Recap of CDF National Conference and GF Expo – May 4-5, 2013

Celiac Disease Foundation Conference and Gluten Free ExpoI am very thrilled and honored to have attended the Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF) National Conference and Expo in Pasadena, CA,  as an Official Blogger, the weekend of May 4-5, 2013, and would like to thank CEO, Marilyn Geller and Janelle Smith from CDF and Erica Dermer for getting all of the Official Bloggers together for this awesome event.  I am always excited to meet other members of the gluten-free community and learn more about Celiac Disease, since I myself do not have it (I am Gluten Intolerant) but a good majority of my readers do have it. It is always a good thing to get the latest information from experts in the field and sample some products I may not have tried before.

The official event began on Saturday, May 4th. It was great to meet up with my fellow Official Bloggers, which included (l to r) Sarah Stolp from Can I Eat Here, Chrissy from Glam Without Gluten,  Brian from East Bay Celiac, Kim from Gluten Free in Arizona and Advisor to Stuffed Pepper, Erica Dermer from Celiac and the Beast, Alison from A Girl Defloured, and that’s me all the way to the right. Missing from the photo was fellow Health Coach from Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Kim Rice, from Thriving GF. We really had a great group!

Official Bloggers for CDF Expo

At the conference, we heard updates and information about Celiac Disease from experts such as Dr. Peter Green and Dr. Joseph Murray. Andrea Levario, Executive Director of the American Celiac Disease Alliance (ACDA), also gave an update on the GF Food Labeling with the FDA. Later on in the day we heard information from a Nutrition Panel, which included information from my friend Anne Lee with Schar. I was also overly excited to run into Alice Bast, Founder and President of the NFCA. So glad to finally meet her after talking to her for over 2 years (and darn, forgot to get a pic of us!!)  and cannot say enough about how much the NFCA does to spread awareness, educate and train about Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance! Continue reading

Rudi’s Gluten Free Happy Camper Contest and Blogger Giveaway

 

Here is my giveaway!

Here is my giveaway!

In honor of Celiac Awareness Month, Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery is holding a contest and giving away 10 scholarships to a gluten-free summer camp and I am hosting a giveaway of a Summer BBQ Picnic set in honor of this contest as well (details at end of this post)!

Parents with eligible children, ages 8-17, can enter the contest by ‘liking’ Rudi’s Gluten-Free on Facebook and submitting a 200 word essay from their child explaining what going to a gluten-free summer camp would mean to them. As an additional incentive to enter in early May, Rudi’s Gluten-Free has promised to give the first 250 eligible fans that enter an official Rudi’s Gluten-Free Happy Camper water bottle. The 10 winners will be selected by Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery and announced on Facebook on June 10, 2013, giving parents and campers time to plan and pack up for a summertime camp adventure. Continue reading

“Enthusiastically giving back to our communities has long been an important part of our business, and this is the third year we’ve made a commitment to the gluten-free community during Celiac Awareness Month,” said Doug Radi, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Rudi’s Organic Bakery. “Summer camp is all about making memories that last, and a child’s dietary restrictions shouldn’t prevent them from having the experience of a lifetime. We’re thrilled that the Rudi’s Gluten-Free Happy Camper program will provide 10 deserving kids with a gluten-free camp experience.”

“Having a special dietary need like celiac disease can make the simple act of going to camp far more challenging,” said Alice Bast, founder and president, National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA). “Fortunately, there are more options today than ever before, whether it’s a dedicated gluten-free summer camp or a ‘mainstream’ camp that has been properly trained to serve gluten-free campers. Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery has done an excellent job supporting the gluten-free community, and we are glad to see them continuing that work with their camp scholarship program.”

In the spirit of summer camps, National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) also offers a gluten-free training program called GREAT Schools, Colleges and Camps. The online course will prepare camp directors and kitchen staff to safely accommodate your child’s gluten-free dietary needs. Learn more at CeliacCentral.org/GREAT/schools.

Rudi’s Gluten-Free strives to create partnerships and programs that give back to the gluten-free community in a way that drives toward a better, brighter future. Offering gluten-free summer camp scholarships provides the perfect opportunity for kids to be kids without worrying about dietary restrictions. Parents can rest assured knowing that many camps are either entirely free of gluten or cater to gluten-free diets.

