Another Link in the Chain
This page provides updates from the Another Link in the Chain Committee
Another Link in the Chain
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Below are the excerpts from Capt Andrea Manning's (USMC) invitation:
On behalf of CDR Kuffel, the Officer Representative of the Class of 2013, I would like to invite the Class of 1963 to participate in 2010 Sea Trials. Sea Trials is a physically challenging evolution with a strong push to mirror the symbolism to that of the Marine Corps Crucible. In turn, there has been a shift in the significance of Sea Trials and it serves as one of the culminating events of Plebe year.
Specifically, we would like to invite the Class of '63, as distinguished guests to attend the Sea Trials Combat/Motivational Speaker at 1915, 17 May in Alumni Hall. This will get the Plebes in the right mind-set for Sea Trials the night prior to the evolution.
Additionally, we would also like to invite the Class of '63 to the Sea Trials Closing Ceremony at 1700, 18 May on Rip Miller Field. I will provide a detailed event script of this evolution once it is routed through the Superintendent. Basically, this event will be open to the PlebeÕs family members and your spouses are welcome to attend as well. We will have designated VIP seating for the Class of '63 at Rip Miller and plan to recognize the class of 1963 during this ceremony. We would like the Class of '63 to help give out coins to the Iron Company (the company who wins the most points during Sea Trials) and also shake the hands and interact with the 4/c Midshipman while they are being awarded the 3/c Anchors.
Following the ceremony, at 1730 we would like to extend an invitation for you to join us for a barbeque on Farragut field to celebrate the completion of Sea Trials.
Prior to the Sea Trials, I ask that you provide a list of names of who will attend the combat speaker in Alumni on the 17th and who will attend the Ceremony on the 18th.
Dress code for Sea Trials will be extremely casual as the plebes will have a 0330 reveille and who can eat barbecue after 15 hours of grueling physical activity.
Please advise Ron Klemick of your plans for Sea Trials , rklemick@bellsouth.net or 910-270-9171.
On Friday 28 August 2009, 33 classmates and 23 wives joined the 2013 Plebe class in Alumni Hall at 1930 for the Honor Coin Ceremony. The Deputy Commandant, Captain Brian P. O'Donnell was the presiding officer. The outstanding turnout of 56 classmates and wives demonstrates the enthusiasm and commitment of the 1963 Class for ALITC. In attendance were: Pete Featherstone, Richard and Janice Kuntz, Mike and Steph Nadolski, Roger Mehle, Al Sherman, Bob and Carol Harper, Forrest and Arlene Siburt, Denis and Karen Meridith, Joe Bustamante, Dan and Bonnie Hitzelberger, Jerry and Linda Smith, Mel and Glenda Bunnel, Mario and Susan Fiori, Denny and Norika Conley, Larry and Barb Marsh, Perry and anne Miles, Steve Leisge, Eli and Eileen Dabich, Jeff Miles, Dan Koczur, Charlie Stubbs, Kent and Betty Maxfield, Rich and Mary Ann Miehle, Jim Ring, Doug and Diana Zanzot, Bruce and Larissa Webb, Doug and Charlsie Davidson, Pete and Jan Quinton, Bill and Jennifer Earner, Ron and Sandy Klemick, Spencer and Andrea Johnson, Mike and Jackie Cronin, Dick Jones.
Attempts at video taping Mike and Spencer's comments were not successful, but a copies of their well received remarks are attached. A USNA web link with photos is also attached.
Click Here for Spencer Johnson's comments.
Click Here for Mike Cronin's address to the class of 2013.
Click Here for Alumni Association photos of the Honor coin Ceremony.
Many of those in attendance were impressed by the eye contact of 2013 and their ability to engage 1963 while accepting their coins and handshake.
Despite too many last minute scheduling changes, the Honor Coin event exceeded expectations of 1963. Work is in progress to improve communications between the Yard, the Alumni Association and the Senior Class.
A special thanks to Eli and Eileen Dabich for arranging an early O' Cub dinner prior to the Honor Coin Ceremony.
Our next scheduled ALITC event will be Herndon Monument in May 2010.
Here's a few photos from the event:
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Click Here for photos of the event which was held in conjunction with ALITC activites.
Click Here for photos of 2013 I-Day.
Click Here for photos of the event which was held in conjunction with ALITC activites.
