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We will Remember Them
I WasThere When-----
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The Flying Enterprise -1951-52
In the early 1950's a drama on the High Seas gripped the Nation like no other.Radio and newspapers kept the population gripped to this epic saga.
The drama unfolded,when a freighter Capt decided to hove to in heavy seas off the English Coast. The Captain was Capt Kurt Carlsen and the boat was the Flying Enterprise.
The Flying Enterprise was an American ship built in 1944 and named Cape Kamukaki and owned by a Steel Co in the USA. In 1947,she was renamed the Flying Enterprise and sailed between Hamburg and the USA.
On December 21st 1951,she set sail from Hamburg to the US with a cargo of pig iron and coffee and ten paying passengers.After steady progress on December 25th,she encounted very heavy seas and gale force winds,approx. 400 miles west of Lands End and Capt Carlsen decided to hove to and ride out the storm. These conditions continued unabated and during this time she suffered considerable structural damage and her cargo started to shift. On December 28th Capt Carlsen sent out an SOS,which was picked up by quite a few ships who went to her aid.Early on December 29th the steamer 'Southland' arrived and tried to get alongside but it was too dangerous,so the passengers and crew jumped into the raging seas and were all picked up safely.
Capt Carlsen decided to stay on board and await a tug boat to arrange a tow.The tug 'Turmoil' arrived and tried unsuccessfully to get a tow rope aboard because of the high seas running.A mate on the tug,Ken Dancy managed somehow to board the Enterprise, with the vital tow rope. By the 5th January 1952 the winds had abated and steady progress was made,albeit with the Enterprise now listing 60 degrees.After six days of drama,the journey was unfolding in homes up and down the Country,as people were kept informed by wireless.On the 9th January the Enterprise was listing 80degrees and with the weather deterioting,things could not get worse but unfortunately the tow rope snapped in very heavy seas with a twenty foot swell but still Capt Carlson,along with the tugs mate Dancy,hung on till the morning of the 10th. By this time she was drifting helplessly,31 miles South of the Lizard and 42 miles from Falmouth.A flotilla of ships were now around the stricken vessel, including the Falmouth Lifeboat and the American Destroyer the Willard Kilit. On the afternoon of the 10th,it was apparent that the Flying Enterprise was breaking up and Capt Carlsen, whose heroic attempt to rescue his ship,had failed and he had no option but to abandon her, so he and Dancy jumped into the heavy swell and were picked up safely,just in time to watch as the Flying Enterprise slid beneath the waves.Capt Kurt Carlsen was hailed a hero who showed immense courage,in the true sense of the seafarer.No record exists as to what he ate or drank during the time of his extraordinary ordeal,or how much sleep he managed. Pathe Newsreels made a film of the drama,as it unfolded and Newspapers carried dramatic airial photo's of it.Capt Carlsen went back to sea and in time,passed into obscurity till the early nineties when an American newspaper carried an obituary,to a man who during those tense days in the 50's,held everyone spellbound.
