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Today in Music: a look back at pop music

By United Press International
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(Aug. 10)

Today's musical birthdays include the late guitar maker Leo Fender, who was born in 1909; country's Jimmy Dean and Eddie Fisher, both in 1928 (age 74); Bobby Hatfield of the Righteous Brothers in 1940 (age 62); Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson in 1947 (age 55); Ronnie Spector of the Ronettes -- the former Mrs. Phil Spector -- also in 1947 (age 55); Jon Farriss of INXS in 1961 (age 41); and Michael Bivins of the New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe in 1968 (age 34).

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Today in music history:

In 1970, Jim Morrison went on trial in Miami on indecent exposure charges stemming from a Doors concert a-year-and-a-half earlier.

In 1971, a summit meeting of past and present stars of country music took place at Woodland Studios in Nashville, when recording began on "Will The Circle Be Broken," a triple album released in 1972 by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Among the legends on the album -- "Mother" Maybelle Carter, Earl Scruggs, Roy Acuff and Merle Travis.

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In 1974, Bob Dylan re-signed with Columbia after two albums for Asylum Records.

In 1982, "Southside" Johnny Lyon of the Asbury Jukes married Jill Glasner in Asbury Park, N.J. His pal, Bruce Springsteen, performed at the wedding reception.

In 1983, figures showed that U.S. cassette sales had surpassed album sales.

In 1993, Long Island, N.Y., songwriter Gary Zimmerman filed a $10 million lawsuit against Billy Joel, claiming Joel's hit song "River of Dreams" was a rip-off of one of his tunes.

Also in 1993, Al Hirt underwent gallbladder surgery in Metairie, La.

In 1994, Sting announced a world tour that would open in Jerusalem Sept. 18.

Also in 1994, Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley returned to New York after spending three days in Budapest, Hungary. Once back, Jackson met with four terminally ill German kids in a visit arranged by the "Last Wish" organization.

In 1996, AT&T software problems caused Pearl Jam fans to get busy signals when they tried to buy tickets for a Sept. 22 concert at the University of Toledo in Ohio.

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Topping the charts on this date:

Tossin' and Turnin' - Bobby Lewis (1961), In the Year 2525 - Zager and Evans (1969), I Just Want to be Your Everything - Andy Gibb (1977), Shout - Tears for Fears (1985).


Today's musical quiz:

As a child, what did Lisa Marie Presley reportedly get from the Tooth Fairy (her dad, Elvis) each time she lost a tooth? Answer: A $100 bill..

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(Aug. 11)

Today's musical birthdays include Mike Hugg of Manfred Mann, who was born in 1942 (age 60); Guess Who's Michael James Kale and Dave Clark 5's Denis Payton both in 1943 (age 59); John Conlee in 1946 (age 56); Jeff Hanna of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1947 (age 55); Eric Carmen, formerly of the Raspberries, in 1949 (age 53); Iron Butterfly guitarist Erik Braunn in 1950 (age 52); Joe Jackson in 1955 (age 47); Richie Ramone (real name: Richie Beau) of the Ramones in 1957 (age 45); and Glass Tiger's Alan Frew in 1959 (age 43).


Today in music history:

Back in 1877, Thomas Edison presented details of the first phonograph.

In 1956, Elvis Presley's single "Don't Be Cruel" was released.

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In 1962, the Beach Boys' first hit single, "Surfin' Safari," was released.

In 1966, at a news conference in Chicago, John Lennon apologized for saying -- during a March interview in London -- that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus Christ.

In 1968, the Beatles formed their own label, Apple Records.

In 1969, Diana Ross invited 350 guests to a trendy Beverly Hills, Calif., nightclub to see the Jackson Five -- newly signed with Motown Records.

In 1972, Elvis and Priscilla Presley filed for divorce after less than five years of marriage.

Also in 1972, this was "Cheech and Chong Day" in San Antonio, Texas -- as proclaimed by the mayor.

In 1973, guitarist Henry McCullough and drummer Denny Seiwell left Wings, the group led by Paul McCartney.

In 1984, blues songwriter Percy Mayfield -- who wrote "Hit the Road Jack" -- died at age 63.

In 1985, a British racing yacht -- with Duran Duran's Simon LeBon as part of the crew -- capsized four miles off the coast of England during a race. LeBon and the others escaped without serious injury.

