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A recently published study by Professor Hoyu Horoku in the journal of the Department of Psychological Phenomenology  of the University of Portland has once again highlighted the long-standing debate about the unmatched power of music to get us out of the present and automatically lead us just  as a Proustian Cupcake (remember the central role played by the famous Vinteuil sonat,a not only the relationship between Swann and Odette, but also in the heart of In Search of Lost Time), to revive a past with indescribable intensity.

According to the experiments of Professor Horoku, the reason to explain the surprising emotional power of music, which is able to transcend the barriers of time, would have to do with the same part of our brain where the memories of the past  are stored and read  (on the medial prefrontal cortex) and acts as the central interface between music and memories and emotions. The results of the investigation does not appear to contribute much to those made in the past by Professor Peter Janata at the  Mind and Brain Center at the University of California, regardless of the potential applications in patients suffering from diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, that may receive assistance through digital lists custom music playlists, which add much less light to the phenomenon than the descriptions provided by writers, thinkers and artists throughout history.

Indeed, such things as the above description of the Proust Vinteuil sonata, effect of  the Pythagorean notions about the vibration of the bodies and the music of the spheres, or the actual string theory in contemporary physics seem to approach in a much more seductive, rich and nutritionally way the essential enigma.

Anyway, one of the most evocative , refreshing whimsical and nostalgic seductively published albums last year was Rome, an album in which the renowned musician and producer Danger Mouse, aka Brian Murton, and Italian soundtrack composer Daniele Luppi, have distilled after five years of work spent in the most extreme secrecy, their love for Italian films music of the  of the sixties and seventies to work closely with musicians who played the original scores of Ennio Morricone (the most celebrated composer of a short list that included such notable artists as Piero Umiliani, Piero Piccioni and Bruno Nicolai) recruiting for the cause the talents of Norah Jones and former White Stripes member Jack White.

Rome was recorded using technology of the time at which it pays tribute to at the Forum studies in the Italian capital, located in an old church where in the past the above mentioned Italian composers worked, whose music is closely related to childhood memories of Luppi and perhaps to a lesser extent, Danger Mouse.

Paul Oilzum

This record makes it particularly suitable to illustrate the connections between music and memory, and a soundtrack is hard to beat when you think about renting apartments in Rome

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Translated by: Marc
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Until the 29th of April, the Museo D’Arte Contemporanea Roma-MACRO exhibits, at the Centro di produzione culturale, the work of the American photographer Steve McCurry. The exhibition is a tribute to one of the most important exponents of contemporary photojournalism, obtaining on various occasions the World Press Photo Award, considered the most important award in this field.

The work of McCurry has become a reference point for those who like photojournalism. Both he and his work are well known in Italy, becoming a reference for many young people who see the events of our time through his photographs. This reason has brought the MACRO Museum to make this exhibition that symbolizes a tribute of the Italian people to McCurry and his work.

The exhibition is commissioned by Fabio Novembre, who has taken the 200 best works made by McCurry of his 30 year career. Despite that the presentation of the young Afghan woman with green eyes in the exhibition is inevitable, there will also be some more recent works that gather the period between 2009 and 2011. Among the works that will be exhibited there will be photographs taken in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma), that include a spectacular series dedicated to Buddhism. There will also be some unknown work of his taken in Cuba.

Steve McCurry was born in 1950 in Philadelphia, United States. His start in photojournalism took place in a local newspaper. His first incursion outside the United States was in India, where he made an interesting tour to observe and capture the complex world of castes and misery in the middle of scenic and aesthetic beauty, given by the landscape and ancestral culture. In 1978 he moved to Afghanistan to make photojournalism and he stayed there covering the conflict until 1992. However, the work that took him to stardom in journalism and photography is the photograph ‘Afghan Girl’, that appeared on the cover of National Geographic magazine in 1985 and which was reproduced in all the media of the time and the years after that, being considered as one of the most important images of the 20th century that has appeared in reports, posters, leaflets and all kinds of printed media.

