. :s

Ayam Penyet

A disappointment. Chicken was too dry.

Some people promises more than what they can handle. This cafe is one of them. They should stick to just a few unique and signature Sarawakian dishes.

Pisang Cheese

Okaylah but the banana fritter was slightly burnt.

Overall, I personally think that this cafe seriously needs to re-evaluate their menu. Don’t go overboard with the food selection, sometimes, less is more. Focus on your strong points.

Honestly, I think Tumis Cafe can do much better. Let me know when that day comes.

Love,
E.

 

New Swimsuit

22 Thursday Mar 2012

Posted by in Barefoot Day, Fashion, Review

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I ordered a swimsuit online a few days ago and guess what? It arrived today! Woohoo.

It is quite a relief to see the package on the table this afternoon. My last order from Asos haven’t arrived yet. It’s been three months and no sight of it. I sent a complaint email to Asos and they replied they are in the midst of ‘investigating’ it. :S

Anyway, this time I ordered from a local company, defashion, through Ebay Malaysia. I am quite satisfied with their service. Fast, reliable and most importantly, the price of a very gorgeous one piece swimsuit cost me less than RM60, Pos Laju shipping fee included!

How the swimsuit was advertised...

How it is actually:

Close to the previous photo, very nautical, suitable for the destination too!

Here is the link to the product if you are interested to buy one for yourself. I chose the biggest size there is just in case it is ‘Asian’ size. But it is a good fit, not too tight nor too loose.

Can’t wait for my beach getaway!

Love,
E.

P/S: I sure saved a lot of money, if I were to buy at the Spring, it would have cost me at least RM200 and the choice is limited. Meh. Thank God for the internet! Don’t you just love online shopping??? Woohoo!

Lunch at Tarot Salmon Japanese Restaurant

21 Wednesday Mar 2012

Posted by in Barefoot Day, Food, Review, Sarawak, Story Time

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After months not seeing each other, we finally set a date for lunch at Tarot Salmon Japanese Restaurant. Located in Batik Boutique Hotel, the restaurant is decorated in a minimalistic style, almost rustic. The dishes ranges from salad, sushi, sashimi, udon, tempura and chef speciality.

We sat at the high table near the entrance, Nutt and Zsa looked absolutely pretty with their dresses, made dear old me, in a halter top + cardigan and skinny jeans feel quite underdressed.

The table setting

Service here is average but not to say bad or anything. As I am (constantly) on diet, I ordered light dishes.

Wakame Salad RM8.90

I was quite disappointed to see this dish when it was served. When they said wakame salad, I was expecting the seaweed with lettuce, corn, tomato etc. Rather misleading, don’t you think so. Tastewise, a bit bland, perhaps a bit of chill will spice this dish a bit.

California Temaki Roll RM 7.90

I am a spoiled brat. I am so used with Minoru, I didn’t really enjoy TSJR’s version. At RM 5, Sushi King’s California Temaki Roll is tastier.

My main meal was the last to arrive. Perhaps they knew the fact I am dieting, the size of salmon was so small. It was almost two grilled salmon slices.

Very slim grilled salmon with fish roe mayo.

This is one of the chef’s speciality and I am sorry to say it wasn’t the best. Maybe it is just me. :s

Nutt and Zsa on the other hand, enjoyed their meals.

Nutt's starter: Salmon Bagel Rolls

Zsa's starter: Salmon Mayo

But I must praise Tarot Salmon Japanese Restaurant for their unique sushi choices. If you are looking for something different than the usual offering, this is the place to go.

I heard their Salmon belly dish is a hit! Can’t confirm that for you because I am obviously put off by the word belly.

Zsa's main meal: Chicken Teriyaki Don

Nutt's main meal: Prawn Tempura

I am sure this place has the potential to be better than it is at the moment. Such a pity because everything about it, apart from the food, is fabulous!

Don’t let my judgement stop you from going here though, who knows, you might like it. Price of the meals can be a bit expensive but not as expensive as Minoru.

Love,
E.

