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Iron Chef Gauntlet: Gladiators Ready!


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It wasn't until I got seriously into TV food shows that I realized fish had cheeks.  

I gather they're somewhat similar to the oyster/nugget on a chicken.  My beloved father-in-law always went straight for the nugget.

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I finally got around to watching this as I had put it on the back burner since it wasn't like I was at the edge of my seat wondering if she'd make the cut.

It amazes me how a show can go so out of its way to make the outcome look plausible and yet end up making it look more implausible in the process.  Like oh what a set-up with the food choices and her choosing the exact iron chefs that would do well with them.  And Flay just doing a chile relleño if he really wanted to win?  Why don't I believe that?  I really like it that Stephanie won, but this extra step just seems like an excuse to tease the audience with more Iron Cheffy stuff. 

Speaking of Iron Cheffy stuff, I also felt like all that loud, majestic music was lost on the uninspiring surroundings.  I presume Kitchen Stadium will come back on the regular show.

I noticed Morimoto's hair but I also noticed his improved teeth too!

On 5/23/2017 at 5:30 PM, chessiegal said:

He did have a show for awhile - can't remember what network it was on (not FN). It didn't last very long.

Eric Ripert had a brief series on PBS called "Avec Eric".  I don't think it was intended to be ongoing, although it did have a second season on The Cooking Channel, which I only recently found out about - I guess I didn't get the memo, drat!

I don't think Eric would want to be an Iron Chef, which is regrettable because I'd love to see more of him on TV.  He has toured with Tony Bourdain, though, and I saw him in person on that tour a few years ago.  I also met him once at "Le Bernardin".  Nevermind Ludo, I think he's brash and ungentlemanly, while Eric is refined with less ego, and also cute with a French accent!

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I like Ludo but I did wonder why the PTB had him and a female chef I'd never heard of judge the final and decisive competition instead of Iron Chefs.  Several of the current Iron Chefs judged earlier episodes so it's not like none of them were available.  That seemed really odd to me.

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13 minutes ago, Snarklepuss said:

I don't think Eric would want to be an Iron Chef, which is regrettable because I'd love to see more of him on TV.  He has toured with Tony Bourdain, though, and I saw him in person on that tour a few years ago.  I also met him once at "Le Bernardin".  Nevermind Ludo, I think he's brash and ungentlemanly, while Eric is refined with less ego, and also cute with a French accent!

OK, Snarkle.  You started this war over desirable Frenchmen. 

I love Eric too, so let me throw Jacques Pepin into the mix.  We met him at a Napa winery where we're club members (nyah nyah nyah) last year and he was utterly delightful.  He was just turning 80.

I loved him working with Julia Child in her last years, when she was obviously limited in her physical capabilities, and he was so kind and let her participate to the extent that she could.

Much as I love watching Iron Chef/FN shows, they really can't hold a candle to the old PBS stuff.

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8 minutes ago, spiderpig said:

OK, Snarkle.  You started this war over desirable Frenchmen. 

I love Eric too, so let me throw Jacques Pepin into the mix.  We met him at a Napa winery where we're club members (nyah nyah nyah) last year and he was utterly delightful.  He was just turning 80.

I loved him working with Julia Child in her last years, when she was obviously limited in her physical capabilities, and he was so kind and let her participate to the extent that she could.

Much as I love watching Iron Chef/FN shows, they really can't hold a candle to the old PBS stuff.

Oh yes, Jacques we can agree on, especially when he teamed with Julia.  And I am jealous, of course, so you got me back!  But speaking of Julia - When I was a kid my parents and I ran into her on a street in Manhattan.  I don't remember much except my father looking over at her while we were waiting for a light and saying, "Why, you're Julia Child!"  I just remember my mother and I being tongue tied because we were such fans of hers.  Oh, and this - I actually know someone in my personal life that's a relative of hers, either a 2nd or 3rd cousin, so there, LOL!  ;-)

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23 minutes ago, Snarklepuss said:

Oh yes, Jacques we can agree on, especially when he teamed with Julia.  And I am jealous, of course, so you got me back!  But speaking of Julia - When I was a kid my parents and I ran into her on a street in Manhattan.  I don't remember much except my father looking over at her while we were waiting for a light and saying, "Why, you're Julia Child!"  I just remember my mother and I being tongue tied because we were such fans of hers.  Oh, and this - I actually know someone in my personal life that's a relative of hers, either a 2nd or 3rd cousin, so there, LOL!  ;-)

Stay tuned for a PM about our Goddess Julia Child!!!

