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THE STOMPER
The Monthly Winemaking Newsletter of grapestompers.com
December, 2002 Issue #29
http://www.grapestompers.com 1-800-233-1505
Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern Monday - Friday
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Welcome to the latest issue of "THE STOMPER", a newsletter
of winemaking hints and other wine-related articles.
You are receiving this newsletter because you requested it.
Instructions to cancel are at the end of this newsletter.
Feel free to pass along this newsletter to your winemaking
friends; we only ask that it be sent in its entirety.
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IN THIS ISSUE
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=> Feature Article - Automatic Wine Reminder Service
=> New Products
=> Bonnie's Bin - Smells Like Christmas
=> This Month's Specials
=> Tom's Cellar - Testing, 1-2-3
=> Feedback from Our Customers
=> Christmas Delivery Schedule
=> Guest Column - Tea Bag Wine Recipe
=> How to Be Featured as a Guest Columnist
=> Corky's Winemaking Definition
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe Information
*^* Hot Tips are sprinkled throughout the newsletter
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FEATURE ARTICLE: Coming Soon: Free WineRemind Service
By Brant Burgiss, Editor
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Welcome, Old Man Winter... we've been waiting for you!
I don't know about the rest of you, but as I write this
the ground is covered with snow and the trees are covered
with ice... and we finally got our electricity back on
after two days of "camping out" indoors.
We hope Santa will be good to all of you and bring
everyone the winemaking stuff you've been wishing for!
I want to relate something that happened to me the last
time I made a batch of wine... it shames me to admit it,
but I got so busy doing other things that I forgot to
check the specific gravity and rack my wine on time
according to the wine kit directions.
Has anything like this happened to you when you were making
a batch of wine? It occurred to me that perhaps I wasn't
alone when it came to forgetting when I should do something
with my wine.
So that started my programming wheels a-turning... wouldn't
it be great if there was a way to get an automatic reminder
that gently nudged you to let you know when it was time to
rack or bottle your wine?
I'm in the middle of designing such a system. We call it
the WineRemind(tm) system, a free web application that
works off a database and sends automatic e-mails to its
subscribers.
It isn't ready yet (it's one of those projects that gets
bigger each time you look at it), but I am making good
progress towards its completion.
We think the WineRemind(tm) system will be a great service
for busy folks who tend to lose track of time, so hang in
there and watch our web site for the unveiling soon!
P.S. All of us at grapestompers.com wish you and yours a
safe, wonderful, and fulfilling holiday season.
Here's to you... and Happy Winemaking!
You can write to Brant at webmaster@grapestompers.com
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NEW PRODUCTS
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Here is a list of products recently added to our catalog:
- Item #3258 CSP Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, $73.36
- Item #2234A #3 Drilled Rubber Stopper (bung), $0.53
- Item #4624 Wine Bottle Tags, 50 reusable, $4.99
- Item #2716C Vinoferm Iodic (SO2) Solution, 100 ml, $7.79
- Item #2732A Potassium Metabisulfite, 1 lb, $4.04
- Item #2732B Potassium Metabisulfite, 5 lb, $16.41
- Item #2824 Book: Techniques in Home Winemaking, $22.55
- Item #5120 Wine Cellar Express (see article below)
Wine Cellar Express
During the years, you have been subjected to many claims
and testimonials and have found them to be inaccurate.
Movie stars are paid tons of bucks to stand in front of
a camera and endorse products and services they have never
heard about before they were offered the job.
Well, here at grapestompers.com we really do try out new
products ourselves before we offer them for sale... and we
often ask our walk-in customers to participate along with
us in our testing to provide honest feedback.
In the case of this particular product, even I did not
believe its claims to be possible. But I have an open
mind, so I listened to the Canadian company's salesperson
and agreed (but not eagerly so - I always hedge my bets)
to try out their product called Wine Cellar Express.
It came in and I put it to an immediate test. It worked!
Was it my imagination? How could this "thing" possibly
work? In our Bodega, I persuaded 10 folks to volunteer
for the blind test. They took a "young" Cabernet Sauvignon
and placed the bottle on this special doohickey for 30
minutes (as per directions). Afterwards they taste tested
the "treated" Cabernet Sauvignon; after that, they tasted
the "young, undeveloped" Cabernet. It was fun to watch
their eyes. No one could believe it!
What is it? In layman's terms, I guess you'd call it a
pound and a half magnet coaster! On the box it says "It
reduces the harsh, bitter tannins, unmasking the full fruit
flavor of the wine".