The ‘Afghan Girl’ is a photograph of Sharbat Gula, a 12 year old girl of the Pashtun tribe who was in a refugee camp in Pakistan. Her name he got to now 20 years later when he went back to the area and found her at the age of 30, with the pain of war reflected on her face.

His work has taken place in war fronts such as Beirut, Cambodia, Afghanistan and the surrounding areas, Kuwait, the former Yugoslavia and the Balkans. McCurry’s photographs tell us the horrors of war and the loss of the limits of reason that happen during these conflicts.

For more information:

http://www.macro.roma.museum/mostre_ed_eventi/mostre/steve_mccurry

Nancy Guzman

If you enjoy the places where human warmth is the centre of life, we recommend that you rent apartments in Rome and enjoy a few wonderful days attending all the good shows and exhibitions that this city has this time of year.

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Translated by: aleixgwilliam
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From next 31^st of January, to the 12^th of February 2012, we will be able to enjoy in Rome, one of the most famous masterpieces of the English writer William Shakespeare, we are indeed talking about the most famous love story in the world, Romeo and Juliet. The performance will take place in the majestic Teatro Eliseo in the Italian capital.

It would be impossible to know or try to calculate how many adaptations of this classic have been made since 1597, year in which Shakespeare finished writing the book. As a little known curiosity, some people said that the great writer and playwright based his story on other contemporary tales to write Romeo and Juliet. About the beginning of the sixteenth century Italian and French people already had the sad stories of two lovers. Different writers translated into French and into English the original story by Matthew Bandello. Shakespeare compiled the best of both adaptation and included new original characters on his own, in what is now undoubtedly the saddest love story ever written.

The play plot is based on the love between Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet. Both belong to the two most influential families in Verona that hate each other. But the lovers try to ignore everything around them and find ways to pursue their romance. Juliet finally planned to drink a potion that would make her look like dead and thus disappear with her lover at last. But Romeo was not advised of the trick and thinking he had lost his love forever, commits suicide at the tomb of Juliet. Juliet wakes up and when she sees the dead body of her lover also decides to kill herself.

The director of the play is Valerio Binasco, who is in charge of leading a great cast composed by the best Italian actors of the moment. Arturo Annecchino, who has composed the soundtrack to this beautiful and sad story, will play the music. Riccardo Scamarcio plays Romeo and Deniz Ozdogan will interpret the role of Juliet. Success is assured and there could be no better setting than Teatro Eliseo for this so important play written by such great writer as Shakespeare.

The fact that the play in its representation coincides with Valentine’s Day and is not a coincidence. The capital of the ancient empire is considered one of the most romantic cities in the world. It may be a unique opportunity to celebrate this important day in the company of your partner in the setting of the city of Rome, walking through its streets, visiting its legacy, its temples, the Vatican, Roman Forum and of course the Colosseum. Discover the Trevi Fountain, stroll along the banks of the river or visit the hundreds of fashion stores on its avenues.

Tickets for the performance can be purchased from 36 €,  http://www.italianticketoffice.it/romeo-e-giulietta-teatro-eliseo-131802l1154377-es.html

Fernando Paterna

It is a unique opportunity to rent apartments in Rome and attend this performance. Rome is a multicultural capital, full of life and places to visit. Its cuisine is unique and do not forget to eat a wonderful ice cream before returning home.

Translated by: Hans
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Pizza is one of those dishes that are easily found in all parts of the world. Just as burgers, coke and chips, pizzas are an common fast food everywhere. Its easy preparation, exquisite flavor and variety of choices, have made this dish the favorite of Italians. If you are one of those who started eating pizza at Pizza Hut and Domino’s, then you have to try a Roman pizza in Rome. Here are some of the best pizzerias in the whole Italy.

Montecarlo is one of the most sought pizzerias around Rome. Its pizzas are prepared with the freshest vegetables and a great more cheerful and friendly atmosphere in the center of Rome. Very near the Piazza Navona, where your pizza route in this city should start. The dough of this classic pizza place is light and crispy, preserving the ancient tradition in the preparation of this dish.

