Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most extensive site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players and builders on the internet. Welcome!
Join Groups and Forum discussions that interest you, make new music friends. Share photos, music clips, and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask your beginner questions and learn to play! All are welcome here no matter what your playing style, skill level, or musical tastes. Become a member of Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer (FOTMD) community -it's friendly and totally FREE!
After joining, please read the Site Rules before posting. You'll find your very own Member Profile Page by clicking on your name link at the top of any page. Click on different links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . You've come to exactly the right place to receive or give free help and encouragement in playing music. Here on FOTMD we all learn from each other as friends. Join our block party! -Strumelia
Latest Activity
@john-petry
• 31 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Signed @deniseelliott's Guestbook:
Signed @deniseelliott's Guestbook:
"John Petry aka Barnshopper aka HarpsNThings aka Pet Tree Music"
@strumelia
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Ron Gibson:
Since my post on trademarks has been deleted, let me say...
Hi Ron. I saw that you had created a new discussion thread called "On Trademarks",..."
@ron-gibson
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Since my post on trademarks has been deleted, let me say...
Friends, I have no desire to argue with anyone on this site. As I said I am not a contentious..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on @deniseelliott:
Posted a new Comment on @deniseelliott:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Denise. It's good to have you aboard. I'm glad you want to learn to play the mountain dulcimer. It is a wonderful instrument. Let know if..."
@barnjam
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"I'd like to thank each of you for your great ideas, tips and advice. Rather than purchase another dulcimer, I decided to experiment with my 8-String Milford..."
@nate
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Whoops, I did notice that they were bones and still typed spoons for some reason lol. Similar, but still quite different. Either way, sounds like a cool..."
@barnjam
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"@nate Thank you. It’s a wonderful group of folks and we have a great time playing together. The famous Dom Flemons, The American Songster, is from Phoenix..."
@nate
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Looks like a lot of fun. I see that you are playing harmonica and spoons at the same time, which is no small feat, and the result is great.Cool to see so..."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Ron Gibson:
In 50 years of building dulcimers, one of the saddest things I’ve seen is how new builders will “borrow” other’s work and claim it as their own...."
@barnjam
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"I learned Sal’s from the Phoenix Old Time Music Society. Here are three recordings we’ve done with various instruments and tempos, if you’re interested in..."
@barnjam
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Yes, that is exactly right. That makes sense that the open D string would sound “better” than the fretted D on the A string. I like low action on the melody..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Are you saying that you like the tone of the melody string when it plays the tonic D note on the open string?... as opposed to the melody string tuned to A..."
@barnjam
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"@strumelia Thanks for that tip. I can see how the noter would fit more easily between close frets. I like the speed and tactile feel I get from my bare..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"@barnjam ... just from my personal viewpoint- when playing oldtime tunes up high in the second octave solely on the melody string, -because i play with a..."
@barnjam
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"I refreshed my memory on playing melody jn DAA, and the results are as follows. I truly enjoy the rich tonal quality of playing on the lower octave. The..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"barnjam:
Richard Ash at Folkcraft has a great write up on the subject of hands, fingers, and VSLs...."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Ron Gibson:
@strumelia In 50 years of building dulcimers, one of the saddest things I’ve seen is how new builders will “borrow” other’s work and claim it..."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Skip, in his original post he said "I wish it were a tad longer so that I could get the best of DAA and DAD tuning, allowing me to walk down the fretboard on..."
@barnjam
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Thanks for moving this to the proper category. Interestingly, Richard Ash at Folkcraft has a great write up on the subject of hands, fingers, and VSLs...."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Oh- I just now noticed that this excellent discussion was posted in the "How Do I..?" forum, which is intended for questions on how to navigate this site. (a..."
@skip
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"As an example; Standard, 28.5" VSL McSpadden tuned DAA will do exactly what you just described. Any dulcimer with the same fret layout will also meet that..."
@homer-ross
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @barnjam: Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning)
Liked a youtube item created by @barnjam: Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning)
@homer-ross
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @barnjam: Willafjord Reel (Milford Blevins 8-String Dulcimer)
Liked a youtube item created by @barnjam: Willafjord Reel (Milford Blevins 8-String Dulcimer)
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"It means you asked a good question that hits on interesting ideas. :)
It may be helpful to know: what exactly is the range of notes that you would like to..."
@barnjam
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"I never expected my question to make the rounds, but a lot of great information and ideas are being shared. John Knopf to had some great ideas as well. One..."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Dusty Turtle:
What this demonstrates, I think, is that the wideness of the fretboard and the distance between strings is an important variable, perhaps more..."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Dusty Turtle:A dulcimer with a long enough VSL could be configured for 3 full, usable octaves.
I personally would have no use for such a dulcimer, but it is..."
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Well let me close the circle. @Barnjam started this thread because he found it difficult to fret the middle string, so he sought a longer dulcimer with..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Strumelia:
Does that "Stringjoy" Tension Calculator tell you when one of its suggestions would likely result in a string that breaks, or a string that is too..."
@grbmusic
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @cheryl-james:
Posted a new Comment on @cheryl-james:
"Cheryl, I wanted to ask if you provide permission for a non-profit group to use your Foggy Dew arrangement for performance by our group Mountain Harmony. We..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Skip:
I'm a bit confused by all of this. Fourteen frets is two diatonic octaves, D to D or A to A or whatever, regardless of the VSL. A longer VSL..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a music item created by @marshall-goers: Planxty Seymour Cleland
Liked a music item created by @marshall-goers: Planxty Seymour Cleland
@grbmusic
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @grbmusic:
Posted a new Comment on @grbmusic:
"Ben,Ken, and Rich, et al
Thanks for the welcome. I am part of Mountain Harmony, a group of players that focus on heritage music including Celtic, spiritual,..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"You may as well try to trademark the name "Black Cat". (But I shouldn't have veered as far off Barnjam's topic as I did. Will try to behave now.) "
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Haven of Rest:
Posted a new Comment on The Haven of Rest:
"Lovely, John. "
@john-petry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"I wonder what the ramifications are for STUMELIA tm and the DUSTY TURTLE tm?? Not to mention FOTMD TM...."
