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'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

#1
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3/18/08 at 11:11am
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I'm very surprised there isn't already a thread on this. I've only seen the first episode and enjoyed it very much. I have heard some complaints about Paul Giamatti playing the lead due to his physical appearance, but I know what I saw was great.
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#2
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3/18/08 at 11:19am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Did you miss the second episode that came on right after the first one? A great mini-series so far.






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#3
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3/18/08 at 11:31am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

I wanna see this, but I don't have HBO. In 4 or 5 years the inevitable DVD set (always a good thing) will drop in price to a reasonable level from HBO's exorbitant initial cost and I will see it then. In the meantime, in May I'll have the excellent PBS miniseries The Adams Chronicles, which follows the whole Adams line through lives of public service.

PatH
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#4
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3/18/08 at 11:36am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

I'll probably try to catch the first three episodes during the free trial Comcast is doing this weekend, but who knows when I'll see the rest; the cost of the eventual BD collection already scares me.
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#5
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3/18/08 at 12:21pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert Crawford
Did you miss the second episode that came on right after the first one? A great mini-series so far.
I have the second one on the DVR but haven't been able to watch it yet.
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#6
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3/18/08 at 12:54pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

I dropped HBO after John from Cincinnati ended in a cost-cutting move, so I'll have to wait for the DVDs. (And in the meantime I, too, will enjoy watching The Adams Chronicles for the first time in thirtysome years.)

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Joe
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#7
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3/18/08 at 1:51pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason Seaver
I'll probably try to catch the first three episodes during the free trial Comcast is doing this weekend, but who knows when I'll see the rest; the cost of the eventual BD collection already scares me.
Exactly my plan. Have the DVR set to record the 3 airing during the free trial. I guess if it's that good I could order HBO for one month and then cancel it. Or wait to rent the rest later. We'll see.
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#8
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3/18/08 at 1:51pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottH
I have heard some complaints about Paul Giamatti playing the lead due to his physical appearance, but I know what I saw was great.

Have these people never seen a portrait of Adams? He was short and stocky so I think Giamatti is physically just right for the role.
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#9
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3/18/08 at 2:26pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin Hewell
Have these people never seen a portrait of Adams? He was short and stocky so I think Giamatti is physically just right for the role.
I agree.

Here is one example of a critic complaining about it:

New York Times - 'John Adams' Review

An excerpt:
Quote:
John Adams is the weakest part of “John Adams.”

Based on David McCullough’s biography of Adams, the second president, “John Adams” is certainly worthy and beautifully made, and it has many masterly touches at the edges, especially Laura Linney as Abigail. But Paul Giamatti is the wrong choice for the hero.

It’s not his fault. Mr. Giamatti, who starred in “Sideways,” is a gifted actor. Still, in this historical drama, Mr. Giamatti is a prisoner of a limited range and rubbery, cuddly looks — in 18th-century britches and wigs, he looks like Shrek.
He does then go on to say that "it's not about looks," but "screen presence." Not sure what he's talking about but I only saw the first hour.
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#10
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3/18/08 at 6:33pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Quote:
Have these people never seen a portrait of Adams? He was short and stocky so I think Giamatti is physically just right for the role.

When Adams was Vice President he was given the mocking title of "His Rotundity", so I don't see what the problem is, either. (Both William Daniels - who created the role of Adams in 1776 on Broadway and reprised it in the film - and George Grizzard - who played Adams in The Adams Chronicles - were notably better looking and trimmer than the actual Adams.)

Regards,

Joe
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#11
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3/18/08 at 6:44pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

I saw the first 2 episodes and enjoyed them both.
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#12
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3/18/08 at 11:16pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Quote:
He does then go on to say that "it's not about looks," but "screen presence." Not sure what he's talking about but I only saw the first hour.

Yeah, I read the review and thought: did Giamani kick him down a flight of stairs somewhere?

Because (being a history major) I thought he was damn near dead on casting; he may be a touch to "pretty" for how people of the time period really were, but he much more closely matches the way I would perceive of John Adams based of all we know in comparison to almost any other major actor I can think of. I have been really pleased with his subtle, open performance that I think very well captures John Adams.

Very solid series. Has "EMMY" written all over it.
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#13
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3/19/08 at 3:41am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Love this series so far. The criticism of Paul Giamatti is unfounded IMHO.

I especially liked the scene where Jefferson, Franklin and Adams are starting to fomulate the Declaration of Independence, the looks that Adams and Jefferson exchange while Franklin is "editing" the declaration was priceless.

Looking forward to following this one - about time HBO put something worthwhile on their programming docket.
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#14
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3/19/08 at 4:56am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Watched Join or Die this morning off my Tivo. Would
have continued with Independance but a scheduling
conflict with the recording forced me to tape the non-HD version
which I quickly shut off within 5 minutes. I am awaiting the HD
replay this afternoon.

In a word, OUTSTANDING!

