Saturday, March 2, 2013

1931 Convertible Chevrolet

Christina here, March is one of my favorite months. Spring begins to take over the long cold winter months. Green grass begins to poke through the thawing ground, the budding of trees and blooming of flowers sets a certain feeling of hope for things being rebirthed. I love listening to the early morning songs of birds as the sun rises.

I love taking the month of March and celebrating a big part of my heritage. Oh boy, is my mouth watering at the thought of Colcannon.

I guess I don't need to tell you that I love St. Patrick's Day. The fiddles, bagpipes, the smells swirling in the air, the parade. The kilts, the siren's song of the bagpipes (I mentioned that already, didn't I?), the distinguished Irish families cruising in their antique motorcars.

Which brings me to the purpose of this blog post and I'm going to step outside my historical box for a moment, but only because I encountered a cool car show a few weeks ago. I don't know a lot about the information I'm going to share. In fact, I don't know a thing other than what was shared with me by the owners, which was huge, but little in the grand scheme of things.

The beauty of this post...pictures!

 What do I know about this car? Not a lot. I'm not even certain what year it is. I think an early 1930s. I do know it's a Chevrolet, but only because the emblems on the wheels.

If you look closely you can see the chrome bar running from the back of the car to the rag top. Yeah, it's a convertible. For some reason this little tidbit surprised me.
 This, I was informed by two gentleman, is called a straight six engine. The way these men ooo'd and aaa'd you would of thought they were a bunch of women over gazing at a newborn baby.

It's a straight six for a reason: because all the thingy-majigs (cylinders) are in a straight line and not what we typically see in a V-6 these days with three cylinders on either side of the motor.

These engines also lasted for a long time, up to forty years. They just don't make them like they used to.
 Hehe, there's the year. 1931. How about that. I love the ingenuity of this vehicle and it looks a lot fancier than the rusted out luggage racks on mom's mini van.
 I'm not sure what to call this: stylish maybe. Do you see the brown leather strap holding the spare tire in place? It's a small, yet purposeful detail that catches the eye.


 Yep, he's a bit in awe. I tried to capture the hood ornament.
 Kick plate? I'm not certain and google didn't bring up anything in the search engine. If you know what that silver piece if for, please share.
 Oh, the etching on this car fascinated me, even though it was simple. I asked the owner if it was commonplace for cars of this era. He informed me that although the cars weren't manufactured with etched windows, the owners often sent them off to have them done.
As I mentioned above, I love the ingenuity of this car. Just look at that back seat. I wonder though, if the top comes down will it obscure the back passenger's scenic view?

I hope you enjoyed the photos. I hope they take you back to a time when cars were more than just transportation and a work of art.

Don't forget about today's giveaway. One commenter, selected using www.random.org will receive this beautiful hand carved wooden cross.

Yeah, I know. It has nothing to do with today's post, but it does have something to do with my recently contracted story.

Coming in 2014 from Love Inspired Historical, title yet to be determined.

Set in the heart of ancient Judah, a temple guard, posing as a bond-servant, falls in love with his master’s daughter but he must choose between his duty to his king and his one chance at love for eternity.

And don't forget about CFHS's grand prize and 2nd place prize during the month of March. Drawing for grand prize and 2nd place will be held April 1st.

Grand Prize- Kindle
2nd Place Prize- $25 Amazon gift card

For each day you comment on CFHS you receive one entry in the kindle and $25 Amazon gift card giveaway. Comment on every post in the month of March and earn 31 entries!

70 comments:

  1. Gorgeous car! I love those old cars, so beautiful....not sure what the kick plate is, other than maybe it was there so that when you entered the car, your shoes wouldn't scuff the finish of the car. I'm glad you stepped out of your historical box for this, it was great. Thanks for sharing! And the cross is amazing! God bless
    debsbunch5[at]jesusanswers[dot]com

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    1. Thank you for stopping by, Chapliandebbie. Come back next month for another beauty.

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  2. The "kick plate" is called a step plate and yes, it was to save the edge of the car from mud and wear. If you look at the last picture there is also a step plate for getting up into the rumble seat. Was there an actual place for a convertible top to fold into? It looks more like a landau top rumble seat coup. Excellent pictures

    WyndyC
    http://wysnwonderland.blogspot.ca

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    1. Thanks, Wyn. I never would have thought of a landau top. I guess when I think of cars, I think convertibles. :) Love it when I learn something new.

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  3. Wow, that is just amazing!! Loved to see that! You historical authors have my total admiration. So much work goes into your writing!

    And I can NOT wait to read that Biblical from Love Inspired.

