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Hideaways Top Travel Gear
Travel Gear & Products, Both Quirky & Practical
We've run across some interesting travel products and gadgets recently, and
thought it would be fun and informational to share them with you. Why not try
one or two on your next trip?
Review by Hideaways President, Mike Thiel
A 320 page picture book offering a nostalgic look back at life in Cuba before Castro. Author Ramiro Fernandez was just 8-years old when he was exiled, like so many else in 1960. Later, when he became a photo editor for Time Magazine, he developed a fascination with the history, culture and people of his island homeland and began collecting all the photos he could find of life there. The book includes photos from the late 1800s to the early 1960s covering many aspects of Cuban life and culture, from the glamorous to the gritty. In total, it gives a wide-angle view of what many consider a paradise lost, however I found it a bit of a mish-mash, with no particular organization or perspective. Nevertheless, if you are a Cuba-bound, a Cuba buff, or like I, have deep family connections to the island, you should enjoy flipping through this photo stroll back in time.
The Monacelli Press, 320 pages, $40;
http://www.monacellipress.com/book/?isbn=9781580935104
Kwilt Shoebox Mini
Review by Hideaways President, Mike Thiel
Full disclosure: we received a sample of this product too close to the deadline for our e-newsletter to really test it out. Conceptually, however, it seems pretty cool for anyone too paranoid about privacy to use photos.google.com or other cloud storage as it keeps all your backups on your home network. We checked reviews on it and most seemed quite positive. From a travel perspective, it should give you the ability to back up your trip photos on the go, and be able to retrieve or view them, also on the go, making sure that if you take a dunking or some other dastardly fate befalls your cell phone, you'll at least have the photos you took until then. It will also allow you to free up valuable space on your phone to take more pics. www.KwiltShoebox.com.
Price $59;
www.KwiltShoebox.com
Reliefband 2.0®
What the Company Says:
Reliefband's newest product, Reliefband 2.0 ®, a wearable, clinically proven device uses technology to deliver a natural and drug-free treatment to control nausea. Worn similar to a wrist watch it delivers gentle pulses to the median nerve at a pressure point located at the wrist. The pulses transmit a signal to the nausea control center of the brain to resolve the conflict between what we see and what we feel to naturally dispel all feelings of nausea.
Reliefband 2.0 ® costs $174.99; www.reliefband.com/products/reliefband%C2%AE-2-0
What the Company Says:
Cuba continues to captivate visitors with its vibrant culture, colorful cities, and incredible cuisine. ¡Cuba! explores the magic of this country through recipes and stories that will set taste buds on fire and delight even the most well-seasoned traveler. Fascinated by its people and their endlessly delicious home-cooked cuisine, friends Dan Goldberg and Andrea Kuhn have been visiting this magnetic country, capturing its passion and vibrancy, for the past five years. Dan, an award-winning photographer, and Andrea, an acclaimed prop stylist and art director, along with renowned food writer Jody Eddy, bring the best of Cuban food to home kitchens with more than 75 meticulously tested recipes. Retail price: $30. Click here for more information.
Hideaways Review --by Hideaways President Mike Thiel
With Cuba being the hot travel destination, it's nice to learn more about the country through its cuisine. After all, many destinations are intrinsically intertwined with their food, and Cuba is no exception. Dan Goldberg, together with food writer Jody Eddy and stylist Andrew Kuhn, have produced a mouth-watering book about Cuba's distinct blend of Afro-Creole cuisine. But it's far more than just a cookbook. Through gorgeous photos and short vignettes, the book tells a story of the Cuban people and their lives, ingenuity, and history through its food, with interesting stories woven into the discussion about its source, preparation, and consumption. The book is quite comprehensive in its coverage of food, from basics to snacks, street food, classic entrees, desserts, and even cocktails. And did I mention that it is beautifully illustrated? What's especially nice about the photos--both the shots of food and the local scenes--is that they are so natural and un-staged.
Having been born in Havana and spent many chunks of my youth in Cuba, it sure brought back memories for me, and I plan on spending much more time savoring the scenes and stories, as well as preparing some of the dishes I remember so fondly. If you're headed for Cuba--and especially if you're an aficionado of international cuisines--I'd highly recommend this book.
