Delta announces 2009 SkyMiles and WorldPerks benefits

ATLANTA – Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) has announced elite and reward changes to both the Delta SkyMiles(r) and Northwest WorldPerks(r) programs to better align member benefits.
Beginning in 2009, the programs will offer segment qualification, currently a WorldPerks benefit, to allow members to reach elite status by flying a designated number of flight segments on either Delta or Northwest operated flights.

Additionally, SkyMiles and WorldPerks members will continue to earn a minimum of 500 Elite Qualifying Miles and base miles per flight, making Delta the only major airline to maintain this minimum for all customers.

“Delta’s merger with Northwest creates a unique opportunity to build the world’s premier loyalty program for our customers, including providing access to more frequent flyer destinations around the world and adding new benefits,” said Jeff Robertson, Delta’s vice president of Loyalty Programs. “Delta’s 2009 loyalty programs will distinguish themselves from the industry with the return of segment qualification for Delta SkyMiles members, the availability of complimentary upgrades on both airlines for SkyMiles and WorldPerks members, and valuable Elite Threshold Rewards.”
Elite status enables members to receive additional program benefits, including complimentary upgrades, mileage bonuses, priority boarding and preferred seating.

SkyMiles and WorldPerks elite members now have the ability to receive complimentary upgrades on both airlines. Complimentary upgrades are subject to availability and offered on most Delta and Northwest flights within or between the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico and northern South America.
SkyMiles members will qualify for Medallion® Threshold Rewards when they surpass Platinum Medallion status. As members reach designated thresholds (to be published in early 2009), they will earn additional bonus miles and/or other exclusive benefits or gifts. Northwest WorldPerks members will continue to enjoy similar Elite Extra Perks program benefits when they surpass the Platinum qualification requirements. In an effort to closely align the two loyalty programs’ benefits, Northwest WorldPerks will introduce three-tiered award availability and SkyMiles and WorldPerks members will have the ability to transfer miles between their respective accounts in early 2009.

Delta plans to merge both programs to create the world’s premier loyalty program in late 2009.

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Call for Entries - THE Method FEST SEEKS STRONG ACTING FILMS

11th annual Indie fest slated for March 26 - April 2, 2009

The 11th annual The Method Fest independent film festival, scheduled for March 26 - April 2, 2009 in Calabasas, Calif., is looking for character and story-driven films featuring strong acting performances - Submit Online at withoutabox.com | Get Printable 2009 Form.  The Method Fest features American and foreign feature films and short films and is named after “The Method” school of acting, which revolutionized the approach in acting, particularly in film. The Method Fest is the only U.S. film festival that puts it focus on acting.

To have their films considered for selection, filmmakers must submit their films before the the late entry deadline, January 31, 2009 (postmarked).  Entry fees are $60 for features and $45 for short films; student entries are $25. For film submission information call (310) 535-9230 or visit the festival web site at http://www.methodfest.com/ Filmmakers are encouraged to register through http://www.withoutabox.com/  The Method Fest takes great pride in being a discovery festival, looking to help launch the works of young fresh filmmakers and to discover breakthrough performances by young, bold new actors. More than 120 films that have premiered or played at The Method Fest have received distribution.

The Method Fest has also taken great delight in sharing career-defining performances of established performers and in showcasing a few chosen well-known directors to screen at the festival. “We’ve prided ourselves on not just following other festivals’ lineups.  We screen world premieres and true discoveries, mixed with a few larger films, ” said Don Franken, executive director of the Method Fest.  A variety of other activities will complement the Method Fest screenings - filmmaking seminars, daily/nightly parties and receptions, industry events, a variety of Indie Music events, Lifetime Achievement Tribute, and the Awards Ceremony. The Method fest’s Youth Outreach program include a short film and screenplay competition for middle school and high school students.

The Method Fest is sponsored by the City of Calabasas and presenting media partners, Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications and the L.A. Daily News / LA.com. Lead sponsors include Prudential California Realty, the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley / Valley of the Stars, Sony, Christie, JetBlue, Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Modern VideoFilm, FilmFinders, Final Draft, and Barefoot Winery.  Contact: Don Franken (310) 535-9230, don@methodfest.com.

