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(Benny) Ben Harris

(Benny) Ben Harris

#2 Coins, Chips & Buttons author

Ben Harris broke into the magic scene in the early 1980's with a brand new principle using marking pens—Epic Flight. This was soon followed by Gellerism Revealed (a book that taught a generation of magicians to bend spoons), and his now famous floating match illusion. Cosmosis: The Original Floating Match was used by Doug Henning, released as a magical toy by Tenyo, adapted by Disney, and remains a top-selling dealer item almost 35 years later.

From 1985-1996 Harris toured extensively (visiting 36 countries), lecturing and teaching his magical inventions.

Ben has written over 40 books on magic (most recently, Silent Running, Mentallica, and A Thought Well Stolen), as well as penning material for Apocalypse, The Magic Circular, Genii, Penthouse, The Skeptical Inquirer and High Times magazines.

He lives with his wife in a sunny corner of the Antipodes and, using a variety of pseudonyms, also writes professionally in other genres including, Alternate Lifestyles and Science Fiction/Adventure.

website: wowbound.com

Coauthors: Steve Shufton, J. J. Zappatta

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(Benny) Ben Harris
Winning Products Sampler by (Benny) Ben Harris

If you create, design, manufacture or retail products for the magic market you will find a lifetime of experience in this ebook.

The full product can be found here: Winning Products

37 pages

★★★★★ $0
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Alida: Little Winged One by (Benny) Ben Harris

"A cool and animated levitation of a card or dollar bill... EASY TO MAKE!"

My goodness, this little effect created a shit-storm when it was released in 2000! I don't think the attacks had been so brutal since Cosmosis (in the mid-1980s). Anyway, this simple and effective idea was loved by some (see, for example, Richard Kaufman in Genii Magazine), and hated by others (see, for example, Michael Close in Magic Magazine). Ben relishes dividing opinion, and Alida certainly did that.

However, it was also a genuine stepping stone in the thought processes that would eventually lead to Enlightenment: The Ultimate Floating Card - which is way superior. So, controversial...

★★★★★ $5.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris
This and That by (Benny) Ben Harris

The best-seller from 1986 is back.

You predict in advance which card will be named! Easy and fun.

This and That was a big seller back in the mid 1980's when the "Oscar" and "Phil" craze were at their peaks.

A spectator names any card (free choice) and you display that your deck has marked backs. They are all marked like "THIS" you say as you display cards in the deck as having the word "THIS" written on it's back. That's every card, but one. The selected card, on the other hand, has the word "THAT" written on it's back. Proving you know "this from that!"

Super easy to make at home...

★★★★★ $6.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris
5th Corner by (Benny) Ben Harris

A flash back to 1987 and a "long lost" manuscript, seen by only ten: Jerry Andrus, David Britland, Jeff Busby, Dave Faulkner, David Harkey, Ed Marlo, Dan McArthy, Harvey Rosenthal, Jay Sankey and Mark Trudinger, made it's brief, and only appearance... then, it was gone!

So what is the 5th Corner? It's a splash of ideas and techniques with a single playing card and it's ripped corners. You are both "one ahead" and "two behind" at the SAME TIME. This charming but annoying attribute is what probably led to the stony silence heard by the author in 1987. Can YOU make head-way with this strange and bizarre single-card oddity? Why not give...

★★★★ $6.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris
TacTics by (Benny) Ben Harris

2002 and a small lecture tour. Harris needed an oddity that would contrast his card work. Some visual and aural distraction. TacTics was the answer. 150 units were assembled, fingers burned, and instructions written. The item was quite popular and did end up in an issue of Genii. Here is the original manuscript, re-edited and with clear photos. Ideas with color-changes, sound-based illusion and the "Milk Pitcher" application allowing you to vanish tictacs, half a container at a time, till they're ALL GONE!

1st edition 2002; 14 pages

★★★★★ $6.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Slink by (Benny) Ben Harris

Use any Russian Wedding Band (for example search 'Russian Wedding Ring' on Amazon)

Slink is a sleight of hand Linking Finger Ring Routine that is easily constructed by modifying any Russian Wedding Band. You can find these at your local markets or trinket store. This type of ring has three bands, linked together. You need to purchase one of them. It is suggested you start with the cheapest unit you can find, and then once familiar with the handling, you can purchase a heavier set in silver or gold.

In effect, you display two silver rings. These are held at the fingertips, and then with...

