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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>I guess that I must be slow and stupid. I thought you where friends with Rich. The reason I thought that is, that he is the man behind the authenticating of you know who's garbage.<br />Bill you are correct on to better and bigger things . Looking forward to Morales telling us just how wonderful he is.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p>Yer right, Shelly me boyo! On to bigger and (hopeully) better things<br /><br />I have emailed Mr. Morales my challenge (as seen above). I'll spend the the dough just to settlle the issue. He is welcome to accept it, decline it, or modify it. I'll be very accommodating. <br /><br />Let's move on.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Pscolgrafs</b><p>Well, I asked last night for our friend: Imoguspar@aol.com to e-mail me and I had not checked my e-mail until today. I felt since others have shared his amusing rants, I may as well too. Especially since Bill and Shelly are putting me to sleep here. <br /><br />This was sent on the 14th:<br /><br />Based on your anonymous posts, I'd say that if brains were water, yours couldn't fill an ant's ass. Talk about overkill. Get your head out and get a life !!!!!!<br /><br />My response: CALLING ME ANONYMOUS? Dude, look at your ass!<br /><br />I was then sent an e-mail on the 17th, where this coward spoke ill about certain autograph sellers, one posting here now. Do you want me to print this up? I will be more than happy to put it on the Forum if you like. Just say the word. <br /><br />I haven't said anything out of the ordinary, but posted a bunch of prices and asked a few questions. 2/485 posts. But keep the insults coming. They amuse me. Do you have a myspace page? <br /><br />Bill, Mr. Morales said that the college was closed on Monday and that he would come back here after the holiday.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>J. McMurry</b><p> I just have one more question on the signed beatles album covers. I can see a US cover signed in 64/65 going for a premium $40-75k, but what about a reissue white album signed by all four at different times from 1970-80? Does the 12 in existence thing include those types of albums or just the ones signed as a group in the 60's? Just curious.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Chuck</b><p>None of you here know me. I lurk here alot. I think I have posted only once in the past year and maybe 5 times over the past 6 or so years. I am 44, disabled and, financially poor. I haven't collected for some time. I like to come here and watch the workings.The way you guys treat and respect each other has been a breath of fresh air in a time where folks seem to expect to be ripped off and dishonesty is almost considered "business as usual". If I were to begin collecting again, I wouldn't hesitate to deal with just about any regular member here. <br /><br />I've been reading this post since it started. I'm seeing men that are angry, men that want justice and some that seem to be in a "Big Dick" contest. Then there are those that are absolutely full of fear. The men that have believed that they would someday cash in on their collections to retire or send their kid to college. I would probably be in that category had I been able to maintain a collection instead of paying for multiple back surgeries over the years.<br /><br />I know that I would be beside myself and where I come from,legal action just wouldn't be enough. Watching and waiting each day to see if my life is literally not worth the paper it's written on.<br />The thought of facing my loved ones and having to tell them that their dreams will not be realized.<br />Day in and out , thinking about the P.O.S. that literally stole not only my money but, my joy as well.<br /><br />I think that I would have to take the few bucks I have left and take a bus to look up this forensic authority and have a good old fashioned Southern Splainin Session and then just whip his ass until I got tired or I needed another back surgery. And after I get out of jail, I'd have to whip his ass again just because.<br /><br />Fortunately for me and these jizz for ethics so called "men", I don't have any of their work to return to them anally.To you guys who are really scared right now, You and your families are in my prayers.<br /> Thanks for your time<br /><br /><br />P.S. To the paper hangers...Think there might be others out there that think like me? It must be hard to get anywhere when you spend most of your time looking behind you!<br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>For a long period of time, he was the major forger. His work was easily identifiable.<br />This took place quite a while ago -<br />I had set up a table at the White Plains show and a young couple came to my table with an envelope. They pulled a large amount of "rare" cuts out of the envelope.