Page 489 – African American Golfer's Digest

Tee-Shaker

by Debert Cook May 8, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Tee-Shaker is just what its name implies…a shaker for your tees! But really, it is a hand, dandy little item for helping you to always have your golf tees readily at hand. No more digging into your golf bag, pant, skirt or shorts to find a tee. Tee-Shaker has the answer. Tee-Shaker-1 Tee-Shaker was named Best New Product by the PGA Merchandise Show and rightly so. It will keep you focused on your golf game, rather than looking for tees. It costs average not more than the price of two golf balls. So, there’s no reason not to have a couple of these around for you use on the golf course, and to give a couple to friends. For organizatons, the Tee-Shaker is customizable and can hold a variety of colors and designs. Major corporations have benefited from the product including Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Mercedes, The US Army and many Fortune 500 companies. Perhaps your next golf tournament could benefit, too!

May 8, 2015 0 comment

News Slider

EWGA Opens First Collegiate Chapter at the University Of Maryland Eastern Shore

by Debert Cook May 8, 2015

written by Debert Cook

(April 30, 2015) –“This is a milestone as we welcome UMES as the first collegiate chapter of the EWGA,” says CEO Pam Swensen. “We anticipate this to be the first of many collegiate chapters to come. EWGA excels at creating opportunities for women to use golf personally and professionally. We are delighted to provide our collegiate members with leadership tools to be successful both on and off the course.”

Eight UMES undergraduates became the Chapter’s Charter members.

New members and advisers of UMES’ EWGA chapter, from left are: (front row), Tiana Jones, Tymeia Taylor, Jasmin Cunningham, UMES President Juliette B. Bell, Nia Troutman, Jamila Johnson; (back row) Tadeeja Appleby, Alison Harris, Joe Journey, Kimberly C. Dumpson and Norman Blanco. Membership is open to both genders.

The chapter launch is part of UMES’s ‘Pink on the Green’ initiative to get more women playing golf. On April 30, 2015, UMES will host an all campus event from 11AM – 2PM at its driving range to promote the game of golf to their students, faculty and staff. At noon, a ceremony with EWGA representatives and University dignitaries will culminate with the signing of the first collegiate Chapter Affiliation Agreement.

“UMES is honored to partner with the EWGA in this pioneering effort to form a collegiate chapter on our campus,” University President Juliette B. Bell said. “This is an innovative approach to diversifying the golf industry, which has been our motivation since our golf management program accepted its first students in 2008.”

An early evening gathering for women in the community is also planned. Anyone interested in learning more about the game of golf is invited to the University driving range from 5-7 PM, April 30th. Golf professionals and EWGA leaders from the nearby EWGA Eastern Shore, Maryland Chapter will be present to talk about the many benefits of golf and upcoming learning and playing opportunities around the area.

“I am happy that this has come together,” says Jamila Johnson, PGA PGM Academic Service Coordinator at UMES. ” The girls are very enthusiastic and they are looking forward to being even more involved with other chapters over the summer.”

Photo Above: UMES President Juliette B. Bell is pictured with EWGA representatives, from left, Sheryl Wilkerson, volunteer president of the EWGA board of directors; Renee Powell, a member, retired pro tour golfer and honorary member of St. Andrew’s Golf Club in Scotland; and Hollis Kerler, EWGA chapter development director.

Also joining in this growth of the game celebration will be Ohio Golf Hall of Famer and former LPGA Tour player, Renee Powell. Powell, a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service Degree from UMES, was awarded EWGA’s 2002 Leadership Award recognizing her outstanding contributions to women’s golf. Named the First Lady of Golf by the PGA in 2003, her history making continues, as she becomes one of the first female members of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.

For more information about the EWGA and membership, visit ewga.com. For information on starting an EWGA Collegiate Chapter please contact [email protected]

May 8, 2015 0 comment

Accessories

Smathers & Branson Golf Themed Wallet

by Debert Cook May 8, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Needlepoint bi-fold wallets by Smathers & Branson are made up of 100% hand-stitched needlepoint designs and are finished with English bull hides that are tanned in Italy.
For Smathers & Branson, it is a simple formula: great ingredients yield great results. We hope you agree as your wallet breaks in and becomes something you treasure more than what you keep in it.