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On ‎4‎/‎16‎/‎2017 at 9:39 PM, spiderpig said:

I was confused at the description of the show's concept, which seems all over the place.

That's why I watched about two weeks and couldn't follow it.  HOWEVAH.  Binged watched this past weekend and understood it a lot better, watching epis back to back.  SO thrilled for Stephanie.  Adored her on TC, love her now.  Congrats.

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56 minutes ago, sourpickles said:

That's why I watched about two weeks and couldn't follow it.  HOWEVAH.  Binged watched this past weekend and understood it a lot better, watching epis back to back.  SO thrilled for Stephanie.  Adored her on TC, love her now.  Congrats.

So glad you feel that way!  I really liked it too.  
Stephanie cooked her heart out and deserved the win.  And I enjoy Alton being Alton.

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2 hours ago, spiderpig said:

Stephanie cooked her heart out and deserved the win.  And I enjoy Alton being Alton.

I have to say, Alton has grown on me over the last decade or so.  He's a good host.  And the PBS specials on James Beard and Julia Child this past week (well, aired here this past week) were awesome!  As happy as I am for Stephanie, I wonder if this show is going to come back or what they are going to reboot from here that has her in it.  I have one side eye on that, since I had such a hard time getting into ICG.

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Quote

And the PBS specials on James Beard and Julia Child this past week (well, aired here this past week) were awesome! 

I'm still kicking myself that I didn't record the one on James Beard.  I hope it shows up again some time.  The one on Julia Child seemed to be taken directly from "Dearie," her most excellent biography.  Both were super.  Jacques Pepin tomorrow.

Sorry for being off topic.

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4 hours ago, sourpickles said:

As happy as I am for Stephanie, I wonder if this show is going to come back or what they are going to reboot from here that has her in it. 

I'm just wondering if they reboot how she'll have time to be on the show and run three restaurants.  She's pretty hands-on at hers.  

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13 hours ago, spiderpig said:

Stephanie cooked her heart out and deserved the win.  And I enjoy Alton being Alton.

Ditto on this, and ITA about Alton.  He's definitely in his wheelhouse on this show and it suits his personality too.  I didn't watch him on "Cutthroat Kitchen" because I thought it wasn't the best showcase for his talent or personality and I'm happy to think that we're going to get more of him on a new ICA.

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Speaking of Alton, I happened to catch a few old "Good Eats" on the Cooking Channel - I hadn't watched it in years - It was like saying hello to an old friend.  I am definitely going to do that more often.  It made Mr. Snarkle and I remember all the things we learned from him over the years.  I started watching that show in its first season and went all the way to the end....

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On 5/10/2017 at 8:55 AM, susannot said:

I was also grossed out by the gizzards and feet but wanted to try Stephanie's chicken liver ice cream.  Cat Cora said it tasted like a frozen chicken liver mousse.  Chicken liver mousse is a beautiful thing.

Who the crap is Stephanie?

Ha ha ding dong. Glad to see Dady eliminated.

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3 minutes ago, Sew Sumi said:

Stephanie won Top Chef and has several restaurants in Chicago, the flagship being The Girl and the Goat. HTH

Izard?

I know she stupided her way out of Masaharu Morimoto, Bobby Flay, and Michael Symon last week.

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Hell, FN usually has predetermined winners for stuff like the Food Truck Race, FNS, etc. I don't see why ICG would be any different. Izard is accomplished, amiable, and camera-ready. Bingo. 

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On 5/25/2017 at 1:30 AM, mlp said:

I like Ludo but I did wonder why the PTB had him and a female chef I'd never heard of judge the final and decisive competition instead of Iron Chefs.  Several of the current Iron Chefs judged earlier episodes so it's not like none of them were available.  That seemed really odd to me.

Nothing odd at all about it. In keeping with the new style of FN, budget is the prime consideration. Two unknown judges cost them much less than three somewhat famous (and higher priced ) judges.

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I'm late to the party, but finally watched it all on demand yesterday.  Hooray for Stephanie!

