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Communication Service for the Deaf Names Amanda Whyrick Division President of California Connect

Communication Service for the Deaf

Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) today announced that Amanda Whyrick has been named the new Division President of California Connect. Whyrick previously served as CSD’s Vice President of Information Technology. In this new role, she will provide leadership support for all California Public Utilities Commission contracts held by Communication Service for the Deaf. California Connect, also called the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP), provides telecommunication access for Californians with hearing, vision, cognitive, mobility, and speech-related disabilities. The program of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) includes accessible telecommunication equipment and devices, relay service, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. The California Connect Division President will provide strategic and operational support for the State’s marketing services, equipment distribution, and field operations contracts. Equitable and accessible communication solutions have been at the core of CSD’s work for the past fifty years. Bolstering our partnership with California Connect is a logical extension of our efforts to remove communication barriers for people with disabilities. “With the rapid advancement of communications technology, the person who fills this role must have extensive experience in accessible technology,” stated Chris Soukup, CEO of CSD. “Amanda is perfectly suited to lead the advancement of our California Connect division as they work towards their goal of providing communication equity for communities with disabilities.” Whyrick joined CSD in 2016 as a Systems Administrator and held various leadership roles until her promotion to Vice President of Information Technology in 2022. During this period, she successfully implemented accessible organizational-wide technology policies, including a transition to work-from-home call centers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before joining CSD, Whyrick provided technology support to organizations including Southeast Community College and Dell Technologies. Now, as Division President for California Connect, Whyrick looks towards modernizing the program in a way that centers on the needs of various communities with disabilities and integrating the most up-to-date technological offerings. “As someone who personally benefits from accessible technologies, I know that access to them is crucial to the health and well-being of the user in all aspects of life. I look forward to extending this same privilege to Californians with different accessibility needs." shared Whyrick. Whyrick will assume the position of California Connect Division President on February 26, 2024. About Communication Service for the Deaf Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) is the largest Deaf-led social impact organization in the world. For more than four decades, CSD has been a leader in creating and providing accessible and innovative solutions for the Deaf community. Today, CSD continues its work to create opportunities for personal and economic growth within the Deaf community, specifically addressing leadership and employment. For more information, please visit CSD and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Contact Details Communication Service for the Deaf Molly Miller +1 315-679-8948 leltouny@csd.org Company Website https://www.csd.org/

February 20, 2024 09:15 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Mask Network and its Bonfire Union funds hits $100 million milestone to further support decentralized social protocols

Mask Network

Mask Network(Mask), the leading decentralized social network protocol, has announced it will launch the second fund of its venture arm, the Bonfire Union, marking a total of US$100 million for two funds since its establishment in 2022. The goal of Bonfire Union’s is to strategically invest in decentralized social networks and infrastructure. To date, more than 120 projects have joined the Mask Network ecosystem under the banner of Bonfire Union, including some of the fastest growing Web3 projects such as RSS3, Lens, and Scroll. “Mask Network has been actively contributing to and supporting the decentralized social network community through a series of grants and donations,” says Suji Yan, the founder of Mask Network. “With the new fund, more initiatives can get our support.” Founded in 2017, Mask aims to build a user-friendly bridge from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0 decentralized apps. It has grown into a Web3 social conglomerate investing and building decentralized social apps, developer tools, protocols, and creative content to empower more people joining the Web3 world. The Mask team runs the largest collection of Mastodon instances, with more than two million users. In November 2023, Mask Network’s affiliate Sujitech LLC donated US$100,000 to Mastodon, the largest single donation that the non-profit decentralized social media platform has received to date, according to Mastodon CFO Felix Hlatky. Mask has launched 3 rounds of the Web3 Social Ecosystem Grant since 2021, supporting about 100 projects with excellent Web3 innovations. In December 2023, Mask established a non-profit entity, Mask Network Academy, which provides financial and technological support to the world's top universities and journalism programs, with the goal of promoting Web3 research and story-telling. Furthermore, Mask Network and its social aggregator app, Mask X -Firefly App (Firefly), have jointly launched a US$10 million builder initiative dedicated to further accelerating the development of all decentralized social protocols through subsidy. Mask launched Firefly as a social aggregator app for Web3 natives. In April 2023, Mask made its first significant acquisition with the team behind RARA, a social curation protocol for NFTs. “Mask is one of the few teams who are thinking about how big Web3 can really be, “said Lawson Bae, Founder of RARA and Head of Growth at Firefly. “The time is ripe for more talented and dedicated innovators to come together and build Decentralized Social for the future,” says Suji Yan, the founder of Mask Network. With the newly established US$10 million Decentralized Social Initiative, Mask Network and Firefly are calling for decentralized social protocols and builders worldwide to join the cause of building a truly free and open Internet. About Mask Network Mask Network is a leader in the vibrant decentralized social network ecosystem. In 2019, Mask extension started supporting Twitter users with secure, decentralized social messaging, payment networks, file storage and sharing upon the current mainstream social media networks. With its venture arm, Mask strategically invests in decentralized social networks, infrastructure, and creative contents with the goal of making Web3 more accessible to all. Learn more at mask.io. Media inquiry: media@mask.io Contact Details Media Contact media@mask.io Company Website https://mask.io/

