Discovery Place Celebrating 15th Annual NC Science Festival

Charlotte Stories
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Discovery Place Celebrating 15th Annual NC Science Festival

This April, Discovery Place Science joins over 100 organizations from across the state as part of the North Carolina Science Festival (NCSciFest), the largest statewide celebration of science. With over 500 events happening from the mountains to the coast, NCSciFest engages audiences of all ages in STEAM exploration through hands-on experiences, interactive programming and inspiring discussions.

A proud participant since NCSciFest’s launch in 2010, Discovery Place Science will engage the community through exciting learning experiences that highlight the wonders of science in our everyday lives.

“Discovery Place Science is thrilled to be participating for the 15th consecutive year in this monthlong celebration of science,” said Heather Norton, Discovery Place’s Chief Science Officer. “We believe that science builds greater understanding of the world around us and allows people to nurture curiosity, think creatively, solve problems and bring positive change to our communities.”

This year’s NCSciFest theme Everyday, Everywhere, Everyone aims to encourage audiences to see that science is in their daily lives, extends far beyond the confines of laboratory settings and is accessible to everyone. The goal is to bring together students, families, researchers and science enthusiasts from all walks of life to celebrate the wonders of science.

Throughout April, Discovery Place Science will highlight this year’s NCSciFest theme through STEAM activities, adult science programming, guest speakers and more. Featured museum events:

  • Dr. Jane Goodall’s Birthday Weekend | April 3 – 5, 2025

Discovery Place will collect handmade birthday cards from guests to send to Dr. Jane Goodall. Using recycled materials, guests can create cards to wish Dr. Goodall a happy birthday and to share their pledge to make a positive impact on the planet. Activities are included with Museum Admission.

  • Science Studio: Art + Science Workshop (18+ event) | April 4, 2025

Find your inner artist through hands-on nature sketching, scientific drawing and collage art with Discovery Place. Plus, visit the aquarium and Charlotte’s only indoor rainforest during this adult science + art workshop. This is an after-hours ticketed event.

  • Earth Day Celebration | April 19, 2025

From rocks and trees to air and water, the Earth provides us with amazing materials we wouldn’t be able to live without. Discover natural resources and their usage at interactive activities spread throughout the Museum. Activities are included with Museum Admission:

  • Discussing sustainability and conservation topics while creating designs from recycled plastics with guest expert and TEDx Speaker Hadia Ghandour.
  • Exploring the science of clay and the role it can play in sustainable living with artists from local nonprofit Clayworks.
  • Testing cutting-edge technology and tinkering with renewable energy in the Tech Innovation Lab with museum educators.

NCSciFest has reached more than 3.5 million participants of all ages, in every county in the state since it was established in 2010 by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center.

Mooresville Teenager Just Qualified To Be Red Bull’s Driver At Coca-Cola 600

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Mooresville Teenager Just Qualified To Be Red Bull’s Driver At Coca-Cola 600

Mooresville’s 18-year-old Connor Zilisch has just qualified for this year’s Coca-Cola 600, marking his second Cup Series start and his first at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Zilisch will return to the Red Bull-sponsored No. 87 car for NASCAR’s longest and most grueling race, one of the sport’s crown jewels. His Cup debut came earlier this year at Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

The Mooresville native is making waves in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports, earning a win, four top-five finishes, and his first oval pole at Martinsville. He’s already secured a spot in the 2025 playoffs after a victory at COTA.

Backed by Red Bull, Trackhouse Racing has played a key role in Zilisch’s rapid rise. Red Bull will also appear on Shane van Gisbergen’s car at select Cup Series events this season.

Zilisch’s appearance in the Coca-Cola 600 is another step in what’s quickly becoming a breakout year.

CMPD Launches Sweeping “Break the Silence” Campaign to Combat Child Abuse

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CMPD Launches Sweeping “Break the Silence” Campaign to Combat Child Abuse

CMPD has just launched a sweeping new “Break the Silence” campaign aimed at fighting child abuse in Mecklenburg County.

