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Thursday, March 07, 2024

Calm The Fuck Down!

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the HorseThe Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the cosmic scheme of things, people don't count for much. Most of the universe would snuff us out in a heartbeat. We will someday end, and no one will remember us. However, in the human scheme of things, we are the most important thing to each other. That being the case, why not step out of the rat race, divisive, materialistic, reality tv obsessed, narcissistic existence we all "enjoy" and consider the things that really matter - each other. In that existence, love is what truly matters. It's easy to say that love doesn't matter when you don't have it, let alone give it, but when you do, it's the most wonderful thing you can ever experience. So, calm the fuck down, smell the roses, find beauty in the world around you, realize that - as Carl Sagan said - "If a human disagrees with you, let him live. In 100,000 galaxies, you will not find another."

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Monday, March 04, 2024

Action

Cold in JulyCold in July by Joe R. Lansdale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Of course - daddy issues. Other than that, this book - recommended to me by F Paul Wilson - was an enjoyable read. The premise (although daddy issue soaked) is interesting to consider and the action is right there as big as life. I got a kick out of it and if youl like an action packed story, I'm reasonably certain that you will also.

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Monday, February 12, 2024

Wow!

The Feynman Lectures on Physics Vol 5: On Fundamentals/Energy & MotionThe Feynman Lectures on Physics Vol 5: On Fundamentals/Energy & Motion by Richard P. Feynman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful! If you've listened to the previous installments, you already know that this is not for students trying to learn physics (altough that was the original intent), but for those who love Feynman's approach and already know a considerable amount of physics. That said, this volume is the easiest to understand in audio format even for the serious novice. Listen and learn and feel the fascination.

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Saturday, February 10, 2024

Nice!

The Last Rakosh - a Repairmanjack tale (Repairman Jack)The Last Rakosh - a Repairmanjack tale by F. Paul Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Short, sweet and good at answering some important questions, but not all. It's good to have a bit of mystery at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this short!

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Wednesday, February 07, 2024

Never A Dull Moment With This Guy!

Secret Stories: Tales from the Secret History (The Secret History of the World)Secret Stories: Tales from the Secret History by F. Paul Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a groovy collection! My favorite was "Pelts." It's gory, which is uncharacteristic of the author, but the story is like nothing I've ever read before. There are some significant reveals about The Secret History of the World, so if you're into that thread, you must read this book. I'm a huge fan of F Paul Wilson. I read The Keep first back in the 80's and although the movie was a dud, book was not!! Somehow, Wilson's works fell out of my "currently reading" bag and I rediscovered him in late 2021. He is currently my favorite author. In my opinion, you can't go wrong reading anything he has ever written.

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Monday, January 08, 2024

Grow Up

Childhood's EndChildhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A profound classic! You can be a child for a long time, but at some point, you have to grow up. Highly recommended!

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Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Whatever!

Every Last SecretEvery Last Secret by A.R. Torre
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Pretty good, but somewhat transparent. Meh. An honors high school creative writing student could probably do better.

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Thrill!

SibsSibs by F. Paul Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

F Paul Wilson never fails to fully engage me with his writing style, character development and well constructed plots. This is a thrilling story that keeps you guessing until the end and bit beyond that. Enjoy!

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Thursday, November 30, 2023

Some Mighty Weird Shit!

Black Holes: The Key to Understanding the UniverseBlack Holes: The Key to Understanding the Universe by Brian Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you have a solid high school mathematics education, you can certainly follow the presentations made in this lovely little book. The authors have included references to very recent findings in black hole research. As far as I know, this is the most recent (as of December 2023) popular treatment on the subject. Speculation is clearly pointed out as such, but the main thrust of the book is bolstered by evidence and sound implications of well-established theories. It is an enjoyable read, but not a relaxing one. You'll have to refer frequently to diagrams and likely have to re-read more than a few paragraphs. You'll learn much for the effort though.

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Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Romance is Boring!

Victoria Winters (Dark Shadows, #2)Victoria Winters by Marilyn Ross
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This series started off nicely, I suppose because it was a side-novelization of the first episode of the TV series. This was more like 75% romance and 25% mystery. Romance is definitely not my cup of tea. Bores me to tears. However, it is Dark Shadows, so if you're a fan, you'll probably enjoy it as much as I did. The familiar characters come to life and behave as you'd expect them to. Not bad for trash reading.

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Tuesday, November 14, 2023

If A Problem Comes Along, You Must Fix It!

Fix (Codename: Chandler Book 7)Fix by J.A. Konrath
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a very nicely done collaboration. Chandler is Jack's kind of girl. The story was great, and the dialogue got hilarious at times. More a novella than a novel, it won't take you long to read. The movie references were excellent. Enjoy!

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Thursday, November 09, 2023

It's So Crazy!

