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Norma's Weekly Member Snapshot: Easter Sunday
Easter is around the corner on April 5th. Whether you are celebrating the holiday or not, Easter Sunday is the ideal day to indulge in a decadent brunch and sweet treats or just enjoy a peaceful walk in the city.
I have highlighted a few events in this week's Special Feature, as well as ideas to keep you in the Spring spirit and to best celebrate the holiday.

Norma Knows New York City
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Cultural Pursuits...
Looking for a new way to see a museum? Check out Museum Hack, guided tours (up to 9 people)
EVENTS:
Through March 29 Affordable Art Fair The Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street) New artists, thousands of contemporary artworks, hands-on workshops, talks, and tours with fellow art lovers. Thousands of original paintings, prints, sculptures and photographs ranging from $100-$10,000.
CLOSING THIS WEEK:
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Jim Beam - J.B. Turner Engine and six individual cars
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CRAIG F. STARR GALLERY (5 East 73rd Street) NATIONAL ARTS CLUB (15 Gramercy Park South) National Arts Club Exhibiting Artist Members Exhibition Through March 29 An annual tradition celebrating the diverse talents of selected artist members, including the work of Toni Silber-Delerive.
ONGOING EXHIBITS:
ARSENAL GALLERY (Central Park - 64th Street and 5th Avenue) Conserving Our City of Nature: The Artwork of Alan MesserThrough April 23 Messer's detailed paintings, illustrations, and field sketches of New York City's avian wildlife and habitats.
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
(Central Park West at 79th Street)
Through August 9 Exhibit uncovers the causes of nature's forces.
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Indian Modern - Narratives from 20th Century Indian Art
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BROOKLYN MUSEUM (200 Eastern Parkway - Brooklyn) Basquiat: The Unknown Notebooks
April 3 through August 23 View the large scale works of this illustrious painter along with sketches from his personal notebooks. DELHI ART GALLERY ( The Fuller Building - 41 East 57 Street) Indian Modern - Narratives from 20th Century Indian ArtThrough June 6 The exhibition at the new 7,000 square feet gallery includes rare early works by some of the 42 artists on view.
ELLIS ISLAND
Unframed - Ellis IslandOngoing Life-size historic photographs of Ellis Island immigrants are displayed on the south side of Ellis Island.THE FRICK COLLECTION (1 East 70th Street) Through April 5 Jean-Antoine Houdon and Claude Michel were two of the foremost sculptors in France during the late 18th century. Their sculptures are shown together for the first time, highlighting the artists' expressive ranges.
GAGOSIAN GALLERIES In the StudioThrough April 18 In one location (980 Madison Avenue), photography... in another (522 West 21st Street), paintings by artists like Picasso and Jasper Johns. GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM (1071 5th Avenue) INTREPID SEA, AIR, & SPACE MUSEUM (Pier 86 - 46th Street & 12th Avenue) Hubble@25
Through September 15 Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, the exhibition showcases the history of this project and its scientific achievements. View artifacts, photographs, and Hubble-produced images . MARLBOROUGH GALLERY (40 West 57th Street) Chihuly at MarlboroughThrough April 11 An exhibition of new work by artist and glass sculptor Dale Chihuly. THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (1000 Fifth Avenue) Thomas Hart Benton's America Today Mural RediscoveredThrough April 19 A captivating exhibit of 1920s America in New York City.
Fatal Attraction
Through June 14
Not to be confused with the movie by the same name, New York-based artist Piotr Uklański exhibits his photographs. The theme of the exhibit is Eros and Thanatos, the intertwined concepts of life force and death. THE MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM (225 Madison Avenue) Lincoln Speaks: Words That Transformed a NationThrough June 7 This exhibition focuses on Abraham Lincoln's mastery of language and how his words changed the course of history. MNUCHIN GALLERY (45 East 78th Street) Kazuo ShiragaThrough April 11 Kazuo's exhibit of 18 pieces of work traces his signature foot paintings throughout his career.MUSEUM OF ARTS & DESIGN (2 Columbus Circle) Richard Estes: Painting New York CityThrough September 20 Photorealistic painter Richard Estes exhibits his works. Ralph Pucci: The Art of the MannequinMarch 31 through August 30 A display of thirty works taking you on a journey of his ever changing fashion.
MUSEUM AT FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (7th Avenue at 27th Street) Yves Saint Laurent + Halston: Fashioning the 70s
Through April 18 A tribute to two iconic fashion designers.
