| Author |
Message |
    
Richard Nye
Senior Member
Username: Yeasty_boy
Post Number: 2048
Registered: 01-2004
Posted From: 68.4.202.69
| | Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 03:45 am: | 
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According to "The Week" magazine....
"Utah state officials have ordered Glenn Eurick to remove the vanity license plate "MERLOT" from his car, after discovering that Merlot is a type of wine. State law prohibits the names of "intoxicants" on license plates, but Eurick, who has had the plate for 10 years, said most people in the largely Mormon state were puzzled, not offended, by it. 'People usually ask us what the word means,' he said."
http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2007/03/17/merlot_a_no_no_on_utah_licens e_plate/
I guess that "ROCHEFORT 10" vanity plate ELK was planning on is out of the question. |
Master B
Member
Username: Cwixon
Post Number: 155
Registered: 11-2005
Posted From: 67.149.67.117
| | Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 05:09 am: |
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That is so absurd.
My ancestors did not arrive in the USA to be so scrutinized by the government they themselves fund. When is enough enough? There is no victim in this and our (knowing most states would do similar bs) government needs serious downsizing.
Arrrggghhhh!
Where's my homebrew?!?
We're not here for a long time. We're here for a good time.
Cheers to life!!
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Joakim Ruud
Advanced Member
Username: Joques
Post Number: 631
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 84.209.9.213
| | Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 06:19 am: |
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I'm sad to say the same thing would probably have happened here. Our laws against alcohol advertisement are so strict that until last year, it was illegal to advertise for alcohol even in publications that are for internal use in the alcohol industry!!
For to accuse requires less eloquence, such is man's nature, than to
excuse; and condemnation, than absolution, more resembles justice.
-Hobbes, Leviathan
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dhacker
Advanced Member
Username: Dhacker
Post Number: 846
Registered: 11-2002
Posted From: 208.63.189.245
| | Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 11:20 am: |
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What next? Hire people at the post office to scan and cut out anything in mail or magazines that has a reference to alcohol? I can only imagine what will ultimately happen at the library . . .  |
Joakim Ruud
Advanced Member
Username: Joques
Post Number: 632
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 85.166.18.167
| | Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 11:44 am: |
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Though, this thing with the vanity plate seems to ba a local ordinance, and not something from the federal government, right?
For to accuse requires less eloquence, such is man's nature, than to
excuse; and condemnation, than absolution, more resembles justice.
-Hobbes, Leviathan
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Bill Pierce
Moderator
Username: Billpierce
Post Number: 6871
Registered: 01-2002
Posted From: 24.57.224.220
| | Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 12:18 pm: |
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Joakim, vanity plates are regulated by the individual states. Obviously the standards vary. I recall seeing a plate in Illinois that read "BITE ME". |
Tom Gardner
Advanced Member
Username: Tom
Post Number: 966
Registered: 01-2001
Posted From: 162.119.232.100
| | Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 03:43 pm: |
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A friend had one that was "3M TA3". Hint, read it in a rear view mirror. |
Mike Huss
Senior Member
Username: Mikhu
Post Number: 1601
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 24.123.94.154
| | Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 05:46 pm: |
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There used to be a guy around here that had one "ITFXU2". I'm guessing he told the DMV that the middle word was "affects" but I don't think that's what he was after. |
Jon Steinhauer
Senior Member
Username: Jstein6870
Post Number: 1130
Registered: 03-2002
Posted From: 74.36.11.200
| | Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 10:30 pm: |
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Merlot is a type of grape, yes, not just a wine. If your name was Miller, it should similarly be banned. He could probably sue, if it's that important to him.
However, shouldn't Utah be able govern license plates as they see fit? It's not like it's a First Amendment issue. I can't choose my own street address, driver's and other license numbers, SSN or any other official goverment issued form of identification.
Now, when they tell you can't name your child "Merlot", or "Jack Daniels" or "Jim Beam", it will be time to take up arms.