Fear City (Repairman Jack: The Early Years, #3)Fear City by F. Paul Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was hard to put this one down. Wilson wraps up this trilogy very nicely. As promised, all debts are paid, and all accounts are settled. This story is based on the first bombing of the WTC in 1993. Wilson gets the feel of the early nineties accurately enough that I feel at home reading it. Repairman Jack comes into his own even though he doesn't like the title much. The ancillary characters are more believable than the actual people they are based on. As Wilson notes in the afterward, you can't make this kind of stuff up, because no one would accept it as fiction. The whole thing certainly makes me wonder what it is that draws people into jihad if they aren't psychotic to begin with. Like Weinberg said, "Science flies you to the moon and religion flies you into buildings."

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Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Jack Is On The Move!

Dark City (Repairman Jack: The Early Years, #2)Dark City by F. Paul Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this second of the Repairman Jack - The Early Years, Jack goes up against a con man, jihadists, Dominicans, and other assorted bad guys. He also teams up with some good guys. In fact, there are loads of well-fleshed-out characters that you'll enjoy. In addition, you'll see the early stages of Jack's evolution into the troubleshooter we all know and love. As far as I'm concerned, F. Paul Wilson can do no wrong. Read. Enjoy.

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Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Jack is Back!

Cold City (Repairman Jack: The Early Years, #1)Cold City by F. Paul Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Coming off of the Young Repairman Jack: The Teen Trilogy, seven years have passed, and Jack has lost his mom in a malicious crime for which Jack has dispensed justice. Jack is a changed young man seeking to cut himself off from his past and become as detached as a person can be without becoming an actual hermit. He takes on a job which puts him in the middle of a web of not so obviously connected players - some good, some bad, so just present, but every one of which will influence Jack's fate. Jack is gaining the experiences that will transform him into Repairman Jack. Not a dull moment or a single page that can be easily set aside, this first in the Repairman Jack: The Early Years trilogy will entertain, inspire, and provoke some thinking. It is my humble opinion that F Paul Wilson can do no wrong. Yes, I'm a fan.

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Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Jack's Justice

Secret Vengeance (Young Repairman Jack, #3)Secret Vengeance by F. Paul Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full disclosure - F Paul Wilson is my current favorite author, so there will be bias. In this last of the three young Repairman Jack novels, we learn some interesting things about Jack's origins, and I mean his ultimate origins. There are plenty of almost revelatory tidbits about the Secret History of the World included and Jack's path to becoming Repairman Jack is set before us. When justice is truly blind, there is Jack to light the way. Enjoy!

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Wednesday, October 04, 2023

So Very Cool!

Secret Circles (Young Repairman Jack, #2)Secret Circles by F. Paul Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full disclosure - F Paul Wilson is my current favorite author. That said, I must add that this is a very good YA book! I'm no YA, but this is the kind of thing I would have loved reading as a YA. Even as a 64-year-old adult, I found it extraordinarily engaging. This is part 2 of Jack's secret circles, and in it, Jack continues developing that skill for which he will become known - repairing things (actually, more like repairing situations and balancing the scales of justice, because no one else is doing it). Read anything that FPW writes and if you don't enjoy it, you're just not like me.

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Tuesday, September 26, 2023

It's Ok.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 Omnibus Volume 1 (Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 8)Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 Omnibus Volume 1 by Joss Whedon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this continuation of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The little side stories near the end were quaint, yet entertaining. Too bad that I'll never know about seasons 9 through whatever. Dark Horse went dark on Buffy when the franchise got bought out and left to waste away on that OTHER comic book. Personally - not interested. On to Volume 2!

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Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Hmmmmmmmm......

Battlestar Galactica Vol. 3Battlestar Galactica Vol. 3 by Greg Pak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Interesting premise. Good artwork. Grandiose storytelling. I enjoyed it as a way to pass the time inside as an escape from the 2023 summer heat. Maybe you will too. 😁

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Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Dark Shadows Is A Dan Curtis Production

Dark Shadows (Volume 1)Dark Shadows by Marilyn Ross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you're a fan of the original TV series, you'll enjoy this non-canon alternate history of Victoria Winters' first visit to "Collins House" (referred to as Collinwood in the series). This is way before the appearance of Barnabus Collins, so don't get too excited. The only real difference is that there are extra characters and some of the original characters don't get as much play in this story. Also, the actress who played Maggie Evans reads the book for your enjoyment.

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Nice

Angel: Spotlight - Collected EditionAngel: Spotlight - Collected Edition by Peter David
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Some very good standalone stories involving each of the characters from the television series. If you enjoyed the characters, you'll enjoy these stories.

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Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Yawn!

Angel: Smile TimeAngel: Smile Time by Jeffrey J. Mariotte
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The first book in the collection is a faithful reproduction of the television episode. The second is a romp through much pointless dialogue and pseudo-action. Spike as a puppet is just not as funny. There are a lot of references in the second book that fans might (mor might not) enjoy. I fell asleep twice reading it myself.

