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History is about to misbehave

History is about to misbehave

Explore York

A series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York. The city’s civic archive is one of the most significant outside London, covering over 800 years of York’s history as a self-governing authority. The collection is remarkable both for its continuity and its comprehensiveness, detailing all aspects of life in the city. Local organisations and individuals are also represented in the archive’s ‘community collections’ which date from 1529 onwards. Through our award-winning community arts projects, we continue to challenge the imaginations of our archivists, artists and creatives to use the collections to reach new and diverse audiences.
History is about to misbehave...

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Top 10 History is about to misbehave Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best History is about to misbehave episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to History is about to misbehave for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite History is about to misbehave episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

History is about to misbehave - History Misbehaves: The Diary of Lady Starkey
play

01/24/25 • 9 min

Step into the world of Lady Starkey, a formidable woman who takes justice into her own hands to deal with poachers on her Tang Hall estate.

History Misbehaves is a series of dramatic monologues and these are Tang Hall Stories inspired by the rich histories and stories of Tang Hall. The audio has been co-created by Tang Hall residents, writer Paul Birch and director Kate Valentine.

Spanning seven centuries, these dramatic monologues feature people living in the Tang Hall area of York. Meet brave Leoric boar hunting in the forest, philosophising Noah digging plague pits, determined Nan Ball disguising herself to join the Civil War, and the formidable Lady Starkey taking the removal of poachers on her land of Tang Hall into her own hands. Moving from Hungate into the new Tang Hall estate is life-changing for Lenoard, young Rachel huddled in an Anderson shelter recalls witnessing a local tragedy in war-time black-out, whilst there is no chance of peace for Amy as she anxiously awaits her husband to return from working on the trains. Hope glimmers for the future as Marie and her friend Rose wade through the Tang Beck to go post-war dancing in the De Grey Rooms.

History Misbehaves was commissioned by Explore York Libraries and Archives, a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), designated by Arts Council England. The funding recognises Explore’s cultural contribution in creating and promoting artistic experiences, supporting artists, and engaging communities.

Production:

Writer: Paul Birch

Director: Kate Valentine

Sound Editor: Matteo Falco

Production Assistant: Holly Beer

Episodes:

The Beast of Tang Hall – Performed by Kordian Nixon

The End of the World – Performed by Noah Taylor

All the King’s Women – Written and performed by Ann Crosley with additional material by Paul Birch

The Diary of Lady Starkey – Written and performed by Sheelagh Loftus with additional material by Paul Birch

Head Above Water – Written and performed by Ian Breffit with additional material by Paul Birch

Mr Hawley’s Boots – Performed by Eilidh Hitchins, with special thanks to David Poole for research

No Chance of Peace – Performed by Bernie Oxberry, written by Brian Oxbery with additional material by Paul Birch and Bernie Oxberry

All Change – Written and performed by Jennie Hitchins with additional material by Paul Birch

Thanks to David Poole for his research.

Thanks also to Jorvik Radio and volunteers for their assistance with recording Tang Hall Stories.

History is about to misbehave is a series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York.

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History is about to misbehave - History Misbehaves: No Chance of Peace

History Misbehaves: No Chance of Peace

History is about to misbehave

play

02/07/25 • 7 min

Meet Amy, a woman living through the anxieties of wartime. As she awaits her husband’s return from working on the trains, Amy grapples with fear and the unrelenting pressures of life during conflict.

History Misbehaves is a series of dramatic monologues and these are Tang Hall Stories inspired by the rich histories and stories of Tang Hall. The audio has been co-created by Tang Hall residents, writer Paul Birch and director Kate Valentine.

