This was my second time working with Jeff and Marcy, the first being the Bar Mitzvah of their son Daniel, and this one, the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter Leah. It is no coincidence that both events were held at Kat Man Du in Trenton, New Jersey, as the venue is unique, fun, and offers a beautiful view of the Delaware river (besides doing a stellar job).

As was before, Marcy and Jeff were a pleasure to work with, and Leah was a pure delight. She was an up-beat kid who not only had some great ideas when it came to planning the Bat Mitzvah, but came ready to party (and so did her friends!) Leah’s friends were fun, danced non-stop, and participated in every game and activity with super-enthusiasm. The adults were all about it as well, and were dancing almost as much as the kids (although, as adults do, they stopped to eat and drink every so often). DJ Adam and Cameron did a great job keeping the music pumping, while the kids climbed on the stage doing line dances and dance routines and just bursting with energy. Our dancers Stephanie and Nate did an awesome job of keeping everyone involved, coordinating with the DJ, and making sure even the little kids got lots of the party giveaways.

It was also great working with photographer Mike Schwartz, and Michael – head honcho over at Kat Man Du – who is the utmost professional and runs a tight operation. Kat Man Du is an operating nightclub that offers it’s venue for afternoon affairs before club hours start. I think kids really like it’s fun atmosphere, which makes it a great venue for Bat Mitzvahs, Bar Mitzvahs and Sweet 16 parties alike. Thanks to Michael and your amazing team at Kat Man Du.

Last but certainly not least, thanks to Jeff and Marcy for being so much fun to work with, and really helping us to make this Bat Mitzvah a success.

And, of course, Mazel Tov to Leah. You and your friends rock!

-Craig

Images Courtesy of Mike Schwartz Photography

Kat Man Du

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

Friday the 13th, is usually associated with a day filled with bad luck; however, the only bad luck one could have faced on Friday May 13th, was missing out on Shannon’s Sweet 16. The Buck Hotel in Bucks County was the site of Shannon’s party, and the room was illuminated with blue light. With the lighting and the stylish décor, the room looked more like something out of a James Cameron movie, rather than a birthday party.

The way the blue up-lights danced around the ballroom at the Buck was incredible. They fit right in with the theme of the party. Shannon and her friends packed the dance floor all night long and were singing right along to every song as they rocked out. The night seemed to fly by as the partying was broken up periodically with prize bags that Shannon and I gave away to her friends. The give always were put together by Shannon’s parents and there was always tons of cheers and excitement when it was time to draw a name. I had a blast dancing and jamming out with Shannon and everyone who was there. – Tony A.

This Sweet 16 provided me another opportunity to work with Renee from All About Events, and as always the decorations looked spectacular, and the party ran flawlessly. The photos for the evening were provided by Erin Duffy; Erin, it was a pleasure to work with you as always, and your work is outstanding! Jessica and the rest of the staff at the Buck Hotel did a fantastic job coordinating everything and making sure the entire night ran smoothly. Thanks also to my staff, Jack on the lights, and Tony A as my dancer. With such an amazing team surrounding me, I knew that the party was going to rock as much as it did; together, I’m certain we gave Shannon a night that she will never forget. When I received Shannon’s DJ request list, I could already tell she had every intention to dance all night long, and dance all night was what Shannon and her friends did.

To Shannon and the rest of her family, thank you for allowing me to be your DJ, and be such an integral part of your event. It was a pleasure working with all of you, and I am so thankful for all you did for and my staff and I. Happy Sweet 16!

- DJ Foltzy

Images courtesy of Erin Duffy Photography

Planning by Renee from All About Events

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

How did you find this web page?

As a Philadelphia area DJ company, one of our greatest achievements – aside from performing at hundreds of weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, sweet 16 parties and other events – has been our website, our online presence, and most specifically our blog.

Prior to 2008 (we have been in business since 1992), we relied primarily on print advertising and word of mouth to generate business, but, like so many other businesses hit by the recession, we found that we had to change and evolve; not just to remain in the Philadelphia DJ industry, but merely to survive in an unstable economy.