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I Think I'm A Clone Now

Angel: Old FriendsAngel: Old Friends by Jeff Mariotte
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who are these mysterious doppelgangers? Why are they bothering Angel and friends? What will the vampire and his friends do about them? Read this and you'll find out.

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Thursday, May 25, 2023

Bloody Hell!

Angel: Blood and Trenches - Collected EditionAngel: Blood and Trenches - Collected Edition by John Byrne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The original vampire with a soul is in WWI Europe and having a good time saving the English and the Germans from vampires - one of which is Kakistos (aka Kissing Toast). It's a bloody romp and has a cute little surprise at the end. Mostly black and white artwork that is stylistically compelling all by itself make this worth the read. I read it digitally via Kindle/Comixology. The Comixology app works better than the Kindle app for digital comics. Why Amazon's own apps running on their own hardware are glitchy is beyond me, but that's the way it is with Amazon. Anyway, get yourself a pure Android 12+ tablet and use the Comixology app and you'll be a happy camper.

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Tuesday, May 09, 2023

Volume 4

The Feynman Lectures on Physics Vol 4 : Electrical and Magnetic BehaviorThe Feynman Lectures on Physics Vol 4 : Electrical and Magnetic Behavior by Richard P. Feynman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you've listened to these volumes so far, you already know that things are difficult to follow without having The Little Red Books open in front of you. This is for people who want to study Feynman's thinking and teaching methods. As such, you can only do better by going to The Feynman Lectures Online and reading along while listening and doing all this for free! If you already bought the series from Audible, and you listen to what you paid for, it will do.

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Needs Salt

Beneath a Scarlet SkyBeneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark T. Sullivan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When I hear, see or read "based on a true story," my credibility of the author's words drops to a level well below 25%. It is true that some things happen that you just can't make up, but this historical novel flows like something .... well..... made up. I don't dispute that the people portrayed were real and that they even did some of the things they did, but I have a hard time believing that anything more than 25% of it is actual history. It comes across to me as the Italian version of Forest Gump meets The Expendables. What the Nazis did all over Europe is the kind of thing that is so horrible that no sane author could produce for a novel. It must be real. This story, not so much. In my opinion, somebody somewhere along the chain of relating this story was being creative. Otherwise, provided that you can stand the Italian melodrama, it's a decent read. My advice if you do read it, take it with a very large grain of salt.

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Wednesday, May 03, 2023

So Groovy!

Angel: Only HumanAngel: Only Human by Scott Lobdell


Neato!

Brilliantly illustrated and engaging my told, this little gem will make your day if you choose to read it. Enjoy!

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Holmes By Any Other Name Would Still Be Sherlock

The Adventures of Sherlock HolmesThe Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of the reasons that I love Holmes by Doyle is that the story moves right along with no "walking and talking." Almost every word counts for something important to know about the story. This is the most engaging classical literature that I enjoy.

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Thursday, April 13, 2023

Go Deep!

Journey to the Center of the EarthJourney to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've never read a Jules Verne novel until now. His storytelling is entertaining, and he was certainly imaginative for his time. I think most people would be entertained by this book provided that a state of disbelief is entirely abandoned. If nothing else, the reader will pick up some Icelandic. I may read another JV novel just to see if he does better than this one.

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Friday, March 10, 2023

Faith Is Believing What You Know Ain't So - Mark Twain

ContactContact by Carl Sagan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first time I read this novel, I was completely enchanted - particularly with the ending. On this second pass, I still find it an engaging story and, naturally, the writing is superb. I mean - Carl Freaking Sagan, you know? However, I'm not as enchanted with it as I once was. I find it too accommodating of religious faith and too naive in the concept used to seal the deal. If you wait long enough, anything is possible. Still, it's a very entertaining read and any Sagan fan will enjoy his one and only novel.

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Wednesday, March 08, 2023

Learn, You Must!

The Cardinal of the Kremlin (Jack Ryan, #4; Jack Ryan Universe, #5)The Cardinal of the Kremlin by Tom Clancy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Clancy takes a story canvas and paints a picture that fills the mind with images, scenes intense action. His characters live on the page and, even with a second reading, play their roles as if for the first time. Clancy's characters share their thoughts with the reader, and one can't help but ponder just what it was that motivated each side of The Cold War. Clancy did his homework and I consider the Jack Ryan novels to be fair historical fiction. Love the action and the characters but take some time to think about that threat that hung over all our heads in the 1980s and compare it to the threat that hangs over our heads in 2023. This novel is every bit instructive as it is entertaining.

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Thursday, February 23, 2023

Klazen!

