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Page 11 of Selected Emails

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Also read what people wrote in my Roosevelt Raceway guestbook by clicking HERE


Monday, December 6, 2004 10:48 AM
I've lost 2 racetracks now. Years ago was the beloved Roosevelt Raceway when I lived downstate, now its Vernon Downs after I moved upstate some years ago. I still have some video from 1984 from a few of the Racing from Roosevelt shows and am looking for more. Please contact me with any info. Thanks.
Randy
Monday, January 10, 2005 4:26 PM
It has been a long time since I enjoyed a night in the stands at Roosevelt Raceway. Having been from a family of Harness Horse people, once in your blood, always in your blood. My father, James L. Phalen raced for many years in the state of Maine. He passed away in 1947 and my brother, George B. Phalen, Sr. took over the Phalen stable for our mother, Mary. When Mom sold out, George took to the Grand Circuit and raced at Roosevelt, as well as all the other tracks. I know that we must have progress, but is it always better for us? I think not in some cases. With the Simulcasting it has largely damaged the turn out of the "live audience" and the thrill of hearing the hoofbeats coming down the stretch. Sorry to have lost so many good tracks and so many of the drivers of yester-year. Dana Cameron was my brother-in-law. He was brother to Adelbert and uncle to the Cameron boys. Dana was the father of Judy Cameron, the first lady Judge in the history of harness racing. She recently retired from Pocono Downs. My nephew, James L. Phalen, George's son, drove for a while and George's daughter, Jayne worked in the business as well. My sister Audrey Cameron, widow of Dana, retired as Program director at Pocono Downs after many years of service. As for me.......I own LAZY ASS ACRES farm and raise REGISTERED MINIATURE DONKEYS. Not quite as glorified as the Harness business, but they are a lot less expensive to keep and they don't ask for much in return. Everybody should have one.
Janet L. (Phalen) Dohety
Ararat, NC
Thursday, January 20, 2005 1:59 PM
Dear Sirs,
Could you tell me how it'ld be possible to find the video tape on DVD or VHS of the win of the french horse Equileo in International Trot 1976 at Roosevelt Raceway.
This horse was driven by M. Bernard FROGER, who is dead few years ago, and his son Christophe, one of my best friend, french driver trainer also, would be so glad to have something about that race more than few photos... and a trophy!
I want to make him the surprise about that. So, I'll appreciate if you could help me to find the best way to know at least how to find and buy the videotape
Thanks in advance
Best regards
Christian Le Barbey
ITS
Sunday, January 23, 2005 9:25 AM
I remember when Jimmy Marohn first drove there. He used to wack the horse about 100 times before he reached the wire.
I also remember Jack Lee..he used to have a tip sheet at Teletrack in New Haven. I met him once in person.
Anthony
Sunday, February 6, 2005 3:45 PM
GREAT JOB JEFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

not only is this memorial to RR but today I want to dedicate it to my dad TAKI POSSAS whom on this day 10 years ago passed away.His passion for the trotters was second to none.We grew up in east meadow and my first memory was waiting at the gates after the 8th race to get in free so we could lose $200.00 . I remember at the top of the stretch he would chase down Buddy Gilmore ,that was the most swearing I ever heard out of his mouth.It is such a moving memory its sad when I come home from Tampa to EM and I see all the stores .RR WAS MY HANGOUT IT IS THE MEMORIES OF MY CHILD HOOD . IT IS THE SPECIAL BONDING BETWEEN A SON AND HIS DAD THAT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN,IT WAS ABOUT 6 OR SEVEN 1ST DATES.
AND BY THE WAY MY COUSIN GEORGE POSSAS GOT A JOB AS A SECURITY GUARD SO WE COULD LOSE OUR MONEY BEFORE THE THE 8TH RACE AND GET IN FREE...THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES .
"LAST ONE"
Peter Possas


Sunday, February 6, 2005 4:12 PM
JEFF ,
Today I would not only thank you for this web site but I would like it also serve as tribute to my dad TAKI POSSAS aka GUS,HE PASSED AWAY Feb. 6th 1995 and he would have been moved to see this . my 1st memory of RR was standing at the gates waiting to get in free after the seventh race so we could lose $200.00.My dads passion was second to none for the trotters .I wish I could say the same for his feelings of Buddy Gilmore and Lachance .So many happy memories of RR.I GREW UP IN EM AND MOVED TO TAMPA.