MSRP: $115

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Golf Cart Needlepoint Card Wallet
The Smathers & Branson hand-stitched needlepoint card wallets are finished with English bull hides tanned in Italy. This slimmer wallet style (4” by 3”) provides enough room for cards, cash, and an ID, but does not take up too much room in the pocket or bag. Great for carrying in your front pocket and something less bulky for a night on the town. It’s a very popular item. So check stock levels. It’s worth the wait!

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May 8, 2015 0 comment

News

Tiger Woods’ Worst Shot Ever? First Day At The Players Championship

by Debert Cook May 7, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Tiger Woods hit one of the worst shots of his career in opening round of The Players Championship today.
Tiger Woods’ up-and-down season took a turn for the worse in the opening round at The Players Championship.

Sitting at even-par after seven holes, Woods pulled out a 4-iron on No. 8, a 237-yard par-3. His tee shot was a complete mishit, landing about 40 yards short of the hole and then kicking into a creek.
One of the Golf Channel announcers said the shot was so bad that in nearly 30 years of covering and attending The Players Championship, he had never seen anybody hit a ball into that area of the creek on the 8th hole.

Hitting into the water on the 8th hole is rare. According to Justin Ray of the Golf Channel, Woods is just the 12th player to do it since 2003.
Needless to say, Woods was not happy with the shot. But rather than his usual anger at himself for a bad shot, he appeared to be completely dumbfounded by what had happened.

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This shot tracker doesn’t look terrible if you didn’t know the hole was a par-3.

After a drop, Woods was left with a terrible approach shot with an uneven stance and the ball above his feet.

On Tiger Woods, T77 at 1-over-par after Thursday’s opening round

David Duval – “I think he is entirely lost. Never seen such a brilliant player playing, ‘golf swing’ so much like he is. It looks like he is thinking about every position through the entire golf swing. That has handcuffed him both physically and between the ears.”

Duval – “Funny that his short game, after what everybody saw on the west coast, is what is bailing him out right now. He came back looking as sharp as ever around the greens.”

Nick Faldo – “He has got to find a way to get back to good old basics.”

Tiger Wishes He’d Met Calvin Peete

by Debert Cook May 6, 2015

written by Debert Cook

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) – Calvin Peete competed in The Players Championship for the last time a year before Tiger Woods turned pro.Woods said he never had a chance to meet him, though he was well aware of how Peete went from the vegetable fields to being a 12-time winner on the PGA Tour.And how straight Peete hit the ball.

”There is a stat that not too many people know about,” Woods said Tuesday. ”And that is, at Muirfield Village he didn’t miss a fairway for 2 1/2 years. I mean, over 10 rounds without missing a fairway. OK, you’re going to hit one bad shot somewhere in 2 1/2 years, but he never missed a fairway.”
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Peete died last week. He was the most successful black golfer in PGA Tour history before Woods arrived in 1996. Among his victories was The Players Championship.

”I remember watching when he won here and what he did,” said Woods, who would have been 9 when Peete won at TPC Sawgrass.

Author: Doug Ferguson–Read more at PGA.COM

Related Story: CALVIN PEETE OBITUARY

May 6, 2015 0 comment

Golfer Of The Week Golfer of the Week Featured

Golfer Of The Week: Sherry E. Winston

by Debert Cook May 6, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Sherry E. Winston was born & raised in Corona, New York, a town that has produced several notable professionals including Saxophonist Jimmy Heath, National Endowment for the Arts honoree Dr. Rev. Calvin Butts and Howard University Provost Dr. Michael Winston and many others.

It was Sherry’s friend, writer and business owner George Fraser, Chairman and CEO of FraserNet, Inc., who encouraged Sherry to take up the sport. Interested in exploring new activities, together, off they went to a nearby driving range to hit some balls. From this experience Sherry developed a new favorite past-time!

