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17 truths and myths about air travel that you should know before you fly.

17 truths and myths about air travel that you should know before you fly.

1. Pilots dump human waste mid-air: Myth

Waste from aeroplanes is held in a tank until the aircraft lands. The tank can only be emptied using an exterior lever, so it is physically impossible for the pilot to empty the tank while the plane is in the air, according to an FAA fact sheet.

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People regularly report having waste fall on them, including ‘blue ice’, which they believe is human waste that has been coloured blue by a chemical added to the toilet water and frozen at high altitudes, before it was dumped from an aeroplane or leaked from the holding tank.

The FAA says they always investigate reports of human waste that has fallen from the sky and it almost always turns out to be bird droppings.

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2. You can get stuck on a plane toilet if you flush while sitting down: Mostly Myth

Myths About Airplanes

It is possible to get stuck on a toilet if your body forms a perfect seal on the toilet seat. However, this is very difficult to do. The boys from Mythbusters tested this theory and though Adam Savage experienced strong suction he was able to break the seal and stand up.

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3. Oxygen masks get you high: Myth

Brad Pitt’s character in Fight Club, Tyler Durden, might be responsible for the continuation of this myth after he claimed they put oxygen masks on planes because it ‘gets you high… Suddenly you become euphoric, docile. You accept your fate.’

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Despite the conspiracy theories, oxygen masks allow people to keep breathing if the plane loses cabin pressure at altitudes where the air is oxygen-poor, allowing the pilot to bring the plane down to an altitude where the air is oxygen-rich and people can breathe normally


4. You should be cautious about drinking the water: Fact

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Image result for glass of water in aircraft

A US study in 2009 found that the water in one out of every seven planes did not meet safety standards. The water supply of some of the planes was infected by E. coli, which is a leading cause of food poisoning. The water is served to passengers as drinking water. It is also used to brew tea and coffee and when it is used for this, it often does not reach high enough temperatures to kill bacteria.


5. The air on planes is full of germs: Myth

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Many people believe the air on a plane is stagnant and full of germs. In reality, the air in an aeroplane is heavily filtered and carries fewer germs than the air in most crowded spaces.

Passengers on board an aircraft breathe in a mixture of fresh air and recirculated air. The supply of air comes from the compressor sections of the engines, it is cooled and then run through filters and then re-mixed with a fresh supply from the engine, writes pilot Patrick Smith.

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Underfloor filters are used to treat the cabin air are described by Boeing as being of ‘hospital quality’ and capturing between 94 and 99.9 percent of airborne microbes.


6. Your tray table is a veritable petri dish of germs: Fact

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You may not get sick from the air you breathe on a plane, but you could get sick from everything else.

A 2007 study, which tested for incidents of the potentially fatal superbug Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) found that 60 percent of all tray tables on three major American airlines had traces of the bug. There was a higher incidence of traces of MHRSA on tray tables of planes than anywhere else that was tested, including the New York subway.

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7. Opening a plane door while the plane is flying could lead to everyone being sucked out: Myth

Airbus A319 plane door

Because the cabin is so highly pressurised, if the emergency door were opened, many people would be sucked out of the plane. But because the cabin is so highly pressurised opening the doors when the plane is at cruising altitude is nearly impossible.

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Airline pilot Patrick Smith writes: ‘You cannot – repeat, cannot – open the doors or emergency hatches of an aeroplane in flight. You can’t open them for the simple reason that cabin pressure won’t allow it.’


8. Lightning strikes cause plane crashes: Myth

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Lightning strikes a commercial plane approximately once a year, but an aeroplane has not been downed by lightning since 1967. Planes have to pass safety tests that mean if they are struck by lightning the current flows through the exterior of the plane to another extremity point.


9. You get drunk more quickly on a plane: Myth

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This myth has been tried and tested and there is nothing scientific to support the idea that you get drunk faster when you’re at a cruising altitude. Perhaps this myth has more to do with the supply of free booze than cabin pressure.

10. Smoking is banned on toilets but the toilets are fitted with ashtrays anyway: Fact

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Image result for aircraft toilet smoking

Despite the fact that smoking on planes has been banned for over a decade, aircraft are obliged to provide ashtrays so that if if a smoker succumbs to temptation, they can dispose of their cigarette butt safely.


