Thursday, May 29, 2014

How To Get A Yoga Mat That Is Perfect For You

I can speak to the fact that one size does not fit all when it comes to yoga mats.  I am too long for most of them when I do downward dog.  The folks at Gaiam have a GENIUS solution: a Yoga Mat Finder.


They suggest taking into account four distinct factors when buying a yoga mat:
  1. Thickness
  2. Stickiness
  3. Price
  4. Style
I would suggest length, too.  Regardless, this is a great way to get a yoga mat that works for you.
Click here to find your perfect mat(ch) with the Gaiam Yoga Mat Finder.

Browse a Selection of Yoga Mats

Mickey & Miller's Cowboys Hour, Episode 10

Holy Sean Lee!  It happened again.  While the Cowboys have yet to formally announce it, the Cowboys linebacker appears to be done for the season after tearing the ACL in his left knee Tuesday in OTA's.  

Yeah. 

What does this mean for the Cowboys defense in 2014?  Is it time for Dallas to cut its losses and move on from a player who embodies everything you WANT the Cowboys to stand for yet just can't stay healthy? 

Mickey Spagnola & I discuss that, take your questions and more THIS Friday, May 30 at 11am CST. 


You can join us by clicking here or simply watching in the box below. 

Diet & Fitness News You Need To Know

chicago, food, food porn, royal pies
Clockwise from L to R: Kissing a fish at Dirk's Fish Market, Mushroom & Kale Pie at Pleasant House, Hibiscus Tea Soda at Pleasant House, Otto Gepperth at Gepperth's Meat Market 
I spent Wednesday in Chicago, chronicling food porn and eating my way through the city for a video shoot.  It was awesome, indulgent and motivation to stay committed to my fitness and healthy eating regime.

Here's the latest diet and fitness nuggets you need to know:
Image via Instagram.com/ElleMcPhersonIntimates

When "The Body" shares fitness tips, it's time to listen.  50-year old supermodel Elle McPherson (yeah, 50!) shared her healthy living tips with British Vogue.  Her advice is practical: move every day, make fitness a priority, get your sleep and drink lots of water.  Read the rest here.

From a 50-year old Aussie to a group of 99-year old fit Aussies, these senior citizens prove you're never too old to exercise.  It IS the fountain of youth.

Pregnant?  Exercise benefits both you AND your baby (check with your doctor first!).  Learn how exercise made my pregnancy a breeze.

How about the Ice Diet?  Turns out eating ice burns calories because it requires your body's energy to melt the ice.  One doctor suggests this can be an actual weight loss tool.  My take: the calorie burn is minuscule. Don't bank on this being the next big diet thing.

And in case your curious, I shared my fitness and healthy living approach with D Magazine's new Be Well blog.  This got me thinking: If you only have 20 minutes, what's your go-to workout?


Monday, May 26, 2014

5 Iconic Dallas Food Items

One of the best ways to learn about a culture, city or country is through its food.  Sunday's New York Times took it one step further and produced a virtual French lesson through classic French dishes native to particular regions.  It's a must-read for any Francophile foodie.

Cassoulet/image via Ptyx, Wikimedia
France is easy to tackle because each region has so many iconic dishes.  Bring it stateside and you can say the same about certain cities and states: New Orleans and jambalaya (or beignets or po boys or étouffée, I could go on), deep dish pizza and Chicago, green chiles and New Mexico.  You get the idea.

What dish evokes Dallas?  In the past, I struggled to find a singular item (a la the NYC metro card or Las Vegas casino token) to represent the city.  What about food?

Image via Flickr/Jack Keene
To me enchiladas, watermelon (a Texas summer staple), Snuffer's Cheese Fries, a Mambo Taxi (which I no longer drink because of the calories) and barbecue scream "DALLAS!".

I'm missing something here, aren't I?  Tortilla soup from the Mansion?  What food item characterizes our city?

Interested in keeping up with my pursuit of Texas chic? Hang with me on Pinterest, won't you?
Friday, May 23, 2014

Mickey & Miller's Cowboys Hour, Episode 9

Kick off your Memorial Day weekend by getting your Dallas Cowboys Fix.

