Tuesday, 10 November 2020

16 Black Saints and Advocates For Racial Justice - Mary Leonora Wilson, FSP (Editor)

16 Black Saints and Advocates For Racial Justice
Mary Leonora Wilson, FSP (Editor)
eISBN 9780819891310
ASIN B08GC5PGBZ
  

Over the last several years I have read many books each year about saints. When this one came out, I was very interested to take a look. And even thou I have read books and booklets about many of the men and women highlighted in this volume I picked it up to give it a read. The chapters in this volume are:

Introduction
Saint Augustine – Seeker of Truth
Venerable Agustus Tolton – Faithful Trailblazer
Saint Benedict the Moor – Humble Hermit and Wise Guardian
Venerable Henriette DeLille – The Friend of the poor
Blessed Isidore Bakanja - Member of Mary’s Family 
Saint Joseph Mukasa, Saint Charles Lwanga, and Companions - Radiant Lights for Africa 
Saint Josephine Margaret Bakhita - Forever Free 
Saint Katharine Drexel - The Banker’s Daughter 
Blessed Marie-Clémentine Anuarite Nengapeta - Sister among Sisters 
Saint Martin de Porres - A Man Among Men 
Saint Monica - The Mother Who Never Gave Up 
Saint Peter Claver - Slave of the Slaves 
Blessed Peter - To Rot An “Extraordinarily Ordinary” Man 
Venerable Pierre Toussaint - God’s Provident Hand 
Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA - Prophet of Joy and Dynamic Witness 
Blessed Victoria Rasoamanarivo - Princess of Madagascar 
Notes 
Resource List

The contributors in the volume were:
Marianne Lorraine Trouvé, FSP

But none of the chapters are attributed wo we do not know who worked on which section. Each chapter has:

     A brief biography 
     About
     Notes on their life – bullet points
     Lesser Known Facts
     In their own words

And a few of the chapters also have a prayer. In the introduction to this story we are reminded:

“In proposing saints as our models of life, the Church wants to encourage us to follow their example of virtue in order to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus himself is our primary model, the Way, the Truth, and the Life for all of us. But in the saints the Church gives us examples of people like us, ordinary men and women who lived what Jesus taught, even to the point of heroic sacrifices.”

And specific to those selected in this collection:

“The saints come from a wide variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. They are found in every age of history and from places all over the world. Why a book on Black saints? The saints in this volume were selected because they represent the unique and special contribution of people of color. Since the sin of racism is unfortunately still alive, it is important for us as Catholics to honor and celebrate those saints who often faced obstacles and hatred because of the color of their skin. Their love for Jesus overcame all of those obstacles and can greatly move us as we struggle in our own lives.”

And later:

“One way of overcoming racism is to learn about and recognize the tremendous contributions that people of color have made throughout history. All of the saints in this volume made remarkable contributions to the life of the Church. That is because holiness is the greatest good and our ultimate goal.”

And the introduction concludes with these words:

“While this small volume is not comprehensive of all Black saints, it is meant to make better known the contributions and holiness of the saints included. We might ask ourselves: what would the world be like without these great saints? What would our theology be like without the genius of Augustine? What has the wonderful witness of holiness by all these saints added to our Church? Saint Martin de Porres, Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Servant of God Thea Bowman and the others in this volume have all enriched the fabric of our Catholic life of faith. It is our prayer that this book will help in some way to promote greater racial harmony in our society and our Church today.”

And it does an excellent job of that. If you are not familiar with some or all of the saints in this volume it will be of benefit. Even if you have read about most of them there is certain to be something for you to learn. It is an excellent volume. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan! And other reviews from Pauline Books & Media.


