I found it troubling too, but apparently no one in a position of power raised it as a legal challenge or an issue before Issue 3 was allowed to go on the ballot, this issue could have been dealt with before Ohio voters were asked to vote on it and [...]
Those of you who know me, know I’m a bit of a Star Wars fan, I’ve had many a light saber battle where as Darth Mom, I’ve been rarely beaten…Probably because my children start laughing, but a win is a win. This week’s cover story in the Toledo Free [...]
The “This Strikes Us” column in this week’s Sojourner’s Truth focuses on the health care bill that is now before the Senate. Since it’s been something mentioned here, it is an opinion piece that may be of interest to some of you.
There was no column by Jack Ford [...]
Curtsy to Mad Anthony for pointing out this article written by the Wall Street Journal, Haven for Disabled Workers Feels Job Market’s Sting. It’s one I highly recommend reading, and I’m glad the Wall Street Journal is pointing this type of information out, part of what’s shared in [...]
Sometimes I take a break from politics, I’ve been given the opportunity to do some fun interviews for the Toledo Free Press, this one, Dr. Jerry Graham Jr. returns to ring after ten-year retirement to face Pastor Pain is one of those. Earlier this week I had a chance [...]
Today is November 28, 2009, which means reporting what was spent in 2008, $459,148, to “drive by appraisers” could have been dealt with quite some time ago. Employees have been laid off by the County, some in departments such as Jobs and Family Services where there has been an increased [...]
I saw this headline on WTOL then did some further searching to see if additional information was reported. The basics:
WASHINGTON (AP) – The divorce rate in the armed forces increased slightly again in the past year as military marriages continued to bear the stress of the nation’s ninth year [...]
In the other thread about Toledo City Council passing the texting ordinance, Ron made a very astute comment that I think should be pointed out:
I am going to guess that when internet providers start getting text messaging subpoena from municipal courts, they are not going to drop everything and for [...]
Another reason to not participate in what has become the madness of Black Friday, WTOL reports, Stores may have less inventory of Black Friday door busters, which means your chances of waiting for hours for that “really great deal” is even less now which will increase the pushing, shoving [...]
It can’t be said morale is low anymore because of the layoffs…but something is going on with the Toledo Police Department. I just got done watching FOX Toledo, that is reporting, 2 Toledo officers fail drug test. What bothers me most about this is, I know police officers are [...]
WTVG has the story, Bar owner to hire off-duty officers after shoot-out. More is expected tomorrow after the Mayor meets with the Chief of Police, so this is one of those “stories to watch” categories.
Updated! Release from the office of Mayor Finkbeiner:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Route [...]
It’s with a sigh, that I share this from FOX Toledo:
DOWNTOWN TOLEDO – UPDATE 4:48 p.m. EST: By a 10-2 count, Toledo City Council voted to ban texting while driving in the city of Toledo. The measure will go into effect Jan. 1.
The only two council members to vote [...]
Toledo Free Press is one media source that has the story, Volunteers needed to save Children’s Wonderland. The basics? Fifty to 100 volunteers are needed in the next 24 hours to agree to help set up, move and run Children’s Wonderland. The Toledo Seagate Food Bank has agreed to [...]
That’s one of the comments left on the WGTE website where the live stream of the Ottawa Hills City Council meeting on deer is being held.
I can’t help wonder how Ottawa Hills can arrange for live streaming on the internet but Toledo can’t…Many of those speaking are stating that the [...]
FOX Toledo and the Columbus Dispatch two examples of the media coverage.
One of the cases noted by both media sources is Willie Knighten Jr., which the media release from the Governor goes into more detail about, including sharing a copy of the letter written by the [...]
The following release in via email from Hart Associates:
TARTA service changes approved to take effect December 27, fares remain unchanged
Sunday And Holiday Service To Continue At Reduced Level
Toledo, Ohio ‑ Changes reducing the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority’s service by 12 percent have been approved by the TARTA Board [...]
This in via email from the office of Ohio House Representative Nancy Garland:
Rep. Nancy Garland Calls for Local Control in Casino Enabling Legislation
COLUMBUS – State Rep. Nancy Garland (D-New Albany) today called for a fair and deliberate process that respects local control, when bringing a casino to Franklin County.