Mickey & Miller's Cowboys Hour with Caesar Rayford
Join Mickey Spagnola and me for Micky & Miller's Cowboys Hour, a live Google+ Hangout featuring the most exclusive Cowboys coverage online.

We'll be broadcasting live from the Dallas Cowboys TV studio at the team's Valley Ranch headquarters.

You can watch multiple ways: 

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

What to Wear to the Gym: Workout Clothes Perfect for Warm Weather

With Memorial Day weekend approaching, the unofficial kickoff of Summer is upon us.  If you're a gym lover, it's time to cool off your workout wardrobe with lighter fabrics that will encourage you to keep going rather than suffocate you in the heat.

Nordstrom Activewear
Nordstrom is holding it's Half-Yearly sale and has a number of quality pieces that are perfect for warm weather.  Nodstrom also offers maternity and plus-size women's activewear.
Nike Elastika Dry-FIT Tank - only $22.49 right now!
Nike Elastika Dry-FIT Tank - $22.49 right now!
I love tank tops featuring the exposed built-in bra you're seeing everywhere.  These are incredibly comfortable and perfect for yoga, pilates, barre classes, cycling or skating.  This Nike Elastika Dry-FIT Tank is on sale for $22.49 and will last a while.  It also comes in black/yellow and heather grey/peach (only $20.10!) color combinations.  

Asics Pure Capris on sale for $33.75
Asics Pure Capris on sale for $33.75
These Asics Pure Capris are a good workout pant to wear to pair with these tops.

Zella Strappy Racerback Tank
Zella Strappy Racerback Tank
This Zella Strappy Racerback Tank isn't on sale but it's a great top for barre classes, pilates, yoga or walking.   In addition to gorgeous pink, it comes in blue, coral and purple.

The top is perfect to pair with Zella's Live In Slim Fit Capri Leggings in universal black.

Target Activewear
Target has a fabulous selection of exercise gear from C9 by Champion that's quite stylish.

C9 by Champion Fit and Flare Tank Top
C9 by Champion Fit and Flare Tank Top
This C9 by Champion Fit and Flare tank comes in a range of colors and also sports that on-trend built-in bra.

C9 by Champion Open Back Layering Top
C9 by Champion Open Back Layering Top only $19.99!
I adore this C9 by Champion Open Back Layering Top.  It comes in gorgeous Spring/Summer colors, as well.
C9 by Champion Woven Running Shorts
C9 by Champion Woven Running Shorts
Shorts are a perfect option for Spring and Target has a great selection of them.  These woven running shorts are stylish and also come in black and blue.

Accessories
Don't forget some of the accessories: shoes, ponytail holders or socks.

Full Toe Ankle Socks
Full Toe Ankle Socks
Toe socks are good if you're a barre or pilates fan.

For more "what to wear to the gym" inspiration, please check out my Pinterest board.

Learn More About the Items Mentioned in This Story

10 Supposedly Healthy Foods That Can Sabotage Your Diet

Did you have a juice-packed smoothie for breakfast, followed by a cheese and crouton-laden salad, a granola bar for a snack and a plate full of sushi with rice for dinner?  Pretty healthy, right?  Not so fast. 

If you're not careful, some so-called healthy foods can do serious diet damage.  Fox News features "10 That Can Destroy Your Diet".