Initially, creating a DJ blog was a huge learning curve, and by trial and error we succeeded in re-branding ourselves – perhaps even re-inventing ourselves – in a highly competitive Philadelphia DJ market. What we found was that the blog, or ‘weblog’, would soon become our most valuable tool not only in letting potential clients know what we did, but also allowing us to show our work, one event after another. It has become such an invaluable tool that – sitting here today – it is hard to fathom that we ever did business without it.

By the summer of 2011, our Philadelphia DJ website and blog will be undergoing some interesting changes, very much like our company itself, while we will continue to showcase our DJ and Dance staff, our lighting, and events we have done, we will also strive to showcase the work of the other event professionals in the Philadelphia area whom we work with, to ‘share the wealth’ so to speak.

What I (Craig) am most proud of is that after three years of dedication and stick-to-itiveness, our Philadelphia DJ website and blog garners more traffic than not only any other Philadelphia DJ company, but just about every event industry website in Philadelphia, and this success did not come without help. Our staff – past and present – as well as old friends in the Philadelphia area and new friends we have met through social media have been instrumental to our success. The internet is reciprocal, and I am grateful to everyone who has helped Cutting Edge Entertainment to achieve this success.

So if you are shopping for a DJ in the Philadelphia area, please use our website as a resource to research what we are all about, and feel free to contact us to find out more, or schedule a meeting at our offices in Huntingdon Valley to meet with our staff, because behind all of the great events featured on our Philadelphia DJ blog, there are real people, professionals who are ready to help you to make your next event everything you can possibly imagine.

Craig Sumsky
Director
Cutting Edge Entertainment

From the Blog (click below to learn more)

Wedding

Bar & Bat Mitzvah

Sweet 16

DJ Image by Erin Duffy – www.erinduffyphotography.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

It was a cool March evening as I arrived at the Northampton Valley Country Club in Bucks County for Asia’s Sweet 16, and it felt as if I was entering an exclusive nightclub – which makes sense as it was a club themed Sweet 16. Velvet ropes and carpet led the way into the room, but only if you were on the VIP list; if you weren’t on the list, I can promise that you missed out on a night that will not be forgotten.

I could feel the dance floor shaking beneath my feet. Maybe it was the vibrations from the sub-woofer, or all the people on the dance floor that night, but I could feel the floor moving under me. An elaborate lighting system draped the room in blues, reds and greens while on lookers reclined on couches and stools that glowed in synch with the lights. Cameras flashed as everyone entered from behind the velvet ropes. “Whoa,” I thought to myself, “this is the craziest Sweet Sixteen I have ever seen.”….I know what you’re thinking, ‘Tony, the music and lights must have gotten to your head finally. You’ve finally snapped. You’re at a club right?’ Wrong. I was a dancer at Asia’s Sweet Sixteen.  Think of MTV’s Super Sweet Sixteen, with the guest of honor not only being a gracious young lady, but also being the coolest person ever.

~Tony A. – Dancer

As Asia explained to me the idea of her club theme, she warned me that all her and her friends wanted to do was rock out. With help from my dancers Tony and Ashley, the floor was packed from start to finish. A DJ cannot ask for much more than a group who will dance all night long to every song that that was played.  Their enthusiasm and energy was contagious.

I have to give big props to the event planner, Renee, from All About Events. I have never had every aspect of the event go so smoothly. Renee was the glue that held all of us together. She allowed for my job to go flawlessly, and allowed for the host, hostess and our guest of honor to just party, without worrying about a thing. Renee, my cap goes of to you for coordinating an extraordinary party. You rock!  Also, it was great to work with photographer Erin Duffy, Eventions Productions provided the awesome lighting as well as Laura Eaton and her super-cool  Soiree Photo Lounge.  Working with such an amazing team truly made this a Super Sweet Sixteen.

A few days ago we received this thank you letter in the mail, and I can’t even begin to tell you how much this sort of testimonial means to me…

We had no previous interaction with Cutting Edge Entertainment. We had never attended a party where they provided the music, didn’t know anyone else that had used their services so we were going into Asia’s Sweet Sixteen party blind. Well, on Friday March 25, 2011 DJ Foltzy, Tony and Ashley opened our eyes to something WONDERFUL!

