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Pinball has always been big on celebrity tie ins. As a result, weve got plenty of good machines to choose. For our best evaluation the quality of the game a factor well only be part of the criteria.

Well also consider the collectability of the machine, or more specifically consider if the theme enhances or detracts from the machines value to the pinball enthusiast aftermarket. Another way to look at this component is to consider the machines floor appeal in your den or rec room.

5) Eight Ball by Bally Manufacturing (1977):

Some would question if it belongs on the list at all for reasons we’ll discuss in a moment. If you didnt live through it, you have no idea of what a big deal Fonzie from the TV series Happy Days was during the mid to late 1970s. His popularity spilled over into other areas of popular culture, such as re-popularizing the leather jacket and bringing the word nerd back from the dead.

Eight Ball features Fonzie and a comely female companion in a pool hall. Or does it? The intent is certainly to suggest its the iconic Happy Days character but theres no reference made to his name. Nor is there any other Happy Days iconography present on the machine. Debate rages to this day about whether or not it was a licensed image of Fonzie, or a lookalike doppelganger changed just enough to skirt copyright laws.

4) KISS by Bally Manufacturing (1979):

You could make a case that this was a poorly timed release as by 1979 KISS was considered to be running on fumes, having just released their disco inspired album Dynasty. Fortunately, the machine depicted the band in all of their earlier glory and featured polyphonic renditions of classic songs like Rock n Roll All Night and Shout It Out Loud. The machine was fun to play, and was very popular with a production run of 17,000 units.

3) Wizard! by Bally Manufacturing (1974)

Wizard is often incorrectly named as the first licensed celebrity theme machine, but it definitely set off the flood of tie-in machines in the latter half of the 20th century. The machines artwork is long on stylish symbolism and short of specific references to the film. Thats helped the machine age well and remain a sought after collectable up through the present day.

2) Playboy by Bally Manufacturing (1978)

A pipe smoking Hugh Hefner and a bevy of bikini clad Playmates grace this homage to the magazine. With the Chicago roots of the magazine, a pinball machine tribute would have been a natural notwithstanding its significant cultural influence. The machine art is by Paul Faris, whos considered one of the best ever by pinball geeks. The machine is a blast to play and captures all of the cool of Playboys early days including Leroy Neimans Femlin cartoon and digitized music based on the theme to the Playboy After Dark TV show composed by Cy Coleman. A perfect union of a great theme, amazing artwork and fun gameplay made this a very popular machine upon release (18,250 unit production run) and is prized by collectors even today.

1) Evel Kneivel by Bally Manufacturing (1976)

The Last of the Gladiators on a great pinball machine. The fact that I could end the description with that sentence should convey why this is #1 on my list and completes a Bally Manufacturing sweep of the top 5. This was one of the first machines to be made almost exclusively with solid state scoring as the industry moved away from the reel based electromechanical scoring that had been the norm since the 1930s. A simple, but fun to play design with all sorts of officially licensed Evel Knievel imagery. With the death of the legendary daredevil last year this machine is harder to find than ever. Fun gameplay combined with a theme that is off the charts in terms of cool makes this my choice for the best celebrity themed pinball machine ever.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Daniel Scott
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Currently it is possible to observe a film in a lot of different ways. Progressive technology has made it likely to get movies downloaded straight to your computer that you can view in many different ways. You can even take it with you on your ipod or iphone. Conversely, in order to take advantage of all of this remarkable technology you will need to decide on a first-rate film download website.

Since the technology is fairly modern, many persons are not quite certain what to look for. Add to that the fact that there are sites that propose to allow you motion picture and music downloads for free and it really can get perplexing.

It pays to remember that hardly any material things in the world are gratis and that would take in music and movies. The fact is that movies and music are sheltered by copyright laws and these essential laws need to be honored. The free websites offering bootleg copies can cause more problems than it is worth.

How can you pick out a dependable, upright and fully legal movie download website? Well there are a few critical items that you need to look for. Before you begin your downloading think about these four things and look for them on the website you are taking into consideration.

