By Marieke de Wijk (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Saturday, February 19, 2005 - 6:22 pm: |
On the board I read a lot about slow restaurants and slow presenting of the checks. I really think this is an USA problem. In Europe it's normal to wait a while for your food. Nice time to talk and to look around and relax. It is absolutely normal that you don't get your check before asking. It is seen as unfriendly, like you want to get people to leave .
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By Jake Richter - NetTech (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5357) on Saturday, February 19, 2005 - 7:12 pm: |
Absolutely right!
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By Mare (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #645) on Saturday, February 19, 2005 - 7:16 pm: |
Hello Marieke and welcome to BT,
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By Marieke de Wijk (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #4) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 5:08 am: |
Mare
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By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #242) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 9:37 am: |
I really don't think this is a "USA Problem." I think this is an individual problem in that I have read plenty of posts by Americans on Bonaire Talk that have no problem with "island time" at the restaurants and who fully understand how things work on Bonaire. I remember 2 years ago talking to waitress at Pasa Bon Pizza; she was telling us how much they like Americans because they will eat just about anything and are not constantly complaining about the food. Anyway, its good to have the rules posted as they are above. Thanks.
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By Marieke de Wijk (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #5) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 2:16 pm: |
Marcus, I do not think all Americans have this problem. But I do think that if some tourist has a problem with dining out habits on Bonaire it is mostly an American rather than an European. And I think that is because of the big difference between the restaurant habits in the USA and the habits in Europe cq The Netherlands, which is the mothercountry of Bonaire.
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13124) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 3:49 pm: |
Marieke...careful about wrapping 293.7 MILLION people into "one" category such as your statement..."But I do think that if some tourist has a problem with dining out habits on Bonaire it is mostly an American rather than an European"...you can't lump 293.7 million people into one lump category...with 51 states, and a very multi-cultural population...it is a VERY diverse country...
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By Marieke de Wijk (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #6) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 5:16 pm: |
I know, Europe is also very diverse too. Have you been there? Of course not everything is the same for everyone. But read the reports with complaining about slow services. They are not from Dutch tourists( which are about 90 % of the europeans that go to Bonaire). They are used to how the system works, like in Holland and the rest of Europe
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By Marieke de Wijk (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #7) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 5:23 pm: |
My message was not meant as a moral issue or something!It was meant as an explanation. I hope that everyone who is not used to the restaurant habits on Bonaire understands why things go like they go when dining out. And then again, when in Rome, do as Romans do.
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By Susan Feldman (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1190) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 5:37 pm: |
Marieke,
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By BonaireTalk Moderator (Moderator - Post #22) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 5:57 pm: |
I've moved this thread to dining, as that is what it pertains to, not trip reports.
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By Tim Clark (BonaireTalker - Post #26) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 9:33 pm: |
On our last trip to Bonaire, we only went out to eat our evening meals. I did notice that it took longer to get my check than "American" restaurants, but I didn't worry about it! After all we were on VACATION and there was no big rush to do anything other than relax!
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By Mare (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #651) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 10:48 pm: |
Tim and Marieke,
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By John Carter (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #105) on Monday, February 21, 2005 - 10:10 am: |
When we were there in August I don't think we had to wait at any of the restaurants for food or service. Often we were able to come in order eat and pay the check in less than an hour. We tried a number of places from Casablanca's to Garden Cafe to It Rains Fishes and a host of others.
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By mary pequinot (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #429) on Monday, February 21, 2005 - 7:12 pm: |
I think when you're spending time on an island, you need to understand cultural differences. I found the same situation in Turks & Caicos-we waited and waited for our check, not understanding that THEY (the waitstaff) were waiting for us to let them know to bring it.
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By Mare (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #655) on Monday, February 21, 2005 - 9:29 pm: |
That's why I love Bonaire -- no rushing to get anywhere and one can dive on one's own schedule.
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By David Stewart (BonaireTalker - Post #37) on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 - 8:33 am: |
It depends where you dine, in a restaurant I would feel unwelcome if they were too eager with the bill, a fast food out-let you would expect it. Most good establishemnts will have a bill ready for you when you want it.
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By Dennis Abraham (BonaireTalker - Post #13) on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 8:45 am: |
If you enjoy liesurly dining, Giorgios is for you! They have one menu on a large chalk board and you eventually get to see it. The food is lovingly prepared over a slow fire. The food was good. The check eventually got to us and back. Plus we got to finsh a crossword puzzle while waiting to see the menu. What could be better for the liesurely dining lover.
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By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #328) on Saturday, February 26, 2005 - 6:30 pm: |
There are only three (sort of) American owned restaurants here (as far as I know-I haven't been out much lately): Richard's, KFC & Will's Tropical Grill. I stated "sort of" because both KFC & Will's are half American (wives are, husbands are Dutch). I believe the restaurants at the resorts that seem entirely "American," like Divi Divi or Cpt. Don's, are actually run, and/or owned by Dutch operators, as are most of the restaurants here, so I'm not quite sure which restaurants are the subject of the complaint that started this thread.