“In [...]
I’ve been following this, but had not yet posted. An earlier US News & Reports story caught my attention, Task Force Member Defends Mammography Guidelines. I recommend it for those looking for more information on both sides of this issue. After seeing this from WTOL Former NIH chief: [...]
Recommended news piece from WTVG, Sparrow’s Nest shelters record numbers of women. This is typically the time of year when people are feeling a bit more generous since we are approaching the holiday season. Considering the colder weather is also approaching, the Cherry Street Mission and other organizations such [...]
Tonight was part four of the series, with interviews with several members of Council and Larry Dillin. If you missed tonight and the previous episodes? they are online.
[...]This week’s Sojourner’s Truth our former Mayor is back with his My View column. Ford offers the following commentary directed at the Lucas County Democratic Party:
It seems to me that the Democratic Party has a real problem in Lucas County. A cosmetic makeover will not clean this mess [...]
The Toledo Free Press has a brief article in this week’s edition, Proposed Bowman-Longfellow swap draws criticism and WTOL has a story up tonight as well, Community divided over plan to move Longfellow school. But if you are curious as to what the proposed new school building on [...]
WTVG with an interesting story, Toledo budget update: red light revenue down part of the recommended read:
The mayor left out a very important number when writing up next year’s budget. Toledo’s red light cameras were projected to earn the city $2.5 million in paid fines in 2009. But [...]
This in via e-mail:
McNamara Will Explore Senate Run
Toledo City Council President says middle class families need a strong voice in Columbus
Toledo, OH – Democrat Joe McNamara announces today that he will form a committee to explore a campaign for the 11th District seat in the Ohio State Senate being [...]
Advice a bit too late for most areas of the City, including mine but? Here’s a release from the City of Toledo:
Leaf Pick-up Schedule
Due to the late leaf drop, and the looming snow and ice season, the City of Toledo has only committed to one full pass for leaf [...]
This in via e-mail this morning from the office of Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken, I’m sure it will be a media item today, Toledo Free Press as one example of other media reporting on the following release:
Commissioner Gerken Receives Retirement Letter From Dog Warden Tom Skeldon
This morning, [...]
This in via e-mail from State Representative Matt Patten, I’m sharing it since it impacts some of the townships in our area:
State Rep. Patten’s Fire Fighters Equality Bill Passes Out of Committee
House Bill 271 Promotes Public Safety
COLUMBUS – House Bill 271, sponsored by State Representatives Matt Patten (D-Strongsville) and [...]
Councilmen D. Michael Collins and Mike Craig are here, Steve Steel arrived shortly after things started, no one else is here from Council. The earlier meeting today had over 180 people attend, tonight’s meeting has about 50 people present. Councilman Collins is going through the history of the trash fee, [...]
This in via e-mail from the office of Ohio House Representative and Speaker Pro Tempore, Matt Szollosi:
Rep. Szollosi, Ohio House Pass Comprehensive Election Reform Legislation
Key Changes Focus on Modernizing Elections System and Improving the Voter Registration Process
COLUMBUS – Speaker Pro Tempore Matthew A. Szollosi and the Ohio House of [...]
I am not singling NBC24 out to pick on them, I’ll write that first, because at times they are only reporting the information that they are given by the authorities, but this one story that I read created a scenario for me where public record information adds to the story [...]
Last year this was discussed several times on the blog, where people would arrive hours early at EOPA to be able to try to get one of the few walk in appointments available since they were unable to get an appointment by phone to get assistance with their heating bills. [...]
This in via e-mail:
Senators Kearney and Coughlin Introduce Bill to Fight Childhood Obesity
(Columbus) – Today State Senator Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) and Senator Kevin Coughlin (R-Cuyahoga Falls) introduced Senate Bill 210 to enlist Ohio’s schools in combating the childhood obesity epidemic.
“Now is the time for Ohio to move forward [...]
The below was received via e-mail from Toledo City Council District 2 Councilman D. Michael Collins in his November 2009 newsletter:
A message from Councilman Collins:
Greetings:
As we enter into this Holiday season, while we have challenges that cannot be denied, we also have opportunities to make this season [...]