In 1986, 18-year-old Lisa Marie Presley -- in her first interview -- denied tabloid reports that she was estranged from her mother, Priscilla, and that she'd been victimized by her church, the Church of Scientology.

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In 1993, jury selection began in Los Angeles in the trial of Rick James. The musician was charged with torturing a woman he thought stole cocaine from him.

Also in 1993, author Salman Rushdie -- still under a death threat -- made a surprise appearance onstage at a U2 concert in London.

In 1995, REM performed in concert in Prague, Czech Republic. The show had been canceled twice -- once by drummer Bill Berry's brain surgery and again by bassist Mike Mill's abdominal surgery. Following the concert, frontman Michael Stipe flew to Atlanta to undergo a hernia operation.

In 1996, Mel Taylor -- drummer for the Ventures -- died of cancer. He was 72.

In 1998, the Rolling Stones made its concert debut in Moscow, 31 years after Soviet officials turned down a request for the Stones to play in Moscow because the band was too "decadent."

Also in 1998, Sunrise, Fla., declared this day "Smashing Pumpkins Day."

In 1999, the California state Supreme Court rejected a request by Death Row Records CEO Marion "Suge" Knight for an early release from prison. Knight had been sentenced to nine years for violating his probation in an assault case.

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Topping the charts on this date:

Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini - Brian Hyland (1960), Hello, I Love You - The Doors (1968), Don't Go Breaking My Heart - Elton John and Kiki Dee (1976), Ghostbusters - Ray Parker Jr. (1984).


Today's musical quiz:

The song "Hungry Eyes," from the 1988 film "Dirty Dancing," was performed by what artist? Answer: Eric Carmen.

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(Aug. 12)

Today's musical birthdays include country's Alvis Edgar "Buck" Owens, who was born in 1929 (age 73); country singer Porter Wagoner in 1930 (age 72); Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler in 1949 (age 53); and Roy Hay of Culture Club in 1961 (age 41).


Today in music history:

In 1960, drummer Pete Best joined the Silver Beetles -- the future Beatles.

In 1966, the Beatles launched, in Chicago, what would turn out to the group's last U.S. tour.

In 1967, Fleetwood Mac appeared for first the time on stage -- at the British National Blues and Jazz Festival in Windsor, England.

In 1970, Bob Dylan Joan Baez and Arlo Guthrie -- among others -- performed at the Woody Guthrie Memorial Show at the Hollywood Bowl.

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In 1975, The Who's former manager, Pete Meaden, killed himself.

In 1984, Lionel Richie closed the Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games by singing "All Night Long," as 200 dancers boogied to the music.

Also in 1984, jazz guitarist Lenny Breaux drowned at age 43.

In 1985, Madonna and actor Sean Penn got a marriage license.

In 1991, a Chicago judge rejected a proposed settlement in a class-action lawsuit against lip-synching duo Milli Vanilli.

In 1992, the Grateful Dead canceled five shows in Oregon and California so Jerry Garcia could recover from exhaustion.

In 1993, singer Yvette Marine lost her lawsuit against Virgin Records. A Los Angeles jury decided she was not entitled to credit on Paula Abdul's 1988 debut album "Forever Your Girl."

In 1995, R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe underwent surgery to fix a hernia.

In 1997, police in Suffolk County, N.Y., arrested Bruce Stelzer, 45, who was charged with impersonating John Ford Coley, one-half of 1970s rock duo England Dan and John Ford Coley.

In 1998, a Los Angeles judge ordered Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland to spend three months in a drug rehabilitation program after he pleaded guilty to heroin possession.

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Also in 1998, Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee was sentenced to 30 days in jail for assaulting a security guard during the band's December 1997 concert in Phoenix. The prison time was to be served concurrently with the six-month sentence Lee was serving in the Los Angeles County Jail for beating his estranged wife, actress Pamela Anderson.

And in 1998, Foghat was forced to cancel tour dates through the end of October after doctors found a tumor on the kidney of lead singer Dave Peverett. The band had canceled some dates in the spring due to Peverett's recurring kidney infection and again during the first half of August so Peverett could be with his wife as she recovered from cancer surgery.

In 1999, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band wrapped up a record 15-show gig at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J.

Also in 1999, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss of KISS received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.


Topping the charts on this date:

A Big Hunk O' Love - Elvis Presley (1959), Light My Fire - The Doors (1967), Jive Talkin' - The Bee Gees (1975), Every Breath You Take - The Police (1983).