The initial and probably about the most important factor for you to look for is safeguard for your computer and hardware from viruses, spyware, adware, malware and pop-ups, computer difficulties can multiply very quickly and cause a great deal of injury. The reliable and honest sites have safeguards in place to shelter their regulars from these tribulations.

After that you need to check out how you are charged and how you pay. Many of the sites present a membership that is good for a certain episode of time and during that time you are permitted unlimited downloads. This essentially ends up being considerably more inexpensive than a service that charges a pay per download cost. Paying for every download can get quite expensive, quite rapidly if you plan to download a lot or even just a small number of films.

The third thing to take into reflection is if the service offers other things that you might have curiosity in. Games, music, audio books and other types of media are also nice to have access too. A well-equipped multimedia site will provide most of these things with films.

And last but not least you will want to pick out a website that offers first-rate technological support. You will want to be able to download and use the site without difficulty, however, many times technical things have difficulties. Technical support is essential for your download site.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Kelly T Torres
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The piano is a time honored instrument that brings joy to the lives of many people. It is one of the most popular instruments to study because its easy to learn, provides compelling and beautiful sound, and it is an essential foundation of musical study.

There are a number of reasons why both young and old choose to learn the piano. The number one reason is to play music. The results provide a number of benefits such as:

1. Playing the piano helps one keep the brain functioning at its best. Such skills that can be enhanced and maintained include: eye-hand coordination, stress relief and increased relaxation, encouraged creativity, increased self-confidence, increasing the desire to be challenged and learn new things, and an increased sense of self-satisfaction.

2. Playing the piano can be a rewarding hobby. Gathering family and loved and entertaining them by playing the piano is a lot of fun.

3. People who play the piano often go on to be in a band or have a career as a pianist. It also gives a good foundation to learn other instruments and even improve singing.

When preparing to undertake the task of learning piano, one can either learn from a piano teacher or learn online. Piano teachers such as Celesta Piano Studio teach students of all ages who are interested in learning the piano for either professional endeavors or for fun. You can also find a piano teacher in your own area. Lessons are designed around each student’s aptitude and goals. As well, there are online piano instructional programs. There are a number of piano internet sites that provide people with the ability to learn how to play piano online. You will be astounded by what you are taught and how fast you learn. Your friends and family will be pleasantly astonished by your new passion. Online piano lessons are very affordable and some sites offer free introductory beginner’s lessons. All that you will need is an electronic keyboard or a piano, internet connection, a quality browser, and Windows or Macintosh. There are also piano lessons one can order that can contain quality instructional DVDs, play-along CDs, and detailed workbooks. You are guided through the program and instructions are easy to follow.

Playing the piano is a wonderful life skill to have and can be a lot of fun. When learning the piano, you are discovering the history of music. Becoming skilled at the piano is a life long process with many personal benefits. Quality piano instruction will teach proper technique, reading music, rhythm, tone, and listening skills. Training will be challenging but not too difficult as you learn chords and theory. Practicing every day is essential to mastering this beautiful instrument. As your skills grow, you will become a better pianist and playing piano will become a great love. It takes time and effort but it is well worth the endeavor.

Music plays an important part in every person’s life. There are so many ways to learn to play the piano that there is a method suitable for anyone interested in this wonderful craft. Learning to play the piano will bring such pleasure in your life that you will wonder why you did not start sooner.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Amy Nutt
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Movie reviews follow this paragraph. In this paragraph I will give you some search terms to reach movie down load sites. There are a lot of different phrases you can use, try “Download Unlimited Music”, “New Movie Download”, or “DVD Rental Movies”.

