





We have just arrived in Phoenix! I will be covering Sen. John McCain's election night events. It will be an interesting next 24 hours. Who knows what will happen? Stay tuned! By the way, if you are a Houstonian on your way here, let me know. Already, some of McCain's big Houston donors are on their way.
There are now just 13 days left before the historic election day, but the real election has already begun. Early voting continues to be off the charts, including in Harris County. The second day of early voting brought out 43,411 processed votes, a bit higher than day one's 39,201. Together, turnout has been basically double of voters during the same period four years ago.
Update: Organizers are planning for a couple of hundred people for the reception, and a limit of 100 for the "private" dinner to follow. As of right now, it doesn't look like Palin will be doing public events, but as we all know... that can always change!
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Could the current Republican Rock Star be swinging through Houston for a fundraiser soon?
That seems to be the buzz among some veteran Republican fundraising attendees. I heard from at least two people last night that they're waiting for info for the big shindig... and now there is news!
Here is the official release:
Governor Sarah Palin is coming to Houston for a one time only before the Nov. 4 election for a reception and dinner. The event will be at the home of Mica and Bob Mosbacher on Friday, October 3 at 5PM. This is a fundraiser and the levels of participation are as follows:
$1,000 for the General Reception
$2,300 for the VIP Reception
$5,000 for the photo reception
$28,500 for the dinner for two plus the VIP reception - limited to 100 guests
This is the only chance before the election to hear her speak and meet this exciting woman and hopefully raise enough funds for the McCain-Palin.
Get out your checkbooks!
Senator Hillary Clinton gave what was perhaps the most important speech of her career last night. She gave a full endorsement to the Obama-Biden ticket, and called Sen. John McCain's campaign just four more years of George Bush. For most Democrats, it was a speech that got them standing, excited, clapping -- it was what they wanted to hear.
Whether her speech will move polling points toward Obama remains to be seen. But, have you ever wondered what people like Clinton hang out when not speaking in front of a national audience? This week, the famous Palace Hotel in Denver is the place to be if you are the upper crust of the Democratic Party. Last night, Secret Service had half the hotel blocked off while waiting for Clinton to leave the hotel. You couldn't go near the elevator. Outside, dozens of fans lined the streets, waiting for Clinton to show up.
Clinton wasn't the only Democratic VIP hanging out at the century old Palace Hotel. If you hang out long enough, the place is loaded with party big wigs. We also spotted Teresa Heinz Kerry in the hotel, with a cadre of people, heading to a private dining room in the restaurant. So, what does Clinton like to have before and after the big event? The waiters weren't talking.
It certainly is convention time in Denver. Both Tom Abrahams and I will be covering the Democratic National Convention over the next week. This morning, my flight was loaded with media, some delegates, and one or two Obamacans.
It's the front page news in the Denver papers, and when you leave the airport, there is a variety of welcome wagons.
We , though, headed to our rental cars. Over the next few days, both Tom and I will show you the ins and outs of the convention.
The Texas delegation is headquartered out of the Red Lion, so we'll make sure to head there and check out the scene. A lot of Texans are already in town, getting in an early bike ride. We are going to meet up with some of them in a bit.
I snapped some photos using my brand new camera in the last 24 hours or so in Austin. I've made a little slideshow... see if you see yourself, or someone you know. So far, the convention has been a fast paced, go there, dash here, sort of thing for the media. I've been interested in seeing all the Hillary and Obama supporters still so passionate about both candidates. Chelsea Clinton is making an appearance tonight, so that should be very interesting! How will the rest of the convention go? I can't wait to find out who from our area will be heading to Denver.
Want the high quality picture of your smiling face? Leave me a comment with email info. Enjoy!
I snapped some photos using my brand new camera in the last 24 hours or so in Austin. I've made a little slideshow... see if you see yourself, or someone you know. So far, the convention has been a fast paced, go there, dash here, sort of thing for the media. I've been interested in seeing all the Hillary and Obama supporters still so passionate about both candidates. Chelsea Clinton is making an appearance tonight, so that should be very interesting! How will the rest of the convention go? I can't wait to find out who from our area will be heading to Denver.
