Family Fun In La Ville De Montreal

Jeff Fox
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Family Fun In La Ville De Montreal
Growing up, one of my family’s favourite getaways was our yearly trip to Montreal, Quebec.  Once we crossed the border from Ontario to Quebec, it was like entering another world.  Or better yet, going to Europe without having to leave the continent.  And now that I have a family of my own, Montreal is still one of our favourite spots to take a vacation to.  While one of my favourite Montreal hangouts as a youth – Montreal Expo games – has been transplanted to Washington, D.C., there is still plenty of family fun in one of Canada’s biggest cities. Montreal Downtown Here are my five favourites: 1) Biodome Biodome’s press release states that the complex “isn’t a zoo, an aquarium or a botanical garden, but all these things combined”.  What it also is is my favourite spot to hit with the kids while visiting Montreal, and is worth the trip to the city just on its own.  Located in Montreal’s Olympic Park and easily accessible via Montreal’s Metro subway system (which isn’t the most stroller friendly, unfortunately), the Biodome is sure to thrill parents and children alike.  The “zoo” displays all the ecosystems of the Americas: Tropical Rainforest, Laurentian Maple Forest, Gulf of St. Lawrence, Labrador Coast, and Sub-Antarctic Islands, which allows visitors to see everything from monkeys to tropical birds to beavers to penguins.  And, as an added bonus, the summer months are when various animals are raising their newborns. 2) La Ronde Now part of the Six Flags chain of amusement parks, La Ronde is the second largest amusement park in Canada (Canada’s Wonderland, just outside of Toronto, being the biggest).  In operation since Montreal’s Expo ’67 World Fair, among its 40 rides and attractions is the Goliath, which ranks among North America’s highest and fastest roller coasters.  If the Goliath sounds a little too daunting for your little one (of for you, for that matter), there are plenty of rides and attractions for the faint of heart.

3) Montreal Fireworks Festival Every year, from late June through the end of July, La Ronde hosts L’International des Feux Loto-Quebec, otherwise known as the Montreal Fireworks Festival.  Eight fireworks companies from various countries around the world come to compete to be crowned the best sky painter of them all. On Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout July a different country puts on their show, with each night having a different theme (the grand finale this year is a Beatles tribute).  And families not wanting to have to pay the admission to get into the show can catch the light show from various parts of the city for free.

4) Mount Royal While family vacations can be quite costly, there are plenty of things to do in Montreal that won’t drain the savings for your kids’ college education.  Mount Royal Park would be one of them.  Situated on a giant mountain overlooking the city, the park offers spectacular views of the city below.  It also is great for bike rides, hikes, bird-watching, pedal-boating and, generally, just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful summer weather. 5) Montreal Science Centre  Located in the Old Port of Montreal (which, along with Old Montreal, is fun to visit in itself), the Montreal Science Centre offers plenty of fun for all ages.  The centre teaches visitors about various aspects of science, such as animation and speed, as well as teaching kids about the environment and how we can save it.  And running now until September 18th is “Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology”, which examines the science behind the archaeological missions that Harrison Ford’s character undertook in the series.  Also attached to the centre is the IMAX Telus Cinema, which offers movies in 3D with amazing picture and sound quality.  

