TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Mar 30, 2022 20:48:11 GMT -5
I once inherited the tools from a so-called contractor. They left one day and never returned. There were all kinds of tools in the basement.
I called their number and put the tools outside. After about a month, I called again and it was a non-working number, so the tools were mine.
I had changed the locks so they couldn't get in my house.
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stillmovingforward
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Post by stillmovingforward on Mar 30, 2022 22:58:12 GMT -5
I once inherited the tools from a so-called contractor. They left one day and never returned. There were all kinds of tools in the basement. I called their number and put the tools outside. After about a month, I called again and it was a non-working number, so the tools were mine. I had changed the locks so they couldn't get in my house. It was a tongue-in-cheek joke. My DH and I have done almost all the work on our old house together. We've gotten older before it was completed. He was badly hurt a year ago and can't do any work anymore. We have all the tools. Just not the strength. I can't do it all on my own.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 31, 2022 19:29:43 GMT -5
Meant to post yesterday but this thread was buried a bit, so I forgot. Contractor came and caulked the basement stair gaps, he stripped the front door, cut a cat door into the basement workroom cheap hallow panel door (DD9 is going to "sew" a curtain to hang in front of it).
Today, he finished hanging up the barn door across the hallway that leads to our 3 bedrooms from the open kitchen/dining area. Hoping this will stop the noise from the first person up each morning reaching everyone else as we don't leave the doors closed because then the cats whine in/out of them. It's an open hallway so there's never been a door there and there is no trim around the opening, so he's having to customize the install a bit. So far, so good. He also got the first coat of a lovely orange paint on the double front doors. I'm pleased with the shade and so excited to start referring to my house as the one with the orange door LOL. We won't talk about how I partially stripped the door of its peeling stain in summer 2020 and then never finished Also on his list are hanging 3 recessed medicine cabinets in our bathrooms. This will give the girls so much storage and I can finally stop keeping all our OTC meds in a basket in my master closet LOL. No idea how the prior owners lived with only mirrors for so long as it's driven me crazy even since we moved in. He's hanging a large 4 foot by 6 foot mirror in the downstairs bathroom that I got for free off craigslist. Picture DD13 and her friends getting ready for school dances down there as it's a huge bathroom and now will have the best dress up mirror! He's also going to paint the basement steps. We pulled up the carpet that matched the carpet throughout the basement that we replaced with luxury vinyl. We had grand plans of staining the unfinished wood ourselves until DH got to the top 3 steps which are a random shade of navy blue. I still remember the day DH yelled WTH. We found a nice gray toned blue for the steps and a darker gray teal/blue for the risers. Being a little daring with color. The new floors have a gray blue tint to some of the wood grain. I got too busy and exhausted from work that I procrastinated finding cabinets for the entryway area that I wanted. I also got frustrated that I couldn't find anything that went floor to ceiling in a set of 4 (so many are 3 which is weird because I'd think 4 is more common family size). The girls are calling them lockers and making name signs for each of them. Sure hope they their crap in them instead of on the floor. I'm so excited to have everything all closed up. Stuck with white solid panels to keep them easy to clean and touch up if they're knicked. Wood finishes raised the price by a third or more. Also bought upper and lower cabinets for the bar area that has old lower cabinets from the prior kitchen set and no uppers. Also in white so they will match. He's going to add our crown molding with them to make them look built in. They'll be delivered in 14 days and then we'll get back on his calendar but he's holding a spot for us in two weeks. So exciting for all these changes! And $$$$ but I'm super happy with the contractor and his bid.