Want the high quality picture of your smiling face? Leave me a comment with email info. Enjoy!
Update: 5:00 pm Responding to commenters as to why I didn't cover the Hubert Vo controversy, and now covering this one.. If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know I was in China all last week, kind of hard to cover an elected official when I'm on the other side of the world (and my blog's being blocked by the Chinese censors.) And yes, Borris Miles is a Democrat.. I thought everyone knew that. Now, back to the issue at hand. No, Miles has not turned himself in yet. And despite the fact that he's been shopping for a big name criminal defense attorney in the past few months (serious, serious shopping), he hasn't hired one yet, as far as we know.
Update: 4:00 pm We hear arrest warrent has been issued for Miles.
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- State Representative Borris Miles has been indicted on two counts of deadly conduct. The indictments stem from two different incidents on the same day back in December. The first incident happened during a Rockets/Mavericks game at Toyota Center. At a facility lounge, Miles allegedly pulled a gun on TSU regent Willard Jackson's wife. The second incident took place at a party thrown by businessman David Harris later that same night. At the party, Miles allegedly pulled a gun on Harris.
Apparently, Miles alledgedly pulled the gun inside the swanky Lexus Lounge at the Toyota Center. They then moved on to the St. Regis hotel, where the alledged incidents there have been well documented. Stay Tuned!
Update: 5:00 pm Responding to commenters as to why I didn't cover the Hubert Vo controversy, and now covering this one.. If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know I was in China all last week, kind of hard to cover an elected official when I'm on the other side of the world (and my blog's being blocked by the Chinese censors.) And yes, Borris Miles is a Democrat.. I thought everyone knew that. Now, back to the issue at hand. No, Miles has not turned himself in yet. And despite the fact that he's been shopping for a big name criminal defense attorney in the past few months (serious, serious shopping), he hasn't hired one yet, as far as we know.
Update: 4:00 pm We hear arrest warrent has been issued for Miles.
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- State Representative Borris Miles has been indicted on two counts of deadly conduct. The indictments stem from two different incidents on the same day back in December. The first incident happened during a Rockets/Mavericks game at Toyota Center. At a facility lounge, Miles allegedly pulled a gun on TSU regent Willard Jackson's wife. The second incident took place at a party thrown by businessman David Harris later that same night. At the party, Miles allegedly pulled a gun on Harris.
Apparently, Miles alledgedly pulled the gun inside the swanky Lexus Lounge at the Toyota Center. They then moved on to the St. Regis hotel, where the alledged incidents there have been well documented. Stay Tuned!
Update: 5:00 pm Responding to commenters as to why I didn't cover the Hubert Vo controversy, and now covering this one.. If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know I was in China all last week, kind of hard to cover an elected official when I'm on the other side of the world (and my blog's being blocked by the Chinese censors.) And yes, Borris Miles is a Democrat.. I thought everyone knew that. Now, back to the issue at hand. No, Miles has not turned himself in yet. And despite the fact that he's been shopping for a big name criminal defense attorney in the past few months (serious, serious shopping), he hasn't hired one yet, as far as we know.
Update: 4:00 pm We hear arrest warrent has been issued for Miles.
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- State Representative Borris Miles has been indicted on two counts of deadly conduct. The indictments stem from two different incidents on the same day back in December. The first incident happened during a Rockets/Mavericks game at Toyota Center. At a facility lounge, Miles allegedly pulled a gun on TSU regent Willard Jackson's wife. The second incident took place at a party thrown by businessman David Harris later that same night. At the party, Miles allegedly pulled a gun on Harris.
Apparently, Miles alledgedly pulled the gun inside the swanky Lexus Lounge at the Toyota Center. They then moved on to the St. Regis hotel, where the alledged incidents there have been well documented. Stay Tuned!
Update: 5:00 pm Responding to commenters as to why I didn't cover the Hubert Vo controversy, and now covering this one.. If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know I was in China all last week, kind of hard to cover an elected official when I'm on the other side of the world (and my blog's being blocked by the Chinese censors.) And yes, Borris Miles is a Democrat.. I thought everyone knew that. Now, back to the issue at hand. No, Miles has not turned himself in yet. And despite the fact that he's been shopping for a big name criminal defense attorney in the past few months (serious, serious shopping), he hasn't hired one yet, as far as we know.
