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My 2010


In the past 1 year, I have done much. I became a new house owner and made a new home to love and cherish.

My blog really flourished with a new updated look and loads of new sponsored posts.

Bought a iPhone4 finally and then put it into the washer. -.-||

Went to Chengdu, Phuket and China.

Decided that I am exactly where I wanted to be and then only to have things fall apart immediately after. Loved and had the mat pulled out from right under my feet.

Guess I can't have everything my way. Guess I can't have everything perfect. Guess I just have to go with the curveballs life throws at me.

2010 was generally a very happy year for me. I had everything I could have asked for. I lost a best friend, lover and boyfriend. Growing up is not easy. Maybe I didn't cherish what I had enough. Maybe this is yet another huddle I have to go through in life.

Regardless, I hope 2011 will be a wonderful year for me.

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Posted by Ju Ann at Wednesday, December 29, 2010
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Pasta and Meatballs Recipe

Here's another installment of recipes made by me!


The other day I was inspired by a meatball recipe online and went out to buy some minced meat.

This is a super simple dish to prepare. I only spent 30 mins on this.

Meatball Recipe



Pasta Sauce



First, I fry some chopped garlic till fragrant and then pour in a can of tomato sauce + pop in a few fresh tomatoes to simmer into a thick, pasta sauce. You can add some chopped mushrooms if you like at this point.

Once it simmers, put in all the meatballs that are fresh out of the oven and simmer to a boil for about 2 mins.



After that, pour it on freshly cooked pasta and serve. So simple. And so yummy.



P.s.: If you prefer, you can just buy off the shelf kind of pasta sauce. And if you want to be really healthy, you can also make red sauce from scratch but that will take a long time.

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Posted by Ju Ann at Monday, December 27, 2010
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Create your OWN app with Nokia OVI App Wizard

Good news for those of you who always ever wanted to create your own mobile application for Nokia has launched a new service called the OVI APP WIZARD!

I'm going to show you how easy it is to create your very own app in 4 easy steps!



Yes, let's get started.


Step #1: Enter Your RSS/Atom feeds link.

Ovi app wizard lets you publish web content from RSS/Atom feeds into a mobile application for distribution to millions of consumers on the Symbian platform. To get started, all you have to do in this step is just to enter up to 4 RSS/Atom feeds of your choice.

My website feed is feed://judging-me.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default!! ^^


Step #2: Customise your app!

Here's where you get to define your application name, logo, colours and even your application language. Seriously, it's so easy. And if you are stuck at any point, you can just mouse over the small "?" icon on the top right of every form field.



When you upload your application icon, do remember to check and ensure that you are okay with the way your logo looks in different sizes. Your icon will appear in many forms (e.g.: when users are searching for apps, when users are previewing your app, etc).

Step 3: Monetize your app?


On step 3, there's an option to ask if you'll like to display ads on your app. I didn't enable this cos don't we all hate advertising! I find banner ads on mobile apps invasive!

Step 4: Add your publishing information


Interesting app description and keywords will help to encourage more downloads! Also, the category in which you state your app under is also important. I put mine down as "Lifestyle & Leisure". Well essentially, my blog's about lifestyle and it's for reading leisure! :P

And yes, my humble little blog app is still FREE! LOL! Go download it now!!

You're all ready to publish!


Here's a view of my dashboard. See the green "Submit to Ovi Store" button? Yup, I clicked on that and below's the prompt before I officially publish it! :D


I love how my RSS feeds are appearing!! :) The images + the titles are all appearing very neatly. Once submitted, your app will take about 24 to 48 hours for it to be approved so don't go and try make some popular blogger's website as yours cos it ain't gonne be approved!

Anyway, enough of talk. Go try it out yourself! I only spent 15 mins on this! So easy until I feel it's sinful! :P

Start by visiting their website here, or you can also join them on facebook here.

Here are some reasons why Ovi App Wizard rocks:
- It's absolutely FREE of charge, no registration fees!
- It's very user-friendly and makes creating an app for content publishers like me is so easy!
- Just like how Facebook, Twitter, Delicious, Innit are all ways for me to publicise my content, Nokia Ovi App Wizard helps me create yet another way to reach out to more audiences!

In essence, what Ovi App Wizard does is making mobile software creation EASY as ABC for programming-idiots like me! It's interface for app creation is simple with detailed instructions and takes me only 15 mins! How awesome is that? :D

Now I can say I have a mobile app for my blog. And I created it, MYSELF! LOL! :D

So please my friends, if you're on a NOKIA phone* and you're reading this, DOWNLOAD my APP now. Click the button below!!!


*Only NOKIA phones can download and use this app!