DJ Foltzy, Tony and Ashley were professional, friendly, made the family and friends feel comfortable, and kept everyone engaged. The team did an excellent job keeping people on the dance floor by playing the latest hits and interacting with guests to keep the smiles and laughter going. Because of the energy of DJ Foltzy, Tony and Ashley, the teens and the adults had a blast and Asia’s party will be a fond memory for all. The guests both teens and adults are still talking about how great this team was.
We cannot thank you enough for making this special occasion a night to remember.

Asia, Kim and Rob

On behalf of my staff, I want to thank you, Asia, and your family, for allowing us to be a part of your Super Sweet Sixteen. We appreciate all you did for us, and cannot thank you enough for such a wonderful crowd. It was a pleasure being your DJ and I am thrilled every one who attended the Sweet 16 had the night of their lives.

- DJ Foltzy

Images courtesy of Erin Duffy – www.erinduffyphotography.com

Soiree Photo Lounge

All About Events

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

Of all the Sweet 16s I’ve been the DJ for, I have never come across a client that was more excited for their party. Ilana contacted me two months before the event, letting me know how excited she was for her party, and was anxiously awaiting to talk to me about it. The anticipation grew for Ilana and myself as November 6th came closer. Her continued excitement about her night, made me give even more than my normal 110% to make sure she has the night of her life. She warned me that the crowd would be large and ready to pack the dance floor, and I promised her that they would be throughout the night. It seemed to me as though the crowd was going to be what I would consider the “Sweet 16 Dream Crowd”.

Maggio’s restaurant in Bucks County was the venue for the event. Our crew transformed the party room into a club-like atmosphere. Carl, our expert on lights, put on a spectacular show as DJ Ben and I took care of the music. Her request list was filled with great dance music, and it was our job to make sure that the joint was jumping. The dance floor was packed from the minute the guests walked into the room, and stayed that way until the end of the party. As Ke$ha would say, “The party don’t start til I walk in,” and that fits Ilana to a T. Her energy and excitement throughout the night only made it that much better, because her friends followed suit. As a DJ, my job becomes much easier when the birthday girl is so enthusiastic; I built off the positive vibe from her, which definitely made my job a great deal more enjoyable.

Ilana, it was such an honor for me to DJ your Sweet Sixteen. I am glad that I made you night so memorable, and I will not forget this party as well. Thank you for letting me be a part of your celebration!

DJ Steve

To learn more about DJ Steve, click here:
“The Philadelphia Sweet 16 DJ Machine”

Here is what Ilana had to say in a letter to us after the event:

I want to give a special thanks to Cutting Edge Entertainment, especially the best DJ in the world Steve Foltz. My party would not have been as much fun as it was if it was not for Steve. The music he played were the latest and hottest hits, and he sure got everyone to their feet. I know I could not move after my night! He truly made my special night a day that I would never forget in a million years, and I am so grateful that my friend recommended him. I am not sure what I would do without him. Thank you so much Steve, you are the best!!!!!
~Ilana

Photo courtesy of  Master Studio – www.master-studio.com

Maggio’s

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

I haven’t chimed in with a blog post in a little while. In the month prior to what may prove our busiest month as a company in eighteen years of business, we have been busy as bees in preparation. Overhauling every sound system, overhauling our warehouse, auditioning new staff, meeting with wedding and bar/bat mitzvah clients some of whom are inquiring about our services and others – booked clients – meeting with us to do wrap-ups. Our office has been both electric and hectic, and now that September is gone, it’s game time.

This morning I picked up Pedro from the airport, came home, and was inspired to write in the hour I had to spare before I would need to hop in the shower, organize a few more things (like pack up the laptop I’m typing on right now), and head in to the office to meet Adam at 2:00pm to load up for our wedding.

Our DJ schedule is packed with bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, sweet 16s and Halloween parties, and we’re turning away clients at this point as we are booked… solid. Our dancer schedule is no different, with poor Nate having to work every weekend while Tony is away in Rome but don’t feel bad, Nate won’t be so poor when he gets his paycheck.

Although I’ll be back to posting more blog posts before too long, right now I’m just too busy.

We are just too busy.

Thank you to everyone, from the venues who recommend us, to the Philadelphia event industry professionals who refer us clients and invaluable endorsements, we are in your debt for helping us to turn survive to thrive.