Lauren Bacall: The Look Through April 4 Ten of the legendary icon's best fashion pieces from the 60s and 70s will be on display. I plan to watch Casablanca before I visit her collection!
THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street)
Latin America in Construction: Architecture 1955-1980 March 29 through July 2015 An examination of the positions, debates, and architectural creativity from Mexico and Cuba to the Southern Cone between 1955 and the early 1980s.
Björk Through June 7 Retrospective of her canvas drawings from 20 years ago as a musician and visual artist.
Scenes for a New HeritageThrough March 31, 2016 Exhibition of past three decades of 30 international artists whose works range in their approach to political, social, and cultural flux of our global landscape.
Modern Photographs from the Thomas Walther Collection, 1909-1949 Through April 26 This collection captures the time period between the First and Second World Wars.
The Forever Now: Contemporary Painting in an Atemporal World
Through April 5 The work of 17 artists with 17 different approaches to painting, the exhibit centers on the timelessness of painting today, exploring the issues of originality and subjectivity.
This Is for Everyone: Design Experiments for the Common Good Through January 31, 2016 Digital age design encompassing fashion and furniture.
NEUE GALLERY NEW YORK MUSEUM FOR GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN ART (1048 Fifth Avenue) Gustav Klimt and Adele Bloch-Bauer: The Woman in Gold April 2 through September 7 View the original painting that inspired Helen Mirren's role in her new movie by the same name.
THE NEW MUSEUM (235 Bowery) 2015 Triennial: Surround Audience
Through May 24 NYC's only recurring international exhibition devoted to the early careers of artists from around the world... 51 artists from 25 countries.
 NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY (5th Avenue at 42nd Street)
Public Eye: 175 Years of Sharing Photography Through September 4
The first-ever retrospective survey of photography organized by the Public Library. How have we been engaged over time? Are we risking our privacy in pursuit of a more public photography? The exhibit explores these questions.
Sinatra: An American Icon Through September 4 A tribute to the life of the legendary actor and singer, Frank Sinatra. A multimedia exhibit showcasing memorabilia never before seen.
PRATT MANHATTAN GALLERY (144 West 14th Street) Performing Franklin FurnaceThrough April 30 Martha Wilson's exhibition. Consider attending the performance series February 26th through March 1st.
THE ROBIN RICE GALLERY (325 West 11th Street) Brian Pearson Through April 12 A photographic exhibition by Brian Pearson, a medley of black and white images split between the figurative and the architectural.
SKYSCRAPER MUSEUM (39 Battery Place) Ten Tops Through September 13 Focuses on a group of the world's tallest buildings 100 stories and higher. A perfect exhibit for this museum!
ON THE RADAR:
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The AIPAD Photography Show New York
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PARK AVENUE ARMORY (643 Park Avenue) April 22 Pelican Finn An exhibition of photographs by Gesi Schilling illustrating the relationship between individual and environment while specifically capturing a Cuban American woman's relationship to the Florida Everglades. Through May 31st with opening reception on April 22nd .
PIER 94 (711 12th Avenue) April 23 through 26 ArtExpo|
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Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden, Life
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The largest fine art marketplace - annual expo brings the biggest publishers, galleries and collectors face to face with hundreds of established and emerging artists. THE WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART (99 Gansevoort Street) May 1 America is Hard to See Premiering at the downtown opening of the Whitney Museum. View this inaugural exhibit of over 650 pieces from 400 artists through September 27th. THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN (900 Southern Blvd - The Bronx) May 16 Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden, LifeThe first exhibition to examine Frida's appreciation for the beauty and variety of the natural world, as evidenced by her home, garden, and use of plant imagery in her artwork. Through November 1st. NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY (170 Central Park West)
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Curtain Up...
FILM:
Film Society of Lincoln Center (144 West 65th Street) and The Museum of Modern Art (11 West 53rd Street)
Dedicated to the discovery and support of emerging artists.
MUSIC, PERFORMANCE, DANCE:
Tuesdays & Wednesdays Jazz NightsThe Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street) Live jazz from new and up and coming performers.
March 27 through 29 The Tempest Songbook Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Avenue) Selection of music from Shakespeare's Tempest... performed by Gotham Chamber Opera in a co-production with the Martha Graham Dance Company.
Through March 28 Lincoln Center's American Songbook Lincoln Center Various locations within Lincoln Center's venues. Outstanding artists... all in intimate settings.
David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
One of the greatest modern dance companies.

March 29 SNL Writers Unscripted: An Improv Comedy Show
Union Hall (Brooklyn)
Improv comedy by some of the best TV writers!
