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Stonewall National Museum Events

Rita Mae Brown author of the 1973 autobiographical classic novel “Rubyfruit Jungle” will be the star of 2 exclusive Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library events during Wilton Women’s Week & Lesbian Visibility Week. Both events take place on Sunday April 27th starting with ‘Here’s to the Ladies Who Brunch’ that takes place starting at 11:30A followed by 'An Afternoon with Rita Mae Brown’ from 2P to 3:30P at the Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Funds raised will help further support efforts by The Stonewall National Women's Fund to ensure parity between women & men in the archives, library, programing & exhibitions on a national scale. Every story needs to be told if we are truly respective of our history & culture. The Women's Fund operates chapters across the country. I met Rita Mae Brown when I escorted her to a Gay & Lesbian fundraiser back in the 1980’s in NYC. Now 80 Rita isn’t slowing down, actually just last month she helped launch Stonewall National Museum’s The Banned Aide Project a social media campaign banding people together to “free” banned books locked out of America’s public schools & libraries. Brown has received multiple accolades including the Writer’s Guild of America Award for I Love Liberty. In 2015 she received the Lambda Literary Pioneer Award for her LGBT+ literature & the Lee Lynch Classic Book Award. Attendees of these fabulous events will get a one-of-a-kind personal look into Brown’s career as an author, a life-long activist & the importance of continuing to fight for an equal future for all. 
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Reflections Of Pope Francis Passing

Waking up to the news of Pope Francis passing I felt an immediate loss of one of the last compassionate gatekeepers on Earth. The first news I heard from our LGBTQ community was from the UK’s Peter Tatchell Foundation. Tatchell stated, “I extend my condolences to Catholics worldwide on the passing of Pope Francis. While we often disagreed on issues of LGBT+ rights, I acknowledge his more compassionate tone towards sexual minorities. His recent moves to allow blessings for same-sex couples, albeit with limitations, signaled a small but significant shift in Church doctrine.” Then I turned on “Good Morning America” to see a segment with Father James Martin, S.J. the founder of Outreach & the editor at large of America Media who shared his documentary “Building a Bridge” with our global OUTTAKE VOICES™ audience in 2022. I talked to Martin about his 2019 meeting with Pope Francis in our podcast when he & Pope Francis discussed LGBTQ issues. When Martin asked Pope Francis “Holy Father, is there anything I can do for you?” Pope Francis replied, “Yes, you can continue your ministry—in peace.” Today James Martin, S.J. reflected on Pope Francis’ request stating, “I have tried to do that ever since & will try to continue to do so, now with his prayers. Thank you, Pope Francis, for your kindness to me, for your kindness to our LGBTQ brothers & sisters & for your kindness to millions of people around the world. May you rest in peace with the Father who loved you into being; with Jesus, in whose Society you labored for so long & with the Holy Spirit, whose voice you listened to in the lives of those who prayed for a pope who would finally listen to them.” LISTEN  
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American Revolution 250th Anniversary

In the midst of America’s Constitutional Crisis, in Massachusetts where our freedom in this country began, we're celebrating our historic 250th anniversary of the first battles of the American Revolution on this epic Patriots’ Day Weekend. Massachusetts is celebrating this milestone with events that honor unity, history & the enduring spirit of revolution & liberty. Governor Maura Healey stated, “This anniversary is a chance for Massachusetts to remind the world where the fight for liberty began. Patriots’ Day weekend invites us all to reflect on our past, honor those who stood for freedom & celebrate the values that continue to shape our democracy today. We welcome everyone to experience this historic occasion and take pride in the state’s enduring legacy as the place where liberty lives.” Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll added, “This Patriots’ Day, we’re not just looking back, we’re rallying together to celebrate the revolutionary spirit that still defines Massachusetts. It’s a chance for all of us to share in the story, the energy & the pride of being part of something bigger.” Kate Fox, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism concluded, “Massachusetts will be the place to be this Patriots’ Day weekend. Whether you are stepping back in time at a Revolutionary War reenactment, diving into our vibrant cultural celebrations or cheering on runners at the iconic Boston Marathon, there’s no better time to explore all the history, energy & hometown pride our state has to offer. Come be a tourist in your own backyard or make Massachusetts your Revolutionary destination.” The 250th American Revolution Anniversary weekend events include reenactments, parades & the 129th Boston Marathon, the world's oldest annual marathon concludes the weekend 250th anniversary celebration on Monday April 21st.
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New Book Addressing Solidarity (AUDIO)