RR was my child hood memories, it was my weekends out, it was a boys bonding with his dad,it is something I will never ever forget,and yes it was about 7 of my 1st dates.I could go on and on .
p.s. WE NEVER HAD TO WAIT FOR THE SEVENTH RACE AGAIN,MY COUSIN GEORGE POSSAS GOT A JOB AS A SECURITY GUARD.
AND BOY DID HE KNOW HOW TO PICK A WINNER***NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND LIKE THE GUY SELLING THE NEXT DAYS RACING FORMS USED TO SAY.
“LAST ONE”
REGUARDS,
PETER POSSAS


Tuesday, February 15, 2005 11:25 PM
Jeff,
What a stroll down memory lane! I live in Texas now, so this is a real memory. My cousin sent me the link. I groomed and trained horses at RR and Yonkers during my college days at Hofstra and NYIT...mid to late 70's. Worked for Insko and Popfinger the most; also spent short stints with Gilmour and Herve F. Best time was training a 2 year old, Atashy, while at Insko's. I actually saw him as a yearling, and wanted to buy him, and asked my dad for my college money to do it. Naturally, he said no; and six months later Insko had me train him. He was a real champ, winning about 10 in a row. During a rough time in my life, jogging and training horses around the track brought peace. In the movie, Field of Dreams, there is a part where Shoeless Joe reminisces about the "smell of the grass", and awe of playing on the field. Hanging around the stables and paddock, and riding around the track brought a unique sense of escape from the real world. I never thought of it like that, actually, until now.
Harvey Diamond
Wednesday, February 16, 2005 1:08 AM
Hello.
Recently I returned to your RR Memorial site and was pleased to find it still operating and current. Many people start websites, and then abandon them. Thank you for keeping the memory fresh and alive.
It would interest you to know that I own a few of the Roosevelt Raceway Board record books. The are what's left of the only copies. They are beautifully bound and contain the minutes of all the meetings at the old and new plants. These books contain "inside" information of every event surrounding Roosevelt Raceway.
Some interesting notations are; the country's first World Car Show (later removed to Nassau Coliseum and presently at the Jacob Javitts Center), The flaws and repair in the heating design of the new plant (the Cloud Casino was extremely drafty), The vote and approval for the new "Dreamtrack" (which cost, in total; $19,605,281.92, included in that sum was an offset of $87,620. for Harry Stevens Kitchens), The forming of Roosevelt Properties, Inc, WOR-TV's $1200 per week live telecasting (1959), etc. Anything and everything about the complete construction of the new plant are in some of these books.
I also have the blueprints of the building. These prints cost $250,000. to complete.
Most people have no idea how large RR was.
There was a 14 bed infirmary with modern (1957) operating room. Besides the 4 betting floors and fifth floor were two "floating" levels, mainly security floors and money tabulating areas. The main vault was 20' by 20' (and contrary to rumors; it was empty). The Announcer's Booth, suspended on the overhanging canopy was three levels; the Cinespeed room, press boxes, VIP lounge. There were two garages under the building, one for an ambulance (later converted to security storage) and the other for the money truck. The paper vault (which was a vault) was the size of a house! The Indicator Board (large tote on infield of track) contained a storage unit, bathroom, lounge, and more!
The photos of the deterioration of the original 1940's track (originally part of the Vanderbilt Raceway) show the dilapidation and need to construct an newer more efficient "plant." Until then the original grandstand was perpetually added to, altered, reconstructed, and was so long it was awkward to maneuver through.
I could go on and on with this endless information (and maybe I'll add more as I go along).
I was the last person to journey through the building before it was razed. I documented my journey with photos of the interior's despair. At the time the only remaining buildings on the site were; the grandstand/clubhouse, the auto repair building, a faded, large, blue sign "Roosevelt Raceway ---->" that pointed nowhere, and the post office across the street where the stables were.. There has been some doubt about the small building's purpose, but it was the site's post office. It was a very old building and still had a safe inside. Somewhere very close to this was the restaurant.