<br />After looking at what they had, it was easy to determine that everything was bogus, and that it was all the work of Ron Dross. The couple looked at each other and tears came to their eyes. These autographs were going to finance their wedding. They asked me if I was sure and I said yes, but if you want to, check with so and so, and I pointed them to another dealer in the room who knew his stuff. Same result. I saw the couple leaving the room with their shoulders hunched over and their hopes crushed.<br />--<br><br>I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>Rich,<br />There is nothing funny about that story. When I mentioned my story about Ron, it was in the days before he flooded the market with his crap. We all start out innocent and make choices. Ron was a good show promoter. Along with his partner Andy, they would fill up the Golden Gate in Brooklyn, and would have tons of players, including HOF'ers, signing autos. He had a good future ahead of him before he decided to make his living illegally. He is now paying the ultimate price for his misdeeds.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>DD- when I said amusing and Ron Dross I was referring to the story about the wrestler he had as a guest who did not show up at his show. It was written as an amusing story.<br />The title on my post was meant to show that Ron Dross WAS NOT amusing.<br />It was a very lamentable story.<br />--<br /><br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>Rich,<br />I totally got that. What I was saying is that even though I wrote the comment about the wrestler, that Ron was a different person then. There is no excuse for anyone getting involved in forgeries. If you can't make an honest living in this country, and are intelligent, then you have bigger moral issues at hand.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Eric</b><p>Stories like that absolutely crush me. Thinking you are investing towards something, and then you find that out.<br /><br />I used to collect autographs myself. For about 7 years to be exact. My goal was to build up a collection that my grandkids would one day enjoy, if I ever had any. I quit collecting about a year and a half ago, and I will never look back. I'm so disgusted by the hobby, and never want anything to do with it again. This is partly my fault as I jumped into it as a novice and didn't do thorough research.<br /><br />Those that I knew were real I sold off, and I didn't care that I sold at a loss (these had COA's from JSA, PSA/DNA, GAI, etc...the trusted names). I just wanted to get rid of them.<br /><br />Now what I have left is a collection of mostly bogus autos. Those that I question, or that I know are bogus, I just want to burn. 2 ruth cuts, one "authenticated" by someone mentioned here. A Mel Ott cut w/display "authenticated" by AAU, Jimmie Foxx, Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, etc.<br /><br />The hobby is definitely loosing collectors everyday, and for reasons like this.<br /><br />Someone previously mentioned Signature Dreams out of PA. Most of the pieces they sell are accompanied by Morales COAs, probably upwards of 90%. They have a disclaimer when you buy from them. They will not accept returns based on the findings of "third party authenticators" like PSA/DNA, JSA, GAI, etc. You have to get another opinion from a court qualified, board certified forensics document examiner. And not only that, but you have to OK your choice by them first. I had an autograph that failed by PSA and JSA, and brought this to their attention. Then I asked if I could use Simon, and they said no way. I never could find someone for a second opinion. So I had to eat it. Not that it matters now (because I'm done), but I will never do business with them again.<br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Chuck Tapia</b><p>My exact sentiments Eric. I quit for 10 years collecting because of this same stuff that we are discussing now. I recently had a home office I decided to decorate because I am not giving the Dodgers my season Ticket money this year or ever again so I thought this would be fun.<br /><br />Well, after a fake mantle here, a fake Dimaggio there, a fake Williams everywhere, I managed to settle in and do OK....I think. My friend says I was crazy for drawing all over a gem mint dimaggio that I thought was fake.<br /><br />I'm just about done now, but I appreciate everything the players here on the board are doing to try and clean the hobby up. I admire Shelly and doing his best to stand up for good instead of evil. I think he might have found his conscious in jail and that's agood thing. For now, I take my office full of fakes and have some batting practice with the Mantle Ball and draw mustaches on the known fake pictures that line my office wall. Keep up the fight.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>JimB</b><p>I have not read any of this thread. Just thought I would assist in the approach to 500.<br />JimB
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Bruce Babcock</b><p>Jim, my very thought. What is the net54 record for "Most Posts Per Single Thread?"
