Best Part Of The Skywalking Network Podcasts (2025)

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62: Star Wars Books with Tom Hoeler 47:44

16d ago47:44

47:44

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Tom Hoeler, an editor of Star Wars novels and editorial director for Random House Worlds! Tom tells us how Star Wars books come into being and gives us advice for how to get started with the amazing (but daunting) content of The High Republic. We also dive into in-galaxy books and publishing, like the…

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61: Lasers (and more) in Star Wars 47:48

2M ago47:48

47:48

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Karen Yu about lasers! PEW PEW! This episode, we dive into lasers in Star Wars but it turns out that many of the examples are likely actually something else entirely - plasma! Though lightsabers are sometimes called laser swords, Karen breaks down the reasons that light / lasers simply wouldn't work t…

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60: Dentistry in Star Wars 44:08

3M ago44:08

44:08

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Dr. Ryder Waldron, a dentist and huge Star Wars fan! On this episode, we talk about mouths - teeth, tongues, and lips all contribute to how an animal eats, sounds, and plays musical instruments. Do clone troopers have baby teeth or did they skip right to adult teeth? How might Max Rebo and Sy Snootles…

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59: The Force and Eastern Philosophy 43:32

3M ago43:32

43:32

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Dr. Krista Noble about Eastern philosophical traditions and their similarities to the Force! Dr. Krista Noble joins us this episode on Star Warsologies to talk about her new book, One with the Force: 18 Universal Truths in Star Wars. Krista is a professor of Vedic studies and shares what she knows abo…

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58: Geology of Galaxy's Edge 48:40

4M ago48:40

48:40

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to a geologist and paleontologist about their recent field trip to Disneyland! Garrett Vice recently led field trips into Disneyland during a scientific conference in Anaheim. So nerdy, right?! He and other geologist and paleontologists scoped out the features of Galaxy's Edge, along with other areas lik…

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57: Archaeology in Star Wars 46:15

5M ago46:15

46:15

Dr. Samantha Porter joins us to chat about her work using lasers and other technology to map archaeological sites without disturbing them. We delves into the historical significance of the ruins of Yavin and whether it's ethical for the Rebellion to hide out there. And of course we cover Star Wars's favorite archaeologist - Dr. Aphra! We even get a…

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Bonus: Galaxy Quest panel at LA Comic Con 48:58

6M ago48:58

48:58

Enjoy this recording of our LA Comic Con panel about the 25th anniversary of Galaxy Quest! This bonus episide is also available on YouTube with images from the slideshow! Panel description: Let's celebrate 25 years of Galaxy Quest with behind the scenes stories from creatives who worked on the movie, including ILM model maker Fon Davis. He'll be jo…

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Bonus: Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas panel at LA Comic Con 45:59

6M ago45:59

45:59

Enjoy this recording of our LA Comic Con panel about Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas! This bonus episide is also available on YouTube with images from the slideshow including storyboard art and behind the scenes photos! Panel description: As we kick off spooky season, let’s celebrate the 15th anniversary of Coraline and the 30th anniver…

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56: Science of The Acolyte at Los Angeles Comic Con 51:00

6M ago51:00

51:00

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk about all things Acolyte at Los Angeles Comic Con! We headed to LA Comic Con and talked about The Acolyte! Ecologist Sawyer Markham weighed in on all the critters! Planetary scientist Michaela Leung tells us about Brendok, Khofar, and that unknown planet! Dr. Drea Letamendi delves into the psychology! An…

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55: Space Travel 46:10

7M ago46:10

46:10

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk space travel with a NASA project support specialist! At San Diego Comic-Con, James struck up a conversation with Johnathan Brendle at the NASA exhibit booth and he agreed to come on the podcast! We cover tons of space travel questions, including: What are hyperspace tunnels (purgill holes maybe?)? Do you…

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54: Science of The Phantom Menace at the Fleet Science Center 52:10

