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Miami Beach, the Ritz & Bill Baggs State Park

9/2/2017

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Key Biscayne is a barrier Island that sits just South of Miami Beach and is the home of Bill Baggs State Park and the beautiful Ritz Carlton Hotel.

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The town of Key Biscayne, which is accessible by the Rickenbacker Causeway, sits right between two parks... Crandon Park (formerly a zoo and still home to a variety of birds lizards and turtles) and Bill Baggs State Park.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is the home of a historic lighthouse built in 1825 and the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. The park is popular for sunbathing, swimming and picnicing and there is more than a mile of sandy Atlantic beachfront to enjoy,  Ranked of of the "Top 10 Beaches in America" by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, aka 'Dr. Beach.' Biking and kayaking are also popular activities. Fisherman can throw in their lines from the seawall for some of the best shoreline fishing in the region. Bicycles, beach chairs, and umbrellas can be rented.

Want a guided tour of the lighthouse and lighthouse keeper's cottage? They are given twice daily, Thursdays through Mondays. If you aren't prepared to bring your own picnic, you can also enjoy two restaurants, Lighthouse Café and Boater's Grill, which offers authentic Cuban cuisine.

The Ritz Carlton

​In the heart of the town of Key Biscayne, tucked between the two parks is the stunning Ritz Carlton Hotel.

Just 20 minutes from Miami International Airport and the City of Miami... the Ritz is perfectly situated to be your base of operations for visiting all the South Florida has to offer.
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See the amazing video DRONE footage below of the Ritz and of Bill Baggs State Park, shot by Sky High Aerial Productions. You'll feel like you're there, and you're flying...
Visit the site of Sky High Aerial Productions
for more great videos (click)

Booking.com
If the Ritz is out of your budget, check out these other great deals avail in Miami!
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Stunningly Beautiful Civita Di Bognoregio, Italy

2/20/2017

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A Breathtaking Glimpse Into a Medieval City

by Joe Mack
​
My previous trip to Italy was planned around visiting Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. Driving from the airport in Rome to San Donato in Poggio only takes about three hours to drive. We stayed at the Palazzo Malaspina in San Donato in Poggio for our stay in Tuscany.

​You can learn more about the palazzo at 
http://www.palazzomalaspina.it. 

The hostess, Maria Pellizzari, is very knowledgeable about Tuscany and the Chianti Region of Italy. And she makes hearty breakfasts that are included in the cost of the room.
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While in Tuscany, naturally we had to see Pisa, Florence, San Gimignano, and Volterra. All beautiful towns in their own right. From Tuscany the trip goes to Pompeii and then the Amalfi Coast. But that is a 5 ½ drive even on the autostrada where the speed limit is almost nonexistent. And I did not want to drive that many hours in one day.

I knew of this town called Civita Di Bognoregio via Rick Steves, the Travel Guru, who filmed one of the episodes from his travel show here. I did my research and knew this was at about the half way point between where I was and where I was going. 

I did my due diligence and found a hotel to stay in. There really are not many hotels or Bed and Breakfasts in Civita Di Bognoregio. Only two or three at the most. But I settled on Locanda Della Buona Ventura. You can find out more about this gem of an Inn on Trip Advisor (here).
We left early in the morning on Saturday, Easter Eve. Driving on the Autostrada is fine, but then it is necessary to take some secondary roads. The road conditions are ok. And the scenery is wonderful no matter where you drive in Italy. I stopped for lunch at a little family owned ristorante. No one speaks English here, but I do know some Italian so “tutto era buono”, “everything was good.”
Back in the car to let my GPS take me to Civita Di Bognoregio. But that gadget will only get you so far. I am in, what the GPS tells me, is Civita Di Bognoregio, but this is not I expected. Turns out I am in the other Civita, the newer one. And I ask directions in my broken Italian.

​Driving a bit further, I finally see signs for the town. And there is a place to park and get coffee and snacks. As I go around to the front of the building, I spot this jewel. It sits down in a ravine. But looks like a little volcano pointing up to the sky.