Penang Hawker Stall Buffet Dinner @ Pullman Kuching

05 Monday Mar 2012

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Hankering for Penang cuisines but don’t want to fly all the way to Penang for it? Pullman Kuching has the best solution for you! From today until March 18, Puzzle will have its Penang Hawker Staff buffet dinner! At RM69+ per adult and RM29+ per child under the age of 12, this Penang buffet will satisfy your cravings!

 

There are many authentic Penang dishes to choose from, I don’t know where to begin! I know, let’s start from starters.

Chicken Kut Teh; a healthier version of this herbal soup.

Prepared on location and served steaming hot!

There are so many variety of kerabu dishes, one is definitely spoiled for choice! Kerabu is a local salad, which usually has the savory, sweet and sour (sometimes spicy) flavor.

Kerabu taugeh (bean sprouts)

Kerabu asam muda (near ripe mango)

Kerabu pucuk paku kerisik

Kerabu daging (beef)

Apart from that, there is always the ulam station if you still like something Sarawakian.

Beautiful selection of greens to go with the sambal.

Among the choice of sambal available, sambal tomato and sambal belacan (fermented shrimp paste)

They also have a yong taufu stall on location and nothing like a bowl of soup full with a variety of meat and vegetable to start up an appetite!

For dieters, your diet is safe here. But I can't guarantee that. :p

Moving on to the main dishes, here are the highlights:

Penang buffet dinner would never be complete without the famed Laksa Penang! (Sorry for the lousy photo!)

Char Kway Tiaw in the making

Mouthwatering oyster omelette...

Fresh selection of seafood, bbq to perfection on request!

Nasi goreng kerabu

Telur rebusan masak kurma berempah

Udang Assam

Tumisan ikan parang asam pedas

Gulai kepala ikan

Ayam masak merah madu

Daging hitam utara

Sambal tempe dan ikan bilis berbawang

Ayam Sioh

Apart from the dishes mentioned above, there are other dishes such as roti canai, nasi briyani, fried udon and more vegetables. There’s always something for someone.

Next, desserts! Make sure you do save some space for them! I love the sweet bubur!

Bubur chacha

Bubur pulut hitam

Bubur pisang

Kacang ice station! Choose your own topping! Mmm...

Of course there are Western desserts too… Dieters, stay away from the chocolate fondue fountain. Just take the fruits and go away. Hehehe. :p

Mmm... Chocolate. Was tempted to run away with this baby. (I purposely blurred out the chocolate fondue fountain to focus more on the healthy fruits...)

These babies does not require any more introduction. Kuching's favorite sugar packed treats; macrons!

Mmm...

Cheesecake! Oh, I am slowly dying inside as I type this review... Hungryyyyy!

 

Chocolate cake!

Mini treats for dieters like me...

It's a trap for a dieter like me. (Wonder if there is such a term, dieter?)

So, what are you waiting for? Come to this little Penang and have a good time with your loved ones.

For inquiries and reservations:
Pullman Kuching
Address: 1A Jalan Mathies, Sarawak
93100 Kuching, Malaysia
Tel. (+60)82/222888
Fax. (+60)82/222999
Email: H6332@accor.com

 

 

Sephora Make-up Haul

28 Tuesday Feb 2012

Posted by in Barefoot Day, Fashion, Review, Story Time

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Last month, I went to KL, not once but twice. The first trip lasted a week and the second one, about 2 days minus traveling time. Amidst the hectic schedule, both business and leisure, I managed to do some make-up shopping at Sephora.

Personally, I think I enjoyed my shopping experience more at the KLCC branch. The staff are amazing compare to the I don’t care people at Bukit Bintang branch. KLCC staff are not only friendly but very professional. They greeted and attended to me the very moment I entered the door. The staff at bareMinerals counter sanitized the make-up brush before applying make-up on me.

It was completely different at the branch in Bukit Bintang. None of the staff bothered to greet nor attend anyone. They were busy chatting and gossiping with each other. I think I waited for 10 minutes before someone came to assist me. They didn’t seem to be happy that there were customers around. The lady did not sanitize the brush at all. She was helpful but it seemed like it was forced. Hmm…

Meh. Anyway, if you are planning to do some make-up shopping at Sephora KL, go to the KLCC branch, you won’t regret it!