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Today's musical quiz:

"Buck" Owens once co-hosted what TV show? Answer: "Hee-Haw," from 1969 to 1986.

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(Aug. 13)

Today's musical birthdays include Don Ho, who was born in 1930 (age 72); Joel Scott Hill of Canned Heat as well as the Flying Burrito Brothers in 1939 (age 63); Sean James Stokes of the Bachelors in 1940 (age 62); Sha Na Na's Tony Santini in 1948 (age 54); Paper Lace bassist Cliff Fish in 1949 (age 53); Dan Fogelberg in 1951 (age 51); the Undertones' Feargal Sharkey in 1958 (age 44); and actor Danny Bonaduce of "The Partridge Family" in 1959 (age 43).


Today in music history:

In 1924, Vernon Dalhart recorded "The Prisoner's Song." It was country music's first million-selling record.

In 1952, "Big Mama" Thornton recorded the original version of "Hound Dog."

In 1965, Jefferson Airplane made its debut onstage at the Matrix Club in San Francisco.

In 1971, saxophonist King Curtis was stabbed to death in New York City. He was 37.

In 1976, the Clash debuted at a club in London.

In 1980, burglars broke into Todd Rundgren's home in Woodstock, N.Y. They tied up the musician and four guests and then stripped the home of its valuables. One of the thieves hummed Rundgren's hit "I Saw the Light" during the robbery.

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In 1981, Echo and the Bunnymen's 32-minute-long film "Shine So Hard" premiered.

In 1982, Joe Tex died of a heart attack at age 49.

In 1986, Jerry Lee Lewis's estranged wife -- Kerry, age 23 -- added a twist to the couple's on-again-off-again divorce proceedings by announcing she was pregnant. The divorce was called off and Kerry later gave birth to a boy she and her husband named Jerry Lee Lewis III.

In 1987, Madonna's arrival at London's Heathrow Airport caused a fan mania not seen since the Beatles, the Osmonds and David Cassidy.

In 1990, Curtis Mayfield was left paralyzed from the neck down when he was hit by a wind-blown lighting rig on stage before an outdoor concert in Brooklyn, N.Y.

In 1993, the wife of 1960s British pop singer Georgie Fame was killed in a fall from a bridge in Bristol, England. British newspapers said it was suicide. Fame's 1968 top-10 song "The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde" was inspired by -- but not included in -- the 1967 film "Bonnie and Clyde."

In 1994, the 25th anniversary Woodstock '94 began in Saugerties, N.Y. Artists performing at the two-day fest included Joe Cocker, Bob Dylan, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Aerosmith, Blind Melon and Salt 'N' Pepper. 200,000 fans showed up -- and it rained most of the weekend.

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In 1996, former Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin pleaded innocent to drug possession charges in a New York City courtroom. Chamberlin had been in the hotel room where Pumpkins touring keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin died of a drug overdose the month before.

Also in 1996, two Detroit men were ordered held without bond in connection with the drug-related slayings two months earlier of the brother and sister-in-law of Diana Ross. The suspects would later be acquitted.

In 1999, Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil filed a federal lawsuit in Los Angeles against the aerospace company Rocketdyne. He claimed his 4-year-old daughter, who died in Aug.1995, had died from a rare form of liver cancer after being exposed to toxic fuels dumped by the company on property next to Neil's.

Also in 1999, a Los Angeles judge ordered Stone Temple Pilot lead singer Scott Weiland - who was already on probation for a drug conviction -- jailed after he was treated for a heroin overdose.


Topping the charts on this date:

Poor Little Fool -Ricky Nelson (1958), Summer in the City - The Lovin' Spoonful (1966), Feel Like Making Love - Roberta Flack (1974), Eye of the Tiger - Survivor (1982).

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Today's musical quiz:

"Big Mama" Thornton's recording of "Hound Dog" helped launch the careers of what songwriters? Answer: Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller.

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(Aug. 14)

Today's musical birthdays include Dash Crofts, one half of Seals and Crofts, in 1940 (age 62); David Crosby, whose real last name is van Cortland, in 1941 (age 61); country's Connie Smith also in 1941 (age 61); Gil Bridges of Rare Earth in 1942 (age 60); Vanilla Fudge's Tim Bogert in 1944 (age 58); Larry Graham of Sly and the Family Stone, as well as Graham Central Station, in 1946 (age 56); and George Newsome of the Climax Blues Band in 1947 (age 55).