I start shooting photos, how can I resist. Then get some coffee, and ask how to get to the parking area. Back in the car, down the hill, and under the bridge. I find the parking meter and put some coins in and hope I have enough time till morning when w​e leave.
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We grab one suitcase, it is all we need for one night, and our umbrella since the weather does not look very promising. We start up the long ramp that leads to the main gate of the town. Half way up the ramp the heavens open. Wind, rain, 40-50 mile per hour gusts. I am holding the umbrella, my wife the suitcase, I hold on to her to help steady her from the wind and rain. The umbrella turns inside out several times. And we are still only three quarters of the way up the ramp. And we are both soaked. ​

We make it to the top and go through the main gate to town. We are met with the sight of a small piazza, a church, and many old buildings. Remember this town originated 2500 years ago, and looks it. I now have to find the gift shop where a girl named Lara will meet me. I find the shop, I find the girl. She welcomes us. 
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She gets the key, and grabs another umbrella, since it is still raining, and we walk across the street to the building that will be home for the night. I found out later that the building had collapsed over the years and was rebuilt using original material from the old structure.

We unpack, and are amazed at the room. Concrete base for the bed, windows overlooking the piazza, a bathroom with stone sinks and shower, and a window that penetrates the wall that has to be at least 12” thick with a piece of glass on the outside edge. The door is obviously original, and the keys are the largest room keys I have ever seen. I tell my wife to make herself comfortable and I head out to shoot some photos.
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"We grab our suitcase...
​it is all we need for the night.
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​​The streets all are dead ends. In any direction you go, you come to a point where it ends and drops off into the ravine. The back yards are the same way. Fences stopping you from tumbling into the abyss. I walk around shooting photo after photo. Amazed at this gem of a town. I do find one restaurant open and it is just across the piazza from our hotel. The place is called Trattoria Antica Forno and I decide this is where dinner will be. 
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I go to the room, get my wife, and tell her of my find. Her clothing is still wet, so basically she wears her pajamas to dinner. We open the door to the restaurant and find they are not open yet, they are still setting up for the night. We ask if we can wait, and they are agreeable. We sit and enjoy the view of this old restaurant, and I notice photos of Rick Steves on the walls of the place. He obviously had dinner here too when he visited this town. We at pasta, what else, some sausage, and drank lots of wine. If you have not been to Italy, the wine is plentiful. By the glass or by the bottle is very inexpensive. And all local. Salute.
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Diner is over and we make our way back to the room. By now it is dark outside. We have a small light in our room. I turn on the light and I decide to use a hair dryer to help dry out my shoes, which by now are soaked. Not long after turning it on, I trip a breaker and all the power is now off. I have to call the owner who begins to give me instructions on where the breaker box is and that I should go and reset the breaker. What a way to start the night. I do find the panel and reset the breaker. I then go back to my room and settle in for the night.
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Next thing I know, church bells are ringing. I remember that the church is just across the piazza and it is Easter Morning. The bells are ringing to signify the resurrection of Christ.  I also notice that the sun is finally out. I then try to use the coffee maker in our room which for some reason, either I can’ figure out or does not work. So I tell my wife, I am going out to shoot more photos in daylight, and I will find us some coffee. Little did I know, finding coffee was not going to be easy. 

After walking the same streets as the night before, I find a shop keeper setting up for the day, and ask if I can get a cup of coffee. He tells me he is not a coffee shop but come back in 10-15 min and he will see what he can do. I walk through town a bit more, taking more photos, and then go back. He is ready to make me coffee and has the girl that works for him brew it for us in her coffee maker. 

I bring the coffee to my wife and then we finish packing. We then begin the long trip down the ramp to the parking lot. At least the sun is shining this time, and the view of the valley is amazing. There are even people out heading up the ramp to go to Sunday services at the church. We find the car, put our bags in, and take one last look at this historical town. This was not a 5 star hotel stay, but I will never forget the experience here in Civita Di Bognoregio.
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There were problems with the room, but that makes for wonderful memories. Now it’s off to Pompeii and then the Amalfi Coast.
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We are amazed at the room with
​windows overlooking the piazza
Joe Mack is a Photographer, Writer, Craftsman, Musician and Engineer Tech. He, and his wife Jaci live in upstate New York and love to travel. 

​Look for more of their adventures here, or on his Facebook pages at:
Joe's Facebook
Vacation Photography

More photos on Viewbug
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NOTE: If you are truly a travel lover... Skyscanner is a great way to find the cheapest trips almost anywhere in the world!  Don't have a destination in mind but want to see whats "out there" for cheap airfare? Just enter the airport you are leaving FROM and leave the destination and dates OPEN. Skyscanner will show you the cheapest flights for the next 3-4 months. We recently flew (2 people) from Orlando to New Orleans for $200 total for both of us. Another tip... compare round trip to simply one way flights each way... we used two airlines and saved the most that way.
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Key West Hyatt Centric: World Class Amenities

12/28/2016

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by Linda Y. Walters

The Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa offers a dynamic experience with world class amenities and lovely ocean views.