So, here are my conquest from Sephora!

Make-up for 2012! I am sure it will last for two to three years!

I absolutely love bareMinerals! They are good for the skin and oh, the colors blend in so well! Since I am a newbie with this brand, I decided to try the starter kit! Worth every penny I tell you.

Versatile minerals!

Just a dab of the powder, you can cover the whole face easily. If you want it to be thicker, just increase the amount. You can also blend the colors to adjust to the tone of your skin. So far, I love the mineral veil, it makes my skin glow!

The staff suggested I blend medium and medium beige but to be honest, I can use either one on its own.

Mineral veil can also be used as a finishing powder but I love it so much, I sometimes just use only the mineral veil for my face. Warmth is perfect for bronzing and face contouring purposes.

Blusher powder is not included in the kit

Summer bisque is used for the region under the eyes. A quick solution for eye bags everything else.

Heavenly brushes are also included in the kit and I love the one in the middle! Fantastic brush!

The kit also comes with a tiny handbook on how to apply the powders as well as a cd. Quite easy and believe it or not, this brand is so good for your skin, you can even wear it to sleep. Click here for more information.

I also bought a whole lot of eyeshadow palettes. One set is never enough.

Smashbox Click You're It

Simply divine! Lots of color and so many ways to pair them for the ultimate look!

 

Even comes with a little brochure on make-up styles and a primer for long lasting effect!

I am a sucker for eyeshadows with some glitter effect so I couldn’t resist this little wonder by Sephora…

Moonshadow baked palette!

Doesn't take much to make the eye region shines!

Since I don’t have Cammy with me yet, here’s a photo taken using the iPhone of me in bareMinerals makeup:

I thought of copying Angelina Jolie's Oscar makeup but turned out different. :p

I promise I will camwhore for you once Cammy’s back from the service centre. Wait for it! Hehe.

Love,
E.

Yong Hua Cafe, Satok

20 Monday Feb 2012

Posted by in Barefoot Day, Food, Review, Sarawak

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This is my first time dining here. Considering the years I’ve stayed in Kuching, this is epic late. This cafe has been here for ages. Why, according to my friend, she’s been a regular since the noodle maker was single.

What makes Yong Hua Cafe so unique is the fact it is one of the places in Kuching where you can get Halal Mee Kolok and Ba Ku Teh! The cafe is located near Satok Wet Market, if I am not mistaken, next to a frozen meat shop, and believe me, it is very packed, hard almost impossible to get to during the weekend. What more of trying to find a table? Therefore, go there during the weekdays.

Anyhow, apart from Mee Kolok and Ba Ku Teh, they also serve a variety of dishes.

Love the simplicity of the menu design

Since I am a fan of Mee Kolok, I decided to give it a try. Ayu ordered the same thing in small and Zarith had the Mee Pok. We shared a bowl of Ba Ku Teh with lots of garlic.

Oh, epic yumminess. Mee Kolok looks simple but oh, the taste, is mind-blowing.

So far, this is the best Mee Kolok I ever tasted. Simply divine! Next time I go there, I want to try the Mee Pok or Kuey Tiaw Sapi. Zarith’s a fan!

I guess it is almost similar to Mee Kolok but I can't tell for sure. I will let you know once I have tried it.

I have never tried Ba Ku Teh before so I am pretty much clueless on how it should taste like, what determines if it is good but I must say, it was lovely. Strong taste of herbs and quite beefy. Kinda warms you up and if taken with the mee kolok, damn, orgasmic. Hehehe.

And this is how we (minus me) looked like halfway eating our meals…

Good food = Happy people

I can barely finished my regular sized mee kolok, Ayu was smart to order small. Oh well, if you’re looking for something different, do try out Yong Hua Cafe.

Love,
E.

 

Quarter a Century Already. Damn.