Books by Mary Leonora Wilson, FSP:
16 Black Saints And Advocates For Racial Justice
…

Books by Sister Marie Paul Curley:
Bread Of Life: Prayers For Eucharistic Adoration
Christ Lives in Me: The Eucharistic Spirituality of Blessed James Alberione, SSP
Life for the World: A Way of Eucharistic Adoration for Today
Saints Alive Faith Proclaim
Saints Alive Gospel Witness
See Yourself through God's Eyes: 52 Meditations to Grow in Self-Esteem
Soul of Christ: Meditations on a Timeless Prayer
Stories of Saints and the Sacraments 
…

Books by Sister Mary Lea Hill:
Basic Catechism 
Blessed Are the Stressed: Secrets to a Happy Heart from a Crabby Mystic 
Christ in Our Midst Wisdom from Caryll Houselander 
Complaints of the Saints: Stumbling Upon Holiness with a Crabby Mystic 
Growing in Virtue, One Vice at a Time: With a Crabby Mystic 
Life's Purpose: Wisdom From John Henry Newman 
Path of Holiness: Wisdom from Catherine of Siena 
Peace in Prayer: Wisdom from Teresa of Avila 
Prayer and You: Wit and Wisdom from a Crabby Mystic 
Saints Alive Faith Proclaim 
Saints Alive Gospel Witness 
Solace in Suffering: Wisdom from Thomas á Kempis 
Stories of Saints and the Sacraments 
The Church Rocks: A History of the Catholic Church for Kids 
…

Books by Marianne Lorraine Trouvé, FSP:
A Scriptural Rosary
Sacred Heart of Jesus Prayer Book
Angels: Help from on High
Novena St Thomas Aquinas: Patron of Students and Catholic Schools
Purgatory Purifying Power
My Favorite Prayers & Novena
Praying Mysteries of Light
Praying the Rosary for Priests
Our Lady Undoer of Knots: Novena and Prayers
The Rosary with Pope Francis
Consecrated Life: John Paul II
Saint Thomas Aquinas: Saints By Our Side 
…
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Monday, 9 November 2020

A Catholic Survival Guide for Times of Emergency - Deacon Nick Donnelly

A Catholic Survival Guide for Times of Emergency
ISBN 9781505118698
eISBN 9781505118711
ASIN B08FBLSBRM
 

This is the third volume I have read by Deacon Nick Donnelly. It is the first from Tan books, and the first that is a book and not a booklet. I greatly appreciated the other two volumes from Donnelly I have read; Finding God in Anger and Bitterness and Finding God When Prayer Doesn't Work. But I found myself drawn much deeper into the material in this work. This volume grew out of the need and partially in response to COVID-19, Donnelly states in the preface:

“Though this book took shape in response to the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic, it has been written to help Catholics draw on the graces and wisdom of the Faith to cope with national, community, or personal emergencies.”

It is a book written in response to a specific crisis. But one that will serve us now, and in the years to come. It is an excellent resource both for these times of lockdowns and social distancing. But Also excellent for areas where Catholicism is under attack. And areas where it might be in the days and years to come. The first chapter int his book begins with:

“Recourse to the sacraments is essential to the supernatural lives of Catholics. This is even more true during times of crisis. When facing an emergency, we need the inner peace, strength, and resolve that comes from the forgiveness of our sins; we need the faithful certainty, intimate presence, and guidance of Our Lord that comes from Holy Communion.”

And I completely agree. He goes on to state:

“Witnessing the closure of churches and the laity’s deprivation of the sacraments, Archbishop Viganò is right to call it “a real unprecedented tragedy.”1 The drastic impact on the sacramental lives of the faithful cannot be exaggerated.”

The events in 2020 fell between sacramental preparation for my own three children. But I witnessed many children at my kids school and at our parish that have been devastated to not be able to receive sacraments. Especially first communion and confirmation. Both are typically scheduled in the spring in our diocese and preparation is done throughout the school year. My son who is just now entering grade 7 has mused about if his confirmation will take place next spring. And it is all unknown. And this book helps us address some of those questions and gives us tools for living the faith better. 

One of the sections that resonated with me the most is:

“Though the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of churches around the world is unprecedented, there may be other situations where parishes and members of the faithful have to face local and individual emergencies that seriously disrupt normal sacramental life. Or we may face an emergency where circumstances make it impossible for us to reach a priest. It is a frightening prospect to face the possibility of being denied the sacraments during an emergency, especially if it is life-threatening. It is highly unlikely that secular authorities or first responders will appreciate the stress suffered by Catholics unable to receive the pastoral care of our priests, especially the anxiety caused by the possibility of not being able to receive Extreme Unction at the hour of death.”

