 Poster: A snowHead
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Vasta - no problems - I know you weren't implying anything. But I may get a blow out on the ankle part of the boots - possibly. They were fine all of last season so I am going to let it fully heal for a week or so more and then try my boots on again and see how it feels then.
Maireadoconnor - sounds like a nice outing!
stevew - yes indeed but hopefully not for long now if this snow comes as it should!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Happy New Year, Steve, and thank you for your wonderful posts!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Sunday morning off???? No wonder we couldnt get a lesson with you 
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Steve , we are thinking of having a lunchtime meal in Bellevarde restaurant we have quite a few non skiers who can get the funicular or olympique lifts up , but is the walk down that short slope going to be ok for walkers , because they don't ski they are a little unsure on the snow and they will have some young ones with them , maybe the use of a couple of ski poles will help but from memory the slopes should be ok .......your thoughts please
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@Steve Angus, Only jokng Steve, the wife has a lesson with one of your colleagues in the morning!
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Hi Steve,
Great news about the snow, I haven't managed to catch your periscope live but always try to watch it afterwards (do you broadcast at the same time each day?). On the budgeting for lunch a couple of places I'd recommend especially if the weathers nice Tignes Cuisine or the Loop bar next door to each other and both cheap. I know they're not strictly up the mountain but if your staying in val and heading towards or through le lac they're pretty convenient. I've also had reasonable priced pasta at the restaurant on the right hand side corner if you walk through the shopping precinct, opposite the lift ticket office. I call it the Front de neige square? May be Steve you could start a web site listing the cheapest restaurants, cheapest bars etc etc.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Hi Steve
Loving the perisocope updates. Not sure if this is an option, but does periscope give the option to give a 5 min warning that you are about to go live? I always seem to only manage to join half way through.
Cheers
Steve
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Thanks Steve, always good to highlight some cheaper places to go to, shame the new Fondue Fanctory doesn't fit that bill (and their service is pants too). Do have any vouchers for food at the Folie this year?
Anyway, onto more positive things, love that pic of the top of Belvarde, very jealous of the people skiing that day. Let's hope that the sun does come out today as promised and after yesterdays dump, we have some good snow conditions out there.
Travelling up yesterday was interesting, we got up early due to the snow forecast and had no issues at all, but there was a massive jam coming out of town, and heavy traffic all the way to Lyon. I overheard someone yesterday afternoon saying they'd shut the road for an hour but not sure how true that is.
Have a nice morning off and rest that foot!
Lots of snow forecast over the next 10 days!
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Ssshhhh don't tell everyone about the Marmottes.
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You know it makes sense.
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| dogwatch wrote: |
| Ssshhhh don't tell everyone about the Marmottes. |
indeed, and same for La Cascade....I believe under same ownership
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@Steve Angus,
Hi Steve, just watched yesterday's vlog on periscope, looks great and really enjoyed it. Do you have any spaces for two intermediates between 10th - 15th Jan? Ideally earlier in the week.
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Steve Angus, might be easier to email me directly if you can please.... nizkit@gmail.com
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Philip1972 - I trust you had a good session and have plenty of food for thought to be getting on with!
Chris ski H - Hey Chris - not long to go now until you are out here! Bet you are excited! Anyway re Periscope. No I dont always broadcast at the same time - it varies a lot depending on a whole host of factors! Sorry! Tignes Cuisine and Loop over in Tignes Le Lac are indeed excellent choices. I think the place you are describing (assuming here in Val!) is the Cafe du Sport... not got much info on that place so ill take your word on it! AS FAR AS WEBSITE WITH TOP EATING TIPS ETC ARE CONCERNED... have it on the to do list... a general personal website that would have pages of top tips as well as perhaps a WordPress blog for listing things too!
smagsmith - thank you for your enthusiastic following of the Periscopes - always asking questions etc where you can and getting involved - much appreciated! Anyway the 5 min warning etc... no there is no automatic way of sending a notification out that I am going live in 'x' mins time. I have tried (when I can remember) and it is possible and I know I will be about to go live... to do a general post on Twitter announcing I am about to go live.... few issues. a) when on the mountain finding strong enough signal to broadcast - even to put something on twitter sometimes... b) remembering c) sometimes like today the opportunity suddenly arises.... other times I plan it quite carefully in advance! Now I am back teaching full time and the fact people like to see on mountain shots etc finding a 'slot' when I can just chat for a few mins with good internet etc is limited. There is also the fact that someone is paying for my time so even on a lift somewhere with good internet signal - whacking the camera out and filming is not that possible appropriate..... I am hoping that when I teach a SH / Periscope viewer or whomever I can sneak in filming for a few mins mid lesson in exchange for adding a few mins at the end - perhaps!