I would like to thank Ron Mapplebeck of the Teesships website,for allowing me to tell this story. |  |
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1952
This was the year that was to change Princess Elizabeth's life for ever more.With Prince Philip she had embarked on a State Visit to Kenya.After a great many official engagements they were taken on Safari to relax.Back home King George VI had been taken ill with pnuemonia and had died peacefully in the early hours of the morning. It was because of the remoteness of the location they were staying in that word of the King's Death did'nt reach the Princess till much later. On hearing the news Princess Elizabeth was very distrought but her ladies-in waiting and Prince Philip realised that as from then they would be addressing the Queen. Protocol and respect must be shown at all times but the young Princess who had a young son at home in Prince Charles did'nt realise the burdon of responsibility that was about to be placed on her young shoulders. She had in the past been groomed for such a role by learning about the working of the State by being shown State papers by her father but she and her husband took a carefree attitude to her resposibilities until that time enjoying the hospitality of the Kenyan people.Arrangements were put in place for her and her husband to fly back immediately. On the tarmac to welcome her home as Queen was Winston Churchill and members of his Government. It was a sombre homecoming with Mr Churchill dressed in black paying homage to his new Queen with these words,"May I as Leader of your Government and in these distressing circumstances, welcome you Queen ElizabethII".So began her reign although not officially (for another twelve month) with Prince Philip as Escort.Plans were put in place for Queen Elizebeth's Coronation in 1953.(Still Going Strong in 2004) |
The Princess Leaves
 | | The Princess is pictured waving goodbye to her father King George VI. |
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The Princess Arrives As Queen
 | | The Princess is pictured arriving at London Airport to be greeted by Sir Winston Churchill and Clement Atlee as Queen of England and the Commonwealth. |
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The Late King is Laid to Rest
 | | After the Laying in State and the State Funeral the procession is pictured en-route to Windsor.Although it was broadcast on Television, not many had sets in their home so they watched it during their next visit to the Cinema, which at the time was a weekly trip, |
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Bentley and Craig Found Guilty
The facts about this case have been discussed and fought over for the last 52 years.
Derek Bentley and Christopher Craig were suspected of breaking and entering a Warehouse in London. Police were following them and cornered them on the roof where Bentley was arrested and hancuffed but Craig was still to be arrested and he was armed with a revolver. As the Police approached him Bentley shouted the words, "LET HIM HAVE IT CHRIS" after which 16 year old Craig pulled the trigger and shot PC Sydney Miles five times.
At the trial the defence maintained that Bentley, in shouting these words meant for Craig to hand over the gun.The jury although finding them both guilty asked the Judge to show clemancy.
The Judge donning his black cap outlined the reasons for the verdict he was due to announce.In his opinion what Bentley meant was for Craig to fire the gun, so he was guilty of Murder in the same way as if he had fired the gun.So the verdict was that Bentley and Craig were both found guilty and Bentley was to hang. Craig on the other hand was to be detained, as they say, to await Her Majesty's pleasure because of his age.
This caused uproar in the Country and pertitions were organised all over the Country but to no avail.The Home Secretary could find no reason to overturn the verdict.
Footnote.
Craig served twenty five years in prison and was interviewed on television after Bentley's sister who had been campaigning for many years won a pardon for her brother.
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The Mousetrap Opens in London
Agatha Christie's masterpiece opens at the Ambassadors Theatre in Londons West End, starring a very young Richard Attenbourough. The audience were asked to take their places ten minutes before the curtain and not leave till the final curtain.The famous whodonit is still packing them in after fifty two years. The ending is changed every so often so the audience will be still left guessing. |
Evita Dies
Eva Peron also known as Evita dies of cancer in Argentina perhaps the most popular leader amongst the ordinary people. This was not always the case but she became prominant when her husband the President was imprisoned for treason her having run for Vice-President. She championed womens rights and made it compulsory to teach religion in the schools. She was also a well known actress and married Peron when she was only sixteen.
Footnote-
Andrew Loyd Webber wrote and produced, along with others, a musical based on Eva Peron's life called 'Evita' which was hugely successful. The hit song from the musical was "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" |  |
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First Passenger Jet Takes Off
The Comet, the first jet airliner to take fare paying passengers took off from London Airport bound for Johannesburg with thirty six passengers on board.The flight time was eighteen hours because of the complex route. |
Second World War Ends
They say you are never too old to learn but this would make a good Quiz Question.
When did the Second World War Officialy End?
The Second World War ended in 1952 when President Trueman signed a peace treaty recognising Japan's Sovereignty. |
Olympic Games Open in Helsinki
The Olympic Games opened in Helsinki and they were dominated by one man Emil Zatopek a 29year old Czech who won both the 10,000 metres and the 5,000 metres, then went on to win the marathon, which was his first attempt and he won by a minute and a half from his nearest rival.