Daytripping in Ontario ~ African Lion’s Safari

Lisa Arneill
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Daytripping in Ontario ~ African Lion’s Safari
As we head into Summer I have started a list of local parks and attractions that I want to visit with my boys in July and August.  We are lucky enough to live in a section of Ontario that is about 1 hour from most major attractions.  This makes daytripping convenient for us. Closer, about 30 minutes away, is African Lion’s Safari.  Located just off of Hwy 6, South of Guelph, this Wildlife themed park is a great place to visit with kids.  While I wouldn’t call it a Zoo, it definitely has a lot to see and experience. On arrival the first attraction most visitors take in is the Reserve.  Families can experience the reserve either by bus or by driving through in their own vehicle.  The wide open field is home to a number of animals from around the world including Lions, Giraffes, Cheetahs, Zebras, Ostrichs, Buffalo and white rhinos.  The 9 kilometer road drive will take you about 45 minutes to explore as you meander through 7 large Game Reserves. When you visit the park you will see that a lot of families opt to take the bus(additional cost) because the monkeys in the reserve have a reputation for doing not so nice things to cars as they pass through their section.  We have, however, noticed that they don’t seem to be as bad as they were in previous years and only bother with those who attempt to feed them, which you aren’t allowed to do. After you park and are ready to explore, the next closest attraction is the Elephant Swim.  Located just outside the front gates, the Elephant Swim is a MUST see.  It is a nice way for kids to get a close up look at these amazing creatures playing. Because the Elephants are kept in a facility at the back of the park, rangers must walk them through the parking lot to get them to the swim pond.  We have been lucky enough to see this a couple times and it doesn’t get old.  Like a close family, the 7 elephants stroll in single file trunk to tail.  Once at the lake the elephants wade in and cool off before swimming over to the observation area to play for the kids and cameras. While I wouldn’t say that African Lion’s Safari is stuffed with things do, there are definitely a few key things that are a hit with my boys. The Nature Boy Scenic Railway is a relaxing way to see more of the Safari.  This historic train is pulled throughout the 16 hectare reserve by a miniature replica of an 1863 C.P. Huntington Steam engine.  Both of my boys love trains so we decided to ride it with no expectations.  I have to say, while it was not a long ride, my two loved it and were pleasantly surprised when deer and camels were almost right beside the train.  While on the train you will also see painted and snapping turtles, geese, ducks and Reindeer.

The “African Queen” boat is a leisurely way to cruise around Water Safari Lake. The tour, which is approximately 15 minutes in length,  navigates around the islands giving visitors the opportunity to view the Ring-tailed lemur, black and white ruffed lemur and spider monkey.  Bird dwellers include the marabou stork, Australian black swan and the southern ground hornbill. Africa Lion’s Safari has 3 shows that are popular with visitors.
  • Parrot Paradise Show – Watch and enjoy beautiful parrots and other feathered friends as they showcase their incredible intelligence and natural abilities.
  • Birds of Prey Flying Demonstration – See hawks, eagles, owls, vultures and falcons soar above your head while learning about their flying styles and their role as predators in nature.
  • Elephant Round-up – This performance features a working demonstration of the largest living land animal. Watch as Asian elephants display their incredible strength, intelligence and agility.
The shows are conveniently scheduled one right after the other so you can get them out of the way before visiting the other attractions. A big hit with my kids is the Misumu Bay Wet Play.  This ultra kid friendly water park it divided into 2 areas for older and younger kids.  For toddlers there is a huge splashpad that has lots of sprinklers and ‘ponds’ for new swimmers.  New this year African Lion Safari has created more areas that are a little deeper so that little ones can wade on hot days.  For older kids 40″ and taller there is a huge water jungle complete with waterslides, bridges and a massive bucket that dumps water over the whole structure every 3 or 4 minutes. Also popular is the petting zoo.  Families can visit and feed Alpacas and deer from the outside of the cage or those who are more adventurous can go inside the goat cage.  Note: While these guys are harmless they can be little aggressive and may nibble on your shirt or pants. As you walk through the park you can catch a peek at many birds of prey.  Different species of Vultures, Eagles and Owls line the walkway. Even though it is on the smaller side, African Lion’s Safari is a great place to visit.   It’s a nice way for every member of the family to get up close with animals that you wouldn’t normally see every day. What to bring:
  • A cooler with drinks, snacks or lunch.  African Lion’s Safari allows visitors to picnic throughout the park and bringing your own food & beverages is permitted.
  • Bathing suits.  When your kids see the splash pad they will want to swim.  If you forget their bathing suits the park has a shop set up that sells the basics.  Swimmis are required for babies.