They're gluten-free but still a treat, not a diet staple.
  1. Gluten-free foods - to eliminate gluten, food manufacturers add fat, sugar and starch.  This "free" food isn't so calorie-free.
  2. Coconut oil  - while it's having an oil-pulling moment, coconut oil is still a fat.  Don't go overboard with it. 
  3. Yogurt - I think yogurt is overrated, especially those sugary yogurts packed with high fructose corn syrup and syrupy fruit.  Get some Greek plain yogurt and add your own fruit. 
  4. Sushi - I LOVE sushi but that rice is a diet saboteur.  Ask for light rice with your sushi or simply eliminate most of it.  You won't miss it.  Your plate will be a mess, but you'll save calories. 
  5. Smoothies - if you pack your smoothies with juice and "boosts" it can be a calorie bomb.  Make a green smoothie with low-calorie almond milk.  You'll love it.  Here are some other recipes
  6. Dried Fruit - sure it's fruit but it's a calorie-dense, sugar-packed snack.  Tread lightly with this diet disaster.
  7. Salad - are you getting fat eating salads?  If you're topping your salad with cheese, nuts, croutons, fried won tons, dried fruit and creamy dressing, you're not doing yourself any favors.  Use simple balsamic vinegar on your salad in place of dressing.  Learn more about slender salads here. 
  8. Wraps - I love wrap sandwiches but those wraps are essentially big tortillas with lots of calories.  Try La Tortilla Factory Low Carb Tortillas.  They'll save you a few calories.  
  9. Granola - while granola is made of healthy ingredients, the calories in those ingredients add up: nuts, seeds, oats, dried fruit.  These are all calorie-dense foods.  A serving is usually a 1/4 cup.  How many of us really eat 1/4 cup?  I eat handfuls.  That's like 600 calories. 
  10. Corn - corn on the cob is a summer staple but it's a starchy carb.  Enjoy one ear of corn with no butter.  Add other fresh veggies like cucumber and jicama with maybe some hummus and salsa to your summer BBQ.  You'll love it, promise.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Purses You Can Carry At The Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial

If you have ever browsed this blog, you know I'm all about gameday style and helping you navigate the wonky world of sporting events.  The purse policy police aren't making it any easier.

Diane von Furstenberg Micro Mini Metallic Crossbody
Diane von Furstenberg Micro Mini Metallic Crossbody 
The PGA Tour has a new purse policy.  It's limiting.  Here is what you need to know.  Here are some handbag suggestions I offered for the HP Byron Nelson Championship.  Each of those bags will work for this week's Crowne Plaze Invitational at Colonial, although some of them you might have to squeeze to fit within the 6"x6" size restrictions.

Here are additional bags that are perfect for a PGA tournament:




For help with "What to wear to the game" or golf tournament, check out my "What to Wear to the Game" board on Pinterest
Sunday, May 18, 2014

Why Gucci's Swing Leather Tote Is An Instant Classic



Press play to watch my unboxing video.


Can we talk about Gucci's Swing Leather Tote? I love it. Gucci has created the perfect bag for working women, students or über-moms who need to haul diapers, snacks, wipes and sippy cups yet still want to look stylish.

This instant classic rivals the Louis Vuitton Neverfull as the new carryall du jour because it is chic, elegant and functional. Watch my original unboxing video as well as my "How's It Holding Up?" updated version to find out why I love it so much.

The Swing Leather collection has been popular for Gucci. The Italian house has updated the bag and added a small name tag to the original design of it. The Swing Leather collection also features wallets, wristlets, crossbody/WOC bags and children's totes.

The tote comes in two sizes: medium and small.

Gucci Medium Swing Leather Tote 

Gucci Swing Leather Tote Review, Gina Miller Gucci Youtube, Gucci Tote Review
Gucci Medium Swing Leather Tote in taupe leather with soft pink interior

The medium version (the one I have) comes in a variety color options and measures 13.4"W x 12"H x 7"D with an 8.6" strap drop, similar in size to the Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM (or medium size).  It features two interior pockets which can hold a cell phone, pens, notebook, etc.  It also has an interior zipper pocket which Gucci says can "fit an iPad." It does. Sold.

Gucci Small Swing Leather Tote

Gucci Swing Leather Tote Review, Gina Miller Gucci YouTube, Gucci Tote Review
Gucci Small Swing Leather Tote in rose beige leather with light blue interior

The small version also features a variety of color options while measuring 10.6"W x 9.5"H x 6.3"D with an 8" strap drop, similar in size to the smaller Louis Vuitton Neverfull. This roomy bag can also hold a lot.

UPDATE: As of 5/8/15, Fashionphile has two Gucci Swing Leather Totes on sale red and pink. If you want one, hurry! These go quickly.

The Takeaway 
At $1000 for the small and $1350 for the medium, these bags are investment pieces. I believe they are a better value than the Louis Vuitton Neverfull for two reasons: the generous interior pockets and the beautiful, supple leather construction. (Tweet this). The Neverfull is simply monogrammed canvas and starts at $1180 for the smallest version.

If you do invest in one of these, I feel it's a wise one.  They are timeless classics you can carry for years.  If you do tire of them, you can always consign or resell them and get a portion of your money back.  My Louis Vuitton Neverfull practically paid for itself.