Past Honorees: Lifetime Achievement Award - Julie Harris, Ruby Dee (2006), Marttin Landau (2005), Dennis Hopper (2004), Peter Falk (2003), Rod Steiger (2002), James Earl Jones (2001), Maximillian Schell (1999). Other Honorees - Actors: The Bridges (Jeff, Beau, Lloyd), Crispin Glover, Kevin Pollak , Lainie Kazan, John Savage, Karen Black, Kim Hunter, Jon Jacobs, Chazz Palminteri, Ernie Hudson , Monet Mazur, Kelli Garner, Agnes Bruckner. Directors: Mark Rydell, Henry Jaglom, Agnieszka Holland, Martha Coolidge. Casting directors: Mali Finn, Ronnie Yeskell.  Festival Alumni (Actors who have won Method Fest awards and/or have attended): Sean Astin, Ed Begley Jr., Beau Bridges, Jeff Bridges, Karen Black, Rae Dawn Chong, Bryan Cranston, Clifton Collins Jr., John Cryer, Ruby Dee, William Devan, Ileana Dougla, Peter Falk, Robert Forster, Crispin Glover, Devon Gummersall, Hill Harper, Julie Harris, Kirk Harris, Dennis Hopper, James Earl Jones, Matt Lillard, Martin Landau, Jason London, Michael Madsen, Jena Malone, Joe Mantegna, Judy Marte, Chazz Palminteri, Kevin Pollak, Erik Palladino, Jamie Pressly, Phylicia Rashad, Eric Roberts, John Savage, Maximillian Schell, Jeremy Sisto, Douglas Spain, Rod Steiger, Jennifer Tilly, Naomi Watts, Billy Dee Williams, Petra Wright.

• More than 80 films screened at The Method Fest have been released theatrically or have received Cable TV and home DVD/video distribution deals.
• Actors, filmmakers and films in The Method Fest have received 7 Independent Spirit Award nominations.

Actors featured in Method Fest films: Irina Bjorklund, Timothy Bottoms, Beau Bridges, Robert Carlyle, Clifton Collins Jr., Coolio, John Cryer, Jeff Daniels, Taye Diggs, Melinda Dillon, Portia De Rossi, Faye Dunaway, Joseph Fiennes, Louis Gossett Jr., Tippi Hedren, Ed Harris, Julie Harris, Kirk Harris, Dennis Hopper, James Earl Jones, Debra Kara-Unger, Tuesday Knight, Lisa Kudrow, Ali Larter, Chad Lindberg, Judy Marte, Franco Nero, John C. McGinley, Sir Ian McKellen, Sally Kirkland, Jason Patrick, Barry Pepper, George Plimpton, Kevin Pollak, Michael Rapaport, Vanessa Redgrave, Brad Renfro, Giovanni Ribisi, Molly Ringwald, John Ritter, Eric Roberts, Mickey Rooney, William Sadler, Roy Scheider, James Spader, Sam Shepard, Elizabeth Shue, Tom Sizemore, Paul Sorvino, John Stamos, Emily Stiles, Kiefer Sutherland, Jay Thomas, Goran Visnjic.

