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        <title>The Etiquette Blog</title>
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        <description>The Candace Smith Etiquette Blog has lots of tips and guidelines on dining, social, and business etiquette.  Have your etiquette questions answered!</description>
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        <category>etiquette rules</category>
        <pubDate>Sun, 8 Mar 2026 08:56:23 -0400</pubDate>
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            <title>Changing the Subject Gracefully for a Seamless Conversation Transition</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/changing-the-subject-gracefully.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">904e44d875f16601d7abf7180ee83ac8</guid><description>Changing the subject gracefully without seeming abrupt or rude is a valuable skill.  Read on for strategies to make conversation transitions natural and polite.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Happy_friends_drinking_coffee.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 8 Mar 2026 08:56:14 -0400</pubDate>
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            <title>Giving and Receiving Productive Feedback that Encourages Growth</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/giving-and-receiving-productive-feedback.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">8582596ac4f978731a96094d3cae6f5c</guid><description>Every day spent with other people presents the opportunity for giving and receiving productive feedback.  And both instances encourage growth of character.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Giving_and_receiving_feedback.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 1 Mar 2026 07:22:18 -0500</pubDate>
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            <title>Bringing Out Your Best Behavior</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/best-behavior.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">02a635a9413ecec2b33af0ac95da06f9</guid><description>Being on your best behavior goes beyond following a set of rules.  It is about being mindful of situations and people around you, respectful, and considerate.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Welcome_greeting.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 12:29:11 -0500</pubDate>
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            <title>A Guide to Navigating Special Diets for Hosts and Guests</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/special-diets.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">3899aaf62645adb81bd0e7eee951ffac</guid><description>Navigating special diets at social events doesn’t have to be stressful. Planning and communication can ensure the table is a place of comfort and connection.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Food_variety.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 07:19:11 -0500</pubDate>
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    <item>
            <title>Door Etiquette: Entering and Exiting with Others</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/door-etiquette.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">d1c216043d8d88e869904e21c357a488</guid><description>Practicing door etiquette such as opening a door for someone or holding a door open for the person behind you, is an aspect of being mindful of other people.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Woman_entering_door.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 8 Feb 2026 07:25:42 -0500</pubDate>
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            <title>Ms. or Mrs. - A Modern Guide to Women's Forms of Address</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/Ms-or-Mrs.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">af168a5f38f52c34cc175b8a57d9f4b5</guid><description>The goal of any form of address is showing respect and consideration.  Whether you choose Ms. or Mrs., the intention behind your choice matters most.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Three_women_discussing_business_plans.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 1 Feb 2026 08:25:25 -0500</pubDate>
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    <item>
            <title>The Etiquette of Moral Support</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/moral-support.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">a9727a9ae3e8f4655596528680e3db01</guid><description>One of the most meaningful gifts we exchange as social beings is moral support. It costs nothing, requires no special skill, but has the power to steady us.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Women_holding_hands_while_sitting.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 10:51:54 -0500</pubDate>
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            <title>Being Teachable is a Most Important Part of Civility</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/being-teachable-is-part-of-civility.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">d55c7c0bfd57760f4b414b09208fd036</guid><description>Lifelong learners most easily grow and change along with society, using curiosity to their advantage.  Indeed, being teachable is an important part of civility.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Young_and_old_together.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 09:55:43 -0500</pubDate>
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    <item>
            <title>Friendly Practices That Connect Us</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/friendly-practices.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">c75d991484065553dadea66514d5188d</guid><description>Friendly practices are small, thoughtful gestures that bridge the gap between digital connections and the community disconnect that many people report feeling.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Neighborly_care_package.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 09:55:21 -0500</pubDate>
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    <item>
            <title>Why We Should Use Last Names in Professional and Social Settings</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/use-last-names.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">c2112cfb7f70ccb8df8980acbf7da2db</guid><description>To use last names when addressing someone has become rare.  It reflects a shift in how we signal respect, maintain boundaries, and navigate social hierarchies.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Group_of_positive_diverse_colleagues.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 4 Jan 2026 08:52:38 -0500</pubDate>
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    <item>
