This Wednesday is the official start of the West Ashley Farmers Market 2024 weekly community event.
Here is what you need to know:
See y’all there!
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By Mark A. Leon
In a journey of art imitating life, this celebration of the life and music of Carole King is brought to life with passion and heart.
On a rare occasion an actor is presented with an opportunity where life and art become one. Eliza Knode, second year resident actor, was born to play Carole King. From a young 16-year-old adolescent with dreams of composing music to heartbreak to icon, Eliza captures the essence of Carole King’s personal journey with unwavering emotional drive. Her powerful vocal range, spot on Brooklyn accent and likeness to Carole made her the perfect lead in this musical drama.
Though the play is formally structured in two acts, it’s transformative narrative sneaks in a third act when Carole’s liberation is complete, and her voice is found. When Carole let all the pain and suffering out with her rendition of “It’s Too Late” in a small Manhattan club, audience emotions began to rise. This marked the beginning of the triumphant and iconic rebirth of Carole King that would become “Tapestry”, one of the most celebrated albums of the 20th century. As she approaches a new beginning in Laurel Canyon and says goodbye to the devoted friends who supported her, she expresses what everyone in the room was feeling with an acoustic and deeply personal version of “You’ve Got a Friend”.
The character of Gerry Goffin is a complex one filled with blind ambition, self-doubt and uncertainty and it was played exquisitely by Dominick Ventrella. Through all his faults and misguided actions, there was a level of empathy felt by the audience to forgive and accept. That was a challenging and complex role that Dominick filled with sheer talent.
We were charmed by Kyra Mckillip and Brendan Considine who played Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann respectively. As competitive writing partners to Carole and Gerry as well as their best friends, Kyra and Brendan brought comic relief and modern romanticism to the stage throughout the performance.
Colin Waters as Don Kirshner, the power-hungry producer with a heart of gold, was endearing and a powerful presence with each scene he supported.
One of the most vital support characters in the entire play was the culture and music of the time. Depicting the transformation and uncertainty of the music industry in the 1960’s from the Drifters and Shirelles to Dylan and Diana Ross is always a delicate task. It was a decade of domestic unrest, generational change and musical evolution. It was critical to respect the time and incorporate it into the narrative. This was done with precision accuracy thanks to the wonderful vision of director, Marybeth Clark whose adaptation of the book by Douglass McGrath and the words and music by the incomparable Gerry Goffin, Carole King, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil was done with thoughtfulness and flare.
Each and every musical performance that supported this storyline was wonderfully acted and sung by Elisha Black, Baron L Clay Jr., K’nique Eichelberger, Cody Elsensohn, Brietta Goodman, Kayla Green, Clyde Moser, William Rutowski, Ariana Snowden, Eddie Weaver, Matthew Willingham and Jhonika Wright.
Charleston Stage has bestowed a gift upon us a gift: The life of Carole King and the soundtrack of so many of our lives. From “Some Kind of Wonderful” to “Up on the Roof”; “On Broadway” to The Locomotion”; “Will You Still Love Me” to “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, the audience is swept away to a different time when the most unlikely hero would emerge from a period of darkness to record one of the most important albums ever.
“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” is captivating exploration of the human spirit. It reminds us that life may not always go the way we plan, but sometimes it takes us where we need to be.
It is a reminder that dreams come with a price and the path can be paved with broken glass, but with friends, loved ones, support and never letting go of your dreams, life can be so beautiful.
Warning: In the end, when you are done wiping the tears, you may find yourself dancing in the aisles!
Click HERE to purchase tickets for Sunday or next weekend.
“Bill Murray: Lowcountry Ghostbuster”
In the heart of Charleston, where cobblestone streets meet historic architecture, Bill Murray steps into the role of a lifetime: a real-life Ghostbuster.
Act 1: The Call
The phone rings at Ghostbusters HQ (which suspiciously resembles a cozy Southern porch). Bill Murray, in his iconic beige jumpsuit, answers.
Bill Murray (deadpan): “Ghostbusters. What do you want?”
Caller: “Bill, we’ve got a spectral situation on King Street. Ectoplasm everywhere!”