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    1. Thank you, Virginia! I can't wait to see my Biblical. ;)

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  4. WOW! I love this car. I love to see any car from yesterday. They had some doozies. LOL I sure would like to be the winner of this great contest. Thanks for the opportunity. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. Hi, Maxie! I think the coolest thing about this car and the others I snapped pictures of was the reaction from the old timers. It really did take them back to their youth.

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  5. Pretty classy looking car - they used to have character compared to the cars on the road today. Thank you for sharing what you were told about the car - interesting. Please sign me up for your giveaway going on. Thank you for the opportunity to throw my name into the drawing.

    Blessings,
    Lori
    triplel(at)evertek(dot)net

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    1. I absolutely agree, Lori. We went to a Roaring 20s style party last night and this baby was sitting out front of the train station. So beautiful. Wish I would have snagged some more pictures but the wind was a bit bitter.

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  6. I will admit that I would go to car shows with hubby more often if there were pretty cars like this....thanks for the giveaway as well.

    bcrug(at)myfairpoint(dot)net

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  7. My loving husband wants an old car. We go look at them and have found some real beauties, problem is hubby is 6'7". Lol so the issue is more of him fitting in one. It keeps him busy and happy looking for them so no complaining here.

    Cathy
    Cdweber20@hotmail.com

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    1. LOL! Cathy, just have hubs get a convertible or a landau. ;)

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  8. That is a very nice carved cross. Thank you for the chance to win it. I grew up going to car shows and loved going to them. I don't get to go as often anymore and kind of miss that. Thank you for the post today.

    griperang at embarqmail dot com

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    1. Angela, I don't remember going to too many car shows. My dad had an uncle who owned a bunch of Model Ts. When my cousin got married her entire wedding party traveled in style.

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  9. Good morning, Ms. Rich! :)

    Ooh I should have known it was your day! I love anything to do with antiques, you see! From chinaware, dishware, old photographs and postcards, furniature, knick knacks, artwork, rumble desks, blue and green glass,... the sort of rambling assortment of things you find in an antique store or emporium like the ones that are hidden in Micanopy!? My other favourite indulgance are antique cars! I think I was spoilt on the idea as I grew up adoring "Annie" the motion picture?! Who couldn't get into antique cars after seeing Daddy Warbucks' fleet? Plus, I tend to watch historical set BBC series: the House of Elliott {1920s-1930s}, Downton Abbey {Victorian era}, etc. These are the type of car shows I'd love to go to quite often, but I don't believe they are close to me!?

    I knew I liked this car the instant I saw the first picture! Deep blueberry in colour, rumble seat in the back, convertible top,... the etched glass I knew was an 'upgrade'/'personalization'...the kickplate was always to curb the mud inside, and, ooh the trunk IS actually a trunk always makes me smile!! :) Thank you for giving me such a long pause on something I heartily love!! I think I'd have been oohing myself with the gents you were describing and striking up a lot of conversations!! Wicked sweet you gave us such perfect views!! Eeek! I might be a girl, but I love vintage autos!! :)

    Thank you for this beautiful giveaway of a handmade wooden cross! The details of it are simply divine and I know whomever wins it is going to appreciate it! Blessings to you!

    inkand-blogaways(at)usa.net
    //Florida

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    1. Jorie, you and I have so much in common! I love anything to do with antiques. Half of my house is antiques. Sounds like you have a lot of interesting things. don't you just love going to auctions and yardsales and finding 'treasures'? I get so excited! LOL. Thanks for stopping by. good luck in the giveaways!

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    2. Jorie, you bring back memories. I loved Annie! I also love antiques. Hopefully, one day I'll have a house that I can hold antiques in. Oh, you probably didn't see because I posted it on facebook, but I do collect old books and I just acquired an antique Welsh Bible from 1769. I love it.

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    3. Good afternoon, Ms. Costello + Ms. Rich,

      I've momentarily returned from a nature walk with my parents, as its one of those rare Saturdays' my Dad has free from work! :) We were on pins, hoping that he'd see 'some' wildlife,... guess what showed up!? Two Great Blue Herons, a Snowy Egret, a White Egret, a Blue Heron, an unidentified bird in the heron family, a Turkey Vulture, 2 Anhinga {one was in the water!}, a marsh rabbit, starlings, 2 flocks of moorhens, the irredescent blue black bird that looks like a raven, as well as a mock fight between a Great Blue & a Snowy Egret(!),... we heard a woodpecker as we left! Wow! What a wicked sweet Saturday, for us!! And, this is all ahead of a knitting afternoon! :)

      OOoh, I forgot to say how much I *love!* auctions! During my 8th grade year, we'd holiday in the country,... we'd get up to our holiday house in the nick of time to make the auction that evening! We'd eat hot dogs on the fly, browse what was up for sale, and settle into a lively night! Our auction house was family focused, all ages welcome, and I had the supreme pleasure in being allowed to wave my parent's number if they wanted to bid! I picked up a Civil War ammunitions box, which became my 'treasure chest' of youth! I found untouched Canadian hockey cards another time, but moreso than the treasures, as we found vintage quilts too(!), were the times spent caught up in that atmosphere! The auctioneers wife ran the tickets on a homemade laundry line too! It was an amazing experience!