trainee snowboard jedi - Fondue Factory not good then - noted thanks. Good to have you back in town.... perhaps I will be the last of the family / TDC to catch up with you this week! Hope you had a fun first day today and the kids enjoyed! Good feedback this end! Vouchers - no sorry! Traffic down the hill yesterday - yes totally expected that was. Road closed - highly doubt it - snow was not that heavy.... just heavy traffic - I could be wrong though!
snowornever - yea Cascade up at the Val glacier - same owners and ideas yes!
nishnu - will email you but perhaps putting your personal email on here direct with PM me with it could leave you open to the email address being harvested for spamming in the future (not by me of course!)
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Great updates as always Steve, thanks!
Here is my attempt, not sure if I am right:
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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hmmmm - one entry and one winner - well done - next questions then is which piste is this Im on... that could be harder!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Grattalu piste is my guess. I'm assuming that's the Tignes race piste?
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Could it be Merles???
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| Jehu wrote: |
| Could it be Merles??? |
Another winner.... I knew the SH community would get it right... Must make it harder next time.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Wish I was there!
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| Jehu wrote: |
| Wish I was there! |
Ditto!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Well just jumping back into this thread to keep an eye on progress
2 trips planned for me in the upcoming months so its all important, plus i love Steve's insight into life in Val .
I must look back and get my head round these periscope broadcasts in addition to emailing the tdc office to see who is free for a few mornings coaching in March.
I wont gloat over the 3 week trip we have just arrived back from over the pond but i will say it was a wise choice this christmas as we had 6ft in the first week there (and then lots of little night time snow of 3 to 6 inches every few days )
Looking foward to getting back to Val in not too many weeks time.
Harv
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@Steve Angus,
Hi Steve. Do you know if you guys at tdc are busy next week. Might need to get the wife a couple of hours private lessons as she has never had to deal with fresh snow before. In the 8 years since I introduced her to skiing she has been lucky enough to have blue skies and perfect pistes
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You know it makes sense.
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Hi Steve, sorry we didn't bump into you last week - had a great week based in Val Claret. We had Tignes local area passes but were persuaded to upgrade to full EK passes on arrival - a very good move, even for the two relative beginners with us (who loved the runs off the Borsat Express). New Year's Day we had lunch in Val D'Isere after downloading on the Olympique (and looking with horror at the Face below! - at that time the only access from Tignes side direct to Val D) - I went on to ski over to Col d'Iseran and back to Tignes before close, well pleased with myself.
Yes the snow was a bit firm in places (and the blue ice showing in patches off the top of Grande Mottes terrified me) but we had a great week and will have to come back.
Posting all this here because your posts made me feel ready and prepared for the week, as well as psyched up for skiing here - well done, keep up the good work.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Steve, thanks for the updates, what a day today was. As you say, another true bluebird day. We did the Fontaine Froide as our first run and we were the only 2 on it, plenty of untracked powder, although it looked like they'd pisted one side of it.
Amazing morning up the Olympic side, got a bit excited as the Borsat started to run as we went past, we had visions of being the first down genepy but it didn't happen as the lifty said it would be at least 1 to 2 hours before they let people on. So we did another lap and ended up going down Face at 11am which was starting to get a big bumpy, albeit soft so wasn't too bad, but we wished we'd gone down a hour earlier.
Then went up Solaise and ended up at the Sun bar, wow, it felt like March, it was only minus one. 2 years ago, this week was minus 25! Whilst we experience warmer winters, Val will continue to have rising house prices. Met Chris Hawthorne tonight who gave us a few pointers.