Classmates,
Many of you have responded regarding your interest in participating in the Honor Coin Ceremony. Now that we have a firm date and a schedule outline below, we will need at least 30 classmates to attend and assist in the distribution of the Honor Coins in a timely manner. Wives are also invited.
Please submit your desire to attend with or without spouse by 22 August. If you know of any other interested classmates, please have then contact me. rklemick@bellsouth.net
Mike Cronin will be our keynote speaker.
This will be our last major ALITC event until the Herndon Monument in May.
As more details unfold info will be sent, so please confirm your plans.
Proposed Schedule of Events:
28 AUG 2009
1930--The Class of 1963 and 2013 are seated in Alumni Hall.
1935--Representatives of the Class of 1963 are introduced by Commandant's Staff.
1940--Members of the Class of 1963 begin distributing the Honor Coin after the MIDN 4/C are seated.
1950--Speech by the Keynote speaker.
2020--Presentation of gifts from Commandant's Staff to the class of 1963 key note speaker.
2030--Conclusion of Ceremony.
Click Here for a video of the parade
Some of you have already responded regarding Honor Coin attendance. However, more pressing is the need for a headcount of '63 classmates and spouses wishing to attend the PPW Forum on Friday 7 August at 10:00 AM in Alumni Hall. Our USNA AA Point of contact, Noreen Frenaye, is arranging seating for our class as stated below. There may be some questions and interchange after the presentations. Please let me know NLT 5 August . Also, please let Spencer know about your parade attendance for Saturday 8 August.
Here's Noreen Frenaye's note to Ron:
Ron,
I just got off the phone with USNA Special Events and have the answer regarding seating for the forum next week. They can reserve a section for 10-20 reps. If you could please provide me with a list of names of who will be able to attend this event, I'd appreciate it. After the speaking portions, approximately at 1115, there will be a Q & A on the floor of Alumni Hall. Class of 1963 is welcomed to join everyone on the floor and if parents have questions for you, they will be able to ask you at this time.
As part of the ALITC program, the Class of 1963 will have 5 couples with reserved seating under the tent at the Plebe Parents Weekend Parade at 9:30 AM on 8 August 2009. Please submit your names to Spencer Johnson as the first five will receive the seats. There is no limit to the classmates wishing to attend the parade as well as the Welcome Aboard/Parents Forum at10 :00 AM on Friday 7 August 2009. A detailed schedule of all Parents Weekend Events is attached.
The Honor Coin Ceremony will be held either 28 August or 29 August 2009. We have requested the Friday 28 date as this will include all of the 2013 class as opposed to Saturday 29 August where the athletes would be absent. We will need a minimum of 15 classmates to hand out the honor coins after our principal speaker , Mike Cronin, addresses the 2013 class. Please contact Ron Klemick or Spencer Johnson if you wish to participate. We have asked the AA for an early confirmation for the details on the Honor Coin Ceremony as many of you have expressed interest in this important event.
The Class of 1963 set records for attendance at the I Day picnic and Oath of Office ceremony on 1 July 2009. There were 63 classmates and spouses at the 1030-1230 picnic on Worden Field. At 1615, we had 73 classmates in Memorial Hall to honor our 29 classmates who died on active duty. Volunteers from our class pronounced they were present for duty for our fallen classmates. We all professed we were present for duty earlier after trying to look sharp in a military formation. The Marine Drill Team has no worry!
RADM Peter Chabot '60 led us through the same oath of 50 years ago in a moving ceremony.
The ladies representing Protocol for the Superintendent and the Commandants Offices were kind enough to provide seating for our entire group for the 2013 Oath of Office Ceremony in Tecumseh Court. Our seats and view were lot more comfortable than on 7 July 1959.
Upon conclusion of the Oath of Office, our class joined the 2013 plebes who had no family present at the Mexican Monument for some words of encouragement and use of cell phones to call home.
At 1900,the vast majority of classmates sprinted to the O Club for a cold beverage.
As of this date , we do nor know the ALITC involvement in the 2013 parade schedule or Parent's Weekend. We are trying to schedule the Honor Coin Ceremony to be after Parent's Weekend (7-9 August), between 11-17 August, that would be fitting prior to the Brigade return. Spencer and I are making a pest of ourselves in the AA halls.