I am so excited, I want to offer you a deal. The Wine
Cellar Express normally retails for $50.00, but I bought a
bunch of them and can let them go for only $44.49 apiece -
and this includes FREE shipping by priority mail East of
the Mississippi. Beyond that (Western US), add $2.00.
This will make an excellent gift for that special someone
who enjoys good wine! Remember at the top of this article
we wrote about claims? This is one we can back. If you
say it does not work, send it back. You'll get full credit
(less the shipping cost) back on your credit card. There
is one disclaimer - Please do not test when you have a cold
or stopped up nose (that's the pharmacist in me coming out)!
To qualify for free shipping, we need to have your order
in by December 14th. That way, we can get it to you by
mail in time for Christmas. Prefer FedEx or UPS? Cut off
date for ordering is the 17th of December. Please add
$3.50 extra for UPS or FedEx delivery.
Learn more here:
http://www.winecellarexpress.com/wce.html
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BONNIE'S BIN: Smells Like Christmas
By Bonnie Brown, Manager
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I think it is getting closer to Christmas by the amount of
packing we are doing! I also think a lot of people are
getting some really nice gifts! I hope they realize how
this new hobby will take over their entire life! What a
way to go, eh? Making wine is SO much fun!
I wish you could walk into our office area at the Bodega.
Wow, the aromas that hit you are awesome. We have all of
the wines going in the bonded winery area, and combined
with the grapestompers.com wines it is enough to make you
smile. Is this a job with perks or what? They also look
beautiful in all the different stages of fermentation and
aging.
We are going to do the best possible job during this
Holiday Season. Please get your orders in during the
second week of December so we can get them to you in time
for gift giving. Remember that the US Mail, UPS, and
FedEx are on overload now too... Things will be a bit
slower so it is up to all of us to do our part early.
See Tom's article below for specific "order by" dates for
your region of the country.
We had so much packed today that UPS could not get it into
one truck and had to call in another one!!! I didn't hang
out to see what happened with the FedEx truck. It would
have been interesting to see how much was left behind for
the next day's run. We worked really hard today because
of the Winter Storm Watch that is out for tomorrow. We
wanted to get packages on their way in case of the storm
didn't allow for runs tomorrow.
One last reminder... Please be safe, kind, and helpful
during this Holiday Season.
The Best of Holiday Wishes for all of you! See you next
year!
Bonnie
Life is too short... to drink bad wine... so make your own!
You can write to Bonnie at bonnie@grapestompers.com
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THIS MONTH'S SPECIALS
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grapestompers' specials for the month of December 2002 are:
Save up to $30 on our NEW Super Wine Kit
AND
Save 10% on ALL Cellar Classic wine kits
AND
Get 30 FREE corks when you purchase any VDV wine kit
AND
Save over 11% on the Buon Vino Auto Bottle Filler
AND
Save nearly 20% on the Twin Blade Cork Puller
AND
Save a whopping 16% on our Quick Silver Corkscrew set
(while quantities last!)
AND FINALLY
Save over $70 on the purchase of a
Complete Winemaking Starter Kit
which includes a RED or WHITE Concentrate
(see wine kit selection below)
Item # Description Reg. Price SPECIAL
2688 Bon Vino Auto Bottle Filler 16.94 14.99
2902 Cork Puller, Twin Blade 4.35 3.50
2914 Wine Pump Bottle Saver w/1 seal 8.25 7.40
5106 Quick Silver Corkscrew 59.95 49.99
2308 30 Free corks w/purchase of any VDV wine kit
(Agglomerate #9 x 1-1/2")
WOW! 10% off all Cellar Classic kits Varies Varies
2010 Super Wine Kit- Merlot 120.03 89.99
2020 Super Wine Kit- Sauvignon Blanc 110.90 89.99
2030 Super Wine Kit- White Zinfandel 113.60 89.99
3200 Complete White Wine Starter Kit 246.68 175.00
3100 Complete Red Wine Starter Kit 259.79 185.00
The CC wine kits are designed to make about 30 - 750 ml
bottles of great wine in as little as 45 days. VDV kits
are designed to make the same amount of wine in 28 days.
Wine kit abbreviations explained:
CC = Cellar Classic wine kit
GC = Grand Cru wine kit
VDV = Vino del Vida wine kit
CSP = Cru Select Platinum wine kit
CSG = Cru Select Gold wine kit
Here's what you get with the SUPER Wine Kit:
-Your choice of either a Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, or White
Zinfandel VDV wine kit (limited quantities - order while
our supply lasts!)