The initiative, unveiled this week with Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center and the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office, coincides with Child Abuse Awareness Month.

In 2024, 58% of reported child abuse cases in the county involved sexual abuse. CMPD notes that 70% of abuse cases go unreported, making community awareness and action critical. Nationwide, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys are estimated to experience abuse, according to the National Children’s Alliance.

The campaign urges residents to recognize common signs of abuse—such as bruises, emotional withdrawal, over-sexualized behavior, or regression—and to report concerns. Officials stress that early intervention can save lives.

To report suspected abuse, call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Reports can be made anonymously.

CMPD says the goal is clear: protect children, hold offenders accountable, and build a safer community through awareness and action.

Charlotte Defies National Office Construction Slowdown with Major Commercial Projects in 2025

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte Defies National Office Construction Slowdown with Major Commercial Projects in 2025

While the national office construction market continues its sharp decline, Charlotte is emerging as a bright spot in the shifting commercial real estate landscape.

According to new data from CommercialEdge, total U.S. office space under construction in 2025 has dropped to 51 million square feet — the lowest level in a decade, following a 48% year-over-year decline. However, Charlotte continues to buck that trend with several high-profile developments underway.

The Queen City currently has 500,000 square feet of office space under construction, representing 0.7% of its total office stock. That includes one of the top 10 largest office projects in the nation set for completion in 2025 — Vanguard’s 700,000-square-foot development at 2405 Governor Hunt Road.

Charlotte also ranks sixth among the fastest-growing medical office markets in the U.S., with 462,000 square feet under construction — a 5% increase in stock. The largest local medical office project is The Pearl – Research Tower, a 356,000-square-foot facility that ranks as the fourth-largest medical office project nationwide this year.

Beyond office and healthcare developments, Charlotte is experiencing significant industrial growth. The region currently has 5.9 million square feet of industrial space under construction. Among these projects, 1305 Liberty Ridge Road — a 2.1 million-square-foot facility — ranks as the 11th-largest industrial development in the U.S. for 2025.

The slowdown in national office construction is largely attributed to the rise of hybrid and remote work, which continues to dampen demand for traditional office space. But Charlotte’s diversified approach — spanning office, medical, and industrial sectors — positions the city as a resilient and rapidly evolving commercial hub.

Charlotte’s Biggest Spring Festival Returns – Here’s What’s Coming This Week To SHOUT! 2025

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte’s Biggest Spring Festival Returns – Here’s What’s Coming This Week To SHOUT! 2025

Uptown Charlotte will come alive this week with art, music, food, and ideas as Charlotte SHOUT! returns April 4–20.

Produced by Charlotte Center City Partners and presented by Atrium Health and Bank of America, the annual festival will feature more than 200 events celebrating the city’s creativity, diversity, and community.

The festival officially kicks off with a ticketed opening night on April 3 at the newly restored Carolina Theatre. This special evening will highlight all four festival pillars and close with a keynote by artificial intelligence expert Noelle Russell, who will speak on the future of AI.

The 2024 festival drew over 642,000 attendees and generated a direct economic impact of $17.1 million for Uptown businesses. Organizers paid $650,000 to local creatives and hosted 1,200 students in arts and education programming, according to a press release from Center City Partners.

New Additions in 2025:

  • CanStruction: Industry teams build sculptures from canned goods, which are later donated to Second Harvest Food Bank.

  • Queen’s Greens: A playable art exhibit with nine artist-designed mini-golf holes.

  • Oracle: Giant inflatable characters that engage guests with interactive AI-powered dialogue.

  • EdgeFest: A live spray-paint celebration featuring local muralists.

  • Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0: Red-frame houses with swings invite visitors to play and reflect in shared spaces.

Fan Favorites Returning This Year:

  • Eggs on Parade: Thirteen giant Easter eggs designed by local artists.

  • Pianodrome: A 40-piano amphitheater inside the Wells Fargo Atrium, hosting performances and lessons.