            <title>Navigating Social Situations with People You Don't Enjoy</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/people-you-dont-enjoy.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">24ec33772d3c247d6ab73378f278a99f</guid><description>Attending a gathering or event with people you don’t enjoy spending time with?  Good news!  It is possible to navigate these situations with grace and dignity.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Bad_date.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 07:57:10 -0500</pubDate>
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    <item>
            <title>Setting Your Holiday Table</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/setting-your-holiday-table.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5b39ef0848ef04b413cf81e351c3ba7e</guid><description>When setting your holiday table with intention and care, it’s more than arranging plates and silverware — you're creating the stage for cherished memories.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Holiday_Table_6.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 09:30:56 -0500</pubDate>
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            <title>How to Host a Party: Etiquette Tips for Memorable Gatherings</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/host-a-party.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">fed87132bbc9f8b9122df3f4f91face7</guid><description>Planning to host a party this season? With proper planning and a solid understanding of hosting etiquette, you can create a memorable event without the stress.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Friends_having_dinner_party_at_home.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 09:16:33 -0500</pubDate>
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            <title>No Holiday Gifts - 'Tis the Season for a New Tradition?</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/no-holiday-gifts.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">56975ed4928b934fa1b922971dd7f973</guid><description>It’s the season of giving and you’re thinking no holiday gifts would be a nice rule for yourself this year.  But how do you have that conversation with others?<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Holiday_scenery.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 7 Dec 2025 07:55:07 -0500</pubDate>
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    <item>
            <title>Master the Moment and Make a Good First Impression</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/good-first-impression.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">33174532040d28ce56443ccb586d4851</guid><description>A good first impression happens in an instant yet lingers long after.  Learn how to navigate any first encounter and leave a lasting positive impact.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Making_a_good_first_impression.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 08:55:07 -0500</pubDate>
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    <item>
            <title>Can You Agree to Disagree?</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/can-you-agree-to-disagree.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">cc323315584547ee48f72467ad8548b8</guid><description>When you agree to disagree, you call a truce on a difference of opinion.  You choose the path of civility and acknowledge that conflict doesn’t need a winner.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Friends_Arguing.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 08:19:40 -0500</pubDate>
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    <item>
            <title>Passing Items at the Table</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/passing-items-at-table.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">f10887b24501ca860f97a059f572df41</guid><description>Properly passing items at the table ensures meals flow smoothly, prevents accidents, and demonstrates respect.  Here’s how to master this etiquette fundamental.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Passed_items.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 07:47:38 -0500</pubDate>
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    <item>
            <title>Be the Best Cocktail Party Guest</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/cocktail-party.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">a493337dca98105265ab97b842a0cda8</guid><description>Attending a networking event, a celebration, or an evening with friends? Knowing how to navigate a cocktail party with grace can make you the best guest.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Casual_cocktails.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 9 Nov 2025 10:09:28 -0500</pubDate>
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    <item>
            <title>The Art of Exchanging Pleasantries in the Workplace</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/exchanging-pleasantries.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5f10cef338f203b56016e28a510306c3</guid><description>A fundamental yet often misunderstood aspect of office etiquette is exchanging pleasantries with colleagues. An underrated, but essential professional skill.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Business_people.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 2 Nov 2025 08:12:57 -0500</pubDate>
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    <item>
            <title>Table Setting Etiquette</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/table-setting-etiquette.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">7fb4bf71b17645b86d8932e7e96b3213</guid><description>Table setting etiquette is a system, evolved over time, that ensures an orderly meal.  It contains place settings that serve as maps, giving you a glimpse of what foods you are about to enjoy.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Table_tools.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 26 Oct 2025 08:44:56 -0400</pubDate>
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            <title>Deal with Office Gossips and Help Tame the Rumor Mill</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/deal-with-office-gossips.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">084df2be93d9f56ce58d42d733654222</guid><description>Unfortunately, we all must deal with office gossips at some point – or several times – during our careers but there are methods to make this a fairly easy task.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Taking_a_gossip_break.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 19 Oct 2025 09:49:52 -0400</pubDate>