Today in music history:

In 1956, Eddie Cochran was signed to appear in the movie "The Girl Can't Help It," alongside a galaxy of other early rock 'n' roll stars -- including Little Richard, Fats Domino and Gene Vincent.

In 1958, Gladys Presley, Elvis' mother, died from a heart attack.

In 1965, the McCoys' "Hang On Sloopy" was released.

In 1970, Stephen Stills was arrested on drug charges at a motel in La Jolla, Calif., near San Diego.

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In 1976, Nick Lowe's "Heart of the City" became the first single released on the new Stiff Records label.

In 1987, a 39-year-old Chicago woman who called herself "Billie Jean Jackson" filed a $150 million paternity suit against Michael Jackson.

In 1988, John Mellencamp became a grandfather at the age of 37.

In 1990, jazz musician Tito Puente received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 1991, a judge in San Fernando, Calif., refused to lower bail for Rick James. The pop/funk singer was accused in the torture and sexual assault of a woman he and his girlfriend allegedly held captive for three days at his Hollywood Hills home.

Also in 1991, a consumer fraud lawsuit was filed against the promoter of a July 27 concert in Chicago where most of the advertised acts -- including Aretha Franklin and Little Richard -- didn't show up.

And in 1991, singer Tony Orlando's second wife, Francine, gave birth in Los Angeles to the couple's first child -- a girl they named Jenny Rose.

In 1992, Tony Williams -- original lead singer with The Platters -- died at age 64 from emphysema complicated by diabetes.

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In 1993, country's Wynonna Judd was presented with a plaque commemorating the fact that her solo debut album "Wynonna" had gone triple platinum.

In 1995, Beach Boy Brian Wilson was presented with BMI's highest honor -- the President's Award -- at the Los Angeles screening of the documentary "Brian Wilson: I Just Wasn't Made For These Times."

In 1996, Aerosmith announced the hiring of Wendy Laister as the band's new manager. Laister replaced Tim Collins, who'd been fired two weeks earlier.


Topping the charts on this date:

Teddy Bear - Elvis Presley (1957), I Got You Babe - Sonny and Cher (1965), The Morning After - Maureen McGovern (1973), Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield (1981).


Today's musical quiz:

Prior to Crosby Stills and Nash (and, at one point, Young), David Crosby was a founder of what 1960s group? Answer: The Byrds.

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(Aug. 15)

Today's musical birthdays include Drifters bassist Bill Pinkney, who was born in 1925 (age 76); Bobby Helms in 1933 (age 68); drummer Tommy Aldrich of Ozzy Osbourne's band, in 1942 (age 59); Spencer Davis Group drummer Peter York also in 1942 (age 59); songwriter Jimmy Webb in 1946 (age 55); guitarist Matt Johnson in 1961 (age 40); and Beastie Boy MCA, aka Adam Yauch, in 1967 (age 34).

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Today in music history:

In 1958, Buddy Holly married Maria Santiago in Lubbock, Texas.

In 1965, the Beatles played New York's Shea Stadium, launching the Fab Four's third North American tour. The concert receipts exceeded $300,000 -- a world record at the time.

In 1969, the Woodstock Music and Arts Festival opened on Max Yasgur's farm near Bethel, N.Y. It drew an estimated 400,000 people for three days of music by Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, the Who, Jefferson Airplane, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Santana, and the Grateful Dead -- among others.

In 1980, George Harrison's autobiography "I Me Mine" was published in London.

Also in 1980, the Urgh! punk festival -- featuring X, Pere Ubu and the Dead Kennedys -- was held in Santa Monica, Calif.

In 1981, Stevie Wonder, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Grover Washington Jr. and Third World were among the artists who drew 50,000 people to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., for the Black Family Fair.

In 1984, Norman Petty -- Buddy Holly's producer -- died at age 57.

In 1986, 29-year-old Connie Doerr of Hermann, Mo., was the 30-millionth visitor to Opryland in Nashville.

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In 1987, Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Nancy Wilson, George Benson and Dizzy Gillespie headlined the Newport Jazz Festival.

In 1991, three-quarters-of-a-million people attended a free concert by Paul Simon in New York's Central Park.

Also in 1991, Alan Jackson and Vince Gill tied for the most nominations -- six -- for the 25th annual Country Music Association Awards.

In 1992, about 700 Madonna fans jammed a hotel in the Detroit suburb of Southfield, Mich., to celebrate the pop star's 34th birthday.