Bill Murray: “I’m on it. And tell Slimer to save me some shrimp and grits for later.”
Act 2: The Ecto-Mobile
Bill hops into his modified ghost-hunting vehicle—a vintage mint-green Cadillac with a license plate that reads “ECTO1SC.”
Bill Murray (to the car): “Alright, old girl, let’s catch some spooks and grab a sweet tea afterward.”
Act 3: The Haunted Market
Bill arrives at the Charleston City Market, where ghostly vendors peddle ethereal sweetgrass baskets.
Bill Murray: “Alright, ghosts, listen up! You mess with shrimp and grits, you mess with me.”
He brandishes his proton pack, sending ectoplasmic tendrils scattering.
Act 4: The Phantom Rainbow Row
Bill strolls down Rainbow Row, the pastel-colored houses casting long shadows.
Bill Murray (whispering): “I ain’t afraid of no pastel ghosts.”
He scans the facades, ready to trap any mischievous spirits.
Act 5: The Citadel’s Ghostly Cadets
At The Citadel, Bill encounters spectral cadets practicing their drills.
Bill Murray: “Attention, ghosts! Drop and give me twenty ectoplasmic push-ups!”
The ghosts comply, their ectoplasmic forms rippling.
*Act 6: The Midnight Battery Dance
Bill heads to White Point Garden, where moonlight dances on the Battery seawall.
Bill Murray (singing): “Who you gonna call? Bill Murray!” “When the moon hits the sea wall, it’s time to brawl!”
He twirls his proton wand like a Charleston dancer.
Act 7: The Final Showdown
Bill confronts the ghost of a Confederate soldier near Fort Sumter.
Bill Murray: “Listen, pal, the Civil War ended. Time to move on.”
He fires his proton stream, trapping the ghost.
Epilogue: The Afterparty
Back at Harold’s Cabin, Bill unwinds with a plate of corn hush puppies.
Bill Murray: “Another day, another ghost. But hey, at least they’re polite here.”
He raises his sweet tea in a toast.
And so, in the mystical streets of Charleston, Bill Murray becomes the Lowcountry’s favorite Ghostbuster. Tourists snap photos, locals nod in approval, and Slimer waves from a shrimp boat. Because when it comes to paranormal activity, Bill’s got it covered—even if he’s more interested in shrimp than specters.
Related: Charleston Weekend Event Guide – April 20-21.
ATLANTA, April 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Benoit Group, a national multifamily and commercial real estate developer, owner, and operator headquartered in Atlanta, in partnership with Atlanta Housing, Georgia’s largest public housing authority, announced the financial closing for the development of Englewood Senior. This 160-unit affordable independent senior living project marks the first redevelopment phase of a master-planned, mixed-use, multi-phase community on the 30-acre site of the former Englewood Manor public housing site.
Originally built in 1971 on approximately 30 acres, Englewood Manor contained 324 public housing units before the residents were relocated in 2007 due to severe physical and social distress, leading to the property’s demolition in 2009 with HUD approval. Located in southeast Atlanta approximately 1.5 miles south of Zoo Atlanta and Grant Park, Englewood, a Chosewood Park neighborhood, is adjacent to Boulevard Crossing Park and the Atlanta Beltline Southside Trail.
“Partnering with a housing authority like Atlanta Housing that is committed to positively transforming communities is in alignment with our company’s mission,’ said Eddy Benoit Jr. President & CEO of the Benoit Group. “We are excited and eager to deliver better affordable housing options on the BeltLine!”
Funding for this $72 million project includes federal and state equity tax credit investment by Raymond James and JP Morgan, a Sterling Bank construction loan, permanent HUD-insured loan financing from Berkadia, in addition to Beltline TAD Funds and a secondary priority loan from Atlanta Housing.
“Atlanta Housing is pleased to announce the closing of Englewood Senior, which will provide quality, affordable housing for our senior and legacy residents,” said Terri M. Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlanta Housing. “With access to the Atlanta BeltLine’s Southside Trail, residents of Englewood Senior will have the opportunity to enjoy world-class amenities in one of our city’s historic neighborhoods. This announcement further underscores our agency’s commitment to neighborhood revitalization and ensures that one of our most vulnerable resident populations can age with dignity in quality communities. We are pleased to move this development forward with the Benoit Group.”