Spanning seven centuries, these dramatic monologues feature people living in the Tang Hall area of York. Meet brave Leoric boar hunting in the forest, philosophising Noah digging plague pits, determined Nan Ball disguising herself to join the Civil War, and the formidable Lady Starkey taking the removal of poachers on her land of Tang Hall into her own hands. Moving from Hungate into the new Tang Hall estate is life-changing for Lenoard, young Rachel huddled in an Anderson shelter recalls witnessing a local tragedy in war-time black-out, whilst there is no chance of peace for Amy as she anxiously awaits her husband to return from working on the trains. Hope glimmers for the future as Marie and her friend Rose wade through the Tang Beck to go post-war dancing in the De Grey Rooms.

History Misbehaves was commissioned by Explore York Libraries and Archives, a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), designated by Arts Council England. The funding recognises Explore’s cultural contribution in creating and promoting artistic experiences, supporting artists, and engaging communities.

Production:

Writer: Paul Birch

Director: Kate Valentine

Sound Editor: Matteo Falco

Production Assistant: Holly Beer

Episodes:

The Beast of Tang Hall – Performed by Kordian Nixon

The End of the World – Performed by Noah Taylor

All the King’s Women – Written and performed by Ann Crosley with additional material by Paul Birch

The Diary of Lady Starkey – Written and performed by Sheelagh Loftus with additional material by Paul Birch

Head Above Water – Written and performed by Ian Breffit with additional material by Paul Birch

Mr Hawley’s Boots – Performed by Eilidh Hitchins, with special thanks to David Poole for research

No Chance of Peace – Performed by Bernie Oxberry, written by Brian Oxbery with additional material by Paul Birch and Bernie Oxberry

All Change – Written and performed by Jennie Hitchins with additional material by Paul Birch

Thanks to David Poole for his research.

Thanks also to Jorvik Radio and volunteers for their assistance with recording Tang Hall Stories.

History is about to misbehave is a series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York.

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History is about to misbehave - History Misbehaves: Head Above Water

History Misbehaves: Head Above Water

History is about to misbehave

play

01/31/25 • 8 min

Meet Leonard, a man whose life is transformed as he moves from Hungate to the newly built Tang Hall estate.

History Misbehaves is a series of dramatic monologues and these are Tang Hall Stories inspired by the rich histories and stories of Tang Hall. The audio has been co-created by Tang Hall residents, writer Paul Birch and director Kate Valentine.

Spanning seven centuries, these dramatic monologues feature people living in the Tang Hall area of York. Meet brave Leoric boar hunting in the forest, philosophising Noah digging plague pits, determined Nan Ball disguising herself to join the Civil War, and the formidable Lady Starkey taking the removal of poachers on her land of Tang Hall into her own hands. Moving from Hungate into the new Tang Hall estate is life-changing for Lenoard, young Rachel huddled in an Anderson shelter recalls witnessing a local tragedy in war-time black-out, whilst there is no chance of peace for Amy as she anxiously awaits her husband to return from working on the trains. Hope glimmers for the future as Marie and her friend Rose wade through the Tang Beck to go post-war dancing in the De Grey Rooms.

History Misbehaves was commissioned by Explore York Libraries and Archives, a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), designated by Arts Council England. The funding recognises Explore’s cultural contribution in creating and promoting artistic experiences, supporting artists, and engaging communities.

Production:

Writer: Paul Birch

Director: Kate Valentine

Sound Editor: Matteo Falco

Production Assistant: Holly Beer

Episodes:

The Beast of Tang Hall – Performed by Kordian Nixon

The End of the World – Performed by Noah Taylor

All the King’s Women – Written and performed by Ann Crosley with additional material by Paul Birch

The Diary of Lady Starkey – Written and performed by Sheelagh Loftus with additional material by Paul Birch

Head Above Water – Written and performed by Ian Breffit with additional material by Paul Birch

Mr Hawley’s Boots – Performed by Eilidh Hitchins, with special thanks to David Poole for research

No Chance of Peace – Performed by Bernie Oxberry, written by Brian Oxbery with additional material by Paul Birch and Bernie Oxberry

All Change – Written and performed by Jennie Hitchins with additional material by Paul Birch

Thanks to David Poole for his research.