February 19, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Apple Shareholder: Company’s Actions on Human Rights Don’t Match Its Words

NLPC

Ahead of Apple Inc. ’s annual meeting on February 28, National Legal and Policy Center is highlighting a report it has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that explains how the iPhone maker’s claims about its respect for human rights fall far short of its real-world engagements and operations. NLPC, a shareholder in Apple, is sponsoring a proposal (No. 8 on Page 97 of the company’s proxy statement ) that asks the company to explain why its actions fail repeatedly to match its statements and policies regarding human rights, especially considering its ongoing pandering to the government of China. The SEC filing builds on the case made in the proposal, with extensive evidence of Apple’s concern for cheap labor and enormous profits, at the expense of the people who buy and make its products under the brutal communist regime. “Over the past ten years, various shareholders have brought at least six different proposals at Apple annual meetings because of its weaknesses when it comes to protecting human rights,” said Paul Chesser, director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project. “Why does the Board of Directors have to keep addressing this issue? Because they only pay lip service to it, while their Chinese government business partners constantly violate standards of respect and decency. The U.S. State Department actually calls it genocide.” NLPC’s proposal and SEC filing note the following examples where Apple fails to follow its own proclamations regarding human rights, rendering them empty: Apple removed the New York Times ’s apps from the App Store in China in 2017, and removed apps including HKmap.live and Quartz from its offerings, during the protests in Hong Kong in 2019; The company severely restricted use of its AirDrop wireless filesharing feature on users’ iPhones during protests against Chairman Xi Jinping’s “zero COVID” policies in late 2022; The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Justice said in January 2024 that it had cracked Apple’s encryption and was able to track senders. According to The Epoch Times, “That allows local police to find ‘several suspects’ who use the iPhone feature to transmit files containing what authorities have referred to as ‘inappropriate remarks,’ according to the agency;” According to Reuters, “Apple has started requiring new apps to show proof of a Chinese government license before their release on its China App Store, joining local rivals that had adopted the policy years earlier to meet tightening state regulations.” Perhaps most telling, the tech giant lobbied against the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act when it was up for consideration in Congress. “Apple wants to avoid this embarrassing issue so badly, that the Board asked the SEC to prevent our proposal from being heard by our fellow shareholders, by claiming that they were already addressing the issue,” Chesser added. “Fortunately – even under a presidential administration cozy with both Big Tech and China – the SEC staff followed the facts instead of political bias, and decided to allow our proposal at the annual meeting. “We look forward to explaining to our fellow shareholders why Apple’s carelessness over human rights presents fiduciary and reputational risks to the company.” ### For more information or to schedule an interview with Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

February 13, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Government of Maharashtra and Pegasus Capital Advisors Sign MoU to Boost Food Security and Food Processing Sector