In addition to connecting with gluten-free fans for summer camp fun, Rudi’s Gluten-Free recently reintroduced its line of Sandwich Breads with a new Soft & Fluffy recipe. With a yummy taste, longer shelf life, double the fiber content with 2g per serving and the Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO) recognizable seal, these breads are the perfect base to a delicious sandwich while camping or hiking this summer. Rudi’s Gluten-Free Sandwich Breads come in OriginalMultigrain, and Cinnamon Raisin varieties.

For more information on the Happy Camper contest and Rudi’s Gluten-Free, visit rudisglutenfree.com.

To enter my giveaway for a Summer BBQ Picnic Set (see picture above), please “like” my Rockin’ Gluten- Free Facebook page and enter there or subscribe to my blog and comment on here, “I love gluten-free summer camp and Rudi’s!”.  Winner will be chosen at random by Monday, May 11th at Noon CST. Good luck!

 

Recap of Chicago Gluten and Allergen Free Expo – Part 1

.....there was a LOT to check out and a LOT of people! :)

…..there was a LOT to check out and a LOT of people! :)

Happy Celiac Awareness Month! I would like to start it off by giving you a recap (in 2 parts) of the always awesome Gluten and Allergen Free Expo that took place in Chicago last month on the 20th and 21st. Thousands attended and there were over 150 vendors. SO much to report about that I’m doing it in 2 parts!

Here I am with Cindy from Vegetarian Mamma

Here I am with Cindy from Vegetarian Mamma!

Betsy from Gluten Free Betsy and Alissa from Breaking up with Captain Crunch!

Betsy from Gluten Free Betsy and Alissa from Breaking up with Captain Crunch!

 

Pam from I'm a Celiac and Erica from Celiac and the Beast

Pam from I’m a Celiac and Erica from Celiac and the Beast!

Glutonazon was in da house! (aka Melissa)

Glutonazon was in da house! (aka Melissa)

Connie from Daily Forage

Connie from Daily Forage

Blogger Love:

It was great hanging out with fellow bloggers (when I wasn’t busy checking out all the products!). We had an area where we all congregated and some even had some great items to sell like Erica from Celiac and the Beast. Her t-shirts and hoodies are very popular, you should check them out! Besides seeing my local GF pals, Betsy from Gluten Free Betsy and Melissa, Ms. Geekily GF aka Glutonazon (see above pic), I loved seeing Cindy from Vegetarian Mamma again and meeting Amy Leger, The Savvy Celiac, for the first time. We have known each other online for a while now. Was great meeting some other bloggers for the first time too, such as Alissa from Breaking up with Captain Crunch, Claudine from Gluten Free Green Bean, Melanie from Hope’s Kitchen, Rebecca from Pretty Little Celiac, Pam from I’m a Celiac, Connie from Daily Forage and last but not least, I had a great time hanging with Lizz from A Little Bit of This and That. We had a blast sampling products together! Hope I’m not forgetting to mention anyone, we really had a great group! Thanks again to our sponsor, Holy Crap Cereal!

Think I'd make a good spokesperson?? ;)

Think I’d make a good spokesperson?? ;)

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My favorite GF product discovery of the Expo was: 

Love this chocolate!! Here is the owner of PASCHA, Simon Lester.

Love this chocolate!! Here is the owner of PASCHA, Simon Lester.

PASCHA Organic Allergy-Free Dark Chocolate! –  I think their President and CEO, Simon, could tell I was a wee bit excited to come across this delightful discovery. My friends know how geeked I get over chocolate, this sent me over the top! Cacao is a superfood and their bars range from 55% cacao to 80% cacao. The higher the number usually means a more bitter taste but not with their bars! What I loved too was the smooth taste. What is so awesome, is that their chocolate is completely allergy free too! As someone whose food allergy list keeps growing and growing, it was so refreshing to see that their chocolate is completely free of all the allergens. Allergy free and healthier chocolate, gotta love it!!