The Development Plan: Phase I
Englewood Senior is the first building in Phase I and will reserve 160 rental units for seniors aged 62 and older, earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), and will include over $2.5 million in rental subsidies for low-income families using Home Flex vouchers provided by Atlanta Housing.
This senior development complex will include several community amenities such as centralized outdoor courtyards, fitness centers, movie theaters, and a multi-purpose community room. Additionally, the property will feature a 213-space parking deck and 15,000 sq. ft. of retail space.
Englewood Multifamily is the second building in Phase I and will close in Summer 2024. It includes a mixed-income midrise building with 200 rental units (160 affordable) and 35,000 square feet of commercial retail space. The Phase 1 development will also include 81 for-sale single-family homes and townhomes with 16 affordable homeownership opportunities. When Phase I of the Englewood Development Plan is built-out, over $200 million will have been invested from various public, private, and philanthropic sources.
Project Highlights
Project Information:
Closing Date:
LENDER PARTNERS
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
ARCHITECT
DEVELOPMENT TEAM
About The Benoit Group (TBG)
The Benoit Group leverages over 200 years of collective experience across more than $2.5 billion of real estate projects. Its extensive experience in commercial development, project management, and innovative design concepts sets the standard across a diverse portfolio of projects. TBG’s core business includes the development of affordable mixed-income housing, market-rate workforce housing, independent senior living, higher education student lodging, and mixed-use developments featuring hospitality, office, and retail. An efficient work style and distinguished project management capabilities enable TBG to deliver extraordinary results that exceed client expectations consistently.
ABOUT ATLANTA HOUSING
President and Chief Executive Officer Terri M. Lee leads The Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta, Georgia (AH), the largest housing authority in Georgia and one of the largest in the nation. One of 139 Moving to Work (MTW) public housing authorities in America, AH is an industry leader in providing and facilitating affordable housing resources for nearly 27,000 low-income households comprised of approximately 45,000 people, including AH-owned residential communities, tenant-based vouchers, supportive housing, as well as down payment assistance, where innovation leads the approach to making the dream of home ownership attainable for more Atlantans. Programs are funded and regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Visit AH at atlantahousing.org or follow us on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn at @housingatlanta.
SOURCE Atlanta Housing
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (April 19, 2024) – Renowned country music sensation Zac Brown Band has set sail on a musical voyage with the release of their latest single “Pirates & Parrots” featuring acclaimed singer-songwriter and Coral Reefer Band member Mac McAnally (listen HERE.) The track serves as a heartfelt tribute to their esteemed friend and collaborator, the legendary Jimmy Buffett. “Pirates & Parrots” blends Zac Brown Band’s signature sound with the laid-back, island-inspired vibes synonymous with Buffett’s iconic repertoire, capturing the shared passion for storytelling through song. In addition, the “Pirates &Parrots (feat. Mac McAnally)” official lyric video is also available today for fans to watch HERE.
“I’m so excited for you to hear this song and to pay tribute to Jimmy Buffett. It hit me hard when we found out he was exiting the stage, he was an incredible human being,” Brown comments,
Brown premiered “Pirates &Parrots” last Thursday at the Hollywood Bowl’s Keep The PartyGoing: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett, a performance that the LA Times called “a very sweet reminder that this music really meant a lot to a lot of songwriters who took it to new places.” McAnally was, fittingly, the music director and band leader for the tribute concert. Brown also performed his 2010 duet with Buffett, “Knee Deep” and was later joined by Dave Grohl for a special rendition of Van Morrison’s “Brown-Eyed Girl,” a cover that was common in Buffett’s setlists. In addition to Brown, the night saw appearances from an all-star lineup including Paul McCartney, The Eagles, Jon Bon Jovi, Jackson Browne, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Scotty Emerick, Jack Johnson, Caroline Jones, Mac McAnally, Jake Owen, Pitbull, Jake Shimabukuro and The Coral Reefer Band.