Steinhauer
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Darel Matthews
Junior Member
Username: Darel
Post Number: 73
Registered: 07-2003
Posted From: 71.175.13.85
| | Posted on Friday, April 06, 2007 - 12:52 am: |
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I just heard about a story where the Swedish governtment is prohibiting a couple from naming their daughter Metallica.
Metallica rocks, but frankly I'm OK with that and wish the government would censor more of the stupid names people saddle their kids with...like Shiloh, or Suri, or Darel.
As far as government involvement goes: If you're not doing anything wrong, if you've got nothing to hide, it shouldn't bother you. Go ahead, tap my phone calls. I've got nothing I wouldn't want my mother to overhear going on. Random vehichle searches? All it would do is prevent more crime. If you're not a criminal you've got no reason to hide anything. If you're giving your kid a stupid name they have no choice over, then maybe someone should step in and smack you upside the head.
End rant. Sorry to get OT.
Darel |
Richard Nye
Senior Member
Username: Yeasty_boy
Post Number: 2049
Registered: 01-2004
Posted From: 68.4.202.69
| | Posted on Friday, April 06, 2007 - 04:47 am: |
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Darel, I disagree about government involvement. I believe that history repeats itself, and human nature doesn't change much. It's scarry to think how powerful the U.S. military is. In the wrong hands it could lead to some really bad stuff. I want less government, less silly rules, and more of an equal footing around our community to add some checks and balances. |
Colby Enck
Intermediate Member
Username: Thecheese
Post Number: 405
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 70.44.68.25
| | Posted on Friday, April 06, 2007 - 09:51 am: |
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I agree with every one of Darel's points.
Colby |
Joakim Ruud
Advanced Member
Username: Joques
Post Number: 633
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 84.209.9.213
| | Posted on Friday, April 06, 2007 - 11:21 am: |
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Darel, that's a fairly naive point of view. If you could be certain that every government had your best interests at heart, and passed laws to that effect, you might have a point.
But say the neo-prohibitionists get homebrewing outlawed. Would you then just say "oh well" and let them monitor your non-homebrewing? That's an extreme example, but you get my point.
Or are you saying you've never broken a law in your life, so you have nothing to hide? Everybody has something to hide, not because they're a menace to society but because they are human beings with all sorts of embarrassments and indignities they'd rather not let anyone know. And that's the way it should be.
If everybody shared your standpoint, it's a very small step indeed to Orwell's 1984. Remember, the government, any government, does not have your best interest at heart. It has other priorities.
For to accuse requires less eloquence, such is man's nature, than to
excuse; and condemnation, than absolution, more resembles justice.
-Hobbes, Leviathan
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Dan Listermann
Senior Member
Username: Listermann
Post Number: 4238
Registered: 03-2004
Posted From: 216.23.59.245
| | Posted on Friday, April 06, 2007 - 01:29 pm: |
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Power corrupts and absolute power . . . .can be very nice.
--This space is STILL being left intentionally blank.-
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Zel
Junior Member
Username: Zel
Post Number: 30
Registered: 11-2001
Posted From: 165.215.91.72
| | Posted on Friday, April 06, 2007 - 01:45 pm: |
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Umm, guys, I'm guessing that Darel may be doing a little bit of good-natured trolling. At least I hope he is ...
This is the famous Budweiser beer. We know of no brand produced by any other brewer which costs so much to promote. Our exclusive Beechwood Aging produces an isipidness you will find in no other beer at any price ... except in Bud Light.
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Bruce Williamson
Junior Member
Username: Bwilliamson
Post Number: 93
Registered: 03-2005
Posted From: 199.233.178.253
| | Posted on Friday, April 06, 2007 - 06:02 pm: |
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Umm, guys, I'm guessing that Darel may be doing a little bit of good-natured trolling. At least I hope he is ...