But even more, I want to thank my staff. For late crazy hours and tireless dedication to success. Thanks to Pedro for kicking my ass, thanks to Carl for fixing my ass and to Marc for covering my ass this past year. Ironically the biggest thanks to Richie for ignoring my ass altogether and concentrating on more important things. Thanks to Shoshana for being a real leader to the sapling dancers and along with Tony and Nate’s help making us the crack team that we are.

And thanks to every staff member I didn’t name, you all busted your humps this year and you all deserve recognition, but it’ll just have to wait til busy season is over.

But now I need to get to my wedding, so again, thank you to everyone for helping us to stay so darned busy.

Humbly Yours,

-Craig

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

A Record Hop is sort of like a “kids only” party to celebrate a First Holy Communion or a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. If it is for a girl it can be very much like a Sweet Sixteen (particularly in the case of a Bat Mitzvah, being somewhat older than Communion age). In either case, the kid party can be as big or as little as the imagined concept (and budget) allow. In this particular instance, it was a Bat Mitzvah Record Hop, with really creative ideas, that allowed a larger production to be created, while staying within a budget. Before you read further – if you haven’t already – you might want to check out the first two parts of the Jordyn’s Record Hop trilogy.

Part One: Meet Jordyn

Part Two: The Setup

Jordyn’s parents made some very clever and strategic decisions when it came to planning their daughter’s party. First and foremost they concentrated on the theme, while keeping budget conscious. They chose a large, yet reasonably priced facility (The Richboro Senior Center), and through the help of their event planner, were able to achieve a very cool and hip atmosphere that really gave it an authentic “clubby” feel. After that, the only things really left were the DJ entertainment and the food.

As the guests arrived, the “bouncers” checked IDs (of which, thirteen year olds seldom have, which added to the silly fun) before being admitted into Jordyn’s exclusive “Club”.  Once inside, they were treated lighting, DJ and music, a trendy club/lounge atmosphere and some great kids food and drink.

As you can tell by the photos, what was a fairly utilitarian space was completely transformed, from concept to completion. Lighting, DJ, atmosphere and a little creative juice (in addition to some great input from Jordyn) were all that were required to pull the whole thing together.

The Team

Event planner – Renee from Events by Monroe: Jason and Wendy has the foresight to choose a planner for the event. To bring together the theme, the ideas and concepts needed action, and Renee had resources for things I would have never imagined. Neon Lycra covered high-top style tables, cool hanging globes, dimly lit centerpiece lighting on the tables and a red carpet with velvet ropes are just a few of the thematic touches that I would have very little idea as to where to begin finding, much less finding while staying within a budget. Renee and her assistant stayed the whole night to oversee that everything was maintained, while serving cleverly named mixed drinks (non-alcoholic of course), that were not limited to the typical Shirley Temple (a personal favorite of mine). The time and money saved by using a planner typically far outweighs the cost of the planner themselves.

www.eventsbymonroe.com

Food/Caterer – The Gourmet Vendor: For many years Brad Orenstein’s “Gourmet Vendor” has been a favorite of mine. Although they call themselves a “Hot Dog Cart” company, they are not only that (and the best around), but they really offer a whole lot more. Pizza, cheese steaks, cotton candy and ice cream are just a few of the food options on their menu. Great for corporate picnics, backyard parties, and, of course, kids parties (most kids would choose pizza and hot dogs over “fancy food” any day of the week. Additionally, Gourmet Vendor staffs their food carts, serving the food (hot or cold) as opposed to the mess of self-serve. And unlike the so called “fancy food”, Gourmet Vendor’s prices are affordable, and even adding on menu options still stays within a very reasonable budget with excellent service.

www.gourmetvendor.com

DJ and Lights – Cutting Edge Entertainment: That’s us!  Yes, this was a more expensive setup on our end (lots and lots of lights), and would have otherwise been a larger portion of the total budget for a production of this size, but as The Beatles say, “You get by with a little help from your friends”  (let’s just say Jordyn’s father is a good friend ). Seeing the smile on Jordyn’s face all night long was our reward.  She is a gracious and beautiful young woman, and was a delight to work with. Quite honestly, if her parents were to come to us in three years to help plan her Sweet 16, we would be hard pressed to top this one.