Thanks also to Jorvik Radio and volunteers for their assistance with recording Tang Hall Stories.

History is about to misbehave is a series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York.

bookmark
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share episode
History is about to misbehave - History Misbehaves: The Beast of Tang Hall

History Misbehaves: The Beast of Tang Hall

History is about to misbehave

play

01/17/25 • 5 min

Step back to the middle ages of Tang Hall and meet Leoric, a brave hunter risking everything to feed his family. Venture into the forests of Tang Hall when everything was still wild...

History Misbehaves is a series of dramatic monologues and these are Tang Hall Stories inspired by the rich histories and stories of Tang Hall. The audio has been co-created by Tang Hall residents, writer Paul Birch and director Kate Valentine.

Spanning seven centuries, these dramatic monologues feature people living in the Tang Hall area of York. Meet brave Leoric boar hunting in the forest, philosophising Noah digging plague pits, determined Nan Ball disguising herself to join the Civil War, and the formidable Lady Starkey taking the removal of poachers on her land of Tang Hall into her own hands. Moving from Hungate into the new Tang Hall estate is life-changing for Lenoard, young Rachel huddled in an Anderson shelter recalls witnessing a local tragedy in war-time black-out, whilst there is no chance of peace for Amy as she anxiously awaits her husband to return from working on the trains. Hope glimmers for the future as Marie and her friend Rose wade through the Tang Beck to go post-war dancing in the De Grey Rooms.

History Misbehaves was commissioned by Explore York Libraries and Archives, a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), designated by Arts Council England. The funding recognises Explore’s cultural contribution in creating and promoting artistic experiences, supporting artists, and engaging communities.

Production:

Writer: Paul Birch

Director: Kate Valentine

Sound Editor: Matteo Falco

Production Assistant: Holly Beer

Episodes:

The Beast of Tang Hall – Performed by Kordian Nixon

The End of the World – Performed by Noah Taylor

All the King’s Women – Written and performed by Ann Crosley with additional material by Paul Birch

The Diary of Lady Starkey – Written and performed by Sheelagh Loftus with additional material by Paul Birch

Head Above Water – Written and performed by Ian Breffit with additional material by Paul Birch

Mr Hawley’s Boots – Performed by Eilidh Hitchins, with special thanks to David Poole for research

No Chance of Peace – Performed by Bernie Oxberry, written by Brian Oxbery with additional material by Paul Birch and Bernie Oxberry

All Change – Written and performed by Jennie Hitchins with additional material by Paul Birch

Thanks to David Poole for his research.

Thanks also to Jorvik Radio and volunteers for their assistance with recording Tang Hall Stories.

History is about to misbehave is a series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York.

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
History is about to misbehave - History Misbehaves: All Change

History Misbehaves: All Change

History is about to misbehave

play

02/07/25 • 7 min

Join Marie and her friend Rose as they wade through the Tang Beck, dreaming of a brighter future and post-war dances at the De Grey Rooms.

History Misbehaves is a series of dramatic monologues and these are Tang Hall Stories inspired by the rich histories and stories of Tang Hall. The audio has been co-created by Tang Hall residents, writer Paul Birch and director Kate Valentine.

Spanning seven centuries, these dramatic monologues feature people living in the Tang Hall area of York. Meet brave Leoric boar hunting in the forest, philosophising Noah digging plague pits, determined Nan Ball disguising herself to join the Civil War, and the formidable Lady Starkey taking the removal of poachers on her land of Tang Hall into her own hands. Moving from Hungate into the new Tang Hall estate is life-changing for Lenoard, young Rachel huddled in an Anderson shelter recalls witnessing a local tragedy in war-time black-out, whilst there is no chance of peace for Amy as she anxiously awaits her husband to return from working on the trains. Hope glimmers for the future as Marie and her friend Rose wade through the Tang Beck to go post-war dancing in the De Grey Rooms.