I do not leave the house without a pocket crucifix and a rosary. There was a time not that long ago, that first responders and Emergency Medical Services staff would have known about the need to contact a priest for a Catholic in their care. That day in most of the world has passed. 

But Donnelly does not focus primarily on the woes, he provides tools to help us all move forward. He states:

“Now is the time to recover the wisdom and practice of these traditional devotions. Under certain conditions, they will enable us to receive the forgiveness of our sins, and the marvelous benefit of Eucharistic graces if we are denied the sacraments and the pastoral care of our clergy—for example, due to self-isolation at home or quarantine in hospital.”

He further declares:

“Our Lord has given special supernatural signification and effectiveness to the seven sacraments as unique signs and instruments of his saving grace that are necessary for salvation. However, St. Thomas Aquinas was clear that God has not restricted himself to these sacraments (ST III. 64. a2). In the Act of Perfect Contrition, which is intrinsically related to the sacrament of confession, and in Spiritual Communion, which is ardently focused on the sacrament of the Eucharist, we receive his saving grace. The economy of salvation is much more varied and multifaceted than many Catholics nowadays assume, especially when we add in other sacramentals as well.”

And he brings it all together and states:

“For these reasons, the discipline of a daily examination of conscience, informed by Sacred Scripture and the Church’s teaching, is essential for the moral and spiritual life. It is even more important in emergency situations in which we find ourselves deprived of the sacrament of confession and the counsel of our priests. When we rely on acts of perfect contrition and spiritual communion it is vital that we practice daily examinations of conscience so as not to presume on the mercy of God but to receive his special graces through these devotions worthily.”

This book is an excellent read. It is one I play on reading with my son as his own confirmation preparation continues this year. It is one I wish I had had when I was younger and being formed in my faith. And above all it is a book we need today. The chapters in this book are:

Preface
What to Do When Deprived of Confession or Holy Communion
What to Do When Suffering Life-Threatening Situations Without a Priest
What to Do When Preparing for God’s Judgment on Your Own
What to Do If a Family Member Is Dying On Their Own
What to Do if Grieving Without the Assistance of a Priest
Sacred Scripture for Times of Emergency
Appendix One Prayers for Times of National Emergency
Appendix Two A Brief Guide to Indulgences
Appendix Three Emergency Baptism

There is a lot of material packed into this volume. As stated, this is an excellent volume. And one I highly recommend you pick up and read. It will be of immense benefit now and in the long run.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan! 


Books by Nick Donnelly:
Finding God Series:
Finding God in Anger and Bitterness
Finding God in Doubt and Disbelief
Finding God When Prayer Doesn't Work
Finding God When a Loved One Loses Faith

Other Books by Nick Donelly:
Living with Illness and Suffering
Hope and Healing: Living with Illness and Suffering
Prayers for Grieving Parents: Help After a Miscarriage or Still Birth
Praying the Rosary with the Martyrs
Praying The Creed In The Year Of Faith
Praying the Rosary with the Saints
…

With Pope Francis Series:
Loving Mary: What Pope Francis Says
Finding Forgiveness with Pope Francis
Stations of the Cross with Pope Francis
Who Is the Devil? What Pope Francis Says
Our Journey to Christmas: With Pope Francis
…

Fiction by Nick Donnelly:
Ben Armstrong Adventure Series Series:
Curse of the Seawolf
Snare of the Demons
Faith of the Armstrong
Fury of the Dragons
…

Unattributed books cowritten\ghost written by Nick Donnelly:
Priesthood Today
Fit for Mission? Church
Fit for Mission? Schools
Fit for Mission? Marriage
Fit for Mission? A Guide
...
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Friday, 6 November 2020

Prayer of the Day The Prayer of Transformation

The Prayer of Transformation 

Lord, 
Here I am. 
I trust that you have an incredible plan for me. 
Transform me. Transform my life. 
Everything is on the table. 
Take what you want to take and give what you want to give. 
I make myself 100 percent available to you today. 
Transform me into the person you created me to be, so I can live the life you envisioned for me at the beginning of time. 
I hold nothing back. 
I am 100 percent available. 
Lead me, challenge me, encourage me, and open my eyes to all your possibilities. 
Show me what it is you want me to do, and I will do it. 
Amen. 