Baffetto pizzeria is another top meeting places for pizza in Rome. Since 2004, Baffetto offers great quality and variety of pizzas as well as promotions for groups of four or more people, special events, meetings, etc.. Apart from delicious pizzas, pastas and salads, the best drinks await for you.

Dar Poeta is another very typical Roman pizzeria. Located in the Vicolo del Bologna Street, this pizzeria will charm you with its old and rustic brick walls, intimate atmosphere and family environment. Its wood stoves ensure that your pizza is more than crispy and aromatic.

Da Francesco is another option to visit on this route of pizzas. With years of experience in the preparation of Italian dishes, it is located in Piazza del Fico, this pizzeria also offers a friendly service. Try to arrive before 9:00 pm because they are normally overbooked by then.

Magion La Gatta is a pizzeria for experimental guests. The combinations and elements used in the preparation of its pizzas, seek to to bring this dish to a contemporary gourmet level, playing with new elements and colors from the classic technique for making pizzas.

As you can see, your options to find a great pizza in Rome are endless. For all tastes and prices, you have to try a crisp, authentic Roman pizza during your stay in the fabulous Italian capital. In addition, each walk may be associated with this treat, because of its practicality and size, you can buy a pizza and take it during your walks around town, there is always and option when it comes to pizza in Rome.

Alexa Ray

Get apartments in Rome and enjoy its incredible cuisine and the beauty of its streets, squares, museums and galleries. Rome is still a source of inspiration for the best cooks and chefs from all around the world.

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Translated by: Hans
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Having the perception of Rome as an old woman who lies on a huge velvet couch, adorned with flowers and fruits as a marble horizon hides behind silk curtains, is a huge mistake. Rome wears miniskirt, has sneakers, and is not necessarily a woman, goes out very late on the street, listening to rock, eats on the street and of course is modern. Rome has a large and youthful alternative culture able to catch you from many aspects. If you are looking for art, fashion, creativity and adventure, Rome certainly has everything you want.

First of all, Rome is definitely a super “gay friendly” city, where you can find hundreds of bars, discos and saunas for the LGBT community to prove it. If you are gay or lesbian or whatever you like to be, you will find a community in Rome offering effervescent parties, romance and dance evenings. Europe Multi Club, Skyline and L’Apeironare, are some names you’d like to remember for you next visit.

For the rockers, indie rockers and metalheads, there is nothing better than the Roman music scene full of underground and alternative concerts, as well as multiple vinyl shops scattered around town, where you can find music from all music styles. Have in mind that in Italy there is  a long tradition of progressive rock that comes from the 70′s, and there are many older editions of this kind that you can find in stores like Elastic Rock, Goodfellas and Just Like Heaven.

Similarly, if what you like is fashion and the “street wear”, going “shopping” indiscriminately throughout the day and find the best of the season models, Rome offers an intense fashion culture, not only developed in the prestigious shops of course, but in its streets where there are risky young people, following some of the “hipster” trends and bringing you a sophisticated personal touch of beauty and attitude to the city. Find the rare and “vintage” at good prices in the shops around Termini, Porta Portese market on Sundays, as well as Testaccio market.

If it comes to contemporary art and new trends including the  last tendencies of Italian art, just start your tour at MACRO, Museum of Contemporary Art in Rome, where you will find a large and diverse collection, considered to be one of  the best art museums of contemporary world. This museum also receives information from galleries and emerging artists in central Rome.

Rome maintains a youthful face even though the conventional tours never show it. Explore the city at your own pace and style, Rome is a city that continues to change and daring to be fresh and modern in Europe.

Alexa Ray

Get apartments in Rome and enjoy the modern options the city has to offer to new tourists, especially to the young ones in search of alternative options of entertainment. Rome is still young, though the years pass.