Important!!--Click Here for the 2009-2010 ALITC Annual Schedule of Events (Subject to Change).
Jan and I, along with a number of our classmates, took part in the A LINK IN THE CHAIN festivities at "I" day for the in coming class of 2013 on 1 July. It certainly brought back memories and a state of wonder that we had made it 50 years!! Just think if they had had ALITC in our day we would have been talking to guys out of the class of 1913; for God's sakes, they were still shoveling coal to make the ships go in those days!!! Puts it in perspective of what the new plebes must have been thinking about us but then again they were shell shocked!! On 7 July 1959, never in my wildest imagination would I have thought I would be in Annapolis 50 years hence! It was fun and we plan to continue to follow the class of 2013. I am sure you will be gettin a lot of info from Mike Shelly. Take care OLD TIMER!
Wasn't sure what to expect when we showed up. In Clearwater (Tampa Bay) there were about 60 parents and mids in attendance. Of those, there were only about 6 plebes there. Many upperclassmen and a few parents of recent grads. It was well organized, complete with a printed program.
The President of the club has a son going into his 2/c year. I was considered an Alumni guest and asked if I wanted to say a few words. I had my talking points ready, but decided to shorten it. Most of them were not familiar with the 50-yr. link aspect of the program. I mentioned our legacy program however and did make the point that we were the last class to have a plebe year. That brought some blank stares.
They had breakout sessions and presentations. We stayed through Lunch. I was impressed with the overall interaction.
My wife Barbara, Frank Butler & I attended a Plebe Picnic hosted by the Arkansas Parents Club on 14 June. About 70 people attended including the 7 members of 2013 & their parents, parents of current midshipmen, numerous graduates & current midshipmen home on leave. In our addresses to them Frank & I related , the meaning of the Link in the Chain, a short history of '63 with the handout that is in their Reef Points, a few pearls of wisdom and the CAE was emphasized as a tool that can be used to enhance their academics. I was extremely impressed with the quality of the appointees and the enthusiasm displayed by the Parents Club. What a great experience for them to meet their classmates and a few of the current midshipmen that were in attendance.
On May 30, 2009 my wife Mary Ann and I attended the Southeastern Pennsylvania Parents' Association Plebe Picnic held at Ridley Creek State Part in Newtown Square, PA. There were about one hundred persons present including 9 new members of the Class of 2013 and their parents, plus 9 current Midshipmen, one recent graduate, and two Blue & Gold Officers. We were impressed by the quality and achievements of the members of 2013 that we met. The SPPA is an incredible organization and does some really neat things for the parents and the mids. During the presentation I reviewed the various events we in '63 would be attending with them, showed them my honor coin and Reef Points, and handed out copies of the Class of 1963 History. In reviewing our class achievements I emphasized the program for schlarships for children of deceased classmates, and our role as major funders of the Class of 1963 Center for Academic Excellence, and what that organization has achieved. I believe the presentation was well received.
Click Here for Spencers info. Some of you have asked questions regarding parking and clothes changing. Parking in the yard is always difficult. Only DOD stickers and handicapped stickers will be permitted to enter. There will be 3 continuous shuttles at the Football Stadium between 0530-2200 to handle the parents, families, and visitors.
Since the picnic attire and our Mem Hall attire are quite different, questions about a uniform change have arisen. Since there will be about 4 hours from picnic to Mem Hall, many of us will return to our motels nearby, possibly inviting classmates to change there.
For some, the Officer's Club could be a venue. Also, last year 1962 classmates that lived nearby, offered their homes for visiting classmates to change and refresh themselves from the Annapolis humidity. Captain Judith Ackerson has also offered the Special Events Office on the second deck of Halsey Field House on the side closest to Gate 1 for changing facilities with iron available
This should be a record turnout for the ALITC program on I Day. The only
constraint we faced was reserved seating in the Supe/ Dant area in the
curved walkways in Tecumseh Court. The Protocol Office assigned these seats
as requests were submitted. The Commandant's office was extremely
cooperative. Those of you who contacted Spencer or Ron this past week maybe
on a wait list for a seat. Hopefully, there maybe a few no shows and this
problem will be solved. Supply exceeded demand. The picnic and the Mem Hall
events have no constraints.