Pegasus Capital Advisors

The Government of Maharashtra and Pegasus Capital Advisors have entered into a cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at exploring the potential of maximizing opportunities in the food security and food processing sector in Maharashtra. This agreement was formalized during the Government of Maharashtra's participation at the World Economic Forum 2024. The MoU outlines a collaborative effort between Pegasus Capital Advisors, a global private markets impact investment fund, and the Government of Maharashtra to explore and develop food processing units in the state of Maharashtra and the UAE. The Government of Maharashtra will share an operational plan within 90 days, detailing the opportunities for collaboration and identifying trusted partners and entities. Maharashtra, with its robust agriculture sector and logistical capabilities, is well-positioned to address the GCC food security needs and this collaboration with Pegasus Capital Advisors aligns with the government’s vision to empower 11 million farmers in the state. Craig Cogut, Partner at Pegasus Capital Advisors, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are eager to contribute to the vision of creating a sustainable food processing economy and empowering millions of farmers in Maharashtra. This partnership is important to building a resilient and integrated food supply chain and strengthening natural farming practices." The Government of Maharashtra's ambitious initiative focuses on addressing the UAE's and GCCs immediate food basket requirements, promoting increased production capacity, and supporting the development of the food processing sector. The comprehensive plan encompasses key aspects designed to bring about transformative changes in the food security and food processing sector. First, it prioritizes the empowerment of Maharashtra's 11 million farmers, facilitating their access to markets and cutting-edge agricultural technology through strategic partnerships. Secondly, the initiative positions Maharashtra as a long-term supplier of essential food items such as millet, soybean, wheat, and sugarcane, effectively meeting the pressing food security needs of the UAE. The third focal point involves the establishment of state-of-the-art food processing units in both Maharashtra and the UAE, promising the creation of skilled employment opportunities and a significant economic boost for both regions. Lastly, by leveraging the UAE as a pivotal export hub, the collaboration seeks to penetrate new markets in the GCC, Central Asia, and Africa, establishing a robust and diversified food supply chain. These key aspects collectively underscore a holistic approach that addresses immediate food security concerns and fosters economic growth, technological advancement, and international trade. The collaborative effort seeks to achieve positive economic, social, environmental, and health impacts for the UAE and India. Notable outcomes include empowering farmers, boosting the Indian economy through exports, building food processing infrastructure in the UAE, and promoting the "Make in India" and "Made in UAE" vision. About Pegasus Global Capital Advisors Pegasus Capital Advisors is a leading global private markets impact investment manager, dedicated to fostering sustainable and inclusive growth. As the first U.S. private equity fund manager accredited by the Green Climate Fund, Pegasus Capital Advisors invests in companies and technologies that aim to make a measurable, long-lasting impact. Explore more at www.pcalp.com. Contact Details Courtney Bonness Riff City Strategies courtney.bonness@riffcitystrategies.com Company Website https://www.pcalp.com/

February 12, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Crypto Analysis Platform yPredict Completes All 8 Rounds of Presale Successfully, Expands Team to Accelerate Growth

Spark Metro PR

yPredict, an AI-powered crypto analysis platform, today announced it has completed all its presale rounds to develop its platform further. The additional capital will support yPredict's continued growth as it evolves into a fully-fledged asset analysis platform. "We are thrilled to complete this last presale round, which demonstrates strong investor confidence in our vision," said Raj Sharma, CEO of yPredict. "These funds will enable us to accelerate the development of our AI-driven platform as we scale our capabilities to empower crypto & stocks investors with actionable, data-backed insights." With the presale complete, yPredict is expanding its team by hiring for several key roles, including Product Manager, Digital Marketing Specialist, Technical Stock Chart Analysis Content Writer, and Crypto Content Writer. These hires will be instrumental as yPredict cements itself as an industry-leading crypto analysis solution. yPredict leverages advanced AI and machine learning to analyze financial market data and identify profitable trading and investment opportunities. The platform delivers personalized, easy-to-understand analytics to help traders of all skill levels make smarter investment decisions. "We are at the forefront of leveraging AI to democratize access to sophisticated crypto market analysis. Our technology enables anyone, not just seasoned professionals, to trade with confidence," continued Raj Sharma. "With our strong funding base and expanded team, we are poised to take yPredict to new heights in 2024 and beyond." For more information on yPredict and its AI-powered crypto investing platform, visit ypredict.ai. About yPredict yPredict provides AI-powered crypto market analysis platform designed to uncover predictive insights and enable high-probability trading. Built by a team of AI and finance experts, yPredict helps crypto investors of all experience levels make smarter trading decisions through advanced analytics and machine learning. The company is based in Wilmington, DE. Contact Details yPredict Ankit Singh +1 302-597-6768 team@ypredict.ai Company Website https://ypredict.ai/

February 11, 2024 05:25 AM Eastern Standard Time

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First-Ever Risk Retention Group for the Cannabis Industry Launches with CLIC RRG