GREAT BRITAIN SUCCESSES-
Colonel Harry Llewellyn had a clear round in Show Jumping riding Foxhunter to give the British team the coverted Prix-des-Nation title.
Emmanuel McDonald Bailey won a Bronze in the 100m sprint and Jim Disley won a Bronze in the 3000m Steeplechase.
Shirley Cawley won Bronze in the Longjump and Ellen Gordon won Bronze in the Womens Breaststroke while Ken Richmond won Bronze in the Heavyweight section of Freestyle Wrestling.
Charles Curry won Silver in the individual Monotype Racer in Yatching while the British Hockey team won a Bronze medal |
Show Business
The Hits of the year were-
Singing in the Rain Gene Kelly
I Saw Mammy Kissing Santa Claus.
Maria Callas makes her London debut
Charlie Chaplin film Limelight opens in London to mixed reception from critics.Clair Bloom and Buster Keeton co-star.
Peggy Ashcroft stars in Trence Rattigan's play "The Deep Blue Sea" with a young Kenneth More
Vivien Leigh wins an Oscar for Best Actress in "A Street Car Named Desire"
Humphry Bogart wins his Oscar as Best Actor for "The African Queen"
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Local News
January 1st 1952-
Heavy Snow greeted the New Year.
Picture goers were treated to 'My Wild Irish Rose'
starring Dennis Morgan at the Scala, Middlesbrough
while 'Appointment with Venus'starring David Niven and Glynis Johns was showing at the Odean.
The Guamont was offering Frank Sinatra and Shelly Winters in 'Meet Danny Wilson'while the Elite had Stanly Hollaway and Dennis Price in 'Lady Godiva Rides Again'
Pantomimes were still going strong in the area with 'Dick Wittington On Ice' at the Globe in Stockton and 'Sleeping Beauty' with Tommy Morgan at the Empire, Middlesbrough.
At the local Magistrate's Court a chap was up for shop breaking and the bench was told this man could not hold a job having 41 jobs in five years.
In 1952 if you had a sore throat you sucked on a Zube lozenger.
The Flops were the cartoon strip.
A 17yrs private in the Army shot off his finger so he did not have to serve in Korea.
Mrs Margaret Gilmore from Billingham was passing the Police Station when she suddenly went into labour so the Police settled her in a Police cell.While waiting for the Ambulance the baby couldn't wait any longer and was born in the cell just as a Midwife arrived. Mother and baby girl were said to be doing fine. (I wonder where they are now, let me know, use the guest book)
Binns in Middlesbrough had a New Year Sale on-
Girls Dress-20/- (£1)
Ladies Pajama's 10/- (50p)
Ladies Stockings 1'-11pence (9p).
Ladies Casual Shoes 15/- (75p)
Do you remember Woodhouses shop on Linthorpe Rd Middlesbrough, their sale was also running at the time-
Moquette Suite £33 guinies or £34.13 shilling (£34.65) or you could buy at six and six a week (35p)
Oak Dining Suite 29 guinies (£30.45p)
Double Bed with Mattress £10.18.6 (£10.90p)
Boro were playing Charlton Athletic and introduced a player making his debut.Frank Mulloland signed from Belfast and lined up with UGOLINI, DICKS, CORBETT, BELL, WHITIKER, DELAPHINA, MANNION, McCASE, WALKER and SPULAR.
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Television and Radio
Television back in 1952 was still in it's infancy as far as the general public were concerned simply because the sets were too expensive and maybe the radio was still very popular with the listening public. Commercial radio was becoming popular as a rival to BBC. Before transfering to Television Hughie Green had 'Double Your Money' and Michael Miles had 'Take Your Pick' on Radio Luxomburg.Do you remember the pools forcaster Horace Batchelor having an advert where he spelt the address out in sylables-K-E-Y-N-S-H-A-M KEYNSHAM BRISTOL.H Samual's 'Everite' watches were also advertised.
