DOC NYC 2023: WINNER – U.S. Competition Special Mention – ‘HAPPY CAMPERS’ Documentary Feature from director Amy Nicholson
Synopsis
Finding your tribe is one of life’s greatest pleasures—and losing it is one of the greatest sorrows. In Amy Nicholson’s beautifully observed film, working-class Americans gather every summer at a seaside trailer park in Chincoteague, Virginia, to enjoy the simple pleasures of a scrappy, no-frills vacationland, and each others’ company. When a developer buys the land and reimagines the property, the inhabitants of this shabby Shangri-La wistfully eke out the joys of one last summer together as a melancholic twilight hangs in the air. – Jaie Laplante
DOC NYC Continues Online
“Happy Happy” Available
Now Through November 26
About the Filmmaker Amy Nicholson
Amy Nicholson is a documentary filmmaker and commercial director based in New York City. In a previous life, she served as an advertising Creative Director, conceiving campaigns for clients like Got Milk? and Nike. Nicholson’s most recent documentary is a short titled Pickle. After winning audience awards at multiple festivals including Aspen Shorts and Full Frame, Pickle was nominated for an IDA Documentary Award and Cinema Eye Honors, selected for New York Times’ Op Docs and featured on the Criterion Channel. Nicholson has produced and directed two feature projects. Zipper: Coney Island’s Last Wild Ride won a special jury prize at DOC NYC and was held over twice at the IFC Center. Muskrat Lovely premiered at Hamptons International Film Festival and was broadcast on the Emmy Award-winning PBS series Independent Lens. Nicholson’s third feature Happy Campers debuts at DOC NYC in November. Her films have been selected to screen at Sheffield, Hot Docs, Full Frame, DOK Leipzig, BFI London, Florida, Hot Springs, Camden, Montclair, Traverse City, Rooftop Films, and the MOMA.
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NYC’s Newest Margarita: Hailee Steinfeld Launches Angel Margarita: A Premium Ready-to-Drink Margarita Cocktail with Premium Beers Group
Hailee Steinfeld Launches Angel Margarita: A Premium Ready-to-Drink Margarita Cocktail with Premium Beers Group
Academy Award-nominated actress, multi-platinum recording artist, and producer Hailee Steinfeld, in partnership with Premium Beers Group, a leader within the alcohol industry in Mexico, proudly announces the launch of Angel Margarita.
Hailee Steinfeld falls in love with flavor
Hailee Steinfeld has openly expressed her love for margaritas, often sharing glimpses of her favorite citrusy cocktail on social media. Whether enjoying a classic lime margarita or experimenting with fun flavors like spicy or strawberry, she appreciates the drink’s refreshing and vibrant appeal. Her enthusiasm for margaritas perfectly complements her fun-loving personality, making it a go-to choice for celebrations and casual outings alike.
This premium ready-to-drink margarita cocktail is made with 100% Agave Tequila from the rich soil of Jalisco, Mexico.

Angel Margarita: A Premium Ready-to-Drink Margarita Cocktail
To ensure that each can offers an authentic and refreshing taste experience, Angel Margarita is then fully crafted just moments from the Agave fields.
Blending Hailee’s West Coast style with the deep Mexican roots of her co-founders Jordi Zindel and Rodrigo Hernandez, Angel Margarita will lead the category with its commitment to quality. Angel Margarita will launch with four vibrant and refreshing flavors: Lime, Grapefruit Paloma, Ranch Water, and Wild Berry.
“Margaritas have always been my go-to cocktail,
so making a ready-to-drink version with high-quality ingredients that didn’t compromise on taste was important to me,”
Hailee Steinfeld
co-founder
“After visiting the Blue Agave fields in Jalisco with my partners Jordi and Rodrigo, I was inspired by the region. I am so proud of what we have created together and cannot wait for the world to try Angel Margarita.”