Honor,Commitment,Courage,Quality 63,
Ron
Steve Leisge (703-820-5204) says, "I have a DoD sticker and room for three from the DC area that would like rides."
The St. Louis Parent's Club had an excellent program including what appeared to be an Academy prepared video about plebe summer and a slide show with pictures from plebe summer last year. The featured speaker was Lance Davidson '87 a Napster who wore his letterman's sweater with stars running over his shoulder. He was an outstanding cross-country and track guy. There are 16 incoming plebes and one for NAPS from this recruiting region. Those relatively close to St. Louis, about half, attended with parents and got a chance to briefly introduce themselves with name, interest, probable major and preliminary idea about service selection. A youngster glee clubber sang the national anthem and started us on Navy Blue and Gold at the conclusion. There were several current mids in attendance. I spoke briefly about the bond not only among classmates but among all academy grads being the spirit in which ALITC was born. Also that we hoped to pass on the spirit of giving back with some words about the 1963 Foundation, particularly emphasizing our support for the Center of Academic Excellence. All in all a great evening.
Lee and Sue Cargill, Charlie and Nancy Helsper joined me in welcoming 24 young men and women of the USNA Class of 2013 at a dinner sponsored by the San Diego Alumni Chapter. I was invited to speak briefly about the Another-Link-In-The-Chain (ALITC) concept and how much my classmates look forward to participating in the forthcoming ALITC activities. I assured the Class of 2013 that they would learn more about the importance of strong links in the chain and our Class in the months ahead. My dog-eared and sweat-stained copy of the 1959-1960 edition of Reef Points was a big hit with the Alumns in attendance. I made a point to invite all the families to the Induction Day Picnic where they can meet other members of my Class. All-in-all it was a wonderful experience for us to meet these wonderful young people who will be part of the future of our Naval Service.
I attended a luncheon meeting of the Naval Academy Mid-South Parents Club in Memphis, TN on Sunday June 14. A group of about 50 parents, relatives and Blue & Gold officers in attendance; featuring 5 incoming Plebes from Memphis and one from Olive Branch, MS (just across the state line) that are part of the incoming class of 2013. The local Parents Club has great leadership and the event was a smashing success. During my brief remarks, I highlighted the '63 CAE and Legacy Project, Scholarship Fund, and some of our class highlights. Everyone loves the ALITC concept, and it was really fun to be with the group that included a number of current midshipmen.
In closing, I spoke about a bit of history and pointed out that I normally would be playing tennis at the Leftwich Tennis Center during the Sunday afternoon time slot during which I was speaking. The Center is named for Bill Leftwich '53, who was a Company Officer during our last couple of years at USNA. Leftwich, a native of Memphis, was Brigade Commander, class president, and also has the visitor center at the Academy named for him. He received a Navy Cross, Silver Star, 3 Purple Hearts, and many additional decorations before being killed 11/19/70 in Vietnam. He was destined to be a Commandant of the Marine Corps had he survived -- probably the most impressive officer I ever encountered!
Anyway, it was much fun to be with the remarkable young people that are following in our footsteps half a century later.
Three East Tennessee appointees to the Class of 2013, along with their families, attended the Alumni Association Picnic on a rainy May 9th in Knoxville. The candidates, two young men, both soccer players, and a young woman, who is a swimmer, were furnished the Class of 1963 history and talked with alumni and a current Youngster. They all seemed exceptionally bright and motivated, seemed to have a pretty good idea of what to expect during their Plebe summer and should fit in well at the Academy.
Ron contacted Dave Maples a few weeks ago regarding the local USNA Parents Club. Dave established contact with the club officers and called me. We had an opportunity to attend a recent, informal gathering of the club to welcome the incoming plebes and their parents Dave and I each spoke briefly to the incoming class of 2013 about school, our class and the benefits ahead once they met the challenges they would soon encounter.
It was interesting to see the parental involvement. They asked all the questions. The newbes listened but I doubt much registered. Like most of us they will probably learn by doing, sometime wondering how they got into being a plebe. But they will learn. A 2/c and two 3/c also talked (again it was parents asking questions). They seemed very squared away so we could see what a year or two of change can bring about. I suspect that, initially, the class of 2013 will wonder what planet we decended from. As they begin to appreciate where they are we will increase in importance. Eventually we'll earn their respect. In the mean time I suspect our greatest benefit could be to calm nervous mothers, but I don't recommend we take on that role.