Panelists - Gary Austin (Groundlings founder), Barbara Bain (Actress: Mission: Impossible), Joanne Baron (Acting coach: Baron/Brown Acting Studio), Timothy Bottoms (Actor: The Last Picture Show, DC 9/11: Time of Crisis), Peter Broderick (President, Nextwave Films), DW Brown (Baron/Brown Acting Studio), Mickey Cottrell (Publicist), Ivana Chubbuck (Acting teacher, worked with Halle Berry), Lisa Dalton (Co-founder of the International Michael Chekhov Assn.), Mark David (Director: Sweet Thing, Intoxicating), Joe Dickstein (VP Acquisitions, Mainline Releasing), Greg Gardner (Laemmle Theaters), Larry Greenberg (Director of Acquisitions, Showtime / Sundance Channel), Ron Gilbert (The Actors Studio), Chris Gore (FilmThreat), Marla Gibbs (Actress: The Jeffersons , This Visit), Kirk Harris (RogueArts, Actor, Director loser, My Sweet Killer), Robert Hawk (Producer: Chasing Amy; The Slaughter Rule), Randi Hiller (Casting Director: Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines), Lorrie Hull, Ph.D. (Senior faculty member, Lee Strasberg Institute), Lyle Kessler (Screenwriter: Gladiator, Orphans), Leonard Klady (Columnist: Variety, Movie City Geek), Shirley Knight (Actress: Sweet Bird of Youth; As Good as It Gets), Yevgeny Lazarev (Actor: The Saint; Stalin), Joe Mantegna (Actor: Joan of Arcadia ; The Rat Pack), John Manulis (VisionBox Media), Andrea Mia (VisionBox Media), Alan Miller (Acting coach, Meryl Streep, Dustin Hoffman), David Albert Pierce (Pierce Gorman law firm), Stephen Polk (Actor: Amy’s Orgasm, Destination Vegas), Tom Quinn (Senior VP Acquisitions, Samuel Goldwin), Steve Rothenberg (VP Acquisitions, Artisan), Mark Rydell (Director: On Golden Pound; The Rose), Maximilian Schell (Actor: Judgment at Nuremberg ; A Bridge Too Far), William Smithers (Actor: Attack; Papillon; Scorpio), Tom Tangen (Interviews of a Lifetime; Founder, L.A. Actors Coalition), Murray Weissman (Weissman/Delson Communications) and Ian Whitcomb (Grammy Award winning recording artist).

Emirates Launches Cross-Polar Green Flight Trial

Emirates Airline will try a new environmental program to execute the longest green journey. The program, to be analyzed and reviewed on the airline’s inaugural flight from Dubai to San Francisco, will represent the world’s first cross-polar green flight. The inaugural green flight will demonstrate multiple fuel and emission-saving measures. The new 777-200LR will be specially washed beforehand to minimize drag. The aircraft will use electrical power on the ground in Dubai rather than running its auxiliary power unit. Dubai Air Traffic Control will give the aircraft priority clearance for both taxiing and departure. A pre-planned priority departure route out of Dubai will provide an unimpeded climb through to cruise altitude, allowing the aircraft to reach its optimum cruise altitude as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Recent Emirates negotiations with the Russian Government will allow for a preferred route over Russian and Canadian airspace for the most efficient path, taking into account prevailing winds and the aircraft’s weight. Real time updates of current weather and wind conditions will allow the flight crew to modify their flight path on route. The aircraft will track close to the North Pole following extensive work by Emirates and aircraft manufacturers to open this new routing. Flexible routings will be pursued over Canadian airspace. The FAA and San Francisco Air Traffic Control will seek to offer optimal routings for arrival and if possible a continuous descent approach to minimize fuel burn. The aircraft will use minimal thrust on landing and a single-engine taxi to its gate. All on-board glass, newspapers, aluminum and paper will be collected for recycling. For more information, visit www.emirates.com/usa.  For more information visit: http://www.steeletravelblog.com

40% Off Tickets to BLUE MAN GROUP - Las Vegas!

An international sensation featuring three bald and blue characters, Blue Man Group combines music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to create an explosive party atmosphere that infects people of all ages!
40% off Blue Man Group Las Vegas shows through Jan 4! Tickets as low as $62.50! Blue and Red Zone sections which regularly sell for $139.50 and $99.35 are now only $86.70 and $62.50.
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Don’t miss this wildly popular Vegas show: “an absolutely ecstatic experience” USA Today, 

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Get your tickets today!

Austrian Airlines takes off into new future with Lufthansa

The Supervisory Board of ÖIAG today gave a green light to the sale to Lufthansa of ÖIAG’s 41.56 percent share in Austrian Airlines. The signing of the contract took place after a meeting of the Supervisory Board of ÖIAG. The acceptance of the Lufthansa bid is the result of a bidding process launched on 13 August 2008 in accordance with EU privatisation guidelines. The process was structured and carried out by ÖIAG and investment bank Merrill Lynch.

