#151 Joe Lonsdale - The AI-Driven EMP Weapon Built to Destroy New Jersey Drone Swarms
In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, host Shawn Ryan speaks with entrepreneur Joe Lonsdale about Lonsdale's ventures in defense technology, wealth management, and higher education. Lonsdale discusses his companies Epirus and Andruil, which develop advanced weapons systems like the Leonidas anti-drone microwave and the Roadrunner reusable missile.
Lonsdale also shares his mission to counter the rise of "woke" ideologies through the University of Austin, which aims to teach core Western traditions and produce leaders grounded in Western thought. He provides insight into his wealth management platform Addepar and addresses vulnerabilities he perceives in the US government, military, and infrastructure.
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1-Page Summary
Lonsdale's defense and military technology ventures
Joe Lonsdale co-founded Epirus, a company developing the Leonidas high-powered microwave system capable of disabling large numbers of enemy drones from miles away. Lonsdale notes Epirus is also creating smaller versions to be deployed on autonomous drones and naval vessels.
Lonsdale also co-founded Andruil, which created the Roadrunner reusable missile designed to provide a more cost-effective solution than traditional expendable missiles. Lonsdale believes autonomous and swarming drone technologies will play a crucial role in future warfare.
Lonsdale's efforts against "wokeness" and to reform education
Lonsdale expresses concerns over the rise of "wokeness" and neo-Marxist ideologies in major institutions. To counter this, Lonsdale co-founded the University of Austin, aiming to teach the core traditions of Western civilization and produce "philosopher builders" - leaders grounded in Western thought.
The university is actively recruiting top professors and providing full scholarships to attract high-caliber students away from elite universities. Lonsdale hopes the University of Austin will serve as an alternative to what he sees as the subversion of academic institutions.
Lonsdale's work in wealth management
After Palantir, Lonsdale founded Addepar to modernize wealth management through data-driven, transparent practices. Addepar's platform integrates clients' financial data, facilitating better decision-making. The company has grown to over $7 trillion in assets under management.
Lonsdale recruited top Silicon Valley talent to Addepar and aimed to provide clients with enhanced reporting and tools, contrasting with the financial industry's outdated technology and opaque practices.
Lonsdale's views on the US government and infrastructure
Lonsdale criticizes the bureaucracy, special interests, and risk-aversion that he believes have hampered innovation and accountability in the US government and military. He argues outdated technologies have left the US vulnerable to adversaries like China.
Lonsdale supports reform efforts by figures like Elon Musk to revitalize key agencies and policies. However, he expresses concerns over vulnerabilities in US infrastructure like the power grid, emphasizing the urgent need for modernization and resilience against cyber threats and crises.
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Clarifications
- Epirus is a company co-founded by Joe Lonsdale that focuses on developing advanced defense technology. The Leonidas high-powered microwave system is a key project of Epirus, designed to disable enemy drones from a distance using microwave technology. Epirus is also working on creating smaller versions of this system for use on drones and naval vessels, enhancing their defensive capabilities. The technology aims to provide a strategic advantage in countering aerial threats efficiently and effectively.
- Andruil is a company co-founded by Joe Lonsdale that developed the Roadrunner reusable missile. The Roadrunner missile is designed to be a cost-effective alternative to traditional expendable missiles. Lonsdale believes that autonomous and swarming drone technologies will be crucial in future warfare scenarios. The Roadrunner missile is part of Andruil's efforts to innovate in the defense and military technology sector.
- Autonomous drones are unmanned aerial vehicles that can operate without direct human control, using pre-programmed instructions or artificial intelligence. Swarming drone technology involves coordinating multiple drones to work together in a synchronized manner, often mimicking behaviors seen in nature such as bird flocks or insect swarms. In future warfare, these technologies offer advantages like increased operational efficiency, enhanced coordination, and the ability to overwhelm adversaries through sheer numbers and strategic maneuvers. This approach can potentially revolutionize military tactics by providing new ways to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, and engage targets with reduced risk to human personnel.