$6.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Superflip and S.F.U.C. by (Benny) Ben Harris

Imagine: You’ve just performed several stages in your “Ambitious Card” routine. For one final time you place the “magic card” in the middle of the deck. The deck is placed face-down in the middle of the table. You show your hands empty. With a snap of your fingers you gesture toward the deck. Now, by simply riffling upward gently on the tabled deck’s edges—and dribbling the cards back to the table—the signed selection instantly and visibly appears face-up, atop the deck!

You accept your well earned applause and feel cool that you’ve done this by mastering a simple and clever...

$6.95
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Enlightenment Book 1 (for resale)

(Benny) Ben Harris
Enlightenment Book 1 (for resale) by (Benny) Ben Harris

Full details of how this magnetic miracle works.

"Ben...what a beautiful thing you have created here. The moment that card breaks free from gravity in the spectator's hand is quite the joyous event." - Paul Harris

Enlightenment is a revolutionary way of using magnets to create the illusion of levitating a playing card or a dollar note.

This 100 page book gives you all of the details. Learn the back history, how a simple advertisement in a catalog inspired the idea. Learn how to operate the gimmick, how to install it in a deck of cards, and how to use it to make a dollar bill float. You'll...

 

softcover

Exit 51 (for resale)

(Benny) Ben Harris
Exit 51 (for resale) by (Benny) Ben Harris

"A beautifully realized moment of astonishment ... the new gimmick is very clever indeed!" - Paul Harris

"A stunning vanishing deck that takes an original idea by Paul Harris and sends it to the moon." - Richard Kaufman

The remarkable effect shifts "the moment" in Paul Harris' amazing Vanishing Deck allowing for a card to be selected and signed.

This selected card is shuffled back into the deck which is then held in full view.

Upon command, the entire deck visually vanishes (that's right - it just blinks out of being) leaving only the chosen card as a poignant applause cue.

Exit 51...

 

softcover

(Benny) Ben Harris
Julio's Psychic Pizza Menu by (Benny) Ben Harris

Julio's Psychic Pizza is an easy to perform and completely self-working prediction that allows a spectator to predict a pizza style (Olives and Anchovies, Italian, Classic, Hawaiian, etc) and the appropriate base (thick or thin) and an accompanying beverage (Milkshake, Iced Tea, Cola, Orange juice, etc).

The performer introduces a colorful and glossy menu from Julio's Psychic Pizza Shop (est. 1971). Printed on the inside is a psychic circle of pizza styles representing what's available.The spectator thinks of any number between 1--1000 (no force) and counts around the circle (either clockwise...

★★★★★ $8
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Elastic Thread Routines by (Benny) Ben Harris

The original work on elastic thread magic, first published in 1989. All the pro tips you need, along with six full routines to start performing right now.

You see so much information published about "Elastic Thread Magic" today—you'd think it all "brand new". Alas, such is not the case. If you look hard, you'll see much of today's gold is really the silver of yesteryear.

This manuscript contains original routines as well as important information that appeared in the original 1989 manuscript. Even the illustrations are the originals. Enjoy and impress...

Subjects covered:

  • flashing ...
★★★★ $8.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Epic Flight by (Benny) Ben Harris

The odd scientific principle discovered by Harris in 1980 makes an amazing coin transposition possible!

Two coins are displayed. One is marked with a large cross with a permanent marker and a spectator confirms that the cross will not rub off the coin. In full view, the marked coin and the plain coin transpose through the back of a spectator’s own hand.

Fully examinable, easy to do. The scientific principle makes it all work.

  • examinable
  • use any currency
  • easy to perform
  • carry it everywhere

1st edition 1980; digital edition 2009; 14 pages.

★★★★★ $8.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Hole in the Head by (Benny) Ben Harris

"Something that's never been done before using a method that's never been used before - very cool." - Richard Kaufman

"...situational, astonishing and a devilishly clever piece of magic. The best effect I've seen in a long time!" - Joshua Jay

"Mind expanding magic in every sense..." - Michael Ammar

Hole in the Head created a furor when released to the general magic community. Originally worked up as a situational piece for a David Blaine TV special, the general market place would have nothing of something as esoteric. No, you had to be able to pull it out of a baggie and stumble through it for a street...