8M ago52:10

52:10

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we take the show on the road to the local science center's dome theater to talk about the science of Episode I. The panel includes neuroscientist Ashley Juavinett, cell biologist Claire Meaders, paleontologist Gabriel-Philip Santos, and engineer Mike Tolley. We chat midi-chlorians (of course) and whether they've…

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53: Urban Ecology with Sawyeurism 40:24

9M ago40:24

40:24

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we're joined by Sawyer Markham to talk about urban ecology! Known as @Sawyeurism online, our expert this month breaks down her love of delving into the science of Star Wars, just like hosts James and Melissa. Sawyer talks the effects of urbanization and climate change on reptiles and amphibians and also shares s…

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52: Marine Biology 47:02

10M ago47:02

47:02

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we're joined by Gabriel-Philip Santos to talk about marine biology! Star Warsologies dives deep into the marine biology of Star Wars. Think water planets like Mon Cala and Kamino. As Qui-Gon says, there's always a bigger fish! We answer such pressing questions as: Are those thicc thala-sirens evolutionarily viab…

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51: Car Culture in Star Wars 36:46

11M ago36:46

36:46

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we're joined by the curator of the San Diego Automotive Museum and chat about ships, speeders, and other vehicles in Star Wars! What does the state of the Millennium Falcon say about Han Solo, especially since we know it was much nicer when Lando owned it? Why is it important that the Imperial and Rebel are so d…

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50: Environmental Apocalypse 41:15

1y ago41:15

41:15

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we hear from an ornithologist about birds in Star Wars, along with invasive species and extinction events! Justin Hite joins us for this episode to chat about his career studying birds and the environmental chaos they put up with. We get into whether Rey was exposed to harmful chemicals during her years salvagin…

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49: Empathy and Compassion 38:44

1y ago38:44

38:44

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we learn the difference between empathy, compassion, and sympathy and how each is represented in Star Wars! Professor Maureen Day shares her insights with James and Melissa about virtue ethics and vices, and their roles in our galaxy and in Star Wars. Can we forgive the atrocities of Vader and Kylo Ren knowing t…

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48: Conflict Resolution in Star Wars 50:22

1y ago50:22

50:22

In this episode of Star Warsologies, conflict resolution experts weigh in on the wars, negotiations, and other conflicts in Star Wars! Jen Reynolds and Noam Ebner authored the book "Star Wars and Conflict Resolution: There Are Alternatives To Fighting" and speak with us about the lessons we can learn from Padme, Obi-Wan, and other characters who fi…

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47: Anthropology in Alien Design 46:51

1+ y ago46:51

46:51

In this episode of Star Warsologies, an anatomy professor weighs in on the importance of designing aliens that make sense! Dr. Elizabeth Rega is an anatomy professor who consults on movies and video games to help creators add an element of realism to their projects. She worked on Mulan, The Emperor's New Groove, and even the Madden series. Melissa …

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11: FasTEN Your Seat Belts, with science advisor Erin Macdonald 1:21:22

1+ y ago1:21:22

1:21:22

It's the finale! Lisa and Melissa chat about the physics of the final franchise installment (for now). They're joined by Dr. Erin Macdonald, the science advisor for all the current Star Trek shows. Together, they answer important questions like, is a dam just a vertical road? Do bad guys make good shock absorbers in plummeting elevators? Just how m…

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10: F9: The Facts Saga, with Bobak Ferdowsi from NASA 59:28

1+ y ago59:28

59:28

Faaaaaaaacts in Spaaaaaace! Melissa and Lisa welcome NASA JPL systems engineer Bobak Ferdowsi (aka the Mohawk Guy!) to chat about the pros and cons of launching a Pontiac Fiero into space. But that's not the only physics nonsense in this movie - there's also magnets, mines, and more! As Bobak eloquently states, the science of Fast & Furious movies …

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9: Hobbs & Shaw-ence, with experts in immunology and medical devices 1:13:24

1+ y ago1:13:24

1:13:24

Does Brixton's heads-up display actually give him helpful information? Can you really hold a helicopter down with a tow truck? Our resident physicist Lisa weighs in on those questions and more. There's plenty of medical jargon in the spin-off movie Hobbs & Shaw, but it turns out the physics holds up for the most part! Melissa and Lisa also intervie…