We live in a world where preferential treatment exists, that’s a given. Is it shocking that vaccinations against the H1N1 virus were delivered and administered on the 22nd floor of One Government Center? Christine Long’s story on WTVG H1N1 vaccine delivered to top city officials creates that as a [...]
Not this kind of a Wonderland but the Children’s Wonderland that was held at the Lucas County Rec Center is not going to happen this year. As FOX Toledo points out Commissioner Konop voted against the budget last year with one of the reasons being mentioned was directly [...]
Sent in via e-mail from Toledo Public Schools Board member Darlene Fisher for readers of GCJ as a guest post:
The United Way has recently taken up Education as one of their issues. Their research has found that to positively reduce the need for more extensive resources going to social [...]
This isn’t local, but since so many of you enjoy injecting national politics into local threads, here’s your chance to chime in. The current “Obama scandal” of the moment is the accusation that President Obama bowed to Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko this past Saturday. That’s considered to [...]
This in via e-mail from the office of Toledo City Councilman George Sarantou:
Toledo City Councilman, George Sarantou, chair of the Finance & Budget Committee, issued the following statement upon release of Mayor Carleton S. Finkbeiner’s 2010 budget proposal:
“I commit to the citizens of Toledo that I will carefully analyze this [...]
This in via e-mail from District 5 Toledo City Councilman Tom Waniewski:
Toledo City Councilman Tom Waniewski is presenting legislation that will help small business owners in west Toledo.
The Sylvania Avenue Facade Grant Program is intended to provide support to hard-working, local business owners along two miles of Sylvania Avenue [...]
Appropriate in so many ways…I’ve been having fun playing this game on FaceBook called “Music Challenge” and this song was one of the many, that I’ve come across.
[...]
I’m not going to ruin what’s happening, but if you tune into the Andrew Z in the morning show, on KissFM which can be also listened to online, www.925kissfm.com tomorrow morning, especially around 9:00 a.m. — It’s something positive and definitely meets the “Something nice” category.
More tomorrow…Updated release [...]
Shortly after the election, Rossford Public School board member, Jackie Brown, stated she wanted to sit down and discuss the concerns of having a casino within walking distance of schools…It appears that is going to happen. In speaking with Jackie Brown yesterday, a meeting has been planned with members [...]
I “borrowed” this questionnaire that was sent to my husband from the Republican National Committee…The questions that have received previous media coverage from the Washington Post when this survey was sent out to Virgina residents:
Do you agree with Barack Obama’s budget plan that will lead to a $2.3 [...]
PDF of the decision by the Ohio Court of Appeals, 6th Appellate District, the basics:
The trial court rejected appellant’s argument, ruling that, in Ohio law, a “fee,” although legally distinguishable from a tax, is encompassed in the words “taxes or assessments” found in R.C. 2723.03. Consequently, the court denied [...]
Since we’ve been following the whole judicial screening process, and the recent appointment of Keila Cosme, it seemed appropriate to share this release concerning the recent appointment of Nadine Allen to the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas sent via e-mail:
Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced today [...]
Yesterday I pointed out a link to a news brief type story from WTOL that stated there was going to be a hearing yesterday concerning the Elm Street Warehouse. As an update to that story, some links to additional media coverage, what I found interesting was that it’s being reported, [...]
This in via e-mail from the Toledo Women’s Bar Association:
Toledo Women’s Bar Association Teams up with Other Local Bar Associations for The Big Unwind 2009
Event includes co-hosts Toledo Bar Association, Lucas County Bar Association, and Thurgood Marshall Law Association
In an effort to provide a networking event for [...]
This in via e-mail from Columbia Gas of Ohio to share with readers of GCJ:
Good News for the Holidays: December Natural Gas Costs
Will be 59% Lower than 2008 for Columbia Gas of Ohio Customers
TOLEDO, Ohio – Columbia Gas of Ohio today filed a Gas Cost Recovery (GCR) [...]
Here’s a story that could be interesting to follow, WTOL reports on the continuing attempts to have an Elm St. Warehouse torn down. It’s the site where the body of Cindy Sumner was found and has been allegedly used for other illegal activities. There’s another court hearing on this [...]