Jack London: Hokey, episodic “biography” of famed author invests too much time maligning Japanese which was assumed to give topical slope to this period drama in 1943 Cast includes Michael O’Shea, Susan Hayward, Osa Massen, Harry Davenport, Frank Craven, and Virginia Mayo. (94 minutes, 1943)

Big Shots: So-so adolescent venture in reference to an ignorant white boy and streetwise city black that come together and find themselves hired as hit men. Cast includes Ricky Busker, Darius McCrary, Robert Delight, Robert Prosky, Jerzy Skolimowski, and Paul Winfield. (90 minutes, 1987)

Marigold: Offensive grade-B Hollywood actress (“I don’t do ‘thankful’ extremely well,” she admits) goes to India to make a film, only to find that the production has fallen aside. Before long she’s employed to partake in a Bollywood film, and a reciprocal enchantment grows between her and the handsome choreographer. Cast includes Ali Larter, Salman Khan, Nandana Sen, Ian Bohen, Helen Khan, Suchitra Pillai, and Shari Watson. (112 minutes, 2007)

The Clown: Emotional redo of The Winner in regards to a cleaned-up, self-hating comic with a committed child who looks out for him. Skelton’s good in a rare dramatic role. Considine is so excellent he defeats some of the hokiness of script. Charles Bronson has a tiny role in dice game scene. Cast includes Red Skelton, Tim Considine, Jane Greer, Loring Smith, and Philip Ober. (91 minutes, 1953)

Delusion: Hard, tight thriller in reference to a yuppie pc executive-embezzler and his plight after seeing a Las Vegas show gal and her hit man boyfriend (Secor, in an eye-opening acting job) on a Death Valley freeway commit a killing. Cast includes Jim Metzler, Jennifer Rubin, Kyle Secor, Robert Costanzo, Tracey Walter, and Jerry Orbach. (100 minutes, 1990)

Sudden Death: Sarcastic mastermind Boothe keeps the Vice President captive in a secluded box throughout Stanley Cup hockey playoffs in Pittsburgh, requesting a few billion dollars, or he’ll blow up the entire stadium. However fire inspector Van Damme is on the job and Boothe has foolishly seized our idol’s baby girl. Cast includes Jean-Claude Van Darnme, Powers Boothe, Raymond J. Barry, Whittni Wright, Ross Malinger, Dorian Harewood, and Paul Mochnick. (110 minutes, 1995)

Rebel: Tiresome, justifiably vague time tablet characterizing Stallone, pre-stardom, as a disassociated political extremist (a fascinating balance to Rambo). Cast includes Antony Page, Sylvester E. Stallone, Rebecca Dirties, and Henry G. Sanders. (112 minutes, 1974)

A Scandal in Paris: Fashionable 8th century tale based on the recollections of the infamous Frenchman Eugene Vidocq, whose life of crime comes to a crossroads while he confronts a youthful lady who cherishes him. The clever script was tailor-made for Sanders. Cast includes George Sanders, Carole Landis, Akim Tarniroff, Signe Hasso, Gene Lockhart, Alan Napier, and Alma Kruger. (106 minutes, 1946)

The Hills Run Red: Civil War Western of stolen payrolls. The movie is badly dubbed and loosely performed. Cast includes Thomas Hunter, Henry Silva, Dan Duryea, and Nando Gazzola. (89 mnutes, 1966)

Remember, nearly any film you can think of can be downloaded off the web these days. Remember to use search terms like “Download Full Length Movie” and “Online Video Rentals” when looking for movie sites. If those fail you try “Music Services”.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Jonathan Phelps
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Transferring music from an iPod to an iTunes library has been a desire for many people, even though they may have previously downloaded music from the iTunes store or personal cds to their iPod. Though Apple should have expected this to be a valuable characteristic, it determined that iTunes should not assist in allowing this to happen.

Some people suspect that Apple took these steps to protect music from being illegally traded. But what about people who wan to transfer their own music between their own computers using their iPod and iTunes? This isn’t wrong or illegal!

You also might want need to transfer your iPod music to your own laptop or computer at work.

The default settings of iTunes will transfer the iTunes library on your new computer to your iPod. These settings will wipe out the library on your iPod, along with any music you have stored on it, and use the new, empty iTunes library. This is troublesome!

It’s not very difficult to figure out how to prevent this from happening. You need to choose ‘no’ when you’re asked if you want to ‘auto-sync’ your iTunes and your iPod.

To transfer music from your iPod back to your computer, a complicated series of steps is necessary, from deleting files from your iTunes folder, revealing hidden files, copying the iPod Control folder, creating a new folder and putting your songs somewhere else for safety. There were more steps, but you get the drift.