And if I had to watch Sara Gruenberg make pasta one.more.time, I was going to go postal!  Seriously?  An Iron Chef is supposed to be versatile.

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(edited)
On ‎6‎/‎18‎/‎2017 at 1:51 PM, meep.meep said:

I'm late to the party, but finally watched it all on demand yesterday.  Hooray for Stephanie!

And if I had to watch Sara Gruenberg make pasta one.more.time, I was going to go postal!  Seriously?  An Iron Chef is supposed to be versatile.

Another "runner-up" for Sara, the definitive "mean girl" of "Top Chef!" It used to be "TC" Season 1's Tiffani Faison, but she redeemed herself later during TC All-Stars (Season 8)!

Edited by Avon.Blakes7
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After re-watching the finale, I'm still pissy about Stephanie beating Morimoto. His reviews included comments about fish being overcooked and undercooked. Once, Morimoto gave a "bitch please" look at the woman judge for commenting on the fish not being cooked correctly.

Ultimately, I don't have any problem with Stephanie becoming an Iron Chef, and would have been pissy if she didn't after watching the show and not getting a payoff for it, but still, don't make it obvious that you're lying to me, Food Network.

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12 hours ago, Christina said:

After re-watching the finale, I'm still pissy about Stephanie beating Morimoto. His reviews included comments about fish being overcooked and undercooked. Once, Morimoto gave a "bitch please" look at the woman judge for commenting on the fish not being cooked correctly.

Ultimately, I don't have any problem with Stephanie becoming an Iron Chef, and would have been pissy if she didn't after watching the show and not getting a payoff for it, but still, don't make it obvious that you're lying to me, Food Network.

The minute I saw Stephanie there I knew she would win.  

Morimoto has the reputation of being the best, most awesome iron chef ever but I don't think this is true.  Mention his name and people ohhh and ahhhh before he even cooks anything!  

He wins a lot but not always.  Batali and Puck beat him to name two.  He is as fallible as everyone else.  I am not so sure Stephanie didn't make better dishes, she very well may have.  

Edited by wings707
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She made one dish and he made five, I think. It's entirely possible she could have outcooked him, but I absolutely do not believe that Morimoto screwed up the cooking of the fish on two dishes. Lie and say that her flavor was unexpected and original or something, not that one was overcooked and one was undercooked.

Like during the previous heat where the judges insisted the bleu cheese ice cream was delicious. It absolutely could not have been because I don't like bleu cheese and love ice cream so they must have been lying, but I could deal with that lie. Lie better, show, make me believe everything is on the up and up, not that a man who cooks fish with his eyes closed erred in the cooking of it.

Edited by Christina
Posted my diatribe multiple times for some reason.
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Iron Chef Gauntlet Returns
 

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The last chef standing must win the Gauntlet - three rapid-succession battles, each against incomparable Iron Chefs Alex Guarnaschelli, Stephanie Izard and Michael Symon.  Hosted by the inimitable Alton Brown, the six-episode primetime event begins on Wednesday, April 4th at 9PM ET/PT.  Online, fans can bring Kitchen Stadium into their own kitchen with digital companion series Iron Chef Mode, which offers Iron Chef-style cooking tips and techniques for the home.

Competitors:

Timon Balloo (Miami, Florida - Partner/Executive Chef, Sugarcane)
Nicole Gomes (Calgary, Canada - Owner/Executive Chef, Nicole Gourmet)
David LeFevre (Manhattan Beach, California - Owner/Executive Chef, Manhattan Beach Post)
Dale Mackay (Saskatoon, Canada - Owner/Executive Chef, Grassroots Restaurant Group)
Jeanie Roland (Punta Gorda, Florida - Owner/Executive Chef, The Perfect Caper)
Hong Thaimee (New York, New York - Owner/Executive Chef, Thaimee Table)
Kevin Tien (Washington D.C. - Owner/Executive Chef, Himitsu)

 

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Regarding the two Canadians: Dale MacKay was the winner of Top Chef Canada season 1. Nicole Gomes competed in Top Chef Canada season 3. She then came back for redemption in Top Chef Canada All-Stars and was crowned the winner.