11. Wearing your seat belt can hurt your chances of surviving a plane crash.

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Think of this as similar to wearing a seatbelt in a car. While it’s not crazy to think that your seatbelt can hinder a hasty escape from a crashed plane, it does far more good than harm. We spoke with Keven Hiatt, CEO of the non-profit Flight Safety Foundation, about the crash landing of Asiana Flight 214 in San Francisco.

He told us in a situation like that, “you would potentially be thrown out of your seat,” and could hit another passenger or a bulkhead. So it’s better to be in your seat and have to deal with unbuckling, than to find yourself flying through the air.

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12. Pilots can control airflow to keep passengers sedated and save on fuel.

Again, Patrick Smith has the real data: “The idea that we cut back on oxygen is simply ridiculous. Oxygen levels are determined by pressurization.”

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13. Oxygen masks are decoys, meant to keep passengers calm before a crash.

This one, propagated by the character Tyler Durden in “Fight Club,” isway off the mark, according to Smith. If the cabin loses pressure (which can easily happen without leading to a crash), everyone on board is left breathing the air at 30,000 feet, which is oxygen-poor (the summit of Mt Everest is 29,029 feet high).

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Until the pilots can bring the plane down to about 10,000 feet, where the air is safely oxygen-rich, those masks keep everyone breathing normally. That’s fairly important.


14. A small hole in a plane will lead to everyone being sucked right out.

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Patrick Smith notes that while bombs and large-scale structural failures can cause disastrous, rapid decompression, a small hole in a plane’s fuselage is a different matter.

After a foot-long breach in an Alaska Airlines MD-80 plane led to an emergency descent in 2006, Smith wrote in his Salon column: “The breach was a small one, and once the cabin pressure had escaped, it could be reasonably assumed that the plane was going to stay in one solid piece and fly just fine. Which it did.”

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15. When the planes flies without an engine. 

Image result for engine failure of aircraft

According to the Aerospace science a plane can glide 6 nautical miles for every 5000 feet. So at 35,000 feet, a plane can glide about 42 miles without power. Its why most accidents happen landing or taking off.”

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16. Feeding the staff 

  • 2 pilots are served different meals and cannot share, this is done in case of food poisoning.
  • Stealing food, even if they are going to throw it out can get you fired instantly. You can ask your supervisor, but you cannot take food. They don’t want people messing with it”.

17. The oxygen mask myth

Top-20-Flying-Myths-04

“That if the oxygen masks drop down, you only have about 15 minutes of oxygen from the point of pulling them down. However, that is more than enough time for the pilot to take us to a lower altitude where you can breathe normally.

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More important – at altitude, you have 15-20 seconds before you pass out. Put yours on first, then do your kids. Passing out for a few seconds won’t harm the kids”

Courtesy : news sources are linked in content.

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He is an aviation journalist and the founder of Jetline Marvel. Dawal gained a comprehensive understanding of the commercial aviation industry.  He has worked in a range of roles for more than 9 years in the aviation and aerospace industry. He has written more than 1700 articles in the aerospace industry. When he was 19 years old, he received a national award for his general innovations and holds the patent. He completed two postgraduate degrees simultaneously, one in Aerospace and the other in Management. Additionally, he authored nearly six textbooks on aviation and aerospace tailored for students in various educational institutions. jetlinem4(at)gmail.com

Aviation

World’s Top 21 riskiest Travel Destinations – U.S. State Department’s Level 4 Advisories”

World's Top 21 Riskiest Travel Destinations – U.S. State Department's Level 4 Advisories"

The US government provides travel advisories to warn its citizens about the safety and security circumstances in numerous places across the world. These recommendations are intended to assist travelers in making informed decisions and minimizing risks while abroad.

While many countries are typically safe to visit, the US Department of State advises exercising caution or avoiding travel altogether owing to a variety of concerns such as political instability, terrorism, and natural disasters.