March 31, April 1 and 2 Glacier at The JoyceThe Joyce Theater (175 Eighth Avenue) Liz Gerring Dance Company presents an evening length choreographic work for eight dancers based on composer Michael J. Schumacher's work. April 2 Patti LuPone 54 Below (254 West 54th Street) The incomparable Patti LuPone will perform through April 14th. |
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Diane von Furstenberg at NYPL
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Through April 4 FLEXN Park Avenue Armory (643 Park Avenue) A-jaw dropping performance by 21 Brooklyn dancers. Through May 3 Rockettes New York Spring Spectacular Radio City Music Hall (1260 Avenue of the Americas) A new show inspired by the magic of NYC in the spring; a musical celebration of the energy, places, people, passion and promise that make this city spectacular. Limited engagement. Through June 16 LIVE from the NYPL New York Public Library (11 West 40th Street) Spring Speaker Series - mark your calendar for Diane von Furstenberg on May 6th!
THEATER:
UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS:
April 1 Living on Love The Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street) The world's most famous opera singer Renée Fleming plays the world's most famous opera singer. It's a "glamorous romp through the world of music, marriage and celebrity." Also starring Jerry O'Connell. Through August 2nd.
ONGOING PRODUCTIONS:
Palace Theater (1564 Broadway)
American Stage debut of the story about a young artist who discovers life and love after returning from the war. Now in previews, opens April 12th, through November 22nd.
The Audience
Helen Mirren stars in an electrifying performance as Queen Elizabeth. Sixty years, twelve prime ministers, but only ONE Queen!
Through September 13 Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 West 43rd Street) This musical follows the legendary songwriter from her early days as a Brooklyn teenager to well-known hits as a top recording artist.
Through March 29
Studio 54 (254 West 54th Street)
Sienna Miller, as well as the incomparable Alan Cumming are show-stoppers; the Kit Kat Band is superb.
Churchill
Through July 12 New World Stages (340 West 50th Street) An extraordinary one man show at New World Stages. Cry, Trojans!Through April 19 St. Ann's Warehouse (29 Jay Street) Told from the Trojans' side of the story, The Wooster Group tackles Shakespeare's wartime play, Troilus and Cressida. Through October 18 Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street) The lead actor, a recent graduate of Julliard, is brilliant. The story unfolds with a mathematically precocious adolescent with behavioral problems uncovering truths and secrets.
Through April 5
Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street)
Crisp and witty dialogue pays tribute to the highest standards of Irish tradition set in Dublin in the 1960s.Doctor Zhivago Through April 3, 2016 Broadway Theater (1681 Broadway) One of the most romantic stories of our time. Now in previews, opens April 21st, through April 3rd, 2016.
Through March 29
Barrow Street Theater (27 Barrow Street) Brilliant and uplifting though the subject is a bit daunting. A poignant story of a son's challenge to help his mother through depression by listing things in life that she should be thankful for.
Through June 7
Cort Theater (138 West 48th Street) Funnyman Larry David focuses on 15 characters as each deals with a death in the family. Now in previews, opens March 5th, through June 7th. Currently all tickets are sold out, but the show may be extended due to high demand! Ghost QuartetThrough May 18 The McKittrick Hotel (542 West 27th Street) Home of the popular Sleep No More, the show blurs the line between theater and contemporary music performance. It is staged in the round in an intimate setting with the musicians seated amongst the audience. Gigi Through October 4 Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street) Tony Award winning musical returns to Broadway starring Vanessa Hudgens. Now in previews, opens April 8th, through October 4th.
Through May 3 The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street) The creative team from the Tony Award winning "In the Heights," has produced another show stopper. An inventive new musical about the young immigrant who changed America... Alexander Hamilton. Coming in July to Broadway!
Hamlet Through May 10 Classic Stage Company (136 East 13th Street) "To be, or not to be? That is the question." With Peter Sarsgaard as the lead, the answer is definitely to be!
The Heidi Chronicles Through August 9
Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street)
Starring Elisabeth Moss and Jason Biggs, it's a coming of age story of three iconic decades of culture... the 60s, 70s and 80s. Now in previews, opens March 19th, through August 9th.
Through April 12 The Laura Pels Theatre (111 West 46th Street) Roundabout Theater Company presents a Sondheim masterpiece, inviting us back into the world created by the Grimm brothers.
Josephine and I
Through April 5
Joe's Pub (425 Lafayette Street)
After a critically acclaimed run at London's Bush Theater; a show about the fearless life of Josephine Baker, the first African American performer who rose to international prominence. The King and I
Through July 5
Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street) The revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I, starring Kelli O'Hara, is now in previews, opens April 16th, through July 5th.
