The Essential Guide to Steel Toe Boots For Road Construction Workers

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Road construction workers face a number of hazards every day on the job. Combine heavy work with loud machinery, large earthmovers and construction vehicles, elevated work and falling hazards, passing motorists from active roadways, and a whole host of cutting, crushing, and tripping hazards, and you have a work site with a large number of potential accidents. Engineering practices, safe working procedures, and effective personal protective equipment programs address all of these hazards. However, one aspect of road construction job site safety and occupational health is often overlooked.

Industrial footwear is one of the most important pieces of PPE for productive workers. Besides protecting from a laundry list of hazards, the right footwear is essential for maintaining good posture and occupational health as well as preventing sprains and fatigue. In order to meet the needs of construction workers, steel toe boots are often the number one choice for industrial footwear. Let us take a look at why that is so.

Support And Protection – Getting The Right Fit

Like any other piece of personal protective equipment, steel toe boots have to be sized properly in order to provide the maximum benefit. For this reason, it is important for every worker to try on many different pairs and styles of industrial footwear to find the perfect fit. The boots should fit snuggly around the foot, have ample room for toes, and securely hug the ankles without restricting circulation. Be aware that steel toe boots made from leather will always be a little stiff, sacrificing some flexibility for more support. Hybrid material steel toe boots can be purchased that combine leather with nylon for a balanced amount of support and flexibility.

How Steel Toe Boots Protect Workers

These boots really offer a wide range of protective qualities that makes them one of the best types of industrial footwear. With water resistant coatings and some specialty soles, these boots can be effective PPE for many different job conditions.

First, the steel plating protects against a number of crushing and impact hazards as well as stubbed toes, ultimately preventing many foot and toe fractures. The durable leather material also goes a long way to stopping cuts and abrasions. High ankle styles will prevent sprains and twisted ankles while also offering posture support. Padded insoles can increase comfort and reduce fatigue. If using an insert, boots should be sized upwards about a half of a size in order to retain the same fit. Low ankle styles grant a great range of motion and flexibility for one's feet. Deep treads and non-slip soles help to prevent slips, trips, and falls from uneven working surfaces, standing water, and outdoor environments.

Leather is a naturally water-resistant material, and with additional coatings, steel toe boots can be effective against standing water. Waterproof linings can be added to the inside of boots for an alternative method for repelling water. For deep pools of liquid, knee-high rubber boots can be worn over steel toe boots. These coatings can also be applied to offer protection against mild corrosive chemical spills. Leather can take quite a beating from chemicals before degrading; however, chemical action will render their water-proofing qualities ineffective.

Choosing The Right Brand

Industrial footwear is a type of personal protective equipment that should be custom fitted to each worker and be an investment in safety. They are not disposable items, but durable pieces of industrial apparel that have to emphasize quality over price. Accordingly, steel toe boots under $ 90 are not suitable for industrial work; the price ceiling on boots should be around $ 200. These prices offer the best combination of quality products with an affordable per-person price. If the price tag seems steep, remember that rugged footwear will have a long lifetime.

Name brands are the best bet when purchasing industrial footwear. Some of the top brands include Bates, Rocky, Nautilus, Georgia Boot, Wolverine, Timberland, and Danner. A large offering of different brands allows for a better fit for each worker.

Boot construction can also be a buying factor. The most expensive design, stitch down construction, can be resoled and repaired over time. Less expensive designs include cement construction and direct attach, where the two halves of the footwear are directly glued or molded together.

The right industrial footwear is a vital part of effective personal protective equipment. Workers are on their feet all day and rely on the support and protection of steel toe boots, even if their feet are not on their minds. Industrial footwear makes all the difference for the safety and health of everyone on the job.

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Source by Greg A Palmer

Types of Leather Used to Make Shoes and Boots

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Traditionally, leather is the preferred choice of material for a shoe or boots upper material and has been so for thousands of years, with the first known leather shoe dating back over a staggering six thousand years. To date, the majority of high-quality shoe brands continue to follow in our ancestors wise use of leather as it offers numerous qualities, which are often left missed out in other materials.

