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April 28, 2005 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Ruling Shields Privacy of North Carolina Students from RIAA Lawsuits
o Marvel, Stan Lee Settle Litigation; Marvel to Produce Own Films for Paramount
o Sirius Ups 2005 Subscriber Projection to 2.7 Million; Sees Breakeven in 2007
o Microsoft, Samsung Partner for HDTV Xbox Promotions
o U.K. Game Developer Elixir Studios to Shut Down, Sell Game Assets
o Report: 2005 European Online Content Revenues to Reach $3.9 Billion

> DMW Announcements:
--Digital Media Conference - June 17, 2005

> Featured Advertisement:
--PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 
 

o Briefly Noted: Acacia Research - new patent suits, Reuters - mobile news service, BT - Sportfive - World Cup, EchoStar - Sound Choice Karaoke Channel, SBC Blue Room, Electronic Arts - Sean Connery, Namco, Global Gaming League - Electronic Sports World Cup, Google - improved news search
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--NPR Shop Operations Analyst, NPR Online
--XML, RSS, Prism - Evolving Standards in the Information Industry
--Video Games Producer, MTV.com
--Director - Product Marketing, Visa USA
--Online Marketing Manager
--Web Designer/E-Advocate
--Marketing Manager Software Company
--Outside Sales Manager - Digital Distribution of PC Games
--Software Engineer
--Account Executive/Senior Account Executive
--Director Of Marketing
--Business Development Manager
--3rd Annual Homeland Security Contracting Forum - May 5-6, 2005 
--Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel
--iPath Technologies, Inc. Adds Juniper Netscreen Training to Curriculum
 


o Ruling Shields Privacy of North Carolina Students from RIAA Lawsuits

Raleigh, N.C. -- A federal magistrate has ruled that two colleges in North Carolina do not have to reveal the identities of students alleged to have engaged in file-sharing of copyrighted songs by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the Associated Press reported. U.S. Magistrate Judge Russell A. Eliason sided with attorneys who argued that privacy rights of the students at the University of North Carolina and North Carolina State trumped piracy concerns. "We would never condone music piracy," Michael Kornbluth, an attorney for one of the "Jane Doe" student defendants, told AP. "What we're interested in is the rights of the individual -- privacy rights being protected." Likewise, administrators at UNC told AP that they were pleased with the magistrate's ruling, although they do not condone piracy. The RIAA has successfully sued over 7,000 other "John Doe" defendants for file-sharing, compelling other schools and Internet service providers to turn over the identities of the alleged copyright infringers.
http://tinyurl.com/8nv7b 
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o Marvel, Stan Lee Settle Litigation; Marvel to Produce Own Films for Paramount

New York -- Comic book publisher Marvel Enterprises announced on Thursday that it has settled all outstanding litigation with legendary comic book author Stan Lee, the creator of "Spider-Man," "The X-Men" and "The Incredible Hulk." Lee sued Marvel in November 2002, claiming Marvel had failed to pay him a share of its profits from "Spider-Man" movies and other film and TV properties that utilized his creations. The settlement covers both past and any potential future payments to Mr. Lee; Marvel's first quarter results cite a one-time $10 million charge attributed to the successful resolution of the litigation. "Stan is one of the founders of today's comic book industry. We are pleased with the settlement and are happy to have resolved all of our disputes with him," said Marvel general counsel John Turitzin. Following the settlement, Marvel announced that it has entered into an agreement with Paramount Pictures, to produce its own slate of films featuring its stable of comic book characters. The company added that it has secured a $525 million, seven-year credit facility with Merrill Lynch to finance production of the films. Marvel will deliver up to ten films to Paramount over the next eight years, beginning with "Captain America" and "Nick Fury."
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050428/285199.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050428/285306.html 
http://www.marvel.com 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stan_Lee 
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o Sirius Ups 2005 Subscriber Projection to 2.7 Million; Sees Breakeven in 2007

New York -- Sirius Satellite Radio has announced that its revenue grew fourfold and it added 305,000 subscribers during the first quarter of 2005, while its net loss widened to $193.6 million, compared with a loss of $142 million a year ago. The company posted revenues of $43.2 million, up from $9.3 million a year ago. Sirius increased its subscriber forecast for the full year to 2.7 million, up from a previous projection of 2.5 million; the company ended the recent quarter with a total of 1.45 million subscribers. By comparison, rival XM Satellite Radio now counts 3.8 million subscribers. Sirius also said that cost associated with acquiring each new subscriber was $190 during the quarter, but expects this figure to drop to $145 by the end of the year, and even more so during 2006. The company reiterated that it expects to breakeven in 2007.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050428/nyth070a.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/rb/050428/tech_sirius_earns.html 
http://www.siriusradio.com 
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o Microsoft, Samsung Partner for HDTV Xbox Promotions