This week I talked with award-winning writer Sarah Schulman about her new book “The Fantasy & Necessity of Solidarity” published by Penguin Random House. Schulman is a longtime social activist from the fight for abortion rights in post-Franco Spain to NYC’s AIDS activism in the 1990s to campus protest movements against Israel’s war on Gaza & beyond bringing her own experience growing up as a queer female artist in male-dominated culture industries. In these challenging times with our democracy at a moral crossroad this must-read book couldn’t be more timely. For those who seek to combat injustice, solidarity with the oppressed is one of the highest ideals yet it does not come without complication. In this searing yet uplifting book Sarah delves into the intricate & often misunderstood concept of solidarity to provide a new vision for what it means to engage in this work & why it matters. Here in America with the new administration we’re beginning to understand & realize that the only people that will save us from this authoritarian regime are ourselves. Drawing parallels between queer, Jewish, feminist & artistic struggles for justice Schulman challenges the traditional notion of solidarity as a simple union of equals arguing that in today’s world of globalized power structures true solidarity requires the collaboration of bystanders & conflicted perpetrators with the excluded & oppressed. Currently in America we are learning that action comes at a cost & it is not always as effective as we would like it to be but doing nothing is far more dangerous. I talked to Sarah about these current issues & her inspiration for writing “The Fantasy & Necessity of Solidarity”. LISTEN  
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San Francisco Show Of Hope Gala Event

San Francisco Community Health Center’s Show of Hope Gala fundraising event takes place on Friday April 18th at Hyatt Regency San Francisco, CA. This will be a fabulous & unforgettable evening honoring community, cultivating resilience & inspiring hope. Funds will benefit San Francisco Community Health Center’s lifesaving services. The event will honor Toni Newman with their Health Justice Champion Award. Toni is a celebrated author, advocate & inspirational figure whose life & work has left an indelible mark on our community & beyond. Juanita More! & Mr. David Giamamore will receive the Arts & Activism Award. Juanita has helped raise over a million dollars for local charities & Code Tenderloin will receive the Community Impact Award for their work breaking down employment barriers for marginalized communities in San Francisco. Since 2015 Code Tenderloin has helped 18,000+ individuals gain skills, find jobs & build brighter futures. There will be a special performance by Ada Vox & the Gala Emcee will be ABC7’s Reggi Aqui. San Francisco Community Health Center attends to the health & wellness of the communities that define San Francisco including immigrants & communities of color, queer, trans, unhoused people & all of us who are most impacted by oppression through comprehensive medical, dental & mental health services. They believe that healthcare starts with healing justice & meeting the basic needs of our communities. Their culturally informed services are designed by the very people they serve. More important than ever this is a time to come together & celebrate our community moving forward in these challenging times. 
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Community Servings New AMPL Institute