  • The form of a shoe can often be maintained easier in a leather form whilst still having the ability to take on minor adjustments in order to accommodate the particular shape of someone's feet.
  • Leather's properties allows it to absorb and transmit perspiration and heat away from the foot.
  • Leather can often be restored by polishing as it has a good surface abrasion.
  • It is a comfortable material that can be worn in both hot and cold temperatures.
  • It flexes easily with the foot, and is not substantially weakened with folding or creasing.

The skin of most animals can be treated in such ways as to produce leather and can be found in the following different leather types:

  • French Veal Calf – these calves are normally of an age of up 10 months old, providing a premium fine leather that is of quite a strong nature. Therefore, this leather is often used as an upper material in many high quality men's and women's boots and shoes. This leather will always be lined.
  • Yearling – this leather comes from the skin of an older animal, up to the age of 2 years. The grain is courser than in calf, but stronger. This leather can be found in men's, women's and children's shoes and as a dress leather is always lined.
  • Hide – made ​​from the skin of a fully grown adult cow. Again, this leather is even courser than either calf of yearling but is much firmer and stronger. It is normally referred to as 'a side of leather' due to its being cut from the backbone for handling convenience. This leather is very suitable for both work boots and strong shoes. Due to its strength these skins are normally too thick for the use of footwear uppers and are split into layers. The outer layer (hair follicle side) is used for uppers and if this outer layer has been blemished or scarred in any way, the surface can be buffed to remove any imperfections before a finish is applied. The leather is then known as 'corrected grain' leather. Boots that are made with hide / ox-hide / willow leather are made as unlined boots due to the thickness of the leather.
  • Goat or Kid – this type of leather is much softer than that of a calf, but in the same instance is more likely to scuff and be subject to wear and tear. Kid leather, obtained from the younger animal, is finer in grain and has a glossy appearance. Both Goat and Kid leather are used in men's and women's fashion and comfort shoes and is particularly popular in good quality moccasins. In either of its forms, be it Kid or Goat, this leather has a very distinctive grain, which is found around the follicles. For example, RMWilliams use kid leather for boot linings and heel socks only and it is recognised by its distinctive butter yellow colour.
  • Kangaroo – this is a lightweight supple leather , that is both soft and pliable to wear. It is also surprisingly strong for its weight and is often found in both fashion and sporting footwear, and in dress and casual boots. This leather is always lined.
  • Buffalo – this leather has an attractive and distinctive surface grain pattern; coming from the water buffalo. When used for shoe uppers, the majority of the buffalo leather will have come from young animals and is often used in casual and dress shoes and sometimes for linings.
  • Camel – a naturally heavily grained finished leather that is both tough and robust. This leather originates from Australian camels that are either from farmed or wild, culled stock found in Central Australia. One of its most distinctive features is found in the healed scars that arise from desert living. Again, this leather can be used for both dress and work footwear.
  • Pigskin – makes for an excellent lining material as it is a soft, loose fibred leather. Usually appearing in pairs, the follicle pores are deep and quite distinctive. It is sometimes possible for the grain side of the skin to be napped to produce a pig suede.
  • Sheepskin – another soft and loose fibred leather . This type of leather is not as strong as others and for that reason is usually used with the wool still intact as a lining for slippers or cold weather footwear.
  • Deerskin – is often used in very high quality footwear for both men's and women's boots and shoes. This leather is a hard-wearing, soft and very comfortable leather to wear and has a slight surface texture.
  • Exotic leathers – other creatures, such as lizards, snakes, crocodiles and ostriches, have skin that can be tanned for shoe and boot uppers or as decorative panels and trims for other footwear. As they have a very distinctive appearance and are difficult to work with, these leathers are expensive and require a strong backing material.

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Source by Rebecca D Moody

Ugg Boots Make Innovative Use Of Natural Materials

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If there is one brand that has been able to stand the test of time purely because of its innovative use of natural materials like sheepskin and rubber, it has to be Ugg boots. This brand that came into existence in Australia created a flutter in the market when it introduced its range of boots made out of high quality sheepskin.