  • E/motion: Interactive light-up seesaws simulating the feeling of water surges.

  • Live Music: Charlotte-based musicians will perform daily at Victoria Yards and other locations.

  • Surprise Installations: Hidden art will appear in alleys and unexpected corners of Uptown.

Festivals-Within-the-Festival

  • Charlotte StrEATs (April 12–13): A culinary showcase of Charlotte’s chefs and restaurants, plus StrEATs Uncorked on April 4 featuring North Carolina wines.

  • Carolina BBQ Festival (April 4–5): Hosted by Sweet Lew’s BBQ and Let’s Meet CLT, with pitmaster tastings, live music, and whole hog cooking.

  • Charlotte Ideas Festival (April 3–8): Talks by national thought leaders including author Ann Patchett, astrophysicist-musician Matt Russo, and technologist Noelle Russell.

Organizers say every day will offer something new, with performances and installations popping up across Uptown Charlotte.

For more information and a full schedule, visit charlotteshout.com.

Critically Endangered Sea Turtle Gets Second Chance at Charlotte’s SEA LIFE Aquarium

Charlotte Stories
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Critically Endangered Sea Turtle Gets Second Chance at Charlotte’s SEA LIFE Aquarium

SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium inside Concord Mills has just welcomed a rescued Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle — one of the world’s most endangered species — to its Turtle Rescue Center just in time for spring break.

The turtle, named Mills in honor of Concord Mills’ 25th anniversary, is now receiving long-term care at the aquarium. Officials say Mills will remain at the facility as part of its marine conservation education efforts, providing an up-close look at real-world rescue and rehabilitation. Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles are critically endangered due to pollution, climate change, and fishing net entanglements.

The rescue coincides with SEA LIFE’s “Turtle Rescue Team” spring exhibit, running through April 18. Visitors can explore interactive displays, observe live feedings, and walk through North Carolina’s only 360-degree ocean tunnel while learning about ocean conservation.

Concord Mills, one of the Carolina’s largest shopping and entertainment complexes, is promoting its mix of indoor and outdoor attractions as a one-stop destination for families on spring break, including:

  • Dave & Buster’s – Keep the fun going with arcade games, virtual reality experiences, and classic family favorites like bowling and billiards. Parents can enjoy handcrafted cocktails while kids rack up tickets for prizes. 
  • The Speedpark at Concord Mills – Get your adrenaline pumping with go-kart racing, mini golf, bungee jumping, and more. It’s the perfect outdoor activity to enjoy the wonderful spring weather. 
  • AMC Theatres – Catch the latest family-friendly blockbusters in a state-of-the-art theater with luxury recliner seating and premium sound.
  • The Escape Game – You and your team will work together to find clues, overcome challenges, and complete a mission. Escaping will require teamwork, communication, wits, and a sense of adventure. 

NC Treasurer’s ‘Unclaimed’ Account Just Surpassed $1 Billion – You Might Have Money Waiting

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NC Treasurer’s ‘Unclaimed’ Account Just Surpassed $1 Billion – You Might Have Money Waiting

There is currently about $1.02 billion in unclaimed cash that is rightfully owed to North Carolina residents.

According to the NC Treasurer’s website, most of the money comes from uncollected wages, insurance reimbursements or payouts, escrowed deposits (rent, utilities, etc), and stocks. Funds will usually become unclaimed when a company loses track of the consumer from an incorrect address or other missing info. “By law, these funds are escheated, or turned over, to the Department of State Treasurer for safekeeping,” the site notes.

The site has an easy to use search feature that allows people to search by last name, full name, or business name.

I entered my name and to my surprise, I actually had some unclaimed money myself…

It seems the title insurance company from my previous home had the wrong forwarding address and never sent me my premium refund after I sold my house.

To claim the funds, I simply clicked the “Add” button, then filled out the next 2 pages of information with my social, current name, address, phone number, and email;

The final step required me to enter my full name as an electronic signature;

and that was it!