Today, the Bethel, Conn., resident plays at a 18 handicap. She has wholeheartedly embraced the sport and, is a member of the New Hope Baptist Church Golf League in Danbury, Conn. “It is my second year,” says Sherry, a charter member of the church golf group that formed last year. “This year, in addition to Hope Baptist Church Golf League, I have just joined another African American golf club, the Long Drivers Club out of Waterbury, Conn.” Well, seems like it is going to be another exciting golfing summer for this 5’1” tall, single lady.

The clubs in her golf bag?
“I use ladies Callaway Clubs that were customized for me by Scott Ward of Clubworks (Brookfield, Conn.), says Shery, whose home course is the Candlewood Lake Country Club (New Milford, Conn.)

Sherry plays most often with her golf leagues, but candidly admits, “I move around a lot too. I was just in Bradenton, Fla., and played at Waterlefe Golf Club for a week.” Waterlefe is an 18-hole luxury golf course that adjoins the River Club. Waterlefe’s golf holes are designed by course architect Ted McAnlis and present a competitive layout challenge for golfers of all skill levels. Those who play here recall those five unforgettable holes that touch and border the scenic Manatee River. There are five sets of tees ranging in length from 4700 to 6908 yards.

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Golf and travel go hand-in-hand for Sherry—who enjoys both of these pleasures. In Washington, D.C. she plays with friends and with the Howard University Alumni, where she’s won in a couple of categories. She’s played in San Diego and every few years you’ll catch her on a vacation to Palm Springs and Myrtle Beach, enjoying even more golf. Then, twice a year, she heads down to the beautiful Caribbean island of Barbados, to tee up at the Barbados Golf Club and the Westmoreland Country Club.

“My biggest problem in the game is in being consistent,” says the golfer who has taken instruction with Paul Minor at Stony Hill Golf Center. (Bethel, Conn.) and with Andrew Linch at the Barbados Country Club. “Paul straightened out and grooved my swing. Andrew worked on my short game and grip.”

Sherry_Winston-1 Sherry attended Howard University and earned a Bachelor of Music degree. She is a certified Scuba Diver and holds a diving certificate from National Association of Underwater instructors (NAUI).

A distinguished jazz flutist, she and her Sherry Winston band have performed all over the U.S. and abroad. With such immense knowledge she also gives Music Business Seminars at colleges, Universities and to arts organizations. Most notable, this year, Sherry is celebrating 25 years in performing.

“I love what I do—and when I perform, I make people happy—I enjoy seeing people smile while I play and they seem to always be amazed at what comes out of a 5″1 frame! I love the fact that I run my band, pick all of the music, write some of the songs that we perform and, I’m the one who does all of the negotiations with clients. I love the musicians that I work with and they have been with me for a long time-They are my extended family.”

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In the mist of it all, Sherry manages to get out on the golf course about twice a week. Of course, this changes when performances are scheduled, or if she’s mountain biking, working out, hiking, swimming, snorkeling, traveling or cooking; and she’s about to come out with a love cookbook!….stay tuned fore more on that. She also thanks Tiger Woods for all that he has done for the sport, “He got me to watch golf on T.V.— which I would never do before him.”

“I love the outdoors and the type of people I meet. Golf, to me, is like a walking meditation—even though I ride in a golf cart. The lovely scenery always amazes me.”

May 6, 2015 0 comment

News

H.O.P.E. Classic Readies For 8th Annual Tournament

by Debert Cook May 5, 2015

written by Debert Cook

The 8th Annual Hope Classic kicks off on October 22, 2015 and again, the excitement will be taking place at the Las Vegas National Golf Club, 1911 E. Desert Inn Road, Las Vegas, NV 89169.

Host, and Tournament Chairman, Andy Brewer has again lined up a great host of sponsors and a good time is slated to unfold. Sponsors include West Coast Beverage Company, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, A-Game Global 5 Sport and the Las Vegas National Golf Club.

“We want everybody to come out and join us and have a good time,” Said Brewer, owner of Andy B. Golf. “We really going to enjoy ourselves again this year, so people won’t want to miss this tournament.” Brewer has run the H.O.P.E. Classic with vigilance and style while garnering strong supporters for his efforts throughout the Las Vegas community.

