Today is the 20th anniversary of a 2001 AFC Divisional playoff game between the then Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots. Whether you refer to it as The Tuck Rule Game, The Snow Bowl, or the final game at Foxboro Stadium, there's no denying its place in NFL lore.
Over the past twenty years, the Tuck Rule has been one of the most over-analyzed and discussed plays/games in NFL history. In 2013 the NFL voted to overturn the controversial rule, but that hasn't stopped the discussions and hypotheticals. Some people think the Patriots double-dynasty never happens without that call. Some believe that the league was out to get the Raiders. Then there's the butterfly effect part of it; would Jon Gruden still have gotten traded to the Bucs if the Raiders had won? If the Patriots lost and the St. Louis Rams won their 2nd Super Bowl in three years, are they still in St. Louis today? What cannot be debated is after this game, the Patriots went on to win Super Bowl XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLIX, LI, and LIII. Last weekend the Raiders played (and lost) just their second playoff game since 2003. In honor of this turning point in NFL history, ESPN dropped a trailer announcing a 30 for 30 documentary on the Tuck Rule set to debut on February 6th at 8:30 pm EST.
Before I go any further, as a Patriots fan and NFL historian, of course, I'm going to watch, but that doesn't mean this is necessary!
Maybe it's just the 20 years of dissection and attempts to undermine the greatest dynasty in NFL history, but I am so fucking over the Tuck Rule. Do we really need another documentary on this topic? How about some content about more contemporary NFL "where were you when?" moments like Cam Newton's business decision or when Antonio Brown kicked a punter?
Here are my four biggest issues with the continued rehashings of the former NFL Rule 3, Section 22, Article 2, Note 2. 1. Of course, the play was controversial, but it was called correctly under the letter of the law at the time, and newsflash people, the Patriots were on the wrong side of the call earlier in the 2001 season!
2. The Raiders still deserve plenty of blame for losing that game; they had ample opportunities to bury the Patriots, but let them hang around and ultimately win. It's not like that play won the Pats the game. Adam Vinatieri still had to make the most difficult kick in NFL history just to tie the score at 13. Then in OT, they could've stopped 'em too.
2B. To show my professionalism and lack of bias, you could make the same argument for the Patriots after the helmet catch. Sure, Richard Seymour and Jarvis Green were getting straight up molested by the Giants O-line, and holding should've been called, but that play didn't win the game. The Patriots were still up 4 points with a minute left and the Giants on like the 23-yard line...a field goal doesn't beat you. Maybe if they didn't zero blitz with Ellis Hobbs (who was like 4 foot 9) covering all 7 feet of Plaxico, they could've held on?
3. The Raiders beat the Patriots in the 1976 playoffs on a phantom roughing the passer call back in the days when murder was legal on the gridiron. I say tough titties, Raaaaiders. When you won your first Super Bowl, you beat the Pats thanks to a questionable call. Twenty-five years later, they got revenge en route to their first Lombardi. Consider it even.
4. The Tuck Rule Game has already been the subject of multiple documentaries. I get it; this one has Tom Brady and Charles Woodson playing slap-dick on a 20 thousand dollar couch, but how much more insight can we get? There's a 90 minute (71 w/o commercials) episode of NFL's Greatest Game from 2008 dedicated to this 2001 AFC Divisional Playoff game (although it's mislabeled as "2002" on ESPN+). That episode features commentary from Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, Rich Gannon, Matt Light, Jon Ritchie, Eric Allen, Adam Vinatieri and many more players and media personnel.
Then in 2017, NFL Films The Timeline released another hour doc (43 minutes w/o commercials) that further broke down the aftershocks from the game with boxy ass reenactments. That's what Tom Brady would look like he still ate nightshades and was 5 foot 10.
Again, I'm a Patriots fan, and now that the double-dynasty is over, I'm all for docuseries and specials breaking down the most remarkable run in NFL history to help me forget about 30 point playoff losses, but this particular story has been told countless times (at least twice in NFL Films sanctioned documentaries). Maybe it will help younger viewers understand this game's impact, but do we really need this 30 for 30? What more is there to learn?
Maybe I'm fucking wrong and this will be awesome, but I think I made four solid points why it's kind of lame. What do you think about this upcoming 30 for 30? Sound off in the comments!