A few minutes later, I received the following Email;

Now, thanks to writing this article, I now should be getting a check in the mail for about $160 that I no idea was waiting for me.

If you’d like to search the database to see if you have any money waiting for you, go to NCCash.com

Red Bull’s ‘Dance Your Style’ Open Qualifiers Coming To Charlotte This Month

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Red Bull’s ‘Dance Your Style’ Open Qualifiers Coming To Charlotte This Month

Red Bull Dance Your Style, the high-energy global street dance competition, is coming to Charlotte this month, offering local dancers a shot at national and international recognition. The Open Qualifier will take place Friday, April 11 at 7:00 p.m. at Platform Sports, located at 3216 South Blvd, #301.

The all-styles dance battle features top talent from across the country, representing a wide range of styles including popping, waacking, turfing, house, footwork, clowning, and more. Unlike traditional competitions, Red Bull Dance Your Style emphasizes spontaneity, as dancers face off one-on-one to surprise music with no pre-planned choreography or set playlist. There are no judges—only the crowd decides who moves forward.

Hosted by the dynamic @ohaviaphillips, with sounds by @djfanniemae and @dj_kidgrady, plus special guests @queensuzieq__ , @blaqlestat , and @j4ckson7. Judges at the Open Qualifier will look for rhythm, musicality, charisma, movement, and originality.

This competition offers dancers the opportunity to represent the U.S. at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final in Los Angeles on October 11, 2025.

All street dance styles are welcome, but participants must be 18 or older to compete.

The Charlotte community is invited to attend, cheer on their favorites, and be part of the action as crowd votes determine the winners in each round.

For more info or to register you can click here.

Why JointXL Plus Is a Must-Have for Aging Joints

Sharon Anderson
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Why JointXL Plus Is a Must-Have for Aging Joints

Experiencing painful situations such as locked knees while getting up from a chair occurs to many people. Those who have struggled with severe knee joint pain when they walked stairs or took walks will relate to their situation here. Regular tasks that used to seem effortless to our younger selves become harder to perform as we age. Ordinary activities like tying shoelaces and exiting bed transform into challenging tasks. 

Joint discomfort during aging should not be compromised as medical solutions like JointXL Plus exist. The supplement JointXL Plus was developed to assist joint health by enabling better joint movements and flexibility. Your joints carry you through your life so it is the right time to provide them with the essential care they deserve.

The Effect of Aging on Joint Health

The human body undergoes natural transformations in joints throughout the adult phase. The following factors hinder their effectiveness in joint treatment :

  1. Cartilage Wears Down: Cartilage serves as the soft cushion-like tissue which protects bones from contact by acting as a shock absorber between them. Cartilage deteriorates due to normal aging with everyday movement activities. The bones start feeling pain and stiffness as well as discomfort when the cartilage piece wears down until the bones touch one another. 
  2. Inflammation Increases: Inflammation levels increase due to aging since our joints become used to extended periods of low-level tissue inflammation. Joint tissue inflammation causes the development of swelling and tenderness along with pain that hinders smooth joint movement. The breakdown of cartilage occurs faster when inflammation remains active thereby generating a process of joint deterioration along with painful symptoms.
  3. Less Lubrication: The proper functioning of healthy joints depends on synovial fluid which functions as a natural lubricant and thick liquid substance to decrease joint friction when making movements. The declining production of synovial fluid occurs naturally with aging, causing joints to feel dry and stiff. Running out of appropriate lubrication allows bones to deteriorate more quickly, causing joint-related pain with decreased flexibility.

Signs of aging joints are as follows:

  • Cracking or Popping Sounds: Cracking and popping sounds during movements may signal cartilage degeneration.
  • Stiffness and Swelling: Being unable to move easily becomes a problem primarily following periods of rest or sleep.
  • Aching or Discomfort: Some versions of joint pain are mild whereas other instances experience intense discomfort that lowers your ability to participate in your routine activities.