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Travel advisory levels are released by the U.S. State Department for over 200 countries worldwide. These levels are updated regularly depending on a range of risk factors, including health, terrorism, and civil unrest. Level 1 travel advisories advise taking standard precautions, while Level 4 advisories advise not going there.

As of October 23, over 10% of countries—21 in total—had a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advice. The State Department states that in Level 4 countries, the United States government may have “very limited ability” to take action if travelers’ security or safety is in risk.

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Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

Afghanistan: According to the State Department, the Central Asian nation is dealing with “armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.”

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Burkina Faso: This West African country is plagued by crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. With little to no notice, schools, restaurants, and hotels may become targets of terrorist strikes.

Myanmar (formerly known as Burma): The main barriers to visiting this Southeast Asian nation are civil chaos and armed conflict.

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Gaza: Due to the current conflict, US officials advise visitors to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza to either postpone their plans or stay away.

Iran: All visitors are at danger for kidnapping and unjust detentions, but Americans are particularly vulnerable to “arbitrary arrest and detention.”

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Iraq: The State Department bases its Level 4 designation on “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict civil unrest.”

Libya: Conflict between armed groups in Libya’s East and West has plagued the country since the fall of its dictatorship over a decade ago.

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North Korea: is home to one of the longest-running dynastic dictatorships in history, and US passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this nation.

Russia: The invasion of Ukraine, arbitrary law enforcement, and intimidation of American citizens by Russian government officials are among the factors that led to the country’s Level 4 travel recommendation.

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South Sudan: Weapon assault, kidnapping, and crime are the main risk factors, with violent crime being widespread in the nation.

Sudan: Due to the continued turmoil in the nation, the United States withdrew its embassy from Khartoum in April 2023 and blocked its airspace.

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Yemen: Yemen has six of the nine risk categories listed by the State Department: landmines, terrorism, civil instability, health hazards, and kidnapping.

Malawi: Level 2
The Department of State is warning visitors to Malawi to travel with extra caution in light of recent criminal activity and civil upheaval.

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Bangladesh: Level 2
US residents who are in Bangladesh or intend to travel there should be especially careful because of the country’s high crime rate, terrorist attacks.

Saba: Level 1
The most recent alert states that visitors to Saba should take standard safety precautions.

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Aerospace

Boeing’s Showstopper Aircraft and Green Commitment at Dubai Airshow 2023

– The airshow will feature a Boeing 777-9 flying display, while customer 777, 787 Dreamliner, and 737 MAX aircraft will be on static display.

Boeing's Showstopper Aircraft and Green Commitment at Dubai Airshow 2023

Boeing Co [NYSE: BA] is set to showcase its market-leading commercial, defense, and services portfolio at the 2023 Dubai Airshow. During the event, they will feature their new widebody 777-9 jet in the flying display. Additionally, the company will demonstrate the state-of-the-art F-15QA (Qatar Advanced) fighter, marking the first time that the digitally advanced Qatar Emiri Air Force F-15 has performed at an air show.

As a strategic sponsor of the Aerospace 2050 conference at the airshow, Boeing will emphasize its commitment and actions in promoting a more sustainable aerospace future. They will also express their support for the aviation industry’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

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Boeing's Showstopper Aircraft and Green Commitment at Dubai Airshow 2023

Boeing’s activities at the airshow:

Boeing Commercial Airplanes:

  • Boeing will showcase its widebody 777-9 airplane from November 13-15.
  • The 777-9 is the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, based on the successful 777 family with technology from the 787 Dreamliner. It can seat 426 passengers and has a range of 13,510 km.
  • Customer displays will feature aircraft from various airlines, including the 787-9 Dreamliner, 777-300ER, 787-10 Dreamliner, and 737 MAX.

Riyadh Air:

  • Riyadh Air, a new Saudi carrier, will display a Boeing-owned 787-9 in a new indigo livery inspired by the sky at dusk.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security:

  • Boeing’s Advanced F-15QA fighter jet will perform aerial demonstrations.
  • The T-7A Red Hawk Advanced Pilot Training System simulator will be showcased.
  • Several Boeing aircraft, including the F-15E, KC-46A Pegasus, P-8A Poseidon, AH-64 Apache, and CH-47F Chinook, will be on display.