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By Fiona Rattray (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #290) on Monday, February 28, 2005 - 3:33 pm: |
Ruth, thanks for that clear restauranteur perspective on cheques...
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By Dennis Webb (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #6) on Thursday, March 3, 2005 - 5:53 pm: |
Most people need to chill out. Everyone I know in the US gets way too impatient. Its this computer culture thats caused it.
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By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3878) on Thursday, March 3, 2005 - 5:57 pm: |
But the computer culture has formed this great relaxed group of people as well...
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By Vince DePietro (BonaireTalker - Post #76) on Saturday, March 5, 2005 - 7:50 am: |
Well I for one have no real recollection of an inordinate amount of time waiting for a check in Bonaire. I guess this is because no matter where I am in Europe or Bonaire, I NEVER wait for a waiter to bring me the check & ALWAYS signal him/her when I'm ready to leave.. You know the universal signal of holding the left hand out & using the right hand mimicking signing a receipt. This works wherever I dine... So, I suggest if someone is tired of waiting ( I must confess I'm certainly not big in the patience department) use this method.
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By Marieke de Wijk (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #9) on Saturday, March 5, 2005 - 4:22 pm: |
Ruth, it was not about the american restaurants, it was about the american tourist. Some of them do not know about the check habits. In Bonaire, like in Holland and most parts of western Europe you don't get the check without asking for it.
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By michael gaynor (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1893) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 8:35 am: |
One of our more popular restaurants uses the following method: His wait staff codes each check with an A for American and D for Dutch (or other European so that the cooks and other staff know that they have to react a bit differently to the various needs and habits. Also, if you are in a hurry (can't imagine why on Bonaire) make it known to the server at some point and they will be happy to be able to turn our table, especially since most of the places are full!
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By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #334) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 10:40 am: |
Sorry Marieke, my misunderstanding--when I read "I am European, and I was very unpleasantly surprised by the American restaurants on my trips there," I thought you meant the American style/owned restaurants on Bonaire. No harm, no fowl.
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13238) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 1:25 pm: |
Michael...hmmmm...one MORE reason to learn Dutch...maybe I need to learn just enough to order my dinner so I get a "D" instead of an "A" ;-)
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By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3881) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 1:32 pm: |
Or eat out with us... We can do the teaching, and you'll be ordering... LOL
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13240) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 1:41 pm: |
ohhh..Martini, I like that idea...I am however going to spend some time today on that online Dutch teaching site to learn a few things...LOL!-
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By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3882) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 1:56 pm: |
And I want to hear you say it out load... Try to say: "Hallo Martin, leuk om je eindelijk eens persoonlijk te ontmoeten."
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13241) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 2:27 pm: |
y tu tambien martini....oh, I think I can say "Ik wil graag vijn"...that will be the most important phrase...LOL!
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By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3885) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 2:34 pm: |
Ik wil graag een Amstel Bright.
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By Freddie Hughes (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5927) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 2:36 pm: |
HUmmmm so would I Martin!!
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By Freddie Hughes (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5928) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 2:38 pm: |
Ik zou ook van en Heldere Amstel houden
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13243) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 4:01 pm: |
Freddie...vijn vijn vijn wogga wogga wogga
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By Wally and Eva (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #705) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 9:46 pm: |
All I can add is if you go to the swiss restaurant on Bonaire....the lovely lady running the joint will make you clean your plate....and will give you a great big hug if you do.
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By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #337) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 10:44 pm: |
Martin, ik wil een Polar (of twee, of drie...). Mar, denk aan je calculator!
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By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3892) on Monday, March 7, 2005 - 2:12 am: |
Ruth, Ik weet dat je een pro bent...
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By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #339) on Monday, March 7, 2005 - 9:38 am: |
Goed zo!
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By Tom Cousino (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1475) on Monday, March 7, 2005 - 9:53 am: |
Ditto Wally. Suzy is a sweet heart.
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By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3893) on Monday, March 7, 2005 - 6:01 pm: |
Ruth, we moeten dat volgende week maar weer eens testen...
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By Wally and Eva (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #706) on Monday, March 7, 2005 - 7:47 pm: |
The easy way to get to the Swiss Chalet is to pick up Paul (from WannaDive) and Margret (from Bongos)and turn were they tell you to. From Eden go north a little ways and then turn east on a paved road that goes past a toyota car lot and pretty quick turn south and go past the guy living in a shipping container and then through a little chicane and it's on the right if you pass it and turn around or left of you see it before zipping past. When it comes to men's navigation skills I'm a legend in my own mind.
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By Tom Cousino (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1483) on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 10:47 am: |
Wally, LMAO!!!
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By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #341) on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 11:21 am: |
Well, since you mention it Tom, KFC will have fish sandwiches (not tuna though) on the menu soon....they were supposed to be here in time for lent (technically they still will be), but we intend on keeping them on the menu permanently if they're well received. (We'll also serve it as an optional topping to our green salad too.)