How JointXL Plus Helps Aging Joints

The combination of compounds integrated in JointXL Plus function combined to provide strength and flexibility for your joints:

  • Glucosamine: Your body needs glucosamine to sustain cartilage structure and prevent stiffness in the joints along with symptoms of discomfort.
  • Chondroitin: The chondroitin substance helps cartilage keep water content high which maintains its smooth and flexible structure. 
  • Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) An ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory properties gives an individual the benefit of decreased inflammation with joint healing properties that ease joint stiffness and reduce joint pain. 
  • Turmeric: This ingredient contains Curcumin as its main component to provide natural anti-inflammatory benefits which reduce joint swelling and enhance joint motion. 

Together, these powerful ingredients help protect, nourish, and repair your joints, ensuring they stay flexible and pain-free as you age.

Try JointXL Plus Today and Reclaim Your Mobility!

How These Ingredients Work Together

The ingredients in JointXL Plus work together in three essential ways to support joint health. First, they help protect and repair cartilage by promoting the production of new cartilage while slowing down its natural breakdown. This ensures that the cushioning between bones remains intact, reducing friction and pain. 

Second, they combat inflammation, which is a major cause of joint discomfort. By blocking inflammatory molecules, these ingredients help reduce swelling and stiffness, making movement easier. 

Lastly, they improve joint lubrication by increasing moisture retention in the cartilage and synovial fluid, allowing for smoother, pain-free movement. This combined effect helps maintain flexibility and ensures that joints stay strong and functional as you age. This formulation ensures JointXL Plus stands out as one of the best joint supplements for optimal joint health.

Real Results: What Users Are Saying

JointXL Plus provides actual joint relief to numerous users according to their reports. Here’s what they say:

  • My life was completely burdened with arthritis problems until I took JointXL and received immense relief from my arthritis condition. – Maria,  Age 62
  • Norbert who is 58 years old experienced a decrease in hand and foot stiffness when he took JointXL for one month.
  • JointXL provided relief to my stiffened joints so that they no longer become locked when I wake up or in the evening time because the supplement made my body more flexible and athletic. – Janet, 65

The presented stories demonstrate that individuals can overcome joint pain because supportive options work.

How to Use JointXL Plus for Best Results

Follow these three basic steps to get the desired results:

  1. Take the Recommended Dosage: The recommended dosage of JointXL Plus requires 1 to 2 capsules per day during meals.
  2. Be Consistent: The primary condition to experience visible improvement is the daily consumption of the supplement.
  3. Supporting Your Joints With a Healthy Lifestyle:
    • Stay Active: Light exercises that include walking along with yoga help maintain joint movement because they prevent your joints from becoming stagnant.
    • Eat Well: Eating leafy greens and nuts with fish provides joint health benefits through their nourishing properties.
    • Stay Hydrated: The human body benefits from hydration because water helps maintain joint lubrication.

The combination of JointXL Plus with regular healthy habits will help your joints stay active and comfortable.

Conclusion

Your old age does not need to limit your mobility because of joint problems. The supplement JointXL Plus functions as an essential aspect because it serves as a mandatory requirement for people who need to stay active and pain-free during their aging process. The supplement protects cartilage tissue while reducing inflammation to provide the fundamental support approaches needed for joints to function smoothly.

Numerous individuals consider chronic joint pain an unavoidable consequence of older age however this situation does not need to be true. The benefits of JointXL Plus enable people to freely move their bodies while attaining greater mobility and performing regular activities without engaging with persistent joint discomfort. JointXL Plus stands as an essential supplement that lets you perform your lifestyle activities from hiking to gardening and child play without joint limitations.

The maintenance of strong flexible joints depends on having JointXL Plus as an essential part of your health care routine. Aged joints should not prevent you from taking charge of your mobility because JointXL Plus allows you to feel the transformation quickly.