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>Not to understate anything discussed in this forum over the years, but this has to be one of the most significant threads to appear. We have a collective opportunity to make some headway in the fight against forgeries. I recommend anyone on here, lurker or contributor, to read this thread, spread the word, and maybe we can achieve some results.<br /><br />What the opportunity is, and when it arises, will relate to how much we push and prod.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>J. McMurry</b><p>Current SCD arrived today. Out of 76 numbered pages, 23 are about CC auctions. So roughly 30% of the magazine is dedicated to the CCA gang.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p>I see that we have more "satified customers". Great. People plunking down their hard-earned cash to buy bogus stuff with even more worthless certificates attached to them.<br /><br />Luckily, the destruction of the baseball and rock and roll trade has not yet spread to our world of historic documents. The right paper, ink, watermarks, etc. are tough to duplicate. But they're trying and it won't be long...bogus endorsements on the backs of checks, "cut" signatures, clever "additions" made to old documents, etc. <br /><br />Prosecuting the forgers and knowing sellers of fakes is the only way to go. All of you who believe you have been fleeced should consider pursuing legal remedy. If and when these forensic examiners are discredited, you will have recourse to get your money back. <br /><br />What a damned shame that people have invested in this junk and will eventually find out that their money went down the toilet. Hopefully, triple damages might be awarded. <br /><br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Pscolgrafs</b><p>Mr. Rogers,<br /><br />Do you know who Randy Smyly and/or Bruce Colbert are?<br /><br />AOL dude, I erased your initial post as was advised by a lawyer friend who said it may be construed as lible. Plus, last I knew, I wasn't placed on this earth to be your messenger boy. <br /><br />edited: to correct spelling
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>I believe this is a new Net54 record, and I am the 497th poster. We are moments away from joining the 500 club.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p>Shelly, <br /><br />The only person who deserves the 500th post more than you is...Mr. Morales.<br /><br />Yoo-hoo! Where are you?
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>john</b><p>almost there
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Eric</b><p>"but I appreciate everything the players here on the board are doing to try and clean the hobby up".<br /><br />I agree Chuck. It is finally great to see collectors take a stand. Whether you're into the hobby or not, this garbage needs to be taken out.<br /><br />As for other options for our bogus stash.....batting practice is a great idea for the baseballs. And drawing across the framed "signed" pictures, is another fantastic idea. I might just do that to my Maris framed piece, "authenticated" by non other then AAU. <br /><br /><img src="http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k14/crazylocomerk2/autograph%20junk/MarisCloseup.jpg"><br /><br />And the lovely COA:<br /><img src="http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k14/crazylocomerk2/autograph%20junk/MarisCOAClose.jpg"><br /><br />J-U-N-K<br /><br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Eric</b><p>Sorry to ruin the 500th post with that. <br /><br />I guess what better way then to show a bogus signature.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>The classically horrible M, some can do it, most cannot.<br />One of the easiest tells in the hobby.<br /><br />--<br /><br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>I am not a big autograph collector...the only ones I collect are ones that people wouldn't fake anyway (Minor league team balls), but all this chatter has me wondering...my parents bought me a Nolan Ryan autographed ball somewhere around the late 1980's from the Sears catalog. I have long since lost whatever COA had come with the ball, but now I'm wondering if it's legit or not. Also my brother in law bought a Ted Williams autographed bat during the 1990's and I'm not sure where he got it...I'll have to ask him.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>Sorry I missed number 500 but I was I the dentist. I will be looking forward to number 600. This is an amazing thread. Thanks to all.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>John,I know you know Smiyly who's the other dude.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p><br />"I just have one more question on the signed beatles album covers. I can see a US cover signed in 64/65 going for a premium $40-75k, but what about a reissue white album signed by all four at different times from 1970-80? Does the 12 in existence thing include those types of albums or just the ones signed as a group in the 60's? Just curious."<br /><br />After making inquiries, far as I can tell only ONE American-issue album was "put-together", and it was a first run "White Album" signed in the 1970's that was sold privately abt 1997. In our opinion, it remains the only authentic signed "White Album" in existence.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Chuck Tapia</b><p>That Maris is beautiful Eric. If only...Ah, forget about it.<br /><br />I can already see where Roger was starting to grow a Stache? It would be perfect for my handywork of adding Mustaches to all my fakes. Maybe you could post a picture of Christopher Morales and I could draw a Mustache on him instead? Or beter yet, I can kick him in the nuts, and call it a day.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>I e-mailed the Executive Director, Chair, Vice Chair and some other ranking officials in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, as Morales claims to be a member.<br /><br />He has been a busy boy as it appears his website has been updated with some certificates that are supposed to establish his credentials.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>Got a link to his website?