New York -- Microsoft and Korean electronics manufacturer Samsung on Thursday announced an alliance to promote the high-definition gaming features of Microsoft's next-generation Xbox video game console using Samsung's HDTV sets. Under the deal, Samsung will place over 25,000 HDTV sets at Xbox retail kiosks worldwide. Microsoft also said its first high-definition game title for the new console will incorporate both Samsung-branded products and the Samsung logo. Microsoft plans to unveil its new Xbox during a promotional TV program that will air on MTV on May 12, shortly before the E3 Expo. "Samsung has selected Microsoft Xbox as the best next-generation game console and a key driver in the global HDTV revolution," said Samsung senior vice president Peter Weedfald. "Samsung HDTVs will provide Xbox enthusiasts with the truest high-definition gaming experience available."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050428/nyth009.html 
http://www.xbox.com 
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o U.K. Game Developer Elixir Studios to Shut Down, Sell Game Assets

London -- U.K.-based video game developer Elixir Studios, creators of "Republic" and "Evil Genius," announced on Thursday that it has ceased operations and laid off staff, and is seeking a sale of its remaining assets. The company cited the recent cancellation of a title it had been working on for a major U.S. publisher, in addition to "the current risk averse publishing climate." "It is clearly a disappointing day for the team here, and for British independent developers in general, but we were extremely keen to wind things down on our terms and treat our employees and creditors properly and in a professional manner," said Elixir CEO Mark Hewitt. The company said it will use a part of its cash resources to provide severance packages to employees and help them find new jobs.
http://www.elixir-studios.co.uk/nonflash/press/elixir_press.htm
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=8329 
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o Report: 2005 European Online Content Revenues to Reach $3.9 Billion

Frankfurt -- According to the latest report by the European Information Technology Observatory (EITO), Western European revenues for consumer online content will nearly double this year, reaching more than $3.9 billion (3 billion euro). EITO also predicted that revenues would continue to increase over the next few years, reaching more than $20.6 billion by 2008. More than a third of the current consumer online content market is based on online video, generating more than $1.3 billion in revenue this year alone. EITO said broadband access -- both wireline and wireless -- was the main driver of the booming Western European market. "We are creating very powerful broadband highways, and we have to fill them with real content and value-added services," said EITO Chair Bruno Lamborghini. "Online content is leading the way."
http://makeashorterlink.com/?G44E21AFA 

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>DMW Events:
 



2nd Annual Digital Media Conference
June 17, 2005 | McLean, VA
www.digitalmediaconference.com

Mark your calendars! The 2nd Annual Digital Media Conference is set for Friday, June 17, 2005 at the Hilton McLean in Tysons Corner, McLean, Virginia. This is a must-attend event for media, entertainment and technology businesses, educational institutions and government agencies involved in the digital distribution of media, including information, education & entertainment products.

PANEL TOPICS INCLUDE:

  • Copyrights v. Technology: The Battle Heats Up
  • Digital Living:  Entertainment for the Connected Consumer
  • The "New" FCC and the Future of Digital Media
  • Video Games: An Industry Going Mainstream?
  • The Evolution of Radio: Satellite, Wireless & the Internet
  • The Changing Face of Television: Exploring Digital Frontiers
  • Mobile Entertainment: Wireless Technologies Shaping the Future of Entertainment
  • Online Publishing 2.0: Blogs, RSS & Other Innovations Driving the Industry

For more information click here
To register click here.

REGISTRATION
Early Bird: $195 (until April 30)
Pre-Registration: $295 (until June 1)
Registration:$395 (after June 1)

Register online at: http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1101

Phone registration: 323-852-7130


To submit speakers or request information about exhibiting or sponsoring at the 2005 conferences, please contact Tinzar Than, VP, Marketing & Events, Digital Media Wire, Inc. at: tinzar@digitalmediawire.com.
 

