Monday, April 30, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Bob Brown Chevrolet is moving!
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Bob Brown Chevrolet Sales Department is still located at 4224 Merle Hay Road. We are now scheduled to move to our new location on May 7th.Bob Brown Chevrolet, Service, Parts, Collision and Quick Lube Center is now in our new home on the southeast corner of I-35/80 and Douglas Avenue in Urbandale, Iowa, is Central Iowa's showcase Chevrolet dealership.
In a brand new 120,000 square foot dealership facility on more than 23 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, Bob Brown Chevrolet is the home to a standing inventory of more than 1,200 new and used vehicles.
Our award-winning service department features 46 stalls with the very latest equipment and technology. We have a complete parts and accessories department with a large display area, a comfortable customer waiting lounge and more than 21,000 square feet of parts storage. We have Iowa's newest, most advanced Collision Center with an 18-stall body shop and three full car paint booths utilizing environmentally-friendly water-borne paints. For added convenience to our customers, we have a stand alone Certified Quick Lube facility that is open 7 days a week with no appointment necessary. Also a 4-stall stand alone Car Wash facility.
Bob Brown Chevrolet has been serving customers in Central Iowa since 1961 and the second 50 years of Bob Brown Chevrolet automotive excellence is off to a great start!
Hours of Operation
The only change to hours for our Bob Brown Chevrolet Certified Quick Lube Center. This is a new department. Those hours are Monday – Friday 7a.m. to 7p.m. , Saturday 8a.m. – 4pm, Sunday 10a.m. – 3p.m.
Driving Directions
Bob Brown Chevrolet is located on Douglas Avenue at exit 126, I-35/80, one mile west of Homemakers. 3600 111th St, Urbandale, IA 50322
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
GM Shows Chevrolet EN-V 2.0 Mobility Concept Vehicle
BEIJING – General Motors showed the company’s vision of the Chevrolet EN-V 2.0 concept at Auto China 2012 today. It is an evolved design of the company’s revolutionary mobility concept revealed at World Expo 2010 Shanghai.
“Our designers and engineers are exploring a range of options for turning the EN-V concept into a reality,” said Kevin Wale, president and managing director of the GM China Group. “The EN-V 2.0 concept would use technologies such as the mobility Internet, electrification and telematics to help change the automotive landscape and ensure a sustainable future for our industry,”
The original EN-V (Electric Networked-Vehicle) concept was a centerpiece of the SAIC-GM Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai. The two-seat electric vehicle pioneered a new automobile DNA based on the convergence of electrification and connectivity. It was developed to show the possibilities for alleviating concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow’s cities.
The EN-V 2.0 concept adds features that consumers demand such as in-vehicle climate control and personal storage space. In addition, it would be capable of driving in all weather and city road conditions.
GM expects to use EN-V 2.0 prototype models in pilot studies throughout China.
Courtesy of media.gm.com
Monday, April 23, 2012
Bob Brown: Thanks from the IOFST
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Bob Brown Auto,
Thank you very much for the donation that supported me in the 23rd Annual Bataan Death March. I had the honor and privilege of meeting four of the Bataan Death March survivors and I was one of over 6,700 people that participated in the march. The pride of the Iowa Army National Guard this year was first place in Female Military Light category with a time of 7 hours and 51 minutes and third place in the Military Co-ed Light category with a time of 7 hours and 14 minutes. The attached is a group photo of us at the start of the race.
This year's event was the largest in its 23-year history and one of the warmest. I saw countless number of service members and civilians that did not finish due to heat related injuries. Severe blisters and joint pains were to two other common physical injuries that prevented people from finishing. I must admit that my knees were screaming for me to stop near mile marker 22. However, the sight of wounded warriors on the trail with prosthetic limbs motivated me to keep pushing.
The finish was bitter-sweet as I didn't know if I should smile with the cheering crowd or cry about the muscle and joint pains. All I remember was how great it felt to rally with my fellow Iowa Army National Guard Soldiers and be able to say, "We did it".
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Thanks again for your generous support!