Your visit will be an experience you won't soon forget.  Sensory illumination is in full effect as the world class amenities at this luxurious hotel offer you a full palate during your stay.  

Fabulous dining at the Shor American Seafood Grill overlooking the water, cocktails at the fabulous Blue Mojito waterside bar, a full menu of relaxing  treatments at Jala, their newly renovated spa, or an exhiliariting  poolside experience as you enjoy  the warmth of fire pits after an evening swim.  
All of these tie in to make your visit a memorable one.

The recently refurbished and rebranded Hyatt Centric includes 120 ocean view rooms, a fully outfitted (state of the art) audio/visual enhanced conference room for corporate meetings and an additional 2,200 meeting room for use in all types of private events.  
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With the hotel's prime water front location, weddings are frequently held here, with the reception often scheduled to take full advantage of the majestic Gulf Coast sunset view.

This Key West treasure is designed by Hyatt to be unique, and to fit into the community in which it is located. 
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"Hyatt Centric", which is a branded subdivision of Hyatt Hotels, focuses on and utilizes the specifics of its locatIon and all its inherent components," stated Braedan Quigley,  Hyatt Sales & Marketing Director at Hyatts of the Caribbean.
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He continued,  "In Key West, for example, we focused on Cuban coffee, Ernest Hemingway's influences, and Tenessee Williams' drink specialties, in giving this location its higher demand and visibility". 

The Hyatt Centric Key West offers extremely spacious bedrooms, each with a water view from your own private balcony. A sumptuous bathroom, with a generous sized shower, and the added luxury of your choice of operation including rain shower or hand held, in many ways is mindful of a spa experience minus the massage. Add the fragrant lotions and scents, and, of course, the relaxing effects of simply letting your thoughts slow down,  and firmly reconnect with your inner calm.
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Which brings me to the Hyatt Centric's Jala Spa, a wonderfully energizing, yet relaxing experience which includes a full array of spa services. Whether its the island coconut milk and honey ritual, designed to nourish, hydrate, tighten and strengthen the skin, an after sun rescue wrap complete with fragrant Tropical Nut Oil; or the seaside renewal which offers a full Swedish massage, you will leave Jala Spa feeling as if you may have just become another person.  ​
Couples massages, called "duets", are available as well and can include full body signature massage, hot oil scalp massage , or the extremely rejuvenating footscrub. 

Jala, which means "water" in Sanskrit, is really all about getting you in touch with your essential life.   Explore the delightful experience of relaxation.  You owe it to yourself to slow down even if it's only for one hour.
If you're in the mood for an afternoon cocktail, or Happy Hour libations, visit the Blue Mojito Bar and Grill.

The bar sits poolside, looking over the ocean. Try a refreshing Key West Lemonade, the Key Lime Martini or sample the Prickly Pear Margarita.  
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There's no shortage of imagination or deliciousness on the menu. Frozen drinks are also available and you can order from the Mojiti poolside menu which includes a great selection of salads and finger foods.

For breakfast, lunch or dinner, Shor American Seafood Grill is on property and does an amazing job of delivering five star cuisine.

The eclectic menu offers a wide array of internationally represented flavors with several choices of fresh catch, local favorites and delicately prepared side dishes you won't soon forget.  ​
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Breakfast offerings include delicious smoked salmon served on pumpernickel break with egg white, cream cheese and capers which took the dish to another level in its delivery of flavor.   The Cajun Omelet was amazing and included Andouille sausage, bacon, peppers, Monterey Jack Cheese as well as several requisite Cajun spices.  The menu also included the ever popular Fried Chicken and Waffles, an Island  Breakfast Ceviche, Eggs Benedict and even a healthy Warm Tropical Fruit Quinoa.  Freshly squeezed orange juice, good, strong Cuban coffee and an assortment of teas are also available.   Lunch is available as well and includes great soups, salads sandwiches with a local flare and seafood choices as well.

The dinner menu at SHOR is nothing short of spectacular. Appetizers include everything from Charred Baby Octopus, Key West Seafood Hot Pot, Bacon Wrapped Pork Belly and/or Calamari Fries. Or choose from the  Angus Prime Steak, Orange Mojo Gulf Stream Mahi Mahi, Key West Ale Braised Short Ribs, or Pan Seared Local Catch of the Day. Much of the seafood served at this distinctive dining establishment has been caught locally and is done so on a daily basis. The freshness is evident.