14 Tuesday Feb 2012

Posted by in Barefoot Day, Celebrations, Food, Review

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Happy birthday to me and happy Valentine’s day to you!

I woke up at 530am to drop off my mum at the airport and then my sister Nisa at school. Continued sleeping until 1030am and got ready to go out on a lunch date with my one and only.

I was choosing my shoes when Aslan came into my room with a big bag from RPS, a single rose sticking out of it.

A victory smile on his face because he successfully surprised me.

I told him so many times not to get me anything for Valentine’s day but the lad just won’t listen.

Valentine won't be perfect without a cheesy card and a red rose. He managed to be over the top by surprising me with a bolster from Sereni & Shentel.

Earlier on this week, I had a simple dinner with my family to celebrate my day.

I made Mac & Cheese and mum cooked everything else.

When I saw the gift wrapper in which Aslan printed himself, I couldn’t stop smiling.

All things Chanel!

The birthday card is very interesting too! A cd containing popular songs in the year I was born, 1987!

I only know less than three songs in the album. Lol.

When I unwrapped the gift, upon seeing the red bow with red shiny stones, I squealed like a little girl!

Sereni & Shentel Bow Down in Red!!!

Moi wearing the S&S Bow Down in Red with my one and only

Anyway, back to today. After the surprise, he took me out for lunch at the Waterfront Cafe, Hilton.

In order to be more romantic, we decided to share lunch.

Sharing is caring and my diet is safe too! :P Service was a tad slow and it can get quite annoying when we wanted to call someone but no one was around. Meh. Nonetheless, the dishes were alright.

They didn't inform me they didn't have Perrier nor lemon, simply changed my order. Same thing but would be nice if I was informed first...

Grilled vegetables with hummus. When they said grilled, I was expecting the veggies to be warm, they came quite cold. Overall, it was nice but I am sure it could be better...

Love their Mee Kolok. Simple and yet, delicious. It is perfect for those who can't take beef or pork since it's strictly chicken based.

We went to have coffee, tea and dessert at Cafe Cinno straight after lunch. I fancied Tiramisu and luckily it was available.

While waiting for the cake and drinks to arrive...

Cold Tiramisu, I think they just took it out from the freezer or something... Nice but nothing special about it... The tiramisu does look like it is angry, doesn't it? Hehehe.

Latte and Chai Latte.

What a day and I am sorry if my photos are of low quality. I just sent Cammy for its annual servicing at Canon Malaysia yesterday. Boohoo. For the time being, all photos will be taken using an iPhone 4 unless stated.

Hope your day has been as great as mine, will blog more soon!

Love,
E.

 

Jesselton Hotel and Bella Italia, Kota Kinabalu

03 Friday Feb 2012

Posted by in Barefoot Day, Food, Review, Sabah, Travel

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Our flight to KK from Singapore via AirAsia departed around 530pm. It was quite a boring flight. Nothing much really happened. We arrived at KKIA 2 on time and took a cab to the hotel. It cost us RM30.

The last time we were in KK, we stayed in two lovely resorts. This time, we stayed at the Jesselton Hotel in the heart of KK.

It was a nice room, quite spacious too. Imagine the four of us stayed in one room.

This was before the extra bed was requested

The design of the room reminded me a lot of Damai Beach.

Everything except the flat screen was old school but the room was comfortable nonetheless

The only thing I don’t like about this room is the toilet door. So thin and between the gap between the blinds was quite a size, therefore, when it comes to ‘business’, boy, one can definitely stink the room.

The bathroom

The shower and bath area

At the price they are charging, RM 210+ (Including extra bed), it is quite pricey. If the room was not as aged or worn out, I wouldn’t mind paying that price.

Still, the hotel is conveniently located to so many eateries, malls and just a stone’s throw away from the craft market. There is also a weekend market along Gaya Street every Sunday.

We were too tired to go anywhere else for dinner, we decided to try out Bella Italia just downstairs. Dave and Rapik joined us too. Here are what we have ordered:

Mushroom soup: It was nice but I have had better.