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Song: 9 To 5 (1980)
Artist: Dolly Parton Album: 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs
Happy Birthday Queen.
We all have issues and struggles that may make it difficult to get through the day. If you read this blog or follow my socials, you probably know mine all too well, but one of the main reasons I continue to write on this website is to try to use my voice to help others with a laugh or weird fact they might've not known. I want to use my experiences and "abilities" to hopefully make others hurt less. One thing I talk to my shrink about all the time is my guilt for complaining about my life when I know other people are dealing with things that are much worse than whatever I'm letting destroy me at that moment. I'll feel shitty about the stuff I'm dealing with, then make myself feel worse about myself because I know (for the most part) things are pretty good in my life and that I shouldn't feel so shitty. I know I should be more grateful, but it can be difficult when your brain feels like your biggest enemy, everything is collapsing upon you, and you have no control over anything. The last two years have been difficult for all of us (unless you're a billionaire who profits off of exploitation or a seditionist who hasn't been held accountable). Still, it's important to realize that COVID hasn't stopped life from happening. I've seen billboards that say things like "wearing a mask won't stop heart disease" advertising Lifespan Hospitals, and they make a great point. Obviously, the big C has thrown a monkey wrench in all our lives, but it didn't stop the original big C from attacking people. I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult it is to lose not one but both parents within a few months of each other during a global pandemic, but that's exactly what my friend Jay dealt with last year. In March, his dad passed away from esophageal cancer, and in July, unfortunately, his mother succumbed to the same disease. Jay is one of the nicest, funniest, genuinely good dudes I've ever met. In late 2019 I put up a snap story advertising beanies that my grandma (a two-time cancer survivor) made and was selling to help make ends meet, and only one person replied and bought one. That person's name is Jay Jeannotte, and he looks damn good in it! (I sent this to my grandma in early 2020 when I delivered it him at a local watering hole. Check out that tv, yikes!) Nobody on this planet should go through what he went through in 2021, but he's not sitting there sulking (I mean, who could blame him if he was?). He's using his remaining 2009 Rhode Island Gatorade Player of the Year athletic ability for an incredible cause. #Mr1000. On May 19th, Jay is boxing at Rock 'N Rumble XI in at House of Blues Boston to both honor his amazing parents and help raise much needed fund for cancer research. I've attached his write-up below. If there's one part of this blog you should read, it's this: Cancer has impacted all of us in someway and until this viscous disease is knocked out we all need to do what we can to help; which is exactly why I wrote this blog. Much like Liz Beisel's Block Cancer efforts last year, I'll use whatever platform I have to help spread anti-cancer news and movements. If you follow my bets, I understand that times may be tough, but if you can afford it, I highly suggest donating to this cause. JAY JEANNOTTE'S HAYMAKERS FOR HOPE FIGHTER/DONATION PAGE. P.S. Cancer sucks and is very serious, but I couldn't help myself. Jay's a Curb guy with a dark sense of humor, so it's fine. Double P.S. As is tradition.
I took today off on account of me fucking hating my job and being like 258 pounds overweight, so I need to sleep 12 hours a day. When finally I awoke from my slummer for good at 11:35 am, I laid in bed a little more, trying to find the motivation to start my day off. About 45 minutes later, I got up and saw perhaps the most incredible line-up in the history of music and line-ups—time to pass the torch, Woodstock '99.
When We Were Young Fest is an emo/scene kids blacked-out eyes wet dream. If you went to school in the United States between 2001-2009, you probably liked at least one of these artists, or at the very least, knew plenty of skinny jean-wearing kids who did. Actually fuck that, EVERYBODY loved Avril Lavigne's "Complicated."
I didn't go to my first real concert (I saw Joe Diffy, the pick-up man at a fair when I was a boy) until after high school and missed out on the prime of so many great acts. Now at 30, this festival feels like a second chance. I've got like nine months to get fuckable, because you know the emotions and mascara will be flowing.
I LOVED emo music when I was in middle and high school (one of my screen names was AveNGerRYanfold) and also to this day, but I had to hide my true identity due to being a **star** football player ---until spirit week senior year.
Unfortunately, because haters are everywhere, this star studded-leather belt from Hot Topic line-up has people calling this "Emo Fyre Fest" on the Twitter machine.