Books by Matthew Kelly:
I Know Jesus
The Long View
Decision Point: The Workbook
Decision Point: The Leader Guide
The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic
The One Thing
Off Balance: Getting Beyond the Work-Life Balance Myth to Personal and Professional Satisfaction
Why Am I Here?
Perfectly Yourself: 9 Lessons for Enduring Happiness
Perfectly Yourself Discovering God's Dream For You
Building Better Families: A Practical Guide to Raising Amazing Children
The Dream Manager
The Seven Levels of Intimacy: The Art of Loving and the Joy of Being Loved
The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose
Building Better Families - 5 Practical Ways to Build Family Spirituality
The Book of Courage
The Shepherd: A Modern Parable about Our Search for Happiness
Mustard Is Persecution, Matthew Kelly Foundation
A Call to Joy - Living in the Presence of God
The Rhythm of Life: An Antidote For Our Busy Age
Words from God
Resisting Happiness
The Narrow Path
Our Father
The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity
Why I Love Being Catholic
Good Night, Jesus
In a world where you can be anything ...

Beautiful ... Series:
...

Rediscover Books by Matthew Kelly:
Rediscover Catholicism: A Spiritual Guide to Living with Passion & Purpose
Rediscover Advent
Rediscover Lent
Rediscover Jesus: An Invitation
Rediscover the Rosary: The Modern Power of an Ancient Prayer
Rediscover the Saints

Audio by Matthew Kelly from Lighthouse Media:
Becoming The Best Version Of Yourself
The Best Way To Live
Don't Just Try, Train
Faith At Work & The Holy Moment
The Four Signs Of A Dynamic Catholic - Excerpt
The Jesus Question
My Spiritual Journey
Our Lives Change When Our Habits Change
Raising Amazing Children
The Seven Levels Of Intimacy
The Seven Pillars Of Catholic Spirituality
...

(Note: this books is part of a series: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)







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Thursday, 5 November 2020

The Dunes - A.R.K. Watson - A Novella

The Dunes: A Novella
ASIN B089ZNJG88


This story came highly recommended to me. I was not really aware of the author. The book came recommended from another author. But it is unlike anything they write. And the story took me by surprise. In fact, as soon as I finished the story I went back and started it again and read it through a second time. I read the story during lunch at work, and could not stop thinking about it. And here days later I am still thinking about it and excited to get going on the authors first novel in a series, The Vines of Mars: Secrets on a Small Colonial Planet.

The description of the story is:

“A young couple thinks they've found the perfect romantic getaway to celebrate their marriage. But they discover that there's more to the island and to their relationship than they ever dared guess. Is the island driving them insane or is there something more? A psychological horror with a hint of eldritch mystery.”

The story reminded me of Ray Bradbury’s stories in The October Country, and two of his novels. It is a tightly written story. Some will call this story unnerving, others eerie, some even dark and disturbing. However, I call it haunting. Haunting in both tone and affect. And I mean that in multiple ways. It is haunting in that it is a story that sticks with you. And haunting in the events, as you see them unravel in the story. And haunting in that moment when you realize the twist, and yet are hooked and need to finish the story to watch it play out. 

Between my two readings of this novella I picked up her novel and put it towards the top of my reading pile. This is an excellent novella. And I highly recommend it. Well worth the read an a great introduction to the works of A.R.K. Watson.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by A.R.K. Watson:
...