- "Wokeness" is a term often used to describe a social awareness of issues related to social justice, particularly concerning race, gender, and other forms of discrimination. Neo-Marxist ideologies typically involve a critical perspective on society, focusing on power dynamics, class struggle, and systemic inequalities. Critics argue that these ideologies can sometimes lead to what they perceive as excessive political correctness or radical social change.
- The University of Austin was co-founded by Joe Lonsdale as a response to what he perceives as the influence of "wokeness" and neo-Marxist ideologies in mainstream academia. The university aims to provide an alternative education focused on traditional Western values and critical thinking. It seeks to attract top professors and students by offering full scholarships and promoting a curriculum centered on Western civilization. The goal is to cultivate future leaders who are well-versed in Western thought and can counter what Lonsdale sees as a subversion of academic institutions.
- Addepar is a company founded by Joe Lonsdale after Palantir, focusing on modernizing wealth management through data-driven practices. Their platform integrates clients' financial data for better decision-making, contrasting with traditional opaque practices in the financial industry. Addepar has attracted Silicon Valley talent and grown to manage over $7 trillion in assets, emphasizing transparency and enhanced reporting for clients.
- Joe Lonsdale criticizes US government bureaucracy for hindering innovation and accountability, pointing out that complex processes and red tape can slow down progress. He also highlights the influence of special interests, suggesting that certain groups may prioritize their agendas over the broader public interest. Additionally, Lonsdale criticizes risk-aversion within the government, indicating that a reluctance to take bold actions can impede necessary advancements. These criticisms reflect his concerns about the impact of these factors on the country's ability to stay competitive and secure in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
- The vulnerabilities in the US power grid refer to weaknesses and potential points of failure within the infrastructure that supplies electricity across the country. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by various threats, including cyberattacks, natural disasters, or physical attacks, leading to widespread power outages and disruptions. Modernizing the power grid involves updating technology, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and improving resilience to ensure reliable energy supply and mitigate risks to national security and public safety. Addressing these vulnerabilities is crucial to safeguarding critical infrastructure and maintaining the stability and functionality of the electrical grid system.
Counterarguments
- The development of advanced military technologies like the Leonidas system and Roadrunner missile may escalate the arms race and provoke similar developments by other nations, potentially leading to increased global instability.
- The focus on autonomous and swarming drone technologies could raise ethical concerns regarding the automation of warfare and the potential for unintended consequences or malfunctions in combat situations.
- The establishment of the University of Austin to counter "wokeness" might be seen as a politically motivated endeavor that could contribute to further polarization in academia and society.
- While teaching the core traditions of Western civilization is valuable, it is also important to include diverse perspectives and global contexts to provide a well-rounded education.
- The claim that elite universities are subverted by "wokeness" and neo-Marxist ideologies may oversimplify the complex landscape of academic thought and overlook the benefits of critical theory and social justice initiatives in education.
- While modernizing wealth management is a worthy goal, the success of platforms like Addepar should also consider the broader impact on financial markets and the potential for exacerbating wealth inequality.
- Criticizing bureaucracy and risk-aversion in the US government and military might overlook the necessary checks and balances that prevent hasty and potentially harmful decisions.
- Supporting reform efforts by figures like Elon Musk may not address the systemic issues within government agencies and could lead to an over-reliance on private sector solutions, which may not always align with public interest.
- The emphasis on vulnerabilities in US infrastructure is valid, but the solutions proposed may need to balance innovation with privacy concerns, especially when it comes to cybersecurity measures.
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Lonsdale's defense and military technology ventures
Joe Lonsdale, co-founder of Epirus and Andruil, discusses his ventures in defense and military technologies, focusing on anti-drone warfare and autonomous systems.
Lonsdale and his partners founded Epirus, a company developing directed energy weapons to counter drone threats
Lonsdale, along with partners Nathan Mintz, Bo Marr, Grant Stepton, and others, founded Epirus with the aim to develop directed energy weapons to counter the increasing threat of drones in warfare.