Check this website it is brilliant
Meanwhile back to Television, on a typical night in January 1952 the programmes started at 7.30pm with 'Newsreel' till 7.45pm after which was 'Keleidascope'.At 8.45 Professional Boxing was shown probably compered by Eamonn Andrews till 9.30 then the news followed by the weather and more news in sound only |
1953
QUEEN EIZABETH IS CROWNED.
June 2nd was remembered for the weather. All over the Country it rained but this did not stop the whole nation rejoicing and making merry with street party's as we all celebrated the Coranation of Queen Elizabeth 11.
Television was showing it live and houses up and down the Country being crammed as events unfolded in London. The Televisions then, if you were lucky to have one, were large cabinets but only 9 to 12" screens compared to the 32"and larger you can get today.
The procession to Westminster Abbey took your breath away such was the pomp with the golden coach and a radiant Princess.For young children it was a fairy tale come true |  |
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God Save The Queen
 | | After the Crown was placed on her head by the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Fisher, the whole congregation in Westminster Abbey gave three cheers to the shouts of 'GOD SAVE THE QUEEN' |
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Her People Pay Homage
After the crowning ceremony members of Her Majasty's Government and Lords of the Realm are presented to her.Over the years the Queen has reflected on that time with a bit of tougue in cheek humour when she says although they had rehearsed the crowning it was the first time she had worn the Imperial Crown and she found it very heavy and hoped it would,nt spoil her hairdo. In fact she found everything heavy including the orb and septre plus the gown she was wearing her being so small and slight. |
Meeting Her Government
 | | The new Queen is pictured receiving her Government. |
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The Crown
| The coin pictured below was presented to all children as a momento of the Coronation by Eston Urban District Council.In 1953 this was a 5/- coin. In todays coinage that would be 25p. A lot of people spent the money but quite a few including myself kept theirs as a reminder.I see quite a lot at collectors fairs. |  |
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reverse
| The reverse shows the Coat of Arms of England,Ireland, Scotland and Wales.On the side is written the pledge Her Majesty gave at her Coronation "FAITH AND TRUTH I WILL BEAR UNTO YOU" |  |
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Medallion
| The gold madallion was presented to all members children of Grangetown Social Club. |  |
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Medallion Reverse
| The medallion shows the reverse side. |  |
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Korean War Ends But----
The Korean War ended but rumblings could be heard about a new conflict in Vietnam. |
Everest Conquered
| Edmond Hilary and Sherpa Tensing managed after great effort to conquer the worlds highest mountain at 29,028, the mighty Everest or Chuomo-Lungma,as the Tibetans call it(mother goddess of the world).Sir John Hunt leader of the expedition, established eight camps and Edmond Hilary later Sir with the trusty Sherpa reached the Summit on May 29th 1953 after nine failed attepts by other climbers most famously the illfated Mallory- Watson expedition of 1924. The Union Jack the Tibetan Flag and the Flag of the United Nations, were placed on the Summit. The news of this great achievement was held back to coincide with the Coronation so people had two important milestones to celebrate. |  |
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D.N.A.
Two Cambridge Scientists solved one of the greatest mysteries in Biology.The two scientist discovered a chemical Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)is the core material in the genes we inherited from our parents.James Watson and Francis Crick would be very happy to discover the extent their work is used so extensively today by Police and Forensics. |
John F Kennedy Marries
| John Kennedy marries Photographer Jacqueline Lee Bouvier in a glittering Wedding on Rhode Island. |  |
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A Familiar Name
Fidel Castro leader of an unsuccessfull coup in Cuba is jailed for his part in trying to overthrough Batista's Government. |
Christie Found Guilty
| John Reginald Christie was found guilty of four murders including his wife Ethel.His lodger Timothy Evans was hung three years previously for the murder of his wife at the same address. Christie giving evidence on behalf of the prosecution told of hearing arguments and noises coming from the room and saw Evans moving a heavy carpet during the night.Later Christie admitted killing Ethel Evans and their baby but a Government enquiry could find no evidence. For years the Evans family have been campaigning to see justice done. |  |
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Timothy Evans
 | | Timothy Evans. |
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Local News
Televisions advertised at the Co-Op in Middlesbrough were on sale for £68 and £105.Bearing in mind the average wage was about £7 these were expensive but you could put a deposit down and pay weekly.