What the Company Says:
Active Edge™ Gear claims their proprietary process of infusing wearable products and fabrics with "a recipe of electromagnetic frequencies" will improve oxygen intake and blood flow, decrease inflammation, enhance performance and general wellness, and improve sleep. The company claims that their products have passed multiple clinical trials and are being tested by the Department of Defense. Retail t-shirt price: $64.99. Check out their website here.
Hideaways Review --by Hideaways President Mike Thiel
I was particularly interested in the product's impact on sleep and whether it would be helpful in overcoming jetlag. I tested two of their products, a t-shirt for myself and a dog collar for our aging office mascot, Casey. I've used the Active Edge t-shirt as a nightshirt on numerous occasions now, though not in a jetlagged situation. While the claim seems preposterous and you may wonder how an electromagnetic effect can be infused in a fabric, I have to admit that I have slept somewhat better with this t-shirt on than with other nightshirts. Also, on one occasion when I was suffering a bout of A-fib, after donning the shirt to go to bed, I woke up the next morning with my heart in sync. A coincidence? A psychosomatic response? Who knows? I will say, it is one of the most comfortable t-shirts I own.
As for the dog collar, I was sort of hoping it would help Casey overcome his gimpiness. However, at 12+ years old and with two bad legs, that may have been too much to expect or hope for.
What the Company Says:
For decades, DK Eyewitness Travel Guides have helped travelers experience the world through the history, art, architecture, and culture of their destinations. Expert travel writers and researchers provide independent editorial advice, recommendations, and reviews for these highly visual travel guides. The award-winning, bestselling DK Eyewitness Travel Guides will help you plan trips to more than 200 destinations around the world. Thousands of photographs, maps, and custom illustrations bring each destination to life while in-depth cultural and historical information ensures you know the stories behind the sights. Retail price: $14. Click here for more information.
Hideaways Review --by Hideaways President Mike Thiel
In this day and age of smart phone apps for everything, it is difficult for paper guides to compete. That said, I still often like to "pack paper" on my trips as long as it is of convenient size and weight. DK has been publishing handy little guides for years, and they have always ranked among my favorites. Normally, we aren't too fond of "Top 10" lists as they beg the questions "In whose mind?" and "For whom?" Nevertheless, for a first-time visitor to a destination, this is a handy way to organize information. Some of the categories included in their listings are architectural highlights, museums, art galleries, nightlife, LGBT venues, restaurants, shopping, festivals, walking tours, day trips, and children's attractions. The books run about 160-ish pages in a 4" X 7.5" format that is easy to tuck in a pocket or purse and include convenient fold-out maps in each cover as well as a pull-out map. If you're still fond of paper, we'd highly recommend these guides.
What the Company Says:
From the team behind the best-selling Atlas of Adventures. Head off on a journey of discovery, with this book that collects together nature's most unmissable events from between the two poles, including epic migrations, extraordinary behaviours, and Herculean habits. Find hundreds of things to spot and learn new facts about every animal. Recommended for kids age 6 to 9. Published by Wide-Eyed Editions. Retail price: $22.54. Click here for more information.
Hideaways Review--by Hideaways President Mike Thiel
I thought this book would be a tome of cataloguing the world's top animal adventures for tripping purposes. It sort of is . . . and isn't . . . and is more than that. With an oversized 11" x 15" format and its highly graphic presentation, it is clearly aimed at kids. And for that purpose it's great. I can just imagine picking one adventure about a species in some far-flung destination around the world to read to your child or grandchild each evening. They'll learn a lot about wildlife and nature, but they also will learn a lot about geography. Most of all, it should inspire them to become world travelers and explorers, and to appreciate all that nature has to offer. Beyond that, as an adult you might even learn something from it and be inspired by it. For instance, did you know that during the Middle Ages, narwhals' tusks were sold by hunters as unicorn horns and fetched about ten times their weight in gold? Or that a platypus scoops up gravel with its meal of insects, worms, and shellfish because it has no teeth and the stones serve as a grinding mechanism? The book is handsomely illustrated, and factoids and information are provided in short clips for easy digestion by kids. I had hoped to spend more time reading through this fascinating book myself, but my granddaughter's fifth birthday is coming up and I know she'll really enjoy this book.