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46: Science Advisors in Science Fiction LA Comic Con panel 52:01

1+ y ago52:01

52:01

Melissa moderates this panel of scientists who consult on everything from books and video games to the MCU and Disney animation! Panelists include paleontologist Stuart Sumida (How To Train Your Dragon, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom), registered nurse Toby Wareham (9-1-1: Lone Star, How To Get Away With Murder), physicist Clifford Johnson (Avenger…

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45: The Science of Ahsoka panel at LA Comic Con 1:05:41

1+ y ago1:05:41

1:05:41

Melissa moderates this panel of Star Warsologies favorites! Sam Wynns and Gabe Santos share their critter knowledge when it comes to Loth cats and purgill! Lisa Will and Paul Wynns talk navigation from one galaxy to the next! And James brings us up to date with all the Star Wars lore sprinkled throughout the show. We had a great audience with tons …

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8: Shift+F8 of the Furious, with a computer scientist 54:25

1+ y ago54:25

54:25

Melissa and Lisa talk about the (relatively) toned down physics nonsense in the 8th installment of the Fast & Furious franchise, Fate of the Furious. Lisa and Melissa are also joined by Bea Gandica, a computer scientist, to talk about all the hacking, ghost flights, and of course Cipher and the Gods Eye. Listen in to answers to important questions …

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7: Serious 7, with a psychologist 1:07:00

1+ y ago1:07:00

1:07:00

Melissa and Lisa break down the physics nonsense in Furious 7. Can you jump between skyscrapers in a car? What happens when you drop cars out of an airplane with only a parachute? Clinical psychologist Dr. Drea Letamendi joins for a discussion about grief and forgiveness. How important is found family? Should Dom be in therapy? How does Brian's end…

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44: Paleontology 51:41

1+ y ago51:41

51:41

James and Melissa chat about the megafauna of The Mandalorian with Dr. Stuart Sumida. Stuart is a paleontologist, a teacher, and a science consultant for movies, TV shows, and video games. He answers questions for us, including: Do mythosaurs use echolocation? How many Mandalorians would those raptor babies be able to eat in one sitting? Would ridi…

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6: Fast & Curious 6, with a movie locations expert 1:05:32

1+ y ago1:05:32

1:05:32

Fast & Furious 6 gives us perhaps the most physics-defying hijinks of the franchise. Dom's leap of faith, him taking a bullet, and that epically long runway - there's a lot to discuss. Melissa and Lisa also chat with locations scout Kerry Patten, who worked on the movie. Hear from her about the logistics of filming a car chase in the streets of (no…

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43: Music and Melodies 53:05

1+ y ago53:05

53:05

Let's look at the music of Star Wars! So much of what we associate with the galaxy far, far away is connected to the soundtracks composed by John Williams. We take a look at the diagetic music of the films, from the cantina band tracks to the celebratory songs by Ewoks and Gungans. We also examine the common musical themes that John Williams built …

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5: Facts Five, with city planning and visual effects experts 1:16:58

1+ y ago1:16:58

1:16:58

Melissa and Lisa welcome two guest experts to cover Fast Five, the movie that really accelerates the franchise into greatness. Prison escapes, train heists, and a bank vault crashing through the streets of Rio make up the action, but the movie is also about family (of course) and reunites some of our favorite characters. A city planner and a visual…

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4: Fast & Physics, with a medical doctor 58:22

1+ y ago58:22

58:22

Melissa and Lisa discuss Fast & Furious, the fourth movie in the Fast saga. The car chases and stakes are finally high! Letty's (maybe) dead! Dom is bulletproof! Lots to discuss. Melissa and Lisa also welcome Dr. Jackson Vane to the show to discuss medical issues throughout the franchise, including the most important question - how are these charac…