Michael Tang
MAJ, SF, IA ARNG
IO FST - Team Chief
Thursday, April 19, 2012
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco has electric motor, too
The Malibu’s eAssist electric motor supplements its four-cylinder gasoline engine. Unlike full hybrids like the Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion Hybrid, the Malibu Eco cannot travel solely on electric power, even for short spurts. Still, the 2013 Malibu Eco earned a fuel economy rating of 25 miles per gallon in city driving and 37 mpg on highways from the federal government.
The ratings compare attractively to the 22/33 mpg rating of the predecessor, 2012 Malibu with a four cylinder and no accompanying electric motor.
The 2013 Malibu Eco is already at dealer showrooms and is being sold alongside 2012 non-Eco Malibus.
Starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including destination charge, is $25,995 for a base 2013 Malibu Eco with front-wheel drive, 182-horsepower, Ecotec, direct gasoline injection, four-cylinder engine mated to a 15-kilowatt electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack.
Standard features include a six-speed automatic transmission, cloth-covered seats, remote vehicle entry, power windows and door locks, dual-zone climate control, 17-inch wheels, antilock brakes, curtain and knee air bags and electronic stability control. It is the first Malibu to offer an onboard navigation system.
Competitors include the 2012 Hyundai Sonata mid-size sedan which has a 198-horsepower four cylinder, six-speed automatic transmission and a government fuel economy rating of 28/35 mpg. Starting retail price is $21,570. The 2012 Sonata Hybrid, with 166-horsepower four cylinder mated to an electric motor and lithium polymer battery pack, starts at $26,625 and has a fuel economy rating of 35/40 mpg,
Another Malibu competitor is the 2012 Ford Fusion sedan, which has a starting MSRP, including destination charge, of $22,495 with 175-horsepower four cylinder, six-speed automatic transmission and a fuel mileage rating of 23/33 mpg. Meanwhile, the 2012 Fusion Hybrid, with 156-horsepower four cylinder mated to an electric motor and nickel metal hydride battery pack, starts at $29,570. The Fusion Hybrid is rated at 41/36 mpg and uses a continuously variable transmission.
The test Malibu Eco impressed with its exterior styling. The Eco model includes some underneath plastic panels and automatic moving “shutters” behind the grille to help smooth airflow and boost fuel economy.
There was some wind noise. But overall, the interior was quieter than in previous Malibus, and road noise was minimized.
The Malibu Eco moved along well but wasn’t a sportster. Zero-to-60-miles-an-hour time is a ho-hum 8.7 seconds, and the four-cylinder engine sounded strained under hard acceleration.
The powerplant is the 2.4-liter, double overhead cam, four cylinder that’s direct injected for decent acceleration. This engine also is used in the Buick LaCrosse and Regal with eAssist and uses a belt/alternator/starter system to carefully manage power and maximize fuel mileage.
In the Malibu Eco test car, electric power, drawn from the onboard battery pack, was fed smoothly, coming on during uphill climbs, for example.
Then, the battery pack would be “refilled” by electric power drawn from regenerative braking as the car slowed and stopped during travel. There is no need to plug in the Malibu Eco’s battery pack, which sits behind the rear seats, in the trunk.
Unless the driver looked at a graphic display on the dashboard showing where the power was coming from at any moment, the mixing in of electric power to the engine power wasn’t readily recognizable.
Alas, fuel mileage on the test averaged just 24.7 mpg. It included some aggressive driving, lots of stop-and-go, and 65 percent city traffic.
This allowed for a range of only 390 miles on a single, 15.8-gallon tank. Drivers really need highway travel to boost the mileage.
Electric rack-and-pinion power steering thankfully didn’t have the artificial feel of earlier electric systems, and the car’s body motions were well controlled in curves and turns.
Rear-seat legroom of 36.9 inches is a tad under the 37.6 inches in the 2012 Malibu but comparable to that in the Fusion.
The low rolling resistance tires, made of a harder rubber compound than regular tires, had some noticeable grip on the test Malibu Eco; low rolling resistance tires on early hybrid cars made travel on wet pavement feel dicey.