What the Company Says:
The ecbc Lance Executive Daypack is perfect for the regular business traveler on the move. This high-quality backpack will carry you from the office to the airport, organized and ready to depart. The ecbc Lance Executive Daypack was designed specifically for today's modern business traveler and can replace your briefcase, holding your laptop and documents, all while allowing you to be hands-free. With several organization compartments, take everything you need anywhere. The Lance Executive Daypack is the perfect grab & go bag! Retail price: $149.99. Check out their website here.
Hideaways Review --by Hideaways President Mike Thiel
If you're an executive on the run, a road warrior, or even just doing the daily commute with a lot of computer gear and gadgets, this is the backpack for you. My first impression was, "Boy, this is well and solidly made!" It has nicely organized and expandable pockets for your laptop, iPad, and all the support equipment you need to do business on the road, plus pockets for your water bottle and more. The pockets provide great protection for your sensitive gizmos, and the padded shoulder and chest straps provide comfortable support. Perhaps most important, the Lance daypack features the "FastPass" system; just zip and flip open the computer compartment, lay it flat on the TSA X-ray conveyor, and you can breeze through airport checkpoints without unpacking all your gear--and possibly forgetting or losing some of it. If I had one critique of the bag, it is that, at 3.5 pounds, it seems a bit heavy, but it's hard to achieve this quality and keep things light.
What the Company Says:
HomingPIN puts the owner and finder of lost property together, so that mislaid and lost property can be returned. Mobile phones, cameras, iPads, laptops, passports, wallets, and bicycles can all be a nightmare when mislaid. Yet when they arrive at a lost-property office or police station, only approximately 25 percent are returned to the owner because there is no simple way to track down the owner. HomingPIN provides baggage loops with tags, key rings, and stickers that have a unique number on them. Those numbers are activated by providing HomingPIN with your mobile phone number(s) and email address. The finder simply connects to the owner by going online to homingpin.com, or if an airport by using their WorldTracer system for baggage handling. By inputting their details and the homingPIN number(s) found, a text message is sent instantly to the owner. The owner then contacts the finder and arranges to get their property back. Retail price for Starter Tag Set: $10. Click here for more information.
Hideaways Review --by Hideaways Editor Pat Chaudoin
This seems like a good concept for finding lost luggage and other personal property when traveling, and the two baggage loops I tried--one for a carryon and one for a checked piece--certainly were easy to register online. That said, it's impossible to pass judgment on how well they would work or how easy it would be to connect with the finder, since neither bag was lost. I will say that the unusual-looking tag attached to my checked piece may have drawn attention to it, because TSA opened and inspected that bag.
What the Company Says:
The first illustrated edition of the classic sailing memoir by Joshua Slocum, the first man to circumnavigate the globe alone! Sailing Alone Around the World is Joshua Slocum's memoir about sailing alone around the world aboard his sloop, Spray. The book was an
immediate success when it was first published in 1900 and was highly influential in inspiring later travelers to do the same. Published by Zenith Press. Retail price: $35
Hideaways
Review--by Hideaways President
Mike Thiel
Everything old is new again! This tale of the first person to circumnavigate the world sailing alone was first published in 1900 and was a hit back
then. It's been in print ever since. I read a vintage edition longer ago than I care to admit, and found the Yankee skipper's yarns about his
adventures and his observations about distant lands both intriguing and inspiring. The newest edition of the story, published by Zenith Press, is a
beautifully illustrated cocktail-table version of the epic, which makes it even more readable and enjoyable. It would make a great holiday gift for the
armchair traveler or maritime enthusiast on your list.
What the Company Says:
Intrigued by tales of his parents' long-ago journey to the pre-revolutionary "Pearl of the Antilles," award-winning photographer Byron Motley traveled to
Cuba more than a decade ago and instantly fell in love. Year after year he has returned with his camera to explore its vistas, its people, and its spirit.
Forgoing the political imagery that has dominated American media, Motley highlights the many ways in which Cubans retain and nourish their zest for life
despite the scarcity of every day. Through his vivid photographs, readers discover the real Cuba: its heart-stopping architecture and infectious energy,
its cars seemingly teleported from the past, its love of baseball so fierce as to be nearly religious, the joy of community, and the unexpected
juxtapositions of life in the last bastion of communism in the Western world. Published by University Press of Florida. Retail price: $34.95.