-Primary and Bottling Bucket with Lid, 7.8 gallons
-6 Gallon Glass Carboy
-Drilled Rubber Stopper
-3-Piece Airlock
-15" X 1/2" OD Bottle Filler
-26" X 1/2" OD Curved Cane & Racking Tip
-5 feet of 7/16" ID Flex Tubing
-Fast Flow Bottle Spigot
-B-Brite sanitizer (8 oz. tub)
-Hand corker (double lever Portuguese model)
-30 corks (#2308)
-30 Free wine labels
Don't forget... our supplies for the SUPER Wine Kit are
limited. Order now to get the wine you want!
Here's what you get with the COMPLETE Starter Kit:
If choosing the Complete WHITE Kit, your choice of either:
Fume Blanc, Piesporter, or Chenin Blanc VDV concentrate
If choosing the Complete RED Kit, your choice of either:
Valpolicella, Shiraz, or Cabernet/Merlot VDV concentrate
PLUS ALL THESE GOODIES:
Tom's Winemaking Video Bottle Rinser
Fermenter Bucket with lid Three-Piece Airlock
6-Gallon Glass Carboy Carboy Brush
Bung (stopper) Bottle Filler
Five feet of vinyl tubing B-Brite Sanitizer
Portuguese Hand Corker FermTech AutoSiphon
2 Cases of 750-ml Bottles Long Handled Spoon
Bottle Washer Adapter Brass Bottle Washer
Bottle Drainer, 45 station
AND YOU GET THE FOLLOWING ITEMS FREE ($16.79 value):
- Free Wine Labels (text of your choice)
- Free triple scale hydrometer
- Free Corks (30 corks, enough for one batch)
Just think: This complete kit offers EVERYTHING a brand-new
hobbyist would need to begin making his own wine. All you
need to decide is which wine kit you want!
And don't forget... you can always return your winemaking
video and receive a credit for $19.95 on your next
purchase... that's like getting the video for free! All
we ask is that you return it in good condition.
This is the best deal we've ever offered on a complete kit,
so don't miss out... order one for yourself or a friend
today. Ask for RED Complete Kit # 3100 or WHITE Kit # 3200
and be sure to let us know which wine concentrate you want,
as well as the text you want on your free wine labels.
NEW! Now you can "personalize" your Complete Kit -
Let's say you don't need or want some of the items that
normally come with the Complete Kit... just give us a call
at 1-800-233-1505 and let us know which items you don't
need, and we will adjust the price of the equipment kit
accordingly. Likewise, if you'd like a different wine kit,
just let us know and we can adjust the price.
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TOM'S CELLAR: Testing, 1-2-3
by Tom Burgiss, Owner
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Through the years, I've successfully used Consumer's Guide
as a resource to help guide me in the purchase of "big
ticket" items whenever I felt the need for a fully
researched answer.
Here at grapestompers.com we are not an official consumer's
guide on home wine products, but we do feel obligated to
share what we've learned during our research with our
customers and "Stomper" subscribers.
We are always striving to find better quality products and
equipment. As an example, for years we have purchased
grape concentrate kits and tested them out to see if the
manufacturer meets our standards for taste and enjoyment.
So far, we have gone through 4 different companies and
Spagnols product line seems to be the best. Now does that
mean we have stopped? No, not at all!
At this moment we are running tests on 6 different grape
concentrate kits to checked them for taste, quality, and
consistency. We have adopted a policy of always being open
for suggestions from you, our customers. I won't mention
the manufacturers we have tested, but if you know of a
superior grape concentrate that meets your needs, please
contact us by e-mail at tom@grapestompers.com. If we have
not tried that particular company, we'll give it a shot!
NOTE: Please, no manufacturer's reps or persons working at
such companies may contact us... only our customers may
participate.)
*-----------------HOT TIP------------------*
Giving away some wine as a Christmas gift?
Why not include an inexpensive 2-pc pocket
corkscrew and tie it onto the bottle with
your bow?
The receiver of the gift will appreciate
your thoughtfulness, and all this for less
than a buck!
Have a tip you'd like to submit?
Send it to tips@grapestompers.com
*-----------------HOT TIP------------------*
While I have your attention, allow me refer you an article
in the October-November 2002 issue of Winemaker Magazine.
It's found on page 48, in the first column (bottom para-
graph and refers to "Buon Vino's Super Automatic Bottle
Filler".