@marko
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Well, now that is very interesting, indeed!"
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"As an aside concerning trademarks: @marko, that is very interesting about a trademark on the term "extended range". I've been a patent/trademark illustrator..."
@marko
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"@barnjam"> I don't mean to step on anybody's toes, but would just like to point out that the term "Extended Range" dulcimer is a registered trademark..."
@skip
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"@Dusty, there are 3 octaves across all three strings, 0-6 on the bass then 0-14 [DAd] in the melody [and various combos using the middle string]. Three on..."
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"@Skip, you are correct that the way most luthiers make their dulcimers, a longer VSL just means larger spaces in between fret wire, for the fretboard is..."
@skip
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"I forgot to say you would need 17 frets, not counting 1/2 frets to get 2 octaves A [low] to D [high] on one string."
@cindy-stammich
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Haven of Rest:
Posted a new Comment on The Haven of Rest:
"John, another beautiful hymn! The dulcimer sounded extra sweet, and your singing is…. So comforting - which is what this hymn brings to us! Thank you for..."
@barnjam
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"I've found the experts! I'm impressed with all the good ideas and knowledge amongst you. I find this musical journey to be quite fascinating. There are so..."
@skip
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"I'm a bit confused by all of this. Fourteen frets is two diatonic octaves, D to D or A to A or whatever, regardless of the VSL. A longer VSL [fretboard] just..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @grbmusic:
Posted a new Comment on @grbmusic:
"Welcome to FOTMD, GRBmusic. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"@barnjam ...remember you don't 'have to' play in the key of D, either. And having a chromatic means you don't have to worry about the usual diatonic 'gaps'..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Nate:
The "stringjoy string tension calculator" says that a 35" VSL tuned to D4 with a 0.007 gauge string (lowest Ive seen in an ernie ball pack) will have..."
@barnjam
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"More good information to consider. I think some combination of DAA tuning with a wider fretboard would be the best solution, without getting into expensive..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Strumelia could you please elaborate on that?
The "stringjoy string tension calculator" says that a 35" VSL tuned to D4 with a 0.007 gauge string (lowest Ive..."
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OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...
If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making
A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
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Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
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A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
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a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
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A Group to talk about Music Theory!
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Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
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Share historical information and resources on the...
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to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
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Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
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A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
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A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
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Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
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For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
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Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
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Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
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A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
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Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
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For discussing music that was played around the time of...
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Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
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Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
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A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
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For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
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For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
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A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
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A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
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Florida Dulcimer Players
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For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
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Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
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for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
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Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
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for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
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For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
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For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
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Latest Videos
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![Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].](https://fotmd.com/uploaded_audio/image/audio_image/1323/large/crop=auto)
Latest Forum Posts All
Extended Range Dulcimer
Posted: Wednesday October 8 2025, 11:27 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
A question about intonating...
Posted: Monday October 6 2025, 11:06 AM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
John Stockard Dulcimer For...
Posted: Friday October 3 2025, 1:54 PM
By: @Dave shattuck
By: @Dave shattuck
Listing A Dulcimer For Sale
Posted: Wednesday October 1 2025, 7:11 AM
By: @Old Dawg
By: @Old Dawg
Anybody familiar with...
Posted: Tuesday September 30 2025, 6:07 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
A track from my new album
Posted: Tuesday September 23 2025, 5:45 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
jubilee
Posted: Saturday September 20 2025, 1:53 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Amy Levy: Songs of Love...
Posted: Friday September 19 2025, 12:07 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Wanted: The “next” dulcimer
Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 9:28 PM
By: @Steve Kenny
By: @Steve Kenny
More or less overtones
Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 8:55 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Stringing a Cripple Creek...
Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 8:02 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
A review of my new album
Posted: Tuesday September 16 2025, 2:25 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Want to buy Warren A. May...
Posted: Monday September 15 2025, 6:23 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Jean Ritchie and her ballad...
Posted: Monday September 15 2025, 12:47 PM
By: @DavisJames
By: @DavisJames
Hello friends, Does anyone...
Posted: Friday September 12 2025, 1:56 PM
By: @sandbar17
By: @sandbar17
David Lynch Baritone
Posted: Tuesday September 9 2025, 2:40 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
How to tune a 22 vsl...
Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 7:02 PM
By: @Misty
By: @Misty
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 4:03 PM
By: @Jack M
By: @Jack M
Wedge shaped floating bridge
Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 10:18 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Jewish Music
Posted: Sunday August 31 2025, 10:59 AM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
worldwide Play Music on the...
Posted: Sunday August 31 2025, 8:57 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Good dulcimer for busking?
Posted: Thursday August 28 2025, 12:08 PM
By: @DavisJames
By: @DavisJames
Play Music On The Porch Day...
Posted: Wednesday August 27 2025, 2:20 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
practicing app
Posted: Thursday August 21 2025, 4:50 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
New to the group, several...
Posted: Monday August 18 2025, 5:43 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
New album
Posted: Sunday August 17 2025, 12:52 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
"Extra" frets and JI vs ET
Posted: Sunday August 17 2025, 10:34 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Pluck by Linda Paulus
Posted: Saturday August 16 2025, 9:02 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
A Review of my album
Posted: Friday August 15 2025, 6:33 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Minnesota
Posted: Friday August 15 2025, 2:39 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
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