Secret Histories (Young Repairman Jack, #1)Secret Histories by F. Paul Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From an author who can do no wrong, this has all the elements of Stranger Things before that show was anyone's idea. Faithfully set in the '80's, loaded with the adventures of meddling kids and told in an engaging manner that makes the book extremely hard to put down, this first in a series of three Young Repairman Jack novels will keep you riveted. If you pass this one up, you'll probably be stalked by a klazen and nobody wants that, so go read it already.

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Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Embarrassing!

Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #5Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #5 by Kieron Gillen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Doctor Spurs has daddy issues. It's embarrassing. Can we please have a store that hasn't been done a teratime before? Votherwise, the Ann events are interesting. It's worth a couple of bucks.

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Monday, January 23, 2023

Yawn!

Star Wars: The High Republic #6Star Wars: The High Republic #6 by Cavan Scott
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Plants that need weed-whacking, I'd say. I'm not thrilled with this comic series. Too much talking. Too little action. The characters don't feel authentic to me. They seem to be a bunch of posers. The story has few connections to established history in the franchise. It's just a bunch of new unfamiliar characters in unfamiliar places during unfamiliar times. This story needs to go somewhere that I've got a connection with.

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Memory Lane

Star Wars: Obi-Wan #3Star Wars: Obi-Wan #3 by Christopher Cantwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Obi-Wan remembers the latter days of The Clone Wars and questions what a Jedi's role in war should be. It's a trip down memory lane for those familiar with the story and much needed background for those who aren't. A good read as comics go.

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Friday, January 20, 2023

And So It Goes......

Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #4Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #4 by Kieron Gillen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Doctor Aphra, having been blackmailed by daddy, is on "the dig" and is being chased by storm troopers. They escape, but to what? You'll only know if you read this one .... and the next ... and the next. You know how these comic books go.

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Thursday, January 05, 2023

More Than "That Guy In The Wheelchair"

Brief Answers to the Big QuestionsBrief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I first encountered the work of Stephen Hawking in the late 80's in a documentary hosted by Timothy Ferris (the science writer - not that blow-hard wannabe somebody who's full of bovine excrement. with his "productive" ideas. That one has a double-s at the end of his name). Anyhow, at that point, Hawking already needed a translator, but he had some very interesting ideas, so I started following his work and then his popular writings. I always thought of him as the eloquent cosmologist, but most people I knew thought of him as "that guy in the wheelchair." Probably the same people that bought his first book and never read it. It's really a shame, because although his struggles to live with ALS were remarkable and commendable as well as inspiring, what was truly great about the guy was his insightful brilliance. He was also perfectly witty. Here, he offers what turns out to be mostly speculation and opinion, although one can pick up a good deal of factual science in this book. I don't agree with many of the notions that Hawking poses, but his points are often hard to argue with and even if you don't agree with him, he is well worth paying attention to if for nothing more than getting a distinct perspective on an issue. At the very least, he provokes much thought and I think that's a good thing

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Wednesday, January 04, 2023

What Is A Soul Anyway?

Angel: Barbary CoastAngel: Barbary Coast by David Tischman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A vampire with a soul battling with a dragon in San Francisco. Who could ask for anything more? This one is nicely written and interestingly illustrated. If you enjoy all things Angel and you enjoy comics, you'll enjoy this little gem.

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Sunday, December 25, 2022

At Least It's Not Boring

Doctor Sleep (The Shining, #2)Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Shining was the first Stephen King book I read, and it did scare the bejesus out of me. I never really wondered what happened to Danny and his mom. I was more interested in what happened to some of characters in 'Salem's Lost. However, this story was pretty good, although it's not as good as King's early works. Not hungry enough, I guess. It's an entertaining read though and most King fans will likely enjoy it. It's definitely way better than those pathetic novels like Tommyknockers, Insomnia or Cell.

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Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Best Fiction of 2022

Project Hail MaryProject Hail Mary by Andy Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novel is every bit as good as the author's first novel. Great story! Occasionally very humorous. This novel features a lot of problem solving. If that is not your thing, you would still enjoy the story and the characters. Personally, I love a novel with a lot of problem solving. This is easily the best work of fiction I've read in 2022 so far and 2022 is almost over.

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Thursday, December 08, 2022

A Very Excellent Book!

Astrophysics for People in a HurryAstrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The best book I've ever read on cosmology is Simon Singh's Big Bang. This book is a fine shorter version of that much longer book in these respects: (1) Neil is careful to back up claims with evidence. (2) Neil clearly points out where speculation is occurring by himself or other scientists. (3) Neil's writing is every bit as fascination-inducing and engaging as Simon Singh's. Neil also co-authored a much more detailed book - Origins in which he takes the same approach. I'm currently reading that book and it's excellent. There is a 4-part NOVA series based on the book, but I have never seen it, so I don't know how good it is. In any case, the selling point of the title is accurate. If you want to know some astrophysics and you're in a hurry, this book is written for you. Enjoy!

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