Epirus has created the Leonidas system, a high-powered microwave weapon capable of disabling hundreds of drones at once from miles away
Epirus's flagship product, the Leonidas system, soon to be deployed with CENTCOM, demonstrates profound efficacy in disabling large numbers of drones. During tests, Leonidas was capable of disabling about 100 drones at a time, if they were flying in formation. Deemed as an electronic powerhouse, Lonsdale likened its capabilities to the mythical bow of Theseus, with its high shot capacity and cost efficiency.
Furthermore, Lonsdale notes Epirus's development of technology that enables firing cones of energy to down drones from miles away. Leonidas, a high-powered microwave system, is capable of engaging drones at distances far exceeding the range of competitors’ systems. Epirus is also developing smaller versions of the Leonidas system for deployment on autonomous drones and naval vessels, hinting at the potential to integrate such systems into missiles that could approach enemy drones, unleash their payload, and return.
Epirus is also developing smaller versions of the Leonidas system that can be deployed on autonomous drones and naval vessels for mobile defense
Lonsdale talks about expanding the utility of the Leonidas system, with smaller form factors that could be installed in missiles or on naval ships. These smaller cones of energy could be outfitted to something like an Anduril Roadrunner missile for more focused effects, providing protection against drone attacks in various settings, including stadiums and airports. He also suggests that autonomous weaponized vessels may eventually employ these systems in battle to disable enemy equipment.
Lonsdale and his colleagues started Andruil, a company creating innovative autonomous and reusable missile systems
Lonsdale, backed by a team comprising former Palantir employees and Palmer Luckey, co-founded Andruil to develop autonomous and innovative missile systems that alig ...
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Lonsdale's defense and military technology ventures
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Counterarguments
- Directed energy weapons like the Leonidas system may face challenges in scalability, deployment, and integration with existing defense systems.
- The effectiveness of the Leonidas system in various weather conditions and against different types of drones may not be uniform and could be a limitation.
- Smaller versions of the Leonidas system may have reduced power or range, potentially limiting their effectiveness in certain scenarios.
- The development and deployment of autonomous weapons systems raise ethical and legal concerns regarding accountability and decision-making in combat.
- The cost-effectiveness of Andruil's Roadrunner missile, while promising, may not account for the full lifecycle costs, including maintenance, training, and support systems.
- The reliance on autonomous and swarming drone technologies could lead to an arms race in drone warfare, potentially destabilizing international secur ...
Actionables
- You can explore the basics of drone technology by purchasing a consumer-grade drone to understand the mechanics and applications of unmanned aerial vehicles. By learning to pilot a drone, you'll gain a hands-on appreciation for the complexities involved in operating and potentially defending against such systems. This could involve setting up obstacle courses to navigate, simulating simple search missions, or even participating in local drone racing clubs to experience the capabilities and limitations of drones firsthand.
- Start a discussion group focused on the ethical implications of autonomous weapons and drone technology. Gather friends or community members to consider the consequences of these advancements. Use hypothetical scenarios to spark conversation, such as debating the pros and cons of autonomous defensive systems in civilian areas or discussing the balance between technological progress and potential misuse. This can help develop critical thinking around the subject and foster a deeper understanding of the societal impacts.
- Engage in online ...
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Lonsdale's efforts to combat "wokeness" and reform higher education
Joe Lonsdale speaks out against what he regards as the infiltration of "wokeness" and neo-Marxist ideologies in academic institutions and outlines his efforts to reform higher education through the creation of the University of Austin.
Lonsdale is concerned about the rise of "wokeness" and neo-Marxist ideologies in major institutions
Lonsdale recalls the early days of "political correctness" at Stanford Review, noting an escalation around 2014-2015 when he felt society became irrational and began engaging in virtue signaling. He observed an expectation that everyone demonstrate their commitment to social justice, even when it meant supporting groups with ideologies he finds divisive, such as Marxism. Lonsdale expresses frustration with the requirement to support such groups to be seen as a concerned and good citizen. He draws a line between acknowledging historical grievances against African Americans and actions that he believes divide society further.
