By shawn thiele (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #9) on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - 5:11 pm: |
I was thinking of buying a wetsuit online instead of in store as up here everything is about 2-3x as much in cost and the nearest dive shop is a pain in the butt to get to. I'm about 6'1" to 6'2" and weigh about 200lbs give or take 15lbs depending on what type of shape i'm in that time of year. I can't figure out what size wetsuit to get, I was thinking an XL would be a good way to go for someone of my stature. If I'm at my "more ideal body weight" will the suit still be pretty effective or do you think it will give me trouble. I would think it's better to go too big than too small. Also if anyone knows about what size in numbering this would be, i would be forever grateful, i should say it's mens too, I did meet a female shawn once
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By Bev Delarue (BonaireTalker - Post #26) on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - 5:51 pm: |
XL Bare Suit fits 6'0 -6'2, with weight at 210-235 , chest 43-45 inches,waist at 37-39 inches,and hip at 43-45 inches .
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By Back to Jeanine, or is it Tribs? (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1356) on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - 6:13 pm: |
Wow Bev! That was very thorough! Throwing a little bit of caution your way...my other half ran into problems with the fit around the wrist. He tried on several larges and x-larges before settling on a Bare L. He is 5'9 1/2 at 150 pounds. Our nephew ended up with XL Henderson Titanium Hyperstretch and he is 5'10 at 235 pounds. Fit really varies. Your best bet is to try one on and then order it on-line. Remember, if it is too big it won't keep you warm because the water will continuously flow in and out of the suit. You need a good fit.
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By pat murphy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #384) on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - 7:36 pm: |
i think you should try the henderson hyperstretch. it's very forgiving as far as gaining weight. they stretch enough that you would take a size or two smaller than normal. i normally wear a large and can wear a medium hyperstretch....i'm 6'0 and 185 lbs.
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By Tom (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2833) on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - 7:55 pm: |
I am totally disgusted by this statement. Fit really varies. Your best bet is to try one on and then order it on-line.
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By Back to Jeanine, or is it Tribs? (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1357) on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - 8:28 pm: |
Sorry Tom. Is this better?
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By Freddie (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #6866) on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - 8:36 pm: |
Tom is a shop owner so anything less than buying in a shop so that if there are problems that an be addressed in the shop is unacceptical the worst case senario is that someone brings a suit to the shop that is split on its seams and they want some compensation....NOT!!
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By Cyn Loo Hoo (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #15332) on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - 8:42 pm: |
I think the point is to support your LDS (local dive shop) when possible. They are becoming a rare breed, and the big shops and online stores just can't provide the service you get at an LDS. It's a tough business...
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By Back to Jeanine, or is it Tribs? (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1358) on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - 8:45 pm: |
I was not suggesting that someone try and defraud a shop. I'm sorry if it was taken that way. However in some of the bigger places, you can walk in, never be greeted, try on anything you like, leave without being acknowledged, and then order what you found on-line for a more reasonable price. (Like you could do in any mall type store.) Of course then, you should use the return policy of the on-line retailer and not attempt to fraudulently represent your problems to an unsuspecting dive shop owner. That said...this is BT and one would think that these things would be understood and not need an explanation.
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By Lydia S. Segal (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #107) on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - 9:39 pm: |
Hi,
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By seb (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2469) on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - 11:28 pm: |
So what you are saying Jeanine is that if a shop is big enough and impersonal enough it's alright ethically to make use of their inventory, lights, rent, heating or air conditioning, parking, location, and employees to try on things you have no intention of buying from them. Why stop there? You might as well just try the wetsuit on, find one that fits, put on your street clothes and wear it home. It's all the same, just a matter of degree.
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By Back to Jeanine, or is it Tribs? (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1359) on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - 11:48 pm: |
No Seb...that is not what I was saying. And if you ask someone who owns an on-line store, they complain when people don't order the right thing the first time. It wastes their time, money, and energy if you order excessively and make returns. Not to mention what that does to their bottom line. So there is no pleasing anyone.
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By Brian (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1283) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 3:02 am: |
I think that for an item like a wet suit when the fit is so important it would be best to use your LDS. When I bought my last wet suit the dive shop found the size I needed specially as the style had just been updated. Yes I could have bought it slightly cheaper but I would not have been sure that it fitted without a lot of hassle.