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>I talked to them as well. He is classified as a general member, not qualified for the title of Question Document Examiner. I just went to his website. What has changed?
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>Dan its at the very top. <br />I talked to them as well. He is classified as a general member, not qualified for the title of Question Document Examiner. I just went to his website. What has changed?
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>The resumes of Morales and Frangipani that were formerly connected to the website www.forensicsignatureauthentications.com have been taken down today.<br />They were shown as partners, in their own company, on one of those resumes.<br />This was denied by Mr Morales but the resumes stayed on the internet for a very long time. <br />Not to fear, I have printed copies if ever needed.<br /><br />Dan - www.moralesforensics.com<br /><br />--<br /><br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>john</b><p>Shelly,<br /><br />Everyone knows Randy. The other guy used to be an antiques dealer in Memphis. He handled the liquidation of the Rock N Roll museum in Memphis several years ago. He used to have open consignment auctions 8-10 years ago in Memphis. He sold cards, antiques, tractors, autographs, and about anything else you can think of. He hasn't had one of those in 8 years or so. They went way down hill the last few he had and i think that's why he stopped having them. He sold his business several years ago and last I saw he is still an autioneer, just auctions big farms and large tracts of land.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p>I see a number of changes. <br /><br />And I see only ONE specific reference to any education in determining the authenticity of autographs, namely his stint with the Secret Service:<br /><br />"Special Agent/Examiner of Questioned Documents. U.S. Secret Service, Washington, DC Assigned to Washington field office, where responsibilities included investigative and protective work. Responsible for full range of investigative techniques and practices, including: participation and management of criminal investigations of violations pertaining to fraud, forgery, counterfeiting, and threatening remarks or activities against the President of the United States and other Secret Service protectees; detaining, arresting and interviewing suspects; report preparation; and court preparation and testimony". <br /><br />That's a lot of things to do. How much time was spent studying handwriting and forgery, and how much time was spent doing such work on the job with the Secret Service?<br /><br />Also, this cryptic notation at the very bottom of his resume, no employer named:<br /><br />"Examined all evidentiary aspects of financial crimes and fraud, including handwriting and hand printing comparison, typewriting examination, as well as examination of counterfeit currency and credit cards, government checks and other government obligations, during detail at Forensic Sciences Division as Questioned Document Examiner. February 1985 to July 1989". <br /><br />Forensic Services Division of what? FBI? Secret Service? CIA? Where? What? How?<br /><br />Twice Mr. Morales declares himself a "Questioned Document Examiner" or "Examiner of Questioned Documents". Is he allowed to use that title? Can I use that title?<br /><br />Anyway, I see absolutely no other reference to any education in the field of autograph authentication. None. <br /><br />The course completion certificates, the establishing of laboratories overseas, "threat coordination", selecting staff for the Haitian National Police Academy, training programs in serology, etc. etc. are all very good and certainly commendable, but ARE NOT RELEVANT TO AUTUGRAPH AUTHENTICATION. <br /><br />Mr. Morales - all of this can be settled if you will accept my invitation to a public forum to defend your authentication practices. See above. <br /><br />This is the second time I'm making this offer.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>Eric, can you tell us where you purchased that gem?
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>John - a link was put up in this thread, by Shelly, earlier to Proxy Bid auctions. Scroll up a way to see it.<br />This is a company that conducts auctions for dealers.<br />There was a mostly sports autograph auction being done for Colbert Auctions. <br />Coincidence or different guy?<br />--<br><br>I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>john</b><p>Richard,<br /><br />Thanks for the information. I'm running out to soccer practice with kiddos but will look tonight late. I never knew him to do only sports auctions. They were always open consignment, anything goes, no themes at all. I'll look tonight and let you know. Thanks again.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Sean C</b><p>The whole site is gone now, Richard!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.forensicsignatureauthentications.com/" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.forensicsignatureauthentications.com/</a><br /><br />Site Temporarily Disabled<br />This site has been temporarily disabled. If you are the owner of the site, please contact customer care. <br /><br /><br />Not that most of the information from that site isn't available through searches of internet archives. I wonder why the domain name is registered to Sandy Solis, not Rich?