In 2023, premixed cocktails were the fastest-growing spirits category in the US, valued at approximately $2.8 billion, marking a 26.8% increase year over year. Tequila was the second fastest-growing category, valued at $6.5 billion, up 7.9% yearly.
To underscore the excitement and potential of this fast-growing category, Angel Margarita has partnered with Philip Button, Founder and CEO of Seven XV Ventures and Geloso Beverage Group, one of the leading alcohol beverage manufacturers and distributors in North America. With their support, Angel Margarita will begin its launch in Southern California.
“Hailee is the perfect partner to help us share an authentic piece of our culture and redefine the ready-to-drink market through Angel Margarita with a more global audience,” said Jordi Zindel and Rodrigo Hernandez, co-founders at Angel Margarita. “We invite consumers to taste our 100% Agave Tequila premium cocktails and to experience an authentic piece of Mexico in every sip.
Stay up to date on Angel Margarita: www.angelmargarita.com / @angelmargarita
100% Tequila, 100% Angel Margarita.
Angel Margarita stands out with its high standards of craftsmanship and tradition:
- Protected Denomination of Origin sourced and manufactured in Jalisco, Mexico
- Expertly crafted high-quality ingredient list featuring 100% Agave Tequila Blanco, a blend of sparkling water, agave syrup, and natural flavors
- Each 12 oz can is 6% ABV and is gluten-free
- Available in four flavors to start: Lime, Grapefruit Paloma, Ranch Water, and Wild Berry
- Retail = $14.99 / 4-pack, $28.99 / 8-pack variety
About Hailee Steinfeld:
Academy Award-nominated actress, multi-platinum recording musician, and producer Hailee Steinfeld remains a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Her leading performance in the 2016 critically acclaimed film THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN garnered her two Critics’ Choice Award nominations and a Golden Globe nomination. Her big-screen debut was in 2010 with the Coen Brothers’ film TRUE GRIT, for which she earned an Oscar nomination at only 14 years old. Up next, she will star alongside Michael B. Jordan in Warner Brothers and Ryan Coogler’s latest film, SINNERS. The supernatural action horror-thriller is set to release globally on April 18, 2025.
About Premium Beers Group:
With over 3 decades of experience, Premium Beers Group has innovated and revolutionized the alcohol category in Mexico. PBG was the first company in Mexico to import 100% malt beers from Europe and introduce craft beer and non-alcoholic beer. Premium Beers Group is the benchmark for excellence and a leader within the premium alcohol category.
About Geloso Group:
A leader in the innovation and development of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Geloso Group manufactures and distributes premium malt beverages, wines, ciders, beers, and spirits. Geloso Group is a valued supplier and trusted partner recognized for its professionalism and commitment to quality, service, and marketing.
Thanksgiving in NYC: the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s… [Recipe here]
This Thanksgiving in NYC, the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s brioche. As in St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
No Thanksgiving spread is complete without a hearty stuffing. While add-ins are a matter of preference, choosing the right bread is crucial. One underrated choice is eggy, rich brioche – and with St Pierre Bakery, you don’t need to go to France to get it.
Thanks to its butter and egg content, St Pierre’s Brioche Loaf provides the perfect balance of crisp toastiness while remaining soft and creamy inside, while its lightly sweet flavor adds a decadent quality that can still lean savory. Attached below is an approachable recipe for stuffing allowing for all the craveable crunch for the whole family with minimal effort required.
St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
By @BrandiMilloy
Ingredients
1 loaf St. Pierre Brioche Bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
3/4 cup celery, diced
3/4 cup carrots, diced
1 cup mushrooms, diced
2 large eggs
1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
3 sprigs fresh thyme, just the leaves
1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped
1 small apple (granny smith works well), peeled and diced
Salt and pepper
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut brioche bread into 1” cubes and bake for about 10-15 minutes until toasted.