The last remaining structure at Roosevelt Raceway still standing is the water tower. The record books show the complications involving it's placement in 1957, along with the placing of the new Meadowbrook Parkway, which entailed some land swapping and moving of some of the brick houses at Mitchell Field.
I always thought some sort of homage to George Morton Levy, who founded the raceway on what was a whim, should be written on the water tower.
Another unclear fact is the location of where Charles Lindberg began his famous transatlantic flight. It was believed by the founders of the raceway to have been on the location where the clubhouse stood. I thought in all fairness that this should be noted as it was touted to be the spot where the Roosevelt Field Mall stands. Nobody knows for sure as this area; "The Hempstead Plains" was once a barren waste land with absolutely no trees or natural marker to reference any location from any photo. It is safe to say that RR and RFMall would find it profitable to claim their location's as Lucky Lindy's start ring point. It would also be safe to say that no one knows for sure. (Roosevelt Raceway had a cafeteria dedicated to Lindberg)
Wow. I even went further!
I think I should stop now. You probably haven't the time to go further here.
Anyway, I hope you find this info fascinating. I am presently reviewing the books and photos and blueprints and if I find anything else of interest to your site I will let you know.
Before I go I must add that back in the forties, a meeting was held to form some sort of museum dedicated to the sport of trotting. The idea (founded by RR) was ratified and a large sum was issued to form The Harness Racing Museum and Trotter's Hall of Fame. It still stands and is open to the public. It is the real TRUE last remnant of the great Roosevelt Raceway. It is located on Main Street in Goshen, New York, in an old private stable building.
William
Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:52 AM
Jeff, I just found ur site just searching for stuff regarding Roosevelt. The other day I was talking to a another old new yorker and we couldnt remember the name of the restaurant. I found it in one of ur "I remembers" ( The Cloud Casino) I was a big fan of the raceway back in the mid 70's to early 80's. Goin thru stuff that i found about horses and races brought back fond memories of that icon on the Meadowbrook Pkwy. All the great horses from back then are mentioned and i remember all of them.
Ive been living in south florida since the mid 80's and have been a casual visitor to Pompano Park. Its a nice place and have seen some very good harness racing there ( including a 1:51.2, name of the horse escapes me for a moment) Iremember getting used to the fact that Pompano is a 5/8 track. Several of the NY drivers have driven at Pompano during the last 20 years from time to time. The racing and attendance at Pompano in recent years has dwindled due to the influx of gaming that u probably have read about. There was a time that I did some business with several of the drivers and trainers at Pompano. Im in the screen printing and embroidery business and still am. Ive made t-shirts for several of them. I remember doing a large order of shirts for William Haughton before he passed away. Bill Popfinger
During that time at Roosevelt (and Yonkers too) i have seen very memorable races and finishes. Thats what makes for great harness racing trivia. One of the races that was most memorable was 3 horse dead heat in which i bet on Susie Flame with Herve Filion.... i think that was in 1974 or 75 . We all clearly thought that Herve won the race but u know how those cameras were LOL
Id like to see some of those videos that i saw in the website. Can u tell me where i can get copies?
If u would, contact me at xxxxxxxxxxxxxx and let me know how we can talk more Roosevelt Raceway or IM me at xxxxxxx if u see me online. That would be cool.
Hope to talk to u soon
Paul Kasin
Roosevelt Raceway Fan
Thursday, March 17, 2005 1:21 PM
You could see the lights when Roosevelt was open from the bridge entering the "loop parkway" from Point Lookout.. Long before you paid the 20 cent toll for the Meadowbrook......
So often we had to park in the furniture store on Stewart Avenue as getting into the track would take hours........
Check out our site www.perretti farms.com

Bob Marks.......