Here are some other awesome new discoveries:

Smart Flour FoodsSampled some most yummy pizza made with their flour blend, which is made from ancient grains, teff, amaranth and sorghum. Couldn’t get enough of it!! Their breads rock too and I can’t believe I forgot to snap a pic of their yummies, most likely because their booth was very popular every time I walked by!!

Laura and Taste Guru ROCK!

Laura and Taste Guru ROCK!

Taste GuruAbsolutely love this company! They try out the products first then ship the best of the best right to your door. One of the most frustrating things about having to change to a gluten-free lifestyle is the money you have to spend sampling products until you find the ones you like best and/or have the best ingredients. Taste Guru does the job for you! I really enjoyed meeting Laura Hanley, their Marketing Guru as well. She’s a lot of fun and is aka G-Free Laura.

Loved the way their cheese melted!

Loved the way their cheese melted!

Yummy Vegan Cheese! Great for Nachos!

Yummy Vegan Cheese! Great for Nachos!

Chicago Vegan Foods Did you know that most marshmallows are not vegan because they are made with egg or gelatin, which is usually not vegetarian-friendly? Their marshmallows are vegan and are called Dandies Vegan Marshmallows. They are delicious and I like that they are made with non-GMO ingredients.  What I was most excited about was their vegan cheese. I’m mostly dairy-free, am able to eat hard cheese but I prefer to mostly not eat cheese at all because I worry about the after effects. Their cheese melts very evenly and is delicious! Loved trying their Nacho Vegan Sauce, now I can have guilt-free nachos! If you want a good vegan cheese, I highly suggest checking their product line here. Their products are sold at Whole Foods around Chicago and if you are outside the Chicago area, can also buy them online.

Great for a Bake Sale or Pot Luck!

Great for a Bake Sale or Pot Luck!

Great labels!

Great labels!

Kemnitz Family Kitchen - Gluten Free Labels - Loved seeing these labels. This makes it so easy, whether you are bringing food to a pot luck or bake sale or have a restaurant and need to designate a GF meal, this eliminates the need to find pen and paper and risk losing it somewhere and makes it easy to tell what has been prepared GF. Was such a delight meeting owner,Susan Nelson too! Please check out their product line here. I will be doing a giveaway soon so please keep a lookout for it soon!

Their breads really are Outrageous!

Their breads really are Outrageous!

Outrageous BakingAbsolutely loved sampling their breads! My favorite was their Chocolate Zucchini Bread. It was very moist and delicious and love that their breads are all gluten and dairy-free! Please check them out here.

Really tasty and SO healthy!

Really tasty and SO healthy!

Powbab - This really geeked me out. Being that I’m a Health Coach, I love anything that has to do with the superfoods and this one was really interesting. Their chews are made from Baobab, which comes from a tree in Africa, Pomegranate and Acai Berry. They are really tasty and help boost your immunity and are high in antioxidants. They give you 100% of the daily dose of vitamins C and E and are a good source of vitamin A.

Part 2 coming real soon – Updates of my favorite products/people I’ve loved to blog about…

 

CDF National Conference and Gluten Free Expo, May 4-5, 2013

 

CDF National Education Conference & Gluten-Free Expo

Wow, what a fun filled gluten-free weekend I had last weekend at the Chicago Gluten and Allergen Free Expo. Cannot wait to fill you in on all the yummy gluten-free goodies I sampled and exciting new businesses that have launched recently. Next week I get to do it again in Pasadena, CA, for the annual Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF) National Conference and Gluten-Free Expo at the Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St.

This will be my first time attending it and I am very honored to be one of their “Official Bloggers” this year. This is also the first year that the CDF will be having a 2-day event, with a stand-alone Gluten-Free Expo open to the public on the second day, Sunday, May 5th from 10am-3pm.  In years past, the Expo was offered on the same day as the conference and only available to conference attendees. “We realized that the current demand for Gluten-Free products expands far beyond the scope of our celiac community. We have over 100 exhibitors that are eager to provide samples of their GF goodies to the masses.”, explains CDF’s Development Director, Deborah Ceizler. Ms. Ceizler reminds us “for celiacs, a gluten-free diet is not an option, but there are millions of people who choose a gluten-free diet for a multitude of reasons. This EXPO is a great way for anyone interested in, or even just curious about, gluten-free foods to try them, get credible information and network.” Continue reading