Clare is an amazing teacher, she is doing very well William, many thanks.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Timg60 - thanks for the message. Yes indeed there are a few gaps next week (at the moment and filling up bit by bit). The mornings are especially busy but the afternoons have more slots available. It is best to book in advance of the start of the actual week as the last few slots (especially earlier in the week) will go before the weekend arrivals. If you would like further information then please private message (PM) me and I will give you further details. Thanks. Steve
MSG101 - Well I am so glad you enjoyed yourself and it sounds like it was a very successful trip. Yes sorry did not see you - there are is rather a lot of people here in a very large area! Also glad I was able to be part of your trip in the build up phase - always here to please!
trainee snowboard jedi - Yes indeed I will report on the avalanche death in a moment when do daily posting. You mean the Tete du Solaise as in 'Sun Bar' as opposed to the one at the bottom of the Solaise do you. Yes the Borsat remained shut all day - pisteurs had too many others things going on and there was positive movements avalanche wise right around the top of the lift when they blasted this morning so they decided to hold back on an opening today! Yes it was warm today for sure and totally unseasonable in general... has been all season! You did the Face - must have been rather bumpy! Chris Hawthorne - who the heck is that? Do you mean Chris Howarth!
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Folie Douce - you are right Steve, the prices are VERY high but I actually think the food is pretty good. Usual story, you are in a premium restaurant in a premium resort -- you makes your choice ! You are paying for the brand of course ! ... steer clear of the merchandise shop if you think the food is expensive !
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@trainee snowboard jedi, tragic news indeed about the avalanches. If the report is accurate, with skiers going down the Santons piste when it was closed, given an avalanche risk rating of 4, that is clearly very risky. The valley obviously looks to be a big avalanche risk from the entry point. Similarly I think Piste L, from the side of the Solaise down to Le Laisinant, just looks like trouble after heavy snow.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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2 hours, 2 avalanche, 3 burials, 1 death, 20+ pisteurs, 4 helicopters, 2 avalanche dogs.....
You get the picture.... more on that in a moment.
So we awoke to the sound of tractor clearance of the roads and car park outside our flat this morning - always a sign of more fresh. Indeed there was another 20cm or so - that makes about 50cm in town in the last 48 hours and more up high AND on top of that with the wind effect there was about a metre or so in some places!
The sun soon took hold and popped through the clouds - although it was a chilly morning (about -10 and got warmer as the day went on - aided by the effect of the sun).
I was teaching the same two lesson participants (am and pm) today and it was nice to be able to get up the mountain and enjoy the weather, snow and scenery!
It was a very successful morning although there was an air of powder hound hunger in the air. With the fresh snow the pistes certainly got a little lumpy and bumpy as the day went on but they are now in excellent condition. The off piste is also now hotting up and there was some lovely turns to be had out there but you had to be very careful.
Photo courtesy of Alpine Experience
By lunchtime the clouds really had parted and it was a lovely day.... however at the same time news started filtering through of the first avalanche over on Bellevarde. [WHAT FOLLOWS BELOW IS THE BEST INFORMATION OF WHAT HAPPENED OBTAINED FROM VARIOUS SOURCES FROM PISTEURS TO NEWS REPORTS TO AN EYE WITNESS ACCOUNT - apologies if I am slightly incorrect in what I have written]
For those that know the off piste areas up the Bellevarde it happened on the high traverse into the Kern (french spelling of what the Brits call the Cairn) - this is a CLASSIC route. It would seem as if 3 English seasonnaires (I am yet to find out whom they work for / where or anything) put the first tracks into the bowl from just below the top pillon of the Olympique lift (so the accident was right under the lift almost). They traversed in clumped together (first rule of off piste ignored there) and the slide took 2 of the three. The slide was some 80 meters wide with a crown 80cm deep. The first person was recovered quickly and the third not buried at all. The second guy was buried for some five minutes under 150cm of snow was found in a state of cardioid-vascular arrest by pisteurs. Following reanimation at the scene he was helicoptered to the main Grenoble hospital in serious condition. Luckily these guys were wearing transceivers otherwise the outcome could have been much worse!
So the photo above was taken as the rescue heli was coming into land - in fact the picture was taken from the chopper. You can see the traverse line coming in from the left where they entered the slope from.
I actually came over the scene of the accident about an hour after this photo was taken after the clear up had taken away and included it in my periscope today. You can catch it as follows:
https://t.co/NcUa8m3zqK
ALSO FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE NOT TECHNICALLY SAVY OR DO NOT HAVE THE APP ON YOUR PHONE THEN YOU CAN WATCH ALL MY DAILY PERISCOPE VIDEOS USING THE ' KTCH' (KATCH.ME website) LINKS THAT I SHALL ALSO POST DAILY NOW ASWELL
https://ktch.tv/5Lht
Anyway thankfully it would seem as this person will make a full recovery. However the risk out there today is 4/5 so it is high - a general and widespread risk of avalanche occurrence and it was interesting to note that slides were being triggered from a distance which is always a sure fire sign of general risk and prudence to be applied.