I am not only thoroughly enjoying it, but find myself emotionally
attached to Giamatti's performance. I have always loved Paul
Giamatti and to watch him do such an incredible portrayal
of the man that would become a courageous founding father of
our Country is a real treat. I am captivated by his performance.

The first episode was rather fascinating for me because I never
realized that Adams had been a lawyer who defended a British
commander in a massacre incident. At first glimpse of Adams,
one would never have suspected that he would one day join
the rebellion and the Continental Congress.

Anyone that has HBO ought to give this series a look. It's easily
digestible in 1 hour segments and there are plenty of replays this
entire week that would enable one to tape the first two parts.

Looking forward to watching Independance Later today.
Ronald J Epstein
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#15
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3/19/08 at 5:29am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

"Looking forward to following this one - about time HBO put something worthwhile on their programming docket."

Ive basically given up on their series, but they seem to do these sort of things well.


Im still looking foward to The Pacific.
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#16
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3/19/08 at 5:36am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Rankin
Love this series so far. The criticism of Paul Giamatti is unfounded IMHO.

I especially liked the scene where Jefferson, Franklin and Adams are starting to fomulate the Declaration of Independence, the looks that Adams and Jefferson exchange while Franklin is "editing" the declaration was priceless.

Looking forward to following this one - about time HBO put something worthwhile on their programming docket.
Yes, it was interesting to see Jefferson as the writer of the Declaration with Franklin and Adams acting as editors in order to get the Declaration approved by the whole Continental Congress.
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#17
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3/19/08 at 8:10am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

I watched both episodes on Sunday and can't wait for the next episode. I had not read the book so I was surprised to see the Thomas Jefferson had to be persuaded to write the Declaration of Independence. I never learned that in any of my History classes in school.

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#18
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3/19/08 at 10:01am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

I haven't started watching this yet, but am collecting it on the dvr. I think Giamatti would be doubled over laughing if he read all the complaints that he is too pretty for the role. Has to be the first time in his life "Pig Vomit" heard that.
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#19
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3/19/08 at 3:12pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Because (being a history major) I thought he was damn near dead on casting; he may be a touch to "pretty" for how people of the time period really were, but he much more closely matches the way I would perceive of John Adams based of all we know in comparison to almost any other major actor I can think of. I have been really pleased with his subtle, open performance that I think very well captures John Adams.

I'll bet that's the first time Paul Giamatti has ever been accused of being "pretty."
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#20
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3/19/08 at 7:53pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Quote:
I had not read the book so I was surprised to see the Thomas Jefferson had to be persuaded to write the Declaration of Independence. I never learned that in any of my History classes in school.

Guess you've never seen the musical 1776, either. They get a big number out of the reluctance of all the members of the Declaration committee to actually write the thing.

The play itself is surprisingly faithful to the real history. There is one major structural change - the vote on the Declaration and independence itself are combined into a single event. But that was pretty much unavoidable because debating the text of the doument after the issue itself was decided would have been fatally anti-climactic in the context of the play.

They also combined some characters in order to keep the number of speaking roles manageable. (Some of Sam Adams' words and actions are attributed to John in the play, but the personality is all John. One famous comment of Sam's is omitted however - because the playwrights knew that nobody would believe he really said it and that they hadn't put the words in his mouth. During the debate over slavery Samuel Adams said, "Mark my words - if we give in on this issue there will be trouble a hundred years hence." He was only off by fifteen years. )

The DVD of the film version of 1776 is gorgeous, and they restored several scenes and one entire musical number that were cut just before it was released. It would make a very nice companion piece to the current John Adams mini-series. (BTW, I also heartily recommend McCullough's book, along with his 1776 and - oh, hell, everything the man has written starting with The Jamestown Flood. You won't be disappointed. And history buffs will also enjoy McCullough's narration of the Ken Burns Civil War and a number of other presentation from The American Experience on PBS. )

Regards,

Joe
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#21
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3/20/08 at 7:42am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joseph DeMartino
I dropped HBO after John from Cincinnati ended in a cost-cutting move, so I'll have to wait for the DVDs. (And in the meantime I, too, will enjoy watching The Adams Chronicles for the first time in thirtysome years.)

Regards,

Joe

Yeah HBO seems to be in Network Mode these days, John was a great series that warranted a Series 2, as did Deadwood Deserve to continue.
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#22
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3/20/08 at 7:44am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Rankin
Love this series so far. The criticism of Paul Giamatti is unfounded IMHO.

I especially liked the scene where Jefferson, Franklin and Adams are starting to fomulate the Declaration of Independence, the looks that Adams and Jefferson exchange while Franklin is "editing" the declaration was priceless.

Looking forward to following this one - about time HBO put something worthwhile on their programming docket.

Giamatti is a gifted Versitile actor look at the diversity of all the roles he has taken from Sideways to Pig Vomit in Private Parts (God that DVD Needs a Re-Issue) to the Killer in Shoot em up.
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#23
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3/23/08 at 8:40pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

I have not yet seen tonights episode but have just finished the last episode from from last week and I have to say the measure of a great show is when you can look past the actors and totally immerse youself in the moment. I felt like a fly on the wall when Adams, Ben Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson were drawing up the Declaration Of Indepedence. It was as if I were there when it happened. Thank God I didn't cancel HBO after The Sopranos, HBO just might have some redemming quality after all.