The Classic is being held in association with the Blacks in Criminal Justice, LV Wedding Connection, Caldwell Bankers Premier and On The Set Magazine.

To REGISTER Please contact Andy Brewer (702-437-3585)

Great prizes are lined up for tournament winners including a Hole-In-One and winning opportunities on all Par Three holes for an opportunity to win a new automobile or motorcycle. Gift merchandise will satisfy first, second and third place winners. Golfers are asked to register early to secure your playing spots. On the morning of the event, October 22, golfers are requested to arrive at the clubhouse by 7:30 a.m. for practice opportunity, meet-and-greets and to participate in the welcome reception.

The tournament is slated to begin with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. Following the tournament on October 22, a luncheon and awards ceremony will take place at the Clubhouse following play. Las Vegas National Golf Club, located less than 10 minutes from the world famous Las Vegas Strip, is a classic and traditional style 18-hole championship golf course that provides golfers of all skill levels with a unique challenge and a fun, enjoyable experience. The par 71 course features thousands of trees, well positioned sand bunkers and a few water hazards that protect lush fairways and manicured greens.

HOST HOTEL: Tuscany Suites & Casino is an all-suites property, featuring large 650 sq. ft. suites in a resort setting. Curved pathways wind through 27 acres of lush landscape, pools, and fountains.

HOTEL RATE + TAX – NO RESORT FEE DATES RATE 10/18–10/22 $ 60 10/23–10/24 $110 HOTEL CHECK-IN: 4PM – CHECK OUT: 11AM Hospitality & Registration 6:00–10:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 21, 2015 PLEASE CALL (877) 887-2261 for reservations and USE RESERVATION CODE: 13I69B
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: October 9, 2015

CO-CHAIRS:
Tommy Branch 702-481-8090 Dean Ishman 702-860-3224 Ken Williams 702-217-1112 Dane Watson 702-985-9126
COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Carrie Booker, Joni Moss, Louise Fobbs, Al O’Neal, John Graham, Myrtle O’Neal, Ina Harris Darren, Scott Dennis, Hradisky Inil Swann
To REGISTER Please contact Andy Brewer (702-437-3585)
CONSULTANTS: B.F. Golf Tournament Services, Bill Fullard, President;
African American Golfer’s Digest, Debert Cook, Publisher,

May 5, 2015 0 comment

Blog Featured Blog

The Ravages of Time

by Debert Cook May 5, 2015

written by Debert Cook

The ravages of time are cruel reminders of man’s mortality. I’ve witnessed that reality many times during the years.

Grandma Mattie battled the ravages with every ounce of energy produced from her bantamweight frame. She complained that “ol’ Arthur’’ (that’s what old folks called arthritis back in the day) had her 80-year-old knees swollen the size of a grapefruit. Then she’d hand me a bottle of rubbing alcohol. “Rub grandma’s knees, son,’’ she would say. “They hurtin’ mighty bad.’’

After I finished massaging her aching knees, grandma would pat me on the head and give me my reward: a few pieces of peppermint or horehound candy. Then she would resume her daily domestic duties—ironing dress shirts and other clothing to perfection for one of the families at Christ School, a boarding preparatory institution for upper class boys from around the country. Grandma would stand on those aching knees for hours. Then she would read scriptures from the Bible. I believe the combination of faith and intestinal fortitude kept the ravages at bay until she was ready to turn back the sheets a final time at 101 years young.

When I first started working with Calvin Peete on his biography, he was already firmly in the grip of the ravages. Tourette’s syndrome had robbed him of the ball-striking skills that made him a legend on the PGA Tour. He used magnets in an effort to control the tics and involuntary jerking associated with the malady. His shoulders were a lot more rounded than I remembered making him appear shorter and older, I guess.

Still, he flashed a huge smile, firmly shook my hand and gave me a sincere “soul brother’’ hug like old friends are wont to do. Cal and I were not old friends, although our paths had crossed on tour when he was at the top of his game. We had also shared the same lectern several times at various ceremonies and speaking engagements.