Okay I couldn’t resist, this was pretty much expected with some of the rumors going around about the health of the arena football league but now it’s formal, FOX Toledo as an example of the media, Bullfrogs bow out of 2010 season.
The real mystery is still the naming [...]
This in via e-mail from the Red Cross, though I don’t want to think about winter? We need to:
The Red Cross and Columbia Gas Encourage Safe Home Heating Practices This Winter
As temperatures begin to dip across Northwest Ohio, the Greater Toledo Area Chapter of the American Red Cross and [...]
This in via e-mail from the campaign of Mayor-elect Mike Bell:
Bell names advisory group to begin Mayoral transition
Mike Bell named a three-person Transition Advisory Group to advise him in structuring an orderly transition into the Mayor’s Office and recommend a process to select choices for leadership and staff positions [...]
This in via e-mail from the office of Representative Barbara Sears:
Audio Exclusive: Lawmakers Cut the Fat
House Bill 25 Receives First Hearing
Columbus – State Representative Barbara Sears (R-Sylvania) today spoke in support of the hearing that House Bill 25, a plan to restructure state government, will receive today in the [...]
This in via e-mail from the University of Toledo College Democrats:
Updated with photos and below the release sent is the original resolution that came before the University of Toledo. Click on the images to make them larger…
This in via e-mail from the Lucas County Commissioners:
Lucas County Celebrates America Recycles Day
The Board of Lucas County Commissioners Announces Local Partnership for America Recycles Day Event at the Toledo Zoo
Sunday, November 15, 2009 is America Recycles Day (ARD). ARD is a nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging [...]
Neither Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop, who was an actual board member on the Connecting Point, or the daily newspaper focused much on the huge mismanagement issues that took place at the Connecting Point, allowed/ignored by the Mental Health Recovery Services Board. The final solution was a review committee and [...]
The title is one of the comments made last night at the “Transition to Automated Refuse & Recycling Collection Meeting” as reported by FOX Toledo. I could debate it just being East Toledo, try being in the part of the City that’s South Toledo but is in District 3…
But [...]
I read about this on Jill’s facebook, she’s also posted it on her blog, Writes Like She Talks, she read it on Nookular Option who read it on America Blog who took the commenters running amok from Politico…That’s the complete disclosure/attribution…Elie Wiesel a holocaust survivor [...]
This in via e-mail from the office of Senator Sherrod Brown:
You may have seen a lot of me lately. I’ve been speaking out and setting the record straight on why it’s critical that health care reform legislation includes a public option. And now that the House has passed it, [...]
Those of you who are not fans of the bill that the House passed and that is now in the hands of the Senate, might want to read, Latta: health care bill is ’smoke and mirrors’ by Toledo Free Press’s Kristen Rapin. The picture gives you the impact of [...]
This in via e-mail from Kevin Joyce of the The Black Swamp Conservancy:
New Port Clinton Lakefront Preserve Creates Mile-Long Lake Erie Access
Nonprofit, local and state government partnership protects coastal land for new preserve
Port Clinton, OH – The public’s access to Ohio’s Lake Erie coast was recently enhanced with [...]
This week’s cover of the Toledo Free Press is one of my favorites so far, the artwork is amazing, and it doesn’t hurt that I’m a fan of the Batman…
The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library’s celebration of the 70th anniversary of Batman is one I hope many [...]
If you didn’t watch last night, the video and the print story is online, FOX Toledo tracks the money for project. FOX Toledo has been the only news station that has consistently reported on the Marina District and the fact that the $3.6 million check that was due on [...]
This in via e-mail from Matthew Rubin of the University of Toledo College Republicans:
Toledo College Republicans to host “Support the Troops Rally” Tuesday November 10th at 12:00 pm in the University of Toledo Centennial Mall. Community Welcome.
The UT College Republicans along with the Army ROTC, Resident Students Association, Student [...]
I have not focused on the Senatorial race recently, my focus was the most recent election, so I have avoided most of the Ohio blogosphere drama over the Lee Fisher versus Jennifer Brunner race that’s been taking place. It’s reminded me of what the blogosphere was like during Paul Hackett [...]