The SAMU ambulance chopper comes in to take the injured away
An interesting selfie of some of the pisteur 'hero' rescuers from today. Sylvain at the front is the head honcho in these parts and on the Bellevarde mountain!
The most puzzling aspect of these slides is that the warnings signs were all over the place. On the Olympique lift you can clearly see lower down (same snow, same aspect , virtually same altitude, virtually the same angle of slope) the mountain there is avalanche activity as this photo shows:
...yet for whatever reason the warning signs were ignored and the consequences could have been much more in this particular case!
In fact all over the mountain today there were the warning signs:
In this photo - there is clearly avalanche activity (rh side of the photo) however someone on their own (second run of off piste broken there - never go on your own - in fact that rule applies to general skiing / snowboarding) has skied moniteurs couloir - there is a track coming down on its own just to the left of the where the chair is in the pic)
In this photo taken from the Fontaine Froide lift these category 1 / 2 sized avalanches have all been triggered by skiers / snowboarders - some from a few metres away. But still people take risks! Ok these small ones are not likely to do more than shake you up or possibly twist your knee or something but it is a sign of general risk taking!
Anyway folks not long after the pisteurs had finished their work on the first avalanche but news of a second slide came in. This time people had skied down above and to the side of the Santons piste which is very much closed and set a slide off. Of the group of 4 Spanish skiers one unfortunately was buried. This Santons group were not so lucky. The skiers did not have avalanche beacons and rescue had to await the piste patrol and their avalanche dogs who arrived at the scene 15 minutes after the slide. Too late for one of the victims despite a long resuscitation attempt after being found under 150cm of snow. The incident was probably made worse as the piste, running through a gulley where the slide occurred, is a natural terrain trap. The slide was 30 meters wide with a crown of 100cm. The risk was 4 at the time and the slope showed evidence of cross-loaded snow. So that was the death in town today! RIP
The afternoon was back with Henry and we had a lovely time zipping about and he really learnt to master the bumps and lumps and we also worked on getting his stance width a little narrower as it is hindering his ability at the moment at the age of 7 to allow his skis to come into parallel. He was pretty tired by the end of the afternoon but as always he gave it his all!
I got back home and both Clare and I Skyped Olivias grandparents back home which I hope both sides enjoyed... I then had the task which I hate every year of taking all the Xmas decorations down. After dinner I have just popped to Fall Line bar for another of our (and final one for this year) TDC Seasonnaires sign up evening for our seasonnaires programs... as it turned out virtually all of TDC were there so it was more of a social than anything really but the seasonnaires were signing up in their droves which is cool!
Clare was busy with trainee snowboard jedi son William this morning and he is really coming on well and just LOVES skiing. Thanks for the kind words above - I shall pass on to Clare. In the afternoon Clare was over in Tignes teaching another snowhead thecramps and it sounds like a good lesson was had over there.
So the forecast is for a little more snow coming in tomorrow and then Thursday it could get a lot heavier again.
Stand by for more updates! Remember I will be actively posting info and pics etc relevant to Val d'Isere on my Twitter account so please follow me @SteveAngusSnow
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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HI steve. Like the katch me option as thevideo quality is much better than when watching it on periscope.
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| smagsmith wrote: |
| HI steve. Like the katch me option as thevideo quality is much better than when watching it on periscope. |
hmmm - thought it was mainly due to the internet connection either way when I record it but will post both... problem with Katch option is that no option to 'tap' screen / share / follow but that is most certainly NOT the be all and end all and not the motivation for the clips so if I reaches a wider audience then that is cool! Thanks for your support on the Periscoping!
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@Steve Angus, like someone mentioned before - some sort of 1 minute notice or something before you go live would be good, not sure if thats possible though.
Really enjoy your updates and its cool to see people from allover the world watching. (ps i'm Mark who more than often says hi, comments or asks questions!)
Not be long before you have over 1000 viewers i think.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Thanks Steve for taking the time to write that in depth post on the tragic avalanches today. The photos and analysis of the warning signs especially informative.
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Such sad news but I really can't understand the mentality of some pie people. Not only putting themselves at Rick but also others. There is surely enough warning signs and common sense around to avoid a lot of these tragedies. 
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FAQ