Monday, March 21, 2005 2:24 PM To : sgtjeff56@hotmail.com Subject : Roosevelt Raceway video regarding this post:

Thursday, January 20, 2005 1:59 PM
Dear Sirs,
Could you tell me how it'ld be possible to find the video tape on DVD or VHS of the win of the french horse Equileo in International Trot 1976 at Roosevelt Raceway.
This horse was driven by M. Bernard FROGER, who is dead few years ago, and his son Christophe, one of my best friend, french driver trainer also, would be so glad to have something about that race more than few photos... and a trophy!
I want to make him the surprise about that. So, I'll appreciate if you could help me to find the best way to know at least how to find and buy the videotape Thanks in advance
Best regards
Christian Le Barbey
ITS

Jeff,
Can you contact this person ? I have the vide for that International Trot race - amazing quality. thanks,
Mike


Tuesday, March 29, 2005 12:20 AM
JEFF, I FOUND YOUR SITE WHILE LOOKING FOR ROOSEVELT RACEWY ITEMS. I ALSO AM RETIRED FROM THE PD, NASSAU COUNTY. DID YEARS IN THE CITY BEFORE I CAME OUT TO "DISNEYLAND", BETTER PAY, LESS COMMUTE. ANYWAY, I MOONLIIGHTED AS SECURITY AT THE TRACK FOR THE FLEA MARKET FOR ABOUT TEN YEARS BEFORE IT CLOSED. I HAVE QUITE A BIT OF MEMORABILIA, ESPECIALY SOMETHING YOU MIGHT LIKE. I HAVE A WHOLE BOX, (AT LEAST FORTY) OF ASSORTED BADGES FROM THE ROOSEVELT RACEWAY SECURITY. IN CASE YOU FORGOT WHAT THEY LOOKED LIKE, THEY WERE UNIFORMED AND OUTFITTED BETTER THAN WE WERE. THESE GUYS HAD THE SAME BADGES WE HAD, PO, SGT, LT EVEN DETECTIVE. YOU SOUND LIKE YOU REALLY LIKED THE PLACE SO I WOULD LIKE TO SEND YOU ONE, LET ME KNOW WHAT YOUR PREFERENCE IS AS TO WHAT RANK. I'LL TRY TO SEND THE MATCHING NUMBERED CAP DEVICE ALSO. WE ALSO HAVE THE SAME LOVE OF BIKES, I JUST PURCHASED A NEW SUPER GLIDE AND GET TO RIDE BACK TO LONG ISLAND EVERY SO OFTEN. ANYWAY, IF YOU'D LIKE A BADGE AND DON'T FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE ABOUT SENDING ME YOUR ADDRESS. I'LL BE HAPPY TO GET IT IN THE MAIL TO YOU. STAY HEALTHY BOB
Tuesday, March 29, 2005 1:07 PM
I live in DC now, but grew up in East Meadow. Came across the site while doing a google search of McCleary Junior High. I was in their last graduating class (or perhaps next to last?) in 1981. While trying to schedule a lacrosse game for my men's club in DC, I came across the name of name of an old wrestling coach on an online directory who still lives in LI. I called him, and our subsequent e-mails have triggered a rush of memories about a Long Island that unfortunately doesn't seem to exist anymore, and I'm not yet 40- thoguh close!

I went through some e-mails and saw a mention to horses owned by Gilles Villemure, former Ranger goalie. He was the only goalie to share the Vezina, with Eddie Giacomin in 71-72, I believe. I went to Clarke HS with his son, Bobby, class of '84. Coincidentally, we're having a belated 20 year reunion with the class of '85 this July. I also remember that losing RR tickets would entitle you to a free hot dog (or perhaps discounted) and drink at Arby's, which as far as I know has maintained the same neon sign from it's opening in 1965, I believe. Of course, at my age, I'm more familiar with good times at the flea market, esp. during the week, Wednesdays in the summer, than actually going to the track. Much more convenient than going to the farmers market in Farmingdale. I also remember that there were always guys selling what was probably "hot" merchandise, stereos, tools, etc, in the parking lot of the Motor Vehicle Bureau next to the track.

There's a neat book called "Lost New York" about builidings, etc, that have been torn down , burnt down, etc. I wonder if anybody has ever put together a website or written a book about Long Island's recent past, such as the various places the Nets played, the Long Island Ducks at Commack Arena, etc, the loss of beloved Mr. Donut ("World's Best Coffee") to corporate Dunkin Donuts
Thanks for this labor of love, Jeff.
Martin Montorfano