The Cyber Exorcist Series:
The Cyber Exorcist & The Mermaids of the Mississippi
…

A Seeded Sky Series:
…

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Wednesday, 4 November 2020

Waking the Rainbow Dragon - Tracey West and Damien Jones - Dragon Masters Book 10

Waking the Rainbow Dragon
Dragon Masters Book 10
Tracey West (Author)
Damien Jones (Illustrator)
Scholastic
ISBN 9781338169898
eISBN 9781338169911
ASIN B0756LV7C8


This is the 10th book in this series, but it is 18th I have read. I started reading them to my son a few years ago. And now my youngest daughter is reading them to me. This was the second that was new on this second time through the stories. As a family we really love these books! A few years ago, I read the first eight books of this series to my son. My youngest daughter really enjoyed it and the three of us read them. This year my youngest has been reading them to me. And this was the first book we had not read previously. This year we found out that my nephew has been reading them and was only 1 book ahead of us. He is reading the physical books and We are reading the eBook editions. It is a great story in a wonderful series. 

I have said it before, and I state it again, ‘this series really has staying power’. I have read some of the stories 4 or 5 times now. And have been reading them for over 4 years. And I still enjoy the stories as do my children. My son who thought he had outgrown these stories has been sitting in and listening to his sister read them to me again lately. And my brother’s family loves them as much as ours. It is fascinating to watch the kids interact and compare notes about the books that they are both reading. And to predict what will happen next based on the endings of the book, or title of the next as we queue it up. 

One of the best things about this series is that it is an actual series, not just a bunch of books with the same characters. Each story builds upon the last. Yet, they are strong enough to be read on their own, but as a whole we get to watch the growth of the group as they come together as a team and learn to work together and support each other. Also interact with other dragons and dragon masters from around the world. In this one we meet a new dragon from the south. The dragon appears in a dream given to Drake by his dragon Worm. The new dragon is the legendary rainbow dragon. And the lad it is from is to the south east of the land of the pyramids where Ana is from. Drake and Ana must travel there to rescue the trapped Rainbow Dragon. 

In this volume as mentioned we meet the Rainbow Dragon Dayo and a new Dragon Master named Obi. And they must battle Kwaku a giant spider, a trickster that has tracked Dayo. And just when we think things are going to return to normal, and old enemy returns in a new way. Setting us up for the next adventure.

My daughter was enjoying the story so much she read the first three chapters in the next volume because had had to find out what happened next. Another excellent read in a wonderful series. These are excellent book for young readers and also entertaining enough for older readers. I am continually impressed with the staying power of this series. After multiple reads over several years I still really enjoy returning to the Dragon Masters. And look forward too many more reads in this series, as my daughter is insistent, she will read them all to me! And she stated we had to give this book 5/5 stars!

Dragon Master Books:
1. Rise of the Earth Dragon
2. Saving the Sun Dragon
3. Secret of the Water Dragon
4. Power of the Fire Dragon
5. Song of the Poison Dragon
6. Flight of the Moon Dragon
7. Search for the Lightning Dragon












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Tuesday, 3 November 2020

Keeping Up - David Clinton - Backgrounders to All the Big Technology Trends You Can't Afford to Ignore

Keeping Up: 
Backgrounders to All the Big Technology Trends You Can't Afford to Ignore
David Clinton
ISBN 9798683548391
ASIN B08HL9WQ1H



I have been a fan of David’s writings and online courses since I first encountered them a few years ago. And thought I have not read everything he has written, what I have has been of benefit. And to be honest this one might have the widest readership yet. This is a book I am already recommending to managers, directors and CIO’s that are friends and colleagues. It is an excellent volume and great resource. The sections in the book are:

Preface
About the Author
I. THE BIG PICTURE
Understanding Digital Security
Understanding Digital Privacy
Understanding the Cloud
Understanding Digital Connectivity
Understanding the Business of Technology Research
Where Hot Trends Go to Die

II. BUZZWORD BINGO: QUICK AND DIRTY TECHNOLOGY PROFILES
Compute Platforms
Security and Privacy
Managing Data Storage
Working With Data

There are two sections multiple chapters and each chapter has several key sections. This is a book anyone in the IT field would benefit from reading. And It would also be of interest to anyone who uses technology these days. The first words in the first chapter are:

“Whatever your connection to technology, security should play a prominent role in the way you think and act.”