Earlier this month,McAnally released his highly anticipated new songs “Oysters and Pearls” and “All The Way Around. Listen here: https://ffm.bio/macmcanally.
“Oysters and Pearls” is a breathtakingly beautiful tune co-written by McAnally andJimmy Buffett. Buffet previously released the song and McAnally honors Buffett by staying true to the infamous island, tropical sound while using his unique vocals to add a sense of soulfulness and emotion to the heartfelt song.
The second new song, “All The Way Around,” paints a vivid picture of life for someone who is curious, adventurous and determined to live life to the fullest. McAnally, who knows a thing or two about traveling “All The Way Around,” wrote the song in anticipation for a performance in Antarctica. The upbeat yet laid back track is sure to become a fan favorite that gets everyone on their feet and wanting more from the talented artist.
McAnally is currently on tour with sold out shows all around the country where fans can hear the ten-time CMA Musician of the Year play all the incredible music from his extensive catalog including his own hits and see for themselves the mind-blowing talent of the man who has written, produced and sang for decades with no sign of slowing down. For more info and tickets to see Mac on tour, please visit http://www.macmcanally.com.
Mac McAnally Live Dates:
April 3 – Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall – SOLD OUT
April 4 – Clearwater, Fla. – Capitol Theatre – SOLD OUT
April 14 – Franklin, Tenn. – Franklin Theatre – SOLD OUT
April 21 – Atlanta, Ga. – City Winery – SOLD OUT
April 23 – Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall – SOLD OUT
April 25 – Clearwater, Fla. – Capitol Theatre – SOLD OUT
April 27 – Boca Raton, Fla. – Mizner Park Amphitheater
April 28 – Orlando, Fla. – The Plaza Live – SOLD OUT
May 4 – Port Neches, Texas – Port Neches RiverFest
May 30 – Hopewell, Va. – The Beacon Theatre
May 31 – Rocky Mount, Va. – Harvester Performance Center – SOLD OUT
June 1 – Bristol, Va. – Paramount Center for the Arts – SOLD OUT
June 7 – Arlington, Texas – Texas Hall
June 8 – Crystal Beach, Texas – Camp Margaritaville
June 14 – Philadelphia, Pa. – City Winery
June 15 – Amagansett, N.Y. – The Stephen Talkhouse – SOLD OUT
Aug. 7 – Mesa, Ariz. – Mesa Arts Center
Aug. 8 – Solana Beach, Calif. – Belly Up Tavern – SOLD OUT
Aug. 9 – West Hollywood, Calif. – The Troubadour
Aug. 31 – Pelham, Tenn. – The Caverns
Aug. 13 – Charleston, S.C. – Charleston Music Hall – SOLD OUT
Aug. 15 – Evans, Ga. – Columbia County Performing Arts Center
Oct. 10 – Port Neches, Texas – Neches River Wheelhouse
Nov. 1 – Newberry, S.C. – Newberry Opera House – SOLD OUT
About Mac McAnally
Record setting 10x CMA Musician of the Year, Mac McAnally is a Nashville Songwriters HoF, Mississippi Musicians HoF and Alabama Music HoF inductee. The renowned songwriter, singer and instrumentalist has written dozens of hit records for other artists, several of which peaked at No. 1. His own recording career began with the debut hit single “It’s A Crazy World” and has grown to 14 album releases. He has written hits for Alabama, Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney and Sawyer Brown, and has studio credits that include albums by Toby Keith, Linda Ronstadt, George Strait and Dolly Parton among many others.
In an emotional message on Instagram two days ago, John and Debbie, owners of the Rise and Shine Doughnut Cafe, located at 1807 Cherry Road, Suite 103, Rock Hill, SC announced their final day of business will be April 28, 2024.
This will be a big loss to the community of Rock Hill, South Carolina. Best of luck to the family and staff on the next adventure that awaits.
Farewell Announcement
Mt Pleasant, SC – April 16, 2024 – Golf enthusiasts will soon have a premier destination to play a round and hone their skills in a completely weatherproof, efficient and convenient location. Set to open summer 2024, The Bays on Coleman is an indoor golf facility that brings state-of-the-art technology and higher end amenities to the heart of Old Mount Pleasant.