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>I wrote to the Publisher, COO, Chief editor and Managing editor of Forensic Magazine. Thought they would like to know that forensics in the hands of some aren't just used for benevolent purposes, but to rip people off.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>I see that the site is now disabled. Well Rich Solis did state that they were not in business, so I guess he finally took down the site. <br />As to why the site is registered in Sandy's name and not Rich, I have no idea, you would have to ask Rich that if he comes back on here.<br />This was the staff page on the site until it was removed some time ago.<br />Mr Morales has denied involvement with this company. His picture and bio are on the staff page with a link to his resume.<br /><img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1203471114.JPG"> <br><br>I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Eric</b><p>Shelly,<br /><br />That Maris gem was purchased on Ebay in July 2004. I purchased it from an individual with the user name: torigolf.<br /><br />Back then all this garbage could be sold on Ebay. Probably someone that realized it was a fake, so they sold it to the novice autograph collector (me). I think I paid close to $700 for it in an auction format. So it fooled a few people.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Eric</b><p>****<br /><br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>Are the AAU guys also on the list of certified forged document specialists. Drew Max? Sounds like one of Homer Simpson's bosses. His accreditation includes apprenticing under his boss who is now retired (Howard Doulder). he also states he is a diplomate with the American Board of Forensic Examiners, even though his resume (<a href="http://www.aaunlimited.net/drew_v__max.htm" target="_new">http://www.aaunlimited.net/drew_v__max.htm</a>) does not indicated one of the following requirements to be a diplomate: Certified Forensic Consultant, Certified Forensic Nurse, Certified Forensic Accountant, or Certified Medical Investigator®. <br /><br />Could be an oversight. Could also be with these non-mainstram, specialist organizations, that no one has either verified their credentials, or checked to see if they employ them in the manner they were trained to do so.<br /><br />Also from the AAU site is this beautiful piece of work:<br /><br />BEWARE<br />OF DEALERS WHO ALSO DO AUTHENTICATIONS & OTHER SO-CALLED UNQUALIFIED &/OR INACCURATE EXAMINERS<br /><br /> It is logical and expected for autograph dealers to examine and attempt to authenticate merchandise they are buying for future resale, after all this has been done for years.<br /><br /> It is illogical and unethical, If not deemed illegal, for any dealer to examine, for a fee, any of their competitors autographs. Just think of the possible everyday occurrence that could lead to the impropriety where your Babe Ruth autograph is deemed to be not authentic but they just happen to have an authentic one for you at thousands of dollars of profit to them; or do they down grade it and offer you a fraction of what it is worth? Does a diamond dealer take his diamonds to one of his competitors for grading and appraisal? Does Ford submit a Mustang for road testing to GM? Would you submit your autographs, for examination, to one of your competitors? Of course not, it would be ludicrous! <br /><br /> THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST IS MIND BOGGLING FOR YOUR BUSINESS AND THE INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE!
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>Eric, I see that he still in business. Now is the time to go after him.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p>DD:<br /><br />Well spoken! But we are doing nothing more than stating the obvious. BTW the link you posted was disabled within a matter of moments was taken down. Any surprise?<br /><br />The conflict of interest issue is old new: Authenticators consigning to auctions who employ their services as authenticators, with the crooked ones very likely passing their crap over the legitimate autographs consigned. <br /><br />What an (unsurprising) shock that Mr. Morales and his associates have suddenly revised their resumes. Coincidence? Great timing, anyway.<br /><br />That being said here we go again:<br /><br />THIRD REQUEST:<br /><br />Mr. Morales: Your website states, verbatim:<br /><br />QUOTE<br /><br />"An Open Challenge<br /><br />As noted herein, I will meet anyone in a public forum to review and assess my work efforts. Since private communications are often cherry picked to bolster a point of view, at times misdirecting the facts, it is my position that any meetings and communications be conduct in the open. If anyone desires to contact me concerning an open forum, please do not hesitate to call, email or otherwise contact me at anytime".<br /><br />UNQUOTE<br /><br /><br />Mr. Morales, I hereby challenge you to appear, before a group of your peers in the autograph authentication trade and the international press, to:<br /><br />a.) Discuss your "forensic" methods of authentication, and your education and qualifications, using exemplars or otherwise;<br /><br />b.) Describe in detail other criteria you used to authenticate the thousands of various autographs for which you have issued certificates;<br /><br />c.) explain your relationships, if any, with the various consignors, auction houses, galleries, etc. for whom you authenticate, and;<br /><br />d.) assess your work efforts, ie: how have your authentications been received in the autograph market, as a whole.<br /><br />If you wish to limit the discussion to your "work efforts" alone, I would expect your peers would still meet with you, depending on the agenda. <br /><br />I will pay your airfare and hotel room expenses for your attendance at such a forum in the New York area, for a meeting within the next 60 days. As stated above, I expect you would be asked to respond to inquiries from your peers, that is, knowledgeable, recognized dealers of the same material which you have authenticated. Should the location not be convenient for you, I'm sure we can arrange a meeting in Falls Church. Mr. Shelly Jaffe has already graciously agreed to attend, as has Mr. Frank Caiazzo. <br /><br />I assume that this email will reach you, since I do not have your emali address. If anyone posting to this site can confirm delivery to Mr. Morales, I would be much obliged.<br /><br />B. Panagopulos <br /><br />PS Shall I assume that your silence in response to this message means you decline my offer?