He was, however, a longtime hero of mine. Like most African Americans who aspired to play golf, I wanted—no, needed—someone of color who resembled me for inspiration or just plain verification that a black man could compete at the highest levels. Cal Peete was that confirmation personified.

Sure, I knew of Charlie Sifford, Pete Brown, Lee Elder, Curtis Sifford and others who came before Cal. I grew up caddying at a country club where the great African American golf icon, John Brooks Dendy, served the wealthy white members with an amazing amount of dignity and respect. None were afforded any visibility for the average golf nut.

Television network appearances for the handful of blacks on tour were more rare than UFO sightings. Cal Peete changed all that. From the late ‘70s through the mid-‘80s, Cal’s success on tour landed him on TV nearly as often as George Jefferson. He won 11 times in the ‘80s (12 times overall) and was in contention many more times. Only Tom Kite won more often than he.

Cool walking, cool talking Cal Peete was the man. Not only “our’’ man but the man.

I interviewed Cal infrequently for the project. Sometimes at his home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl.; other times at the TPC at Sawgrass, where he maintained a permanent locker as winner of the 1985 Players Championship contested there. He aged right before my eyes. On the inside, however, his faith and fortitude were stronger than ever.

The last time I saw Cal was at Charlie Sifford’s funeral in Charlotte, N.C. I told him I’d touch base with him back in Atlanta, where we both lived. He passed before I could sit at his knee again. Add another regret to my list.

Yes, the ravages of time eventually walked down arguably the greatest golfer of African American descent before Tiger Woods. However, his legacy remains secure. It’s very much alive in his family and friends who loved him; even foes who admired his greatness between the ropes and his originality outside them.

I promised Cal we’d write his story together. And get it published. I intend to keep that promise, ravages or not. For true heroes never die. They just fade to black.

ABOUT PETE McDANIEL Pete McDaniel is a veteran golf writer and best-selling author. Contact him at Email His blogs and books are available at petemcdaniel.com

Related Story: CALVIN PEETE OBITUARY

May 5, 2015 0 comment

News

Pete Brown Ceremonial Tee Shot 21 Ball Salute

by Debert Cook May 5, 2015

written by Debert Cook

May 5, 2015 0 comment

News

Family Statement on the Death of Pete Brown

by Debert Cook May 5, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Celebrate African Americans In Golf

Released May 2, 2015

Pete Brown – First African American to win a PGA Tour sanctioned event
February 2, 1935 – May 1, 2015
On behalf of the Pete Brown family:

The Brown family extends a heartfelt thank you for all the prayers, telephone calls, love, and support that they are receiving from the golf community and beyond. Pete was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend.
“He taught me everything about how to be a man and a good human being. He was more than a grandfather, he was a father to me”, said Gregory Brown, one of eleven grandchildren (eight grandsons and three granddaughters).
Pete Brown had a special way of inspiring people. Even when he could no longer play golf and his health challenges grew more intense, Pete still continued to have that loving spirit and sense of humor.
Brown had an exceptional way of interacting with people. Alma Reece-Hamblin met Brown for the first time in December 2014 and she clearly recalls how that brief visit made such an impact on her life. She said, “I remember hearing a happy and pleasant voice that was very inviting. Even though his eyes were closed, he smiled when he talked to me. It was a voice from someone who felt good within himself. As I walked out of the room I thought, for someone who has been dealing with many medical challenges for such a long time, Mr. Brown seemed very content. He did not want sympathy, he was not complaining of his physical circumstances. I saw a lot of life in him; that was amazing.”

Pete Brown wanted his legacy in golf to carry on, and he also wanted to establish his legacy in the medical community to help the future of medicine. Therefore, it was his wishes to have his body donated to medical research and education.

He told his wife Margaret, “All my life I have enjoyed helping people. That is a part of who I am—always wanting to reach out to others. I want to donate my body to medical research; even when I am no longer here on earth, I want to continue to help others. My wish is to make you (Margaret) and the children proud of me as I am so very proud of you.