In lieu of a weighty spare tire, the Malibu Eco comes standard with a tire sealant and inflator kit that will take most people a while to figure out. The result is a decent-sized trunk of 14.3 cubic feet, down from the 16.3 cubic feet in a non-Eco Malibu.
Courtesy of washingtonpost.com
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Car Maintenance Tip : Replace air filters
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In honor of National Car Care Month, here’s another tip from us to help you save gas. Keep a close eye on your engine's air filter. When the engine air filter clogs with dirt, dust and bugs, it causes your engine to work harder and your car becomes less fuel-efficient. Replacing a clogged air filter could improve your gas mileage by as much as 10 percent and save you 15 cents a gallon. It's a good idea to have your engine air filter checked at each oil change. The Car Care Council recommends changing your car's air and oil filters every three months or 3,000 miles or as specified in your owner's manual.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Chevrolet Goes to Bat to Help Refurbish Detroit Ball Field
DETROIT – Chevrolet employees and volunteers – including Detroit Tigers mascot PAWS -- pitched in to help polish a diamond into a gleaming jewel Thursday, at the Jayne Field youth baseball complex on Detroit’s east side.
Chevrolet’s baseball roots run deep. In addition to being the Official Vehicle of Major League Baseball™, Chevrolet supports youth baseball initiatives across the country through the Chevrolet Youth Baseball and Diamonds and Dreams programs.
Since 2006, participating dealers in the Chevrolet Youth Baseball program have helped raise more than $13 million for equipment and other team needs; sponsored more than 500 youth clinics; reached more than 3 million young people and helped raise money to fund more than 2,000 park improvements. This year, more than 1,600 Chevrolet dealers are involved.
The Detroit project is coordinated in partnership with Think Detroit PAL, which operates the largest youth baseball program in the city; as well as the Detroit Recreation Department and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.
Chevrolet employees and volunteers cleaned, pulled weeds and painted the dugout and bleacher areas at Field No. 4 in preparation for a professional field makeover by Ripken Design and Scotts Miracle-Gro. The field will be refurbished in time to kick off the 2012 youth baseball season.
“As a major supporter of youth baseball across the country, Chevrolet is looking forward to giving young baseball players in our hometown of Detroit a field they can be proud to play on,” said Chris Perry, vice president, global Chevrolet marketing.
Think Detroit PAL uses the Jayne Field complex under an agreement with the City of Detroit, which owns the park. Last year, 1,400 young people played on about 100 teams in PAL baseball leagues. In total, Think Detroit PAL sports programs serve 10,000 city youth each year.
“We are excited about working with Chevrolet and the City of Detroit to enhance a great baseball park where our kids can learn the positive lessons that come from being part of a sports team,” said Tim Richey, Think Detroit PAL CEO.
Chevrolet began the Diamonds and Dreams program in 2010 to help provide young ball players with an opportunity to play on a “dream” baseball field in their hometown.
Later this month, Chevrolet will announce its 2012 participation at www.chevybaseball.com. Since this online and mobile grassroots promotion began, Diamonds and Dreams has awarded over 25 baseball field makeovers across the United States in partnership with Ripken Design and Scotts Miracle-Gro; and received more than 140,000 entries.
Courtesy of media.gm.com
Monday, April 16, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Chevrolet Collector Goes for Guinness World Record
DOWNINGTOWN, Pa. – Charlie Mallon has been acquiring Chevrolet items for 40 years -- Chevrolet signs, racing flags, coffee table books, soda cans, hats, belts, shirts, playing cards, drinking glasses, posters, tractor trailers, a biplane and miniature cars – lots of miniature cars.
The 54-year-old auto dealership consultant hopes to soon add a Guinness World Records title to his collection.
Mallon laid out 2,181 different Chevrolet items Wednesday night at the Downingtown West High School in an attempt at what would be a newly created Guinness World Records category for “Largest Collection of Chevrolet Memorabilia.” Most of Mallon’s collection centers on the Chevrolet Corvette, a car he’s admired since he was a child.