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>Bill - when that link was posted there was an HTML error. <br />DD or Leon - please correct it.<br />Here is the link -<br /><a href="http://www.aaunlimited.net/drew_v__max.htm" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.aaunlimited.net/drew_v__max.htm</a><br />--<br /><br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>One other great thing about Drew Max and AAU is there $1,000,000 bogus Insurance Policy from Lloyd's of London. The only way you can collect is to "prove" that their opinion is wrong.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>Bill, John heard from Morales in about two seconds. He was able to have Morales send him his picture to show he was at GWU. I hope that John will be able to do that again . I also am waiting for John to show you his Beatles album. It is not often you see a truly authentic one. Bill, did John ever say where he purchased the piece?<br /><br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>Does anyone know Thomas Grogan?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thomasgroganfde.com/testimonials.asp" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.thomasgroganfde.com/testimonials.asp</a><br /><br />I don't know him, but found his web site interesting. He is also a certified document examiner, handwriting analyst, etc. Sounds like he makes an honest living. Testimonials from people with everyday problems, along with authenticating a Biily the Kid signature.<br /><br />If anyone knows him, there are some questions I'm sure we all have about his field. Check out his rate schedule, and numerous mentions about appearing in court as a witness.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>I think it's time to put the screws on. I am going to call my local Secret Service office tomorrow and inform them of how their training, which is provided to ensure our protection, is being used.<br /><br />The Secret Service was formed as a response to counterfeiters. Even today, it still falls under their purview. I'm sure they will be glad to find out how making money from authenticating counterfeit objects, while touting the skills obtained from them, is how at least one person makes his living in this country.<br /><br />Call your local office too.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p>Shelly,<br /><br />I recall John indicating that he purchased a Beatles album at either Lelands or Mastro. <br /><br />I'd like to take a look at it - I'm no Beatles expert but can certainly have experts check it out. <br /><br /><br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p>DD - Absolutely brilliant!<br /><br />I'm sure that the Dept. of Justice, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General's Office, and the Loudoun County, VA Sheriff's Department would also be very much interested in knowing that their names are being used on Mr. Morales' website to promotes his business.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>john</b><p>Bill,<br /><br />I'll be in the office late tonight or early tomorrow. I'll get you the scans of the Beatles album and other Beatles signatures then. Thank you for offering your opinion. I really just wanted your opinion. For privacy purposes, I don't want it passed all over the industry. You have a lot of their signatures in your last auction and even more in your recent past sales so I assumed the opinion would be yours. If not yours, who's? I can just send it direct to them. Thank you again, very much.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p>Action talks, bullsh_t walks.<br /><br />List of contacts:<br /><br />U.S. Secret Service<br />Office of Government and Public Affairs<br />245 Murray Drive,<br />Building 410,<br />Washington, DC 20223<br />202-406-5708<br />Washington Field Office: 202-406-8000<br /><br />US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE <br />Civil Division<br />950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW<br />Washington, District of Columbia 20530-0001<br />(202) 353-1555<br /><br />Office of Inspector General, Dept. of Health and Human Services<br />Phone................: 202-619-3148 <br />Postal address...: 330 Independence Ave., S.W., <br />Room 5250, Washington, DC 20201 <br />Web site............: oig.hhs.gov<br />email: HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov<br /><br />(Loudon County, Va.) <br />Office of the Sheriff<br />39 Catoctin Circle<br />MSC #35<br />Leesburg, VA 20175 <br />email link: <a href="http://loudoun.vhost.vipnet.org/sheriff/mailer.htm" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://loudoun.vhost.vipnet.org/sheriff/mailer.htm</a><br />Sheriff's Administration: 703-777-0407<br />Media Information Officer, Kraig Troxell: 703-771-5278 <br /><br />State of Virginia<br />Office of the Attorney General<br />900 East Main Street <br />Richmond, VA 23219 <br />(804) 786-2071<br />email link: <a href="http://www.oag.state.va.us/FORMS/ContactForm.html" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.oag.state.va.us/FORMS/ContactForm.html</a><br /><br />State of Pennsylvania<br />Office of the Attorney General<br />16th Floor<br />Strawberry Square<br />Harrisburg, PA 17120<br />717-787-3391<br />email link: <a href="http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/contactus/" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/contactus/</a>