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Posted by Ju Ann at Thursday, December 23, 2010
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VIRUSES that THREATEN the existence of Our Digital Lives


You know how we are all so dependent on the WWW now? On my way to work, I tweet and surf the web. Sometimes I do mBanking on the go, sometimes I read and reply emails... then once I read the office, I'll spend 30 mins catching up on Facebook, Twitter and Blogs before really settling down into work.

During work, I read and reply emails, surf the web for information (which also means visiting a lot of never visited before websites), I surf Facebook and other social media outlets a lot because that's part of my job as well and I also do the occasional iBanking.

Lunch's either out with the colleagues or in office doing some casual internet surfing. Sometimes my naughty eyes rove to online blogshops and e-malls which sometimes lead to an online payment transaction.

At home, instead of watching TV like I used to 6-7 years ago, I now go on Facebook, blog, read news, play games, chat, watch videos and so more - all online.

And I believe this is the lifestyle for most of us who live in the digital age today.

But here's something.

DO YOU KNOW that there's a malicious trade out there where people are paid for placing malware into your computer? For stealing bank accounts? For compromising your PCs? For stealing email addresses, passwords and other important information?

HOLY MACAROONS.

And there is 1.5 NEW THREATS every second.

WHAT THIS MEANS to us is that we have slower PCs, we have disruptions at work and our confidential data is at risk! *GASP*

Cybercriminals are now lurking in Social Media Networks and Online Gaming Websites cos that's where most of us are!

For example, we all know the MSN pop up messages that our "friends" seemingly sends to us? Well those are viruses!!

"I saw a sexy photo of you online! Is that you??? Click here: http://www.xxx.com"

Close it asap! Your friend's computer has been compromised already!

Or maybe you received an email from a friend with an email subject like "hi how are you"... but that friend DID not send this email to you!

VIRUS ALERT!


Yes. We all know we need it but we all just kinda, ignore it cos well, anti-virus is just so complicated.

It's expensive, and it takes up a lot of memory space and the frequent scanning just makes it all very unapproachable in general.

Even when Nuffnang and Trend Micro invited me to an educational event about internet security, I was abit skeptical. Erm, are we REALLY going to touch on that?! After the initial hesitations, the information sharing session got more and more interesting.

Ok there are many many brands of Anti-Virus software out there to choose from. From the FREE to the expensive. All offering different pros and cons.

So how to choose???? Ok here are some comparisons with other brands to help you have a better picture. (Click on the images to enlarge for details!)

#1: Trend Micro Titanium is SAFE


#2: Trend Micro Titanium is LIGHT



#3: Trend Micro Titanium is FAST


I am very lucky to be given a copy of Trend Micro's Titanium Anti-Virus to try out for 1 year. Check out the Titanium Advantage here.

By writing this post, I hope you are more aware of the viruses that threaten us in this digital age that we live in and be more aware of them. I think Trend Micro has a GREAT info-sharing fanpage here that updates on the latest malware and viruses that are being created. No harm like'ing their page and keeping yourself updated!

Here's more!


Simply visit Trend Micro's Fanpage and click "Like" and then click on the Contest Tab for more information!!

############################################################

Trend Micro is a global leader in Internet content security advancing threat managament technology to secure data aginst a wide range of threats. They are founded in the United States and are headquarter in Tokyo, Japan. They are also THE security brand with the NO. 1 market share in Japan. You can find out more about them hereor keep updated with the latest new viruses/threats on their Fanpage

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Posted by Ju Ann at Wednesday, December 22, 2010
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Dress Me facial mask

**Sorry for the horrid photos of me in this post. This past week has been extremely trying on me and I've been super exhuasted hence the breakouts and the eyebags. :(

DIY masks at home are one of the easiest and fuss-free way to better skin. I super love masks cos I can just slap 'em on and do whatever! Even sleeping!

But in choosing what mask is right/good for your skin, you need to make sure the masks are of good quality and not buy them because it's cheap.

Just got meself some of the new Dress Me facial mask series to try out! I heard they use the finest and purest quality ingredients extracted from selected plant concentrates. Should be good!



Dress Me facial masks are ideal for common skin problems; skins that are dehydrated, oily, pigmented, dull and lost of lustre. The hassle-free skin treatment takes only fifteen minutes to complete and is suitable for daily use.

The effective and essential natural ingredients used in the masks are found in many skin care products. The ingredients are Natto, Trehalose, Helichrysum Agustigolium, Spriarea Ulmaria, Gigawhite, Ginkgo Biloba and Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit.