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By Scott Phillips (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #258) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 11:49 am: |
I understand Tom's position of disgust; I know how hard it is to compete in this market and I personally try to give my business to the locally owned place, whether it's a dive shop or not. When prices are reasonably close, I'll pay slightly more to support a locally owned store (again, dive shop or not) rather than a large corporate entity; I do this not only because I prefer the personalized service of the smaller shop, but also because of my own personal social/political beliefs.
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By Kelly Baum (GDLW) (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3461) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 12:00 pm: |
What I want to know, Freddie... is what is "acceptical" ? LOL!
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By shawn thiele (BonaireTalker - Post #12) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 12:09 pm: |
Lol well this is all becoming a bit crazy, didn't mean to create such a stir. I will probably go to the dive shop with my gf and have her and I try on things. I'll probably end up buying at least her boots there. I have bought from them in the past, I bought my snorkel, mask, prescription lenses, and boots from them for my last trip. They're just a bit on the expensive side and it's a 2 hour trip. I try to support the LDS, but it's not exactly local for me any more. Thanks for all your opinions and help, didn't mean to create such a stir.
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By Freddie (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #6867) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 12:20 pm: |
Hey Kelly,
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By Patrick T. (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #497) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 12:52 pm: |
OK here is my two cents on the subject. I stand with Tom on being disgusted. We had a unnamed person come into the shop, try on 6 BC'S asking all kind of questions about them taking up time that could have been spent on another customer. Finally decided to purchase said BC only to get on his cell phone and call discount scuba shop online and ask if they had the same type of BC in which they did at a cheaper price. The customer decided to buy from them instead of the LDS, because he saved $35 dollars with them. But here the funny part he when on a trip an the new BC power inflator did not work it fell a part in his hands. He came back from the trip and expected his LDS to fix it for him. We did an it cost him $55 dollars for the parts. So just remember buyer beware some deals are not deals at all. END OF RANT
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By Scott Phillips (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #259) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 1:23 pm: |
I do not think that you LDS owners/employees should be disgusted at the consumer who chooses to buy elsewhere. Sometimes you have a right to be disappointed in a system that creates perhaps unfair competition, but a customer is just a human being who shops around and decides (based on numerous factors) where to ultimately buy. To me, it's that simple. And these factors are NOT just price. You have a very, very, valid point, Patrick, in that life support equipment, like a BC or regulator, requires setup, adjustment, service, repair, etc, and that the value that you add may very well be worth far more than the difference in price. It's obviously really important for you and other LDS employees (sales people, if you will) to SELL this value add to your customers. And don't forget that there are a lot of things that are important from the customer's point of view. I have stopped frequenting various local dive shops in the various areas that I've lived in for many reasons: unfriendly people working there, absolutely ridiculous bad info about a product or about diving, sub-par equipment service, misleading/changing price quotes for service, personality differences, and yes, over-inflated prices. I only mention this to remind you LDS owners/employees that from the customers vantage point there are MANY things you can do to gain, lose, or keep a customer. You are a BUSINESS, and there are obviously MANY factors in that business that you must do well in order to succeed.
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By Kelly Baum (GDLW) (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3464) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 1:24 pm: |
Oh jeez... I should shut up... I was kidding because I didn't think "acceptical" was a word...
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By Kelly Baum (GDLW) (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3465) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 1:27 pm: |
Scott, I don't think they are disgusted by folks who buy elsewhere, but rather when they then bring said item to the LDS for servicing or to fix something broken, etc.
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By Back to Jeanine, or is it Tribs? (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1366) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 1:40 pm: |
Hey Freddie! Time for you to educate me, pretty please. One of the selling points from my LDS was that by purchasing through them and having all of the necessary annual treatments/checkups, I would be able to use any shop in the future if I were to move. Being still in grad school there is a good chance that I will not stay in my state once I find a job. It was explained to me that the dive shops who do the servicing are like any business that is a certified dealer - the shops agree to be the servicing center and the customers can use any shop they choose to use and the shops are reimbursed either via the corporation who made the gear or through their charges imposed upon the customers for their service (or a combination of both in some cases). Is this not correct? I'm not trying to compare this to buying on-line versus in the store. I'm simply asking are these dive shops certified dealers, in that they are there to service the "lines" they carry? I really don't want to be given a hard time once I move and need to find a new dive shop and I am sure not going to fly back to this state just to have my dive gear serviced.