Hideaways
Review--by Hideaways Editor Pat Chaudoin
These beautiful images of Cuba--a country seemingly frozen in time, and a rising star on the travel horizon--capture moments of spontaneity and humor
in everyday Cuban life. The book is divided into themed chapters on topics like architecture, music, and baseball, with introductory comments by the
photographer, Byron Motley. I especially enjoyed the sections on Cuba's dogs--both coddled and scruffy--and its old-fashioned American-made
automobiles, which the author says give Cuba the feeling of being a traveling museum. This is a wonderful "first-look" at Cuba for anyone hoping to
travel there.
 
What the Company Says:
What started as a mission to help people with food allergies has now expanded to help people with all sorts of diet and health concerns when they travel to
countries where they don't speak the language. Our travel translation cards are used by people all over the world, and today we supply our cards to
customers in more than 20 countries. Our customers are very diverse--from parents and grandparents to business travelers, military families, students,
adventurers, and sometimes people who are just on vacation!
SlotFlops™
What the Company Says:
This is the only footwear now available with compartments large enough to carry
six credit cards in the soles of your flip-flops. They are extremely useful
while at the beach, poolside, or during other vacation activities when you want
to be hands-free of a wallet or purse. SlotFlops™ have a thin, flexible,
cushioned footbed with natural arch support due to the position of the slot
insert. They are available in men's and women's sizes, in six colors, and sell
for $25.95;
Hideaways-exclusive perk:
Order
your SlotFlops for just $19.95 (save $6)! Request a $6 rebate after purchase by emailing mattp@slotflops.com.
HuMn Wallet
What the Company Says:
Forget the big bulging wallet that is a pickpocket's best friend. The new HuMn
Mini is about the size of a credit card and can be configured in one, two, or
three powder-coated aluminum plates with a shock strap. The wallet comes in a
variety of colors. Best of all for travelers, the aluminum plates protect you
from electronic theft by shielding your credit cards from RFID skimming. Prices
start at $76; www.humnwallet.com.
Hideaways-exclusive perk:
Save 20% on your entire shopping cart with free domestic shipping for a
complete wallet purchase. Enter promo code: hideaways
Downy Wrinkle Releaser® Plus
What the Company Says:
The last thing anyone on vacation wants to deal with is wrinkly clothing. The next time you travel for vacation or work, put that hotel iron away. Now you
can simply spray your clothes with Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus. Silicones in Downy Wrinkle Release Plus grip the fabric fibers in garments, making it
possible for them to slide against each other rather than be frozen in a crease--so wrinkles are no longer a time-consuming part of your dressing routine. http://www.downywrinklereleaserplus.com
Hideaways Review—by Hideaways President
Mike Thiel
We tried this product, and it pretty much works as promised. Just hang your wrinkled clothes, give them a spray, tug and smooth the item, and let it
hang for a brief while. It seems to work best on synthetics, but also did a good job for us on light cotton. It also made ironing heavily wrinkled
clothes easier. We'd give it a B+/A- rating for concept and effectiveness. You can buy it in a travel-size spray bottle, which is convenient. Be aware
that it is lightly but somewhat pleasantly scented.
Mosquitno™ Bandz
What the Company Says:
Forget coating yourself in messy, toxic bug sprays. Mosquitno wristbands create a long-lasting, personal repellent zone that will not wash off or wear off
throughout the day. Mosquitno Bandz are all-natural, non-toxic wristbands made of silicone rubber infused with 100% citronella oil. Each Mosquitno Bandz
contains enough citronella to effectively repel bugs for up to 150 hours of exposure (or six days), and each comes in a re-sealable pouch to preserve
effectiveness between uses. Mosquitno Bandz are available in eight solid colors, camouflage, tie-dye and glow-in-the-dark in sizes for adults and children.
Retail price: $3.99. http://www.mosquitnoband.com
Hideaways Review—by Hideaways President Mike Thiel
We have the biggest, meanest mosquitoes I've encountered anywhere in the world--and that includes safaris in Africa, trips on the Amazon, and jungle
expeditions in Belize and Costa Rica--right around our home on the marshes of New Hampshire's Seacoast. So we're always looking for a way to stay safe
from them. We recently field tested Mosquitno wristbands and the company's other product, Spotzzz stickers that you put on your shoes, hat, and
clothes, that are impregnated with natural citronella to repel mosquitoes and other bugs. They certainly are convenient and a good alternative for
those who are allergic to or just don't like the idea of using DEET repellants. As for effectiveness, I'd give them a B+. They are not as effective as
DEET for heavy-duty bug repelling, but they're easy to toss in your suitcase, present no issue as far as TSA is concerned, and are handy to have along
when you expect some not overly aggressive bugs. Note: For those who are sensitive to perfumes and fragrances, they do give off a fairly powerful
citronella smell.