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Translated by: Hans
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Visiting Rome is a delight for all senses. Beautiful views, vibrant music, impressive ancient architecture… the possibilities never end in the Italian capital. In the same way, the best you can do is stimulate your palate with some classic Italian cuisine dishes that are available, of course, in some of the most known restaurants and bars in the city. Like in all big cities, the cost of your food will depend partly on the amount of money that you have. However, don’t doubt in trying some food in an old market, on the streets, in cafés or in unconventional restaurants. Exploring and travelling consist in trying everything and doing so everywhere, at a price that’s convenient for you. Not always the most exclusive restaurants are the best and, in Rome, the quality of the food is maintained at the price that goes best with your budget.

In Rome you’ll find plenty of trattorias and pizzerias, as well as alternative and vegetarian restaurants. Roman food is popular and simple; as you already known, in Italy you eat a pizza like you eat a piece of bread. However, each place has its own character and preparation secrets, which makes the Roman gastronomical experience into something pretty unique. The essential thing about Roman food is that it’s made with fresh products, high quality vegetables with a traditional and modern touch, vegetable oils and fresh meat. Some entrées like zucchini are basic to start a good meal. The variety of pasta that you’ll find is infinite. And there are good desserts for every holiday and excellent coffee.

Some of the basic dishes that you have to try in Rome can be Fiori di Zucca, a base of zucchini flowers with mozzarella and anchovies submerged in oil to create a brilliant combination. The cod fillets are also part of the tapas that you can find and you can accompany that with a fresh beer; pieces of cod cut delicately and fried in oil, leaving them with a crunchy and salty texture are the perfect complement for a moment of relax in a bar or a café after a long walk.

The pasta carbonara is another of the dishes that, despite the simplicity of its preparation and low cost of the ingredients, it satisfies everyone’s appetite. Made with pasta, eggs, cheese and pancetta, this dish can be a light lunch or a captivating dinner accompanied by an exquisite seasonal wine. Pizza alla Romana is another classic, as its name confirms: a layer of dough in the oven dosed with warm spices served with a bit of olive oil is a snack that accompanies all drinks and that you can share in any street of Rome while you’re looking for your new destination. A delicious cappuccino can complete your lunch or dinner, as well as starting your day in the Italian capital.

Alexa Ray

Get apartments in Rome and get to know a bit more of its delicious culinary tradition. Affordable for all wallets, Italian cuisine captivates palates from around the world.

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Translated by: aleixgwilliam
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Until February 12 the Pallzzo delle Esposizioni in Rome hosts the international interactive exhibition Homo sapiens. The huge story of human diversity, curated by geneticist Luigi Lucca Cavalli-Sforza and philosopher Pievani Telmo. The exhibition is an open dialogue to rethink human development process, starting with the first footsteps and continuing with the appearances of different ancestors of what we humans we are today.

This exhibition is enormously appealing to all audiences and is divided into 6 sections telling and expressing the tensions that marked the emergence of homo sapiens on earth.

The first section is “The Supremacy of Africa” and refers to the time that the Homo sapiens was the only human inhabitant  for more than 2 million years and is separated from the previous records due to their ability to create and build rudimentary tools that allowed them to be differentiated from other species. This was possible due to a larger head and it will mark the beginning of the appearance of Homo, the beginning of the Paleolithic era that will be defined by the material record imprints found of this ancestor of mankind.

The second section “Loneliness” is a recent invention and refers to the appearance after the Homo sapiens, who decided to move along walking hundreds of miles in a continent full of species, to contact their Neandertal cousins, the little flower man from and the mysterious Denisova man from Siberia.

The third section is “The Geniuses, people & languages ??and it moves us 40 thousand years into the past, when revolution comes and Paleolithic man develops sophisticated tools for a better living, such as the use of fire for cooking and heating. Parallelly  Australia and America arecolonized , this is justified by scientific research that have determined the anthropological, genetic, and linguistic  relationship.

The fourth section “Traces of the world” invites us to look at the process of domination of nature, the use of land, plants and animals, which will lead man to new situations such as conflict and migration in search of new products and land.