Wednesday, April 27, 2005 12:16 AM
Hi Jeff,
I thought this might be a good addition to your website. In 1969 45 harness drivers were on the all time money list, having earnings of $2 million or more. More then half of them were regular drivers at RR. I have attached their all time career earnings and win records through 1969. Along side the statistics of the Roosevelt driving stars, I have attached their pictures.
Photos of Carmine Abbatiello, Earle Avery, Ralph Baldwin, Howard Beissinger, Hugh Bell, 2 b&w's Johnny Chapman. Bobby Cherrix, Eddie Cobb, Jimmy Cruise, (Sonny) Harlod Dancer Jr., Stanley Dancer 1 b&w and a copy of him on the cover of Sports Illistrated, Vernon Dancer, 2 b&w's of Frank Ervin one of them Bret Hanover, Herve Filion, Lucien Fontaine, Buddy Gilmour, 2 of Billy Haughton, Clint Hodgins, Billy Hudson, Del Insko, Alan Myer, Billy Myer, 2 of Joe O'Brien, George Phalen, Frank Stafford, 2 of George Sholty one on Romeo, John Simpson, and Dick Thomas.-------------
enjoy
Best regards,
Fred Hudson

CARMINE ABBATIELLO Career earnings through 1969: $4,003,422Career victories through 1969: 2,473 EARLE AVERY Career earnings through 1969: $3,199,025Career victories through 1969: 1,196 RALPH BALDWIN Career earnings through 1969: $4,048,067Career victories through 1969: 1,013 HOWARD BEISSINGER Career earnings through 1969: $3,292,907Career victories through 1969: 1,191 HUGHIE BELL Career earnings through 1969: $3,469,246Career victories through 1969: 1,620 CHRIS BORING Career earnings through 1969: $1,812,686Career victories through 1969: 892 HARRY BURRIGHTCareer Earnings through 1969: $2,790,945 Career victories through 1969: 2,124 DON BUSSECareer earnings through 1969: $2,667,932Career victories through 1969: 2,078 DEL CAMERONCareer earnings through 1969: $3,135,545Career victories through 1969: 1,102 BOBBY CAMPERCareer earnings through 1969: $2,253,791Career victories through 1969: 731 JOHN CHAPMAN Career earnings through 1969: $6,202,106Career victories through 1969: 2,324 BOB CHERRIX Career earnings through 1969: $2,740,594Career victories through 1969: 943 EDDIE COBB Career earnings through 1969: $4,725,059Career victories through 1969: 1,757 JIMMY CRUISE Career earnings through 1969: $4,501,920Career victories through 1969: 1,571 HAROLD DANCER, Jr. Career earnings through 1969: $2,842,867Career victories through 1969: 838 STANLEY DANCER Career earnings through 1969: $12,743,865Career victories through 1969: 2,564 VERNON DANCER Career earnings through 1969: $4,813,877Career victories through 1969: 1,138 JIM DENNISCareer earnings through 1969: $4,735,734Career victories through 1969: 1,413 FRANK ERVIN Career earnings through 1969: $4,264,996Career victories through 1969: 1,194 BOB FARRINGTONCareer earnings through 1969: $4,780,520Career victories through 1969: 2,520 HERVE FILION Career earnings through 1969: $3,642,387Career victories through 1969: 2,431 CHARLEY FITZPATRICKCareer earnings through 1969: $2,105,267Career victories through 1969: 743 LUCIEN FONTAINE Career earnings through 1969: $4,158,797Career victories through 1969: 1,209 BUDDY GILMOUR Career earnings through 1969: $3,716,345Career victories through 1969: 2,122 LEVI HARNERCareer earnings through 1969: $2,737,898Career victories through 1969: 2,116 BILLY HAUGHTON Career earnings through 1969: $14,417,719Career victories through 1969: 3,155 CLINT HODGINS Career earnings through 1969: $5,076,928Career victories through 1969: 1,597 BILLY HUDSON Career earnings through 1969: $1,991,020Career victories through 1969: 714 DELMER INSKO Career earnings through 1969: $8,207,775Career victories through 1969: 2,473 JOE MARSH, Jr.Career earnings through 1969: $2,391,663Career victories through 1969: 1,250 DELVIN MILLER Career earnings through 1969: $4,995,623Career victories through 1969: 1,582 ALAN MYER Career earnings through 1969: $3,612,948Career victories through 1969: 1,626 BILLY MYER Career earnings through 1969: $4,596,169Career victories through 1969: 1,488 JOE O'BRIEN Career earnings through 1969: $8,517,898Career victories through 1969: 2,730 GEORGE PHALEN Career earnings through 1969: $3,779,355Career victories through 1969: 1,308 SANDERS RUSSELLCareer earnings through 1969: $2,469,595Career victories through 1969: 1,175 FRANK SAFFORD Career earnings through 1969: $2,517,095Career victories through 1969: 1,629 GEORGE SHOLTY Career earnings through 1969: $7,136,832Career victories through 1969: 1,768 BILLY SHUTERCareer earnings through 1969: $2,104,602Career victories through 1969: 974 JOHN SIMPSON, SR Career earnings through 1969: $4,716,326Career victories through 1969: 1,465 CURLY SMARTCareer earnings through 1969: $2,699,523Career victories through 1969: 1,837 DICK THOMAS Career earnings through 1969: $2,317,998Career victories through 1969: 724 EDDIE WHEELERCareer earnings through 1969: $2,830,549Career victories through 1969: 1,089 JOHN "TIC" WILCUTTSCareer earnings through 1969: $2,901,653Career victories through 1969: 1,258 BOB WILLIAMSCareer earnings through 1969: $2,939,834Career victories through 1969: 1,029