“I appreciate all cars, but there’s something special about the Corvette,” Mallon said. “It’s the look. It’s the sound. It’s the mystique. Everything about the Corvette makes it the American sports car.”
Mallon has thousands of miniature Corvette cars that he put on display at the local high school gymnasium. He also owns a 2005 Corvette coupe and previously owned a 1965 Corvette Coupe. “Corvettes have always turned my head,” Mallon said.
He decided to go for a Guinness World Records title after realizing just how many items he had collected over the years. Whenever he went on a vacation or business trip, he would always make time to find another piece of Chevrolet memorabilia.
In order to qualify for a record, Mallon had several witnesses, including a certified public accountant, verify the number of items in his collection and will submit a formal application to the Guinness World Records organization for review.
He wanted to set a world record partly out of curiosity about whether he did have the largest collection and partly to “validate my insanity to my wife,” he said. He might not know for weeks whether he has the record, and he admits someone else could try to break it. Either way, he wanted to make an attempt at setting the first Guinness World Records title in this category.
“I guess it’s just a personal challenge,” Mallon said. “It always blows people away when they walk into my basement and see all the items. I’ve been collecting so long that I wondered if I had the most.”
Courtesy of media.gm.com
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Chevrolet Malibu Eco Saves Gas with Fuel-Efficient Tech
DETROIT – Giving up that cup of coffee for your commute because the cost of filling your gas tank just went up again? Not everyone is. Chevrolet Malibu Eco owners are well positioned to weather seasonal increases in fuel prices because the car features fuel-saving technologies that could help pay for their java fix.
One such solution is literally at their fingertips. Chevy’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan ever features electric power assist steering, which helps to improve fuel economy by up to 2.5 percent compared to conventional hydraulic steering systems. This can help customers save approximately 12 gallons annually, or about 120 gallons in a 10-year life. At $4 per gallon, that saves about $50 per year or $500 in 10 years.
Electric power assist steering operates on demand, consuming power only during steering maneuvers instead of constantly draining engine power to operate a hydraulic pump. It also reduces CO2 emissions and maintenance cost by eliminating the need to dispose of hydraulic fluid.
The system constantly measures the driver’s steering input, adapts to changing road conditions, and helps compensate for slight directional shifts caused by factors such as uneven road surfaces or crosswinds. It also makes low-speed parking maneuvers feel practically effortless, delivers a higher degree of steering feel at higher speeds, and can be tuned to various driving modes, such as “comfort” and “sport” in some models. It even helps reduce vibrations that transfer through the steering wheel.
“Electric power assist steering is just one example of how a system improvement can deliver not one but several benefits for customers,” said Mark Meyers, General Motors global vehicle performance manager. “By the end of the 2013 model year, more than half of all Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC vehicles will have electric power assist steering.”
Chevrolet Malibu Eco achieves an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon city and 37 mpg highway fuel economy.
It features GM’s fuel-saving eAssist technology that shuts down fuel delivery in certain deceleration conditions, further improving fuel economy. While in fuel shut-off mode, the motor-generator unit continues spinning along with the engine to provide immediate and smooth take-off power when the driver presses on the accelerator. As the vehicle comes to a stop, the motor-generator unit positions it properly for a smooth restart when the brake is released. The system also captures up to 15kW of energy that would be normally lost during braking and uses it to recharge the lithium-ion battery.
Because of electric power assist steering, eAssist, and other fuel-saving technologies, Malibu Eco can travel up to 580 highway miles (965 km) between fill-ups with a 15.8-gallon (59.9 liters) fuel tank. eAssist saves customers save an estimated $2,850 in annual fuel costs over 5 years.
Malibu Eco is on sale now and is priced at $25,595, less than competitor full hybrid vehicles. Chevrolet is scheduled to roll-out an all-new fuel-efficient 2.5L Ecotec engine on the full Malibu lineup this summer. A new turbo model will be available this fall. All Malibu models will come with electric power steering standard.
“There is no silver bullet for improving fuel efficiency,” Meyers said. “It’s the many small improvements like electric power assist steering, as seen on the new Malibu that contribute to significant savings for our customers.”