Community Servings is launching the AMPL Institute combining the nonprofit’s 35 years of expertise & excellence in providing medically tailored nutrition with rigorous research, policy work & provider education. The launch reception event takes place April 29th at the Markell Conference Center at Mass General Brigham at Assembly Row in Somerville MA from 3:30P to 6:30P. David B. Waters, CEO of Community Servings stated, “Through the AMPL Institute, we will build on our decades of experience serving the community & add to our bounty of research showing the health & economic benefits of medically tailored meals. We will explore new ideas & find new ways of serving as we continue to advocate strongly for system change that will increase access to nutrition for those in need, regardless of their illness, location or ability to pay.” The event will feature a keynote from Dr. Toyin Ajayi, Co-founder & CEO of Cityblock Health along with an expert panel discussion on the state & future of Food is Medicine with leading voices in research, healthcare & policy. Jean Terranova, Senior Director of Policy & Research at Community Servings concluded, “Along with our ongoing service work that gives us a deep understanding of the individual needs of the communities we serve, we are equally focused on the broader health landscape through our commitment to impacting policy & our partnerships with others in healthcare, academia, community service & government. Above all, the evidence that access to healthy, nutritious foods can improve health, change lives & reshape the way we treat chronic illness in America is what motivates our work.” I talked to David B. Waters about the work of Community Servings back in 2011. LISTEN  
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Heart Royal Flush Tour Rocks Boston

I’ve been a big fan of Heart since my brother gave me their “Dreamboat Annie” album & I taught myself Nancy Wilson’s lead guitar licks to “Crazy On You” on my telecaster. When I saw that they were performing in Boston last summer I was so sorry to hear that the tour has been cancelled due to Ann Wilson’s cancer diagnosis but was very relieved to hear of her recovery & that the tour was rescheduled for 2025. I bought tickets for their performance at Agganis Arena in Boston & last night for 2 hours I forgot all my problems & rocked out with thousands of fans that filled the venue. Ann Wilson is now cancer-free & her voice along with sister Nancy Wilson were stellar for these Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees. I was blown away by their performance beginning with Bebe Le Strange, Never, Magic Man, Love Alive, Little Queen, Straight On / Let's Dance, These Dreams, Crazy on You, Dog & Butterfly, Dreamboat Annie, Going to California (Led Zeppelin cover), 4 Edward (Nancy Wilson cover), Mistral Wind & Alone / What About Love followed by an encore of Sand (Lovemongers cover), The Ocean (Led Zeppelin cover) & closing the show with Barracuda with an extended guitar intro. The band Heart has sold over 35 million records & Heart Royal Flush Tour features Nancy Wilson, Ann Wilson, Ryan Wariner, Ryan Waters, Paul Moak, Tony Lucido & Sean T Lane. Special guests include bands Cheap Trick, Squeeze & Lucinda Williams. This is Rock Royality indeed so don’t miss this tour. 
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The Center Visibility Rose Room Event

The Center is hosting a fabulous celebration of artistry, community & the power of visibility with an unforgettable night as The Rose Room will be transformed for an exciting fundraiser on April 24th from 6P to 9P in NYC. This unforgettable night of glamour, allure & celebration will present a dazzling burlesque show in honor of Lesbian Visibility Week bringing together fierce performances, dazzling costumes & electrifying energy featuring Medianoche, Witch Tulips, Miss Frankie Eleanor, Kalon Wilde & DJ Hi-Jinx. The Center’s first-ever burlesque event is set to be an unforgettable night as part of their ongoing commitment to expanding women-focused programming. The Rose Room is more than a show as this exciting fundraiser will shine a spotlight on the LGBTQ community with proceeds from the evening helping to ensure that The Center can continue to provide support to our community. The Center was established in 1983 at the height of the AIDS crisis to provide a safe & affirming place for LGBTQ New Yorkers to respond to the urgent threats facing the community. Over the past 40 years The Center has grown to meet the changing needs of New York’s LGBTQ community delivering services that empower people to lead healthy successful lives. Operating in-person & virtually The Center provides recovery & wellness programs, economic advancement initiatives, family & youth support, advocacy, arts & cultural programming & space for community organizing, connection, & celebration. The Center is located at 208 West 13th Street in NYC & tickets for The Rose Room fundraising event start at $50. 
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Elton John AIDS Foundation Polo Benefit