The Bays will offer around-the-clock access to its members, increasing accessibility to the sport with bookings available day and night. Golfers can virtually play their favorite courses and use metrics to improve their game. The space will be outfitted with Trackman simulators, an official partner of the PGA and preferred by golf pros across the world. The Bays will also boast a lounge, soundproof booth and an enclosed privacy bay for intimate groups or business gatherings.
Members are welcome to book tee times independently or with guests. The Bays community will have the opportunity to come together and socialize through regularly scheduled leagues, tournaments and special events.
The arrival of The Bays marks the first indoor golf experience in south Mount Pleasant, satisfying a growing demand for many golfers in the area. Golf is experiencing a renaissance nationwide with 6 million new golfers taking up the sport in 2020 alone. Off-course play is on the rise with 48 percent of golfers preferring indoor facilities globally. The Bays empowers more golf, at a moment’s notice, minutes from the home or office.
The Bays will offer limited, full and corporate memberships. Interested parties are welcome to access updates and membership information at thebaysgolf.com.
ABOUT THE BAYS
The Bays on Coleman combines the heritage of Old World golf with New World technology. The indoor golf facility aims to revolutionize the golfing landscape in Mount Pleasant, offering a sophisticated alternative to traditional courses and driving ranges. With cutting-edge technology by Trackman, desirable amenities and a commitment to excellence, the facility sets a new standard for indoor golfing experiences.
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The International African American Museum will host the world premier of a special exhibition highlighting the African-American search for freedom and self-determination.
Entitled Follow the North Star: Freedom in the Age of Mobility, it is the first to be curated and crafted by IAAM that is designed to travel to other museums around the country, introducing them to historical events leading to African American liberation, according to a news release.
The exhibition will be on display from May 23 through Nov. 3, 2024.
nspired by the call to “follow the North Star” to freedom and self-determination, Follow the North Star: Freedom in the Age of Mobility tells the stories of those who forged new paths, paving the way for others, the release stated. This multi-media exploration follows the multifaceted journey of African American liberation through movement.
The exhibition was made possible through a $1 million gift from Michelin North America Inc., according to the release. In addition, the Michelin Corporate Foundation was one of the museum’s founding donors, with a philanthropic investment to launch and support the International African American Museum. While Michelin serves as presenting sponsor of Follow the North Star, IAAM’s first traveling exhibition, additional funding was provided by the Mellon Foundation.
“Michelin is proud to partner with the International African American Museum in Charleston, which opened last June. Our partnership reflects one of our core values — Respect for People — and supports our desire to educate, inform and inspire about the history and heritage of the African American communities,” said Alexis Garcin, president and CEO of Michelin North America Inc., in the release. “More specifically, it celebrates the theme of being free to move. Our sponsorship of this new exhibit illuminates that goal.”
Through the lens of historical events related to the African-American search for freedom and lesser-known forms of escape, including folklore, storytelling, and metaphysical travel, visitors will explore this exhibition from three perspectives: Transportation, The Great Migration, and Spirituality/Imagination, the release stated. Whether relocating out West to be a cowboy, creating art in the Harlem Renaissance, or leaving the United States entirely, African Americans have historically transformed their daily lived realities in different ways. This journey toward freedom, a highly pursued and often elusive destination, has taken many forms, from recurring Back-to-Africa Movements to the famed Montgomery Bus Boycotts to Afrofuturist visions of other worlds. All in, the African American journey is complex and full of possibility and agency no matter where it leads.
An opening reception will be held on Wednesday, May 22, celebrating the world premiere of this traveling exhibition. Register for the opening reception by clicking here. There will also be a Curator Talk on Thursday, August 8. A link to registration will be forthcoming.