1. A conman put Fyre Fest together on a remote island that lacked basic infrastructure, with the backing of ONE washed-up rapper. This is LAS VEGAS, baby. It's not 1942 (although the GQP wishes it were); they've got the whole ample lodging, food, and bathroom situation handled. Even if this festival were to fail, you're in Vegas, so it's not that bad. You can still salvage the weekend. Maybe the Raiders are town?
2. Live Nation has their name on this, and since they basically have a monopoly on concerts, I think it's gonna work out just fine. To piggyback off of #1, look at how many artists are involved. Even if you're, let's say, a blogger who's never heard of Payale Royale, Acceptance, or Horrorpops, we've got the BIG GUNS like My Chemical Romance, Paramore, and Taking Back Sunday putting their name on this.
3. I'm buying a ticket the first chance I get on Friday. Even if this is a scam, THIS CAPTAIN GOES DOWN WITH THE SHIP, ALL HANDS ON DECK, STAND HIP TO HIP.
Hopefully Paramore grows up and plays "Misery Business."
But regardless, I cannot wait for this festival. I've already talked to multiple friends from high school (2) and this is fucking happening. I don't know what I'll be doing for work in October, maybe I'll have to take the time off from Barstool, but as long as my heart is still pumping blood throughout my body, I will be at this incredible arrange of emo Hall of Famers. I don't understand how this is a one date event, but I do not care! See you in Vegas!
P.S.
I LOVE that Wolf Alice is in the mix. Don't think that I missed them on the line-up.
Man, oh, man, have things in The Dozen Trivia Universe taken a wild turn since the last match (where I came back from down 6-6-2 going into round 7 to win my third match of 2022)! Due to Joey Mulinaro leaving Barstool, his spot on Out of Office opened up.
The gorgeous, sexy, and slightly terrifying Kelly Keegs, who's been begging to get back on a team, took his open spot. It didn't seem like a natural fit, but Keegs brought some XX chromosome energy to OOO for a handful of days.
UNTIL Kevin Du-reags traded himself from Misfits (last year's runners-up) to OOO for Ms. Keegs.
I fucking love you, Kelly.
I do support player movement and the right to control one's own destiny, but this was a slimmy move to throw your trivia brethren under the bus IMO. It looks like the remaining Misfits are not too found of this transaction either.
While tonight's match-up isn't Misfits vs. OOO (which would be JUICY), the new look (10) Out of Office squad isn't hiding. They're set to battle (2) Minihane with a Rico proxy in Match 171.
Thank Jah I don't have to set the lines anymore because I have no idea what to think with these new look rosters.
It's too bad those odds aren't real because I'd pound that under like I'd like to pound...
ANYWAYS, #DVTD returns tonight at 7:05 pm which admittedly has me a little fucked up. Between MLK day yesterday and taking today off, it does NOT feel like a Tuesday at all.
But it is, and on Tuesday, we play trivia/watch Ole Dozo compete against future co-workers/friends. Tonight, we go for the 4th #DVTD victory of 2022!
Where is the ONLY place you can catch live episodes of #DozVsTheDozen? Well, at @dozonlife on Instagram, of course. That's www.instragram.com/dozonlife for those watch on a desktop. I can't wait to see you in the comment section!
Song: Best of Me (2003)
Artist: The Starting Line Album: Say It Like You Mean It
Initially, I had the new Muse song "WON'T STAND DOWN" as today's SOD, but I really didn't fw it that much; too heavy and scary for my liking! I was just trying to use a song from 2022, but with news like this ("real" blog to follow), who needs new music??
TELL ME WHAT YOU THOUGHT ABOUT....
P.S.
"Best of Me" was featured in a great blog from the B.G. (before Grammarly, so sorry for any egregious typos) era. Song: Cowboys Don't Cry (2022) Artist: Oliver Tree Album: Cowboy Tears Cowboys don't cry, but I will if the Pats lose tonight. DOL 2021 (2022 if you don't respect the league year) SUPER Wild Card Weekend Preview/Picks1/15/2022
Andy Williams' "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" came out in 1963 when the NFL playoffs were only one game. So it's understandable why he would rank Christmas season as the most wonderful time of the year, but now that the Super Wild Round is six games across three days, I think we know what is truly the most wonderful time of the year.