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I saw the first episode of the second season last night.  I liked it better than the first season.  Still too much Alton, but the editing seemed tighter and there was a friendlier, more "team" type vibe between the contestants, with a healthy dose of competitiveness.  It did seem like a foregone conclusion as to who was going to leave, though - the secret ingredient for the second part seemed to play to Chef Tien's strengths much more than Chef Roland's.  I also thought the guy with plastic in his food should have been dinged much harder.  That's the kind of mistake that would get your food sent back!  Come on, Alton.

But, overall, I thought it was very enjoyable.  I also don't dislike any of the contestants yet, so that's a plus.

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My first thought last night was relief that Alton let his hair grow in.  He looked so creepy with his head shaved that I hated to look at him.

Overall, I enjoyed the show even though Alton is arrogant and annoying.  He does know his stuff.  The only chef I disliked right away was the one who went home.  Claiming to be an iron chef already except for the title was a little much.  I think the young Thai woman may be next.  She seems likable but a bit scattered and less confident that the rest.

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I was interested in the Secret Ingredient - mackerel.  I love seafood but have never eaten it.  It's supposed to be really oily.  Is it like a gigantic sardine?

I was glad that Chef Tien won.  I didn't care for Chef Roland's attitude, but she did make a more gracious exit than I expected.

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Fish that is not served in restaurants is suspect.  Of what, I am not sure but I don't trust it.  It is eaten a lot in Norway.  Don't know if I can trust them either. 

I had a hard time getting into it but that will probably change.  I hope so anyway, I am still in Top Chef withdrawal.  

Stephanie sucked me in last season, she is my favorite TC winner of all time. Maybe because of that I want to see the only woman succeed. 

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(edited)
9 minutes ago, Wings said:

Fish that is not served in restaurants is suspect.

I think Mackeral is somewhat like blue fish (that's not eaten in restaurants either-- I think restaurants shy away from very fishy fish-- too many would get sent back by people who aren't expecting that). Fishermen (my dad was one) would have both at home.

Edited by dleighg
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1 hour ago, dleighg said:

I think Mackeral is somewhat like blue fish (that's not eaten in restaurants either-- I think restaurants shy away from very fishy fish-- too many would get sent back by people who aren't expecting that). Fishermen (my dad was one) would have both at home.

I am sure that is why.  I was being silly.  I don't care for blue fish.  I had it straight out of the ocean, the fisherman on the dock didn't want it.  He fileted it for me right there in a flash! 

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I watched it again and have chosen who I like and potentially hate so I am good to go.   <grin>  

I like the Asian man who won and the 2 women.  I think the other 2 men might grate. 

The pretty Thai chef may do very well though she stumbled last night.  The other woman said she loved to work with mackerel, maybe even it was her favorite.  There has to be huge potential there.  Loving mackerel is like loving kiwi.  No one loves kiwi.  

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(edited)

I think LeFevre and McKay are the favorites, maybe Tien too, though I think maybe no one "wins" this season.

That Thai chef seems to be totally out of her league. Salmon was a pretty easy ingredient and her dish was a total mess with no cohesion. Even if it tasted like gold that dish would not have won. Also, her butchery on the whole salmon was terrible, she seems more of a home cook type. And she didn't seem to be disappointed at all with what she put out.

Jeanie also seemed to be out of place as well. Her strategy of doing a panna cotta and going "Asian" (even though her dishes didn't seem Asian at all, does she even know what Asian food is like?) in the showdown didn't make any sense.

Edited by bobbobbob199
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Did anyone recognize the female judge from the Cooking Channel version of Kitchen Nightmares?  She used to go in and save mostly-if-not-all Asian restaurants that were in trouble.  I'd wondered what happened to her.

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(edited)

Only one episode in, but there's definitely a different feel from last season. I think @SophiaD reflected my thoughts on that pretty well. As fans of classic Disney movies, Mrs. Dewelar and I were both amused that one of the chefs was named (phonetically) "Timon Baloo".

15 hours ago, dleighg said:

So are they picking a new new Iron Chef (after Stephanie)?

Assuming the last chef standing wins the "gauntlet", then I believe so.

8 hours ago, Wings said:

I like the Asian man who won and the 2 women. I think the other 2 men might grate. 

There are actually three other men, but two of them look so similar I couldn't blame you for thinking they were the same guy.