To avoid this very aggravating scenario or the complicated process necessary to avoid losing all of your music, third party vendors intervened and established some very helpful software.

Tune Tools, PodMaxx and iPod 2 iTunes are all programs that have been made so that you can easily transfer music on your iPod back to your computer, or to another computer.

You can also copy playlists and videos to your computer from your iPod, for a small cost. Each of these programs includes features that iTunes hasn’t yet included in their own software. These programs cost around $25 to $30, which is much cheaper than finding that your iPod library has been deleted!

Tags: Music by Jakoby Bentham
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HO scale trains are the most famous and popular type of trains in the world. They’re sought after persons because of the perfect mix they give between attention to detail and size.

HO scale trains are considered medium sized model trains by most countries, except in Japan, where they are considered large model trains. In fact, Japan is a curious case when it comes to HO scale trains.

Due to the country’s nature, Japans hoemploys don’t have as much room as their western counterparts. Therefore, due to their smaller size, N scale trains are more known in that country. N scale trains are likewise considered the norm, so they’re taken as the standard for normal or medium size of trains. Since HO scale trains are bigger than N scale trains, its just natural that they’re considered large trains. In fact, Japan is the only country in the world where HO scale trains aren’t the most renowned model trains.

On the rest of the world, HO scale trains are considered the best. That is because they have many advantages over the other scales.

The first advantage is that they are large enough that they may be very detailed. Not only that, but likewise because little details are simple to see without a magnifying glass. Plus, working on those details is much simpler than doing so in littleer scale trains.

Plus, they’re big enough that they are safe for children to play with, as they are easier to handle for their little hands. Smaller scales have parts that can be swallowed by little children, which is not the case for HO scale trains.

HO scale trains are likewise preferred over larger trains because they allow for a more complicated track layout in a little space than larger trains.

HO scale trains also tend to be cheaper than other scales. They’re cheaper than smaller scales because the process to produce them isn’t as demanding as the process of smaller scales. On the other hand, they are also cheaper than larger scales because they require less material.

Plus, because they have a large|huge demand than other types of train, HO scale trains merit from economies of scale that result from a bigger production. This likewise tends to lower prices.

Just as a conclusion, if you did not know it already, HO scale trains are built at a scale of 1:87. Since this scale is almost half the O scale, the scale has named HALF O, which then was shortened to HO.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Ferdinand Emy
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Training for your CompTIA A+ covers four specialised areas – you need to pass exams in 2 different areas to reach the level of competent in A+. This is why, most colleges simply provide 2 of the training options. To us, this is selling you short – of course you can gain accreditation, but training on all 4 will give you a distinct advantage in the workplace, where you’ll need a more comprehensive understanding. That’s why we believe you require information in everything.

Training courses in A+ cover fault-finding and diagnostics – remotely as well as hands on, alongside building and fixing and operating in antistatic conditions. Were you to add Network+ training to your A+, you will additionally be able to assist with or manage networks of computers, which means you’ll be able to expect a better remuneration package.

A subtle way that training providers make a lot more is by charging for exams up-front and presenting it as a guarantee for your exams. It looks like a good deal, but let’s just examine it more closely:

In this day and age, we’re a bit more aware of hype – and generally we realise that of course it is something we’re paying for (it’s not a freebie because they like us so much!) Evidence shows that when trainees fund each progressive exam, one at a time, they will be much more likely to pass every time – since they are conscious of their investment in themselves and their application will be greater.

Sit the exam somewhere close to home and go for the best offer you can find when you’re ready. A lot of extra profit is netted by some training companies who incorporate exam fees into the cost of the course. A number of students don’t take them for various reasons and so they pocket the rest. Amazingly, there are companies around that actually rely on students not sitting all the exams – as that’s where a lot of their profit comes from. Pay heed to the fact that, with the majority of Exam Guarantees – the company controls how often and when you are allowed to have another go. You will have to demonstrate an excellent pass-rate before they’ll approve a re-take.