It's year two of the new 14 team format, and only one team per conference gets a bye. Could we see a 2 seed knocked out before the divisional round for the first time in NFL history? Both conference champs from 2020 are this year's 2 seeds. This could easily get proven in the upcoming weeks, but this season feels more wide open than ever. I think 11.5 of the 14 playoff teams have legit Super Bowl chances. People are even trying to convince themselves these Steelers have a little '05 in them (they're the .5 of 11.5). I don't see it, but I also had the Vikings, Seahawks and Broncos making the playoff this year, so what the fuck do I know? What I do know is that we have some great matchups this weekend between division rivals, teams looking for their first playoff win in multiple decades, and five QBs making their playoff debut. I cannot wait for the action to start, but before it does, let's take a look at what should be an awesome weekend of SUPER Wild Card games.
(5) Las Vegas Raiders @ (4) Cincinatti Bengals [-5.5/49]
Saturday 4:30 pm, NBC
It's been a few years, but the Bengals are back in the Saturday afternoon Wild Card Game. It just feels right.
I love this matchup; either way, a team that hasn't had---any playoff success in decades will win its first playoff game in ages. As a hashtag good guy, it's bittersweet; I'm friends with a Raiders and a Bengals fan. Only one will get to experience something I've enjoyed 30 times (and hopefully counting after tonight) for the first time in either 19 years or his entire life.
The Bengals may have the NFL's longest active playoff win drought, but these are not your Andy Dalton or Carson Palmer Bengals. In his first full season after tearing his ACL as a rookie, Joe Burrow lit the league up with 34 touchdown passes and a 70.4 completion percentage, despite getting lit up himself. Joe Brrr got sacked a league-leading 51 times, which bodes well for the Raaaaiders. Yannick Ngakoue had a 10 sack season, and Maxx Crosby led the league in pressure and went 2nd team All-Pro.
IMO the Raiders are the best story of the entire season. Nobody faced more off-the-field adversity this season. They lost Jon Gruden to cancel culture, and their best WR killed a woman and her dog. I'm sure there's more that I'm forgetting (R.I.P. Coach Madden), but those are enough to take the cake. Plus, the Raiders peppered in a 1-5 stretch in the middle of the season (that included a 32-13 loss to Cincy). It felt like more of the same for the start-hot and end-cold Raiders, but after dropping to 6-7, they won out to clinch their first playoff berth since 2016. Derek Carr went 12-3 that season but missed their playoff game due to injury, so after 127 starts, he's finally making his first playoff appearance. I keep going back and forth on this game because the Bengals passing game has the potential to absolutely shred the Raiders weak secondary. This year, Vegas allowed 29 passing touchdowns, which was the 9th most in the league. Joe Burrow passed for nearly 1,000 yards (971) with 8 TD and 0 INT this year. But at the same time, the Bengals lost to the Bears and Jets. They're a good, young, fun team but also inconsistent at times. They could've easily lost the Jags and Broncos too. I love the Raiders story and think Rich Bisaccia deserves Coach of the Year consideration for getting this team to the playoffs, but they're coming off a rollercoaster SNF game and a month of do-or-die games. Meanwhile, the Bengals are fresh after resting key starters week 18. I wouldn't be shocked to see the Raiders cover, but I think Cincy gets its first post-text message era playoff win. I also love the over. Bengals 34 Raiders 28
(6) New England Patriots @ (3) Buffalo Bills [-4.5/44]
Saturday 8:30 pm, CBS
We've got a third installment of Pats-Bills in the true AFC East championship game. The road team won the previous two matchups. Of course, I have a sliiight bias as a Patriots fan, but I'll admit I'm worried. Last game, the Bills didn't fucking punt, which had never happened against a Belichick Patriots team. Idgaf about spreads with my team. I want wins, but in the playoffs since 2003, road underdogs vs. a divisional opponent are 13-6 ATS (h/t Tommy Smokes).