I hope so! The if I'm innocent then let the government do what it will is an extremely short sighted and dangerous view w/ a wealth of history to prove so. |
Master B
Member
Username: Cwixon
Post Number: 158
Registered: 11-2005
Posted From: 67.149.67.117
| | Posted on Friday, April 06, 2007 - 06:11 pm: |
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I certainly don't want my mother to overhear me girlfriend calling me "Oh my god! Oh my god!"
That would be a problem for me...
I guess I am a shameful evildoer.
We're not here for a long time. We're here for a good time.
Cheers to life!!
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Darel Matthews
Junior Member
Username: Darel
Post Number: 74
Registered: 07-2003
Posted From: 71.175.13.85
| | Posted on Saturday, April 07, 2007 - 12:52 am: |
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Not really trolling, just bringing up that interesting story about the baby in Sweden got me off track. Nice to see I have people who both agree and disagree with me.
While I was completely serious in the content of my post (yes, I do happen to drive the speed limit, pay all my taxes, have never smoked pot and sit at red lights at 3 am with my blinker on) Joakim brought up an excellent point that has been my one sticking point in many arguments for a long time. What about beer? I have to concede I can't talk my way out of that one. I've tried to explain why I think smoking should be illegal, and why marijuana should remain illegal, but even I cannot differentiate those two substances from alcohol, other than maybe it's less obtrusive to those around you, and it doesn't kill you as quickly (auto accidents notwithstanding).
I know there are more people who agree with me on this point - how do you explain to people why alcohol should be legal but other substances not?
D |
Darel Matthews
Junior Member
Username: Darel
Post Number: 75
Registered: 07-2003
Posted From: 71.175.13.85
| | Posted on Saturday, April 07, 2007 - 12:54 am: |
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To bring this back on topic, would you all think it appropriate to censor a license plate that said "SMOKCRAK" or "HEROIN"? How do you separate that from "MERLOT"?
I'm asking seriously, not trolling. I think the first two ought to be vetoed but there's nothing wrong with wine. |
Bill Pierce
Moderator
Username: Billpierce
Post Number: 6882
Registered: 01-2002
Posted From: 24.57.224.220
| | Posted on Saturday, April 07, 2007 - 02:18 am: |
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Which reminds me (not that it would fit on a license plate) that we used to have a semi-regular poster here who was a celebrated expert on homebrewing in Thailand. His name: Pokesmot Bithawong.  |
Richard Nye
Senior Member
Username: Yeasty_boy
Post Number: 2052
Registered: 01-2004
Posted From: 68.4.202.69
| | Posted on Saturday, April 07, 2007 - 05:03 am: |
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Darel, you are seriously misguided. Smoking crack and doing heroin is not only illegal, it's very, very destructive. Drinking merlot is not only legal, but it's got a very pleasant flavor that may help you live longer if you drink it in moderation. |
Doug W
Intermediate Member
Username: Pivorat
Post Number: 254
Registered: 08-2004
Posted From: 24.180.80.247
| | Posted on Saturday, April 07, 2007 - 10:07 am: |
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Sheer numbers disagree with you on the overall effects of alcohol and alcoholism, both in its social destructive nature and then again with regards to health care and treatment costs. Alot of people cannot self manage their use of alcohol and make very poor choices. I agree that we should not shift our stance on Heroin and other ilicit drugs, quite simply, they are very nasty in terms of effects, but you cannot claim alcohol to be a saint because frankly its not and has proven repeatedly how stupid some folks can be, and claims sponsorship of a great many of Darwin award runner ups and some recipents each year. With that said Let me go shake my starter and head to work. |
Rob Farrell
Intermediate Member
Username: Robf
Post Number: 427
Registered: 02-2003
Posted From: 68.50.104.138
| | Posted on Saturday, April 07, 2007 - 11:42 am: |
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For every alcoholic or abusive binger, there are millions of responsible drinkers. I doubt that crack or heroin can claim those ratios. Most of the voting public drinks alchohol. Very few shoot up, snort, or smoke da rock.
If pot was entrenched in our history like John Barleycorn, it would probably be legal as well.