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

Photos courtesy of Photographer Erin Duffy

On June 12th, 2010, Courtney’s Sweet 16 became “The Greatest Show on Earth”. Kathy – Courtney’s Mom – dubbed me as the acting “Ringleader” of this three-ring celebration, as the carnival was literally brought right to their backyard. We spoke several times prior to the event, and I’d have to say, it’s likely that the Ringling Brothers couldn’t have pulled off what Kathy had in store.

There was a dunk tank, a strength meter (you know, the one where you have to ring the bell), as well as a few other circus games, and the guests were treated to funnel cake and hot dogs, all keeping with the circus/carnival theme. As Courtney and her friends played the games, they won raffle tickets, which in turn were placed in baskets for even bigger prizes to be raffled off later in the evening. Amongst the prizes were Phillies tickets, gift cards to Rita’s and iTunes, and three surprise drawings, with a grand prize surprise that was saved for the very last.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a circus without an animal, and although insects aren’t the usual animals you find at a circus, this one had a very big bug. It rolled into the backyard just after Courtney was blindfolded so that she would have no idea what was about to transpire. The “big bug” (a shiny new Volkswagen Beetle to be more specific) made its way onto the grass. It was then that Courtney’s blindfold was removed for the big reveal. “I have dreamt of a red Volkswagen Bug since I was 10 years old,” was Courtney’s comment to me when we got a moment to talk about her gift (It took her a while to calm down after her initial shock and excitement over her Sweet 16 gift). There was even a birthday cake shaped like a VW Bug that was brought out as everyone sang “Happy Birthday”.

Thanks to Leslie from Conway Productions for providing photos from the event, and to the Cole family for giving this DJ the chance to be ring leader for the day. Once again Courtney, happy birthday, and best of luck with your new convertible!

-DJ Foltzy

Photos courtesy of Conway Productions – www.conwayproductionsinc.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

On May 15th 2010, in a place 1,210 miles north of The Magic City (according to Google maps) and on a night about 20 degrees cooler, Miami fever was sweeping through Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. As we headed out to the event, Jack and I had no idea of the wild party that lay ahead of us that evening. When we arrived at the King of Prussia Towers Club House, Jackie was already bubbling with excitement. She was rocking a bright yellow dress that would have made even the most die hard Miami senoritas proud. The room was draped in bright orange and pink, complete with a drink bar serving limeade and tropical drinks in multi-colored margarita glasses. I managed to grab one of the flamingo straws and perch it on my table. Even DJs like to have a mascot. Jack polished off the festive look with a creative light show composed of bright blues, yellows and greens. When it was show time, the room looked more like the set of a Ricky Martin music video than that of a club house! ‘Can Philadelphia handle this much heat?’ I wondered to myself.

As all of Jackie’s friends walked through the doors into paradise, Jackie was hidden away in another room waiting for her grand entrance. I walked back to check on her, only to find her giggling in anticipation. I dimmed the lights and got all the party goers up clapping their hands and stomping their feet. Jack’s lights were sweeping the room creating an introduction fit for Gloria Estefan herself. The crowd let out a roar when Jackie was carried in upon a surf board to a mash up of Will Smith’s “Miami” and LMFAO’s “I’m In Miami”, mixed by yours truly. “Club Jackie” was officially open for business. After that moment, the party never stopped until the end of the night. The dance floor was packed so tight, that the people dancing looked like sardines in a can. The rest of the evening was a musical journey that would have made even the most advanced DJ excited. The kids rocked out to everything from The Black Eyed Peas to Kool and the Gang to Pink to Justin Bieber. Of course, let’s not forget the Miami flavored set that had the whole place shaking from top to bottom. I walked over to the incredible cake to have Jackie cut it, and she was standing there rocking her socks off! She barely stopped to cut the cake, but we got her to slow down enough to keep all of her fingers.

The party was a blast, I am positive that I had as much fun DJing as everyone else did partying! At the end of the night, no one wanted to leave. It was a party that would have made the Miami Sound Machine proud. Jackie’s mom even said to me “Every song you played made me feel like dancing!” Thank you Jackie and your family for giving me the privilege of being the DJ for your Sweet 16, and I hope you had as much fun as I did!

-Tony A.

P.S. I’d also like to thank Melissa Cotter for the fantastic pictures she supplied us from the party. You’re awesome!