Exams taken at local centres are approximately 112 pounds in the United Kingdom today. Students should be very wary of forking out hundreds of pounds extra in ‘Exam Guarantee’ costs (often hidden in the cost) – when the best course materials, the right level of support and consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is what will really see you through.

What is the reason why traditional academic studies are being overtaken by more commercial certificates? With a growing demand for specific technological expertise, industry has had to move to the specialised training that the vendors themselves supply – for example companies such as Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe. Often this saves time and money for the student. Academic courses, for instance, can often get caught up in vast amounts of background study – and much too wide a syllabus. This prevents a student from learning the core essentials in sufficient depth.

What if you were an employer – and you needed to take on someone with a very particular skill-set. What’s the simplest way to find the right person: Pore through reams of different degrees and college qualifications from hopeful applicants, trying to establish what they know and what vocational skills they have, or select a specialised number of commercial certifications that exactly fulfil your criteria, and make your short-list from that. You can then focus on how someone will fit into the team at interview – rather than on the depth of their technical knowledge.

Often, individuals don’t comprehend what IT can do for us. It’s stimulating, innovative, and puts you at the fore-front of developments in technology that will impact the whole world for generations to come. Many people are of the opinion that the revolution in technology that’s been a familiar part of our recent lives is lowering its pace. Nothing could be further from the truth. We have yet to experience incredible advances, and the internet in particular will be the biggest thing to affect the way we live.

Incomes in IT are not a problem moreover – the income on average across the UK for a typical person working in IT is much better than remuneration packages in other sectors. It’s a good bet that you’ll earn a whole lot more than you could reasonably hope to get in other industries. Experts agree that there’s a considerable national demand for professionally qualified IT workers. It follows that with the marketplace continuing to expand, it appears there’s going to be for years to come.

We can see a glut of employment in the IT industry. Picking the right one for you is generally problematic. How can we possibly grasp the day-to-day realities of any IT job when we’ve never done it? Most likely we haven’t met someone who works in that sector anyway. Often, the key to unlocking this issue appropriately lies in a thorough conversation around a number of areas:

* What hobbies you’re involved with in your spare-time – often these reveal the areas will provide a happy working life.

* Are you driven to get qualified because of a precise reason – for instance, are you pushing to work from home (self-employment possibly?)?

* Where is the salary on a scale of importance – is it of prime importance, or do you place job satisfaction higher up on the scale of your priorities?

* Looking at the many markets that Information Technology encapsulates, you’ll need to be able to absorb the differences.

* You’ll also need to think hard about any sacrifices you’ll need to make, as well as what commitment and time you’re going to give to gaining your certifications.

When all is said and done, the best way of understanding everything necessary is through a meeting with an advisor that understands the market well enough to lead you to the correct decision.

A key training course package should have accredited exam preparation systems. Be sure that the practice exams aren’t just asking you the right questions in the right areas, but ask them in the same way that the proper exam will phrase them. It really messes up people if they’re faced with unrecognisable phrases and formats. Ensure that you request some practice exams so you’ll be able to check your understanding along the way. Mock exams will help to boost your attitude – so you won’t be quite so nervous at the actual exam.

Tags: Games by Jason Kendall
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If you’re looking for a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with the family in Llandudno then you can’t go far wrong with a visit to Cineworld Llandudno. The cinema is located just outside Llandudno Junction and is within a few minutes drive or short bus ride from Llandudno town centre. Cineworld Llandudno is located in Llandudno Junction and is a convenient location for all the surrounding area. If you plan on travelling by car then there are plenty of free car parking spaces around both the cinema and restaurants.

Cineworld Llandudno is a multiplex cinema with 8 high definition screens including a Deluxe screen with individual seats and refreshment bar. It is the pefect location to watch all the latest blockbusters as well as older films and enjoy some food at the restaurants onsite. Located next to Cineworld Llandudno is McDonalds, KFC, and Pizza Hut so there’s plenty of choice for something to eat.