This particular item is one of our specials we are running
this month... for only $14.99. My advice to you is to
buy it!! It's a real time-saver no serious home winemaker
should be without. Fill your wine bottles lickety-split!
If it's not on your wish list, let your family and friends
know... it's a great affordable gift for any vintner.
Speaking of Winemaker Magazine... I also must comment about
the December 2002 - January 2003 issue. In it, there's an
article entitled "Wine Kit First Aid" by Tim Vandergift.
It's an excellent article and I highly recommend reading
it!! I was so excited that I called Brad Ring, the
publisher, to tell him what a great reference his magazine
has been for winemakers, both hobbyists and professionals.
In my opinion, just that one article was worth the price
of a subscription.
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This past month was a record-breaker for grapestompers.com.
We wish to thank our fine customers, but at the same time
we want to acknowledge that at times our service did not
meet our own standards. Orders were coming in so fast...
we had to add more staff (thanks, Jason!) and on-the-job
training is difficult to accomplish in the midst of about
ten million (I might be exaggerating here) phone calls...
We were pushed, to say the least, so we thank you for
understanding!
Sometimes we had 3 phone calls buzzing at the same time.
So if you do not get through on your first attempt, please
don't give up. Our agreement with the phone company for
our toll-free number allows us as many calls as we can take
on a monthly basis... so if we don't answer the first time,
PLEASE CALL US BACK. By doing so, it saves our overhead
(because an inbound 800 call to us is virtually free
when compared to an outgoing long distance call) and allows
us to keep our costs down - in turn, this means lower
prices for you!
We're here to help and answer your questions, so please call
us anytime we're open (our hours are shown at the top).
Now for the perfect Christmas Gift - How about a wine kit
for a friend - and invite yourself over each time they are
bottling? It is a gift that keeps on giving and giving
and giving... to you!!
You can write to Tom at tom@grapestompers.com
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FROM OUR CUSTOMERS
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As you might imagine, our office receives quite a bit of
correspondence - mostly through e-mail - here are some
comments we've recently received:
Dear Tom,
I just wanted to thank you and your staff. I received my
order on Monday and it all worked perfectly. I appreciated
both the ease and speed at which, with your assistance, I
was able to solve what I thought was going to be a major
issue - where do you find clean, usable glass wine bottles
when someone gives you homemade wine in a plastic cider
jug.
Again, thanks for your help and I'll be sure to pass along
your name and company to my local winemaker.
Sincerely,
-- Marybrigid Vanaria
Scituate, MA
Jason,
I received my order today. Thank you for the prompt
attention. I look forward to doing more business with
your company.
Take care,
-- Harwick W. Kiser, Jr.
Walkertown, NC
Tom,
We are eagerly waiting for the new wine kits. [Also,] a
special thanks...
The instructions you gave us on how to sweeten the
Liebfraumilch we bottled this week was right on time
and target. The wine turned out to be one of the finest
we have bottled. Once again thanks for being there when
we really need good advice you have never let us down.
-- Johnathan & Deborah Fisher
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Christmas Delivery Schedule
by Tom Burgiss
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In order to ensure delivery of winemaking supplies in time
for Christmas, here's our recommendation for ordering:
For deliveries to NC, VA, or SC, please ensure your order
is placed (received by us) by December 17th.
For deliveries to OH, PA, CT, RI, NJ, MD, DE, WV, KY, TN,
GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, AR, IL, or IN please ensure your order
is placed (received by us) by December 16th.
For deliveries to ME, VT, NH, MA, NY, WI, MN, IA, MO, MI
Eastern NE, OK, KS, or TX please ensure your order is
placed (received by us) by December 15th.
For deliveries to ND, SD, Western NE, Eastern CO, NM, and
AZ please ensure your order is placed (received by
us) by December 14th.
For deliveries to all other states on the west coast,
(CA, OR, WA, UT, NV, MT, WY, Western CO, ID) please ensure
your order is placed (received by us) by December 13th.
This schedule is based on deliveries made NLT 21 December,
and allows one extra day to compensate for possible bad
weather.
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GUEST COLUMN - Tea Bag Wine
by Frank Buffone, Williamson, NY
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Dear Grapestompers,
I'd like to submit a wine recipe for your consideration.
It's not an original of mine, but one that I've extensively
modified.
A dry tea wine is useful for blending with other wines
that may seem a little flat or dull, due to low tannin
content. The finished wine is characteristic of the
initial tea used. This is a wine to make at any time,
perhaps when other ingredients are not readily available.