      Ooh, I know, how can you ever outgrow Annie!? Your right,.. I'm not a Facebook girl, so I am sorry I missed the 1769 Bible! :/ What a find!!

      Eek. This day keeps getting better and better! I am happy I stopped on here whilst I'm half out the door to the yarn shoppe! Blessings to you both! I am truly enjoying the CFHS, and learning more about each of you!

      Windy smiles!!! The air is quite refreshing at around 60 degrees, but its the "windy" bit to it that took my breath away but invigorated me at the same time! :) Cheers!

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    4. Christine! I am jealous! I collect antique bibles. do you know how hard it is to get your hands on an 18th century bible? Where on earth did you find it?

      Jorie girl! You and me need to go auctioning together!With all those birds you must live in Florida. My mother loves birds! She'd be in heaven watching the slew you saw. The ammo box sound fabulous! My crit partner writes civil war stories. I've loved auctions since I married. My hubby and I furnished our house that way. And you knit! I do some. I used to do it much more but with my writing I don't have as much time. But I'm still smocking. Hope you found great treasures at your yarn shop. Blessings! Debbie Lynne

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  10. I once went to the Henry Ford museum and looked at all the cars they had there. They were awesome. Plus they had the Weinner Mobile from the bologna commercials.

    lorsofbooks1 (at) live (dot) com

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    1. We went to the Pioneer Village when I was a kid. An amazing little attraction. They had a bunch of Fords as well as many other things. I only remember the cars and the planes. Now, I'd like to go back and see all the other stuf.

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    2. I've been to the Henry Ford Museum too. Loved it, but must admit I spent more time looking at thatched roofed homes from England at Greenfield Village. Can't remember if that's all in the same place or not. It's been more than ten years. I love the etching on that car window. So cool. My very first car was a 1965 Chevy Bel-Air I bought for $125 from a friend. :)
      Jill

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  11. I didn't know they put etching on cars!
    Beautiful cross. Would fit in my bedroom. My favorite cross that I own, is the one I can clutch in the palm of my hand when I am in pain.

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    1. Martha, I was surprised about the etching, too.

      I'm sorry that you suffer pain. Glad you take comfort in the cross. I'll be praying for you.

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  12. Christina I am so impressed! What a beautiful car and you know so much about it!!! Such interesting stuff. I'd guess that metal plate was a mud guard. I know back in the day they even had places outside the houses where a man could scrape his boots and remove he mud off them. Just a thought.

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    1. Hi, Debbie. I wouldn't have known a thing without going. Guess there is something to face to face research. :) Now, if only I could convince hubs that a trip to Israel is a necessity. ;)

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  13. I have to say Christina it is a beauty, and I don't care much for vehicles. now on to St Patrick's day and all things Irish...you must come to Savannah, Ga, they have one of THE best times for St Patrick's Day. The park has a fountain "Forsythe" that they dye the waters green and it is a sight to see. there is much hoopla on this day, I am sure you would like it.
    thanks for sharing the beautiful car, look forward to viewing this blog from time to time with all the wonderful authors on it..
    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

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    1. Paula, I never considered visiting Savannah, but now I just might have to. My oldest daughter went on a missions trip to Chicago when she was sixteen. It happened to be during St. Patrick's. She took pictures of the green fountain and the green river. Guess I could have shared them here. Perhaps another time.

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  14. I love the beautiful window etching. I always love seeing cars like these in parades and I often imagine what it must have been like in a different time with a family using this car. I love that these wonderful pieces of history are still around for us to enjoy and learn from.
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com

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    1. Mary, I love that they are still around, too. I think what is so neat, and I'll share next month, is the kid like reactions from the people experiencing them.

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  15. I love the car and all the information about it - thanks so much for asking all those questions! I am not sure what the metal plate was for, but my first thought was you would step there so as to not get your muddy shoes all over the whole running board. I like Debbie's idea about scraping your boots on it - that makes good sense as well.
    Love the beautiful cross!
    bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi, Betz. Wyn called it a step plate, and yes it's exactly to keep from mud and what have you. After being out on a country road yesterday in the mud, I wish I had one on my vehicle. Now I have clean my mats. :)

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  16. Makes you wonder how they got around back in the day, huh? I actually might have some old pictures around here from Ludington, MI with older cars. Not sure though.