Courtesy of media.gm.com
Monday, April 9, 2012
2012 Chevrolet Camaro, excludes ZL1- 1.9% APR for 60 months
Check out Bob Brown Chevrolet’s latest incentives today!
Friday, April 6, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
2013 Spark Packs Technology and Features into Small Price
DETROIT – Chevrolet is taking the guesswork out of the car-buying process with a new, simpler approach to pricing and packaging for the 2013 Spark. When the mini car goes on sale later this year, Spark will be available in three well-equipped trim levels starting at $12,995 including destination.
Spark is a sporty, fuel-efficient, four-passenger, five-door hatch designed to excite first-time car buyers and city dwellers with bold styling, attention-grabbing colors – including Salsa, Jalapeno, Denim, Lemonade and Techno Pink – engaging driving dynamics, the personalized connectivity of MyLink, and the safety of 10 standard air bags.
Spark also offers more passenger and cargo room than other mini cars such as the Fiat 500, Smartfortwo and Scion IQ.
“With the Spark Chevrolet has the opportunity to connect with a new generation of car buyers who expect more from every product they purchase,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Global Marketing. “So we wanted to make the process of choosing a Spark as simple as possible by reducing the number of stand-alone options and providing more standard content to each trim level at a competitive price.”
Spark LS starting at $12,995 includes:
- Standard 1.2L Ecotec engine and five-speed manual transmission
- Standard convenience features including air conditioning, power windows, rear window wiper, auxiliary input jack, outside temperature display and trip computer
- 15-inch alloy wheels
- 60/40 split flip-and-fold rear seat
- Comprehensive safety package including 10 air bags, electronic stability control with traction control and brake assist
- OnStar Directions & Connections plan standard with six-month introductory subscription
Spark 1LT starting at $14,495 includes LS standard content and adds:
- Standard 7-inch color touch radio with Chevrolet MyLink, Bluetooth connectivity for select phones, steering wheel audio controls, USB port and Sirius XM Radio with three-month trial subscription
- Other standard convenience features include power door locks with remote keyless entry, theft deterent system, outside power mirrors, floor mats, visor mirrors, and cruise control
Spark 2LT starting at $15,795 includes all 1LT standard content and adds:
- Unique 15-inch alloy wheels
- Fog lamps
- Exterior appearance enhancements including silver painted roof rails; chrome lift gate handle, exhaust outlet and beltline molding; body-color lower rocker molding; front and rear body-color sport fascias with unique front upper and lower grille inserts
- On the interior, leatherette seats and heated front seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel
A 4-speed automatic transmission is available on all models for $925. The only other available options include an engine block heater for $75 and Black Granite paint for $195.
Chevrolet MyLink in the Spark will include Pandora internet radio and Stitcher Smart Radio apps. Later in the model year, the recently introduced GogoLink – an embedded smartphone application that delivers full-function navigation including live traffic updates – will be available. Pricing for GogoLink will be announced later.
Spark is the only car in its segment to provide the added value of a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and the safety and security of OnStar.
Courtesy of media.gm.com
2012 GMC Yukon and Sierra Heritage Editions Debut
NEW YORK – It is no coincidence that the 2012 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL and Sierra Heritage Editions will debut at the New York Auto Show. A century ago, the GMC name first appeared on the front of a truck at this very same event.
Commemorative exterior badges on the doors of these special models feature the original GMC logo design that debuted on the 1912 range of models, which included gas- and electric-powered trucks designed for the most demanding among early drivers. The script is surrounded by the words “Heritage Edition.”
2012 Heritage Editions will be offered on Sierra 1500 Crew Cab, Yukon and Yukon XL models in SLT trim. Three colors will be available – a new, exclusive Heritage Blue ($195), White Diamond ($995) or Onyx Black (no additional cost). Interior colors for the Yukon are Ebony and Light Tan.