Peter Michaelis, Chief Executive Officer of ÖIAG, made the following statement about the conclusion of the transaction: “The sale we have concluded today is the right decision both for Austrian Airlines and for the business location

surrounding Vienna International Airport in general. Partnership with Lufthansa consolidates the status of Austrian Airlines as a leading carrier in Central and Eastern Europe. At the same time, Austrian Airlines will remain a legally independent company, with its head office in Austria and its own brand, crew and fleet. In addition to this, the Lufthansa concept provides for the preservation of the long-haul connections that are so important for the location. The affiliation between Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines therefore offers stability and opportunities for the Vienna hub and for the location as a whole. The Austrian core shareholder structures are to be created by means of a private foundation, the role of which will be to safeguard Austrian interests. ÖIAG has therefore fulfilled the privatization mandate issued by the Federal Government, and the bidding process, while in turbulent circumstances, has served to produce a desirable result.“

The Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Lufthansa, Wolfgang Mayrhuber, emphasized the benefits for both airlines and the location: “Europe needs a strong aviation sector. Only by combining our powers can we hope to find an answer to the global challenges currently facing our industry. For the European economy and Europeans as a whole, it is vitally important that we create an airline alliance consisting of profitably operating airlines. This is the only way we can hope to provide an infrastructure that meets the demands of customers. The consolidation of Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines is another step along this path. It enables us to strengthen our joint competitive position, and makes us the strongest carrier in Europe. Austrian Airlines will be in a position to benefit from the economies of scale, market presence and competitive strength of Lufthansa – whilst at the same time maintaining extensive autonomy in key areas. Integration into our multi-hub system strengthens the product of Austrian Airlines, and can also offer Vienna International Airport good opportunities. We also want to be quite clear about one thing, however: Austrian Airlines must become profitable again. If it is to do this, all those involved must make a contribution. We are making a considerable commitment with the transaction announced today – and are happy to do so. The Austrian Federal Government has also announced its intention to offer support. We also expect this solidarity and responsibility for the future of Austrian Airlines from all other partners, as only in this way can we build a strong, long-term perspective for this wellestablished airline. The Lufthansa family is very much looking forward to the arrival of Austrian. The two companies already know one another from their cooperation in recent years as partners within the Star Alliance. We are all extremely proud to have been selected in the course of the bidding process, and look forward with excitement and confidence to building a successful future together.“

Austrian Airlines will remain a broadly independent airline with its head office in Austria, its own brand, fleet and crew, and will be managed as a profit centre in the Lufthansa Group. Lufthansa has agreed to maintain Austrian air traffic infrastructure to the greatest possible extent, taking into consideration the needs of Vienna as a business location, as well as continuing to expand this wherever commercially viable in line with the needs of the market.

Austrian Airlines will retain a presence in the intercontinental aviation sector with its own long-haul fleet, and contribute its own specific key competence to the Lufthansa Group by continuing to build upon its Focus East strategy. At the same time, however, the consolidation with Lufthansa will also enable Austrian Airlines to develop its presence in European air traffic.
Apart from improved access to international passenger flows and joint international marketing, the benefits for Austrian Airlines will consist of using the cost advantages and economies of scale that will result from integration into the Lufthansa Group. Total synergies on the revenue and costs side are estimated at around EUR 80 million per year.

Austrian Airlines CEO, Alfred Ötsch, made the following statement about the decision: “We are pleased that it has proven possible to reach an agreement between ÖIAG and our alliance partner of many years, Lufthansa. The strategic concept removes our structural weaknesses, such as a lack of international sales strength and disadvantages in purchasing. Together with our own measures, this will enable the almost total retention of our network strength. As a result, the benefits for our customers can be retained. None of this would have been possible – even with a great deal of additional capital – had we tried to go it alone.”

Lufthansa will acquire all of ÖIAG’s shares in Austrian Airlines at a price of EUR 366,268.75. ÖIAG will also receive a debtor warrant providing for a profit share based on the economic development of Austrian Airlines and the share price of Lufthansa compared to other airlines after three years. 3 The maximum revenue from the debtor warrant is EUR 162 million, and corresponds to the price of the public takeover offer. At the same time, Lufthansa will receive a payment of EUR 500 million to compensate for the negative shareholder value of Austrian Airlines. As Lufthansa announced on 3 December, the company expects to submit a takeover offer to all shareholders in Austrian Airlines in the spring of 2009 at the average share price for the past six months of EUR 4.44 per share. This takeover offer depends on the fulfilment of defined conditions, the probability of which cannot be estimated at this point. The aim is to take over a majority shareholding in Austrian Airlines.