Remember Oxidol washing powder, this was very popular.
Lorretta Young and Jeff Chandler were starring in 'Because of You' at the Odean Middlesbrough.
William Holden, Edmond O'Brian were on at the Guamont in'The Turning Point'While Randolf Scott and Joan Leslie were in 'The Outcast' at the Scala.
Pantomimes- These were still packing them in. The Empire had 'Puss in Boots' while the Globe at Stockton 'Cinderella on Ice'
Acme Wringers were advertised as an alterative to the mangle.
Newhouses Sale-Mens Overcoat was £15.15/- now £6-19'-6d.
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1954
From the Evening Gazette March 14th 1954
An unusual spectacle will be seen on Thursday when a deputation meet with the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr R A Butler, to urge him not to reduce the ticket tax on admission to Boxing Matches in the Budget on April 6th.Dr Edith Summerskill, Labour MP for Fulham West,who is well known for her opposition to Boxing as a sport, will be accompanied by a distinguished surgeon,a Headmaster of a Grammar School in London,the organiser of physical education, in Gloucestershire and a Minister of Religion.
Freddie Mills,former World Light-Heavyweight Boxing Champion said you don't get limbs broke in Boxing as in other sports.
LOCAL NEWS
Six cases of food poisoning were reported to the Health Committee in Redcar and it is believed these were caused by eating eggs.Unfortunately no eggs were left for examination.
Ship sunk off Tees-Salvage bid
An attempt is to be made to salvage the 1,871 ton collier 'Guilford' which sank at the mouth of the Tees.
The ship sank after being in collision with the London ship 'Temple Bar' off Whitby in thick fog a week ago.She managed to limp to the Tees, where the crew of eighteen were rescued.
Practical Help
Not yet open a year, the parents of children of Ald William Jones School Grangetown have already formed a group of Parents and Teachers wanting to see the growth of the school and helping wherever they can.To this end, they organised Whist drives and social evenings to raise money for a radio, worth £91, complete with separate speakers.This was presented to the Headmaster Mr Duck by Ald Jones.
Binns Sale.
Binns of Middlesbrough offered for sale.
Hoover Washer- £44/2/9d
Electolux Cleaner £28/13/6
Carpet Brushes 1/11d
Distemper Brushes 6/0 to 37/6
Philip Harbon (the bearded television chef)was advertising'Albertross Self Raising Flour'
LOCAL SPORT
The Boro took on Falkirk in a friendly away from home and were beaten 2/1 in a woeful display.Sam Laurie scored for Boro in a team of -Ugolini, Stonehouse,Corbett,Bell,Dicks,Harris,Laurie, Fitzimmons,Watkins,Delaphina and Hartnett.
Local Cinemas and Theatres
Judging by the adverts the Pictures/Flicks/Cinema/Local Flea Pit,were doing roaring trade in 1954 and some of the Cinema's will bring back memories of the back row or the gods. The Theatres were also popular.Let me know where these Cinema's were.
The Empire Middlesbrough-had Carroll Levis's Talent Show on twice nightly.
The Hippodrome Stockton-had the Musical'New York to New Orleans'starring Lesley Hutchinson,billed as the greatest coloured trumpeter.
The Globe Stockton-Sadlers Wells Opera,nightly at 7.30pm with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm.