Dress Me facial masks:
• Soften & Clarifying Mask (Clear. Moisture. Revive)
• Moisturizing & Refreshing Mask (Clear. Balance. Revitalize) REVIEWED BELOW!!
• Silky & Soothing Mask (Clear. Moisture. Soften)
• Oil Control & Purifying Mask (Clear. Moisture. Refresh) REVIEWED BELOW!!
• Whitening & Brightening Mask (Clear. Moisture. Tighten)
• Whitening & Revive Mask (Clear. Balance. Restore)
• Revitalizing & Firming Mask (Clear. Balance. Renew)



First up, we try the Dress Me Moisturizing & Refreshing Mask. It hydrates skin with adequate amount of moisture retention that allows skin to remain moisturized for a long period of time.

I put this mask on at night for 15 mins and then took the remaining (still wet) mask and pressed it against my neck. Don't forget to care for your neck ladies!! :)

What I did not like about this product is that I felt that the mask size didn't really fit my face well. There seemed to be some of the top of my forehead that is not covered and the tip of my nose is not covered too.

What I loved is the light-no fragrance. And I chose this mask cos my face is always oily and that means I need more hydration. When I wake up after putting this mask on the night before, my skin is not oily like normal days.

That means that sebum production control was effective at night!



Dress Me Silky & Soothing Mask is the other mask that I tried. It provides protection to the skin and increases moisture retention within the skin. Helichrysum Angustifolium enhances skin’s renewal process and even out skin tone for smooth and relaxed skin.

Lately, I've been having breakouts. Definitely needed a soothing mask. And this is great as it helped me reduce redness. What I loved most about this mask is that it contains Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract which tightens pores and increases skin renewal process while it controls and lessens pigmentation (saviour to my recent breakouts!!)

Here's an additional tip for my dear readers!!

1) I always store my unused masks (and boy do I have loads) in the fridge! This way, when you take them out to use, the cooling sensation on your face is completely relaxing. Try it!

2) Your skin renews itself between 11pm to 1am. So either you should be sleeping before 11pm or slap on a mask!! :D

PROMOTIONS!!

a. Retailing at thesamplestore.sg
- 50% off all dress me mask
- Buy any 5 pieces of Dress Me mask and get 1 Dress Me Silky & Soothing Mask free
- Buy any 35 pieces of Dress Me mask and enjoy free delivery + 1 Dress Me Silky & Soothing Mask free

b. Retailing at SaSa
- Purchase 2 pieces of Dress Me mask and enjoy 20% off
- Purchase 1 box (5 pieces) of Dress Me mask and enjoy 50% off

For more information and latest news, do join them on facebook page or you can visit their website!

Dress Me Facebook Contest!

Try out the masks and post your reviews in Dress Me Facebook! 3 winners with the best reviews will be selected weekly! You get to win 1 box of Dress Me Masks!

Submission period:
15/12 - 21/12
22/12-28/12
29/12- 4/12
5/12 - 11/12

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Posted by Ju Ann at Monday, December 20, 2010
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Rojukiss Protox 3 Wrinkle Solution


Yes. That would be my forehead looking all elderly. =(

So when Rojukiss's Protox anti-aging range was given to me for sampling, it came at the right time. TIME to do something about my no-longer-young skin!

Ok first, here's a little interesting fact. There are 3 types of wrinkles on your face:
  • Deep Wrinkles caused by skin cells deterioration and subside on eyes corner cheek hole and forehead
  • Wide Wrinkles caused by Collagen fiber structure and Elastin were destroyed broken or curl up. It is visible even without movement as cheek hole
  • Long Wrinkles caused by facial skin muscles contraction from facial expression and frowning
And what Rojukiss's Protox range has here for us is a complete solution to battling these 3 types of wrinkles!

These wrinkles can be filled , narrowed and shortened with Protox Peptides Complexes, small molecule high concentrated products with ingredients like:
  • Hyaluronic Booster Peptide stimulate Hyaluronic acid one of GAGs to increase skin masss so that noticeable wrinkle can be filled up.
  • Pro Collagen Complex is peptide which stimulate Collagen fiber synthesis and substrate collagen synthesis with Pro collagen can be up to 158 % so that wide lines can look narrower.
  • Protox Peptide works similar to Botox which helps minimizing long lines so they become shorter.
I tried the following 3 products for 2 weeks.




Let's review the product one by one.

1) Protox Serum

The serum has a very light fragrance (which is okay with me) and it glides on smoothly. It's texture is gel-like watery - serums are usually this way. I like that its not oily at all. I put this all over my face with concentration on my forehead because that's where all my aging problems seems to take root.