For those of you who don’t know what Celiac Disease is, it is a chronic, autoimmune disease affecting approximately 1 in 133 children and adults, with roughly 95% remaining undiagnosed. When people with Celiac Disease eat foods containing gluten (the protein found in wheat, barley and rye) an autoimmune response is triggered that causes damage to the villi, the tiny hair-like projections in the small intestine. As a result, food is not properly absorbed. Even small amounts of gluten can affect those with Celiac Disease and cause health problems. Damage can occur to the small bowel, even with no symptoms present. Left untreated, damage can become chronic and life threatening. Click here to view a list of symptoms of Celiac Disease.

Here is a great “Quick Start Guide” that explains common sources of gluten and overlooked sources as well. It also addresses labeling and cross contamination in food preparation. Please click here to view this helpful guide.

About the Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF): CDF was founded in 1990 and is a globally recognized national non-profit organization. CDF strives to promote awareness and build a supportive community for patients, families and health care professionals. CDF is actively involved in advocating for patient concerns and networking with other national and international organizations.

CDF’s Annual National Educational Conference takes place the day before the EXPO on Saturday, May 4th from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The conference provides an in-depth educational experience for physicians, nurses, researchers, advocates, volunteers, celiac disease sufferers and their support systems. Experts from the medical and nutritional communities will provide specialized information and the latest research on celiac disease and non-celiac gluten insensitivity: all geared toward facilitating a successful, practical and enjoyable gluten-free lifestyle. Keynote speakers will be Joseph A. Murray, MD, Gastroenterologist and Professor of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, MN and Peter H.R. Green, MD, Director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University, Professor of Clinical Medicine at College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University. Drs. Murray and Green will make the case to support scientific and clinical research by addressing your most compelling questions, such as: Why has the prevalence of Celiac Disease increased? How can we prevent the development of Celiac Disease? and more… Biopharmaceutical leaders will also provide an insider’s look at the latest therapies and discoveries in the treatment of Celiac Disease. Moderated by Tricia Thompson, MS, RD, “The Gluten-Free Dietitian” and Andrea Levario, Executive Director of the Celiac Disease Alliance, a panel of registered dietitians from top gluten-free companies will also address the impact of the FDA ruling on gluten-free foods.

Tickets for the Gluten-Free Expo are $15 online and $20 at the door. For more information and tickets to the EXPO and/or the conference, please visit www.celiac.org/conference.html or call Deborah Ceizler at (818) 716-1513 Ext. 103. For a list of the participating vendors and fabulous presenters at the Expo, please click here.  This is definitely a must attend event if you live in the Southern California area or in the surrounding states. Did I mention the gluten-free beer garden?

 

 

 

My Gluten-Free Deep Dish Pizza Discovery in Chicago

This is really GF!

This is really GF!

The title of this post is no joke, my friends! I recently heard from a friend of mine that there was a pizza place in Chicago, Chicago’s Pizza,  now offering gluten-free deep dish pizza, as well as thin crust and stuffed pizza.  They also offer baked calzoni that is gluten-free as well! Since being diagnosed with Gluten Intolerance back in 2010, I have missed deep dish probably more than anything. Lots of restaurants now offer gluten-free thin crust pizza but until now, I had not discovered anyone that has perfected deep dish like I remember and loved so very much.

On a recent visit with my mom, I discovered that Chicago’s Pizza had a location not too far from her. We decided to go check it out. My son wanted gluten-free thin crust as he has not found one he has been super fond of since being diagnosed back in August of 2011. We were all excited and anxiously awaited our pizzas. While we were waiting, they brought us some gluten-free foccaccia bread and olive oil to dip it in. I find it was easier to dip the “glutenous” foccaccia in the olive oil in the past, this was more like a flatbread, but still good to have something while we were waiting, nonetheless and was quite tasty.

Great dipped in olive oil!

Great dipped in olive oil!