Consumers who were till then well accustomed to using top notch leather footwear now had something different to look forward to. The Merino sheepskin used to manufacture Ugg boots proved to be not only very durable but extremely soft and with excellent cushion qualities.

What distinguished Ugg boots from others apart from its use of sheepskin was the fact that consumers could wear them during both summer and winter seasons. These boots had wool whose outer part could be enveloped with generous fleece for that ultra soft feeling, while the inners could be covered with skin.

Merino sheepskin with its double faced attribute thus offered a thermostatic kind of setting whereby your feet remained very cosy and warm during cold winter but became cool during summer. Fleece helped in keeping out moisture and thus ensured that your feet always remained dry. The soles were made out of rubber and stitched firmly into the boots on the outside. The use of such material naturally pushed up the cost of these boots but people were more than willing to pay the price given the exclusive benefits they could enjoy with Ugg boots.

It was not surprising therefore that these boots soon had many imitators who tried to introduce their own brand. Over the years, very few have succeeded in their endeavour as they have not been able to duplicate the effect and comfort Uggs have been consistently delivering to its consumers.

Ugg quickly realised that in order to maintain their competitive advantage, they had to bring out these boots in a whole range of colours and sizes. You thus had access to pretty attractive colours like blue, pink, chestnut, fuchsia and many others. Women found them ideal as they could now complement their attire with the right footwear and rest assured that their feet would remain well protected through the season.

The height of the boots introduced by the brand varied from ankle high boots to those reaching above the knee. Tall boots were always preferred by many women and since they were available in vibrant colours available, they were quickly snapped up.

Unfortunately, like most other successful brands, Ugg too have to face the scourge of duplicates and replicas flooding the market and wooing the consumers. These are made out of cheap pigskin or cowhide and if you are not careful when buying them, you could end up burning a hole in your pocket. Such products are also not good for your skin due to the spurious chemicals used in their manufacture.

It is therefore advisable that you do not look out for cheap Ugg boots, but pay more for the genuine article.

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Source by Charlotte J Wilson

Rain Boots – A Comprehensive History

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The term "rubber wellies" may not mean much to more recent generations, but this phrase was essentially the catalyst in transforming the way that people now so effortlessly approach wet and muddy grounds among other natural elements. In the nineteenth century, Arthur Wellington, first Duke of Wellington, requested that his shoemaker modify his pair of Hessian boots. Hessian boots were primarily worn by soldiers and other military ranks because of their low heel and partially pointed toe, which made them practical for mounting horses and wearing stirrups. Initially made of leather, this fashion-forward boot eventually evolved into the effective form of rubber foot protection that we know today.

While the stylistic element of "wellies" preceded the discovery of their practicality, functionality was soon after addressed. This was obvious with the imminent onset of World War I and the need for waterproof boots in order to provide soldiers with suitable footwear for days and nights spent in the confines of flooded trenches and other treacherous conditions. Both World War I and World War II sparked the creation of vast quantities of Wellington boots and thigh-high protection. Soon after, men, women, and children of all ages were wearing, what we now fondly refer to as, rain boots in all types of inclement weather.

In the 1850s, Hiram Hutchinson, a French footwear manufacturer, teamed up with Charles Goodyear to patent a rubber footwear product that would become an overnight success. Perhaps most logically, farmers and other laborers took advantage of the design of these technologically advanced shoes and traded in their wooden clogs for rubber boots. For farmers and laborers, more protection against the cold and wet weather signified a reduction in sickness and an increase in productivity, all thanks to the trend instigated by the Duke of Wellington. Thick soles and rounded toes made this version of rain boots a comfortable and pragmatic choice for use in daily work routines.