Update: 4:00 pm We hear arrest warrent has been issued for Miles.
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- State Representative Borris Miles has been indicted on two counts of deadly conduct. The indictments stem from two different incidents on the same day back in December. The first incident happened during a Rockets/Mavericks game at Toyota Center. At a facility lounge, Miles allegedly pulled a gun on TSU regent Willard Jackson's wife. The second incident took place at a party thrown by businessman David Harris later that same night. At the party, Miles allegedly pulled a gun on Harris.
Apparently, Miles alledgedly pulled the gun inside the swanky Lexus Lounge at the Toyota Center. They then moved on to the St. Regis hotel, where the alledged incidents there have been well documented. Stay Tuned!
After a long stretch of unhappy Clinton supporters grumbling about chief strategist Mark Penn, this from ABC news:
Mark Penn has been pushed out as chief strategist of Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign after his work on a Colombian free-trade agreement that Clinton opposes, sources tell ABC News.
Sources said that the Clintons were angry to learn about Penn's work, especially because they had been told that Penn had recused himself from controversial clients and would restrict his private work.
Though Clinton campaign manager Maggie Williams said, "After the events of the last few days, Mark Penn has asked to give up his role as chief strategist of the Clinton campaign," sources told ABC News Penn was pushed.
The Wall Street Journal first reported on Friday that Penn, who also is chief executive of the lobbying and public relations firm Burson-Marsteller Worldwide, had been hired by the Colombian government to help secure a trade deal.
On Saturday, the Colombian government said it was firing Penn's firm after he said through the Clinton campaign that his consultations with Colombian officials were "an error in judgment that will not be repeated, and I am sorry for it."
After a long stretch of unhappy Clinton supporters grumbling about chief strategist Mark Penn, this from ABC news:
Mark Penn has been pushed out as chief strategist of Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign after his work on a Colombian free-trade agreement that Clinton opposes, sources tell ABC News.
Sources said that the Clintons were angry to learn about Penn's work, especially because they had been told that Penn had recused himself from controversial clients and would restrict his private work.
Though Clinton campaign manager Maggie Williams said, "After the events of the last few days, Mark Penn has asked to give up his role as chief strategist of the Clinton campaign," sources told ABC News Penn was pushed.
The Wall Street Journal first reported on Friday that Penn, who also is chief executive of the lobbying and public relations firm Burson-Marsteller Worldwide, had been hired by the Colombian government to help secure a trade deal.
On Saturday, the Colombian government said it was firing Penn's firm after he said through the Clinton campaign that his consultations with Colombian officials were "an error in judgment that will not be repeated, and I am sorry for it."
After a long stretch of unhappy Clinton supporters grumbling about chief strategist Mark Penn, this from ABC news:
Mark Penn has been pushed out as chief strategist of Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign after his work on a Colombian free-trade agreement that Clinton opposes, sources tell ABC News.
Sources said that the Clintons were angry to learn about Penn's work, especially because they had been told that Penn had recused himself from controversial clients and would restrict his private work.
Though Clinton campaign manager Maggie Williams said, "After the events of the last few days, Mark Penn has asked to give up his role as chief strategist of the Clinton campaign," sources told ABC News Penn was pushed.
The Wall Street Journal first reported on Friday that Penn, who also is chief executive of the lobbying and public relations firm Burson-Marsteller Worldwide, had been hired by the Colombian government to help secure a trade deal.
On Saturday, the Colombian government said it was firing Penn's firm after he said through the Clinton campaign that his consultations with Colombian officials were "an error in judgment that will not be repeated, and I am sorry for it."
After a long stretch of unhappy Clinton supporters grumbling about chief strategist Mark Penn, this from ABC news:
Mark Penn has been pushed out as chief strategist of Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign after his work on a Colombian free-trade agreement that Clinton opposes, sources tell ABC News.
Sources said that the Clintons were angry to learn about Penn's work, especially because they had been told that Penn had recused himself from controversial clients and would restrict his private work.