Person-to-Person Licenses Set to Increase Legal Travel for Americans to Cuba

Jen R
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Person-to-Person Licenses Set to Increase Legal Travel for Americans to Cuba
A couple of years ago, I was part of a tour group, visiting Havana.  We stopped at a shop that sold cigars, rum and coffee.  Everybody went on a spending spree; everybody, except one couple who stood off to the side looking miserable.  I couldn’t figure out what was wrong.  Why come on a tour of a beautiful and historic city, if you’re going to be miserable about it? We sat across from them at dinner, and through conversation, learned that they weren’t miserable at all.  They were perfectly lovely, actually.  But, they were American.  They weren’t supposed to be in Cuba in the first place, and they weren’t going to take a chance on bringing Cuban rum and cigars home with them. The lady of the couple explained that she was having a wonderful trip, but that her enjoyment was being overshadowed by nervousness that they might be found out on the way home. Their story isn’t a one-off.  Over the nearly 50 years of U.S. embargo on Cuba, many Americans have smuggled themselves, illegally, for a little fun in the Varadero sun.  But, thanks to President Obama’s reinstitution of people-to-people licenses, more Americans have legal access to Cuban travel than they have in some time. People-to-people licenses were first brought in during the Clinton administration, but were shelved during the George W. years.  The idea behind the license is that, by promoting and encouraging educational exchange between the American and Cuban people, a mutual understanding will develop and minds may slowly change. According to Tom Popper, director of Insight Cuba, the country has been, “the forbidden fruit,” for many Americans. But now, “All a U.S. citizen has to do is sign up for an authorized program and they can go to Cuba.  It’s as simple as that.” Authorized programs are only offered through licensed tour operators.  To obtain a license, operators must prove that their tour will result in a lot of personal interaction between American tourists, and the Cuban people.  This means that tour itineraries are intensive, and loaded with activities that don’t play out on the beach. The Treasury Department guidelines state that tours are to, “have a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities that will result in meaningful interaction between the travelers and individuals in Cuba.” Participants may, among other things, visit orphanages, take music workshops, and visit with artists and community leaders. All of this sounds like a fantastic experience to me.  I’m not much for lying on beaches anyway, (I’m not blessed with a bikini bod).  There are a couple of problems so far, however.  First, the trips are on the pricey side; in the range of $1,800 – $4,000 per person for a three to seven day trip.  Second, the Treasury Department is being turtle slow at granting licenses.  To date, only eight have been issued, with 35 more requests awaiting approval.  This means that demand for the tours, far outstrips availability. It’s a start, anyway.  I’ve heard it said that, where a government imposes restrictions, they create a black market; as demonstrated by my story at the beginning.  Giving Americans a legal route to visit Cuba and allowing individuals from both societies to mingle and associate, can only foster improved understanding. – Jen R, Staff Writer.

Travel Links Around The Web!

Lisa Arneill
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Travel Links Around The Web!
While this was a busy week for travel news the biggest story was undoubtedly Malaysia airlines decision to ban infants from their first class flights on A380 planes. Chief executive Tengku Azmil Zahruddin attempted to defend the decision on twitter by saying they lose revenue due to complaints but the damage had been done.  Annie from PHDinParenting made the best point when she asked if babies are really the most annoying passengers? With families heading in every direction this Summer we list other interesting stories we followed this week:  

Happy Birthday Canada! We List Some of The Celebrations Planned Across The Country

Lisa Arneill
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Happy Birthday Canada! We List Some of The Celebrations Planned Across The Country
Tomorrow will mark Canada’s 144th Birthday and while everyone will be watching our Nation’s capital for coverage of the Royal visit there is a long list of celebrations planned around the country.

As always Ottawa has lots planned. They have a site dedicated to Canada day set up to help keep the day organized. Are you visiting or looking for something to do?  Many communities around the country have festivals, concerts and fireworks planned to celebrate the commemoration of the formation of the Dominion in 1867. Many bands will be performing all over the country.  A list can be found at the Canada hertitage site. One of my girlfriends summed it up the best in her Facebook status tonight,
maple leaf, bilingualism, hockey, First Nations, Beaver Tails, moderate politics, tuques, multiculturalism, moose, peace keeping, hearty beer, universal health care, Don Cherry, four seasons, human rights, loonies, twoonies, natural beauty, freedom… I LOVE CANADA!
Happy Canada Day Everyone.  Enjoy the good music, food and friendship!