​With an idyllic location in Old Town Key West, Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa offers access to prime sites for relaxation and rejuvenation. Get out on the water, lounge on the beach, or meander through the streets of Old Town as you marvel at the historical architecture. Whether your passion is golf, snorkeling, or spa treatments, you’ll find that you can experience it all from our Key West resort, leaving you refreshed when the time comes to journey home.  

Hyatt Centric website:
KeyWestHyat.com

Read more reviews
601 Front Street
​(305) 809-1234
Reservations:
​888-735-2954
​
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More about Historic Key West

When it comes to having a good time, Key West, a city founded back in 1822, is an incredible mixture of excitement, sea faring exploration and most of all, one's own imagination  (read more)  
#KeyWest  #Hyatt  #LindaWalters
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Historic Seelbach Hilton Hotel: Louisville, Kentucky

10/8/2016

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My experience of a romantic weekend stay at the 4-diamond luxury Seelbach Hilton Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky – appearing on the National Register of Historical Places – can never be described as “ordinary!”

The Seelbach Hilton is equal parts historical landmark and architectural masterpiece. It began as the dream of two Bavarian brothers – Otto and Louis Seelbach – in 1869 when Louis came to Louisville to learn the hotel business.

In 1903, after several years of running restaurants and gentleman’s clubs, the brothers began construction of a new hotel at the corner of 4th and Walnut Street (now Muhammad Ali), creating a lavish, turn-of-the-century Beaux Arts Baroque hotel.

Sparing no expense, they imported marbles from all over the world, bronzes from France, hardwoods from the West Indies and Europe, linens from Ireland, and valuable Turkish and Persian Rugs.

Billed as “the only fireproof hotel in the city,” the new Seelbach opened in May of 1905 by offering a 5-hour public inspection and drawing an incredible 25,000 visitors. The hotel was so popular, the Seelbach brothers began a 154-room addition in the fall of that same year.

In 1907, the expansion was completed and included the famous Bavarian-style Rathskeller, decorated with rare Rookwood Pottery. Today the Rathskeller remains the only surviving ensemble of its kind.

In the 1920s, Prohibition contributed to the wealth of underworld kingpins who were drawn to the most glamorous spots for cards and leisure. The Seelbach certainly saw its share.

As the grandest hotel in Louisville and the center of Kentucky’s bourbon and whiskey country, The Seelbach attracted some of the most famous gangsters. Notorious figures included Lucky Luciano and Dutch Schultz – known as the “Beer Baron of the Bronx.”

The King of the Bootleggers – George Remus, a Cincinnati mobster, referred to as “King of the Bootleggers,” got rich running whiskey northward during Prohibition. As a local gangster, he would spend time at The Seelbach, for business and pleasure. Writer F. Scott Fitzgerald, who also visited The Seelbach for bourbon and cigars, was taken with the charismatic Remus. In fact, Remus became the inspiration for the title character Jay Gatsby in “The Great Gatsby.”  (more)

by Michelle Valentine
"Love, Eat, Travel, TV"
Contact Michelle: info@MichelleValentine.TV
​
You can get your business featured on "Love, Eat, Travel" ... just email for information.
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The Seelbach Hilton continues to be the choice for international celebrities and world politicians visiting Kentucky.
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Historic August Seven Inn

8/29/2016

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Good "Medicine" for the Soul
​Daytona Beach, Florida

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The August Seven Inn was originally a guest house built in 1896 by James N. Gamble of the famed Proctor and Gamble Company and is listed on the National Historic Register.
​What IS a "stress onion," and what can you do about it?

I've found the answer. Though, to be honest, I wasn't expecting much when we booked our room at the August 7 Inn in Daytona Beach, Florida. Sure, we looked at all the pictures on the website and even commented on the beautiful decor, but I was still skeptical all the same. 

There had been too many B&B's that we have visited in the past where their website looked top notch and elegant, taken before the place was opened and was fresh and new. But upon arriving we found them to be run down, smelly, even unkempt. Truly as if we were visiting an elderly relative.

Not so at the August 7 Inn...

Upon our arrival we were greeted by the Innkeeper and Owner, Joe. ("Hi, I'm Joe. Welcome, please come in...") His demeanor was welcoming and quietly comforting, like we were old friends. I liked him immediately. One layer of the stress onion peeled off and I began to look around.