In 1995, the surviving members of the Grateful Dead canceled the group's fall tour following the death of Jerry Garcia one week earlier.

Also in 1995, a Los Angeles judge ordered an alleged Madonna stalker to stand trial.

And in 1995, the 4-year-old daughter of rocker Vince Neil died from a very rare form of liver cancer, just months after being diagnosed.

In 1997, Blues Traveler kicked off their tour in Charlotte, N.C., in support of their sixth album "Straight On Till Morning."


Topping the charts on this date:My Prayer - The Platters (1956), Everybody Loves Somebody -Dean Martin (1684), Alone Again (Naturally) - Gilbert O'Sullivan (1972), Magic - Olivia Newton-John (1980).

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Today's musical quiz:

Songwriter Jimmy Webb wrote the Grammy-winning tune "Up, Up and Away" and a lot of Glen Campbell songs. He also wrote a song inspired by his habit of meeting his girlfriend for lunch in a downtown Los Angeles park. Can you name the tune? Answer: "MacArthur Park," which is an actual park on Wilshire Blvd.


(Aug. 16)

Today's musical birthdays include Fess Parker, who was born in 1927 (age 75). He played the title character in the "Davy Crockett" TV series and recorded the first of 1955's four hit versions of "The Ballad of Davy Crockett." American Breed's Gary Loizzo was born in 1945 (age 57); Kevin Ayers also in 1945 (age 57); Golden Earring's Barry Hay in 1948 (age 54); James "J.T." Taylor of Kool and the Gang in 1953 (age 49); and Madonna in 1958 (age 44).


Today in music history:

In 1935, Patsy Montana recorded "I Wanna Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart."

In 1938, blues musician Robert Johnson died at age 27.

In 1962, the Beatles fired drummer Pete Best and hired Ringo Starr.

Also in 1962, "Little" Stevie Wonder released his debut single "I Call It Pretty Music But the Old Folks Call It the Blues (Parts 1 and 2)." It was not a hit.

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In 1974, punk was launched in the United States when the Ramones played its first gig at CBGB in New York.

In 1975, Peter Gabriel announced he was leaving Genesis. He was replaced as lead singer by drummer Phil Collins.

In 1977, Elvis Presley was found dead in his bathroom at Graceland, his Memphis mansion. He was 42.

In 1983, Paul Simon married "Star Wars" actress Carrie Fisher, the daughter of 1950s hitmakers Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. They would separate less than a year later.

In 1985, Madonna married actor Sean Penn in Malibu, Calif. The marriage did not last.

In 1986, Nashville songwriter John Hurley died of liver failure at age 45. His songs included "Son Of A Preacher Man" and "Love Of The Common People."

In 1991, Joseph "Run" Simmons of the rap group Run-DMC was accused of raping a Cleveland woman following a concert a week earlier. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

In 1994, Reba McEntire topped the nomination list -- with six nominations -- for the 28th annual Country Music Awards.

In 1996, thousands of Elvis fans flocked to Memphis to mark the 19th anniversary of Presley's death.

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Also in 1996, about 1,000 Madonna fans flocked to a Southfield, Mich., motel for the fifth annual Madonna Fest.

In 1998, the Goo Goo Dolls, Dishwalla, Joan Osborne, Marcy Playground and Third Eye Blind were among the acts who performed at the second day of "A Day in the Garden," commemorating the 29th anniversary of the original Woodstock. The first day had included several alumni from the 1969 festival -- such as Pete Townshend and Joni Mitchell. The two-day event took place at what used to be Max Yasgur's farm in Bethel, N.Y.

In 1999, Mariah Carey's new single "Heartbreaker" premiered exclusively on MSN's WindowsMedia.com. It was the first single from Carey's ninth album "Rainbow."

Also in 1999, a Detroit leasing company sued The Artist Formerly Known As Prince, claiming he owed more than $150,000 for a rented tour bus.


Topping the charts on this date:

Rock Around the Clock - Bill Haley and his Comets (1955), Fingertips 0 Pt 2 - Little Stevie Wonder (1963), How Can You Mend a Broken Heart - The Bee Gees (1971), Bad Girls - Donna Summer (1979).


Today's musical quiz:

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Madonna appears in the background of a scene in the 1983 movie "Vision Quest." What is she doing? Answer: Singing, specifically a song titled "Crazy for You."

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