The changes you are making do sound exciting, and I don’t even live there lol. I know what you mean about the medicine cabinets. Our bathroom and the one in the hall that the girls use, have large mirrors spanning the walls over the long double vanities. And both have another large, floor length mirror. There’s storage space, drawers and 3 sets of cabinets under the vanities, and a linen closet inside both bathrooms. But I’m use to medicine cabinets, and all of that kind of stuff is in a basket inside the linen closet. I’m not really a fan lol. It’s great that you are being daring with color. I will warn you that in my experience, once you start dabbling in using color, it’s hard to go back to playing it safe and having everything white or beige. I have white cabinets in my kitchen and bathrooms, and I’m ok with that, but I have grown fond of the saying that white walls are for tires. I’ve seen many pictures of beautiful rooms with white or beige walls, but I find myself trying to figure out how I can get the same “feel”, without white or beige walls lol. I hope you share pictures of what you’re doing. I’m especially interested in your orange doors. Before I moved, my little dining area off my kitchen had bay windows and I had the walls painted orange. Not a bright orange, but definitely orange. I loved it! The surrounding walls were a deeper, but not dark beige, which was okay, because that just made the orange walls stand out even more. I toy with painting the breakfast nook here orange, but I just can’t make up my mind. Mostly because I’ve scrounged up some old pictures of this house on the Internet, and the kitchen was beige before the couple that sold it to us painted the kitchen and breakfast nook green. I don’t care for the green, but it looks a lot better than when it was all beige. So I feel like the kitchen needs a color too, but what color, if I paint the breakfast nook orange?! The kitchen and breakfast nook are really one space, so the wall colors need to work well together if they aren’t the same color. I’m not sure how I feel about painting it ALL orange, even though the kitchen is small and doesn’t actually have a lot of wall space. But I do love orange, even if it’s just a small pop of color in an otherwise mostly neutral room. Purple is really my favorite color, (rich purples, I don’t really like lavender lol) but you’d never know it because I’ve never tried to decorate with it and don’t even wear purple clothes lol. Anyhoo, yay! for you making your house yours and doing things that work better for you and your family, or you just like. I think that’s what we all should do, as much as we can, especially when it’s somewhere we’ll be living long term. When I was growing up, my Mom didn’t really decorate and didn’t even really take care of the houses she bought. I thought it must cost a LOT of money to even take care of a house, let alone decorate it. But I bought a house anyway, when I was 29yo. And I realized that the things my Mom didn’t repair on her houses, were actually minor and wouldn’t have cost all that much to fix. I also got lucky in that I bought a sturdy, well built and well taken care of house that didn’t have a lot of serious issues. I did run into problems when I updated certain things because the house was old enough (built in the earlier 60’s) that things had changed since it was built. I learned to expect the unexpected after I tried to do something as simple as change the old shower head that was there when I bought the house. I had to get a plumber to replace the arm coming out of the wall that the shower head attaches to, because mine had a ball on the end and modern shower heads do not work with that old setup. Then, I started watching HGTV and figured out it didn’t have to cost a LOT of money to add some personality to your house with decor either. It wasn’t until my children were out of high school that I felt like I could even afford to really start spending money doing stuff to my house, just because I wanted to. I’d kept up with maintenance and repairs, but not many upgrades, and not much as far as decorating. By then, I knew it didn’t have to cost a crazy amount of money to make my house function how I needed it to, and make it pleasing to my eyes. I figured it was better to upgrade things while I was living there and could enjoy it myself, than waiting to upgrade and make it nice so I could sell it. So I started, with a plan that I’d laid out in a spreadsheet lol. By the time I moved here, a monster had been born and I was all about making a house mine. All of that is why I like to see other people do stuff to their homes and put their own personal stamp on it, so to say. And that is why I’m patiently waiting for TheOtherMe to post pics of her bathroom remodel (I know it will be a while), and I’m hoping you might be comfortable enough to post pics too. It’s also why I’ve enjoyed looking at pictures other posters have shared of their homes. I just genuinely enjoy peeping into other people’s homes, and seeing what they like and how they decorate. Not in a creepy way, I just look at pictures on the Internet, I’m not peering through windows IRL or anything weird like that lol.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Mar 31, 2022 20:27:30 GMT -5
Pink, the last piece for my bathroom project was ordered yesterday. Apparently, the designer and the contractor didn't have the same color, so they stopped what had been ordered and called me to find out what I wanted. I was told it was being ordered yesterday.
That was the counter top for the cabinet.
I have only had a huge mirror in this bathroom. When we are done, I will have a medicine cabinet. I have not liked the large mirror because the cabinet is long enough for double sinks but there is only a single sink.
Whoever lives here after me gets to deal with double sinks.
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Apr 19, 2022 16:41:43 GMT -5
My handyman has been mostly Mia and I'm over using the tub as a sink. He had covid while we were waiting for the floor to come in and has had a rough recovery. He finally came Monday because the hot water valve was leaking, but he just fixed that. It is what it is, but it also sucks. We have a lamp in there because the light isnt put in yet, no sink, and all of his tools. It's very cramped. Nothing has happened on my bathroom since this post. Handyman called 4/4 and said he'd be over the next day and nothing since. I messaged him to see how he's feeling and check in on a time frame, but no response. I think I'll start looking at installing the flooring myself. The rest I'd have to Hire out most likely which I'm not excited about but I need my bathroom back.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Apr 19, 2022 19:31:56 GMT -5
My first week of April project has not started and I have not heard from the contractor.
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Sharon
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Post by Sharon on Apr 19, 2022 19:40:41 GMT -5
I bought a new chair today, it is a swivel, glider, recliner. While I'm not really a fan of recliners because they tend to be big pieces of furniture this one isn't quite so big. I had hoped for a swivel glider but one that didn't look like it belonged in a baby's nursery. This one is very comfortable and I was quite happy just sitting in it rocking back and forth. I'm short and this chair has a shorter seat so I can sit in it and my feet still touch the ground. Unfortunately because I ordered it with a custom fabric it won't be here for 4-6 months. Originally I was looking for two chairs to replace two swivel rocking chairs I purchased probably 20 years ago. They are in pretty rough shape. This one chair will fit nicely in the room and I will keep on the lookout for two chairs to replace those other two old ones.