Boeing Global Services:

  • Boeing will present services for government and commercial customers, including digital, sustainment, modifications, parts, and training solutions.
  • They will highlight partnerships for support and digital capabilities for aviation operations.

Sustainable Aviation:

  • Boeing will discuss efforts to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint at the Aerospace 2050 forum.
  • They will also talk about the Cascade Climate Impact Model, a tool for reducing carbon emissions.

Innovation and Technology:

  • Boeing’s Aerospace Xelerated is partnering with the Vista 2023 startup hub.
  • They will feature 10 portfolio companies supported by the UAE’s Tawazun Council.
  • Boeing’s Applied Innovation team will work with seven portfolio companies to bring startup technology into their products.
  • Visitors can learn more about Boeing’s capabilities at Exhibit 1005.

Boeing’s High-Flying Presence at Dubai Airshow 2023

Boeing showcased its Business jet BBJ aircraft at the MEBAA event in Abu Dhabi last year, an event designed for a private jet flight expo. The Dubai Airshow 2023 is also highlighting private jet companies such as Gulfstream, Embraer, and Bombardier. Boeing recently secured a significant order for its Boeing 737 Max aircraft, with 108 orders for the 737-7 Max variant from Southwestern Airlines. Similar aircraft of this type will be featured at the Dubai Airshow, targeting new commercial market segments. Additionally, the event will feature the presentation of the new Boeing 777x upgraded versions.

Passenger planes are available for sale with prices that vary depending on their seating capacity and range. Boeing offers a range of commercial planes priced between $50 million and $450 million, all customized to meet specific customer requirements.

The Boeing 777x is in competition with the Airbus A350, both incorporating cutting-edge technology and composite materials that reduce the aircraft’s weight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and range for airlines. Boeing is also conducting tests with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on all its aircraft to make them more environmentally friendly by 2040. At the Dubai Airshow 2023, Boeing and Airbus are presenting the finest aircraft available for sale. The event also includes demonstrations of simulation technology for airline pilot training, electric aircraft, and the latest innovations in aviation.

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Aerospace

10 fascinating facts about F16 block 70 aircraft

10 fascinating facts about F16 block 70 aircraft

The F-16 Block 70, often known as the F-16V, is a modernized version of the renowned F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighter aircraft. This modernized variant, developed by Lockheed Martin, contains cutting-edge technologies and modifications to preserve its function as a versatile and capable fighter plane.

The F-16 Block 70/72 is the most advanced fourth-generation fighter ever produced, bringing a new level of capabilities to air forces worldwide. The F-16 has more than 600 vendors worldwide. Martin-Baker’s US18E Ejection Seat, for example, adds 5th Generation escape performance to the F-16.

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US approves sale of an F16 fighter jet to Pakistan(Opens in a new browser tab)

In this article, we’ll look at ten amazing facts about the F-16 Block 70, highlighting its capabilities and role in modern aerial warfare.

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1.The F-16 Block 70, took its inaugural flight as an advanced variant of the iconic F-16 Fighting Falcon series. With its maiden flight on Jan. 24 at 9:17 a.m. ET, t the Block 70 introduced a host of cutting-edge features that enhanced its capabilities and performance.

2. The Block 70/72 features advanced avionics, a proven Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a modernized cockpit with new safety features, advanced weapons, conformal fuel tanks, an improved performance engine, and an industry-leading extended structural service life of 12,000 hours.

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3.The Block 70/72 has a new Centre Pedestal Display (CPD), which gives pilots with important tactical imagery on a high-resolution 6″x 8″ screen. The high-resolution display enables pilots to fully utilize AESA and targeting pod data.

4. The new CPD enables color-moving maps, larger and easier-to-manage air-to-air Situation Displays, zoom functionality with the ability to switch information among displays, and a digital display of Flight Instrument Data. New production aircraft; structural, and capability upgrades ensure the international F-16 fleet can operate to 2060 and beyond.