★★★★ $8.95
more than one
type to choose
from

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softcover

(Benny) Ben Harris
Oil and Water Delux by (Benny) Ben Harris

This effect appears described briefly, yet adequately, in the Singapore Lecture Notes. This is a more thorough description and is accompanied by clear photographs, making it easier to learn.

The routine uses four black cards, and four red cards. Interlaced three times, they always separate. The moves used are smooth and create a lovely illusion. It does not look like sleight of hand, it really looks quite convincing! Heavily based in Marlo's work.

1st edition 1985; 1st digital edition 2009; 18 pages.

★★★★ $8.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris
PSI Stealth by (Benny) Ben Harris

Four subtle stunners that put the "PSI Sharpie pen" to stealth use. Includes the amazing Phone Call To Houdini.

Here is a collection of professional ideas and approaches with the PSI Sharpie Pen. If you are in agreement with the author that the advertised effect of making the pen spin 360 degrees is possibly "a bit over the top" then you'll love the subtle approaches here.

Harris teaches effects from his professional mentalism A-list. Learn to use the PSI Sharpie without appearing to use the pen! Also learn how to apparently transfer the PSI Sharpie powers to another sharpie! Use your...

$8.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Solid Gold Easy Action by (Benny) Ben Harris

This is one of Ben Harris's favorite effects. Released in 1987, it featured heavily in his lectures across the '87-89 period and was a total sell-out at the major magic conventions, or whenever demonstrated.

In effect, a small envelope is shown, signed on BOTH sides by a spectator, and then left IN FULL VIEW upon the table. A card is now FREELY selected from the deck, and also signed. The spectator pushes his card squarely into the deck and then counts the cards. Mysteriously, his card has vanished. There are now just 51 cards in the deck.

The envelope, which has been in FULL VIEW the...

★★★★★ $8.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Knee Kracker by (Benny) Ben Harris

Make a bottle of drink vanish by cracking it across your knee!

This is a reputation-maker. The magic just seems to come out of the blue as you pick up your drink bottle, cap it, and then crack it across your knee where it vanishes completely!

Three applications are taught. A formal handling with Topit, a tabled handling and a cheeky walk-around handling for parties when you are hanging with friends. For these latter two approaches, you need no Topit, just the bottle. You can even make a partly filled bottle vanish or pass through a table-top!

1st edition 2013, 14 pages.

$8.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Messing with NCR Paper by (Benny) Ben Harris

Magic and science mix to create amazing possibilities with this special paper!

NCR paper is the carbonless paper used to make up receipt and invoice books. It allows impressions to be made on several sheets without the use of carbon paper. And, just like the chemically reactive magic that people have created with ATM paper and Frixion pens, NCR paper also has potential for magical use.

The author established it's use back in 1989 with an excited fax to Jeff Busby. (This document is included from the Harris archives.)

Ben then teaches two routines with the special paper. The first involves a single...

★★★★★ $8.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Zoom by (Benny) Ben Harris

"The construction of the card is ingenious..." - Michael Close (Magic Magazine)

The famous and easy animated card that mysteriously moves away from your fingers—zooming across the table.

Examinable, before, during and after. This is one of the most devious uses of Elastic Thread ever created. Prior to releasing the idea to critical acclaim in 1999, Ben had been sitting on this for over ten years, using it privately for the most important occasions only. It is the perfect effect for Street Magic performances as it can be performed under the most stringent conditions—ANYWHERE!

As you and...

★★★★ $9.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Enlightenment Book 1 by (Benny) Ben Harris

Full details of how this magnetic miracle works.

"Ben...what a beautiful thing you have created here. The moment that card breaks free from gravity in the spectator's hand is quite the joyous event." - Paul Harris

Enlightenment is a revolutionary way of using magnets to create the illusion of levitating a playing card or a dollar note.

This 100 page ebook gives you all of the details. Learn the back history, how a simple advertisement in a catalog inspired the idea. Learn how to operate the gimmick, how to install it in a deck of cards, and how to use it to make a dollar bill float. You'll...

★★★★★ $9.95
more than one
type to choose
from

PDF

softcover

(Benny) Ben Harris
Fandango by (Benny) Ben Harris

Released in 1985, Fandango became a cornerstone for a variety of card "printing" and "sandwich" routines that would later be developed by the author. Here is the original manuscript with original photographs teaching this instant and highly visual sandwich concept.

In effect, a signed card instantly appears between two Jokers. Classic "Sandwich Plot," but the method is what differentiates this. Fandango allows you to propel the selected card into position between the Jokers.