Learn To Camp This Year With Ontario Parks

Jen R
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Learn To Camp This Year With Ontario Parks
An old-fashioned campout is an affordable and enjoyable family vacation.  But, if you’re inexperienced, the idea of a holiday, in the great outdoors, can be intimidating. I went on my first camping trip when I was in my twenties.  At the time, I saw campers as a group of skilled adventurers.  Nomads, who could sniff the air and taste the dirt and know a storm was brewing, to the east.  I wanted to join the camping ranks, but I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. My husband was little help.  He’d spent a total of one night in a tent, during an eighth grade fieldtrip.  That modicum of experience didn’t qualify him as an expert. We bought a tent, rented a campsite and flew by the seat of our pants.  That first trip wasn’t a raging success.  Our second attempt was a little better and we persevered, time and time again, until we had unravelled the mysteries of camping and ultimately, knew what we were doing. Think of the hassle we could have been spared, if we’d had the benefit of expert advice right from the start.  Beginning this season, novice campers can arrange just that.  This is the inaugural year for Ontario Park’s Learn to Camp program. There are two ways to take advantage of the program:
  • The first is through a series of community sessions.  These are free talks, geared to inform new campers on the ins and outs of “roughing it”.
  • The second is a series of overnight sessions, at a cost of $46.  The overnight sessions give novices a guided, firsthand experience at camping.  The park provides almost all the necessary equipment along with an experienced Ontario Parks employee to teach, advise and act as a safety net for nervous first timers.
Both community and overnight sessions are offered within easy distance of Toronto and the GTA. This is hopefully, the beginning of a trend in the camping world.  Earlier this season, Parks Canada held a National Urban Learn-to-Camp Event and July 16th, they are set to host the Great Canadian Backyard Campout, at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. If the idea of camping is intimidating, and I don’t blame you if it is, seek out and take advantage of a Learn-To-Camp event.  It may open up a whole new field of interest for you. – Jen R, Staff Writer