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42: Blue Food Science 44:07

1+ y ago44:07

44:07

We chat blue food in Star Wars and here on Earth, where's it's not nearly as prevelant. Dr. Changqi Liu from San Diego State University shares his expertise about flowers, berries, and other foods. But does he know why blue raspberry flavoring exists? Cook up some blue noodles, pour yourself a glass of blue milk, and enjoy! More about butterfly pea…

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3: The Facts & The Furious: Toying with Drift, with a stunt driver 1:01:17

1+ y ago1:01:17

1:01:17

In this episode, Melissa and Lisa chat about Tokyo Drift and interview a stunt driver. Lisa explains the physics of drifting and Melissa posits whether the saga takes place within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie may feel out of place, but all is forgiven because it introduces Han to the franchise. Check out the Motion Picture Driving Clini…

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41: Voice acting and storytelling with Vanessa Marshall 40:19

1+ y ago40:19

40:19

Voice actor extraordinaire Vanessa Marshall joins us on this episode of Star Warsologies! She is the voice (and soul) of "space mom" Hera Syndulla from Star Wars: Rebels, among many other credits. We talk about the importance of found family, fandom, and Joseph Campbell's hero's journey template. Vanessa is such a force for good and we are so excit…

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2: 2 Facts 2 Physics, with a legal expert 51:12

1+ y ago51:12

51:12

No Dom, no problem! Lisa and Melissa dive into the physics of 2003's 2 Fast 2 Furious. Welcome Roman, welcome Tej. Don't let those pesky laws of gravity keep you down. Also weighing in is legal expert Stephen Lee, a former federal prosecutor. Hear what he has to say about Brian's terrible record as an undercover cop, can you earn a "clean record," …

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40 Andor: Making a Rebel, Making a Rebellion (San Diego Comic-Con 2023 panel) 57:38

1+ y ago57:38

57:38

Star Warsologies hosted "Andor: Making a Rebel, Making a Rebellion", a panel at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2023. The Star Wars series Andor speaks powerfully to today’s audience about fighting oppression. Examining the first season of the Disney+ series, we will explore the motivations and actions of Cassian Andor, Mon Mothma, Luthen Rael and othe…

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1: The Facts and the Furious, with a car modifications expert 1:09:06

1+ y ago1:09:06

1:09:06

It all begins with this episode of The Facts & The Furious covering the low stakes of the first movie, 2001's The Fast and the Furious. As Melissa and Lisa realize, very few laws of physics are broken but there's still find plenty to talk about. Our guest expert is Maria Romano de Leon, curator of the San Diego Automative Museum. Learn about NOS, c…

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39: The Science of Superpowers 1:02:18

1+ y ago1:02:18

1:02:18

Here's another of our San Diego Comic-Con 2023 panels! The Science of Superpowers brought together amazing scientists to talk about how realistic superheroes and supervillains are and whether there's any version of their powers in real life. Here's video from our panel, plus slides we presented in the room. Thanks to everyone who came out and asked…

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38: Indiana Jones and the Nexus of Archaeology, History, and Punching Fascists (SDCC 2023) 55:18

2y ago55:18

55:18

Star Warsologies hosted the "Indiana Jones and the Nexus of Archaelogy, History, and Punching Fascists" panel at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2023. This podcast episode contains the audio of the panel, with the slideshow images from the PowerPoint presentation. Our panelists are Bailey Jorgensen (archaeologist, Alf Museum of Paleontology), Kara Vett…

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37: Artificial Intelligence 44:13

2y ago44:13

44:13

This episode, we're chatting with Gracie Ermi, and expert in machine learning. Are droids sentient? Is it ethical to wipe their memories and reprogram them? Other than the well-publicized art and writing controversies, what are some ways AI is already part of our lives? Are we close to a Star Wars level of robotic intelligence or an uprising? These…

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The Facts & The Furious: Coming Soon! 0:59

2y ago0:59

0:59

Trailer for the new podcast The Facts & The Furious with Dr. Lisa Will and Melissa Miller. Two scientists break down each movie of the saga with help from special guest experts. Hear from a stunt driver, a medical doctor, a psychologist, a lawyer, and others fans who have something to say about how things would go down in real life. This deep dive …