2) Protex Day and Night Cream

The day cream has an ingredient called Camellia Sinensis which is a leaf extract that helps in anti-oxidation and performs 200 times better than vitamin E! While this cream glided on easily and wasn't too oily after application, I felt that it kinda made my skin produce more oil during the day.

The night cream is great for supporting the natural skin renewal process at night. It contains Protox Peptides Complexes which ensures that your skin gets the best nourishment even in an air-conditioned room.

3) Protox Daily Cell Protection SPF50+

I use this at the very last step of my skincare routine before my makeup every morning. The SPF is very high (loves!)! There are also a lot of other attributes to this product which are worth mentioning like how it protects collagen and DNA under your skin layer, and that it provides UV protection for more than 12 hours, water proof and has long lasting anti oxidants!

It has very light fragrance and glides on smoothly. My skin did not feel thick/cakey after application. It made a good base for my makeup. :)

So the BIG QUESTION is, DID THE PRODUCT WORK?

Let the below picture that was taken 2 weeks after using only Rojukiss Protox products tell the story.


:D!

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Posted by Ju Ann at Saturday, December 18, 2010
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Paintball at PHUKET, Thailand

I love Paintball. The almost maniacal glee that comes with shooting your enemy is everything! LOL.


If you have not tried paintball, you must. It's not a guy's only game.

Let this photo-post tell the story.


The BF and I, on the same team of course (if not I'm dead for sure - cos he'll shoot me lor!).


The BF, wearing his gear.


Blue Team consisted of Jacky, my, Robin, the BF and Alex (my colleagues!)


The enemy: Leong, CK, Jason, Mindy and Stephen.


Peee!!! And the game starts. Here's a shot of the enemy discussing strategy before we begin!


And I got hit by CK. So pain!!! This blue black mark lasted me 2 weeks to subside fully. From a small dot, it expanded to what you see above! Holy shit.

For those of you travellers going to Phuket and want some Paintballing action, here's sharing where we enjoyed ours.

Paint Ball Asia

Price:
50 bullets 890 THB per person/set
Extra 50 bullets 590 THB per person

Opening hours: daily from 09:00 to 18:00

Reservation: by phone 076-381667, 076-381668 or visit this website

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Posted by Ju Ann at Wednesday, December 15, 2010
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HPB Diet Tracker iPhone App

And... yes! I am back with another iPhone App Review.


So recently I just got back from a 9 day china trip and all that happy eating carelessly has made itself known in the form of an additional, and UNWELCOMED, 3kg.


So there, when I heard that Health Promotion Board has came up with a diet tracker that allows users to check the calorie and fat content of almost 400 foods, including most of Singaporean dishes.

[Read the rest of the entry here...]

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Posted by Ju Ann at Monday, December 13, 2010
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Ginvera Green Tea Marvel Gel and Ginvera Green Tea Jade Eye Roll Away


Yes my dears. Today I'm going to share with you 2 new products from Ginvera! Enjoy!

Ginvera Green Tea Jade Eye Roll Away (RSP: $18.90, 15ml)



I know. Such a long product name right. Haha. I got to admit here that my eye area is one of the areas that I take the least care of! When I remember I put some cream... but more often than not, I forget to apply anything!

It's just that it's a hassle! Such a small eye area and I have to open a bottle just to apply cream for that small area.



So I really appreciate that Ginvera's new product is really quite easy to use. It has this roller ball made of Jade and massages your delicate eye areas as it reduces dark eye circles and brightens eye contours.



The BF has really bad eye bags so I can't wait to get him to start using this new product! I love how when I roll it, the jade roller ball and the essence is very cooling and soothing. I always like a good eye massage but I can't execute it properly for myself cos of my nails. With this, when I apply a bit of pressure, it becomes a great massage! :P

Here's how to use!



Tilt roller upwards to 95 degrees to allow contents to flow out, then tilt roller to 80 degrees and use roller to gently massage eye contour area (all around the eye). Use once every morning and evening. Use fingers to absorb until fully absorbed.

Did you know: Regularly eye massage will help to reduce eye puffiness, soothe away the dark eye circles and eye bags!

Now I have Ginvera to help! :D

***

Ginvera Green Tea Marvel Gel (RSP: $16.80, 60g)

There are exfoliators that have beads and there are those that don't. One of my favourite ones that don't has always been the white coloured Ginvera Marvel Gel that has been around since forever! My grandma and mother are big fans of that. In fact, I have 1 of this still half used in my toilet!



Ginvera recently launched a newer version of it and it's called the Ginvera Green Tea Marvel Gel.

There are 2 key ingredients that make this product unique and widely popular: Green Tea and Soybean Extracts.