Since their inception, rain boots have accumulated quite the collection of nicknames as they have found their place in countries and cultures all across the world. South African and New Zealand natives refer to rain boots as "gumboots", a term which may have originated from nineteenth century gum diggers that adorned boots made from gum rubber. Older Australians refer to these boots as "Blucher boots" and "Gummies", while some elder Irish statesman have coined them "me topboots". Despite their name, rain boots have proven to be a practical and popular staple in the realm of footwear over the years.

Many individuals in the United States can still be seen sporting a bright yellow adaptation of "wellies", while British residents typically don green-colored rain boots. Rain boots have become an essential part of the dress code for children en route to school amidst a splash of morning dew or raindrops, as well as for fashionistas and trend-setters as they step out for a cup of coffee on a sunny day. Warm insulation and rubber exteriors make rain boots a viable alternative to leather or synthetic sneakers.

From practical protection to puddle jumping to surging fashion trends, rain boots have evolved into much more than a simple piece of footwear. Today, rain boots have effectively created and established a name for themselves that appeals to audiences ranging from parents to style gurus and everyone in between.

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Source by Avand Amiri

Looking To Buy Cheap Timberland Boots For Men?

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When Looking to Buy a New Pair of Timberland Boots

After years of solid use I needed to replace my Timberland Boots. But I had been out of work for four months and did not want to spend a lot of money for a new pair of boots. When you have less money to spend you tend to be a little more selective in what you purchase. So where do you buy low cost Timberland boots when you do not have a lot of cash? You go online.

The Best Name in Boots

Timberland is the best name in boots. These boots are strong yet real comfortable whether it is raining or on a dry day. Made of waterproof leather that seal out the cold and rain, you can walk through a small river and still be dry and feel comfortable. These boots are not heavy like army boots. They are light and still provide strong ankel support. They may take a couple of weeks to break-in, but they become as comfortable as any shoe you wear on a regular basis. Some of the boots like the 6 "Premium Boot also have a scuff protection feature which keeps the boots looking relatively new even after years of use.

Dry on a Very Wet Day

I use my Timberland boots for hiking and some mountain climbing but it was only when I moved to New York City that these boots really came in handy. When it rains and snows in New York, the city becomes a real mess. A three block walk in Manhattan turns into a long series of dark sinking holes and dirty slush ponds at street corners. Sheets of water splash up from passing cars and busses, turning a simple walk into a wet nightmare. That is where the Timberlands came in handy, especially the 6 "Premium Boot that keeps you dry on a very wet winter day.

Buy Your Boots Online

So when you are looking to buy cheap Timberland Boots there is no need to walk through a storm to purchase them. You just have to go online and from the warm comfort of your home or apartment start to shop. The selection is vast and all prices are discounted due to the large volume of boots that are available. The other feature I like about shopping online is that the more reputable stores provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy with your purchase you can return the item for a full refund.

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Source by Dan Ross

Chelsea Boots for Motorcyclists

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Riding a motorcycle requires over-the-ankle protection. Most motorcycle boots are designed for that in mind, leaving little room for fashion. Chelsea boots are a stylish boot that have been a must for men's wardrobes since the 1960s and they provide the protection a biker requires whether he cruises on a sport bike or a motor scooter.

Whether black, brown, or suede, Chelsea boots are ankle length and easy to slip into. Their elasticized sides provide both comfort and support. Most people do not think of them and motorcycling in the same sentence, but bikers who commute to work or are venturing out for a night on the town know they need something more versatile than a clunky motorcycle boot. That's where this iconic footwear comes into play.

Expertly constructed of durable, quality leather, a boot can withstand the wear and tear of riding while looking good. When a man parks his bike and takes off his helmet, he can be assured that his feet impress as much as his mode of transportation. His sense of style is intact and the impression that Chelsea boots make is as forceful as that of his ride.

Heaven forbid a motorcyclist meets a mishap on the road. If it happens though, he can rest assured that the high cut of his boots will protect the bones of his feet and ankles. Chelsea boots are not just comfortable for walking around. They are serviceable footwear, rugged enough for any weather and any situation. Handmade, as they always have been, Chelsea boots look good on the road, at a pitstop, in the office, and relaxed on the rail under a bar stool.