The second annual Polotini Wigstock Party benefitting the Elton John AIDS Foundation takes place Friday April 25th at the Museum of Polo & Hall of Fame in Palm Beach County, Florida. Last year’s event raised more than 100K with proceeds directly supporting the Foundation’s global mission to end AIDS particularly through its Rocket Fund which focuses on aiding those most at risk including members of our LGBTQ community. Chip McKenney, GPL Founder & President stated, “Since our inception, the GPL International Gay Polo Tournament has championed inclusivity in sports while fostering a sense of belonging for LGBTQ+ athletes & fans worldwide. Our continued partnership with the Elton John AIDS Foundation underscores our dedication to leveraging sport as a vehicle for positive social change and awareness.” Lucretia Gilbert, Chief Philanthropy Officer of the Elton John AIDS Foundation concluded, “We are excited to be the charitable beneficiary of the Gay Polo League for the second year in a row. We share a vision of a world where the LGBTQ+ community can be inspired & empowered to be who they are, no matter where they are - whether it's on the world stage or the Polo field.” As nearly 2,000 people converge in Palm Beach County to attend Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament’s whirlwind of events that runs April 24th to 26th Polotini WIGSTOCK! stands out as one of the most unique & exciting highlights of the season with a dazzling array of fashion, entertainment & culinary delights merging a fun-filled celebration with a profound social impact. 
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US House Education & Workforce Team

When the House Republican Steering Committee selected Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) as the chairman of the House Committee on Education & Workforce for the 119th Congress back in December I was encouraged. Rep. Walberg stated, “We have significant work ahead of us, from enshrining protections for parents to continuing to protect Jewish students on college campuses to rights providing more opportunity & flexibility to American workers. Freedom, opportunity & fairness will guide our work as we deliver results for America. Let’s get to work!” Then yesterday I heard that in the midst of the economy chaos House Republicans advanced H.R. 2616 & H.R. 2617 that will take power away from local schools & place teachers into a position where they cannot acknowledge the existence of LGBTQ America citizens & must ‘out’ vulnerable students. Laurel Powell, HRC Communications Director concluded, “Instead of putting our dangerous President in check & tackling the American economy’s freefall, House Republicans showed where their priorities lie - giving airtime to junk science & trying to pass more anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Forcing teachers to ‘out’ trans youth rather than supporting them in coming out to their families & demanding that schools ignore the trans students who sit in their classrooms is a craven attempt to distract people from economic disaster by vilifying children. Even as they fire people whose jobs were to make sure schools have the resources they need, the Trump administration & their allies in Congress continue to attack vulnerable young people to score points with the far right.” 
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Boston Bayard Rustin Community Event

The 35th annual Bayard Rustin Community Breakfast will return to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum on April 12th with former Biden Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre delivering the Keynote Address. Jean-Pierre stated, “I’m honored to join Fenway Health in celebrating Bayard Rustin’s legacy & the ongoing fight for equity in health care, civil rights & LGBTQ+ justice. Bayard Rustin’s life & work reminds us that justice requires both courage & community. His unwavering commitment to equality continues to inspire generations of activists & leaders including myself.” Jean-Pierre is the first Black person, the first openly LGBTQ person & the longest-serving woman ever to hold the job of White House Press Secretary. Jordina Shanks Fenway Health CEO concluded, “I’m incredibly excited to welcome Karine to this year’s Bayard Rustin Community Breakfast. Her story is one of persistence, power & purpose & I can’t think of anyone better to help us imagine the road ahead.” During the program Fenway Health will also present the Belynda A. Dunn Award for Activism posthumously to A. Cornelius Baker & the Bayard Rustin Award for Courage to Dr. Cassandra Pierre honoring their extraordinary contributions to our community. Founded in 1990 by the AIDS Action Committee now a division of Fenway Health the Bayard Rustin Community Breakfast serves as a beacon of HIV/AIDS awareness, advocacy & support for LGBTQ individuals, communities of color & dedicated allies. The event is free but registration is required. The event honors the legacy of Bayard Rustin who was the architect of the 1963 March on Washington but was publicly marginalized because he was a gay man. In 2015 I talked to Walter Naegle, Rustin's last partner about Bayard in this exclusive soundbyte. LISTEN 
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Right To Bear Arts Day Events & Gala