Though Clinton campaign manager Maggie Williams said, "After the events of the last few days, Mark Penn has asked to give up his role as chief strategist of the Clinton campaign," sources told ABC News Penn was pushed.
The Wall Street Journal first reported on Friday that Penn, who also is chief executive of the lobbying and public relations firm Burson-Marsteller Worldwide, had been hired by the Colombian government to help secure a trade deal.
On Saturday, the Colombian government said it was firing Penn's firm after he said through the Clinton campaign that his consultations with Colombian officials were "an error in judgment that will not be repeated, and I am sorry for it."
Austin-- Update: You can see the video of the story on the ABC13 website.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) told me today that it's considering filing a lawsuit against the Texas Democratic Party. LULAC's national general counsel Louis Vera told me that he believes the caucus process disenfranchises the state's Latino voters. Although the caucus numbers between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are not final yet, LULAC has been contemplating the lawsuit for a few weeks.
"We had reports all night long and this morning of many, many people who couldn’t stay there anymore," says Vera. "It was 9:30, 10 o'clock and they haven’t even begun to vote."
Vera is also concerned that because the Primary allocates delegates based on turnout of the previous election, a vote for delegates in San Antonio or south Texas is actually worth less than a vote out of Houston or Dallas. LULAC isn't officially allowed to endorse anyone, but Vera and a number of high ranking officials within the organization support Clinton.
Vera says a decision will be made about the lawsuit when all the caucus numbers roll in, which could take a few weeks. "What we are considering is whether or not there are violations of the Voting Rights Act, " he says. "I’m not sure if all the changes in the caucus system has been pre-cleared by the Justice Department."
I called the Texas Democratic Party today, and spokesperson Hector Nieto says he did not hear about the rumblings of a lawsuit until I called him. "When you put a million people across the state in a caucus, off course you’re going to have problems," says Nieto. "there will be people waiting, there will be people crammed into small rooms... All I can say is that this system was put into place for participation by all, and judging by the turnout, we had an equal opportunity for people to participate."
Vera says if they are filing a lawsuit, it will be done before the state Democratic Convention. He also says this is not about Clinton or Obama. It's about whether or not the voices of Latino voters are heard.
Austin-- Update: You can see the video of the story on the ABC13 website.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) told me today that it's considering filing a lawsuit against the Texas Democratic Party. LULAC's national general counsel Louis Vera told me that he believes the caucus process disenfranchises the state's Latino voters. Although the caucus numbers between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are not final yet, LULAC has been contemplating the lawsuit for a few weeks.
"We had reports all night long and this morning of many, many people who couldn’t stay there anymore," says Vera. "It was 9:30, 10 o'clock and they haven’t even begun to vote."
Vera is also concerned that because the Primary allocates delegates based on turnout of the previous election, a vote for delegates in San Antonio or south Texas is actually worth less than a vote out of Houston or Dallas. LULAC isn't officially allowed to endorse anyone, but Vera and a number of high ranking officials within the organization support Clinton.
Vera says a decision will be made about the lawsuit when all the caucus numbers roll in, which could take a few weeks. "What we are considering is whether or not there are violations of the Voting Rights Act, " he says. "I’m not sure if all the changes in the caucus system has been pre-cleared by the Justice Department."
I called the Texas Democratic Party today, and spokesperson Hector Nieto says he did not hear about the rumblings of a lawsuit until I called him. "When you put a million people across the state in a caucus, off course you’re going to have problems," says Nieto. "there will be people waiting, there will be people crammed into small rooms... All I can say is that this system was put into place for participation by all, and judging by the turnout, we had an equal opportunity for people to participate."
Vera says if they are filing a lawsuit, it will be done before the state Democratic Convention. He also says this is not about Clinton or Obama. It's about whether or not the voices of Latino voters are heard.
Austin-- Update: You can see the video of the story on the ABC13 website.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) told me today that it's considering filing a lawsuit against the Texas Democratic Party. LULAC's national general counsel Louis Vera told me that he believes the caucus process disenfranchises the state's Latino voters. Although the caucus numbers between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are not final yet, LULAC has been contemplating the lawsuit for a few weeks.
"We had reports all night long and this morning of many, many people who couldn’t stay there anymore," says Vera. "It was 9:30, 10 o'clock and they haven’t even begun to vote."