Built on the site of the old Llandudno Junction railway goods sheds if you look at the walls inside the cinema lobby you can see photographs showing the history of the site as it used to be. The local train station is Llandudno Junction which is located opposite the cinema and within a few minutes walk. Unfortunately there is no connecting bridge between the two which would cut the walking time considerably and negate the need to walk alongside the busy roads.

The cinema is open seven days a week except during Christmas and opens around 11am most days. Special offers are usually available on Saturday’s for cheaper family films for smaller children. Once inside the cinema there is the usual popcorn and sweet stalls and a games room where you can spend a few minutes before the film.

With eight high definition screens Cineworld Llandudno is able to show a wide variety of films from the latest blockbusters to classic films. As well as the latest releases there is usually plenty of family comedy films especially for the younger children on Saturday mornings.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Chris Best
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Profiles of people have been frozen in several popular photographs for decades. Portrait photography emphasizes on not just the subjects but on their qualities as well, thereby bringing the captured frames to life.

A good portrait photograph beats the convention and is able to catch moods and angles of a person like never seen before. However, photographs of one person or of entire families are also taken by photographers, and these are usually preserved in family albums.

An appropriate close up bringing the individual’s face into prominence distinguishes a truly expert portrait photograph from one that has been casually clicked. This can be done by tuning camera settings to blur the subject’s background so that his or her face gets the maximum focus. A bigger aperture used in a camera can give perfect results for this aim. One the other hand, it is better to shoot with a normal aperture if emphasis on the background is as essential as on the subject, which is mostly true in outdoor photography.

Lack of ideal light for a good photograph is a frequent problem faced by the photographers. But a good portrait photograph is simpler to take if certain ground rules are followed. One of the ways is to make the subject sit close to the window such that the light coming from it falls on only part of the face. The remaining part of the face can be lighted up by using a reflective object like a white piece of sheet or board. However, Studio lighting can also be tuned to fit the light needs for good portrait photographs, and therefore several photographers seek to take such photographs inside studios.

The last but perhaps the most important feature of portrait photography is to ensure that the subject feels at home. If the subject doesn’t feel comfortable while being shot and doesn’t give a natural expression, then even the best camera and lighting methods can not ensure a good portrait.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by David Anttony
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You may find that your child shows promise in their dance classes and would like a more intensive program. In this case you should look for a school that offers more than just weekly classes. Many schools are happy to accommodate students that show promise and will have extra classes available.

As soon as your child has the opportunity to obtain additional classes they can progress quicker, but it is essential not to push too hard. If you put pressure on a young child it will eradicate their normal interest to learn and you will end up with dissatisfaction and disappointment. Therefore only organize extra lessons if your child can handle it.

Sometimes dance lessons can become quite expensive. If your child shows some special skills in this field it is wise to look into schools that accept grants and scholarships. These programs are usually available for gifted students and can help you to encourage your child to use their special gifts.

Making sure the school offers a flexible curriculum for gifted students. If you find that your child really loves the dance lessons and is showing promise in them you will need to assess their current curriculum. Be sure it is flexible enough to make the most of your child’s potential.

Deciding which dance discipline will be good for your child is an important decision. Creative or pre-ballet dance disciplines are two of the most popular. It is good to choose a school that will allow you to observe classes so that you can discuss with your child and their teacher which discipline she prefers, or whether there should be a mixture of styles.

It is good to have an alternative to give your child a few additional lessons if they show exceptional talent for a definite method of dance. Having a teacher who understands your child’s abilities and special talents is essential, so that you can talk about this alternative with them. A teacher who is competent will work with you to bring out the finest in your child and this is a huge advantage. This will assist you and your child to work together with the teacher to accomplish your child’s goals and dreams.

Be sure that the dance lessons are not just lessons mixed with play. They have to go a little further and allow your child the chance to discover the exhilarating world of dance. This will depend on two things; the teacher and the actual school curriculum.

Not every child will have outstanding potential in dance, but if you feel that your child does, do not let the opportunity slip by you. Sometimes you will not be aware of your child’s talent until they actually start dance lessons. It is important to have a good relationship with the teacher and monitor your child’s progress so that together you can help your child reach new heights in the wonderful world of dance.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Sarah Wilkiamson
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