TEA BAG WINE
Makes 5 gallons of table wine (or for blending with a
sweet grape wine)
Ingredients (mind how they're added below!)
Group A:
40 to 50 teabags, depending on the strength desired. If
flavoring/aroma is desired, add additional 15 to 20 herbal
or fruit flavored tea bags of your choice.
3 lb. chopped raisins or sultanas
3 medium oranges, well washed and chopped in a
food processor
2 lemons, well washed and chopped in a food processor
1 cup Steen's Pure Cane Syrup OR 2 cups pure maple syrup
10 lb. white sugar
1 lb. brown sugar
Group B:
2 tsp. acid blend
3 tsp. yeast nutrient
1 tsp. yeast energizer
3 tsp. pectic enzyme
3 campden tablets, crushed
*-----------------HOT TIP------------------*
Make sure you have a good airtight seal
between the bung/airlock and the carboy
during fermentation.
If not, you may not have a visual indication
(bubbles in the airlock) that fermentation
is still taking place. Worse yet, oxygen
can get in the carboy and ruin your wine.
Best of all - use a hydrometer to measure
specific gravity to ensure fermentation
is progressing as expected.
Have a tip you'd like to submit?
Send it to tips@grapestompers.com
*-----------------HOT TIP------------------*
Dissolve all of group B in 250ml warm water.
Day 1: Make 2 gallons of tea with ingredients from group A.
First bring water to a rolling boil and then add the tea
bags. Allow to steep for about an hour or until water has
cooled to around 100 F. Remove the tea bags. Add remaining
Group A and all of group B ingredients. Stir mixture until
everything is dissolved. Transfer all of this mixture,
including fruit pulp, into a primary fermenter and add 2
more (boiled and cooled) gallons water. Cover fermenter
with plastic lid or Saran Wrap and allow to rest overnight
in a dark place.
Group C:
250ml warm (not hot) tap water. Add 1 packet of Cote De
Blanc wine yeast (made by Red Star) to water. Allow yeast
to rehydrate for 30 minutes in just water. Then add a small
pinch each of yeast nutrient and yeast energizer.
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. sugar
Leave it alone for a few hours to start working.
Day 2: Prepare group C. Give this about 4 hours to come
alive and pitch into primary fermenter. Gently stir the
mixture and cover.
Days 3 to 6: Punch down must and very gently stir mixture
daily.
Day 7: Strain the must into a carboy or demijohn; top up
to the shoulder with 70 F water.
Beyond: Ferment to dry. Rack when necessary and add a
crushed campden tablet at each racking. Make all required
SG, and pH checks throughout the entire process. Leave to
clear before bottling. Sparkalloid works well for clearing.
Add potassium sorbate / campden tablet prior to finishing.
Not too bad on its own, but as I mentioned above, I like
to use it as a blend with sweet wines.
FRANK'S QUOTE: The universe and the Vintner's psyche are
exactly the same -- They're just folded differently.
You can reach Frank at fbuff@ashly.com
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Like To Be A Guest Columnist For STOMPERS Newsletter?
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If you'd like to be our next guest columnist, simply
send your three- or four-paragraph article to
articles@grapestompers.com. If your article is selected
for use in a future STOMPER newsletter, you'll receive
the attention of thousands, a coupon good for a discount
on your next grapestompers.com order, as well as our
heartfelt thanks. So what are you waiting for??
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CORKY'S WINEMAKING DEFINITION
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Fortification
- Adding alcohol to a wine in order to make it stronger
and take on a different character. This process also
lessens the possibility of further fermentation, since
many wine yeasts can't survive in a higher alcohol
environment. Sherries, Madeira, and Ports are examples
of fortified wines.
Look for other wine-related definitions by clicking on
the 'Glossary' button from our home page at
http://www.grapestompers.com
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NEXT MONTH'S HIGHLIGHTS
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- More Winemaking Stories from Tom's Cellar
- Another Surprise from Brant (will he finish his app?)
- More Specials
- The next article from Bonnie's Bin
- More Customer Testimonials
- (Hopefully) Another Guest Article - Submit yours today!
- New Winemaking Products
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LIST MAINTENANCE
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send a blank e-mail to newsletter@grapestompers.com
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Past issues of the STOMPER can be found at
http://www.grapestompers.com/newsletter/archives
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Copyright (c) 2002 grapestompers.com. All rights reserved.
Boring Legal Stuff: Content is gathered from sources
considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of this info
cannot be guaranteed. Opinions expressed by guest
columnists and customer letters are those of the authors
and not necessarily those of grapestompers.com
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