I think our class will enjoy the upcoming four years. We'll be aware a bunch of young people maturing and be reminded of ourselves. We'll all enjoy the tales from our classmates who are fortunate enough to be involved. Ron has taken on a big task and is running with it. We will all benefit.
What began as an idea to promote the ALITC program, your participation helped connect the 2013 class and their parents to not only the Link program, but to the 1963 Class History and the 63 CAE Legacy Project.
There were 40 requests from various chapters and 37 were filled by you and fellow classmates. We could not fill Jackson MS, Tallahassee FL and Des Moines IA, due to a lack of 63 Grads in the area. Info was sent to these 3 Chapters.
Response to this program was overwhelming.WHAT A SENSE OF PRIDE IN OUR CLASS AND IT'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS !
My personal thanks to all of you in a first ever joint effort between a Link class and the Alumni Association, with special thanks to Veronica Gibson and Kristin Kibler.
The Southern Nevada area chapters of MOAA, the USNA Alumni Association, and the Parents Club coupled with the other service academy groups held a combined dinner and ceremony on Thursday, June 18. It appeared that we had in excess of 100 attendees with a large number of kids headed to an Academy or prep school:
Amazing considering the relatively small state of Nevada plus no open water within 250+ miles. Since we were the only "legacy class member" I had the opportunity to address all the inductees and their families; even better was the testament that a Youngster gave about the ALITC program from her perspective.
Thanks to Ron for giving us the opportunity to participate.
Maire and I attended a welcome aboard picnic Thursday June 18 for the appointees for the class of 2103 from Western Pennsylvania. There was a good turnout with 70 or more family and relatives attending.
Seventeen received appointments to the Academy three to NAPS and one received a foundation award. Thirteen of the seventeen Academy appointees were there. Several current Midshipman home on leave were there as well. I let them tell the new Mids what to expect this summer and during plebe year.
They had a pretty full agenda including representatives from Congressmen Murtha and Altmire's offices. I spoke for ten minutes or so about ALITC, CAE and touched on the highlights of the class history. I showed them the Honor Coin and told them if they didn't lose it they could exchange it for a gold one when they graduated but I also told them the real story. I put together more detailed handouts on ALITC, the class history along with the CAE brochures for the parents and future Mids to take home. Later I was able to talk informally to them. There was much interest both from new parents and parents with current Mids as they new this program existed but didn't know much about it. I didn't have to say much about CAE because many parents with current Mids had positive things to say as to how their kids had benefited from it. The parents as well as the Blue and Gold officers were amazed at the attrition rate back in our day.
This was sponsored by the parents club which is very active in the area. They will be sponsoring a tailgate for the staff and 500 Mids that will be here for the Navy-Pitt game Sept. 19.
Several of the appointees were recruited for sports and have some pretty impressive athletic backgrounds. Of course they are coming from the CITY OF CHAMPIONS.
Ron Machens
There are seven Maine kids heading for a 1 July I-Day. Pattie I met with five of them and their parents, several grandparents, brothers and sisters, parents of current mids, the local and state Blue & Gold officers, et al, last Sunday (14 June) at the Jan Morison's house in Yarmouth, Maine.
I met separately with the 2013 selects, one 2009 graduate and a member of 2011 for 45 minutes to an hour over burgers. 'Gave them the CEA fold-outs that Ken Metviner supplied and described its function and why and when they should make use of it. Also shared my Reef Points (there is still one needle taped in!) and of course, we all shared sea stories. Emphasized the need for them to arrive in good physical condition, and not with a beer hangover. Kept info about the class to a minimum...this was about them, not us.
Also spent some time talking to the parents in an informal atmosphere. Passed out the two remaining CEA fold-outs, and described the purpose of the facility to the parents. They were really interested, and my impression is several might just push there kids to use it if they are having academic difficulties and haven't used it on their own initiative. Then Pat and I answered questions about our naval career, lots of interest there particularly on the distaff side. Pat always shines in these discussions.
Jan Morison is a bundle of energy and does a great job with the Parents Club. All seemed comfortable with her. It was a rainy afternoon so about 40-45 people were packed into their house, and burgers were grilled on the porch. Despite the close quarters we had a great time.