Inside the house it is serene and beautiful. And tastefully decorated. Joe showed us about the first floor explaining about each room. The massage chair room, (no, no, too tense for that yet...more on that later) the elegant Victorian inspired living room, which led into the dining room, then the wonderful outdoor wrap around porch. 

An array of treats awaited us in the kitchenette, including coffee, tea, sodas, popcorn, water, even an entire bookshelf of DVD's to choose from were available 24/7. ("Help yourself to drinks at your leisure, two for a dollar. We operate on an honor system, so just drop the money in the honor box, which is hanging on the wall".)   Wow, he trusts us.
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Each room was sparkling clean and looked as if they were never sat in or used. But Joe assured us that we were welcome to enjoy and relax wherever we wanted, whenever we wanted. (Not at all the controlling, stuffy innkeeper who forbids you to touch this or sit there.) "It's just stuff, you are welcome here, please make yourself at home." Another layer of the "stress onion" peeled off, and magically a little more stress evaporated into thin air.

Joe graciously answered all of our questions and gave a brief overview of the "story of the Inn." It's quite a story, you'll have to ask Joe to tell you sometime.

By the time we were heading upstairs to visit our room, my husband and I were beginning to relax, feeling as if we were going to enjoy this place. "Oh, by the way, can I get you a complimentary bottle of wine?" Joe asked. 

Oh yes, we are definitely going to enjoy this place.

Our room, the 1022, was exotic and comfortably roomy. It was elegantly decorated in a safari theme, not at all tacky and sparkling clean. (I have to admit, I looked under the bed and behind the furniture for dust, and there was none.) Dark woods, elegant fabrics and soft fluffy pillows made this room perfect for relaxing and spending quality conversation time with the one I love. Ahh, and the jacuzzi tub...Perfect!  The mood of the room lifted our spirits another notch. Another layer of the stress onion gone... (In fact, I was so inspired by the theme of the room, that upon returning home, I redecorated our own bedroom in a similar fashion).

In the evening, Joe puts out a buffet of snacks and candies for his guest to enjoy. Soft music is playing. The lights are dim and romantic. It was a perfect April evening, just cool enough to sit comfortably on the veranda and sip a glass of wine and nibble on Joe's homemade treats. Our favorite spot was the corner overlooking the lawn watching the world go by...

What, are there any layers left to peel away? No, I think we have reached the core...
No work, No Kids, No pets, No obligations, No stress...
"Really?" I ask myself, "No Stress? Check again."
I look over at my husband who is smiling and say to myself, "Yup, it's gone."

Breakfast on the veranda is a wonderful experience. Joe puts out a spread you wouldn't believe. With 5 different types of pancakes, fresh fruit, fruit and nut breads, cereal, juice, not to mention bacon, waffles, and pastries. He goes all out to make sure his guests are satisfied.

​Before embarking on our day of exploration we treated ourselves to a visit in the massage chairs. Ahh, what a magical experience. The room is a relaxing garden theme, the chairs are state of the art "Human Touch" massage chairs which are remote controlled to massage every muscle in your body exactly the way you want it. The experience was heavenly and left me rejuvenated and ready to take on the day.


Two days later, I began to feel that feeling you get when it's time to go home. "Can't we stay?" We ask Joe. "Of course," Joe says.
"We'll put you on speed dial." we say.
"Yes, certainly, come any time." Joe says.
"But I don't want to go." I say to my husband.
"I know, me either."

Now, one month later...What is that feeling in my stomach? There is a tightness, an unwelcome feeling that I don't like. Something that has been building up for a few weeks...Ahh, yes. It's Stress...

Time to go visit The August 7 Inn again. You can too. Just visit their website to make reservations:

August Seven Inn, Daytona Beach, Florida: http://a7inn.com
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The Hendrickson Family
Dawn Hendrickson
TropicalMusicInternational.com

Dawn and Steve Hendrickson are busy talent agents and the owners of Tropical Music International.  

The Hendricksons live in Orlando and supply entertainment and talent all across world, as well as being wholesale distributors for Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, Kenny Chesney and the finest Hawaiian Artists and Steel Drum Bands.

Clients include the Ritz Carlton, Sirius Radio, the PGA, Carnival Cruise Lines, the Orlando Magic, Miami Dolphins, City Walk, and the Islands of St. Lucia, Grenada, Caymans, and the British Virgin Isles.
​

Learn more at: http://TropicalMusicInternational.com
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