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Meanwhile, into a pot over medium high heat add butter until melted. Add onion, celery and carrots and cook until everything starts to soften, about 7 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Into a bowl whisk together the eggs, herbs, apples, mushrooms, and salt and pepper. Add your cooked vegetables and mix to combine.
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Pour mixture on top of toasted bread and stir to combine. Bake stuffing for about 45 minutes. If your stuffing starts to get too brown, cover until finished baking. Enjoy!
As America’s favorite brioche brand, St Pierre’s products are widely available via grocery stores nationwide as well as Walmart.
The Rise of Mushroom Coffee: A New Era in Health-Conscious Brewing
In today’s health-focused culture, where wellness transcends mere goals to become a lifestyle, mushroom coffee is emerging as a leading trend. This innovative beverage combines the classic energizing effects of coffee with components often linked to the reputed benefits of medicinal mushrooms. Such a blend makes mushroom coffee a more mindful, health-oriented option for daily consumption, resonating especially with those who weave wellness into their daily routines.

Image courtesy of Freepik
The uniqueness of mushroom coffee lies in its ability to enhance the usual coffee experience by potentially offering additional benefits. For those who find regular coffee too acidic, mushroom coffee presents a more stomach-friendly option. Additionally, it incorporates adaptogenic mushrooms, which are believed to help the body better manage stress. This attribute makes mushroom coffee especially enticing to wellness enthusiasts and those seeking a natural way to support their body’s stress response.

The Rise of Mushroom Coffee, Image Courtesy of Freepik
Finding a coffee that delivers on both taste and health promises can be a daunting task. Leading the initiative is More.Longevity & Wellbeing with its Coffee Superfood Blends. These products are meticulously developed, selecting each ingredient for its quality and scientific backing, ensuring they contribute effectively to the blend. Flavors such as Salted Caramel Vanilla and Mocha are designed to mask the natural earthiness of mushroom, making the beverage more enjoyable while enhancing its appeal. The addition of adaptogens and essential vitamins in the blends aims to support overall health by boosting immunity, enhancing energy, and improving mental clarity.

The Rise of Mushroom Coffee, Image Courtesy of More.Longevity & Wellbeing
The company’s commitment to radical transparency ensures that consumers receive a product free from unnecessary fillers and additives, affirming a respect for consumer health and environmental sustainability. This level of honesty and ecological consideration is becoming increasingly important to consumers who prefer products that are both healthy and environmentally conscious.
As the trend continues to carve a niche within the beverage market, consumers are presented with expanding choices. It’s no longer just about picking a brand; it involves selecting a philosophy and a level of quality that resonates with personal health values and taste preferences. The coffee not only invites coffee lovers to rethink their daily mug but also serves as a gateway to a more mindful and intentional morning routine.

Image Courtesy of Freepik
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The New York Comedy Festival returns to #MakeNYLaugh on Nov 7 – 13
The New York Comedy Festival returns to #MakeNYLaugh on Nov 7 – 13
Featuring:
Jo Koy, John Mulaney, Bassem Yousef, JB Smoove, Tracy Morgan, Wanda Sykes, Bill Maher and more!
Created in 2004, the New York Comedy Festival is a seven-day festival featuring more than 200 comedians performing in more than 100 shows at venues throughout all five boroughs of New York City.
The festival is produced by Carolines on Broadway.
WHEN IS THE FESTIVAL?
The Festival runs from Monday, November 7 – Sunday, November 13.
WHERE DOES THE NEW YORK COMEDY FESTIVAL TAKE PLACE?
The New York Comedy Festival takes place at venues including the Beacon Theatre, BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Carolines on Broadway, Hulu Theater at MSG, Madison Square Garden and Town Hall throughout the five boroughs of New York City and at the UBS Arena at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.
WHEN IS THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ANNOUNCED?
Beginning Monday, August 15, shows taking place in the festival will be announced. Additional shows will be announced in the fall, so check the festival website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for schedule updates.
WHEN DO TICKETS GO ON SALE?