Neo-Pros can bite me! |
Darel Matthews
Junior Member
Username: Darel
Post Number: 76
Registered: 07-2003
Posted From: 71.175.13.85
| | Posted on Saturday, April 07, 2007 - 12:08 pm: |
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I believe everyone agrees heroin and other hard drugs should remain illegal. I was referrring earlier specifically to pot and smoking. How do you differentiate them from alcohol in terms of regulation? |
Dan Listermann
Senior Member
Username: Listermann
Post Number: 4242
Registered: 03-2004
Posted From: 65.27.158.31
| | Posted on Saturday, April 07, 2007 - 01:33 pm: |
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A concern that may not be expressed openly is that keeping drugs like heroin and hard drugs illegal supports a vicious black market which induces all kinds of other crime. You don't hear of "quicky mart" owners committing drive by shootings at each other very often. There is a price for the drug prohibition that is not talked about for fear of appearing "pro-drug."
--This space is STILL being left intentionally blank.-
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Joakim Ruud
Advanced Member
Username: Joques
Post Number: 635
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 84.209.9.213
| | Posted on Saturday, April 07, 2007 - 01:37 pm: |
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Dan, I agree with you there.
For to accuse requires less eloquence, such is man's nature, than to
excuse; and condemnation, than absolution, more resembles justice.
-Hobbes, Leviathan
|
John Nixon
New Member
Username: Neptunesgardener
Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2007
Posted From: 68.81.30.87
| | Posted on Saturday, April 07, 2007 - 01:55 pm: |
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Those who would trade liberty for security deserve neither.
B. Franklin |
Joakim Ruud
Advanced Member
Username: Joques
Post Number: 636
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 84.209.9.213
| | Posted on Saturday, April 07, 2007 - 02:02 pm: |
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John, I though the Patriot Act banned comments like that!
Only slightly facetious...
For to accuse requires less eloquence, such is man's nature, than to
excuse; and condemnation, than absolution, more resembles justice.
-Hobbes, Leviathan
|
John Nixon
New Member
Username: Neptunesgardener
Post Number: 2
Registered: 03-2007
Posted From: 68.81.30.87
| | Posted on Saturday, April 07, 2007 - 02:03 pm: |
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What business does a govt,or anybody for that matter telling us what we can and cannot put into our bodies.We as a society tend to villify objects as opposed to actions.If someone wants to smoke crack or shoot heroin those actions in and of themselves harm nobody except the idiot ingesting them.If he then goes out and robs a store,or runs someone down then and only then does it become anyones business but his own.BTW I do not consider emotional damage to those who care about this idiot to matter in the least.At least not to the point of affecting the law.
Rant over.............for now! |
dave star
Member
Username: Dave_star
Post Number: 135
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 66.245.68.190
| | Posted on Saturday, April 07, 2007 - 03:06 pm: |
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First get the quotation Right.
” They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety” Benjamin Franklin.
This sentence was much used in the Revolutionary period. It occurs even so early as November, 1755, in an answer by the Assembly of Pennsylvania to the Governor, and forms the motto of Franklin’s “Historical Review,” 1759, appearing also in the body of the work.—Frothingham: Rise of the Republic of the United States, p. 413.
Then understand that all the words have a very specific meaning. This is one of my pet peeves just like leaving a coma out of the bill of right.
I will now be dismounting my high horse.
Dave |
Joakim Ruud
Advanced Member
Username: Joques
Post Number: 637
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 84.209.9.213
| | Posted on Saturday, April 07, 2007 - 03:12 pm: |
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John, that is also naive. Authorities have an obligation to preemptively protect the society at large, within certain limits and parameters. Now, where those limits are drawn, is one of the major defining points about a nation/society/culture.
For to accuse requires less eloquence, such is man's nature, than to
excuse; and condemnation, than absolution, more resembles justice.