Margaret, Pete’s wife of 58 years, was by his side (in Doctor’s Hospital in Augusta, Georgia) when he passed from this life.

A memorial service will be held in Dayton, Ohio. Details are pending.

Submitted by Ramona Harriet
[email protected]

Ramona Harriet
PO Box 1809
Belleview, Florida 34421

May 5, 2015 0 comment

Heard & Scene News

Splitzville for Tiger Woods and Lindsey Vonn

by Debert Cook May 5, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Could it be a case of ‘kick a man while he is down’? Well, after more than two years together, it’s officially over for Lindsey Vonn and Tiger Woods. Sunday, each publicly announced their relationship status on their individual Facebook pages. Vonn wrote in a Facebook post Sunday that she and Woods have “mutually decided” to end the relationship.

Woods issued a similar statement on his website.

“Lindsey and I have mutually decided to stop dating. I have great admiration, respect and love for Lindsey and I’ll always cherish our time together. She has been amazing with Sam and Charlie and my entire family. Unfortunately, we lead very hectic lives and are both competing in demanding sports. It’s difficult to spend time together.”

Woods has been single since the 2010 divorce from his former wife Elin Nordegren, a model, a university student, and former nanny to Swedish golfer Jesper Parnevik. At the World Cup event, in Italy a few months ago, Tiger attended in an attempt to surprise Vonn. During the melee, Tiger loss a tooth that was, reportedly, accidentally knocked out by a photographer. Little did Tiger know then that his “boyfriend” time with Vonn was also on a countdown for being lost.

Woods has not won a tournament since August 2013 and will fall out of the top 120 in the next world ranking. Vonn’s career has been soaring through the roof. In March she won an alpine ski, women’s World Cup super-G race, at the World Cup finals in Meribel, France. Vonn has been denying an August report in Enquire Magazine that she was caught deep-kissing a tall, good looking gentleman, in is late 40’s, at a Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z concert in Miami. ummmm…..after the numerous rendezvous that crashed Tigers marriage this sounds like a case of what goes around, comes around. Hey, single ladies.

May 5, 2015 0 comment

News Obituaries

Pete Brown, First Black to Win on PGA Tour, Dies at 80-Years Old

by Debert Cook May 1, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Brown among those who blazed the trail for Calvin Peete, Tiger Woods

Just two days after the death of pro golfer Calvin Peete, winner of the 1985 Players champion, we have lost yet another pioneering African American golfer.

The Memorial service is being held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19 at the Corinthian Baptist Church located at 700 S. James H. Mcgee Blvd, Dayton, Ohio 45402. Telephone: 937-223-2373

Pete Brown, the first black golfer to win a PGA Tour event, died today, Friday, May 1, in Augusta, Ga., at Doctors Hospital. Brown was age 80.

Brown achieved a number of golf wins including the 1964 Waco Turner Open and the 1970 Andy Williams-San Diego Open. During his long 17-year career on the PGA Tour these were some of the greatest highlights.
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According to the Augusta Chronicle a source said that Brown had suffered from strokes and congestive heart failure in recent years.

“Pete had a lot of medical challenges,” Ramona Harriet told the Chronicle. “He was a strong man. He was a fighter. He beat all the odds. He was strong not just on the golf course but off it.” Harriet is a black golf historian who has created a traveling exhibit that honors the history of players and caddies.

Tee-Shaker

EWGA Opens First Collegiate Chapter at the University Of Maryland Eastern Shore

Smathers & Branson Golf Themed Wallet

Tiger Woods’ Worst Shot Ever? First Day At The Players Championship

Tiger Wishes He’d Met Calvin Peete

Golfer Of The Week: Sherry E. Winston

H.O.P.E. Classic Readies For 8th Annual Tournament

The Ravages of Time

Pete Brown Ceremonial Tee Shot 21 Ball Salute

Family Statement on the Death of Pete Brown

Splitzville for Tiger Woods and Lindsey Vonn

Pete Brown, First Black to Win on PGA Tour, Dies at 80-Years Old

YOU MAY LIKE: FAMILY STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF PETE BROWN

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