Lonsdale co-founded the University of Austin to provide an alternative
Lonsdale talks about the creation of the University of Austin, challenging regulatory barriers and opposition from existing universities and accrediting bodies. He intends for the institution to compete with elite universities and plans on scaling the university over the next two decades. The core of the University of Austin's curriculum will focus on the traditions central to Western civilization: classical virtues from ancient Greece and Rome, Judeo-Christian values, and the Enlightenment's scientific and philosophical contributions.
The University of Austin aims to teach core traditions of Western thought
The University of Austin positions itself as an institution committed to truth and the major ideas that shaped Western civilization. Lonsdale emphasizes the importance of understanding these traditions for anyone aspiring to be an educated leader in society, as were the founders of the United States. The university's curriculum will focus on buildi ...
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Lonsdale's efforts to combat "wokeness" and reform higher education
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- "Wokeness" is a term often used to describe a heightened awareness of social injustices, particularly related to race, gender, and other forms of discrimination. Neo-Marxist ideologies typically involve a critical approach to societal structures, focusing on power dynamics and advocating for social change. In academic institutions, the presence of "wokeness" and neo-Marxist ideologies can lead to debates about inclusivity, diversity, and the role of traditional academic frameworks in addressing contemporary social issues.
- Virtue signaling is the act of publicly expressing opinions or beliefs to showcase moral values or character, often without necessarily taking substantive action to support those values. It can be seen as a way to gain social approval or appear virtuous without genuine commitment. Critics argue that virtue signaling may prioritize appearances over meaningful impact.
- The University of Austin faced regulatory barriers related to obtaining accreditation, which is essential for a university's credibility and recognition. Additionally, existing universities and accrediting bodies opposed the establishment of the University of Austin, possibly due to concerns about competition or ideological differences. These challenges could have included legal hurdles, academic standards, and resistance from established educational institutions. Overcoming these obstacles was crucial for the University of Austin to establish itself as a legitimate and respected educational institution.
- Classical virtues encompass qualities like courage, wisdom, justice, and moderation, as outlined by ancient Greek and Roman philosophers. Judeo-Christian values are principles derived from the religious traditions of Judaism and Christianity, emphasizing concepts such as compassion, forgiveness, and moral responsibility. Enlightenment contributions include ideas promoting reason, individualism, skepticism of authority, and the advancement of science and knowledge during the 17th and 18th centuries.
- "Philosopher builders" is a term used to describe individuals who are not only well-versed in philosophical and intellectual ideas but also actively apply these principles to construct and shape society. These individuals are expected to possess a deep understanding of civilization, values, and ideals, enabling them to contribute meaningf ...
Counterarguments
- The definition of "wokeness" is subjective, and what Lonsdale views as an infiltration of neo-Marxist ideologies might be seen by others as a necessary evolution of academic thought to include diverse perspectives.
- The creation of the University of Austin as an alternative to existing institutions could be criticized for potentially reinforcing echo chambers rather than promoting true intellectual diversity.
- While the University of Austin aims to teach core traditions of Western thought, some may argue that a modern educational institution should also give equal weight to non-Western philosophies and hi ...
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Lonsdale's work in the financial sector
Following his success with Palantir, Joe Lonsdale has been focused on revolutionizing the wealth management industry through his company, Addepar, by bringing data-driven and transparent practices to the forefront.
After success at Palantir, Lonsdale founded Addepar to bring data-driven, transparent wealth management practices to the financial industry
Ryan highlights Lonsdale's career trajectory, noting that after his time at Palantir, Lonsdale established Addepar. The move was inspired by his realization of the need for organization within the finance sector, particularly through a platform that could offer comprehensive access to clients' wealth information for better organization. Having personal experience with inadequate technology in wealth management, since he had his own family office, Lonsdale aimed to redefine financial practices by addressing technological deficiencies.
Addepar has grown to over $7 trillion in assets under management by providing a platform that integrates all of a client's financial information
Lonsdale's Addepar boasts over $7 trillion in assets under management, serving as testament to its leading role in the industry. The platform is utilized by major investment advisors, banks with wealth managers, family offices—possibly including some in Nashville as mentioned by Shawn Ryan—to manage data and reporting to inform decision-making. Addepar also facilitates accountancy and legal transparency by consolidating all relevant data, leading to better-informed actions.