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Anne_in_VA
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Post by Anne_in_VA on Apr 19, 2022 20:32:17 GMT -5
We have windows and a door on the addition! The crew came and installed the windows and door today, then put tyvek on the new addition. They pulled off the siding on the rest of the house then started installing the new siding. Hopefully they’ll gat that done this week and can start on the interior. They did put up the insulation last Friday, so that’s done too.
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resolution
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Post by resolution on Apr 20, 2022 7:51:36 GMT -5
My husband is rewiring our upstairs. The entire upstairs was on one circuit, except for the office, which for some reason had 3 circuits. He found that there was still a bunch of active knob and tube, which wasn't disclosed or found during the inspection. So he is going room by room and making a circuit for each room and replacing the knob and tube with modern electric. As a part of the project he is replacing our light switches with victorian buttons instead. We haven't touched up the paint around the switches but I wanted to share. This is the switch, except we still need to buy a matching paint and touch up the paint. It goes with the old doorknobs that are on all the doors.
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Anne_in_VA
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Post by Anne_in_VA on Apr 20, 2022 11:30:14 GMT -5
Love those old buttons and doorknobs!
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mamasita99
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Post by mamasita99 on Apr 24, 2022 18:40:57 GMT -5
Pooped in to hear about other projects. We finally have some furniture in the home. While driving through an industrial area I found a furniture clearance warehouse. I spoke with the owner, she gets furniture from local builders and furniture stores when they discontinue or have overstock. So what was in the building was available to purchase. It was so nice to look at furniture and know that I wouldn’t have to wait 3-6 months for a standard piece of furniture. I picked up a few pieces and I’ll post the pics when the coffee has kicked in.
Not sure what to do about colors on walls, either. We have open kitchen/dining/living, and I hate to use the same color everywhere. Wonder if I can tie the two areas together somehow without making it all the same.
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Apr 25, 2022 17:46:31 GMT -5
Handyman has started work on the bathroom. He's pulled out the lights and the sink but a lamp and soap/toothpaste on the edge of the tub work for now. He came super late yesterday, didn't make it today but I think this is just how it goes and what I expected so I'mnot stressed. He's very reasonably priced, shops the ReStore (habitat for humanity) and has gotten us really beautiful and quality fixtures for a fraction of what we'd spend for lower quality stuff at home depot. It'll get done eventually. I'm hoping we aren't without the tub/shower upstairs for any length of time. Basement showers are always a bit creepy imo and I think I'd have to sit in the bathroom Or just outside the door if the kids had to use that one. I had to come back to this to figure out the time frame. The handyman has only been back twice since this post on 3/1 both times to fix a leaking hot water valve. I'm looking up how to replace the subfloor myself. Gotta say that isn't a job I want, but I'm feeling like it's the fastest option at this point. It should be a 1 day job, so I'm trying to psych myself up for it.
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mamasita99
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Post by mamasita99 on Apr 25, 2022 17:59:12 GMT -5
Handyman has started work on the bathroom. He's pulled out the lights and the sink but a lamp and soap/toothpaste on the edge of the tub work for now. He came super late yesterday, didn't make it today but I think this is just how it goes and what I expected so I'mnot stressed. He's very reasonably priced, shops the ReStore (habitat for humanity) and has gotten us really beautiful and quality fixtures for a fraction of what we'd spend for lower quality stuff at home depot. It'll get done eventually. I'm hoping we aren't without the tub/shower upstairs for any length of time. Basement showers are always a bit creepy imo and I think I'd have to sit in the bathroom Or just outside the door if the kids had to use that one. I had to come back to this to figure out the time frame. The handyman has only been back twice since this post on 3/1 both times to fix a leaking hot water valve. I'm looking up how to replace the subfloor myself. Gotta say that isn't a job I want, but I'm feeling like it's the fastest option at this point. It should be a 1 day job, so I'm trying to psych myself up for it. This is what holds me back from big jobs, the sheer amount of time it takes to get a job completed these days. If it’s something I can learn how to do reasonably well, I’m up for trying. YouTube really has amazing tutorials.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Apr 26, 2022 6:13:24 GMT -5
My shower renovation that was supposed to start the first week of April has not been started.
It's in the contract, that it will not be started until all materials and supplies are here. It's a 3 week process once it starts, but I don't want to be without a shower on the main floor for months on end.
I don't care if it fall as long as everything is in before he starts.
I do not have the skills to do this.
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Sharon
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Post by Sharon on Apr 26, 2022 9:22:43 GMT -5
I purchased a bunch of light fixtures this weekend to replace ones in the house. I pretty much dislike all the current fixtures. My hallways doesn't have overhead lights but has two wall sconces. This is what I got for the hallway. This will go in my bathroom. I had these in my last house and loved them. I also got a fixture for the main bathroom but can't find a picture of that.