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How will be the Tejas Mark 2 compared to the F-16 block 50/52?(Opens in a new browser tab)

5.The F-16 Block 70/72, a remarkable and agile aircraft, boasts impressive specifications that make it a formidable force in modern aviation. With a length of 49.3 feet (15.027 meters) and a height of 16.7 feet (5.090 meters), the F-16 presents a sleek and compact profile. Capable of reaching speeds up to 1,500 mph (Mach 2+), this fighter jet exhibits remarkable swiftness that enables it to outpace its adversaries.

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6. One standout feature is the Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system, enabling the F-16 Block 70 to detect and track airborne targets with unprecedented accuracy, enhancing situational awareness and target engagement.

7. To navigate with unparalleled precision, the F-16 Block 70 is equipped with Precision GPS Navigation, enabling accurate and efficient routing, target acquisition, and mission execution. These advancements collectively position the F-16 Block 70 as a formidable and adaptable force in modern air combat, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of aerial supremacy.

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Lockheed Martin Announces Successful First Flight Of F-16 Block 70 Aircraft(Opens in a new browser tab)

8. The F-16’s wingspan of 31.0 feet (9.449 metres), which contributes to its excellent maneuverability and versatility, enables it to succeed in a variety of combat circumstances. Despite its strength, the F-16 retains a comparatively low empty weight of 20,300 pounds (9,207 kilograms), which improves its agility and response in the air. The F-16 exhibits its ability to produce significant power for both speed and combat performance through to an engine with a thrust class of 29,000 pounds (13,000 kilograms).

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9.The F-16 Block 70/72 has a maximum takeoff gross weight of 48,000 pounds (21,772 kilograms). This remarkable weight capability allows the aircraft to carry a wide range of weaponry and fuel loads, ensuring it remains a versatile and potent asset for air missions.

10.The F-16 Block 70, known for its excellent performance and versatility, has received widespread global recognition, having been picked by a staggering total of 30 particular customers. This extensive adoption demonstrates the aircraft’s ongoing appeal and ability to suit the varying needs of several air forces, highlighting its enduring reputation as a leading choice in modern military aviation.

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Airlines

The Baby Mute device helps reduce a baby’s noise level in flight. The opinions have divided the internet.

Baby Mute makes the claim that it will “silence your baby during long flights and movie nights.” 

Imagine you’ve booked a flight and are looking forward to enjoying all of the in-flight amenities. However, your baby starts wailing and you are unable to stop it. Many onlookers are irritated by the outburst.

An innovative face mask for babies that helps to reduce baby noise has been developed by one of the companies. It only needs to be applied to the baby’s face. As the company promises, it will be secure and eliminate baby noise.

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Any parent who wishes to enjoy lengthy flights or movie nights without being interrupted by their baby’s cries must have a Baby Mute.

You may unwind and take in your favorite films or TV shows with Baby Mute without worrying that other people would be bothered by your baby’s cries.

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Your baby’s cries will be muffled by 87% thanks to the mask’s delicate design, which covers both their mouth and nose. This entails that you can watch your preferred films or TV episodes while still keeping your baby relaxed and comfy.

If you’re still not sure if the Baby Mute is right for you, consider the following:

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  • It’s a great way to keep your baby calm and happy during long flights or car rides.
  • It’s perfect for parents who want to enjoy a night out at the movies without worrying about their baby’s cries disturbing other moviegoers.
  • It’s a great gift for new parents who could use a little help getting through those challenging first few months.

Hold on ..! Many people mistakenly believe the “Baby Mute” products to be real.

On Tuesday, Toronto comedian Brad Gosse uploaded the webpage for the product, www.babymute.com, on Instagram and Reddit. Gosse is the author of more than 100 parody novels that are referred to as dark-humored “children’s books” on his website.

This is a counterfeit intended to anger those who believe the product to be legitimate. How can someone put a mask like that on a baby? Others, though, contend that the gadget won’t be a breakthrough unless it offers novel solutions for minimizing baby noise.

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In just a few days, a comedian from the Toronto area created and promoted a parody product that was intended to sooth crying infants on airplanes. Many of the views came from angry users who mistakenly thought the product was real.

Many of the individuals who saw Gosse’s advertisement thought the item was real and were astonished and irate, he claimed.

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More info: Baby Mute

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