The Little Theatre was based in St John's Hall, Russell St, Middlesbrough and were staging a Somerset Maughan comedy 'Home and Beauty'
The New Pavilion Redcar,was staging a comedy presented by the North Riding Theatre Co, with the title 'The First Mrs Fraser'
The Marlborough Middlesbrough was showing,'McDonald of the Canadian Mounties' starring Tyrone Power and Cameron Mitchell.
The Grand Electric Middlesbrough was showing, George Brent,Mari Aldon and Dorothy Patrick in'Tangier Event'
The Scala Middlesbrough was showing,Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck in 'Blowing Wild'.The Title song was sung by Frankie Lane.
The Elite Middlesbrough was showing,Jane Wyman and Sterling Hayden in'So Big'
The Empire Stockton was showing, Esther Williams and Fernando Lamas in'Dangerous When Wet'
The Odeon in both Middlesbrough and Stockton were showing,Richard Todd,Glynis Johns and James Robertson Justice in'Rob Roy'
The Hippodrome Middlesbrough was showing,Bob Hope,Tony Martin and Rosemary Clooney in'Here Come The Girls'
The Gaumont Middlesbrough,was showing Joel McCrea,Yvonne De Carlo and Pedro Amerderis in'Border River'
The Regent Middlesbrough was showing,Alistair Sim,Ronald Shiner and Jimmy Edwards in'Innocents in Paris'
The Palladium Middlesbrough was showing,Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynalds in'I Love Melvin'
The Regent Redcar was showing,David Tomlinson and Diana Dors in'Is Your Honeymoon Realy Necessary'
The Palace Redcar was showing,'The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms'
The Avenue Norton was showing,Richard Greene and Paula Raymond in'Return on the Corsican Brothers'
The Moderne Norton was showing,Jose Ferrar in 'Moulin Rouge'
The Majestic DORMANSTOWN? was showing,Dennis Morgan and Ginger Rogers in'Too Dangerous to Love' |
Four Minute Mile Smashed
 | Roger Bannister,a 25 year old Oxford Medical Student broke the four minute barrier for a mile in 3 minutes 59.4 seconds to become the first man to run under four minutes.This was during a meeting between the AAA and Oxford on 6th May 1954.
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Billy Graham at Wembley
 | | For thousands of people Billy Graham showed them the way as far as Religion in the UK was concerned and most were Christians already but may have strayed away from established Churches.He came to Wembley Stadium in 1954 with his unique version of Evangelism.His speaches or sermons were noted as being lively with much banging of the lecturn and raised voice.After his sermon a very unusual thing would happen.Everyone of the vast crowd were invited to leave their seats and come forward to the front of the stage and renew their love of Jesus.Many did this and sceptics put this down to him whipping up mass hysterics Many fainted at the front such was the emotional effect he had on his audience.During his UK tour he preached to an estimated 1.300,000 and over 28,000 were converted to the Christian Faith.In the 1970's he came to Roker Park in Sunderland and the same thing happened.I was there and his speaches were spellbinding and many people,some in wheelchairs went forward to,in his words "Receive Jesus in your hearts" because of his age,born in 1918,he has stopped touring but his message is still as strong.He has made friends with all the World Leaders in his time,including Communist Leaders who have admired his grit and determination,the likes of which we won't see again. |
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Shake,Rattle and Roll
 | | A new and exciting type of music was heard in the USA in 1954,this was Rock and Roll.The first band to perform this type of music was Bill Haley and the Comets.It was faster music that anyone had heard before and soon the war time Jittabug was adapted to suit this type of music,so the jive become the dance craze.Bill Haley sported a unique gimmick in him having a curl on his forehead which became known the whole World over as a 'kiss curl'.Soon he was having World wide success and mass hysteria broke out wherever he appeared with his band.This was something the teenagers in the USA and Great Britain could call their own music,after nearly ten years of ballad and crooning type music and they grasped it with both hands,so modern music would never be the same again,much to the exasperations of the older generation. |
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