Shop The Gucci Swing Leather Collection

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Diet And Fitness News You Need To Know

"Fountain of Youth" photoprint by Charles Gilhousen 
Exercise is the fountain of youth.  There's science to back it up.

Image via Instagram.com/MarioTestino

The Met Gala may have come and gone but Vogue offers timeless advice for getting in shape for a formal gala.  Seriously.

Image Via Pava

More proof why the Mediterranean Diet is rock star.  

Image Via JuTa

5 things to cut out of your diet today: artificial sweetener, instant rice, canned meat refined, white flour foods and dangerous vitamin supplements.  I gave up fake sweetener about four years ago and haven't looked back.  Game changer.

image via http://www.maangchi.com/

How about the Korean Diet?  Soy Bean Paste, anyone?

And finally, this might frustrate you: when natural foods aren't....natural.  Really?  Really.

Things College Grads Must Invest In To Get Hired In 2014

A good resumé isn't enough anymore.  To get noticed and hired in this competitive job market you need to take an aggressive and creative approach to marketing yourself.  Yes, that's basically what you're doing: marketing yourself to potential employers.

Image via Tulane Public Relations
I tell aspiring broadcast journalists this all the time: have a paper resumé, a digital portfolio, a strong social media network and a YouTube channel with examples of your work.  You wouldn't believe how many interns I have met who want to go into TV and yet their college professors don't tell them they need a demo reel.  I digress.

There is a great article on Forbes that explains 8 Things Today's College Students Must Invest In To Get Hired and the advice is outstanding.

Here's a quick summary: 
A Professional Headshot - you need this for your LinkedIn profile.  Delete all the drunk photos of you at the game.  Take it a step further and take the photo on the day you got your hair done.

A Stellar LinkedIn Profile - It shows up in Google results and recruiters are scanning this network to see how you tell your professional narrative.

A 3D Brand Bio - something that tells the story of your work, your life and your world.

Professional Clothing - so important.  Professional accessories are great gifts for college grads.  These don't have to be expensive, they just need to be quality pieces that makes a phenomenal first impression.

Recommendations - these go a long way in proving you're a strong candidate.

Good Stationery - you need these for thank you notes.  This was another gift suggestion I had for the recent grad.

A Video Bio - if you can produce a compelling video that engages a recruiter, think about the impression you'll make.  Again, it's no longer solely about the resumé.  You need to take it a step further.

A Career Coach - these are helpful.  There is no one formula for success but it's good to talk to someone who can offer objective advice on all aspects of your career from your presentation and appearance to your resumé and actual body of work.

Check out my internship survival guide for detailed information that you can apply not only to your internship but also to marketing yourself for that first job, as well.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Details on the 2014 Taste of the NFL: The Ultimate Tailgate Pary

Gourmet food, football and raising money for a good cause are three of my favorite things.  So why don't you join me at the 10th annual Taste of the NFL: The Ultimate Tailgate Party THIS Sunday night at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine.

Tracy Kornet, former Cowboy Preston Pearson and me at the 2012 party
The event has raised more than $1.34 million dollars to help hungry North Texas children during its run.

As always, there is a tempting array of delicious food and signature cocktails designed by DFW's best chefs and bartenders.  There will also be some phenomenal silent and live auction items you can bid on to help support NTFB.

There will be a great mix of former Cowboys players, as well as a few current faces you'll recognize.  Abacus executive chef and proprietor Kent Rathbun is the culinary all-star who helps make this event a touchdown year after year.  I'll be emceeing along with JACK-FM's JT.

For more information on Sunday's party and ticket information, click here.

Teeing Up the Conversation with Executive Women's Day at the HP Byron Nelson Championship


I consistently lament the fact there aren't enough women's networking groups in DFW.  From tackling topics ranging from women hating other women in the workplace (that's a book I could write) to working motherhood, there are certain issues that career-focused women face.

The PGA Tour offers an outstanding initiative that gives like-minded working women a chance to connect with its Executive Women's Day.  This two-year old program includes a panel discussion, a behind the scenes tour of the inner workings of a golf tournament and an inspirational keynote address as well as an entire day of networking.