The Lion
Through March 29 Lynn Redgrave Theater (45 Bleecker Street)
An original downtown musical experience using six guitars that add to the gripping performance of one man's coming of age story. Little Children Dream of God
Through April 19
The Black Box Theatre (111 West 46th Street)
A drama about learning to start a new life by facing the one you left behind.
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| | The Mystery of Love & Sex | The Mystery of Love & SexThrough April 26 Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street) The story of four individuals whose lives remain inextricably intertwined over time... starring one of my favorite actresses, Diane Lane! The Nether
Through March 29
The Lucille Lortel Theatre (121 Christopher Street)
A virtual wonderland crime drama that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Nevermore - The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe
Through March 29 New World Stages (340 West 50th Street) Theatrical musical play of the life and mysterious death of legendary writer, Edgar Allen Poe. The NomadThrough April 6 The Flea Theater (41 White Street) A World premiere musical production. On the 20th Century Through July 5
American Airline Theatre (227 West 42nd Street) Love, lust, and mischief collide in this musical comedy starring Broadway showstopper, Kristin Chenoweth. In previews now, opens March 12th, through July 5th.
On the TownThrough September 1
Lyric Theatre (213 West 42nd Street)
The feel good play of the season. Broadway's largest orchestra and cast make us fall in love with the city again. A story of sailors on a whirlwind NYC tour.
Through April 5
Playwrights Horizons (416 West 42nd Street)
World premiere drama by Melissa James Gibson, writer on FX's show The Americans. The show examines the space where truth and lies begin to blur as a scientist is doing placebo testing for a new female drug. Posterity
Through April 5 Linda Gross Theater (336 West 20th Street)
World Premiere of this intense play at Atlantic Theater Company that explores the nature of artistic success and the feat of being forgotten. Through April 5th.
Through June 21 Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street) Carey Mulligan and Bill Nighy star in the sold out London engagement of a sentimental love story. Now in previews, opens April 2nd, through June 14th.
The Visit Through September 6 Lyceum Theater (149 West 45th Street) The creators of Cabaret and Chicago have another winner! The Visit, starring Chita Rivera of West Side Story fame, is the tale of young love, seduction, and sweet revenge. In previews now, opens April 23rd, through September 6th.
Wolf Hall Through July 5 Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway) Parts 1 and 2 ... 2 major plays, 1 royal event. Performed in repertory, Hilary Mantel's exhilarating stories of power and persuasion in Tudor England will transport you to the volatile court of King Henry VIII.
The World of Extreme Happiness Through March 29 New York City Center (130 West 56th Street) A story about Sunny, determined to escape her life in rural China and forge a new identity in the city.
ON THE RADAR IN CURTAIN UP:
April 6 National Festival ChorusAlice Tully Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza) Manhattan Concert Productions presents the National Festival Chorus performing a collection of well-known choral works.
April 7 GroundedThe Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street) Tickets on sale now for this spellbinding play starring Academy Award Winner Anne Hathaway. This new play is about the complicated consequences of waging war without leaving home. Through May 17th. April 9 Buena Vista Social Club B.B. King Blues Club & Grill (237 West 47th Street) One of my favorite groups will perform on April 9th. April 15 through 26 Tribeca Film FestivalVarious locations Tickets are now on sale for this always anticipated annual festival. Their 2015 Film Guide is now available. In the coming weeks I'll feature my movie picks. April 22 Blythe GrudaBowery Electric (327 Bowery) An intimate set of original songs by this amazing performer. April 22 through 26 Mark Morris Dance GroupHoward Gilman Opera House (BAM - Brooklyn) Two programs from this acclaimed dance group. April 30 Doctor Faustus Classic Stage Company (136 East 13th Street) Tickets go on sale to the public for this anticipated show starring Chris Noth (Sex & the City). Performances begin May 29th.
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 For the Foodie...
EASTER BRUNCH:
Easter is April 5th - if you are staying in the city with no plans to cook up your own feast, find the perfect holiday brunch to indulge with friends and family. My uptown and downtown picks for Brunch spots would even have the Easter Bunny's seal of approval . Make reservations.
Uptown:
Altesi Ristorante26 East 64th Street Upper East Side - Italian Cuisine 3 course prix-fixe Easter menu for $59.99 per person. ClementThe Peninsula New York (700 Fifth Avenue) Upper East Side - New American Cuisine Easter Buffet Brunch, including a seafood bar, carved meats, omelet station, selection of entrees, and desserts - $165 per person from 11:30am to 2:30pm.