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resolution
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Post by resolution on Apr 26, 2022 9:29:59 GMT -5
We have been really fortunate with contractors showing up and doing the jobs promptly, but unfortunately it's because my husband was selecting some of the more expensive bids, based on the contractor's reputation and manpower available to throw at the job. Our painting job was delayed by about a week but we had a team of 5 people here for the better part of 4 weeks. The air-conditioning/ductwork job had two installation teams working simultaneously for 5 days. We had as little disruption as possible, but it cost us dearly.
He is making up the difference in prices by redoing our electrical himself, but its a tremendous amount of work. He is up in the attic rooting around in wiring every night and all day on the weekends. I feel kind of bad about it, but I keep reminding myself that its his hobby and whenever I talk him into taking a day off he keeps wanting to go back to it.
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resolution
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Post by resolution on Apr 26, 2022 9:31:11 GMT -5
I love the fixtures! The folded over towel fixture is too cute!
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on May 9, 2022 13:17:46 GMT -5
I tried to connect with the handyman last week and we played phone tag but never spoke and we're still up in the air. I've decided installing subfloor in a bathroom isn't something I'm willing to do myself.
I scheduled an electrician for their first available appointment next week to install the light fixture and outlet (and we want an exterior outlet put in also).
We have the sink that will ultimately be installed but its really heavy. I don't think dh and I could get it in the house ourselves, and it would have to be moved again to put the floor in. So I was looking at pedestal sinks. I really don't want to do any plumbing myself though so it would require installation as well. I have a good and inexpensive plumber, but assuming it takes a couple hours it would cost almost $500 to put in a temporary sink which seems like a lot of money. But we're so over the current situation.
I called the place we bought the flooring from and they won't even consider the job of an install since we were a cash and carry to start. I was thinking if I could get the floor in, then we could at least get the final sink put in, which would about finish the job. I guess I'll keep trying our guy and probably try calling around too.
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stillmovingforward
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Post by stillmovingforward on May 9, 2022 21:56:51 GMT -5
I really need to sort through stuff/declutter and rearrange our living and dining room. They just aren't working for me anymore.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on May 14, 2022 19:27:15 GMT -5
My shower project was supposed to start the first week of April.
Finally yesterday from the wholesaler who is the supplier of everything. I had to change colors on a couple of things, so my guess is it will still be some time before anything happens.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on May 20, 2022 21:26:27 GMT -5
Oh! I have so many things to tell you and show you about my new house! I’m trying to find time to explain it all and upload the pictures! A
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on May 25, 2022 20:26:26 GMT -5
Here’s a quick one: the downstairs interior of the new house was painted a warm yellow—almost a browned butter. I hate it. I’ve never in my life brought painters in to do an interior, but I did this time. Here’s the only picture I have so far. The left side is the new paint. The right side is the original paint.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on May 26, 2022 9:13:18 GMT -5
Wondering if my shower project starts in June? That's only two months out from the original start date.
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2022 19:27:07 GMT -5
Wondering if my shower project starts in June? That's only two months out from the original start date. Are the materials still not in? Is that the hold up? Because……. GOOD GRIEF!
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on May 26, 2022 19:31:04 GMT -5
Just before I left on my trip, I was called and asked to choose another color because what I had chosen not only was out but is no longer being made.
So no, the materials are not in. I told them not to start until everything is in and I will stick to that.
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stillmovingforward
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Post by stillmovingforward on May 27, 2022 1:00:57 GMT -5
Smart idea!
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on May 27, 2022 8:48:48 GMT -5
I do not want to be using the bathroom in the basement for months on end. I have been told the toilet will be useable when they leave for the day but I will be without a shower once the project starts. I don't want to have to shower in the basement any longer than I have to.
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mamasita99
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Post by mamasita99 on May 28, 2022 18:29:38 GMT -5
I do not want to be using the bathroom in the basement for months on end. I have been told the toilet will be useable when they leave for the day but I will be without a shower once the project starts. I don't want to have to shower in the basement any longer than I have to. I agree, basement showers do not sound appealing, don’t need to drag that experience out for months. But I hope it starts before it gets cold again. Because cold basement showers sound even worse.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on May 28, 2022 20:10:38 GMT -5
I use a space heater upstairs now when I shower, so if it goes on that long, I will take it to the basement.
I hope it is finished before then, too, but I can't live with the bathroom being torn up for 6 or 8 months.
It is a finished bathroom in the basement, so not horrible. It's just that it's in the basement.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on May 28, 2022 20:24:34 GMT -5
Here’s some more new house stuff. We are the second owners of this house. It was built in 1999. They chose brass fixtures for everything. Except in the primary bathroom. In the primary bathroom they put this in:
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