History Misbehaves was commissioned by Explore York Libraries and Archives, a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), designated by Arts Council England. The funding recognises Explore’s cultural contribution in creating and promoting artistic experiences, supporting artists, and engaging communities.

Production:

Writer: Paul Birch

Director: Kate Valentine

Sound Editor: Matteo Falco

Production Assistant: Holly Beer

Episodes:

The Beast of Tang Hall – Performed by Kordian Nixon

The End of the World – Performed by Noah Taylor

All the King’s Women – Written and performed by Ann Crosley with additional material by Paul Birch

The Diary of Lady Starkey – Written and performed by Sheelagh Loftus with additional material by Paul Birch

Head Above Water – Written and performed by Ian Breffit with additional material by Paul Birch

Mr Hawley’s Boots – Performed by Eilidh Hitchins, with special thanks to David Poole for research

No Chance of Peace – Performed by Bernie Oxberry, written by Brian Oxbery with additional material by Paul Birch and Bernie Oxberry

All Change – Written and performed by Jennie Hitchins with additional material by Paul Birch

Thanks to David Poole for his research.

Thanks also to Jorvik Radio and volunteers for their assistance with recording Tang Hall Stories.

History is about to misbehave is a series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York.

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
History is about to misbehave - History Misbehaves: The End of the World

History Misbehaves: The End of the World

History is about to misbehave

play

01/17/25 • 5 min

Journey to a time of darkness and uncertainty with Noah, a thoughtful and resilient soul tasked with the grim duty of digging plague pits.

History Misbehaves is a series of dramatic monologues and these are Tang Hall Stories inspired by the rich histories and stories of Tang Hall. The audio has been co-created by Tang Hall residents, writer Paul Birch and director Kate Valentine.

Spanning seven centuries, these dramatic monologues feature people living in the Tang Hall area of York. Meet brave Leoric boar hunting in the forest, philosophising Noah digging plague pits, determined Nan Ball disguising herself to join the Civil War, and the formidable Lady Starkey taking the removal of poachers on her land of Tang Hall into her own hands. Moving from Hungate into the new Tang Hall estate is life-changing for Lenoard, young Rachel huddled in an Anderson shelter recalls witnessing a local tragedy in war-time black-out, whilst there is no chance of peace for Amy as she anxiously awaits her husband to return from working on the trains. Hope glimmers for the future as Marie and her friend Rose wade through the Tang Beck to go post-war dancing in the De Grey Rooms.

History Misbehaves was commissioned by Explore York Libraries and Archives, a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), designated by Arts Council England. The funding recognises Explore’s cultural contribution in creating and promoting artistic experiences, supporting artists, and engaging communities.

Production:

Writer: Paul Birch

Director: Kate Valentine

Sound Editor: Matteo Falco

Production Assistant: Holly Beer

Episodes:

The Beast of Tang Hall – Performed by Kordian Nixon

The End of the World – Performed by Noah Taylor

All the King’s Women – Written and performed by Ann Crosley with additional material by Paul Birch

The Diary of Lady Starkey – Written and performed by Sheelagh Loftus with additional material by Paul Birch

Head Above Water – Written and performed by Ian Breffit with additional material by Paul Birch

Mr Hawley’s Boots – Performed by Eilidh Hitchins, with special thanks to David Poole for research

No Chance of Peace – Performed by Bernie Oxberry, written by Brian Oxbery with additional material by Paul Birch and Bernie Oxberry

All Change – Written and performed by Jennie Hitchins with additional material by Paul Birch

Thanks to David Poole for his research.

Thanks also to Jorvik Radio and volunteers for their assistance with recording Tang Hall Stories.