Section five:  Italy unity in diversity, takes a look at the special status that makes Italy a place of intersection of biological and cultural diversity, both of which will contribute to the evolution of people and the early appearance of language.

Section six, we are all relatives,we are all different: the intertwined roots of civilization, is a logical development of this interesting exhibition that introduces us to realize that beyond the skin color, language differences, religious or political our origin is only one.

For more information: http://www.palazzoesposizioni.it/categorie/mostra-008?explicit=SI

Nancy Guzman

A great alternative to start the year with good vibes is to rent apartments in Rome and visit the Palazzo delle Esposizioni to see this show.

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Translated by: Marc
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Dining is one of those luxuries we all indulge in. That is, to eat something delicious is possible if with a little curiosity and good taste, we explore the city that we visit and aptly choose an appropriate restaurant . No need to spend too much either, just see that it is within the capabilities of our pockets and keep track of our stomachs demands. The aperitif before dinner is a classic ritual for those who know how to start a good meal.

Within snack tasting surely there is no rule. It depends on what you’re looking for, either something refreshing or strong, it also depends on the dishes you are going to eat. Usually a good glass of wine is a classic appetizer. Many prefer a lighter whiskey with some ice to also open the appetite. Generally, fruit cocktails are not recommended before a meal because of its high sugar content, which also raises the levels of alcohol during ingestion. Drink whatever you want, but drink something before you eat, it alerts the senses and gives food intake even more emphasis on the palate, raising awareness and giving more pleasure in eating. If you eat something in Rome, here are some bars that can be perfect to visit to start your meal.

Societe Lutece is one of the more “chic” bars  you can find in Rome. Located near the Piazza Navona, the great variety of drinks will give you many options to choose from before dinner. Very cozy and very comfortable, Societe Lutece also offers you a buffet of salads and other small snacks to start your appetite before dinner.

Salotto 42 is another point of reference if what you need is a refreshing drink before dinner. Try to arrive on time because it usually tends to be very full, plus many Roman celebrities spend evenings in this bohemian place. They also offer fresh salads and sandwiches to accompany your favorite cocktail.

The Modo bar is another meeting point if you’re looking to share a good drink accompanied by a light jazz concert before lunch. Also, Modo has known dj-s that will make your evening before dinner never ending. Designed completely in white and black, you’ll find yourself in a Kubrick film “a la Roman”, of course, you will be more than simply fascinated.

Finally, E Frizioni Freni is the quintessential bar if your after “arty” and modern style. Decorated with books and contemporary art everywhere, this bar offers snacks at very affordable prices and of a high quality. Definitely a point where literary and intellectual gatherings will be on the city’s daily agenda. Simply a classic.

Alexa Ray

Get apartments in Rome the nights in this city are endless and full of bohemia. Every corner hides a story that awaits you as well as and hidden bars and exotic drinks. Let your curiosity invade this classic city.

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Translated by: Marc
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Hidden behind the famous stairway of Piazza di Spagna, there is a small street where the city noise disappears and the flowers scent fulfill your nostrils, where local artisans are mixed with chic boutiques, art galleries and lively restaurants to relive the years of the Dolce Vita. All this and more is via Margutta.

Located in Campo Marzio, called the “the foreigners’ district” by Fellini, it was once a street full of stables for the palaces in the vicinity. In the Middle Ages, an unknown craftsman opened the first workshop, it was gradually emerging a booming industry, attracting artists from around the world. In 1855, commissioned by the Marchese Francesco Patrizi, a palace was erected at number 54, which was equipped with studios for artists to live and work in them. Some of its illustrious guest were: Picasso, Stravinsky and Puccini.

In 1953, the seventh art made it tremendously popular, as the acclaimed film “Roman Holiday” was filmed on it. The character Gregory Peck (played by Joe Bradley) had his apartment here. The street became an exclusive area where celebrities like Truman Capote, Federico Fellini and his great love, actress Giulietta Masina live, ranked No. 110, which may be a humorous plaque with their names.