Research has shown that Green Tea has more powerful antioxidants properties than vitamins A, C and E. What it means is that this ingredient is great for anti-bacterial, astringent and anti-ageing as well as UV protection qualities.

Soybean extracts are from soybeans with fermented with Bacillus Subtilis to produce Cellplus+ (a soft liquid product that contains plenty of amino acids) which has strong moisturizing and whitening properties.


10 Amazing Efficacies

1) Helps soften the cornified layer and gently remove the dead skin barrier to instantly reveal a brighter finer complexion.
2) Effectively removes blackheads easily and painlessly in just one step
3) Regulates and helps control sebum secretion for a shine-free complexion whole day long.
4) Whitens and evens out skin tone. Effective in helping to fading pigmentation, spots and acne scars over time.
5) Refines and contracts the appearance of pores to reveal finer, smoother skin.
6) Deeply cleanses pores and helps prevent the onset of skin problems like pimples and blemishes.
7) Helps remove oil seeds
8) Changes dull and rough skin to a smooth complexion, allowing makeup to glide on easily and adhere better to the skin.
9) Helps stimulates skin metabolism, skin looks younger and more supple
10) Allows better and faster absorption of skincare products that is applied subsequently

Directions on how to use:

Before cleansing, squeeze an adequate amount and apply onto dry face and neck (this is a very important!), focusing on the T-zone area in particular. Gently massage in circular motions until you can see small flakes appearing ( these are the dead skin cells and dirt from the skin). After massaging, wet your fingers and gently massage again, and wash off with water afterwards.

BEFORE


Eek! I can see all the little black dots!

AFTER


And this is after just 1 wash. I'm pretty pleased with it! :) It really exfoliates well! I'm going to do this once a week. Blackheads are all removed painlessly in just 1 wash. Superb.

As with all good exfoliation, when you exfoliate regularly, your skin is brighter and look fairer.

But hey, like I always say, don't take my word for it. Grab a sample first! :D

These products are sold at Watsons, Guardian, Robinsons, John Little, BHG, OG, NTUC FairPrice, Carrefour, Giant, C.K. Department Store, SASA and other leading cosmetic houses.

For updates on Ginvera, they have a great fanpage that you might be interested in here!

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Posted by Ju Ann at Friday, December 10, 2010
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Swensen's Ice Cream and Dessert Buffet at ION Orchard

The girlfriends and I are fans of desserts. Chocolates, ice creams, brownies, cakes... if it's categorised under desserts, we'll probably like it!


So when I first read about Swensen's Ice Cream and Dessert Buffet at ION Orchard (Singapore), I knew this was something we had to try!

Here's a picture heavy post to show you what it was like!

[Read the rest of the entry here...]

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Posted by Ju Ann at Tuesday, December 07, 2010
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Confirm Trading's on Facebook!

Confirm Trading is an established company importing and distributing a wide range of premium quality health and beauty brands like Kinohitmitsu, Rojukiss, BabySkin, Dr. Jart+, Milky Foot, Dentiste and many more.

Here are some samples of their products that I'll be reviewing soon! :) So keep a lookout!



Confirm Trading has a Facebook Fanpage here that you might be interested to join. They have great giveaways and contests there. :)

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Posted by Ju Ann at Saturday, December 04, 2010
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My Top Ten iPhone Apps

Through my last horrifying experience of washing my iPhone in the washing machine, I have come to realise my top ten most used iPhone Apps.

In no particular order, here's my most favourite iPhone Apps! I notice most of them are under Social Networking, Gaming and Navigation!

#1: High Noon


I reviewed this fabulous game before. So take a look here and here.

[Read the rest of the entry here...]

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Posted by Ju Ann at Friday, December 03, 2010
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DKNY: 5 Strangers. 1 Hotel. Too many secrets. Room 303 - Unlock the secrets

There are 5 strangers, an artist, a backpacker, a rock star, a businessman and a model, who arrive at a strange hotel to meet a mysterious man. What draws these 5 strangers to the hotel? What secrets lurk in Room 303?

What is the identity of the mysterious man in the shadows?

Check out UnlockRoom303.com where there are 5 episodes that will tell us the truth.

***

Room 303 - Unlock the secrets is DKNY Jeans' latest global campaign for their Fall/ Winter 2010 Collection. The campaign involves a series of viral animated webisodes that features DKNY's 5 key looks.

In Singapore, this experience is brought to the retail environment where YOU can participate in a live hunt for clues at the Paragon Shopping Centre.

Last Sunday, I was invited to participate in the hunt for clues! And guess who I saw there! June! So yay, I had a partner to get this done even quicker!

[Read the rest of the entry here...]

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Posted by Ju Ann at Wednesday, December 01, 2010
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