“It’s a remarkable feat to plan and produce a traveling exhibition within our first year of opening, but that’s exactly what we’ve done with Follow the North Star, which will offer a microcosm of the IAAM experience everywhere this very special exhibition travels,” said Malika Pryor, chief learning and engagement officer at IAAM. “It’s the marriage of lesser told stories paired with immersive art, powerful artifacts, and technology that humanizes and elevates the narrative guiding you through a moving journey much like our forefathers may have witnessed,”
Owner Nate Van Valkenburg also owns two other of the leading national franchise network’s home service brands and plans to continue his success with the kitchen, bath and closet design center
CHARLESTON, S.C., April 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Designery, an immersive, full-service kitchen, bath and closet design center featuring high-quality cabinets, will celebrate its newest location in Charleston, South Carolina, with a grand opening on April 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the design center’s new location at 1217 Remount Road.
The Designery Charleston is owned by Nate Van Valkenburg, who also owns a Window Hero and Yard Patrol Pros in the area. All three brands are franchised by HomeFront Brands, a family of companies that hold an increasing number of emerging residential and light commercial property service franchised brands. The grand opening will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. with the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, and beer, wine and charcuterie will be available during the event.
“It’s an honor to open my third HomeFront Brands franchise in the Charleston area,” Van Valkenburg said. “The training, support and guidance I’ve received from HomeFront Brands has enabled me to continue providing homeowners with the services they need to improve their property and enjoy their homes and gardens. I consider myself lucky to be a member of the HomeFront Brands family and expect that The Designery will meet with the same success I’ve had with Window Hero and Yard Patrol Pros.”
In November, Van Valkenburg was awarded HomeFront Brands’ Top Producer of the Year at the franchisor’s annual convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. This award is presented to the franchisee who shows unwavering dedication to success and an unmatched ability to drive revenue.
Van Valkenburg attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and worked in the exterior cleaning business for several years before starting his own business. He and his wife, Ali, live in Charleston with their daughter.
The Designery Charleston serves residents in Folly Beach, Goose Creek, Hanahan, Isle of Palms, James Island, Kiawah Island, Ladson, Lincolnville, North Charleston, Sangaree, Seabrook Island, Sullivan’s Island and Summerville, South Carolina.
The Designery’s in-house design expertise and extensive selection of products, including more than 100 cabinet styles, provide advantages to both homeowners and contractors. Its showrooms provide the ideal setting for personal design consultation, material and finish selection, and a virtual reality design view.
For more information about The Designery Charleston please visit https://thedesignery.com/locations/charleston/.
About The Designery
The Designery was founded in 2007 as A1 Kitchen and Bath, a product wholesale outlet serving the Chattanooga, Tennessee market. In 2019, it rebranded as The Designery and established a franchise model to expand its unique concept: to simplify the kitchen, bath and closet design process by offering premium products, design expertise, project management and trusted professional installation. Its selection of high-quality cabinets, flooring, countertops and accessories makes it a destination for any remodeling, renovation or new construction project. It is a one-stop shop for homeowners and a trusted partner for contractors, with knowledgeable staff to walk clients through every step, from design to project management and installation. The Designery’s immersive showroom and personalized guidance bring luxurious designs to life without the luxury price tag. To learn more about The Designery, please visit https://thedesignery.com/. Follow The Designery on Instagram.
About HomeFront Brands:
HomeFront Brands empowers entrepreneurs to create thriving franchised residential and commercial property service brands. Driven by an experienced team of franchise executives and rooted in family values, HomeFront Brands helps emerging or established concepts accelerate their growth by delivering enterprise-level solutions to local business owners who aspire to build a dynasty and create generational wealth. By leveraging integrated technology, data-driven intelligence and advanced learning management systems, HomeFront Brands is building a foundation for its brands — Window Hero, The Designery, Temporary Wall Systems, Top Rail Fence and Yard Patrol Pros – to transform lives through franchise ownership.
For more information about HomeFront Brands’ current solutions, new business development, and franchising opportunities, please visit https://homefrontbrands.com/.
It’s official. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, will host the 2031 PGA Championship.
The Ocean Course previously hosted the 2012 PGA Championship, won by Rory McIlrory and the 2021 PGA Championship, won by Phil Mickelson. It will join elite company as just the 9th course to host three or more PGA Championships.
The Ocean Course also hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup, Captained by Dave Stockton.
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