Past Events | Sponsorship Materials | Partners & Clients


 

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> Featured Advertisement:

> PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 

PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 is the leading global entertainment and media industry forecast, including in-depth global analyses and five-year growth projections for 14 industry segments covering every major global region. The complete 550-page book, is available in print or electronic format. The 50 page "Global Overview" (available in print or electronic format)or any of the 14 individual industry segment chapters (electronic format only) can be purchased separately for $95. For sample content and to order, click here.
 

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o Briefly Noted:

(Newport Beach, Calif.) Acacia Research, a holder of patents on digital media transmission technologies that has aggressively sought licenses from both Internet video and cable and satellite firms, announced on Thursday that it has added Time Warner Cable, Cablevision, Insight, Cebridge and Bresnan to the list of companies it is suing for patent infringement. The company has already filed patent infringement claims against Comcast, Cox and DirecTV, as well as over 20 smaller U.S. cable TV providers. Acacia has secured patent licenses from over 175 companies, including Disney, Playboy and Virgin Radio; for the first quarter of 2005, Acacia reported revenue of $1.86 million, mostly from license fees.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050428/285176.html 
http://www.acaciaresearch.com

(London) Reuters announced on Thursday that it has launched a mobile news service in the U.K. and the U.S. Reuters said the free service would deliver the agency's Top 10 news stories, complete with photos, from more than 200 bureaus around the world. "As information and images on mobile phones become more popular, there is a real opportunity for a news brand like Reuters to expand our audience," said Reuters Media vice president Stephen Smyth. Reuters said the service, which can be downloaded by typing in "mobile.reuters.co.uk" on a phone's Internet browser, will be available on more than 70 different Web-enabled mobile handsets, including LG, Motorola, Nokia, Siemens, Panasonic, Sharp and SonyEricsson.
http://today.reuters.co.uk/rss/mobile.aspx

(London) BT Rich Media, a division of U.K. telecommunications bellwether BT Group Plc, announced that it has teamed up with Sportfive, a France-based sports marketing group, to stream qualifying games for the 2006 World Cup, as well as international friendly games, over broadband on the Internet. Under the terms of the agreement, Sportfive, which has the largest portfolio of European qualifying games, will use the BT Rich Media platform for publishing and distributing the video content. Live games will cost about $12.80 (9.95 euro) for a 250k or 500k stream, while users will be able to download games and save them to their PCs for about $8.95 (6.95 euro).
http://www.qualifiers2006.com 
http://www.soccernet.com

(Englewood, Colo.) Satellite TV operator EchoStar Communications announced on Thursday that it has partnered with Sound Choice to bring its Karaoke Channel to the DISH Network service. The interactive TV channel, developed with technology from OpenTV, allows viewers to sing along to two 25-song playlists of karaoke tunes, rotated twice per month. Sound Choice's Karaoke Channel will cost an additional $4.99 per month for DISH subscribers.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050428/sfth065.html 
http://www.soundchoice.com 
http://www.dishkaraoke.com

(San Antonio, Texas) Telecommunications giant SBC Communications on Thursday introduced the SBC Blue Room, a new website that features exclusive music content like audio files and streaming video of acoustic and behind-the-scenes performances, interviews and rare concert footage. The site will also funnel traffic to SBC partner Yahoo's online music sites.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050428/285524.html 
http://blueroom.sbc.com

(Redwood City, Calif.) Electronic Arts announced on Thursday that it plans to release "From Russia With Love," the latest installment in its James Bond game franchise, for PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube in the fall of 2005. Actor Sean Connery will reprise his role from the film, providing his likeness and voice talent for the game. "As an artist, I see this as another way to explore the creative process," said Connery. "Video games are an extremely popular form of entertainment today, and I am looking forward to seeing how it all fits together."
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050428/285863.html

(Santa Clara, Calif.) Japanese video game publisher Namco announced on Thursday that it will publish "Namco Museum 50th Anniversary" for PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Game Boy Advance and the PC in August. The title will feature 14 classic Namco titles, such as "Pac-Man," "Galaga," "Dig Dug" and "Pole Position." The company also said it plans to ship "Urban Reign," a fighting title developed by the team that created its "Tekken" franchise, for PlayStation 2 in the fall of 2005.
http://www.namco.com

(Santa Monica, Calif.) The Global Gaming League (GGL), an organizer of video game tournaments, said on Thursday that it has partnered with Ligarena, which produces the Electronic Sports World Cup video game competition. The GGL will host online qualifying rounds for 250,000 competitors as well as a live final in New York to select the team that will represent the U.S. in the competition, which will culminate in July in Paris at the 2005 Electronic Sports World Cup Grand Final.
http://www.ggl.com 
http://www.esworlcup.com