BubbleBum®
What the Company Says:
This is a cost-effective, portable, lightweight, brightly colored, inflatable car booster seat that is perfect for travel and other scenarios when you need
to pack along a car booster seat for children ages 4-11, and between 40 and 100 pounds. It's created from durable material similar to that of life vests,
and inflates by mouth in 20 seconds flat. BubbleBum comes in black, purple, neon pink, and neon yellow. Retail price: $29.99. https://www.bubblebum.co/us/
Hideaways Review—by Hideaways Writer
Kristyn Lak Miller
Quick story: My husband, Mark, and I fly with only carry-ons--even with two young children--to minimize airport wait time. So we were quite displeased
when a recent car-rental experience took an extra hour because of confusion over our car-seat reservation. If only we had had a BubbleBum with us! This
clever inflatable car booster seat is designed for children ages 4-11 and for modern parents and grandparents on the go. When deflated, the lightweight
and compact seat folds flat to fit easily in a purse or bag; when inflated (which takes about 20 seconds), it looks and acts like a conventional
booster seat and meets all U.S. safety testing standards. It's a portable go-to for rental cars, taxis, and car pools that is comfy and colorful,
too--our daughter always asks to ride in her purple seat!
Vivitar® DVR 787HD Action Camera
What the Company Says:
Designed with the extreme sports enthusiast in mind, the Vivetar DVR 787 makes it easy to capture every skydiving, biking, rafting, snowboarding, surfing,
and other excellent adventure in dynamic, full 1080p high definition at 30 fps. With its easy-to-use remote control and bike/ATV
and helmet mounts included, the DVR 787 is perfect for hands-free recording of every heart-pounding second in first-person point of view to share the
adventure with friends. The remote lets you capture only the footage and still shots you want with the touch of a button, without having to stop or fumble
with the camera. Featuring a waterproof enclosure, the DVR 787 is protected against splashes and submersion up to a 30-foot depth. Available at amazon.com
and Walmart for less than $100.
http://www.vivitar.com/products/2/digital-video-recorders/1178/dvr-787hd
Hideaways Review—by Hideaways President Mike Thiel
I've now tried the Vivitar DVR 787HD Action Cam in a variety of situations: float fishing in Montana, buzzing around in a helicopter while salmon
fishing in British Columbia, on and in the water in the Turks & Caicos, and kayaking around my home. Honestly, I have mixed feelings about it. Its
HD video footage is high quality, and it has a nice wide-angle view of the world along with a 4X zoom capability. Its still photos don't seem as good
or sharp, and the camera has limitations in low light. Other good points: It is tiny and light.
My major critiques of it are its reliability, ease of use of controls, and overall quality of construction. Maybe it was just me, but the remote seemed
to work sometimes, not others, and it was difficult to tell if the camera was actually recording. For instance, I thought I had the camera rolling for
a sequence where we were floating down the Madison River and I hooked and landed a 20-plus-inch brown trout, only to find nothing had recorded.
Regarding overall quality of construction and design, the rubber flaps that cover input/output/SD card slots are a weakness. One on my test camera
won't close no matter how hard I try. Also, neither the camera nor its waterproof case provides a loop where a lanyard can be attached. The lack of
this is a big issue when you are using the camera for snorkeling or underwater photography, as it could just float away.
A big advantage of the camera is that it is relatively inexpensive and comes with a bunch of mounts. You can find it online for well under $100 as
compared to $300-$400 for a GoPro 3. If you're willing to deal with its limitations, it's a deal. However, how much are your experiences and recording
them reliably worth? My overall rating: C+.
Day Trips New England
What the Company Says:
This guide is packed with hundreds of things for locals and vacationers to do,
see, and discover within a two-hour drive to and from many top New England
destinations. With full trip-planning information, Day Trips New England
helps make the most of a brief getaway. Published by
Globe Pequot Press, $16.95.