Vera is also concerned that because the Primary allocates delegates based on turnout of the previous election, a vote for delegates in San Antonio or south Texas is actually worth less than a vote out of Houston or Dallas. LULAC isn't officially allowed to endorse anyone, but Vera and a number of high ranking officials within the organization support Clinton.
Vera says a decision will be made about the lawsuit when all the caucus numbers roll in, which could take a few weeks. "What we are considering is whether or not there are violations of the Voting Rights Act, " he says. "I’m not sure if all the changes in the caucus system has been pre-cleared by the Justice Department."
I called the Texas Democratic Party today, and spokesperson Hector Nieto says he did not hear about the rumblings of a lawsuit until I called him. "When you put a million people across the state in a caucus, off course you’re going to have problems," says Nieto. "there will be people waiting, there will be people crammed into small rooms... All I can say is that this system was put into place for participation by all, and judging by the turnout, we had an equal opportunity for people to participate."
Vera says if they are filing a lawsuit, it will be done before the state Democratic Convention. He also says this is not about Clinton or Obama. It's about whether or not the voices of Latino voters are heard.
Austin-- Update: You can see the video of the story on the ABC13 website.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) told me today that it's considering filing a lawsuit against the Texas Democratic Party. LULAC's national general counsel Louis Vera told me that he believes the caucus process disenfranchises the state's Latino voters. Although the caucus numbers between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are not final yet, LULAC has been contemplating the lawsuit for a few weeks.
"We had reports all night long and this morning of many, many people who couldn’t stay there anymore," says Vera. "It was 9:30, 10 o'clock and they haven’t even begun to vote."
Vera is also concerned that because the Primary allocates delegates based on turnout of the previous election, a vote for delegates in San Antonio or south Texas is actually worth less than a vote out of Houston or Dallas. LULAC isn't officially allowed to endorse anyone, but Vera and a number of high ranking officials within the organization support Clinton.
Vera says a decision will be made about the lawsuit when all the caucus numbers roll in, which could take a few weeks. "What we are considering is whether or not there are violations of the Voting Rights Act, " he says. "I’m not sure if all the changes in the caucus system has been pre-cleared by the Justice Department."
I called the Texas Democratic Party today, and spokesperson Hector Nieto says he did not hear about the rumblings of a lawsuit until I called him. "When you put a million people across the state in a caucus, off course you’re going to have problems," says Nieto. "there will be people waiting, there will be people crammed into small rooms... All I can say is that this system was put into place for participation by all, and judging by the turnout, we had an equal opportunity for people to participate."
Vera says if they are filing a lawsuit, it will be done before the state Democratic Convention. He also says this is not about Clinton or Obama. It's about whether or not the voices of Latino voters are heard.
Last night, about 150 people crammed into a still open Cyclone Anaya's in Midtown to hear Chelsea Clinton. The low dollar
fundraiser was aimed at the youngish crowd, with 25 bucks being the entrance fee. Actually, since the restaurant was open the whole time, you could have just shown up, and nobody would've cared. Former City Council member Carol Alvarado introduced her protege, current council member James Rodriguez. Rodriguez then proceeded to introduce Chelsea. The younger Clinton was about an hour late, arriving around 9pm. Considering her dad Bill was more than an hour late to his own rally at UH, the crowd didn't seem
to mind. Chelsea spoke for about 5 minutes about the virutes of voting for her mother, and then mingled with the crowd for about 45 minutes,
even stopping to pose for pictures. Her handlers didn't let her talk to the media, however, and she quickly left after talking to supporters. And no, she didn't have one of the famous 'ritas from Cyclone.
Last night, about 150 people crammed into a still open Cyclone Anaya's in Midtown to hear Chelsea Clinton. The low dollar
fundraiser was aimed at the youngish crowd, with 25 bucks being the entrance fee. Actually, since the restaurant was open the whole time, you could have just shown up, and nobody would've cared. Former City Council member Carol Alvarado introduced her protege, current council member James Rodriguez. Rodriguez then proceeded to introduce Chelsea. The younger Clinton was about an hour late, arriving around 9pm. Considering her dad Bill was more than an hour late to his own rally at UH, the crowd didn't seem
to mind. Chelsea spoke for about 5 minutes about the virutes of voting for her mother, and then mingled with the crowd for about 45 minutes,
even stopping to pose for pictures. Her handlers didn't let her talk to the media, however, and she quickly left after talking to supporters. And no, she didn't have one of the famous 'ritas from Cyclone.