Our pizzas came out and we all loved them! My deep dish was the “Chicago Special”, with green pepper, onion, mushrooms and sausage. The sauce is very tasty as was the crust, which was their own special recipe and tasted SO much like I remember deep dish tasting like. I think I actually prefer to have it gluten-free now, it doesn’t seem to form a big lump in my tummy like it did before.

As incredible as it looks!

As incredible as it looks!

My son ordered the gluten-free thin crust in just cheese. He couldn’t believe how awesome it was and keeps telling everyone “you would never know it was gluten-free!” As you can see as witnessed in this photo, I couldn’t shoot it fast enough as my son dove into it as fast as he could. 

Gluten-Free Thin Crust pizza

I am also in pure amazement that this awesome pizza exists. Well worth the hour plus drive to pick some up on occasion. Whenever I drive into the city now, my son reminds me not to come home unless I pick up some of their pizza for him. So far, I have only been making the drive for his favorite cupcakes from Swirlz Cupcakes….ahhh Swirlz…., their cupcakes are so good that they deserve their own post! Continue reading

Chicago Gluten & Allergen Free Expo, April 20-21, 2013

Expo-Logo-2011-e1319142465283

 

Hello everyone! It’s good to be back blogging again! I’ve been mostly hanging out on my Facebook and Twitter pages and it’s about time I started writing again, as there is SO much information to be shared with you all! Let’s start with one of my favorite events of the year coming up soon….The Gluten & Allergen Free Expo is returning to Chicago, April 20-21, 2013. This year it will be held at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg, IL. Always a fun gluten-free extravaganza, this year the GFAF Expo plans on having over 150 vendors sampling and selling products! The Expo will meet the needs of the Celiac community, those with gluten sensitivities, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and those with Autism.

I remember when I was first diagnosed with Gluten Intolerance back in 2010 and attended my first Expo, I was like a kid in a candy store (well except this time, a kid in a gluten-free candy store!). “The GFAF Expo is like a big shopping mall for people with food allergies. One of the biggest complaints is that many of the restricted diet products don’t taste good or that they are so expensive.The GFAF Expo allows everyone to taste the products before they make a purchase”, says GFAF Expo Founder and CEO, Jen Cafferty.  Continue reading

Ok…where has Andrea been??

Hello!! I’m baaaack! :)

Hello everyone!!

My apologies for my blog going on hiatus…a long hiatus!

Besides being faced with some life challenges, I have been in school, studying at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, located in NYC. IIN, we all call it, is the world’s largest nutrition school. I have been studying to become a Certified Health Coach and am now taking on clients! My focus is helping people with gluten issues (of course!) and helping women in their 20s-40s with weight loss as well as helping children focus on healthy eating.

My new website, if you would like to check it out, is rockinthehealthylife.com

I promise to give you some exciting content in the near future and if you would like me to give you a free consultation please email me either through my Rockin’ The Healthy Life website or at rockinglutenfree@gmail.com.

Glad to be back!

Andrea

Guy Fieri introduces new salsas and barbeque sauces

I was so excited to hear that Guy Fieri had introduced a new line of barbeque sauces and salsas. Three out of the four barbeque sauces are gluten-free and all the salsas are gluten-free. Here is some info direct from the press release.

(BOARDMAN, OHIO) June 1, 2011 - Chef Guy Fieri, star of Food Network shows “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and “Guy’s Big Bite” has introduced his first ever line of three gluten-free barbeque sauces, along with a line of gluten-free salsas.  The chef, restauratuer and bestselling author is bringing his rockin’ flavors to supermarkets across America, as well as serving them up in his restaurants, Johnny Garlic’s California Pasta Grill and Tex Wasabi’s Rock-n-Roll Sushi BBQ.

The three gluten-free Guy Fieri barbeque sauces contain no fat, cholesterol or high fructose corn syrup. “I’ve eaten barbeque all over the country, so when I developed these sauces, I drew inspiration from coast to coast,” says Fieri, the barbeque enthusiast and author of the new book, New York Times best-seller Guy Fieri Food. “These sauces add big, off da hook flavor, whether you’re craving a smoky, sweet, or tangy twist.” Continue reading

Betty Crocker’s First Ever Recipe Contest

Hello everyone! I’m getting this out pretty late so my apologies. You still have time to enter through June 30, 2011. Please take a look.