I don't know what to expect with this team. A month ago, the entire NFL media landscape was ready to put them in the Super Bowl, but since winning seven straight games, the Pats are 1-3, and that lone win was against the Jaguars....BUT, those Jaguars beat the Bills AND the Colts who also beat the Bills (and the Pats but that doesn't matter for this tangent). Like their previous matchup in Buffalo, the weather should play a considerable role in this one. Gametime temperatures are expected to be between 5 and 11 degrees. Word on the streets is Josh Allen isn't wearing sleeves. Haaarddooo. The way I see it, this game is all about the first quarter. The Bills are bipolar AF. One week they'll look like the 2007 Pats, and others, it's like their first time playing together. New England isn't built to come back from a significant deficit. If it's 14-0 early, the Pats will be in serious trouble, but I'd still take them live. I just hope Belichick and McDaniels don't coach scared and let Mac sling it a little. The Pats have a massive advantage in the running game, and if they can control the clock and dictate the game, they can secure their second win in Buffalo this season. Damien Harris scored four touchdowns against the Bills in 2021. Obviously, I'm taking the Patriots, but I am worried about Josh Allen, especially out of the pocket, where he was statistically the best QB (tied w/ Joe Burrow). This is the first time since like 2001 that the Patriots played a playoff game where their opponent has the better QB. It's like being in a game 7 where the best player is on the other team...not ideal! However, it's Belichick vs. McDermott. Give me the GOAT every time. No Wynn for the Pats might be a blessing in disguise. #FreeOnwenu. Maybe this is the game Matthew Judon draws a holding call? Patriots 23 Bills 19
(7) Philadelphia Eagles @ (2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers [-8.5/45.5]
Sunday 1:00 pm, FOX
The Eagles 9 wins came against the following teams: Falcons, Panthers, Lions, Broncos, Saints, Giants and the Football Team twice. They're great on the ground, but vs. top shelf competition they haven't come close to competing. These teams met in Philly week 6 where the Bucs won 28-22 and it wasn't as close as the score would indicate.
Luckily for the Eagles, the Bucs are a bit banged up. Lavonte David and Leonard Fournette are game-time decisions. AB is gone, Chris Godwin tore his ACL. It's supposed to be windy and rainy in Tampa. On paper these factors all benefit the Eagles (who led the NFL in rushing yards). That's all well and good, but it's Tom Brady in the playoffs. I don't think the Bucs will repeat, but Brady will find a way to keep them alive another week. Philly covers, but Tampa wins, although the sloppier it gets, the more life Philly has. If the Bucs do lose, the NFL and USAA should be legally required to stop forcing those terrible Gronk commercials down our throats like Iron Jawed Angels. Buccaneers 27 Eagles 21
(6) San Francisco 49ers @ (3) Dallas Cowboys [-3/51]
Sunday 4:30pm, CBS & Nickelodeon
This is a classic NFC matchup that Kyle Shanahan's young guys just don't appreciate! I hope John and Pat are on the call up above.
Whoever survives this game has legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, but I love the 49ers in this spot. They lead the league in yards per play (6.1), and the Cowboys can get gashed with the best of them. I spent way too much time on the graphics, and these write ups are getting progressively shorter, but the 49ers have the edge. Jimmy G is playing for his next job, and Deebo Samuel might be the biggest nightmare for opposing defenses in the league. Sometimes you gotta go with the narrative. The Cowboys are 4-10 in the playoffs since 1996. The 49ers have been to five NFC title games and 2 Super Bowls during that same timeframe. Is Mike McCarthy really going to be the one who turns it around? You mean the same guy who only won one Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers? Those historical facts won't affect what happens on the field Sunday (or will they?), but when you factor that with the 49ers coaching and Trent Brown being the best LT in football, they're gonna pull off the minor upset. 49ers 31 Cowboys 28
(7) Pittsburgh Steelers @ (2) Kansas City Chiefs [-12.5/46.5]
Sunday 8:15 pm, NBC
When these two teams met in week 16, they weren't playing the same sport. 36-10 might as well of been 360-0.