Saturday, May 7, 2005 2:23 PM
Hi,
I love your site. It's a great remembrance of the things I grew up with. I am the nurses daughter - the First Aide Nurse- Helen O'Halloran R.N. She was the nurse at Roosevelt Raceway for 40 years. She was the nurse for the construction site of the new track until it's closing and then worked at the Flea Market. I grew up around Roosevelt Raceway. I am also a nurse and even worked at the track some nights to give mom a night off . My father was Race Secretary and my brother worked in the mutuals. My husbands mom was an executive at the track and my husband worked in security for awhile. Sort of a family business :) I have lots of pictures of the Racetrack and people who worked there. Too many to E Mail. What are you interested in and I can snail mail them if you want some. I also have two RR keychains that they used to give out .
It broke my mothers heart to see the track abandoned and falling apart. I was glad she was not here to see it torn down. Mom died 7 years ago yesterday.
I too remember Orbachs...that's a name from the past. Wow! I think I got my first charge card there!!! I remember Doc Robbins, Jack Lee, Johnny Simpson, Del Insko The first International race when the French horse Jamaine won. Many a night my husband did his homework while having dinner in the Cloud Casino. We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary at the Island Inn Restaurant. They tore it down the next week. I miss it. Things around here just aren't the same.
Eileen
Sunday, June 19, 2005 12:33 AM
Good Evening Sarge,
Love all the feed back regarding Roosevelt Raceway. As a former NYer from ozone park , queens now living in las vegas, nevada I really miss seeing live harness racing as the only track near vegas is in Sacramento, Ca and that being CAL EXPO where former ny crooked driver Richard Wojcio is .
Used to enjoy going to RR as the drive was only about 30 mins for me, and really liked the 7:30 pm sunday post times.
Didnt really start going to RR until about '79 or '80 but used to watch the races on channel 9 all 3 times a week tues, thurs and sat.
Some of the better horses I recall are: Key to the city, Sugar Dust, Newt Lobell, Millers Scout, Bobbo.
All time favorite standardbred: CAM FELLA Favorite Driver: Buddy Gilmour Best horse I never cared for : NIATROSS Best Driver I didnt like : CARMINE
Other memories of RR: Catching a winner who was 3-1 on the morning line and that horse some how paying $60!! " Devil's Island driven by leo bauer. the reduced price for admission for us youngsters. the night spencer ross interviewd Howard Oil on ch. 9. the balloon guy. the weasley guy who used to ask " can anyone help me" who one week I saw at RR on a saturday night then saw him on monday standing on the corner of Broadway and Wall st. doing the same act. The OTB/RR school that a friend of mine attended and to this day still works on the track as an assistant trainer.
Some other super spank drivers : Robert "sackofpotatoes" Vitrano Mark "I only have a license thanks to my dad" Fontaine John "no guts" kopas Andrew Santeraramo Paul "apples" Appell "DUMB" Donald Dancer "Dickhead" Leo Bauer "double a" alan alkes
Great job with the site sarge have a good one as this field is on gate!!!
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