References:

  1. Role of Glucosamine in Joint Health 

Link – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3456914/ 

  1. Role of Chondroitin in Supporting Joints

Link – https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/glucosamine-and-chondroitin-for-osteoarthritis-what-you-need-to-know 

  1. Anti-Inflammatory and Joint Healing Properties of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Link – https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/msm/  

  1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Curcumin

Link – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8572027/  

  1. Significance of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and Curcumin in Joint Support

           Link –      https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/glucosamine-and-chondroitin-for-osteoarthritis-what-you-need-to-know#:~:text=Glucosamine%20and%20chondroitin%20are%20constituents,in%20its%20resistance%20to%20compression. 

 

Anne Springs Close Greenway Celebrates 30th Anniversary During “Love the Greenway Month”

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Anne Springs Close Greenway Celebrates 30th Anniversary During “Love the Greenway Month”

Fort Mill’s 2,100-acre Anne Springs Close Greenway is celebrating its 30th anniversary by kicking off its biggest ‘Love the Greenway Month’ yet.

With the theme “Past, Present, Perpetuity: Celebrating 30 Years of  Conservation, Education, and Recreation,” this milestone year reflects on the Greenway’s legacy while looking toward the future. Earth Day marks the official anniversary of the Greenway’s founding, but the celebration will  continue all year long, with April serving as a key moment to honor the Greenway’s impact and inspire future  generations to connect with nature. 

The 2,100-acre nature preserve was placed under a conservation easement with the Nation Ford Land Trust to  protect the Steele Creek watershed, ensuring that this cherished green space remains undeveloped beyond low impact recreation. Love the Greenway Month is an annual awareness and membership campaign celebrating this  commitment, highlighting the Greenway’s mission to connect people to nature through recreational and  educational activities, while fostering environmental stewardship. 

“For three decades, the Anne Springs Close Greenway has been a place for families to explore, for outdoor  enthusiasts to adventure, and for the community to come together,” said Elizabeth Bowers, Communications &  Advancement Director for Leroy Springs & Company, the Greenway’s parent nonprofit organization. “This year’s  theme—‘Past, Present, Perpetuity’—reminds us of our founder’s vision to preserve this land forever and calls on  all of us to continue protecting it for future generations. Love the Greenway Month is the perfect time to celebrate that legacy.” 

A highlight of Love the Greenway Month is the Earth Day Celebration (April 11-13), a weekend filled with  opportunities to immerse in nature, including a campout, bass fishing tournament, guided hikes, live animal  encounters, kayaking, archery, raptor release, educational opportunities and more. Throughout this three-day  event, daily admission fees are waived for non-members, with a $5 per car parking fee supporting the Greenway’s  conservation efforts (non-members only). 

This year’s Love the Greenway Month and Earth Day Celebration are proudly presented by Orvis Charlotte, a  dedicated partner in outdoor conservation and recreation. Their sponsorship helps make this event possible,  allowing even more visitors to experience the outdoors and discover ways to protect our natural world. 

30 Years of Preserving, Protecting, and Playing in Nature  

Since its founding in 1995, the Anne Springs Close Greenway has been a pillar of conservation and outdoor  recreation in the Fort Mill community. From miles of scenic hiking, biking and horseback riding trails to  environmental education programs and community events, the Greenway has served as a place where people of  all ages can get close to nature. 

As part of the nature preserve’s 30th anniversary theme—Past, Present, Perpetuity—the Greenway will highlight its history, celebrate its current impact and invite the community to be part of its future. This milestone year will feature  special events and programming, art exhibitions and key fundraising initiatives giving the community even more  opportunities to honor the past, celebrate the present and invest in the future of the Greenway.

For more details on Love the Greenway Month, Earth Day Weekend, and 30th anniversary celebrations, you can visit ascgreenway.org.  

Earth Day Celebration:  

When: Friday, April 11 – Sunday, April 13, 2025 

Location: All entrances of the Anne Springs Close Greenway; programing varies based on day, time and location  Cost: Free for members. $5 per car parking fee for non-members.  

Schedule of Events: ascgreenway.org/events/signature-events/earth-day-celebration

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