With the HP Byron Nelson Championship teeing off Thursday morning, I moderated an impressive panel on Tuesday at the Four Seasons featuring Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne, Morgan Stanley Vice President Sallie Behnke, Corgan Interiors Principal Lindsay Wilson and Lockheed Martin Quality and Mission Success Director Robbin Murley.  They shared insight on mistakes they've made in their careers (learn from them and move on), offered advice for returning to the workplace after a hiatus (stay connected via networking) and more.


Morgan Stanley Managing Director and National Women's Business Council chairperson Carla Harris offered outstanding career and life lessons in her keynote address.


The PGA Tour offers Executive Women's Days at various tournaments and will do so at The Crowne Plaze Invitational at Colonial next Tuesday.  I'm excited to moderate the executive panel there for the 2nd straight year.

This initiative will expand to 35 tournaments in 2015.  You can participate in the conversation throughout the golf season by following their account on Twitter and also follow #PGATourWoman.

What is this program's success a testament to?  The need for more opportunities like this for working women.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Shoes to Wear to a PGA Golf Tournament

Are you staring at your closet wondering what to wear to the Nelson this weekend or the Colonial next week? You're not alone.  When the PGA Tour visits north Texas, I am flooded with questions about what to wear to the tournaments, particularly when it comes to shoes.

1 Keds Cork shoe | 2 Stuart Weitzman Rockon Espadrille | 3 Tory Burch Nude Jackie Wedge | 4 Tommy Hilfilger Polo Dress | 5 Cole Haan Hart Wedge Platform | 6 Tory Burch Black Jackie Wedge | 7 TOMS Classic Open Toe Wedge | 8 Tory Burch Dunn Patent Scroll Platform Slide

Tennies are Fine, Leave the Hoochie Shoes at Home
If you don't want to wear tennis shoes, which are fine but something some women want to avoid, you still have options. One thing ISN'T one, though: heels.
Leave the hoochie shoes at home
I see golf tournament newbies teetering in heels after drinking too many margaritas.  Their heels sink into the grass and their shoes get ruined.

Again: avoid heels.

Work a Wedge or a Cute Flat
If tennis shoes aren't your game and you still want a bit of a lift, go with a comfortable wedge shoe or a flat with a tiny bit of a platform.
I buy these at the Tory Burch outlet when they go on sale.
A well-made wedge is comfortable yet stylish.  I have a closet full of Tory Burch wedge slides I stockpile and wear to Rangers games, golf tournaments, Cowboys training camp, college football games and more.

Browse the selection below of cute flats and wedges for inspiration.

Fair Warning: I don't do cheap footwear.  It's bad for your feet and costs you more in the long run.

For more "What to Wear to the Game {or golf tournament}" inspiration, please check out my "What to Wear the Game" board on Pinterest.

Shoes That Work for PGA Golf Tournaments



Go Behind the Scenes of Last Weekend's NFL Draft with Mickey & Miller's Cowboys Hour

After taking a week off for the NFL Draft, Mickey Spagnola and I are back for another episode of Mickey & Miller's Cowboys Hour. 

Interviewing first round pick Zack Martin
Mickey and I were embedded at Valley Ranch and have all sorts of behind the scenes details of the Dallas Cowboys draft weekend.  We'll also share our two cents on the Cowboys draft picks and answer your questions live.  

Feel free to submit questions in the comments section or join us for the live broadcast at 2pm (CDT) from the Cowboys TV studio at Valley Ranch. 


You can also watch this Google+ Hangout in the box below. 



Purses You Can Carry at the HP Byron Nelson Championship


If you haven't heard, the PGA Tour now has a purse policy.  It's similar to the NFL's in how limiting the size restriction is: 6"x6".  Yep.  The length and height of a dollar bill (which is a perfect six inches).


So if you're heading to the Nelson this week or the Colonial next weekend, here are some options that will work within those guidelines.

Fair warning: there's not much out there.  It's HARD to find items that are functional and stylish.  Trust me: I looked.



Some of the bags featured, like the smart Coach L-Zip wristlet and consignment Louis Vuitton pochettes, can only be purchased online.  If you order now you can get them by this weekend with rush shipping or in plenty of time for the Colonial.