Men who adventure on the wilder side of the road put their faith in boots. They are boots fit for wherever a motorcyclist finds himself, whether it is straddling a humming engine or seated at a cafe enjoying a glass of wine with the bike parked nearby. How a man travels through the world is important, be it on two wheels or two feet. A man's gear says a lot about him.

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Source by Thomas Baugh

EMU Boot Care – Cleaning and Protecting Suede EMU Boots

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As winter approaches and your feet get colder it's time to starting thinking about your EMU boots. To really show them off you're going to want to ensure they are nice and clean for your next outing.

Cleaning EMU boots is a very simple process but there are a few important things to look out for. The actual fabric used on the outer layer of the boot varies by style. The lower end boots such as the Bronte use a suede material, which can be cleaned easily using the methods highlighted below.

Make sure you check the labels before you proceed as cleaning the sheepskin fabric used on higher end EMU boots is an entirely different process.

As a preventative measure you should always try to seal the surface of your boots with a water repellent. These are available in a spray form from most shoe retailers and these will help to stop water absorption and prevent staining.

Suede is a very fragile material and should never be placed in a washing machine. In the event of staining, putting your EMU boots through the washing machine is likely to discolour the fabric and ruin the suppleness of the material. The last thing you want is an uncomfortable and colourless boot.

To remove stains from the surface of your boots, you will just need some suede cleaner. EMU Australia does sell cleaning kits, but other brands will suffice. Using a soft sued brush with some suede cleaner and a dash of water, gently brush the surface of the boot. It's important to use some water as applying cleaner straight onto the fabric can cause discolouring.

Once you have removed the stains, take a clean damp cloth and wipe the affected areas. This will remove the remaining residue and ensure the boots come away nice and clean.

At this point you should stuff the interior of the boots with some old newspaper. This will help to maintain the shape of the boot during the drying. Put them in a warm dry place with plenty of ventilation. Do not place them in sunlight or near a heater as this can contribute to discolouring or misshaping of the boot. Leave the boots for several hours allowing them to dry completely.

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Source by Henry Desforges

The Importance of Motorcycle Boots During the Ride

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A motorcycle accident may appear small but a single mishap can be very devastating to you especially if you have not taken the proper precaution before riding on your motorcycle. There are only two things to expect during a motorcycle accident, either you escape from the wreck unhurt or you writhe in pain which is a very disastrous situation to be in. However, if you want to minimize the impact of the accident on yourself, you should take note of the more important considerations to make when thinking of your safety. A good pair of motorcycle boots will generally lessen the impact when you have a pair on during a motorcycle ride.

Wearing a helmet has been strongly advocated as the primary safety precaution when on a motorcycle ride. Yet even with this heightened awareness, some bikers tend to ignore this safety precaution which leads to higher levels of accident casualties. Because a simple and essential rule of safety is ignored big time, the other more minute ones like the wearing of other motorbike protection such as gloves and boots is also ignored in the long run. A good pair of motorcycle boots from the men's Harley Davidson boots line is equally important to wear as with the helmet.

Since the feet of the biker suffers a lot of friction from the road because of road heat and other road conditions, a sturdy motorcycle boot should be worn. This should be the primary consideration to make when selecting a motorcycle boot – that it should be solid enough to handle all the friction and heat from the road. Further, it should also be ankle high so that the rider's ankles are protected from the rotational torque and thus gives them additional support. Without a good pair of motorcycle boot, the rider will feel a lot of strain in the toe area of ​​his feet because of the stress that is introduced to the area while in end over and end roll in the road.

Boots are very important for professional bikers and motorists alike. A lot of these enthusiast prefer wearing a style from the men's Harley Davidson boots line since the boots found here do just the job that they require for it to do. For some, motorcycle boots become an essential item. Others even make it a hobby to collect different kinds of motorcycle boots which is comparable to women and their shoes.