Through June 30, 2011, gluten free bakers can enter online at www.glutenfreely.com/bakerschallenge for the chance to win the grand prize of $5,000. Using any BettyCrocker Gluten Free dessert mix or Bisquick Gluten Free, entrants will be challenged to create an original gluten free holiday-themed appetizer, bread, or dessert recipe, and will be judged on five key categories including:

  • ·         Taste
  • ·         Creativity
  • ·         Ease of preparation
  • ·         Consumer appeal
  • ·         Appearance

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Here is information from the official press release I received from Betty Crocker.
On or about September 20, 2011, Betty Crocker will announce the 10 selected finalists, who will each receive a Betty Crocker Gluten Free Baking gift basket filled with baking items and Betty Crocker Gluten Free mixes (estimated retail value of $119). The finalists’ recipes will be voted on by the public on www.glutenfreely.com/bakerschallenge<http://bit.ly/bcgfcontest>, and the finalist whose recipe receives the most votes will be announced as the winner on or around November 1, 2011.

“We’re excited to offer this opportunity to the gluten free community,” said Allison Miller, Marketing Manager, Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Mixes. “The Betty Crocker Baker’s Challenge Gluten Free Recipe Contest is a great way for gluten free bakers to share their innovative creations and show the world how delicious living gluten freely can be.”

For gluten-free recipe inspiration and more information about the Betty Crocker Baker’s Challenge Gluten Free Recipe Contest, visit www.glutenfreely.com<http://bit.ly/glutenfreely> today. In addition, through the end of June, save 20% on the purchase of any of the five of the Betty Crocker Gluten Free mixes atwww.glutenfreely.com/ourstore<http://www.glutenfreely.com/ourstore>.

Contest Abbreviated Rules

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open only to legal residents of the United States, 18 years of age or older. Submit your entry online. Entries must be received by June 30, 2011, Void where prohibited. See Official Rules for details. Sponsored by General Mills Sales, Inc., One General Mills Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55426.

Good luck!!



Z is for Zema’s Madhouse Foods’ Chicago-Style Deep Dish Za!

I heard about Jill Motew and her company Zema’s Madhouse Foods from my good friend, Roh Doylida. I heard about how great her recipes and gluten-free flours are from Roh so I decided to check them out. I came across this picture and couldn’t believe my eyes!

Oh, how I’ve missed Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza! Hailing from the Chicago area, it is something that I am proud we have an abundance of. The only current gluten-free deep dish pizza that I am aware of being offered in the Chicago area is crustless. The crust is the best part!  What I love about this recipe too is that is healthy and dairy-free. Even better for someone like me who is becoming a health nut and is trying to stay as dairy-free as possible to avoid inflammation.

Jill developed gluten-free flours that use clean ingredients and ancient grains. Jill wanted ingredients that are clean, organic  and minimally processed so they could be as healthy as possible for her and her family and at the same time offer vitamins, minerals and nutrients that we all need.

Jill now sells the flours under the name Zema’s Madhouse Foods. Jill came up with the name Zema’s using the initials of her children. Her flours are great for those who eat gluten-free, athletes, allergen-free and those who just love eating healthy. Zema’s mixes commit to being free of dairy, soy, rice, sesame, yeast, tree nuts, peanuts, sulfites, additives, trans fats, preservatives and sugar. The mixes are organic and contain natural superfood ingredients like teff, quinoa, amaranth, chia, flax and hemp seeds. In addition to the Seeded Multigrain flour used in the deep dish pizza recipe, Zema’s also has other flours available: GF Dedicated Cinnamon-Oatmeal, Rosemary-Millet, Vanilla-Cocoa Teff and Peruvian Sweet Potato-Pumpkin.  Jill can be contacted at jill@zemasfoods.com or you can order through her Facebook page, click here. Her website zemasfoods.com is currently under construction.
As my grand finale for my A-Z countdown, I now bring you the recipe for this wonderful deep dish pizza, courtesy of Jill Motew from Zema’s Madhouse Foods.  Enjoy!

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