Last night, about 150 people crammed into a still open Cyclone Anaya's in Midtown to hear Chelsea Clinton. The low dollar
fundraiser was aimed at the youngish crowd, with 25 bucks being the entrance fee. Actually, since the restaurant was open the whole time, you could have just shown up, and nobody would've cared. Former City Council member Carol Alvarado introduced her protege, current council member James Rodriguez. Rodriguez then proceeded to introduce Chelsea. The younger Clinton was about an hour late, arriving around 9pm. Considering her dad Bill was more than an hour late to his own rally at UH, the crowd didn't seem
to mind. Chelsea spoke for about 5 minutes about the virutes of voting for her mother, and then mingled with the crowd for about 45 minutes,
even stopping to pose for pictures. Her handlers didn't let her talk to the media, however, and she quickly left after talking to supporters. And no, she didn't have one of the famous 'ritas from Cyclone.
Last night, about 150 people crammed into a still open Cyclone Anaya's in Midtown to hear Chelsea Clinton. The low dollar
fundraiser was aimed at the youngish crowd, with 25 bucks being the entrance fee. Actually, since the restaurant was open the whole time, you could have just shown up, and nobody would've cared. Former City Council member Carol Alvarado introduced her protege, current council member James Rodriguez. Rodriguez then proceeded to introduce Chelsea. The younger Clinton was about an hour late, arriving around 9pm. Considering her dad Bill was more than an hour late to his own rally at UH, the crowd didn't seem
to mind. Chelsea spoke for about 5 minutes about the virutes of voting for her mother, and then mingled with the crowd for about 45 minutes,
even stopping to pose for pictures. Her handlers didn't let her talk to the media, however, and she quickly left after talking to supporters. And no, she didn't have one of the famous 'ritas from Cyclone.
Former President George Bush arrives at Hobby Airport early this morning. He is endorsing Sen. John McCain. Mrs. Bush is here as well, it's a small, quick event. It is the first event of a busy campaign Monday! McCain is answering a few questions, including whether Bush has any advice for McCain. Responding to a question of if the former President thought McCain was being fairly criticized by conservatives, Bush responded: "You know, you've been around the track, you hear those criticisms, and I think that's grossly unfair." 
Stay tuned.... Clinton, Obama, and Huckabee people all have events today!
Former President George Bush arrives at Hobby Airport early this morning. He is endorsing Sen. John McCain. Mrs. Bush is here as well, it's a small, quick event. It is the first event of a busy campaign Monday! McCain is answering a few questions, including whether Bush has any advice for McCain. Responding to a question of if the former President thought McCain was being fairly criticized by conservatives, Bush responded: "You know, you've been around the track, you hear those criticisms, and I think that's grossly unfair." 
Stay tuned.... Clinton, Obama, and Huckabee people all have events today!
Former President George Bush arrives at Hobby Airport early this morning. He is endorsing Sen. John McCain. Mrs. Bush is here as well, it's a small, quick event. It is the first event of a busy campaign Monday! McCain is answering a few questions, including whether Bush has any advice for McCain. Responding to a question of if the former President thought McCain was being fairly criticized by conservatives, Bush responded: "You know, you've been around the track, you hear those criticisms, and I think that's grossly unfair." 
Stay tuned.... Clinton, Obama, and Huckabee people all have events today!
Former President George Bush arrives at Hobby Airport early this morning. He is endorsing Sen. John McCain. Mrs. Bush is here as well, it's a small, quick event. It is the first event of a busy campaign Monday! McCain is answering a few questions, including whether Bush has any advice for McCain. Responding to a question of if the former President thought McCain was being fairly criticized by conservatives, Bush responded: "You know, you've been around the track, you hear those criticisms, and I think that's grossly unfair." 
Stay tuned.... Clinton, Obama, and Huckabee people all have events today!
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