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By Scott Phillips (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #260) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 1:41 pm: |
Kelly, Tom and others were originally disgusted by the concept of trying on a wetsuit at an LDS and then buying it elsewhere. My primary point is that the LDS is a business like any other and if they add value they often must make sure the customer is aware of that value and must also realize that there are many, many reasons why customer will or will not buy at their shop.
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By Freddie (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #6868) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 2:11 pm: |
Hey Tribs,
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By Back to Jeanine, or is it Tribs? (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1368) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 2:35 pm: |
Yeah sort of...I wasn't going to buy equipment until I knew where I was going to end up, especially since I bought it all (except tanks) and it was quite expensive. I bought it with the assurance that I would be able to service it at any dive shop that handles servicing. Maybe my LDS is just exceptional? They don't turn people away for having purchased elsewhere and they definitely don't belittle them or laugh at them for having made a bad purchase. They are always kind and friendly and attempt to help whomever walks through their door. Maybe that is why their little mom and pop shop is always busy and that those who come in with problems end up staying as customers - the service there is excellent. Man...given the tone of how this thread went, I think I have been spoiled by my LDS and am going to have a real hard time finding a shop as good as them.
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By Alan (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #5) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 2:46 pm: |
I'm 6ft, 215-220 lbs. Ordered a Henderson Hyperstretch XL 3mm. Fits OK. Long enough in the arms and legs, but a little loose in the back and body. Liked the material so much, I ordered a 5mm for the cold waters in a L. This fits perfectly.
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By pat murphy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #392) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 2:46 pm: |
i was going to suggest to shawn that he give carib inn a try when he's on bonaire. they do have a decent selection of sizes and a few different styles. i have an LDS here, two actually, but use bruce as my LDS since we leave our gear on bonaire. like shawn said, it's a two hour drive to the closest dive shop for him. instead of tying up sales people at his DS maybe he could email bruce and describe himself and his gf and see if bruce has something that will fit him. because hyperstretch is so flexible, it's easier to fit (in my opinion). carib inn prices are great...two years ago my mask cracked and i needed to buy another one. when i got home i told the LDS what mask i had bought and what i paid...he replied that i had actually paid a little less on bonaire than i would have at home.
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By Patrick T. (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #499) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 2:54 pm: |
Jeanine most dive shop will be more then willing to help out but that does not mean all of them. It's that you made a point in your post to say go to a shop try on something then go online and buy it, it's cheaper that way. It's like you are using the shop and then taking business away from it all in the same sentence. Does that make sense to you. Hopefully you do not think you are being attacked. LOL It just hurts some of the LDS that really do care about the customers to be treated that way. Thats why we feel like we are being attacked. Yes i am a shop owner also and i do go out of my way for my customers as does Tom. So sometimes we do take it personal. END OF RANT Sorry if i offended anyone that was not my intention to do.
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By Cyn Loo Hoo (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #15345) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 2:57 pm: |
I'm glad this whole topic came up...makes for a good discussion. There are good LDS shops, and mediocre LDS shops...on our local board someone posted wanting the worst LDS shops listed...LOL!
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By Kelly Baum (GDLW) (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3468) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 3:05 pm: |
Pat, I think Carib Inn qualifies as your LDS since you spend so much darn time in Bonaire.
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By Back to Jeanine, or is it Tribs? (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1370) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 3:21 pm: |
This is interesting Patrick. No where did I tell Shawn to go to an LDS to try the suits on. I actually wrote about going to a larger store. One store in particular came to mind, where I have never been able to find a sales clerk to assist me (I only go there when on vacation - because it is the thing to do). You could try on a million different things, and no one would even say boo to you. The employees are too busy listening to music to care about the customers. So why not go in there to try things on and then buy it elsewhere? I attempted one time to get assistance at a chain store and was told that they only sold the items, no one knew anything about them. Again, left to my own devices. Why should I buy there? I know...so that no one makes the leap in logic and associates me with being a thief!
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By Patrick T. (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #500) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 3:42 pm: |
Jeanine if you go to your #1356 post and just read what you said, you will hopefully understand why we have reacted this way. You threw a blanket statement out there about try one on and then order it online. Where do you find most wet suit mainly in your LDS. You never said anything about a big store while on vacations until now. I do not get involve in a lot of these discussions for the reason somebody always get there feelings hurt that is not my intentions. So like Kelly said set away from the computer.