(London) NewScientist.com reported on Thursday that Google is looking to dramatically improve its Internet news service, based on new patents filed in the U.S. and abroad. The company is building a database that will factor in the track record and credibility of individual news sources, as well as traffic to their websites -- giving more prominent sources higher spots in its rankings. Currently, Google's news search service returns results based on the most recently-published stories, and their degree of relevance to the search terms used.
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg18624975.900 

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> Classifieds -- Advertise

> NPR Shop Operations Analyst, NPR Online

Maintain merchandising and operations of NPR Shop website; executes, analyzes marketing efforts; creates NPR Shop homepage standards; inventory management/analysis; builds merchandising reports. BA, MBA preferred, 1 yr e-commerce exp. and consumer goods marketing; relational database/business intelligence software; 2 yrs Javascript, CSS, Macromedia Suite, HTML, Photoshop. Strong analytical, interpersonal, problem solving skills. Exp. w/traditional retail operations; and exp. w/IBM WebSphere platform or comparable commerce operating system.  Contact employment@npr.org, reference #DMW1159.
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> XML, RSS, Prism - Evolving Standards in the Information Industry

The digital content industry has been helped and hindered by standards for decades and they have proliferated to span the entire content value chain. The list now includes XML and XMP for data & metadata; NewsML and NITF for formatting, and RSS and Atom for distribution to name a few. Moderated panelists discuss on April 28, 11:30 - 1:30. For more info, contact blake@siia.net or go to http://www.siia.net/events/prereg.asp?eventid=443
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> Video Games Producer, MTV.com

Video Games Producer serves as production team lead for MTV.com's video games area & editorial coverage. Responsible for seamless execution & creative vision for area, including design, editorial & video production, wireframes, func. specs, production sched, resource alloctn, must have 4-8 years of exp building web content for major brands and/or video games content. Ideal: knows MS Visio, HTML editing tools (Homesite) & strong affinity to MTV brand (on-air and online), pc and console, gaming culture.  Contact careers@mtv.com
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> Director - Product Marketing, Visa USA - Foster City, CA

As a Director, the candidate will supervise staff at the Senior Marketing Manager level who have day-to-day responsibility for specific promotional programs for Visa Card usage, and he/she will have overall program and budget accountability. College degree and 10-15 years of marketing exp., including promotions and co-marketing experience. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator, creative as well as strategic thinker, flexible, resourceful, good at setting priorities and managing complexity, a good decision-maker.  Submit your resume online: http://usa.visa.com/about_visa/careers/jobsearch/USA_6432.html
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> Online Marketing Manager - NYC

Develop and manage the execution of Internet marketing campaigns to acquire new registered users for our media properties and grow online revenues and profits, develop and execute web acquisition campaigns including email, banner, newsletter and other emerging online media tools. 2-5 years exp. in online sales and marketing, Knowledge of performance based marketing and email marketing. Excellent copywriting skills and creativity. Strong quantitative /analytical skills to analyze campaign data and provide implications, recommendations and testing plan; solid understanding of Excel required. BS/BA required. Email your resume as a word document to richardb@silvercarrot.com
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> Web Designer/E-Advocate - Alexandria, VA

National non-profit highway safety group seeks Web Designer/Manager of E- advocacy in Alexandria, VA. Experience (3-4 yrs) online journalism or designing and developing websites required. Bachelor's degree preferred. Competitive salary and benefits package including 401k. Email resume to: hiring@go21.org
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> Marketing Manager Software Company

We are seeking a motivated, enthusiastic, flexible person who is upbeat by nature and views themselves as outgoing, yet with a strong eye for detail. Our company works with nationally known partners and is a great small company environment for the right person. Excellent Microsoft Officer skills are a must; HTML skills also required; ability to create HTML marketing materials; excellent written skills; skills in Photoshop and Front Page and other related products, a plus. This job will allow the right candidate to create, monitor and analyze their own marketing campaigns, and manage product strategy and support. We are located near Porter Square T stop. Excellent salary and medical benefits. Please email Carol@kmt.com
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> Outside Sales Manager - Digital Distribution of PC Games