There will be a pre-sale for Citi Card Members that will run from Monday, August 15 at 10:00 AM ET – Friday, August 19 at 10:00 AM ET.
Click here for more information on the Citi Pre-Sale.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, August 19 at 12:00 NOON ET.
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Oregon Wine: Vino Vasai Pours World-Class Pinot Noir, Super Tuscan with Unique Tasting Experience – Wine Review
Newberg Oregon’s Vino Vasai Pours World-Class Pinot Noir, Super Tuscan with Unique Tasting Experience – Wine Review
Potter’s Vineyard and Vino Vasai Wines offers a small lot collection of high quality wines and a memorable visit.
When you go wine tasting, what kind of experience do you want? Rushed? Crowded? In, out and onto the next place?
In some of the most popular wine regions in California and in Oregon, a visit can feel more like you’re walking through a theme park than being invited to enjoy a living, breathing winery.
Vino Vasai is a little (or a lot) different in many ways. For one, they really want you to have a calm, romantic, delicious experience.
They go out of their way to make it happen. How? They stagger their appointments, deliberately plan out the timing, they want conversations. They foster an environment that encourages visitors to ask questions, lots of questions. Really sharing about their world, their team and their wine.
As a result, you end up with a memorable, world-class wine experience. And we haven’t even gotten to talking about the actual wine yet.
The winery intentionally limits production, producing less than 1,000 cases annually. Varietals include estate Pinot Noir, and sourced Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese, and Syrah from single vineyard estates in Washington.
The winery goal is “to offer the very best tasting experience in Oregon”.
We’ll Always Remember Italy
Bill and Sandy Sanchez are the winemakers and owners. Bill is an example of the mix of art and science – leveraging 30 years as a PhD Nutritionist and 15 years as a professional Potter. – a common combination seen behind successful wineries.
Owners and winemakers Bill and Sandy Sanchez
Sandy brings her Italian heritage and a lifetime of passion for Italian cuisine.
Back in 2011, they were on a visit to Italy, falling deep in love with art, Michelangelo’s work and Italian cuisine.
With Italy on their mind, just a year later they met Vineyard Proprietor Laura Volkman and struck up a dynamic partnership. Bill wanted to learn everything there was to know about Pinot Noir – from farm to bottle. Laura was happy to mentor him and ended up selling her estate to him a year later.
The rest is bottled history.
Vino Vasai Family
Potters Vineyard, translated in Italian to Vinao Vasai, is a family (some biological, some not) passionate for good food, good wine, good art and who want to make an intimate product that actually makes a personal impact.
Assistant Winemaker Consultant Art Roberts joined the team exactly for that reason, to be part of a family-run winery that makes incredible, affordable small-lot wines.
Keeping with the family vibe, Sandy (tasting room and wine club manager), and Gretchen (customer service specialist). Daughter Melinda and son Eric help with harvest, tasting room, and digital support.
The family does tractor work, vineyard management, and grape sampling along with help from several friends. The family and wine club pick fruit for their Rose’ each year. Potter’s Vineyard is truly a “Grower-Producer”.
The Vino Vasai Region
The Sanchez’s purchased their 3.5-acre estate vineyard in 2012 from Laura Volkman. Laura planted the vineyard in 2001. She sold and partnered with Bill and Sandy on the 1,000 steps of growing and making premium Oregon Pinot Noir.
They were attracted to the artisan feel of the tasting room Laura created and have since transformed it into a Clay Art Gallery. Customers visit and taste wine in a fine art gallery and vineyard setting.
The wine is made in a cooperative studio of several winemakers. Bill & Sandy make all the wine themselves, sort fruit by hand, do all the punch downs and make all decisions from primary fermentation through barrel aging in French Oak. Wines are kept separated to create Reserve, Barrel Select and House labels and are bottled one to two years after harvest.
The vineyard is certified LIVE, Salmon Safe, and Bee Safe Farming with a focus on immune health.