The essence of a pair of motorcycle boots can be felt during long rides and those rides which span very unfriendly roads as these boots help motorcyclist achieve protection and comfort at the same time. Besides these functional uses of motorcycle boots, the shoes also add a stylish statement to the overall quality of a rider's look when on a motorcycle.

So if you have plans of investing a bit of your money in motorcycle boots, make sure that you choose one which will protect your feet during long rides and is also very comfortable at that. You should also look for additional features such as the boots being water resistant and having thicker soles. These features can ultimately be seen in a pair of men's Harley Davidson boots.

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Source by Jenny Carson

Mountaineering Boots – A Revolution in Progress

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A few decades ago frost-bitten toes were considered an unfortunate but unavoidable consequence of mountaineering. If you climbed enough you were bound to have a couple go numb or worse. This is no longer the case. A revolution in mountaineering boots has produced footwear that can stay dry even after days of trudging through snow and that can keep your feet warm even in the icy cold of high-altitude peaks. And the revolution is still continuing. New materials and insulation are leading to boots that are lighter, warmer and safer than ever.

A brief history of mountain footwear would have to go all the way back to 3,300 BC and Otzi, the iceman whose body was found in a glacier between Austria and Italy. Otzi's shoes were waterproof and insulated to allow him to walk across the snow. In more recent years leather boots came to dominate mountaineering. These were often made of double layers to help insulate toes and the leather would have been impregnated and treated to help keep water out. But even the best leather mountaineering boots will wet through after a few days on the snow. And wet boots means cold feet and the risk of frostbite.

The more recent innovations have been in plastic double mountaineering boots. One of the most famous of these was the Scarpa Vega (in America it is known as the Scarpa Inferno). This boot is made of thick waterproof plastic on the outside and it has a thick foam inner boot for insulation. The Scarpa Vega was revolutionary for its time and for years dominated the field. This Scarpa boot has probably been to the summit of more high peaks than any other boot in history. Yet even this has been surpassed and Scarpa now recommends this boot for low 8000m peaks with over-gaiters and suggests it only be used to temperatures of -30 C (with special high altitude inner booties). But this is a clumsy and uncomfortable boot to wear and is not loved much.

The boots that have surpassed it include the Scarpa Omega which is much more nimble and offers almost the same degree of insulation. Even warmer boots include Scarpa's Phantom 8000, which is light and warm and rated down to minus 40 C. Another is made by the rival firm La Sportiva. Its Olympus Mons Evo boot is also super warm and light. These advances in mountaineering boots mean that the risk of losing a toe or two while on high mountains is significantly reduced.

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Source by Jon Rose

Leather Work Boots – How to Break Them in Quickly and Easily

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When you buy leather work boots, they are often a slightly uncomfortable fit. Leather does not move very well, and leather work boots are no different, requiring that they be well broken in if you hope to move in them comfortably. While any method of breaking in boots is an acceptable method, here are two quick ways you can break in your leather work boots in a short amount of time.

The Water Trick

The water trick is a well known way for breaking in baseball gloves, and essentially works the same with leather work boots as well.

  • Put the boots in water in a bathtub until they have fully soaked.
  • Once they appear to be completely wet, put plastic bags over your feet (so it does not stick) and put the boots on, wearing them until they dry.
  • The boots should shrink towards the contours of your feet and feel much more comfortable by the time they have dried off completely.

The Pain Point Trick

Many people do not like to try the water trick because they worry it will damage the leather. So another method uses rubbing alcohol.

  • Wear the boots straight until your feet hurt and you can pinpoint the pain locations.
  • Keep your feet in the boot and identify where your foot hurts – dab those areas with cotton swabs that have been soaked in alcohol so that they expand.
  • Continue to walk in them until the alcohol dries.

The alcohol method should result in less discomfort as you wear your boots.

Finding the Right Pair

Any other method of breaking in leather will work for shoes just as it works for baseball gloves and other leather objects. But remember, a good pair of leather work boots can be comfortable from the beginning, so do not be afraid to try out more than one pair in order to ensure you are satisfied.

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Source by Kelly Morgan