History is about to misbehave is a series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York.

bookmark
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share episode
History is about to misbehave - INNovating Audio – Episode 3 – One for the Road
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05/19/23 • 15 min

Inspired by the history of the City of York’s coaching inns, INNovating is a three-part audio drama that evokes the sounds and stories of these vibrant places of hospitality for travellers in the 1820s, stopping off on their journey along the Great North Road.

Co-created by community researchers and actors, INNovating is written by Paul Birch and directed by Kate Valentine. The audio drama is a binaural experience, best listened to through headphones.
For more information to to www.innovating.co.uk

Cast

Jem – Christie Barnes

Coachman Tom – Phil Massey

Mrs Hammerton – Emma Wise

Parson – Paul Birch

Dragoon – Charlie Cayzer

Market Boy – Aaron Birch

Mr Hammerton – Mark Gowland

Oyster Seller – Kirsty O’Rourke

Peter – Paul Birch

Jane – Livy Potter

Annie – Julie Speedie

Mrs Flowers – Heather Carter

Jake – Mark Gowland

Production

Writer – Paul Birch

Director – Kate Valentine

Sound Designer – Matteo Falco

Composer – Cristina Crespo

Production Assistant – Kirsty O’Rourke

Production Runner – Charlie Cayzer

Research

Sylvia Hogarth

Peter Hogarth

History is about to misbehave is a series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York.

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History is about to misbehave - Time Travel Radio

Time Travel Radio

History is about to misbehave

play

02/12/25 • 30 min

From 1680s livestock disputes to 1980s radio ads, this playful journey through time reveals the timeless quirks of local life...

Time Travel Radio is part of the History Misbehaves series of dramas and comedies using archival material to creatively engage with the past. It was created and inspired by York Archival Material from the Acomb Manorial Record and back issues of the Acomb Herald magazine. It was researched, devised, written and performed by Dorrie Brown, Holly Beer, Heather Carter, Ged Cooper, Sam Fawcett, Laurie Furnell, Jenny Hall, Phil Pollard, Noah Taylor and Ian Wood. Head writer and Script Editing by Paul Birch, Research advisor Chris Cassidy, Production Assistant Holly Beer. Time Travel Radio was directed by Kate Valentine and is a co-produced by Digital Drama, Riding Lights Theatre Company and York Explore Libraries and Archives.

History is about to misbehave is a series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York.

bookmark
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share episode
History is about to misbehave - History Misbehaves: Mr Hawley's Boots

History Misbehaves: Mr Hawley's Boots

History is about to misbehave

play

01/31/25 • 5 min

Step into the shoes of Rachel, a young girl huddled in an Anderson shelter during a wartime blackout. As bombs fall around her, she recalls witnessing a heartbreaking local tragedy...

History Misbehaves is a series of dramatic monologues and these are Tang Hall Stories inspired by the rich histories and stories of Tang Hall. The audio has been co-created by Tang Hall residents, writer Paul Birch and director Kate Valentine.

Spanning seven centuries, these dramatic monologues feature people living in the Tang Hall area of York. Meet brave Leoric boar hunting in the forest, philosophising Noah digging plague pits, determined Nan Ball disguising herself to join the Civil War, and the formidable Lady Starkey taking the removal of poachers on her land of Tang Hall into her own hands. Moving from Hungate into the new Tang Hall estate is life-changing for Lenoard, young Rachel huddled in an Anderson shelter recalls witnessing a local tragedy in war-time black-out, whilst there is no chance of peace for Amy as she anxiously awaits her husband to return from working on the trains. Hope glimmers for the future as Marie and her friend Rose wade through the Tang Beck to go post-war dancing in the De Grey Rooms.

History Misbehaves was commissioned by Explore York Libraries and Archives, a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), designated by Arts Council England. The funding recognises Explore’s cultural contribution in creating and promoting artistic experiences, supporting artists, and engaging communities.