Vino Vasai 2019 Estate Reserve Oregon Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains
Vino Vasai 2019 Estate Reserve Oregon Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains
Curious to taste a well-loved Pinot Noir?
This is a special bottle. Let’s start with the grapes. Pommard and Dijon 777 planted at 700 feet elevation in the newly established Laurelwood District, a sub-AVA of the Chehalem Mountains and Willamette Valley AVA’s. What does this tell us? Lots of cool, wet weather creating that well-known Willamette Valley elegance.
The grapes were picked at peak ripeness during a small window of perfect timing in an otherwise very fickle harvest season. As a result: lower alcohol, great acidity, complex flavors.
They chose lees aging in new French Oak to create a very classic Oregon Pinot Noir.
Deep ruby in the glass. Pronounced black cherry on the nose. Black plum, white pepper. Medium body, medium tannin, with a long finish.
With only 98 cases produced, good luck getting your hands on this bottle. But if you can, do it.
Vino Vasai Super Tuscan 2020 Columbia
Vino Vasai Super Tuscan 2020 Columbia
When a trip to Italy inspires a bottle, everyone wants to have a taste. Their goal was to share “a taste of Italy.”
The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Sangiovese and 12% Merlot
This Super Tuscan is grown in high elevation vineyard sites in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA of Washington State.
Warm days, cool nights help the grapes ripen with complex flavors and great acidity. Aged in neutral barrels for 18 months.
Deep ruby in the glass. Fresh red cherry and red currant on the nose. Medium body, velvety tannins, black cherry and blueberry notes. Silky mouthfeel and a medium finish that holds on just long enough, playfully inviting you for the next sip.
Pairs well with any traditional Italian dishes – think lasagna, sausage, spicy meats, meat pizza. Very Tuscan, indeed
Vino Vasai Wine Club
The Wine Club has 2 tiers: B Club and M Club
Both offer discounts, specials, members only access, invitations and more.
Find the Vino Vasai wine club details here.
Visit the Vino Vasai Tasting Room
Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the vines and enjoy the hilltop view of Parrett Mountain to the East, The Oregon Coast Range to the West, and Dundee Hills to the South.
The wines are available direct from the tasting room, online at www.pottersvineyard.com or in a few local wine shops near the vineyard.
Tastings are By Appointment Only at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm.
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Broadway Surprise! Emmy nominee Lea Michele takes over Funny Girl from Beanie Feldstein
Broadway Surprise! Emmy nominee Lea Michele takes over Funny Girl from Beanie Feldstein.
The producers today announce that Emmy Award nominee Lea Michele (Spring Awakening, “Glee”) will star as “Fanny Brice” for Broadway’s Funny Girl starting Sept 6 at August Wilson Theatre (245 West 52nd Street).
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Also four-time Tony Award nominee Tovah Feldshuh (Yentl, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”) will star as “Mrs. Brice,” alongside Tony & Olivier Award nominee Ramin Karimloo (Anastasia, Les Misérables) as “Nick Arnstein” and 2022 Tony & Drama Desk Award nominee & Chita Rivera Award winner Jared Grimes (A Soldier’s Play, “Manifest”) as “Eddie Ryan,” in FUNNY GIRL beginning Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at Broadway’s August Wilson Theatre (245 West 52nd Street).
“Fanny Brice” standby Julie Benko will perform the title role from Tuesday, August 2 – Sunday, September 4, 2022 and on Thursdays beginning Thursday, September 8, 2022.
Tickets for FUNNY GIRL are now on sale through Sunday, March 26, 2023 at https://seatgeek.com/funny-girl-tickets.