It's instant and visual. Both the original gimmicked and non-gimmicked handlings are explained and illustrated. ...

★★★★★ $9.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Bands of Gold by (Benny) Ben Harris

"Ben's Band Book is some of the best band and card magic ever. Some could be plucked out and used as single trick downloads. As with every Ben Harris ebook of wonder, it's beautifully laid out with lots of photos to help you along. Highly recommended. ***** 5/5 Stars" - Jamie Daws

The opening trick in this gorgeous ebook is just cool. A mini bet in which 2 bands are shown around the card case width ways. One will win the spectator $100 and the other one will win the magician $100. One is selected by the spectator without equivoque. Of course it's just a normal band. The other is removed and...

★★★★ $9.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Mach2 by (Benny) Ben Harris

This is the follow-up to Solid Gold Easy Action, and consists of a refined envelope design which allows the chosen card to be loaded with the deck in a fanned state. It also allows for the SWITCHING of cards IN AND OUT of the envelope. This is a vast improvement over the original envelope design, allowing many effects to be created.

1st edition 1987, 20 pages.

$9.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Precog by (Benny) Ben Harris

Ben Harris combines old school methodology with digital magic in a way that opens up a lot of presentational possibilities. The manuscript is complete with artwork to easily print out the QR code cards required. Here's the effect:

A small packet of about a dozen cards is introduced. These are "Pre-Cog Test Cards" that the performer had acquired at a recent "Minds in Progress" seminar.

One card is white with Pre-Cog test instructions printed on both sides along with a SINGLE QR CODE. The performer explains that this code can be scanned to reveal the outcome of a precognitive test. The performer...

$9.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris & J. J. Zappatta
Deep Fry 1 by (Benny) Ben Harris & J. J. Zappatta

J.J. ZAPPATTA. The enigma, the man of mystery who hung with the shadows throughout the course of many a magic convention, over many a decade. These books are a first glimpse at the crazy and wild world that was/is ZAPPATTA. And, at last, his clever levitation is fully explained in Volume 2!

All items are described in J.J.'s brief and point by point style. If you're not prepared to THINK, J.J's not interested in ya. Period. Illustrated with Mr. Zappatta's crude but informative sketches.

1. THWONG
Flip-Flops (or thongs) are a kind of footwear fashionable at resorts, beach-side, and other casual...

★★★★★ $9.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris & J. J. Zappatta
Deep Fry 2 by (Benny) Ben Harris & J. J. Zappatta

All items are described in J.J.'s brief and point by point style. If you're not prepared to THINK, J.J's not interested in ya. Period. Illustrated with Mr. Zappatta's crude but informative sketches.

1. ZIP-WOW
A super-quick torn and restored card or dollar note. Looks absolutely perfect and is examinable.

2. CELL-PHONE GLIM
Put the ubiquitous cell phone to clever use as a "glim device".

3. PERFECTO-CIRCLE CARDS
Revealed, the underground secret for cutting perfectly bur-less holes in playing cards. Idea for users of the Eidetic-type changes. (If you have to ask, then this is not...

★★★★★ $9.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Starman by (Benny) Ben Harris

This is a stand-alone version from the book, Run Silent, Run Deep. Complete with full assembly instructions and full performance instructions. Simply print out the glorious color templates to create your own STAR DECK.

This effect DOES NOT require the use of Silent Running (although it can be enhanced with it). So, you do not need SR, or RSRD. This is completely self-contained. The clever deck does ALL the work for you.

It's a lovely effect where your spectator predicts an amazing moment in human history. That is, the moment of FIRST CONTACT with alien beings. Your audience member will predict the year, the month and the...

$10
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Through the Universe - Backwards by (Benny) Ben Harris

One of the most eye-popping color-changing decks you will ever see.

"The presentation is rich in content, and the effect is as clear and clean as can be. This is one of the best cc deck routines I have seen." - Peter Duffie

"Brilliant. Beautiful. Straight into my set." - Kyle MacNeill

EFFECT:

The performer reaches into his pocket and removes an envelope. From within he removes a single BLUE-BACKED card. (The deck in use has RED BACKS.) The blue-backed card is placed to one side. It's identity is unknown at this point.

The performer explains...

"This single card, odd in its appearance, has a purely...