Featured Review: 2011 Maclaren Twin Techno Stroller

Lisa Arneill
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Featured Review: 2011 Maclaren Twin Techno Stroller
Maclaren is well known for their full line of lightweight travel friendly strollers. Unique to any other lightweight double on the market, the Maclaren Twin Techno was designed for 2 children from birth to 55lbs each (110lb total).  Besides being a stylish looking stroller, it has many features that are beneficial to parents-on-the go. Out of the box all I needed to do was install the canopies. The Twin Techno double stroller really feels like 2 strollers clipped together. So essentially there are two seats, canopies and individual foot rests that share a single middle frame and 4 centre wheels. When you open the stroller the wheels drop down like a regular umbrella but you need to lock the frame on both seats. For your child’s comfort Maclaren has included head huggers for both seats and a five position recline that allows the seat to sit flat to accommodate a newborn. For safety both seats have 5-point adjustable harnesses that can be set to 3 height positions and despite the fact that both of my boys can open their car seat buckles, neither can undo the Twin Techno’s harness latch. The independent canopies on the Twin Techno are really nice. Built to withstand all of the elements, the waterproof hoods have built-in visors that pop down to shield your child. The back of each canopy has a strip of clear plastic to give you full view of your child at all times and locks at the side to keep it in place. The stroller also comes with a rain shield (with 2 small vents) that securely clips onto the frame to completely cover the whole front of the stroller and, of course, your precious cargo. It does not, however, cover the storage basket at the back so be sure to pack something waterproof on a rainy day. Storage on the Twin Techno is similar to that of 2 umbrella strollers. Under each seat there is a basket that can hold a medium – large diaper bag folded sideways. I put the diaper bag in one side and my shopping in the other. Both baskets are supported by the frame of the stroller so you don’t have to worry about your groceries dragging if you load the basket up. Plus, on the back Maclaren has added a wipes holder and a storage pouch to each canopy for keys, snacks, money and your phone, which is REALLY handy. The push on the Twin Techno is really nice. Fully loaded with both boys it is easy to manoeuvre and keeps up with me if I’m trying to get my errands done quickly. Maclaren uses 12 – 6″ wheels on this stroller to give it a nice even push. The 6 front wheels lock for bumpy terrain, while the back six are stationary to allow you to control where the stroller is going easily. While I know that the extra set of wheels in the middle are necessary, I do sometimes kick them while strolling.  Taller parents may find they do this more often. Just like with all of their strollers, Maclaren uses 2 ergonomic handles to steer the stroller.   While this does make your arms stretch a little more than usual, the handles are turned in enough that it’s actually comfortable and if you diaper or beach bag has liner straps, you will still be able to hang it off the back of the stroller. The brakes are located on the outer 4 wheels and pivot side to side as opposed to the up and down lever that we see on many strollers. I actually like this better. Once you get use to it, it is easy to do with the side of your foot, which eliminates the ‘flip-flop’ friendly concern. The fold on the Twin Techno is what truly makes it unique. Even though I expected  it to fold flat like many doubles we have tested, it actually folds like an umbrella and locks on both sides. To get it closed you just need to unlock the latch on the right side and then unfasten. Once both frames are freed, just push the 2 handles together and it will start to fold in and then forward. For easy transportation Maclaren has also added a handle to the right side of the stroller. I love the fold on this stroller. It completely eliminates the risk of having to baggage check your double stroller while flying because it’s too big to be gate checked. If you didn’t count the number of wheels (there are an extra 4) you would just think it was a regular stroller when it’s folded, which is impressive. New for 2011 Maclaren’s new frame features a redesigned pivoting hinge that will eliminate any risk of little fingers getting pinched during folding and unfolding. I really like the Twin Techno .  It is a great stroller that is both durable and easy to maneuver.  If you are looking for a lightweight double stroller that has a nice comfortable push and is easy to use, the Twin Techno is perfect. I would recommend it for resort and amusement park travel, but think it would be too big for a cruise(getting through the door of the cabin or down the narrow hallways) or a trip to the beach. Specs:
  • Weight: 12.7 kg (27.9lbs)
  • Dimensions (Folded) 42″L x 19″H x  16.5″W
  • Unfolded 29.5″L x 43″H x  26.5″W

Ottawa: Five Reasons to Visit Canada’s Capital This Summer

Jen R
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Ottawa: Five Reasons to Visit Canada’s Capital This Summer
Steeped in history and marinated in culture, Ottawa is a fabulous city. I know you don’t need a list of fun things to do while you’re there, but I’ll give you one anyway. Here are five cool things to see and do in Ottawa this summer. Canada Day – July 1st is coming and being the capital city, Ottawa is always the place to party on Canada Day.  This year, however, there is an added draw to Parliament Hill; a royal visit by newlyweds, William and Kate.

If you didn’t make it to London for the wedding, you can still grab a glimpse of the world’s most sought-after couple.  As part of their first official trip as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Katherine and Wills will join in the Canada Day celebrations in the capital region.  People are buzzing with excitement.  Denise LeBlanc of the National Capital Commission says, “I think we’ll see a very full Canada Day – if people are thinking of coming, I would suggest booking sooner rather than later, because they may be out of luck.” Byward Market – Parliament Hill is a majestic sight but the city’s heart is in the Byward Market. Enjoy shopping for fresh produce, folk art and crafts in the outdoor farmer’s market.  Brows the shops, savour the restaurants and experience the street performers. The Byward Market offers the very best of everything.  It’s a food lover’s dream, and I am a food lover.  You can shop for artisanal cheeses, delicate teas, and sinful baked goods, then recapture the candy of your youth with a visit to Sugar Mountain.  Round the trip out with a visit to the Beaver Tails stand (so yummy, I could eat a dozen) and you’ve had yourself a good day. Capital Hoedown Country Music Festival – Ottawa may not be the first place that leaps to mind, when you think of country music but the organisers of the Capital Hoedown are fixin’ to change all that. August 11th-13th, the city plays host to the largest country music festival in North America.  There are some huge names in the line-up, including: Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts and Miranda Lambert.  If you’re a country music fan, Ottawa is the place to be this August. Torchlight Shakespeare – From July 4th to August 20th, A Company of Fools presents Antony and Cleopatra. Torchlight Shakespeare takes place in parks across the city and begins at 7 p.m., six nights a week (they’ve got their Sundays off).  The cost of admission…well, there is not cost of admission.  It’s a “pass-the-hat-pay-what-you-can” situation.  The suggested donation is $10. Add some culture to your holiday with this edgy, comedic take on one of Shakespeare’s most infamous tragedies.  Check their schedule to find the performance that fits into your summer. Lady Dive Amphibus – This may be the coolest way to play tourist for a day and see the sights of Ottawa.