Lonsdale believes the financial sector was plagued by outdated technology and opaque practices, and Addepar aimed to modernize and improve the industry
Lonsdale's experiences at PayPal were formative, where he contended with substantial theft from organized crime groups, leading to the development of investigative tools that were pivotal for the company's turnaround. This background in creating solutions for co ...
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Lonsdale's work in the financial sector
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Palantir is a data analytics company founded in 2003 by Peter Thiel, Alex Karp, and others. It is known for its work with government agencies and financial institutions, providing data integration and analysis solutions. Joe Lonsdale was a co-founder of Palantir before starting Addepar, leveraging his experience in data-driven technologies. Palantir's success in the data analytics field influenced Lonsdale's approach to revolutionizing wealth management through Addepar.
- Addepar is a platform that consolidates and integrates all of a client's financial information, providing a comprehensive view of their wealth. It is used by various financial institutions like investment advisors, banks, and family offices to manage data and reporting for informed decision-making. By centralizing relevant data, Addepar enhances transparency and efficiency in wealth management practices. The platform's success is evidenced by managing over $7 trillion in assets, showcasing its leading role in modernizing the financial industry.
- Joe Lonsdale gained experience at PayPal where he dealt with significant theft from organized crime groups. This experience led him to develop investigative tools crucial for PayPal's turnaround. His background in creating solutions for complex problems like fraud prevention laid the foundation for his work in enhancing transparency and ...
Counterarguments
- While Addepar has indeed managed a significant amount of assets, it's important to consider that managing a large volume of assets is not the sole indicator of industry revolution. The impact on the end clients' outcomes and the broader accessibility of wealth management services are also critical measures of success.
- The integration of clients' financial information is a significant step forward, but it's worth noting that data integration alone does not guarantee better financial outcomes. The quality of the data, the insights drawn from it, and the actions taken based on those insights are equally important.
- Modernizing the financial sector is a complex challenge, and while Addepar's efforts are commendable, it is one of many companies attempting to address these issues. There may be other companies also contributing valuable innovations and improvements to the industry.
- Recruiting top talent from Silicon Valley can certainly bring a fresh perspective to wealth management, but it's also important to have industry-specific expertise. The unique regulatory, compliance, and client relationship aspects of wealth management require a blend of tech-savvy ...
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Lonsdale's perspectives on the US government, military, and infrastructure
Joe Lonsdale gives a critical review of the U.S. bureaucracy and issues an urgent call for reforms in government, military, and infrastructure to address the country’s vulnerabilities and modernize for the future.
Lonsdale is critical of the bureaucracy and special interests that have captured many government institutions, hampering innovation and accountability
Lonsdale describes the majority of the Department of Defense's strategy group as incompetent, despite the presence of some competent individuals and occasional geniuses. He critiques the outdated technology and methods used by the US government for defense projects, which prompted the foundation of Palantir to improve national security tools. Lonsdale also condemns the decision to not automate ports as an example of bureaucracy and special interests impeding progress.
Lonsdale believes the US government and military have become risk-averse and reliant on outdated technologies, ceding advantages to adversaries like China
Lonsdale expresses concern about the strategic mistake of allowing China and Russia to become allies and the potential vulnerability posed by Turkey’s NATO membership given the rise of Erdogan and its nuclear weapons. He sees the bureaucracy in government institutions and within the military-industrial complex, including companies like Raytheon and Lockheed, as dominated by cowards who are not bold or courageous, hindering the military's effectiveness and leaving it behind adversaries like China.
Lonsdale supports efforts by the incoming administration to aggressively reform and revitalize key government agencies and policies
Lonsdale's hope for the future aligns with the efforts of reform advocates such as Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, and others whom he sees as intelligent and helpful. He believes that successful reform initiatives by these individuals are essential for civilization and may brighten the future.