I also like Chef Tien, especially after he paid proper respect to Morimoto :) .

5 hours ago, bobbobbob199 said:

That Thai chef seems to be totally out of her league. Salmon was a pretty easy ingredient and her dish was a total mess with no cohesion. Even if it tasted like gold that dish would not have won. And she didn't seem to be disappointed at all with what she put out.

To be fair, she wound up having to go with plan B with very little time left due to a rice issue, so I'll give her a pass this week. She knew it was a mess, but was happy with her flavours, an opinion which Alton seemed to share. I don't see her winning, either, but I'm willing to wait and see.

Edited by dewelar
Better wording
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I love this show, but I'd love anything that was "Iron Cheffy."  I miss that show something awful.  I knew Steph would win.  How could she not with her creds and subsequent success?  So glad!

I saw the Thai chef on "Cooks vs Cons."  She was so attractive and seemed to be adopting a number of glamorous poses that I wondered at the time whether she was trying to get her own show.  She does seem to know her Thai cooking from Grandma, though. 

It's a little early to choose, maybe, but I liked McKay (including his sense of humor), another male chef and the young chef from D.C.  Odd for me to prefer the males in this group as it seems I'm usually rooting for the females.  It seems like a highly qualified and friendly group of contestants.

I go back and forth on Alton, liking and suffering through him.  He knows his food, though.  He seems to be well acquainted with nearly every dish on Earth.

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On 4/6/2018 at 12:17 AM, spiderpig said:

I was interested in the Secret Ingredient - mackerel.  I love seafood but have never eaten it.  It's supposed to be really oily.  Is it like a gigantic sardine?

I was glad that Chef Tien won.  I didn't care for Chef Roland's attitude, but she did make a more gracious exit than I expected.

Back when I was a hippie, I would buy canned mackerel instead of tuna because back then  tuna was caught in giant nets that would drown dolphins. Mackerel is oily but my family didn't notice the difference

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Spiderpig and Snarklepuss,I just have to say that those two usernames put a smile on my face every time I see them!  Talk about original!  What am I going to do, though?  I get the names confused, especially when you're both on the same thread like you are here.  Didn't one of you  say somewhere that you live in the SF Bay Area like I do?  Maybe that little fact would help me? 

I never knew that fish had cheeks, either, until I began watching cooking shows.  Does that mean that some fish are cheekier and more desirable to chefs (or to each other?)  lol 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by Lura
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On ‎4‎/‎9‎/‎2018 at 5:41 PM, Lura said:

Spiderpig and Snarklepuss,I just have to say that those two usernames put a smile on my face every time I see them!  Talk about original!  What am I going to do, though?  I get the names confused, especially when you're both on the same thread like you are here.  Didn't one of you  say somewhere that you live in the SF Bay Area like I do?  Maybe that little fact would help me? 

I never knew that fish had cheeks, either, until I began watching cooking shows.  Does that mean that some fish are cheekier and more desirable to chefs (or to each other?)  lol 

 

  Spidey here!  :)

Yep...East  Bay and 40 minutes from Napa!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I knew the Thai woman would win with her ice cream sandwich.  She remain my favorite. 

Okay, did I hear this correctly?  A male chef said he loves sandwiches and used to have one everyday. Then said, i started to gain weight so I had to stop that.  Makes me wonder what he put in them!

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1 hour ago, Wings said:

 

Okay, did I hear this correctly?  A male chef said he loves sandwiches and used to have one everyday. Then said, i started to gain weight so I had to stop that.  Makes me wonder what he put in them!

That was an odd thing to say.  I wondered about it too,

I was glad about the Thai chef, but kinda sorry to see Dale go.  Canada produces some of the best cooking shows and the nicest chefs!

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3 hours ago, spiderpig said:

That was an odd thing to say.  I wondered about it too,

I was glad about the Thai chef, but kinda sorry to see Dale go.  Canada produces some of the best cooking shows and the nicest chefs!

Is this your love for Claudio speaking perhaps?  :>

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10 hours ago, Wings said:

Okay, did I hear this correctly?  A male chef said he loves sandwiches and used to have one everyday. Then said, i started to gain weight so I had to stop that.  Makes me wonder what he put in them!

Maybe it was the bread as opposed to the filling.

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