This in via e-mail from SEIU District 1199:
Service Employees Applaud Historic House Vote for Health Insurance Reform that Works for Ohio Families
Rep. Kaptur votes to give constituents the choice of quality care they can afford
COLUMBUS, OHIO-Today’s vote by the House of Representatives to pass the America’s Affordable Health Choices [...]
Back in 2007 when the Mayor appointed Lourdes Santiago as the Commissioner of Purchasing in the Finance Department, some raised questions as to what finance background did Santiago have. She had previously been; Commissioner of Community Development, Manager of Code Enforcement, Commissioner of Environmental and Consumer Health, Commissioner [...]
Granted, Lucas County did not meet the state average of 40% turnout on election day, we were at 36.96% but as this Columbus Dispatch article, Ohio’s voter turnout rebounds reports; 40% is up from 31% in 2005 with the highest turnout in what is considered an “odd year” election [...]
This in via e-mail from the office of Mayor Carty Finkbeiner:
Transition to Automated Refuse & Recycling Collection Meetings
Starting Monday, November 9th, Toledo City Council will host District Transition to Automated Refuse & Recycling Collection Meetings. A representative of the Div. of Solid Waste will provide information on cart distribution [...]
This in via e-mail from the Office of Congressman Robert E. Latta:
LATTA STATEMENT ON FORT HOOD SHOOTING
WASHINGTON- Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) made the following statement in the wake of yesterday’s shooting at Fort Hood.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and friends, and [...]
This in via e-mail from the office of Governor Ted Strickland:
Governor Orders Flags Lowered to Half Staff in Honor of Victims at Fort Hood
Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today ordered all state flags at public buildings and grounds to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Tuesday, [...]
Back on October 19th I shared with you an opinion piece written by Joe Hallett where he suggested that if Issue 3 passed, the Governor and Ohio Republican Senate President Bill M. Harris would work to basically re-write what voters passed through the General Assembly and a new ballot [...]
WTVG has an interesting story, on the Toledo budget that I recommend…part of which:
Toledo may have a new mayor-elect, but the current mayor has to propose a balanced budget in 10 days. And just like this year, next year’s budget could have an eye-popping deficit.
The year 2009 kicked [...]
No more “Daimler Disaster and the Cerberus Circus” according to this FOX Toledo. Part of the recommended story:
DOWNTOWN TOLEDO – Toledo area UAW leaders are excited, especially now that they say, they’ve really got car people in charge again at Chrysler.
They’ve had some pretty harsh nicknames for past owners.
“As [...]
This in via e-mail from the Ohio Senate Majority Caucus:
Statuary Committee to Hold Field Hearing at The Ohio State University on Friday as it Considers Memorializing Track Great Jesse Owens in Statuary Hall of the US Capitol
Columbus— National Statuary Collection Study Committee Chairman, State Senator Mark Wagoner (R-Ottawa Hills) [...]
I didn’t feel like crunching ward numbers earlier, so I didn’t start looking at them till two hours ago, and I noticed a clear trend. It evidenced itself in the Toledo Municipal Court numbers, the Toledo Public School Board numbers, Toledo City Council and the Toledo Mayoral numbers. Look at [...]
This in via e-mail from Chris Redfern, Chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party:
Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern Statement on Yesterday’s Municipal Elections
COLUMBUS – Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern issued the following statement on yesterday’s municipal elections:
“We didn’t win all of the races we wanted to last night, [...]
This came in yesterday from Ohio Senator Mark Wagoner:
Wagoner Announces Choose Ohio First Scholarship Awards
State’s latest investment will give students new opportunities to study sustainable energy technology in Northwest Ohio, as the region works to become a hub for green energy jobs
Columbus – State Senator Mark Wagoner (R-Ottawa Hills) [...]
This release came in yesterday from the office of Lucas County Treasurer Wade Kapszukiewicz:
Lucas County Treasurer to Testify On Behalf of Land Bank Reform
Lucas County Treasurer Wade Kapszukiewicz will testify Wednesday before the Ohio House of Representatives in Columbus on behalf of the land reutilization reform movement, commonly known [...]
Link here with 5.4 % of the vote in. I’m guessing these are the absentee votes and early voting. If you want to follow on the state issues? Link to Secretary of State.