The Creative Coalition is heading to Capitol Hill on April 25th for their annual Right To Bear Arts Day making the case that investing in the arts fuels economic growth, job creation & thriving local communities in these challenging times. With a strategic plan in place The Creative Coalition’s delegation is prepared to champion the economic, educational & social benefits of the arts directly with lawmakers led by The Creative Coalition’s President & Actor Tim Daly & CEO Robin Bronk. Tim Daly stated, “The arts are not just a cultural asset—they are a cornerstone of economic growth & national prosperity. The arts sector generated over $1.1 trillion in 2022, accounting for 4.3% of the US GDP. More than 3.48 million Americans rely on arts-related jobs. Investing in the arts is one of the most effective ways to drive economic growth, job creation & innovation.” Robin Bronk concluded, “Every $1 invested in the arts generates nearly $9 in economic activity—fueling job creation, small business growth & community development. Yet, federal arts funding remains a fraction of a percent of the national budget. Supporting the arts isn’t charity—it’s sound economic policy. Strong arts programs correlate with lower crime rates, thriving local economies & higher student achievement. It’s time for policymakers to recognize the arts as a national priority.” Immediately after Right To Bear Arts Day The Creative Coalition will host the 24th Annual Right To Bear Arts Benefit Gala Dinner. I talked to Robin in this exclusive 2011 interview about The Creative Coalition & as a fierce ally her spin in on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN  
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Kate Kendell To Lead Gill Foundation

The Gill Foundation has announced that Kate Kendell will be their new CEO effective on May 7th. Kendell the former Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) was a key architect on a wide range of legal & policy victories for our community including marriage equality, nondiscrimination protections, protection of undocumented immigrants & asylees, the rights of incarcerated individuals, transgender rights & the needs of youth & elders. She was also Interim Co-Legal Director at the Southern Poverty Law Center & served as the first Staff Attorney for the ACLU of Utah. Most recently Kate served as Chief of Staff at the California Endowment working to expand access to affordable, quality health care for underserved individuals & communities. Kendell stated, “At this critical juncture for our movement, our nation & the Gill Foundation, I feel inexorably pulled to do whatever I can. I spent 25 years at the forefront of the LGBTQ movement at a time of breathtaking gains. We now face a ferocious backlash & I cannot imagine a way to make a greater impact than to help lead the Gill Foundation at a moment that will define our legacy.” Tim Gill & Scott Miller added, “Kate brings with her not only a remarkable legacy of LGBTQ advocacy, but a deep belief in the dignity & potential of every American—values at the heart of everything we do at the Gill Foundation.” The Gill Foundation supports nonprofit orgs in the United States working to bring about full equality for LGBTQ people. I talked to Kate in this exclusive sound byte about her commitment to our LGBTQ equality when she was Executive Director of NCLR. LISTEN 
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Colorado Changemaker Award Honorees