Of all the games this weekend this is the one I'm looking least forward to; I don't fuck with either of these teams (I did have a soft spot in my heart for KC before Mahomes). If the Steelers win (assuming the Pats do too) it leaves the door open for a home AFCCG for the Pats which would be cool. It's now 2 am, and part of me wants to just be a basic bitch and take the Chiefs, but they're struggling right now. Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill aren't themselves. They barely beat the Broncos and would've lost to Chargers if Brandon Staley didn't coach like a 14-year-old playing Madden. For the Steelers to have any chance in this game, they're going to need to score on defense. I don't know how Big Ben can go point for point with Mahomes, even with how banged up the Chiefs are. TJ Watt is out of this world, but KC has a top 1/3 offensive line in the league based on my models. I saw on PFF's twitter today that Creed Humphrey was the highest-graded center this season. That won't help too much with TJ, but the Chiefs line is legit. Mike Tomlin's Steelers seem to always play to the competition. As dogs, they bark and often win outright, but when favored against bums, they'll end up tying the Lions. I'd love to see Big Ben's career end like Dan Marino's, but I just have a hunch the Stiiiiillers keep it close. I'm a ML chaser, so I might pepper Steelers ML depending on how I do in the games before SNF. Fuck it; I'll be bold. This is for you Jersey Jerry. KC becomes the first 2 seed to lose in the Wild Card round! Three years of Mahomes sure caused a lot of people to forget about how historically bad Kansas City is at home in the playoffs. Steelers 24 Chiefs 23
(5) Arizona Cardinals @ (4) Los Angeles Rams [-4/49.5]
Monday 8:15 pm, ABC/ESPN
Just like the other divisional matchup, the Cardinals and Rams split the season series with the road team victorious each time.
Of all the games this weekend, there may be nobody with more pressure than Sean McVay. The Rams are in full Super Bowl or bust mode and if they can't at least get as far they did last year with Jared Goff, this year will ultimately be graded a failure. I have absolutely no feel for this game. I don't believe in the Cardinals defense, but Stafford has been playing like Lions Matty the last monthish. The fact that this game is still two full days away means I'll change my mind a million times and it's now 2:30 on the dot. I drafted Cooper Kupp in fantasy so fuck it, I'll Rams. Rams 34 Cardinals 31 There's No Thursday Night Football, So Catch Ya Boi's MASSIVE Comeback In #DozVsTheDozen XXXV (35)1/13/2022 THAT'S HOW YOU BOUNCE BACK AFTER PUTTING UP A 4 SPOT!!!! Don't look now, but I'm 3-2 in 2022. Sorry that things got a bit chippy with the comment section; it's all in good fun (minus bashing the scumbags that won't uphold our fundamental voting rights; fuck them forever, just like John Henry). No spoilers, but what a fucking comeback by the boi. I am so proud of myself, and high key needed that after a terrible day of getting shit on my 15-year-olds with 7-year-old reading abilities (sad but true). I just wanna be happy, and for like the next 45 minutes, I will be thanks to this match. Shout out Carlos Quentin and everybody that tuned in live. #HireDozo
via: Rolling Stone
Directed by BJ McDonnell, Studio 666 takes some creative liberties in the retelling of the rock band’s experience recording their latest record Medicine at Midnight. The trailer finds the Foo Fighters settling into a supposedly haunted mansion in Encino, California, for a change of environment in hopes of creating a stellar tenth studio album. But as the days go by, Grohl’s writer’s block — which is brushed off by Lionel Richie — and the rest of the band’s feelings of unease give way to something much stranger than they had anticipated.
Last night I was about to hate-watch another WatchMojo Top 10 List when an ad, or in this case, an over two-minute trailer, popped up. Usually, I'm dying to smash the "skip ad" bottom after the 15 seconds have passed, but during that timeframe, the trailer caught my eye like a slim thiccc 20 something in a sundress.
The Foo Fighters are starting as themselves in a full-length motion picture about the recording process of their 10th album, Medicine at Midnight. Studio 666 features roles from Jeff Garlin, Whitney Cummings, Will Forte, and Lionel Richie.
I'm not much of a horror movie guy, but it looks like there's enough comedy sprinkled in to get me legitimate excited about seeing this. I love the idea of a band staring in a movie, I know this is far from the first time that's happened, but it's been a long time since Tenacious D released The Pick of Destiny, which ironically starred Dave Grohl as Satan. Apparently, news broke about this project back in like November, but I had zero clue about Studio 666 until like midnight, which is actually pretty solid for me because it's less wait time. Studio 666 hits theaters on February 25th. Maybe by then, I will have cracked this bad boy?
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