Each Heritage Edition model offers its own differentiating content. The Sierra Heritage Edition full-size pickup includes:
- Unique “Heritage Edition” exterior badges
- Embroidered front floor mats
- Embroidered front headrests
- Chrome door handles, mirror caps and door moldings
- 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
- Convenience package with rear park assist, adjustable pedals, Universal Home Remote, EZ-Lift locking tailgate and rear wheelhouse liners
- Rear-vision camera
The Yukon and Yukon XL full-size SUVs are equipped with:
- Unique “Heritage Edition” exterior badges
- Embroidered front floor mats
- Embroidered front headrests
- SLT-2 Equipment Package with 10-way leather memory seats, headed second-row seats with power release, power-operated liftgate and heated side mirrors
- Additional content – including 20-inch wheels – is optional
For Sierra, the Heritage Edition package adds $2,645. The Yukon and Yukon XL package adds $1,970 to the suggested retail price, or $1,820 for the Yukon XL ¾-ton model. The charges for premium paint colors listed above are in addition to the package prices.
“The GMC brand always looks forward, but this day provides an opportunity to celebrate 100 years of the proud GMC name,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of GMC Marketing. “Sierra and Yukon are two of our longest-running and most-respected nameplates, so it makes sense to use them to represent our heritage.”
GMC was formed in 1912 when the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company merged with two others – Reliance and Randolph – to become the brand known today for trucks, crossovers and SUVs. GMC is the second largest of the four General Motors brands. If it were a stand-alone manufacturer, it would be the 10th-largest automaker in the United States in terms of total vehicle sales in 2011.
Courtesy of media.gm.com
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Impala Emblem Design Leaps Forward with New Model
NEW YORK – The Chevrolet Impala has proudly worn the image of the leaping African antelope for which it was named as an emblem in some form since its debut in 1958. With the all-new 2014 Impala, the emblem evolves to complement the more modern, athletic design of the 10th-generation full-size sedan.
The Impala emblem is an enduring symbol of the nameplate. It is one of only two vehicles – the Corvette and its crossed-flags emblem is the other – in the Chevrolet lineup to have a unique symbol in addition to the brand’s signature bowtie.
The design and placement of the emblem has gradually transformed with each version while maintaining a connection to the previous one.
“For the new Impala, we wanted to evolve the emblem to complement the new vehicle design without making any radical changes to its character,” said Joann Kallio, lead creative designer for Chevrolet global badging. “We kept the stylized interpretation of the animal, and made the impala more muscular. We also added defined edges, to give the impala a sleek form and make it look like it was running fast.”
The new Impala emblem has a bright chrome finish to match the bright chrome of the car’s bowties, located in the grille and on the decklid. Special attention was paid to how the highlights flow across the leaping Impala badge surface, following the contour of the form of the impala, enhancing the overall appearance and illusion of movement.
There are two versions of the new emblem, one for each side of the vehicle so the animal always appears to be running forward. There also are impala logos stamped in the aluminum sill plates.
Chevrolet will complete the total transformation of its North American passenger car lineup when the all-new 2014 Impala goes on sales in early 2013. Chevrolet’s redesigned flagship sedan was designed to offer dramatic styling, a more refined interior, easy-to-use technology and engaging driving dynamics.
Impala Emblem Milestones
- From 1958 and 1961, the leaping impala was located on the rear quarter panel and had no circle or oval surrounding it.
- From 1962 and 1967, it was located on the front or rear quarter panel with a circle surrounding it.
- From 1968 and 1985, there were no exterior emblems. Only variations of the Impala script were used. The emblem was reserved for the interior, usually on the dashboard and horn button although it was not used for every model year.
- The 1994-1996 Impala SS had the emblem with an oval located on sail panel.
- Since 2002, Impalas have featured the emblem with an oval located on the sail panel.
Courtesy of media.gm.com
Monday, April 2, 2012
Car Maintenance Tip: Keep leather from drying out and cracking
Leather cars seats are durable and don’t require a lot of maintenance. After a few years, however, the seats can become soiled. Use a leather cleaner to remove dirt and stains.Then apply a leather protectant formulated for pigmented or top-coated grain leather (the leather used for most leather car upholstery). Protectants will resist stains and make the upholstery easier to clean in the future. Choose a protectant that includes conditioners to keep your leather supple.
Courtesy of rd.com
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