IMA Financial

Cornerstone Risk Solutions, a subsidiary of IMA Financial Group, today announced the launch of CLIC Risk Retention Group Inc. (CLIC RRG), the first and only risk retention group designed specifically for the unique needs of the burgeoning cannabis industry. The member-owned insurance solution is now available to cannabis-related businesses (CRBs) nationwide. “We are very proud to announce the launch of CLIC Risk Retention Group. We are the first and only insurer in the cannabis space that is owned exclusively by its policyholders,” said Chris Payne, founder of CLIC RRG. “This allows us to offer risk management and profit-sharing opportunities that are unavailable anywhere else in the industry.” The product represents a significant step toward comprehensive insurance solutions tailored to the needs of CRBs across the United States. CLIC members gain access to general liability and product liability coverage from anywhere in the nation, which until now has been out of reach in this high-risk, heavily legislated sector. Tris Felix, Managing Director of Cornerstone Risk Solutions, highlighted the product’s significance: “A member-owned insurance solution is a game-changer for CRB owners whose growth has been historically limited by lack of liability coverage. CLIC RRG owners can build — and benefit from — products that meet the industry’s unique needs, leveling the playing field in a competitive and evolving industry.” As the cannabis industry continues to grow, Cornerstone and CLIC RRG are committed to assessing market responses and potentially introducing additional cannabis industry-specific insurance solutions. “Historically, CLIC RRG coverage lines have been profitable for carriers, yet restricted the policyholders,” said IMA Vice President and Cannabis National Practice Leader Michael Hennessey. “By coming together in a risk retention group, cannabis businesses set their own direction and claim their due benefit.” About Cornerstone Risk Solutions and IMA Financial Group Cornerstone Risk Solutions, a subsidiary of IMA Financial Group, specializes in providing innovative insurance and risk management solutions. IMA Financial Group, a North American insurance brokerage firm, is renowned for its commitment to protecting assets and making a difference in the lives of its clients, associates and communities. About CLIC Risk Retention Group Inc. (CLIC RRG) CLIC Risk Retention Group Inc. (CLIC RRG) is a private insurance company owned by and operated solely for the benefit of participants in the legalized cannabis industry. The company serves businesses and individuals involved in the sale, manufacture, cultivation, transportation and testing of legalized cannabis-based products. The company’s operations are controlled by policyholders who are licensees in the cannabis industry. Contact Details CLIC Risk Retention Group Inc. Chris Payne +1 858-260-9000 chris@clicrrg.com IMA Financial Group Sean Hanft +1 203-313-3205 Sean.hanft@imacorp.com Center Reach Communications Alexandra Campbell alexandra@centerreachcommunication.com Company Website https://cornerstonerisksolutions.com/

February 08, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Oreo Called Out for Backing PFLAG’s Agenda; Supporter of Gender Ideology, Explicit Books in Schools

NLPC

As Oreo prepares to make a splash with its first Super Bowl commercial in 10 years, National Legal and Policy Center today released a 30-second video that delivers stinging criticism of the cookie brand over its longtime partnership with PFLAG. The LGBTQ advocacy group condones gender transition treatments for children as young as three years old, and battles to make sure books with explicit content are allowed in public schools and libraries. You can watch the video here. NLPC owns stock in Oreo’s parent company, Mondelez International, and will sponsor a shareholder proposal at the annual meeting in May. The nonprofit corporate watchdog and shareholder activist initiated its campaign to highlight the cookie-maker’s inappropriate relationship with PFLAG after it noticed the brand’s social media accounts – primarily on X.com (formerly Twitter) – were heavily populated with posts in support of PFLAG’s various narratives, causes and social advocacy. Oreo has promoted various short films, special packaging and fundraisers, utilizing the company’s popularity and resources to advance PFLAG’s agenda. The pro-transgender ideology group lobbies against laws that seek to protect children from indoctrination efforts and so-called “gender affirming” medical treatments before they are mature enough to make such decisions, and also laws that protect kids from so-called “transition care” without their parents’ consent. In October Oreo also co-sponsored PFLAG’s National Convention, where the theme was “ Learning with Love.” The meeting’s first session was titled, “Let Freedom Read! Read with Love to Support Inclusive Books and Education.” PFLAG characterizes its gender ideology indoctrination efforts in schools as a so-called prevention against alleged “censorship.” PFLAG co-sponsors a “banned books” website as part of a coalition that includes the Marxist-led American Library Association. Titles such as “ This Book is Gay,” “ Gender Queer,” “ All Boys Aren’t Blue,” “ Flamer,” and “ Lawn Boy ” are among the stories with explicit content that PFLAG and its allies believe should be easily accessed by kids. “Oreo is a beloved brand with a strong identity and a reputation for connecting with all ages, especially kids, because it’s not only delicious, but fun,” said Paul Chesser, director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project. “Now the cookie’s image-managers are taking it down the same dangerous path that Bud Light, Disney and Target have trodden, which led to extensive brand destruction. We urge Mondelez to terminate Oreo’s controversial relationships before it’s too late.” NLPC’s shareholder proposal asks the Board of Directors “to examine the risks and consequences of the Company’s associations with external organizations, to determine whether they threaten the growth and sustainability of the Company.” “We call upon our fellow shareholders to join us to express concern to the Mondelez board and to Chairman/CEO Dirk van de Put over this treacherous direction in which Oreo has turned,” Chesser added. “If they don’t, perhaps parents and consumers will have something to say about it.” ### For more information or to schedule an interview with Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 703-237-1970 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

February 07, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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GoGlobal Announces International Business Expansion Expert Sissi Zhao as New Partner