That same year, the exhibition “Cento Pintori via Margutta” (one hundred Margutta street painters) was born, an initiative of some painters who wanted to bring life to a street that had always been natural refuge for artists. It’s an outdoor exhibition, open to everyone, which presents more than 1000 pieces of national and foreign authors carefully selected. It is distinguished by an outlet for new artists and is a great opportunity for art lovers. Since then, takes place once a year in late October.

Walking across the little buildings full of ivy, you can find the Fontana delle Arti (Fountain of the arts), a unique marble fountain designed by the architects Pietro Lombardi in 1927. It is a triangular base topped by a bucket of brushes with two masks in homage to the artists who frequented the area in the seventeenth century. The masks, one sad and one happy, make reference to the fluctuating mood of the artists.

Among the local businesses in this small paradise in the center of Rome, stand out a handmade leather shop, whose prices are high, but it is also the quality of its products, a furniture store with decorative articles of the 20′s, and a Gianni Bulgari- jewelry store with unique pieces. There is also an ancient marble craft business. Its plates can be purchased already made or ask to chisel out the text you want. The friendly owner normally offers a plate of pasta to customers.

If you want to extend your walk, you can get close to the renowned Spanish Steps. At your feet, you can enjoy the Fontana delle Barcaccia, a striking 1627 sculpture. Climbing the stairway, you will find the church of Trinita dei Monti, a Gothic jewel whose frescoes are worth visiting.

Image by Lalupa (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons.

Elena Alvarez

Booking now one of our apartments in Rome and discovering the delights of this fascinating area away from the chaos of the eternal city by yourself, it will not be a disappointment.

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Translated by: Hans
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The city of Rome, and in particular the beautiful Complesso del Vittoriano, will host during the entire month of January the exhibition “Perfect Harmony”, by the great Dutch painter Piet Mondrian (1872-1944). This important retrospective, which will be open until the 29th of January, presents a comprehensive tour of the artist’s work, through about 70 paintings and drawings, along with some forty works of other artists who influenced more significantly his work. Thus, by walking through the artistic development of Piet Mondrian, in the exhibition “Perfect Harmony” is possible to get to know the evolution of formal and conceptual investigation of one of the most important artists of the twentieth century.

Mondrian was undoubtedly best known for the rectangular structures of his last works, he actually began his artistic production because of his fascination by the Dutch landscape around him. It was only later that he began to investigate the alleged “essential knowledge”, trying to reduce the representation to its more intimate and necessary lines, eliminating all plastic items considered superfluous. His purpose was ambitious: by using geometry, he intended to find the basic structure that moves the entire universe. To achieve this goal, he deleted the curves, the nuances and the figurative representation (which he considered misleading) and even got to prohibit the presence of green in his home. For the extreme simplicity of his last works, those who came to understand the deeper meaning that was hidden in the structure -indeed very simple – in his paintings have often trivialized the artist.

The exhibition “Perfect Harmony” features masterpieces exceptionally granted to Complesso del Vittoriano, by the Gemeentemuseum (whose director is also the curator of the exhibition) and has been made possible through the collaboration and support of major institutions such as the Denver Art Museum, the Philadelphia Art Museum, the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa and the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo.

Benno Tempel, curator of “Perfect Harmony” and Gemeentenmuseum director, stressed that Mondrian is one of the few artists who have left the regular production of art. In fact, as he says, few artists have managed to renew their production steadily, while maintaining a relevant tension to the search for new formal expressions and reworking of the concepts behind the works. One of the most interesting aspects of the Mondrian’s formal investigation, is precisely the will to achieve a harmonious pictorial expression (from which he created abstract art), it does not simply represent reality, but a Utopia capable of making you think of transcending ways. For more information: http://www.comune.roma.it

menschauser

So if you are in the Italian capital, do not miss the opportunity to learn more about the work of this great artist and his reunited comprehensive retrospective. Otherwise, you can rent apartments in Rome and come to spend a few days with art and culture that will surround you.

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Translated by: Hans
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