Rainbow Room30 Rockefeller Plaza Midtown West - American Cuisine Live entertainment - the Avalon Jazz Band. Reservations available between 12:00 and 3:00pm.
Downtown:Gotham Bar & Grill12 East 12th Street West Village - American Cuisine 3 course menu for $70 per person from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. Mas Farmhouse39 Downing Street Greenwich Village - French Cuisine Amazing farm to table experience. The Odeon Restaurant 145 West Broadway Tribeca - French Cuisine A delicious brunch served at this iconic NYC restaurant.
69th Regiment Armory (68 Lexington Avenue) Taste hundreds of new wines, Wine Riot has reinvented "wine tasting" for the thirsty and curious.
March 28 NYC Craft Distillers Festival The Bowery Hotel (335 Bowery) Sample of 60 specially selected spirits while a 1920s style jazz band keeps the party lively. Through March 29 "Mad Men" Dining Week Mad Men Restaurant week at $19.69 prices! Even the 21 Club and Le Cirque will take part in this once in a lifetime tribute to the finale of a stellar series. Visit the website for participating restaurants.
ON THE RADAR:
April 4 & 5 SmorgasburgBrooklyn - Saturdays at East River State Park, Sundays at Pier 5 Artisanal goodies... outdoor market of over 100 food vendors. April 10 through 12 Food Book FairWythe Hotel (80 Wythe Avenue - Brooklyn) Annual festival celebrating the intersections of food culture and the writing that brings them to life - lectures, panel discussions, and food tastings highlight the 3-day event. April 11 & 12 New York Culinary ExperienceInternational Culinary Center (462 Broadway) Enjoy the festivities as the event pays tribute to chef David Bouley. Hands-on cooking classes and discussions with 30 renowned chefs including Lidia Bastianich, Jacques Torres, and Alex Guarnaschelli. April 24 & 25 Capture NYC
The Waterfront (222 12th Avenue)
A celebration of beautiful artisan wines, progressive local cuisine and creative spirits.
April 27 NYC Taste of the Nation 23 Wall Street Join the city's finest chefs, sommeliers and mixologists; a night of dining in support of No Kid Hungry's work to end childhood hunger in the America. Mix, mingle, and enjoy food and drink prepared by more than 60 top chefs and bartenders. Event co-chairs include Danny Meyer and George Stephanopoulos.
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 Special Feature... Easter Sunday
WATCH:
Don't miss the 2015 Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival in NYC... see Easter bonnets to the extreme as "paraders" walk along Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th Streets from 10am to 4pm. Although I won't be donning a bonnet I always enjoy strolling down Fifth Avenue on Easter, without any cars in sight!
PARTAKE:
SideBar (118 East 15 Street)
Make your own team and then hop around New York City as you follow clues that lead you to hidden eggs worth points.
Ticket includes 2 cocktails and stationed appetizers, 3 Hour Team Scavenger Hunt adventure throughout NYC, Candy and treats along the way, and an after party at secret location with drink specials.

Cupcake Decorating: April 4 Easter Cupcakes & Vino
Camaje (85 MacDougal Street)
Learn the basics of cupcake decorating while sipping on some fine wine.
INDULGE:
 Have a sweet tooth like I do? Or looking for a gift for a special someone on Easter? Look no further than these 6 top spots for delicious chocolates and sugary treats.
- Fine & Raw
- Fika
- Jacques Torres Chocolate
- MarieBelle
- Vosges Haut-Chocolat
While you're at it, go on a Chocolate Walking Tour and visit some of the best chocolate shops - 3 of them are on the list above!
DELIGHT:
The most beautiful flowers around!
Macy's Herald Square (151 West 34th Street)
This year's theme, Art in Bloom, will take spectators into a multi-dimensional floral wonderland featuring incredibly landscaped gardens that celebrate the deep connection between art and nature.
Through April 19 The Orchid Show The New York Botanical Garden Much-anticipated annual show. Check out Orchid Evenings as well on March 28th and April 4th, 11th, and 18.
Spring Cherry Blossom Festival
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Once the blossoms are in bloom, visit on a Wednesday and take a tour. Or on Saturdays and Sundays, take a tour of the seasonal highlights of the garden. Then, as part of the festival, visit April 25th & 26th for the Sakura Matsuri, a weekend celebrating Japanese culture.
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 Recent Weekly Snapshots
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