Bruce Myers is the local Blue and Gold officer. Does a magnificent job.
George
I made a Blue & Gold/ALITC presentation Sun. 6/14/09 to the Northern Illinois USNA Parents' Group. They had it very well organized, about 90-100 attendees for an indoor "family picnic" setting at the Downers Grove American Legion Post 80 facility. It included approx. 15 current and new midshipmen. I made a big blue "C.A.E." button and covered that topic, honor concept, Class of '63, Bancroft and sea stories as efficiently as I could. It was great to have my 50-year old info and experiences corroborated and updated by the current midshipmen.
The C.A.E. is really important stuff, and vital for today's increased academic pressures. Some things have gotten better and the Blue & Gold stuff, Another Link In The Chain, are fine programs and examples of actual progress. Keep up the good work so my family and I can sleep better at night knowing we've got good people coming into the service to help keep our country strong.
s/ Bill Kaman '63
There were six there, four males and two females. One of the females was going to NAPS and one of the males just finished NAPS. He was the son of Ernie Halton, '76, a retired Capt in the Naval Reserve. All were very sharp, who looked like they were in good shape. All were looking forward to going to the Academy. Gave my spiel about the Link in the Chain and Academic Center and gave out copies of our Class history to the Mids. Four of the group came from the same school, Delaware Military Academy.
All went well at the picnics. The opportunity for me to give a short presentation was well received an appreciated so I was told. They didn't give me a lot of time, about 10 minutes, so they invited me back. They seemed quite interested in both the CAE and ALITC for a future meeting of their group. They have a very active parent support group here in MN. A very Large turnout.
There are eleven candidates this year from MN, nine were present. Nine appointments, one NAPS and one Foundation.Two were females. Several alumni were there, including three captains in uniform, also about a dozen midshipmen in uniform. The main speaker was Congressman John Kline,2nd District, MN. Several Blue and Gold officers were also there.
I was able to speak separately with each new plebe and their parents about the ALITC and some about our class. Each was given the ALITC handout and a history of our class. During my presentation I then told the entire group some of what I had shared previously and concentrated mostly on the CAE.
I briefly talked about our class history, what the Link in the Chain was about and our class involvement during their 4 years, our class foundation and its support of children of deceased classmates and the importance of working together as a team. I did focus on the CAE and its importance to midshipmen who are having academic difficulty and last on what they need to do well in Chemistry. Several parents came up to me later and were impressed by our support of children of deceased classmates.
It was fun and they also had a 1/c midshipman talk about Plebe summer.
We brought our Lucky Bag with us and also one from the class of 1913. We did not show them because there was so much information disseminated we thought they were on information overload. The Lucky Bags would be good for another meeting.
A very nice program and they were pleased the Class of '63 was represented, although few know about or understand ALITC. I had provided a couple of items about the class and ALITC by phone, but did not have a "speaking part".
They also mentioned the CAE briefly but no one asked for a tri-fold (they did not want them left on a table) and so I brought them home.
David
For the press release from the event Click Here
For photos from this event Click Here
The plans for our initial class function in the ALITC, "Another Link in the Chain", are being finalized.
I-day will be on 1 July 2009 with a Picnic for 2013 family members and 1963 classmates and wives beginning at 1030 on Worden Field. A 1600 Memorial Hall service will be held to honor our fallen classmates who died while on active duty. We will also reaffirm our oath. Wives are also invited.
The class of 2013 will be inducted in Tecumseh Court at 1800. Due to the large number of expected attendees from our 1963 class, seating or bleacher locations are still TBD. A limited number may be on the curved veranda, but will be a Superintendent/Commandant invitation. After the Induction, our class will gather at the Mexican Monument location to congratulate and converse with those 2013 Plebes who do not have family present. Cell phones will be available so new plebes can call their families.
To properly plan this all important function, a head count will be required prior to 1 June 2009. Please advise Spencer Johnson or Ron Klemick of your attendance, particularly for the picnic and the actual I-Day ceremony.
As a point of interest, our classmates will be making presentations to over 30 Alumni/Parents Club Chapters regarding the ALITC and our Class History which will be a part of 2013 Reef Points.
A summary of ALITC Induction Day activites, ALITC Handout and our Class of 1963 History is available by clicking.
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May 8, 2009 |
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