Execution of the contract concluded today depends in particular on the suspensive condition of a resolution by the Council of Ministers of the Austrian Federal Government, and approval by the European Commission of the contract under Competition Law, and of restructuring aid of EUR 500 million being paid by the Republic of Austria.

American Debuts New Food-For-Sale Sandwiches

 American Airlines said beginning this weekend its economy class travelers will have new afternoon sandwich options to choose from in American’s food-for-sale program. Beginning Saturday, American Airlines customers traveling domestically or to destinations in the Caribbean or Mexico will have the choice of two new sandwich offerings for afternoon snacking. Items such as Italian Deli Panini and Asian chicken wraps will cost $6 each and be available on flights of three hours or longer and departing after 10 a.m. For customers traveling on flights departing before 10 a.m. and lasting three hours or longer, American Airlines will continue to offer its popular bagel sandwich — a plain bagel with roasted turkey and mild muenster cheese — and the breakfast croissant — a croissant layered with turkey, muenster cheese, lettuce and tomato — both available for $6 each. For more information, visit http://www.aa.com/.  STEELE LUXURY TRAVEL

JetBlue Airways with new daily nonstop service from Orlando to San Jose, Costa Rica

ORLANDO, Fla. /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — JetBlue Airways Corporation (Nasdaq: JBLU), New York’s hometown value airline, today announces plans to broaden its Latin American presence with new daily nonstop service to its 53rd Blue City: San Jose, Costa Rica. Service between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) will begin March 26, 2009, subject to receipt of Costa Rican government operating authority. San Jose is the airline’s first destination in Central America, making Costa Rica the ninth country in the airline’s route network. Fares as low as $99 are available between Orlando and San Jose for travel purchased today through December 23, 2008, while average everyday fares will start at $139 each way. San Jose will become JetBlue’s 22nd nonstop destination from its growing focus city at Orlando. The airline will further expand its commitment to Central Florida by adding two additional destinations in early 2009: daily nonstop service to Bogota, Colombia, its first-ever South American destination, begins January 29, 2009, and to Nassau, Bahamas, on February 1, 2009.
“JetBlue remains committed to growing our Latin American and Caribbean destinations in the New Year and we are thrilled to offer Orlando residents with the only nonstop daily service to the beautiful city of San Jose, Costa Rica,” said JetBlue’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Robin Hayes at a press conference at Juan Santamaria International Airport this afternoon. “Orlando remains a vital part of our route network as we continue to add direct flights to new international cities like Bogota and Nassau. Central Floridians continue to make JetBlue their carrier of choice, giving us the ability to offer more destinations and more value when they travel.”
“The new route by JetBlue to San Jose, Costa Rica further enhances and complements our air service into the Latin American and Caribbean basin and affords a new level of convenience in travel not previously experienced between San Jose and OIA,” said Steve Gardner, Executive Director Orlando International Airport. “JetBlue’s flight schedule and designation of Orlando as a focus city broadens the opportunity for travel to Costa Rica and further establishes our city as a gateway to the Latin American markets. We look forward to JetBlue’s success in this new market and continued future expansion into the region.”
By http://www.steeletravelblog.com

United Offers New Premier Line Service

United Airlines has introduced its Premier Line travel option. Starting at $25, Premier Line provides priority access to three types of reserved lines that offer customers convenience at check-in, security and boarding, including boarding for connecting flights. Premier Line is available in the U.S. at United’s five hub airports — Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington Dulles — and at nine other airports, including Boston, New York LaGuardia and Seattle. It may be purchased at united.com when booking a ticket, while checking-in online, or anytime through the “My Itineraries” page at united.com. The option will also be available in the coming weeks at United’s airport kiosks.