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#24
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3/24/08 at 5:39am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Just finished watching this week's Don't Tread On Me,
which clearly stands out as the series strongest entry to date.

I love Mylan's remark of being "a fly on the wall," as that is
exactly the feeling one has watching this series. The performances
and cinematography are so well done that you feel as if you are
watching history unfolding before your eyes.

Paul Giamatti's performance is just brilliant. He has suddenly moved
up the ranks as one of my favorite top Hollywood actors. As I stated
previously, I am so emotionally attached to his character. In a lot
of ways he represents many of us who lack the skills of being a
dignitary, but yet are fighters at heart. I identify with his character
on so many levels.

This episode truly showed the enormous production value that was
put into this series, particularly the battle aboard the ship and the
scope of Versailles. I sat in amazement watching the uncomfortableness
and frustration of John Adams in French society. One cannot help but
feel for him as he fights so hard for his accomplishments only to be
perceived as a "second fiddle" to the beloved Ben Franklin.

I give great applause to HBO for investing and bringing this series
to its this network. It is so refreshing to take a personal look at
the magnitude of someone as John Adams. He is everything that
encompasses the meaning of being a great man -- and he truly was.
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#25
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3/24/08 at 11:14am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

So what's with all the digs on HBO's quality of original programming lately? 'The Wire' (possibly the greatest television show of all time) only just ended 2 weeks ago. And we've still got 'Entourage', 'Flight of the Conchords', 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', 'Big Love'...not to mention the very ambitious 'In Treatment' (why isn't anyone talking about this series?). All that, with 'John Adams', the upcoming 'Generation Kill' and all of the other recent original films, I'd say HBO has never been better for original programming (The Wire's sad departure notwithstanding).
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#26
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3/24/08 at 11:58am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottH
So what's with all the digs on HBO's quality of original programming lately?
Basically, I agree with you but I think the bulk of that comes from HBO losing and not having anything BIG to replace its flagship (The Sopranos which alot people just seemed to complain about anyway), cancelling shows that were very expensive for the small numbers that they got (Carnivale and Deadwood) or a great show but no one watched it (The Wire).

That being said, I have to admit that the only things that I still want to see are Curb Your Enthusiasm and Entourage. I'll also give any new show a shot but John From Cincinnati was the only new series that I've liked since Deadwood or Entourage started. Based on the strength of The Wire, I do have high hopes for Generation Kill though.
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#27
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3/24/08 at 12:02pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Yeah the only thing I still watched on HBO was Big Love, I've caught a few wire's here and there, it's a great show but not one you can jump into. It's just that I think also the Cancellation of Deadwood in mid stride, for cost cutting measures, and to a Lesser Degree John in Cincinatti, soured alot of People to HBO. That and the Fact that Showtime, with Dexter, Weeds and Californication, and the Tudors (which I Have'nt watched) seems to be hitting a peak that HBO experienced when they had Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Sex and the City and Deadwood.
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#28
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3/24/08 at 1:00pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Theres definitely been a backlash against HBO. Its started with the cancelling Carnivale and only got worse with Deadwood. Rome was supposed to go 5 seasons and got canned even ending the second season short with 10 eps instead of 12.

The ending of Sopranos pissed off alot of people as well.

Deadwood was it for me. If it wasnt for boxing, I would have cancelled HBO.HBO isnt supposed to be like network TV. If I wanted a network that would cancel shows I invested in, Id watch FOX. You make a investment in these characters and expect a premiuim channel to finish what they started. Especially when theyre constantly reminding you its not TV, its HBO.

I wont be investing in new shows, whats the point if theyre only going to cancel them? Big Love, In Treatment(whats with this country obsession with therapy???).. no thanks. I'll will watch Entourage to the end. HBO is also trying to make it difficult for me because Anna Paquin has a show coming on by 6FU creator Alan Ball based on the Southern Vampire stories. You can expect it in Sept and HBO has high hopes for it.

With Brotherhood, Dexter, Californication, Meadowlands, Tudors,Weeds I think alot of people who are fed up with HBO are watching Showtime instead.

I dont want to turn this into a HBO sucks thread, but you did ask.


John Adams was awhile in the making, and Im a sucker for historical pieces like this - so Ive been looking foward to this one.
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#29
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3/24/08 at 1:53pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Watched first two parts during DirecTV's free preview weekend. DVD just announced for 6/10. Potential price scares me, but I want to see the rest of it so bad! (I dropped HBO after cancellation of Carnivale.)
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#30
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3/24/08 at 2:33pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Last night's episode Don't Tread on Me was a masterpiece. The staging and acting of the French Court had such an aura of authenticity. As in Walter Cronkite's You Are There series I felt as if I was there.
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