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By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3896) on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 3:26 pm: |
GREAT!!! Maybe next week???
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13258) on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 8:46 pm: |
Wally, I guess this means I need to meet Paul and Margret huh? LOL! I think Martini knows where it is...but then, he will probably give me directions in Dutch...<wink>
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By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3900) on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 1:33 am: |
Cynde, is there another way? If I'm asking directions in the US (where ppeple speak English), people will not reply in my language, but in English. Why would people on Bonaire reply in English, when the local language is Dutch???
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By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #342) on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 8:16 am: |
Martin-yes to fish s/w by next week, maybe even by Saturday (if all goes well...everything's here, now just have to rally the troops to get their butts in gear).
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13260) on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 1:55 pm: |
Ruth, you forgot to mention that when you go to a fast food restaruant in the states, non of them speak English either...usually I just end up saying no thank you because I have no idea what they said. Then THEY get mad at me because I can't understand what they are saying and ask them kindly to repeat...I don't know how many times they have gotten my order wrong (mostly Taco Bell, my fav ;-)
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By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3901) on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 2:27 pm: |
Ruth, Saterday has been kind of booked... The official language of Bonaire is Dutch, yet the native language is actually Papiamentu, spoken exlusively in the ABC Islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13262) on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 5:51 pm: |
Martin, I still want that "D" on my ticket ;-)
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By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3904) on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 6:08 pm: |
Trust me....
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By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #343) on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 12:11 am: |
Yeah, think of how I feel when hiring (and most tourist related biz here)--it's normal to ask if 4 languages are spoken and/or understood & written, (Papiamento, English, Dutch & Spanish). Can you imagine doing that in the US, while offering slightly more than min. wage, at a fast food place, none-the-less? Many of my staff can understand the different languages, especially since my menu is all in pictures, and has numbers....and guests soon figure out to point...but we lose a lot when something needs to be explained (that's when you get the blank deer-in-the headlights stare). Sigh. Another tidbit I found unusual, was that (according to quite a few of my employees) all the white people look alike to them. I only came across this because I was trying to get them to understand that they don't have to give mayonaise to the Americans with their fries (at which point they told me they couldn't distinguish Americans from Dutch--no "A's" or "D's" on our cheques!). Bigger sigh.
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13271) on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 12:33 am: |
Ruth...yes, no mayo with fries...ahhh..I think you, Michael, Martini, Angela et.al. need to go out for a real "D" dinner ;-)
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By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3908) on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 2:08 am: |
Ruth, I know the main language is Papiamento.
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By Mare (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #685) on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 6:52 pm: |
Martin,
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By Wally and Eva (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #720) on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 10:26 pm: |
Mayo on fries!!! quiver
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By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3910) on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 2:01 am: |
Of course Mare, you may always join us.
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By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #345) on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 9:12 am: |
Actually, I like mayo on fries (when in Rome...), and even better: patat oorlog-yum (fries w/ketchup, mayo & peanut sauce)--fat on top of fat, what could be better? I just don't want to see it wasted at KFC (amazing how expensive little packets of mayo are).
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By Dennis Abraham (BonaireTalker - Post #20) on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 10:33 am: |
What a small world indeed!! Wally and Ruth, I graduated Clifton HS school in 1960 and dad had a boat in the Highlands Basin (not Atlantic Highlands) from around 1954 until we moved it down to Belmar. I have many fond memories of clamming just inside the hook, surfcasting in the wee hours with some nice smoked whiting wrapped in newspaper, not to mention a few huricanes that demanded tending the mooring lines as the tide rose.
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By Will White (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #9) on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 10:40 am: |
I'm a mayo on fries guy myself. :-) I have a tough enough time with English to worry about 4 languages...learning that many languages has to be an art form.
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By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3912) on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 2:45 pm: |
Ruth, a "Patatje Oorlog" is not only with Mayo, ketchup and peanut sauce, but also small pieces of union... Hmmmm, do you guys serve that???
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By Tom Cousino (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1513) on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 3:01 pm: |
Stop this talk before we all need to have our arteries scraped.
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By ceestoosmiekesuizanne (BonaireTalker - Post #15) on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 3:13 pm: |
I love this multi-culti talk.
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By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #346) on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 5:45 pm: |
Nope Dennis, but my Mom worked in Long Branch's Shadow Lawn Savings Bank (in the early sixties). Small world indeed!
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By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3916) on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 5:54 pm: |
OK Ruth, I'll be available for trying it next week...
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By Lynn Franzson (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #9) on Saturday, March 12, 2005 - 5:13 pm: |
We moved from Highlands NJ to Saba, N.A. just about a year ago -- lived in SeaBright, Atlantic Highlands and Highlands for a good 20 years. Lost our home in SeaBright (right on the seawall) to the Storm of the Century -- were homeless for 10 months. Enjoy the Caribbean a little better. ;-)
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