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36: Linguistics 42:33

2y ago42:33

42:33

This episode, we're chatting with linguist David Peterson, who constructs languages for properties like Game of Thrones, Elemental, House of the Dragon, the MCU, and many more! He weighs in on Aurebesh as a written language, as well as Binary, Shyriiwook, Gungan, and other spoken languages. It's a fascinating conversation with someone who clearly l…

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35: Celebration Panel "Andor, the Empire, and a History of Resistance" 1:14:34

2y ago1:14:34

1:14:34

Star Warsologies hosted "Andor, the Empire, and a History of Resistance" panel at Star Wars Celebration Europe in April 2023 in London. Because the panel audio ended up not recorded by accident, we invited the original panelists back to re-create the panel and add some new content, just for our listeners. Coming back we have Chris Kempshall, Rebecc…

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34: Celebration Panel "Making Star Wars Magic" 1:01:50

2y ago1:01:50

1:01:50

Here's another one of our panels from Star Wars Celebration! Melissa welcomes creatives who have worked on the movies and TV shows to share their insights and wonderful stories. Hear from Fon Davis (ILM model maker for the special editions, prequels, and The Mandalorian), Jake Lunt Davies (concept and creature designer from everything from The Forc…

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33: Celebration Panel "The Science of Return of the Jedi" 1:03:57

2y ago1:03:57

1:03:57

This episode is a recording of a panel at Star Wars Celebration, hosted by James Floyd. From sarlacc biology to the physics of lightsabers and the ecosystem of Endor, Return of the Jedi is full of connections to real world science. How might a Hutt evolve? What goes into making a Death Star superlaser? Why do the Ewoks worship C-3PO? Our all-star l…

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32: Zoology and Creature Design 44:41

2y ago44:41

44:41

This episode we talk to concept and creature artist Terryl Whitlatch about her amazing designs for creatures in the Star Wars Special Editions and Episode I. Are there reptomammals on Earth or did Terryl just invent that term? Why was the sando aqua monster her favorite creature to design? What's your favorite Star Wars critter? In Star Warsologies…

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31: Dance and Choreography 45:41

2y ago45:41

45:41

This episode we talk about dancing and choreography in Star Wars with Nicholas Foote, a professional dancer. We chat Ewoks, Gungans, and Wookiees. Do Hutts have a mating dance? Do Bothans get the zoomies? And is the ballet in Revenge of the Sith really called Squid Lake?! In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love …

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30: Herpetology 38:38

2y ago38:38

38:38

This episode we talk about reptiles and amphibians in Star Wars with Dr. Earyn McGee. There's plenty of examples on Tatooine and Dagobah to discuss and we learn more about Earyn's research here on Earth. As always, the best advice is...don't touch it and definitely don't lick it! In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine the…

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29: Indigenous Peoples 36:47

2+ y ago36:47

36:47

This episode we look at the representation of Indigenous people in Star Wars. From the Tuskens to the Ewoks, there's examples in the original trilogy and that lore is still being expanded 45 years later in shows like The Book of Boba Fett. Cultural educator Jared Ten Brink joins us to share his connection to Star Wars and the positive and negative …

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28: Climate Science 41:32

2+ y ago41:32

41:32

NASA climate scientist Dr. Kimberley Miner and Walter Beckwith, a science writer at Science Magazine, chat with us about how the Empire affects the planets and environments in a galaxy far, far away. We tackle Bespin, Hoth, Dagobah, and other favorite locales. In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars…

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27: LA Comic-Con - "The Living Force: Evolution in Star Wars" 51:10

2+ y ago51:10

51:10

In the latest episode of Star Warsologies, Melissa joins the LA Comic Con panel "The Living Force: Evolution in the Star Wars Galaxy"! Gabe Santos of Cosplay for Science moderates this great panel about Star Wars. Panelists include Melissa Miller (Nerdist, Star Warsologies), Michaela , Phil , Rick O'Connor In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and…

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