Photos Courtesy of Melissa Cotter – Melissa Cotter Photography on Facebook

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

When DJ Foltzy asked me why the younger DJ staff weren’t represented on the Cutting Edge blog or website I didn’t have an answer, so I just decided to correct the oversight. Meet the next generation of Cutting Edge Entertainment.

When the decision was made to do a new photo shoot, I thought it might be a great time to bring in a new photographer… enter David Difuntorum. I was introduced to David’s work by a mutual colleague, and became acquainted with his photography through facebook and twitter. I thought his style was edgy and youthful, and perfect for our younger generation of Disc Jockeys.

The secret to our recipe for molding a DJ isn’t really that secret… We start em young. Most of the senior DJ and MC staff here at Cutting Edge started here when they were young, and in many cases this is their first job. In doing this, by the time they graduate college, they’ve got nearly ten years of experience. Still in touch with the pulse of youth, but with the experience of hundreds of parties and events under their belt. They are our little brothers, and they are the future of our family.  They start out as assistants -or “grunts” as we call them – and learn quickly, moving on to small parties and Sweet Sixteens after two or three years of training with our senior staff.

Steve has been with us the longest, and we are happy he’s chosen to attend Temple University… so he’ll be sticking around.  Steve (a.k.a. DJ Foltzy) is one of our most requested Sweet 16 DJs, and has a broad knowledge of music – from oldies to current stuff.  He’s typically out on his own Sweet 16 party, or assisting as the DJ on a wedding or bar mitzvah party with one of our MCs.  I’ve known Steven since he’s been about five years old, first meeting him as the MC at his sister’s bat mitzvah.

Justin came to us when he was fourteen years old.  He learned fast, and his self assuredness and competitive nature are what make him such a skilled DJ.  Watching Justin grow up and come into his own has been very gratifying to me.  What started out as youthful cockiness has evolved into the deserved confidence of a young man.  Justin makes me very proud, and of all the next-gen guys I’ve got, he’s probably the one I butt heads with most… likely because he reminds me so much of myself at that age.

Jack… the cool, calm and collected one.  Jack might seem quiet at first, but that’s because he’s taking it all in, while maintaining control.  Jack came to us by way of, well, his mom, Maura who does sales and PR for Cutting Edge.  When Maura told me she was taking some time off, she must have seen the worry in my eyes, and quickly added “I’m not going too far, you’ve still got Jack”.  Jack, like the others, is a hard worker and a team player, and his passion and interest for music are part of what give him the D.N.A. of what a Cutting Edge DJ is made of.

Why is Zach wearing a crown?  Because he’s DJ BK (Burger King).  He’s always hungry for a whopper and fries, probably because he’s working all the time.  The crown isn’t the only hat Zach wears at Cutting Edge, as he is a DJ, lighting tech and sound man.  When not at a party with the Cutting Edge staff, Zach can be found saving lives as a junior fire fighter, running his own small landscaping business (quite the entrepreneur), or at the local Burger King grabbing a bite to eat.  No matter what Zach does, he has it his way.



I’m grateful for David’s time and David’s beautiful photographs.  A photographer’s art is an amazing and glorious gift and I am in awe of their craft.  Yet, what touched me even more were the kind words that David posted to facebook shortly after our photo shoot, which I took the liberty to post an excerpt of below.

I watched Craig and his crew interact and here’s where my interest really piqued.  I see Craig sitting on a chair.  He’s was holding court on four teenagers and it was instantly apparent that five things were going on: They were all intelligent. Craig was the boss. They were giving each other LOTS of (HYSTERICAL) crap. Craig was not spared. Everybody liked and respected each other.

The longer I was there the more I recognized that these young guys were well-lead by Craig and they worked as a seamless team.

It was excellent and a joy to behold. It reminded me of the best times I had in the military where we were all young people giving each other crap, respected each other and got a difficult and challenging job done as a selfless team. My God, the laughter was infectious.

I was so happy to be around these guys. They were so good at their work and at giving each other crap I could tell that working for Craig would be one of the highlights of their lives.

Thank you David, for everything.

-Craig

David Difuntorum Photography – www.daviddifuntorum.com

David on twitter – http://twitter.com/TheDif

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