The 2025 Changemaker Awards recognize outstanding individuals & organizations that have made a lasting impact on Colorado’s LGBTQ community. This years’ recipients are Nadine Bridges executive director of One Colorado & Social Venture Partners Boulder County. Mardi Moore, CEO of Rocky Mountain Equality stated, “At a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under attack across the country, the work of dedicated individuals & organizations is even more important. Nadine Bridges has spent her career breaking down barriers & ensuring our community is protected, empowered, & heard. SVP Boulder County has been a steadfast supporter of the nonprofit sector, strengthening organizations that directly improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people. Both of these honorees embody what it means to be changemakers & we are proud to recognize their incredible contributions.” Nadine Bridges added, “I am honored to receive the Individual Changemaker Award from Rocky Mountain Equality. As a Black, Queer woman, leading Colorado’s statewide LGBTQIA+ advocacy work, I do not take this honor lightly. This recognition comes with the understanding that my success is a reflection of so many who came before me & as well as those who are still pushing for justice.” Joshua Silberstein, CEO of SVP Boulder County concluded, “We feel honored & grateful to be recognized by such an amazing nonprofit that has made our community kinder & stronger. Now more than ever we need to support & stand up for our LGBTQ+ family, friends, neighbors & community members.” Since 2000 SVP has provided $1.7 million in grants & $7 million in pro bono consulting, supporting hundreds of nonprofits including many that serve the LGBTQ+ community. Rocky Mountain Equality strives to create a more inclusive & equitable society. 
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San Francisco Crescendo Gala Event

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Crescendo Gala is a celebration of music, community & the power of coming together & takes place Saturday April 5th at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco, CA. This fabulous event offers guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in an evening of fine dining & live entertainment as they honor champions who are making a profound impact on our LGBTQ community. This year SFGMC Gala theme is “The Power of Us” & they’re honoring two extraordinary women whose voices have transformed lives including Sheryl Lee Ralph the Tony Award-winning actress & fierce advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness who will receive the Nancy Pelosi Ally Award & Angelica Ross the actress, entrepreneur & trans rights activist will receive the Trailblazer Award. Nina West will host the event that will feature stunning performances by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, a live auction & an opportunity to support SFGMC’s mission of spreading love & inclusivity through music. The Crescendo Gala supports the artistic & outreach initiatives of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus including their work with the Chan National Queer Arts Center & the Reaching Youth Through Music (RHYTHM) program. The evening will feature captivating performances by the chorus, moving testimonials & exciting auction items all designed to raise critical funds for their mission to champion equality & spread joy through music. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to the SFGMC family the Crescendo Gala promises to be a night of elegance, empowerment & connection. So dress in your finest attire & prepare to be inspired to come together to celebrate. 
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Broadway Pirates The Penzance Musical

The Roundabout Theatre Company is presenting “Pirates! The Penzance Musical” a jazz-infused revival of Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance coming to Broadway this month starring Ramin Karimloo, David Hyde Pierce & joined by Jinkx Monsoon as Ruth at the Todd Haimes Theatre in NYC. Previews begin this week on April 4th with the official opening on April 24th. The limited engagement has already been extended July 27th passing its original closing performance of June 22nd. David Hyde Pierce stated, “Gilbert & Sullivan is in my blood. Even as a little kid at summer camp, they would do a Gilbert & Sullivan every summer. So for years I've just been marinating in this stuff. It's not like I'm a fanatic, but I just love it. I love the music, I love the comedy of it & the spin they're doing on this in particular makes me really excited about it.” In this new production Gilbert & Sullivan’s pirate ship docks in New Orleans in this jazzy-bluesy vision of the crowd-pleasing classic in an outrageously clever romp sizzling with Caribbean rhythms & French Quarter flair. With the tongue-twisting Major General the rabble-rousing Pirate King newly-imagined young lovers, daring daughters, footloose pirates & fleet-footed police there's a shipload of musical comedy delights on board to dazzle first-timers & G&S aficionados alike. The reimagined adaptation is directed by Scott Ellis (Doubt; Kiss Me, Kate) & choreographed by Warren Carlyle (Harmony; Kiss Me, Kate) with a hilarious new adaptation by Rupert Holmes (The Mystery of Edwin Drood). Joseph Joubert (Caroline, or Change) is the musical director & orchestrations by Joubert & Daryl Waters (Memphis). 
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Stonewall National Museum Events

Rita Mae Brown author of the 1973 autobiographical classic novel “Rubyfruit Jungle” will be the star of 2 exclusive Stonewall National Museu...

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