Hideaways Review—by Hideaways
President Mike Thiel
"The guide is perhaps a good first stop/idea generator for those coming to
New England for the first time or who've lived in the area but not traveled
around it much. I found it not particularly comprehensive or insightful, and in
fact, somewhat superficial. It makes the mistake of trying to recommend
restaurants, which are notorious for going up or down in quality or going out
of business altogether. So it is true to its subtitle, but left me wanting a
lot more. This guide is one in a series that covers other travel destinations."
Southern Light: Images from Antarctica
By David Neilson
What the Company Says:
In order to produce this stunning, coffee-table-style hardcover book,
photographer David Neilson embarked on six journeys to Antarctica and the
sub-Antarctic to explore the wonders of this beautiful frozen landscape and
capture the exquisite light of the southernmost continent. Southern Light
is spectacular from beginning to end, filled with 130 full-color and 100
black-and-white images of the rugged topography of the Antarctic Peninsula.
You'll especially love the many panoramic gatefolds that open out to three
times the size of a normal page. Published by
Abbeville Press, $85.
Hideaways Review—by Hideaways President Mike Thiel
"This amazing book is the next best thing to being there yourself--perfect
for the armchair traveler. Better yet, let these photos be your inspiration for
traveling to Antarctica in person!"
The Pocket Monkey
What the Company Says:
This TSA-approved, 12-in1 tool weighs only one ounce and fits easily into a
pocket or a credit card slot in your wallet. Durable and versatile, the Pocket
Monkey is constructed of hardened stainless steel and serves a variety of
everyday and specialty functions—perfect for impromptu projects anywhere
they may arise. It is the functional gadget that even MacGyver would love,
available for $12; www.zootilitytools.com.
Hideaways Review—by Hideaways President
Mike Thiel
"I personally found it confusing and somewhat gimmicky. The tool didn't come
with any instructions and is not that intuitive. I haven't yet used it in a
'real' situation or tested whether it will pass TSA scrutiny."
Scrubba Wash Bag
What the Company Says:
You're a busy traveler with dirty clothes. What to do? Try this wash bag from
Australia that has a laundry system engineered inside of a knapsack. It's a
wash board of sorts, and with just a bit of water, a little soap, and a few
squeezes, you'll have two days' worth of fresh clothes. The Scrubba Wash Bag is
compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand and includes a clothesline for
drying. It also doubles as a flexible knapsack to carry souvenirs for the
family back home! The Scrubba costs $64.95;
www.thescrubba.com.
Cool-Jams
What the Company Says:
This sleepwear is perfect for travel because it senses what the body needs,
keeping you cool and dry when hot, and warm and cozy when the temperatures dip.
The apparel's innovative, wicking performance fabric is super comfortable
because it feels like silky soft, lightweight cotton. It even has advanced
antibacterial protection right in the fabric. And a percentage of all Cool-jams
sales goes to women- and family-centered charities. Pajamas start at $29;
www.cool-jams.com
Bumbleride® Flite® Stroller
What the Company Says:
This is a premium stroller for active, sophisticated parents. Designed to
provide maximum functionality with minimum weight and bulk, the ultra-slim,
14-pound Flite keeps travel light, without sacrificing a smooth ride. Compact
in its quick-release fold, the Flite opens up to reveal an ample cargo basket
ideal for carrying gifts and toys. Bright and festive in colors like Cayenne,
Papyrus, and Aquamarine, the Flite also makes life "greener" with 50% recycled
PET (plastic bottles) in the exterior fabric and 50% sustainable bamboo
charcoal in the interior fabric. You'll also find handy accessories like the
Bumbleride Snack Pack ($44.95) and the Travel Bag ($89.99). Stroller prices
start at $269.99; www.bumbleride.com.
CarGo 2-in-1 Travel Booster Seat
What the Company Says:
This travel booster seat goes from colorful carry-on bag to car seat seamlessly. It empowers little travelers to pack and roll their own suitcase, which fits in most overheard compartments and carries books, toys, and clothes for the trip. When kids arrive at their destination, the yellow release buttons transform it into a booster that fits any three-point seat belt.
Costs $59.95;
https://www.thegrommet.com/cargo-seat-2-in-1-travel-booster-seat
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