Lonsdale is optimistic that a new wave of talented, liberty-minded individuals entering government can overcome institutional inertia and special interests
He references the bureaucracy's powerful position as a special interest in the United States, its resistance to change, and its inherent arrogance. He recalls the late 1970s' rules during Jimmy Carter's Congress, which made government employees hard to hold accountable. Nonetheless, Lonsdale anticipates that reform efforts will prevail.
Lons ...
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Lonsdale's perspectives on the US government, military, and infrastructure
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Clarifications
- Palantir is a software company known for its data analysis and integration tools used by government agencies, including the Department of Defense and intelligence organizations, to enhance their capabilities in areas like national security, counterterrorism, and law enforcement. The company's platforms help in processing and analyzing large volumes of data to identify patterns, threats, and insights crucial for decision-making and strategic planning in complex security environments. Palantir's technology has been praised for its ability to streamline information sharing, improve situational awareness, and support investigations by connecting disparate data sources for a more comprehensive understanding of security challenges. Overall, Palantir's solutions play a significant role in bolstering national security efforts by providing advanced analytics and visualization tools to government agencies.
- The Department of Defense's strategy group is criticized by Joe Lonsdale for being mostly incompetent, with only a few competent individuals and occasional geniuses. Lonsdale highlights the outdated technology and methods used in defense projects, leading him to establish Palantir to enhance national security tools. He believes the lack of innovation and accountability within the group hampers the effectiveness of defense strategies and national security efforts. Lonsdale's critique suggests a need for significant reforms and modernization within the Department of Defense to address these issues.
- Turkey's NATO membership has raised concerns due to shifts in its political landscape under President Erdogan, who has been criticized for authoritarian tendencies. The issue of Turkey possessing nuclear weapons is a sensitive topic, as it is not officially confirmed but has been a subject of speculation and geopolitical discussions. Erdogan's leadership and Turkey's strategic position within NATO have led to debates about the implications of its policies on regional stability and alliance dynamics. These factors contribute to the complexities surrounding Turkey's role in international relations and its interactions with other NATO members.
- Elon Musk is a prominent entrepreneur known for founding companies like Tesla and SpaceX, focusing on electric vehicles and space exploration. Vivek Ramaswamy is a successful investor and entrepreneur who has been vocal about his views on various societal and economic issues. Both Musk and Ramaswamy have advocated for reforms in different sectors, with Musk particularly involved in technology, transportation, and energy innovations. Their efforts align with Joe Lonsdale's call for reform in government agencies and policies to address vulnerabilities and modernize for the future.
- In the context of the United States, the term "bureaucracy" often refers to the complex system of government agencies, rules, and procedures. When described as a special interest, it means that the bureaucratic system itself can act in ways that prioritize its own interests over broader societal needs or reforms. This can manifest as resistance to change, protection of existing power structures, and a tendency to maintain the status quo, sometimes at the expense of efficiency or innovation. The characterization of bureaucracy as a special interest highlights concerns about its influence on decision-making processes and its potential to impede reforms or hinder progress in various sectors.
- The dissonance between high defense spending and the vulnerability of the power grid highlights the imbalance in resource allocation towards traditional military capabilities over critical infrastructure protection. This disparity raises concerns as significant investments in defense may not directly address vulnerabilities in essential services like the power grid. It unders ...
Counterarguments
- Bureaucracy can provide checks and balances that prevent hasty and potentially harmful decisions, ensuring that changes are well-considered and evidence-based.
- Special interests can sometimes represent important stakeholders and experts in their fields, providing valuable insights into the implications of policy changes.
- Risk aversion in the government and military can be a strategic approach to avoid unnecessary conflicts and ensure stability, rather than a sign of weakness.
- The use of established technologies can be seen as a way to maintain reliability and security in critical systems, where untested innovations might introduce new vulnerabilities.
- Institutional inertia can be a safeguard against radical changes that might disrupt essential services or have unintended negative consequences.
- The complexity of government operations means that reforms need to be carefully planned and implemented to avoid unintended consequences that could be worse than the status quo.
- The power grid and other critical infrastructure are often subject to ongoing improvements and security measures that may not be widely publicized for security reasons.
- Investments in infrastructure moderniz ...
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