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  17. Interesting blog! Thanks for the opportunity to win the cross!

    bonnieroof60@yahoo.com

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  18. Old cars are beautiful in a way all their own! :) I love this cross to! :)

    Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a)

    amada_chavez{AT}yahoo{DOT}com

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  19. Wow! There is an investment from the past. What a treasure! A local town near us has a harvest festival every summer and there is a classic car show of close to 500 cars. It's a feast for the eyes. We've enjoyed that show for many years, and look forward to the next one. Thank you for sharing and for the contest as well.
    Nancee
    quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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    1. Nancee, that sounds like an awesome festival. Finding these at the mall where my daughter was performing was a surprise. Now, I want to be a stalker. ;)

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  20. What a beautiful looking car. It sounds like you learned a lot and enjoyed your day. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

    deamundy(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I did, Deanna. Then we had even more fun last night at the Gala.

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  21. I got a lot of car buff friends, that are currently at a car show downtown that would thoroughly love this blog entry. It seems the cars (jalopies) of old were built with personality, integrity and pride. Thank you so much for sharing this and showing it through the lense of your own eye.

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    1. Hi, Anonymous. :) Feel free to point them this way. Next month I'll be blogging on a Ford. I believe it is a 1913.

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    2. Got you under my favs now, Ms. Richie-Rich...plus reposted on my FB...you know how to market....

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  22. I love old cars and so does my husband. Our first date was to a car show in Orlando.
    We have a 1965 candy apple red Corvair convertible and a 1966 Corvair that one day my husband will get around to restoring.
    Thanks for entering me in the giveaway.
    Happy Motoring!
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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  23. Janet, what an interesting car to own. Me, I dream of owning a 71 Mustang. :)

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  24. Hi Christina,

    My brother had a 66 Mustang, but he sold it to get married. It was red and so cool.

    I've never been to a car show with my husband, but we've been to PLENTY of sporting events. Thanks for sharing, it looks interesting.

    Jackie
    joyfuljelatgmail(dot)com

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    1. What a romantic brother you have, selling his 66 Mustang for love. :)

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  25. Ooo, I always love the tires so of old cars. Those white walls and spokes...so crisp! Thanks for the giveways this month!

    sherrinda (at) gmail (dot) come

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  26. What a beautiful car! I do enjoy looking at old, but restored cars.

    may_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  27. Isn't the luck plate for cleaning off ones shoes. Back then concrete wasn't everywhere so there was quite a bit of mud.

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  28. I just loved the photos of the car! I've never seen one like this before and found the photos and information very interesting!

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  29. I don't know a whole lot about cars, but you really made this baby come to life! Makes me want to go back in time to ride in one. :-)

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  30. The details on older cars can be beautiful.

    jbedwards123@triad.rr.com

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  31. I love classic cars! I'd love to win. shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  32. What a beautiful car! I love the color and the style. Thanks for sharing the photos.
    The Olive wood cross is beautiful as well.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  33. Wow, thanks for sharing the photos! I just love the annual old car show in my town! Last year I wore a 1950's sailor dress with full skirt and even included the cats-eye sunglasses with rhinestones. Every year it is my goal to take a photo of every car there, haven't managed yet but this year I have a new camera with a big enough card... All I need to do is remember to charge the battery the night before ;)
    Jasmine A.

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  34. Just got home from a night out with the family. I suppose you all want to know who the winner is...................... Connie R!!!!! Congratulations. I'll be emailing you for your contact information.

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  35. I really don't know very much about cars...just give me one that runs. This was an interesting article.

    Rose

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  36. Hi Christina, enjoyed the cars. Often Jerry laments that he doesn't have his first car, a Studebaker. It was a grant car and he kept it in tiptop condition. When we married he downsized to a VW Bug. Kinda wish we had that one still too. Thanks for sharing your car show adventure.

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  37. Wow Beautiful!

    I'm not one much for cars, but I'd rather look at old cars any day. :)

    brpchristiangirl@charter.net

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  38. Very fancy and functional! For parades, some remodeled model-Ts are driven. I like the spoke wheels on the older automobiles. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  39. What a beautiful old car! They definitely don't make cars the way they used to (or anything else, for that matter!).

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    1. I didn't leave my email address, but it is on my blogger profile!

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  40. Hi Christina. Thank you for your post. I love old cars. In fact, I live in Auburn, Indiana where the Auburn-Cord-Deusenburg museum is located. There are two major car auctions every year as well. To see all these old cars is like taking a step back in time. I love it.

    Would love to be entered into your giveaway!

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

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  41. Old cars make me think of my dad :)
    Lisa
    deiselbuffs@yahoo.ca

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