Outside sales for Trymedia, the world's largest digital distribution provider of PC games and DRM technology. Increase distribution of digital PC game catalog, technology, and services to large web sites, portals, ISPs, online networks, and cable providers. Manage entire sales cycle for warm and cold leads. Light travel. Experience: 2 years Internet sales creating affiliate networks. Selling content aggregation and fully managed services in digital media. Strong Rolodex. Email salesjobs@trymedia.com
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> Software Engineer

We are seeking a highly motivated Java software engineer with 3 plus years of programming experience to work in a closely-knit team environment. This engineer will be expected to quickly acclimate to the dynamic environment and be able to take ownership of software development efforts and deliver them within specified time frames. Candidate must possess a positive attitude and be comfortable functioning in a multi-tasking environment. Send resumes to careers@unanet.com
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> Account Executive/Senior Account Executive - Stamford, CT

Environics Communications has an exciting opportunity for a public relations Account Executive / Senior Account Executive with two to six years of experience in an agency or corporate environment. This is a generalist position, though healthcare, technology and corporate communications experience are highly desirable. In addition to demonstrated exceptional media relations skills, the ideal candidate will know how to manage client relationships and work in a fast-paced environment. Visit us at http://www.environicspr.com Send resumes to communicate@environics-usa.com
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> Director Of Marketing

Our client, a very exciting and well funded start-up is looking for a Director of Marketing to develop segmentation and acquisition strategies, work with product development to enhance product offering, define the brand promise, develop strategy to improve the customer experience, and analyze marketing results. Candidate must have 8-10 years of direct marketing experience. Product development and/or brand marketing experience is helpful. If you're interested, please send resume to resumes@hartleyhickey.com.
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> Business Development Manager

This position with the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development Business Investment Team will proactively function as a Business Ambassador to market Loudoun County as a favored business location. Requires any combination of education and exp. equivalent to Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or public administration or related field, and at least three years related professional exp. working with business, civic and elected leaders. This position requires the ability to work non-standard hours to include early mornings, evenings and weekends (Hiring Range: $38,965 - $58,447/yr) Apply immediately Ref # 05-299. Email resumes to hr@loudoun.gov For more info, visit http://www.loudoun.gov or call Human Resources: (703) 777-0213.EOE.
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> 3rd Annual Homeland Security Contracting Forum - May 5-6, 2005

5 Top DHS and DOE CIO's and other insiders confirmed include: Steve Cooper, CIO, Dept. of Homeland Security; Charles Armstrong, CIO, Border Security, DHS; Scott Hastings, CIO, The US-VISIT Program, (which awarded a contract worth up to $10 billion to Accenture), DHS and others. Panel Topics include: DHS Contracting Opportunities, Next Generation Homeland Security and DOD Technologies: Small-Medium Sized Business Opportunities, Homeland Security Contract and Grant Winners: How Your Firm Can Secure DHS Business and more. May 5-6, 2005. Hyatt Crystal City, Arlington VA. For more info or to register visit - http://www.potomactechwire.com/homelandconference2005.html
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> Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel

Enter the Blogosphere prepared - Enhance your sales and marketing programs. Take advantage of blog relations and blog technology at its forefront. As blogging matures and becomes a prevailing force in communications, allow Strategic Communications Group to assist you in meeting your sales, profitability and corporate valuation goals. Contact us for a free white paper. Send inquiries to info@gotostrategic.com or call 301.408.4500. Visit http://www.gotostrategic.com/blogptw.html  for more info.
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> iPath Technologies, Inc. Adds Juniper Netscreen Training to Curriculum

iPath Technologies, Inc., has added a new offering to its Juniper networking courses entitled Implementing Netscreen Security Gateways. INSG is valuable to network engineers, support personnel, resellers, and others who implement NetScreen products. For the latest course dates and locations, please visit http://www.ipath.net For information contact training@ipath.net
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About Us
Digital Media Wire, Inc. is a news organization, publisher and events company serving the digital media industry since May 2000. Our daily newsletter delivers original briefings on business, legal and financial developments shaping digital media and read by over 30,000 executives and professionals.

Digital Media Wire, Inc. is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an international network of publications that includes Digital Media Law Report, Potomac Tech Wire, New England Tech Wire, Southeast Tech Wire, Bay Area Tech Wire, Tri-state Tech Wire and European Tech Wire. The network reaches more than 70,000 individuals from over 70 countries each business day.

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Chief Executive Officer: Ned Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than
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