FUNNY GIRL currently stars Beanie Feldstein as “Fanny Brice” through Sunday, July 31, 2022 and five-time Emmy Award winner Jane Lynch as “Mrs. Brice” through Sunday, September 4, 2022, alongside Ramin Karimloo as “Nick Arnstein” and Jared Grimes as “Eddie Ryan.” They are joined by Peter Francis James as “Florenz Ziegfeld,” Ephie Aardema as “Emma/Mrs. Nadler,” Debra Cardona as “Mrs. Meeker,” Toni DiBuono as “Mrs. Strakosh,” Martin Moran as “Tom Keeney,” and an acting company that includes Miriam Ali, Amber Ardolino, Daniel Beeman, Colin Bradbury, Kurt Csolak, John Michael Fiumara, Leslie Donna Flesner, Afra Hines, Masumi Iwai, Aliah James, Jeremiah James, Danielle Kelsey, Stephen Mark Lukas, Alicia Lundgren, John Manzari, Liz McCartney, Connor McRory, Katie Mitchell, Justin Prescott, Mariah Reives, Leslie Blake Walker and Julie Benko.
Tony Award winner Michael Mayer directs this brand-new FUNNY GIRL, featuring the classic score by Tony, Grammy and Academy Award winner Jule Styne and lyrics by Tony Award nominee and Grammy Award winner Bob Merrill, (comprising additional songs from Styne & Merrill). The original book by Isobel Lennart, from an original story by Miss Lennart, is revised by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.
FUNNY GIRL features choreography by Ellenore Scott, tap choreography by 2022 Drama Desk Award nominee Ayodele Casel, scenic design by Tony Award winner David Zinn, costume design by Tony Award winner Susan Hilferty, lighting design by Tony Award winner Kevin Adams, sound design by Tony Award winner Brian Ronan, hair & wig design by Campbell Young Associates, music direction and supervision by Emmy Award winner Michael Rafter, casting by Jim Carnahan, CSA and Jason Thinger, CSA, orchestrations by Chris Walker, dance, vocal and incidental music arrangements by Alan Williams, additional arrangements by David Dabbon and Carmel Dean and vocal supervision by Liz Caplan.
This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway. Featuring some of the most iconic songs in theatre history including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People,” Michael Mayer’s bold new production marks the first time FUNNY GIRL has returned to Broadway since its debut 58 years ago.
Tickets to FUNNY GIRL are available at https://seatgeek.com/funny-girl-tickets. Prices start at $69.00.
Powered by Lucky Seat, a limited number of tickets will be available for every performance of FUNNY GIRL for $47.50 per ticket. Digital lotteries will begin each Monday at 10AM ET and close the day prior to the performance at 10:30 AM ET. Winners will be notified at approximately 11 AM ET the day prior to the performance via email and SMS. Once notified, winners will have a limited time to claim and pay for their ticket(s). Lottery entrants must be 18 years or older. Tickets are non-transferable. All sales final. No exchange, no refunds. Ticket limits and prices are at the sole discretion of the show and are subject to change. For additional rules, and information on how to enter, visit” https://www.luckyseat.com/shows/funnygirl-newyork.
FUNNY GIRL is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Scott Landis, David Babani, Roy Furman, No Guarantees, Adam Blanshay Productions, Daryl Roth, Stephanie P. McClelland, Lang Entertainment Group, Playing Field, Gavin Kalin, Charles & Nicolas Talar, Fakston Productions, Sanford Robertson, Craig Balsam, Cue to Cue Productions, LenoffFedermanWolofsky Productions, Judith Ann Abrams / Peter May, Hunter Arnold, Creative Partners Productions, Elizabeth Armstrong, Jane Bergère, Jean Doumanian, Larry Magid, Rosalind Productions, Iris Smith, Kevin & Trudy Sullivan, Julie Boardman / Kate Cannova, Heni Koenigsberg / Michelle Riley, Mira Road Productions / Seaview, In Fine Company, Elie Landau, Brian Moreland, Henry R. Muñoz III & Kyle Ferari Muñoz, MaggioAbrams / Brian & Dayna Lee.
Follow FUNNY GIRL on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram @FunnyGirlBway. www.FunnyGirlOnBroadway.com
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