Production:

Writer: Paul Birch

Director: Kate Valentine

Sound Editor: Matteo Falco

Production Assistant: Holly Beer

Episodes:

The Beast of Tang Hall – Performed by Kordian Nixon

The End of the World – Performed by Noah Taylor

All the King’s Women – Written and performed by Ann Crosley with additional material by Paul Birch

The Diary of Lady Starkey – Written and performed by Sheelagh Loftus with additional material by Paul Birch

Head Above Water – Written and performed by Ian Breffit with additional material by Paul Birch

Mr Hawley’s Boots – Performed by Eilidh Hitchins, with special thanks to David Poole for research

No Chance of Peace – Performed by Bernie Oxberry, written by Brian Oxbery with additional material by Paul Birch and Bernie Oxberry

All Change – Written and performed by Jennie Hitchins with additional material by Paul Birch

Thanks to David Poole for his research.

Thanks also to Jorvik Radio and volunteers for their assistance with recording Tang Hall Stories.

History is about to misbehave is a series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York.

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
History is about to misbehave - History Misbehaves: All the King's Women

History Misbehaves: All the King's Women

History is about to misbehave

play

01/24/25 • 8 min

Meet Nan Ball, a determined and courageous woman who disguises herself as a soldier to follow her love into the chaos of the Civil War.

History Misbehaves is a series of dramatic monologues and these are Tang Hall Stories inspired by the rich histories and stories of Tang Hall. The audio has been co-created by Tang Hall residents, writer Paul Birch and director Kate Valentine.

Spanning seven centuries, these dramatic monologues feature people living in the Tang Hall area of York. Meet brave Leoric boar hunting in the forest, philosophising Noah digging plague pits, determined Nan Ball disguising herself to join the Civil War, and the formidable Lady Starkey taking the removal of poachers on her land of Tang Hall into her own hands. Moving from Hungate into the new Tang Hall estate is life-changing for Lenoard, young Rachel huddled in an Anderson shelter recalls witnessing a local tragedy in war-time black-out, whilst there is no chance of peace for Amy as she anxiously awaits her husband to return from working on the trains. Hope glimmers for the future as Marie and her friend Rose wade through the Tang Beck to go post-war dancing in the De Grey Rooms.

History Misbehaves was commissioned by Explore York Libraries and Archives, a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), designated by Arts Council England. The funding recognises Explore’s cultural contribution in creating and promoting artistic experiences, supporting artists, and engaging communities.

Production:

Writer: Paul Birch

Director: Kate Valentine

Sound Editor: Matteo Falco

Production Assistant: Holly Beer

Episodes:

The Beast of Tang Hall – Performed by Kordian Nixon

The End of the World – Performed by Noah Taylor

All the King’s Women – Written and performed by Ann Crosley with additional material by Paul Birch

The Diary of Lady Starkey – Written and performed by Sheelagh Loftus with additional material by Paul Birch

Head Above Water – Written and performed by Ian Breffit with additional material by Paul Birch

Mr Hawley’s Boots – Performed by Eilidh Hitchins, with special thanks to David Poole for research

No Chance of Peace – Performed by Bernie Oxberry, written by Brian Oxbery with additional material by Paul Birch and Bernie Oxberry

All Change – Written and performed by Jennie Hitchins with additional material by Paul Birch

Thanks to David Poole for his research.

Thanks also to Jorvik Radio and volunteers for their assistance with recording Tang Hall Stories.

History is about to misbehave is a series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York.

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

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FAQ

How many episodes does History is about to misbehave have?

History is about to misbehave currently has 15 episodes available.

What topics does History is about to misbehave cover?

The podcast is about Audio Drama, History and Podcasts.

What is the most popular episode on History is about to misbehave?

The episode title 'INNovating Audio – Episode 3 – One for the Road' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on History is about to misbehave?

The average episode length on History is about to misbehave is 15 minutes.

How often are episodes of History is about to misbehave released?

Episodes of History is about to misbehave are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of History is about to misbehave?

The first episode of History is about to misbehave was released on Nov 17, 2020.

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