I can't remember the name of this pizza but it had cheese in its crust. Aslan enjoyed it

There are no photos of Dave and Rapik’s meals because Aslan forgot to take them. Rapik had Chicken Curry with rice while Dave had a salmon pasta.

Rapik, Dave and Aslan

Overall, the food at Bella Italia is okay but I think the price is a bit expensive. Meals for 4 person cost around RM120+ Then again, cheaper than the Italian restaurant at Shangri La Tanjung Aru. Oh well…

After a long day, what a relief to be able to shower and lie down on the bed.

Blog more soon.

Love,
E.

All the food there was in KL

22 Sunday Jan 2012

Posted by in Barefoot Day, Food, Kuala Lumpur, Review, Travel

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I am terribly sorry for the really late post. I have been trying to blog about it but failed miserably. KL is a great city but somehow… I find it a bit boring. The only thing worth blogging about is the food.

Hence, this entry is about the food that we’ve had in KL throughout our stay.

Friday:

I woke up feeling quite ill. I didn’t feel like doing anything in the morning, so we stayed in and ordered room service. I fancied something simple but filling, so I ordered the Junior Cheese and Turkey Ham sandwich.

If I had known junior meant kid's size, I wouldn't have bothered...

The sandwich tasted alright, the turkey ham was borderline bland and cheese was already cold.

Aslan ordered his usual.

Beef burger with cheese and onion rings on it.

He said it tasted fine, nothing special but just the right serving size.

In the afternoon, I forced myself out of bed. We went to Pavilion for a walk and karaoke with Lai. While waiting for Lai, we bought a few pastries from Loaf bakery.

I can never understand the hype for this bakery. The pastries were average.

I swear the ones available at Taka or Southern Cake House are much better compared with The Loaf… :P

Aslan posing with our afternoon tea.

Saturday:

Since I still felt sickly, we cancelled our plan of going to the water theme park and just lepak at Sunway Pyramid. I was curious about Bubba Gump Restaurant, so we went there for lunch.

Overall, the decoration is quirky, menu is fun and we ordered a bit too much for three person. We underestimated the serving size. Trust me, after this experience, I think I am off prawns.

Drink size is huge!

A selection of the every starter they have.

A bucket full of shrimps... Delicious but you wouldn't want to eat too much!

We were already quite full when our main dish arrived, so, imagine the horror on our faces when we saw how big the serving potion was!

Prawn Scampi. Lovely, I would have finished this easily if I didn't stuff myself silly with the starters.

Aslan's main dish... Forgot what the name was but by this time, I couldn't eat any more prawns!

Lai ordered the Baked Cheese and Seafood rice, in which she dubbed the cat food. Not the best dish in their menu.

In the evening, we went to the Tutti Frutti cafe nearby our hotel. Aslan went overboard with his frozen yoghurt selection.

My bowl was the healthiest looking of all... Lots of fruit topping with the original yoghurt flavor.

Aslan had all the yoghurt flavors and every topping there was in his bowl...

Both Elysha and Lai had something chocolate-y that night...

Happy people with their frozen yoghurt

Honestly, Tutti Frutti tasted average. I prefer the one in Singapore, I think it’s called Berrylite at Iluma, Bugis.

Sunday:

Our last day in KL, we had lunch at Tony Roma’s Pavilion. Aslan’s been waiting for this moment since our first day here. You see, the last time we went here, we never bothered with the beef ribs.

Starter. Simply but oh, so good. Some advice from me, don't bother with the bun! Save it until you have the main dish, the reason why you go here at the first place. Hehehe.

Patiently waiting for his beef ribs...

We’ve learned our lesson not to order too much, so, this time, we shared a couple of dishes between us.

Caesar Salad with Chicken was a disappointment

Aslan loved the beef ribs, he plans to come back again for it the next time we are in KL!

Steak was alright although nothing beats the beef ribs. So divine!

One happy man

Lai and I

This concludes my KL trip, sorry for the lack of enthusiasm on my part. Don’t get me wrong, KL is an amazing city, I should venture from my comfort zone and explore more of KL.

Well, take care!

Love,
E.

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