GoGlobal

GoGlobal, a leading firm specializing in international business expansion services, recently announced the appointment of Sissi Zhao as a Partner, effective February 1st, 2024. This strategic move comes as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance its leadership team and expand its global footprint, particularly in the fast-growth Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Sissi Zhao, a seasoned professional with an illustrious career in international business expansion, law, private equity and mergers & acquisitions, brings a wealth of knowledge and diversified insight to GoGlobal. Since joining GoGlobal, Sissi has played a pivotal role in the expansion of the company’s business operations in Asia. Her adept management of both inbound and outbound expansion opportunities has significantly contributed to the firm’s thriving success across the APAC region. Sissi's strategic foresight and deep understanding of the business landscapes in both Europe and APAC, bolstered by 12 years of living in Europe facilitating cross-border transactions and her six years’ onsite working experiences in Asia, equip her with an unparalleled ability to guide clients eyeing the dynamic Europe-Asia corridor for business expansion. "I am thrilled to step into this role and am committed to further propelling GoGlobal's growth. Our focus remains on closely collaborating with visionary companies eager to tap into the vast opportunities across the world. I am excited to leverage my expertise and facilitate our clients' expansion endeavors in today's dynamic and ever-evolving global economy,” says Sissi. "We congratulate Sissi on her well-deserved appointment and look forward to her contributions in shaping the future of GoGlobal," says Margaret Yip, Partner at GoGlobal. "Her exceptional skills and dedication are invaluable to our mission of facilitating seamless global expansion for our clients." About GoGlobal GoGlobal is a people-first international HR and Employer of Record (EOR) service provider, with a globally distributed, naturally diverse remote workforce. GoGlobal's technology enabled EOR solution allows companies of all sizes to hire people anywhere in the world without the need to set up a local entity, opening new doors to rapid expansion and growth. With a presence in over 137 countries on six continents and growing, GoGlobal helps clients recruit, hire, manage and pay exceptional talent – quickly, cost effectively and compliantly. Contact Details GoGlobal Bonnie Elgie +1 403-630-6164 bonnie.elgie@goglobalgeo.com

February 06, 2024 09:51 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Exciting Transition as Executive Director Prepares for New Chapter

National Contract Management Association

The NCMA Contract Management Institute (CMI) announces that Soraya Correa, who has served as the dedicated Executive Director for the past year, will be joining the team at National Industries for the Blind as their new President and CEO-Elect. Ms. Correa will be transitioning into a governance role, maintaining a crucial connection with CMI and its strategic direction. This shift reflects her continued dedication to the institute's mission and the desire to contribute to its future success at a governance level. Kraig Conrad, CEO of NCMA and Chair of the CMI Governance Board, "We express our gratitude for the invaluable contributions Soraya has made to the relaunch of the Contract Management Institute. Her enduring legacy is marked by a steadfast commitment to remaining actively engaged in the NCMA community and continuing her involvement in the governance of CMI." Amid expressions of gratitude for her contributions, Ms. Correa reflected on her time at the Institute, underscoring the impact she has had on its relaunch, community engagement, and governance. “While I am excited about this new opportunity with the National Industries for the Blind (NIB), I am sad to leave CMI. As Executive Director of CMI I had the opportunity to work with the outstanding leadership, team, and members of NCMA, an experience I will always appreciate and remember fondly. I remain committed to the success of CMI and the vital role it plays in advancing the contract management profession. As I embark in my new role at NIB, I will continue to support NCMA initiatives, especially those of the CMI!” In the interim, taking over the Executive Director position for CMI will be Mr. Conrad. Stay tuned for more updates and CMI’s research projects begin this Spring. For inquiries and paper submissions, please contact info@ncmahq.org. The Contract Management Institute (CMI) is a leading professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of contract management. With a mission to drive innovation, promote excellence, and enhance the role of the contracting professional, CMI provides valuable resources including collaboration and partnership opportunities for individuals and organizations involved in contract management across government, industry, and academia. The Institute serves as a catalyst for the study of the profession to elevate engagement, standards, and professional development. The CMI mission and vision are aligned with its parent, NCMA. CMI is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) - www.ncmahq.org - stands as the premier contract management organization whose mission is to collaborate towards a globally recognized contract management profession that strengthens its nexus with related acquisition communities. Serving approximately 20,000 members in both the public and private sectors, NCMA propels the growth, advancement, and impact of practitioners through a steadfast commitment to serve through the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums. Contact Details NCMA Holly DeHesa +1 281-865-3296 holly.dehesa@ncmahq.org Company Website https://www.ncmahq.org

February 05, 2024 07:05 PM Eastern Standard Time

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