And further on he quotes an unnamed source:

“Select any two of privacy, security, and convenience. But you can’t have all three.”

No matter who you are it is likely you use technology in some way shape or form today. This book gives some broad strokes of what you should be considering and what you give away. I am constantly telling my kids there are no free apps, you agree to give them access to you and your data when you use them. This book highlights that and the need most of us have to use more caution. 

The book is well written and engaging. It is easily accessible. It looks at the technology industry but much that is in this book is of value to even the home user. Considerations about the IOT Internet of things, connected home devices, devices listening and recording. Technology is great and has many benefits but can also be used for not so great things. This volume helps you surf the trends that are emerging and mainstream. And consider the pros and cons of each.

As stated, an excellent value for those working in the industry. But also, for someone looking to expand their base knowledge. I highly recommend this volume. 

Books by David Clinton:
Teach Yourself Linux Administration and Prepare for the LPIC-1 Certification Exams: Complete. Quick.
Learn Amazon Web Services in a Month of Lunches
Practical LPIC-1 Linux Certification Study Guide 1st ed. Edition
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Study Guide: Clf-C01 Exam
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Study Guide: Associate Saa-C01 Exam
Ubuntu Linux Bible
Linux Security Fundamentals
Solving for Technology: How To Quickly Learn Valuable New Skills In A Madly Changing Technology World
Manage AWS Resources Using Ansible
...

Pluralsight Courses by David Clinton:
Linux Server Skills for Windows Administrators
LPI: Linux Essentials (010-150)
Linux Encryption Security (LPIC-3 303)
Linux Network Security (LPIC-3 303)
Linux Server Virtualization (LPIC-3 304 Part 1/2)
Linux High Availability Cluster Management (LPIC-3 304 Part 2/2)
Network Vulnerability Scanning with OpenVAS
Using Docker on AWS
Protocol Deep Dive: SSH and Telnet
...



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Monday, 2 November 2020

The Extraordinary Form of the Mass in Latin & English - Catholic Truth Society - CTS Prayers and Devotions

The Extraordinary Form of the Mass in Latin & English: 
The Order of Mass in Latin and English 
Prayers and Devotions
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860825668
CTS Booklet D702


Over the last few years, I have read over 150 volumes from the CTS. I have read books from many series. And many authors. Lately I have read several books that are part of the CTS Devotions and Prayer Series. I have read many in the CTS Biographies and also Saints of the Isles Series, and the Great Saints Series. I picked up this volume, what I discovered while preparing my review of The Order of Mass in Latin and English. And I wanted to have it on hand and to be able to give it a read. The description of the booklet is:

“In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI issued his Summorum Pontificum, which specified that Latin-Rite priests could celebrate the traditional or ‘extraordinary’ form of the Roman Rite in response to pastoral need. In response to that, CTS now publishes this affordable and attractive edition of The Order of Mass (1962 Missal) with Latin and English on facing pages.

Highly practical, this edition features:
• Texts for Low and High Masses
• Newly commissioned English translation, accurately reflecting the original Latin text
• Full table of the traditional yearly cycle of readings
• Public and Private prayers for reciting after Mass (1962).”

And the chapters on facing pages in Latin on the left and English on the right are:

The Asperges
The Mass
      Mass of Catechumens
      Mass of the Faithful
      Canon of the Mass
Prayers
      Prayers after Mass, said Publicly
      Private Thanksgiving after Communion
Sunday Scripture Readings (1962 Lectionary)

I was born after Vatican II. I have never attended a Latin Mass, either of the Ordinary or Extraordinary Form. But during the covid 19 lockdown of 2020, I have listened and watched a few Latin Masses by priests I know and follow. And after reading this will try and catch an Extraordinary Form either in person or online. This little volume will be a wonderful to for following along and learning. 

This book is well put together and very reasonably priced. As can be seen from the few sample pages. It is an excellent little volume and though I pass on most of the CTS booklets I read this one will be staying in my collection. A great resource. Along with the companion volume mentioned above. A great resource. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here. 

For other reviews of books in the CTS Devotions and Prayer Series. 






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