-Hobbes, Leviathan
|
John Nixon
New Member
Username: Neptunesgardener
Post Number: 5
Registered: 03-2007
Posted From: 68.81.30.87
| | Posted on Sunday, April 08, 2007 - 02:28 pm: |
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Authorites have o right to violate the rights of their citizens.Ever.Not to say that they don't,because they all too frequently do.That is just human nature.Power corrupts.The real problem is our acquiescence to these violations.We need to hold public officials accountable for their transgressions.Immediately,on the spot and personally. |
Doug W
Intermediate Member
Username: Pivorat
Post Number: 257
Registered: 08-2004
Posted From: 24.247.206.206
| | Posted on Monday, April 09, 2007 - 09:59 am: |
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Fair needs to be Fair needs to be fair. Movie Stars and Politicians, CEO's and all need to get the same hard time for crimes that any of us here would get for stealing, DUI, etc. Far too often its not the Case. Infact, the first DUI I assited pulling over as a new MP in the Greater Wash, DC area post Desert Storm, (1991) was a congressman, a keynote speaker at a post function, long story short he was taken home by the Generals Driver, the Sergeant was reassigned to Turkey within 30 days, and I was luckly just overlooked as the "rookie-private" and let off the hook by reason of newbie hood. 2 weeks later a young enlisted soldier was busted much the same. Confined for 30 days, lost rank and 1/2 of 6 months pay. Justice?...... |
Andy Hancock
Member
Username: Ahancbrew1
Post Number: 210
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 143.183.121.2
| | Posted on Monday, April 09, 2007 - 10:47 am: |
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I saw a plate in the San Francisco bay area that read MUFDVR. The car was driven by a woman.
I think this may have been the same as the plate on Cheech's car from the movie "Up in Smoke". |
Brad Petit
Member
Username: Voodoobrew
Post Number: 218
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 24.233.57.47
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 03:40 am: |
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I'm reminded of a Seinfeld episode where Kramer accidentally gets issued a proctologist's vanity plates... |
Doug W
Intermediate Member
Username: Pivorat
Post Number: 259
Registered: 08-2004
Posted From: 24.247.206.206
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 08:25 am: |
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm reminded of a Seinfeld episode where Kramer accidentally gets issued a proctologist's vanity plates...
"itsmells" vanity plate? or bakdordoc |
Mike Huss
Senior Member
Username: Mikhu
Post Number: 1605
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 69.21.247.113
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 11:25 am: |
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How ironic you should post that Brad, the ASSMAN episode was on just last night! One of the great episodes between the plates and everyone using Jerry's "move". That's still one of my all time favorite shows, I watch the reruns every night at 10:00 and 10:30. |
Steve Sampson
Intermediate Member
Username: Sampsosm
Post Number: 367
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 129.137.243.159
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 12:24 pm: |
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Seinfeld is the best show ever made. End of story.
Its still on twice a night here as well, gotta love that. |
Tom Meier
Advanced Member
Username: Brewdawg96
Post Number: 556
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 65.1.96.191
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 01:21 pm: |
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I saw a urologists vanity plate once: RUPNOK
Few years later I was talking to a local homebrewer that is a Urologist, and he mentioned one of his partners had a different plate: CME2PEZ
I dont see merlot as being any more offcolor than those. |
Leo M
New Member
Username: Henryhill
Post Number: 2
Registered: 04-2007
Posted From: 69.129.80.115
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 01:54 pm: |
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Um, Utah is not exactly known as being open-minded or progressive.
Unless it's marriage.
It's not on my list of places I might move to. |
Doug W
Intermediate Member
Username: Pivorat
Post Number: 264
Registered: 08-2004
Posted From: 24.180.80.247
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 05:31 pm: |
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oh, so Utah would be cool with "my4wivs" |
Bill Pierce
Moderator
Username: Billpierce
Post Number: 6907
Registered: 01-2002
Posted From: 24.57.224.220
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 07:08 pm: |
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Or at least "BIG LUV".  |
Brews and Views Archive 2007 
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