Updated – I’m home now and it appears to be pretty much over. From what [...]
This in via e-mail from the office of Jennifer Brunner, Secretary of State, it gives you an idea of the possible voting numbers in other parts of Ohio:
Columbus, OH – Beginning at approximately 5:00 p.m., a request came from the Summit County Board of Elections to photocopy dwindling ballot [...]
It is Election Day, where you once again have the opportunity to vote or to stay home and let others decide for you who will lead your area as well as important issues such as will we have gambling in Ohio.
So far the reports I’m hearing from those who have [...]
I know most of you know the Toledo candidates who have been endorsed by either the Lucas County Democratic or Republican Parties, but some of the candidates in the outer areas of Toledo haven’t gotten much attention. So, the lists of candidates of the who received the Lucas County [...]
Two releases in today on Issue 3 – the first one from Ohio Jobs & Growth Plan reporting that the Toledo NAACP has endorsed Issue 3 and the second one in from TruthPAC that’s a statement from State Representative Lou Blessing urging the FOP to withdraw their endorsement of Issue [...]
I know, I don’t normally editorialize when I share a media release, but this one from the Department of Health gave me pause. One of the items recommended to bring with you to entertain small children for the long wait that’s possible, was bubbles. That is a completely asinine suggestion [...]
Two items of interest sent in via email from Michael Veh, Workforce Development Manager to share with readers of GCJ:
“Strong Solutions” Workshop to be Offered at The Source
TOLEDO – The Lucas County Workforce Development Agency and The Source of Northwest Ohio, in partnership with The Huntington, invites the public [...]
This article doesn’t appear to be online, but I happened to pick up a copy of the two week edition of the Toledo City Paper where as a part of their “Ballot Battle” coverage they have a page of brief bio information on the 11 council candidates, with a [...]
The Blade did their summary of their endorsements today, so here is the listing of each candidate running for office in Toledo and the Issues in Ohio, endorsements from the Toledo Free Press (TFP), the Sojourner’s Truth (Truth), the Toledo Blade (Blade) and mine (GCJ) are after each candidate/issue, [...]
This in via e-mail from the Darlene Fisher for Toledo Public Schools Board campaign:
Fisher endorsed by business, labor and community organizations
Fisher supports Educational Reform
Toledo, Ohio – “It really speaks volumes when you have such a diverse group of people and organizations supporting your campaign,” said Darlene Fisher. “Our children [...]
Updated 3:06 p.m. on Sunday…This morning was the “Celebrity Breakfast” where the celebrities are the unhoused and in addition to our amazingly fantastic volunteers (a few of which are loyal GCJ readers), some in the media, elected officials and those who want to be elected officials are the ones who [...]
This in via e-mail from Toledo City Council candidate Kevin Milliken:
Independent Toledo City Council candidate Kevin Milliken will be campaigning during trick or treat hours tonight, 6-8 pm in Point Place, during what’s being called Trick or Vote 2009.
Kevin will be passing out candy to parents/voters and talking [...]
This in via e-mail from Representative Peter Ujvagi:
Rep. Peter Ujvagi’s Chicken Paprikas Dinner to host local and 2010 statewide Democrat candidates Sunday, November 1, 2009 in final kickoff to election day.
The event, a local political tradition, will be held this Sunday November 1, 2009 at St. Stephen’s school hall [...]
This in via e-mail from the office of Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken:
County Commissioners Propose Innovative Approach to Increase Adoptions Rates, Lower Euthanasia in Dog Warden Department
Toledo, OH – County Commissioner Pete Gerken, in collaboration with the Lucas County Dog Warden, is proposing an innovative way to increase the [...]
Yesterday the Sojourner’s Truth was put online, this is the first chance I’ve had to go through all of their endorsements. The Toledo Free Press has also made their endorsements, and I’ve heard that the Toledo Journal also made endorsements but they are not online and the Toledo City Paper [...]
I’ll provide something official as soon as possible, but I’m hearing from reliable sources that Governor Ted Strickland has decided to appoint Keila Cosme for the 6th District Court of Appeals. The link is not yet live on the OJARP website…10.30.2009 Sixth District Court of Appeals Appointment is all [...]
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