★★★★★ $10
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Digital Delirium by (Benny) Ben Harris

STUNNING VISUALS AS YOU PRINT 3 THOUGHT-OF CARDS WITHOUT ANY GAFFS!
Requires intermediate card skills. Not for beginners.

This is an “underground handling” for Click Click Click—a routine that originally appeared in Ben's 1989 Lecture Notes and in the book, Mad Fax & Other Mysteries (1990). It, in turn, was the outgrowth of Foto, from Out Of His Mind (1988). The never before published handling—revealed here—adds to the over-all impact by eliminating any need to ”return to the deck” prior to the magical printing of the third card. This was a procedural requirement in the previous...

$10
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Madman's Card to Pocket by (Benny) Ben Harris

The FASTEST "CARD TO POCKET" EVER!

The Madman’s Card To Pocket was designed in order to produce a “smack in the face” moment for Ben's day-to-day performances and media interviews. It’s something direct, to the point and utterly impossible in appearance. The effect is all over in a matter of seconds, but this directness—which seems to eliminate the possibility that you could have cheated or manipulated the moment in any way—is what makes this so powerful.

EFFECT: A card is selected (free choice), signed and returned to the deck. The deck is IMMEDIATELY handed to a spectator—the...

★★★★ $10
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Sweet Spot by (Benny) Ben Harris

Inspired by a recent internet challenge, Ben Harris has "Le Pauled" the regular baggie! This creates a clever and practical alternative to the traditional Card In Wallet plot.

With Sweet Spot, a card, a coin, a borrowed ring or a credit card is made to vanish only to appear seconds later IN THE MIDDLE of the contents of a sealed baggie.

This can be filled with sand, candies, stamps, money, oregano, or whatever you want. The presentation angles are up to you. We give you a few to start with like the "Magic Sands of the Sahara," "Mr Blonds Revenge," "The Stamp Collector," "My Favorite Coin...

$10
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Quarks and Quirks (for resale)

(Benny) Ben Harris
Quarks and Quirks (for resale) by (Benny) Ben Harris

"Some of the most clever takes on the Torn and Restored Card in years, Ben Harris' Quarks & Quirks is an invigorating journey of topological twists and tears." - Richard Kaufman

A journey beyond the tear, inspired by the weird world of Quantum Physics. In this superbly produced book, filled with photographs Ben Harris shares seven routines. Includes:

THE QUARTER BACK TEAR

A method for apparently tearing a card cleanly in half, while in reality, only tearing one quarter from the card. This sets you up as either a "quarter ahead" or a "quarter behind" depending upon the intended application. There...

 

softcover

(Benny) Ben Harris
Hoodwink by (Benny) Ben Harris

"I highly recommend this to all of you who are interested in learning a devilishly clever approach to TORN & RESTORED CARD" - Danny Orleans (Genii Magazine)

Hoodwink is based on the author's own effect, "Prime Hole Card" from 1983. It became a best-seller when re-released in 1999. Everyone was concentrating so hard on complex quarter-at-a-time restorations, that Hoodwink, with it's stunning flash restoration, seemed like a breath of fresh air.

Hoodwink is not designed to replace, or to in any way compete with, the fine crop of "quarter by quarter" restorations that are making the rounds. Instead,...

★★★★ $10.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Cosmosis: The original floating match by (Benny) Ben Harris

"...at last, the originator explains his classic micro-levitation in complete detail — a digital first..."

Invented in 1986, and marketed as Cosmosis by Ben Harris, this effect has become one of the most pirated close-up creations in magic's recent history. It truly has become a "classic." Even today, twenty-three years after its debut, unscrupulous individuals and manufacturers in many countries market it without any due respect for its heritage or compensation for its creator. From street stalls in India and across Asia, to the high streets of London and Paris, you'll find this effect...

★★★★★ $12.95
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(Benny) Ben Harris
Ultimate Floating Deck 2.0 by (Benny) Ben Harris

The Ultimate Floating Deck or UFD was first published in 1984. Since then it has spurned many variations. The current manuscript has been refined and re-written. This brings the effect right up to date by cutting out the superfluous "1980's handlings". Consider this some serious "house cleaning" after twenty six years!

Now, the structure is linear and smooth--from the selection to the levitation. Clean, smooth, direct.

A card is selected and returned to the deck. It is given a quick all-around-square-up, and then placed on the palm. On command, the top half of the deck floats. First a...

$15
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