A beautiful city, Ottawa boasts historic streets and impressive architectural highlights like, of course, parliament.  But, with the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal running right through the downtown, there can be no doubt that the waterways play an important role in the city. So, the best way to see the capital is on a tour bus that doubles as a tour boat.  The amphibus is a boat on wheels that tours you around Ottawa by both street and waterway.  All the while, knowledgeable and entertaining guides impart the city’s history and culture through funny and amazing stories. Ottawa is a fantastic city.  I’d up sticks and move there, if I could.  The city overflows with museums, art galleries, ridiculously good restaurants and world class hotels.  There is no shortage of reasons to visit Ottawa.  I’ve just given you five you might not have known about. – Jen R, Staff Writer

Great American Backyard Campout: A Great Excuse to Stay-cation

Jen R
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Great American Backyard Campout: A Great Excuse to Stay-cation
Do you have plans this weekend? Are you going to be hanging around the house? Turn an ordinary weekend into a stay-cation, with a backyard campout. This Saturday, June 25th, is the night of the Great American Backyard Campout. So, set up the tent, unfurl the sleeping bags and invite the neighbours over. Everyone’s sleeping under the stars. The Great American Backyard Campout is an annual event, initiated by the National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There Campaign. It is a fun way to encourage young people to switch off the computer games and head outside to explore nature. This has the potential to be a great evening for friends and family to gather, enjoy each other’s company and recall the pleasures of ‘roughing it.’ Visit the official website and register your own backyard campout. You’ll gain access to tips, activities, campfire songs and recipes for awesome camping treats like “armpit fudge.” Yes, it’s fudge that you really, truly make in your armpit. If you want the recipe, you’ll have to log on. Sleep outside this weekend, and have a fun stay-cation with your family. It’s a risk-free adventure. It costs next to nothing and if the evening falls apart, you just go back in the house. – Jen R, Staff Writer

Universal Orlando Raises Ticket Prices

Lisa Arneill
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Universal Orlando Raises Ticket Prices
Just a week after Disneyworld in Orlando announced their new admission rates Universal Orlando has increased their ticket prices. While a one day ticket will increase by just $3/per person, families looking to go for longer will have to shell out an extra $11 for 2 days and $16 for 3 days. Could it be Harry Potter’s fault?  Some say that the popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter, may be the culprit as the 20-acre park reportedly cost $250 million to build.
“This past year has shown us that our guests are excited by the entertainment experience we provide and the value we offer,” Universal Orlando spokesman Tom Schroder said Monday. “We worked to make sure our prices will continue to deliver the value our guests want.”
Vacationers looking for a discount will appreciate that Universal also doubled the size of the discount it offers for tickets purchased online from $10 to $20.  The deals can still be had, you’ll just have to do more planning to get them! A full list of  Universal Orlando’s price increases: Admission to one theme park per day:
  • One-day: $82 to $85
  • Two-day: $124.99 to $135.99
  • Three-day: $139.99 to $155.99
  • Four-day: $149.99 to $165.99
Two-park tickets:
  • One-day: $112 to $120
  • Two-day: $144.99 to $155.99
  • Three-day: $154.99 to $170.99
  • Four-day: $159.99 to $175.99
  • Fourteen-day: $194.99
Annual passes (all prices unchanged):
  • Power Pass: $159.99
  • Preferred Pass: $219.99
  • Premier Pass: $349.99
NOTE: All prices are for adults. Visitors can get $20 discounts on multiday tickets by purchasing online. SOURCE
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