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p>John,<br /><br />As I've said before, I am by no means a Beatles expert, and as a rule I depend on the opinions of those who are experts. I can detect the poorer fakes, but the quality of those that come out nowadays is excellent. And unlike some forensic examiners, I cannot be a master of thousands of different signatures!<br /><br />I'll be happy to have some of those folks take a look at your album. If their opinion is unanimous one way or another, I think we'll know what's up.<br /><br />Who authenticated yours?
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p>And John - <br /><br />If you want to send your Beatles material directly to an expert for authentication, I can only recommend Frank Caiazzo as number one, and Roger Epperson as number two. A Caiazzo certificate certainly makes your item more valuable, but both appraisals will cost you money.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard Simon</b><p>John - did you get a chance to get us some info on Colbert Auctions yet? <br />Last night there was an archived autograph auction, from Colbert Auctions, on the Proxy Bid auction site.<br />Alas, this morning it is gone. I hope that some of us here used the link that Shelly had posted to view this auction.<br />--<br /><br /><br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>john</b><p>Richard,<br /><br />I couldn't find the link that you said was listed here. I Googled the name and found a hit for an auction on 2/7 of this year under that name. The auction was closed so I didn't get to view any items but my guess is that it's the same person. Again, just a guess.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>I have been emailed by one of the parties being questioned here about letting this thread and many of the posts remain. I have advised him of the bloggers Federal Statute:<br /> <br />Section 230 refers to Section 230 of Title 47 of the United States Code (47 USC § 230) <br /><br />and that I am not responsible for what others say on this board. Each and every person is responsible for their own actions. With that being said there can be NO anonymous posts in this thread. If I ask anyone posting for their contact information they will need to give it to me, at least privately, so I can give it to folks that might ask for it or I will have to delete their post. This is per our own rules. I am not going to take down almost anything someone says as long as their name is by it, or have a well known handle, and what they say is per the forum rules. Best regards
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>Thanks John, as I said last night there was an old auction visible in the archives section.<br />This morning you were not able to see it any longer.<br />--<br><br>I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>john</b><p>Richard,<br /><br />Someone must be reading over our shoulder, <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Bill Todd</b><p>With all the Web addresses flying around here, many of them here and then gone in a flash, I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Wayback Machine. <br /><br />Go to www.archive.org, type the URL you're looking for into the Wayback Machine window at the top, and <i>viola</i>. You'll get snapshots of the page dating back as far as the site existed, and intermittently up to roughly six months ago. The site isn't in trouble; it's just that their archives run about six months behind. You would likely not be able to find a specific auction, for example, but you would be able to get to the site of an auction house.<br /><br />A couple examples: <br />The most recent snapshot of FSA is August 24, 2007. <br />The Drew Max resume has snapshots running between October 2000 and December 2004.<br /><br />Happy hunting!<br /><br />Bill<br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>I listed a gentleman by the name of Jerry Richards. His name was given to me by the dean of forensics at GWU. He is ex FBI and has the title of Question document examiner.<br /><br />Gerald B. Richards, M.S.<br />Adjunct Instructor of Forensic Examination of Questioned Documents<br />Mr. Richards is a Forensic Examiner of Questioned Documents and Photographs, as well as a lecturer and consultant. He is owner of Richards’ Forensic Services and a former Associate Professorial Lecturer at The George Washington University. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Photography, an M.S. in Education degree from Southern Illinois University and completed additional studies at The George Washington University and the University of Virginia through the FBI Academy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> Jerry Richards<br />Jerry Richards is one of the country's leading experts in both the examination of questioned documents and questioned photographic evidence. As the recently retired head of the FBI Laboratory's Special Photographic Unit and former head of the Document Operations/Research Unit, he brings with him the latest skills and techniques of the world's foremost forensic laboratory. In fact, Jerry’s forensic analysis and testimony in the cases of John Walker and Jerry Whitworth played a significant part in the convictions of America’s worst spies. In addition, document examiners around the world have benefited from the Video Spectroscanner invented by Jerry over his long career. He has also become a highly sought-after speaker and lecturer to groups both within and outside the government.<br /><br />I talked with Jerry and he was very helpful. If it comes down to asking Morales questions that we might not know to ask, he would be a big help.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>john</b><p>Richard,<br /><br />I'll be in the city this weekend buying a collection of about 60 game used bats, mostly signed and about 150 balls. They come from a former Yankees employee, directly. Because of the source I'm fairly comfortable. BUT: What is your fee for a two hour look and see and verbal opinion? You could just go there with me. Everything is in mid town. It would be Friday afternoon or Saturday anytime. I won't need letters, just a verbal and a heads up if anything looks obviously no good.<br /><br />Email me privately if you don't want to talk finances in public forum
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>I spoke with an agent in my local Secret Service office. They provided some sound information and advice, and I will be following up with them soon.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>I am not sure if this has been posted. This is from the Donald's web site.<br /><br />1994-Present<br />ASSOCIATED WITH CHRISTOPHER L. MORALES<br /><br />Christopher L. Morales is formerly a document examiner with the United States Secret Service/Adjunct Faculty Members, The George Washington University.<br /><br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>Forgipani's web site also prints the SCD interview with him where he indicates that for a second opinion he suggests Bradley/Morales/Max. If phone records were obtained for these weasels, I wonder how much contact it would show with each other, and the forgers that send them stuff.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>john</b><p>thanks Richard
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>Years ago, I had the need for a forensic authenticator. She was totally removed from the hobby and did excellent work. Let me check into my old records and get her information. I am sure she will be happy to help us.<br />If memory serves me correctly, she was the head of the Forensic lab in San Francisco.<br />She helped to prove who was right and who was wrong in a legal case.<br />--<br /><br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p>Leon,<br /><br />Earlier today you mentioned posting to this forum, specifically "being questioned here about letting this thread and many of the posts remain"<br /><br />May I ask - were you asked to leave the post up, or to take it down?<br /><br />Secondly - are you saying that I could ask you the identity of anyone posting to this forum?<br /><br />Thanks for your attention.<br /><br />BP<br /><br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>john</b><p>Leon,<br /><br />If the answer is "yes" to Bill's question, I would like the id to some posters also. Thank you in advance<br /><br />John
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>*</b><p>*
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>Most items signed from the grave have very little if any value <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>. You would be surprised how easy it is to raise the dead <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>.<br />You probably should not bid on that flag.<br />--<br><br>I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Anonymous</b><p>*
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>Morales, or whichever forensic savant authenticated that item, would probably claim that in his opinion, George Archer is not dead. Since it's his opinion, he can't be wrong.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>zman - I certainly knew you were tongue in cheek, my answer was also.<br />It is a great catch on your part, good info.<br />Dueling authenticators on whether a guy is alive or dead <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>.<br />Ya gotta just shake your head at this stuff.<br />--<br /><br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>No later than tomorrow and that Masters item will be withdrawn.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>zman7</b><p>*
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p>Where is Mr. Morales? I hoped (and prayed) that we would have an answer from him by today.<br /><br />John - Your Beatles signatures?<br /><br />
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