Learn More About the Bags Featured in This Story 


Sunday, May 11, 2014

Cowboys DL Tyrone Crawford is Ready to Play

At least three times a week, I am asked about Cowboys defensive lineman Tyrone Crawford.  To many Cowboys fans, he represents two things: the future of the Cowboys as well as a bittersweet reminder of an injury-plagued defense that was the worst in franchise history in 2013.

Remember, Crawford tore his achilles tendon on the first day of training camp in 2013.  Since then he has been rehabbing, watching game film, working out, studying more game film and repeating that cycle almost daily.

Add to it that the Cowboys lost DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher to free agency and he understands that there is an expectation placed upon him.

"Yeah, I definitely feel a lot of pressure.  Those are definitely big shoes to fill," he told me.  "I'm ready in any situation to get put in the game whenever its needed and whatever position that could be at."

As for what position he expects to play, that's also in question.  Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli has made it clear he could play end or tackle but Crawford has a preference.

"Preferably, defensive end," he admitted.  "But if it's defensive tackle I can get down there and play fast."


Watch the entire interview in which he shares how his rehabbing is coming along and the one question he's sick and tired of getting asked.  The answer will shock you.

You can also watch interviews with Morris Claiborne, Bruce Carter and more on my YouTube channel.

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Thursday, May 8, 2014

You Want Draft Numbers? We Got Numbers

The Cowboys have 11 picks, two of the first 50 picks in this year's draft with the first three coming as 16, 47 & 78.

Our broadcast location tonight on Cowboys Draft Live
Here's a rundown of some other interesting numbers as it relates to the Cowboys and the NFL Draft:

  • Dallas has picked in the first round 12 times since 2000. 
  • The Cowboys have made 61 draft-day trades since 1989. 
  • Over the last 53 drafts, the Cowboys have selected a player in the first round at every position except kicker and punter.  
  • The Cowboys have selected 28 defensive players in the first round and 22 offensive players over the years. 
  • In the Cowboys 54-year draft history, the Cowboys have selected offensive linemen more than than any other position, drafting 139 of them.  Linebackers and defensive backs are next with 102 and 100 picks, respectively.
  • The Cowboys have drafted players from 208 different colleges with the University of Tennessee offering the most draft choices with 18. UCLA (16), Arizona State (15) and Florida (14) are next. 
Want more draft coverage.  Join us for Cowboys Draft Live.  Here are the details.


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Sunday, May 4, 2014

How To Have A Healthy Cinco de Mayo


Tex-Mex doesn't have to be a fat-laden cholesterol bomb. In fact, I contend we have gotten out of control as to what counts as a quality Tex-Mex meal with too many chips to start and pounds of crappy cheese to glop on top of them.



At heart, Tex-Mex and Mexican food features beautiful produce, whole grains, healthy fats (hola, guacamole!) quality meats and a hint of cheese. Look at the lunch I had at Rosario's in San Antonio. It's has a rainbow of vegetables. Sure it's got a cheese-filled pepper but I didn't even touch that after filling up on the veggies. 

Restaurant diet tip: If you're eating Tex-Mex in a restaurant, ask for fresh corn tortillas with your salsa and guacamole. Tear your tortilla into four triangles and use that for your chips and salsa appetizer. You will eat slower and consume fewer empty calories. (Tweet this)

Healthy Tex-Mex At Home
You can make delicious and creative Tex-Mex dishes at home.  In honor of Cinco de Mayo, here are five outstanding Tex-Mex recipes, featuring simple ingredients, that will have you forgoing greasier offerings in no time:


ICYMI
It wouldn't be Cinco de Mayo without margaritas.  Here are 7 delicious margarita recipes that will satisfy any tequila craving.



Get My Favorite Diet Tips
Eating corn tortillas in a Mexican restaurants is one of my favorite diet tips that helped me lose more than 50 pounds and keep them off for more than a decade. Get my free ebook, "The 10 Easiest Diet Tips: Simples Strategies To Help You Lose Weight & Maintain Your Weight Loss For Good". It's yours when you sign up for my weekly newsletter, The Real Skinny. Once a week (usually on a Wednesday) you will receive diet and fitness news (like this) aimed at helping you make fat your bitch. For good.

Make Fat Your Bitch. For Good.

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