United’s Premier Line service is offered to a limited number of customers each hour based on time of departure. Elite Mileage Plus members will continue to enjoy complimentary access to priority lines as they have in the past. In addition to the new Premier Line service, customers may further enhance their travel experiences with other services from United’s Travel Options portfolio. For example, customers may conveniently ship their luggage overnight with Door-to-Door Baggage, and may choose United’s Economy Plus seating section that has up to five more inches of legroom (for elite Mileage Plus members, access to Economy Plus is complimentary). Also, with United’s Award Accelerator offering, starting at $9, customers may earn travel awards faster by multiplying the number of miles they receive when they fly. For more information, visit www.united.com/traveloptions.

Qatar Airways’ Business Class named Best in World

 

Doha, QATAR – Qatar Airways’ winning streak continued when the Five-Star Carrier scooped the award for World’s Leading Business Class at the World Travel Awards grand final ceremony.
The 2008 Global Winners of the World Travel Awards – also known as the travel industry’s ‘Oscars’ – were announced at the 15th Annual World Gala Ceremony which took place at Beaches resort on the Caribbean island of Turks & Caicos.

In a worldwide survey conducted by the World Travel Awards, professionals in the travel and tourism industry initially voted Qatar Airways as the Middle East’s Leading Business Class Airline for the second year running.

 

Subsequently, the winners from each region were put forward to the international final which saw airlines, hotels, cruise operators and travel ancillary companies from across the globe compete against each other to be named the world’s best.
Hailed as the world’s largest and most important international awards for the travel industry, The World Travel Awards aims to encourage supreme excellence, value, innovation and quality in every aspect of the customer offering.

Qatar Airways has been showered with awards this year and this latest accolade from the World Travel Awards brings the total number to ten. With recognition for all elements of Qatar Airways’ service this year both in the sky as well as on the ground, from the premium terminal and business class to its first-rate cabin crew and inflight entertainment, the airline can celebrate a hugely positive 2008.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker expressed his delight that travel industry peers had, once again, recognised the airline for its premium service saying: “2008 has seen Qatar Airways continue to go from strength to strength. The fact that the airline has been awarded such an impressive number of industry honours is testament to the fact that our efforts in providing a superior service both onboard and on the ground have been recognised.”
“To be named as having the best business class in the world at the biggest travel event of the year by the most prestigious industry awards body just goes to prove that, once again, Qatar Airways is seen by the travel industry as the preferred airline for frequent corporate travellers not only in the Middle East but worldwide.”

“We are extremely proud of our business class product and feel that to be awarded this title for World’s Leading Business Class demonstrates trust that the airline offers a superior business class product and quality service over and above its competition.

“This award is recognition that Qatar Airways continues to lead what is a highly competitive aviation industry by offering the most innovative premium services to our valued customers. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who works at Qatar Airways for making the airline the success that it is today,” Mr Al Baker concluded.  By Steele Luxury Travel - http://www.steeletravelblog.com

Delta Launches Inflight Wi-Fi in Six Aircraft

 

Delta Air Lines has begun its initial launch of Gogo Inflight Internet service onboard six of the airline’s aircraft, the first in a series of more than 300 Delta domestic mainline aircraft that will soon feature the new customer offering. Inflight Internet initially will be available on five MD-88 aircraft flying Delta Shuttle routes between New York’s LaGuardia Airport and Boston’s Logan and Washington’s Reagan airports, plus one Boeing 757 flying throughout Delta’s domestic system, with service spreading to other Delta routes as additional aircraft are introduced. To celebrate the launch, Delta passengers traveling on the Gogo-equipped MD-88 Shuttle aircraft will be treated to a holiday surprise with complimentary access to Gogo during a Dec. 16 to 31, 2008, promotional period. A “Wi-Fi hot spot” decal will be prominently displayed adjacent to the boarding door of the MD-88 aircraft so customers will know Gogo Inflight Internet service is available on their flight. In addition, a Delta-Gogo instructional card will be available in each seatback, providing details on how to sign up for the service. Gogo representatives and Delta employees will be available at all three Delta Shuttle-served airports throughout the promotional period to provide information and assistance to customers traveling during this timeframe. For more information, visit http://www.delta.com/. By Steele Luxury Travel - http://www.steeletravelblog.com

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