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            <title>Putting Out the Fire of Embarrassment</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/embarrassment.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">b981f14320a0bde24d66a84ea574aee6</guid><description>Embarrassment can cause you to forget your etiquette-ful self.  It distracts you and sets you up for even more.  But it can also present learning opportunities.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Embarrassing_situation.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 12 Oct 2025 09:26:48 -0400</pubDate>
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            <title>How to Prevent Dinner Disasters</title>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 5 Oct 2025 08:12:07 -0400</pubDate>
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    <item>
            <title>A Modern Definition of Etiquette</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/definition-of-etiquette.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5bb830aece8133d5571dce3b47aa04c7</guid><description>The concept of etiquette may seem antiquated to some.  However, understanding the modern definition of etiquette is crucial in today's complex social landscape.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Concept_of_Etiquette.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 28 Sep 2025 08:29:25 -0400</pubDate>
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            <title>Our World Needs a Civilizing Influence</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/our-world-needs-a-civilizing-influence.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">df470f37999b274a200cb52302df746b</guid><description>No matter where we live, we are all collaborators in making society work.  Our world needs a civilizing influence, and we are each responsible for creating it.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Community_garden_sign.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 21 Sep 2025 07:37:15 -0400</pubDate>
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            <title>Five Etiquette-ful Things that Make a Positive First Impression</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/first-impression.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">33b99787883937d560d73ac4f96ccc53</guid><description>A first impression will many times be a lasting impression.  How do you ensure yours will be a great one?  By practicing these five things . . .<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/first_impression_during_interview.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 14 Sep 2025 09:22:41 -0400</pubDate>
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    <item>
            <title>How to Cheer Someone Up</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/cheer-someone-up.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">df72d74efc43cb641283d6b57d8bf98b</guid><description>Aiming for kindness, compassion, and positivity changes a person’s day.  The core component for how to cheer someone up is an ability to recognize another person.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Cheer_someone_up.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 7 Sep 2025 08:01:28 -0400</pubDate>
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    <item>
            <title>How to Eat Dessert</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/dessert.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">54e134835d039167585a62fdb93c38f2</guid><description>The dessert course is very important!  Enjoy it with confidence when you know how to use the utensils correctly, and according to what you are served.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Dessert_4.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 31 Aug 2025 11:06:13 -0400</pubDate>
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            <title>How to Compliment Someone's Clothing</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/compliment-clothing.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">bb8dc3f94bbf1fa07b26123fa8aa2941</guid><description>Clothing plays a pivotal role in how we perceive others.  Learning to compliment someone's clothing appropriately enhances social interactions and can brighten someone's day.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Clothing_Inspection.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 24 Aug 2025 07:45:40 -0400</pubDate>
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            <title>Correcting Someone Who Calls You the Wrong Name</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/correcting-a-wrong-name.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">209ffdf3971827c8dce55249e2b41d98</guid><description>When someone calls you the wrong name, you should correct them.  Here are etiquette-ful techniques for the first, second, or third time it happens.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Man_introducing_himself.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 17 Aug 2025 08:08:45 -0400</pubDate>
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            <title>How to Eat Soup</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/how-to-eat-soup.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">ea215756d465d10ad2a993484402f2bd</guid><description>Knowing how to eat soup properly makes the task automatic, and much neater.  Here are the steps to get the spoon to your mouth without incident.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Soup_step_1_above.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 10 Aug 2025 07:41:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <title>When You Fail to Stand Up for Someone</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/fail-to-stand-up-for-someone.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">c64164917a8a197113bde97033f6ea87</guid><description>Situations where you fail to stand up for someone are considered a transgression.  Admission and apology are in order, but also a commitment to do better.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Failed_to_stand_up_for_him.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 3 Aug 2025 06:47:14 -0400</pubDate>
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            <title>Why Negative Self-talk Isn’t Etiquette-ful</title>
            <link>https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/negative-self-talk.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">3d368594a5b22290548717fdb075e472</guid><description>We are all subject to negative self-talk from time to time.  Acknowledging a disappointment is realistic, but beware the slippery slope of chronic negativity.<br/><img src="https://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/images/Woman_in_front_of_a_mirror.jpg" width="150"/>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jul 2025 07:14:17 -0400</pubDate>
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