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By Kelly Baum (GDLW) (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3471) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 3:53 pm: |
Is everyone stressed about the holidays or what?? Seems like an argument or major differing opinions on lots of threads the past few days. How about we all smile and remember that if nothing else, we ALL have one thing in common --- we all love Bonaire and can't wait to get there or get back.
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By Tom (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2834) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 3:57 pm: |
Everyone, don't beat each other up over this. My disgust was and remains with the statement as originally written.
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By Back to Jeanine, or is it Tribs? (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1372) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 3:59 pm: |
Ok...so it is a misperception coupled with my lack of a full definitive explanation. My LDS is not where I find most of the wetsuits. Actually, and this may be due to geographic regions, I have found more variety at the larger stores and other "specialty" stores. Wetsuits are not just for divers and I don't see many surfers, borders, or swimmers in dive shops. Many of the swim stores around me carry wetsuits and skins. My LDS doesn't even carry skins but will order them if you ask. The outdoor water sports stores are even carrying wetsuits for the tubers and skiers up here. Oh yeah, I even saw a better selection of wetsuits in a kayak/canoe store in one of those strip malls - that's where I first learned of the hyperstretch. Shawn is only a hop skip and a jump from me, so I would assume he is having the same experience. It's cold up here and many people use wetsuits for a variety of reasons. The dive shop is where you find the best assortment of technical gear - wetsuits seem to be omnipresent (even saw skins at Target last season).
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By Back to Jeanine, or is it Tribs? (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1374) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 4:08 pm: |
Eeegadds! I evidently can't type fast enough or my dial up is just really slow. I was responding to Patrick and didn't include his name because there were no other posts out there at the time. Yikes!
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By Tom (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2835) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 4:13 pm: |
Jeanine, a note of caution, if I may. Not all neoprene is the same. Some of what is available for "topside" sports, does not hold up when used for diving. Henderson Aquatics actually has two lines, their "Henderson" wetsuit line and another called "Neosport". The latter is made using this less expensive neoprene and should not be used for diving.
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By Patrick T. (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #501) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 4:20 pm: |
If more people would think before they speak, there would not be as much discontent in this world as there is now. "IF YOU MAKE A COMMENT AND DO NOT HAVE ALL THE FACT YOU ARE IN THE WRONG NO MATTER HOW ANYONE SEE IT" IT just kills me how people will answer things and not have the first idea of what there really talking about. I am not the most educated person in the world but i was always taught to make sure before inserting my foot in my mouth. Maybe i was raise different then most people now a days. So if your wrong say your wrong and leave it a lone, and to think i was having a good day until this thread.
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By Cyn Loo Hoo (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #15347) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 4:24 pm: |
Wow Tom, I didn't know that...learn sumpthin' new every day
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By Patrick T. (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #502) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 4:28 pm: |
Thanks Tom i should have said that earlier. We sell dive gear not water sport gear.
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By Cyn Loo Hoo (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #15351) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 4:34 pm: |
Here's a hug for everyone
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By Patrick T. (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #503) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 4:42 pm: |
Thanks Loo Hoo: I have a grip on reality once again. Sorry if i got carried away that was not my intention. Hey maybe i going thru PBD, that whats wrong with me. And i thought it was male menopause.
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By Kelly Baum (GDLW) (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3476) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 4:44 pm: |
I think Patrick is suffering from a severe case of PBD. Just my opinion, of course. ;)
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By Kelly Baum (GDLW) (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3477) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 4:44 pm: |
LOL... great minds..
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By Back to Jeanine, or is it Tribs? (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1376) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 4:46 pm: |
Thanks Tom, but no caution needed. I am aware of the variety of different lines. I do my homework and besides it was the guy in the strip mall that told me to check out the hyperstretch, he was not trying to deceive me - he was giving me good information. Besides, I bought all of my gear from a reputable LDS.
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By shawn thiele (BonaireTalker - Post #18) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 5:20 pm: |
I might actually go hit up the mall or sportmart of sorts up here. Otherwise I'm going to try out that dive shop called Deep Blue in Milwaukee(I actually don't live in milwaukee, it's the closest big city I live to now, I live in a little town now). It'll be about a 45 minute drive for me, but I'll check it out on Friday I think. Basically I'm looking more for just something to keep the rays out than getting myself a real good wetsuit for diving. I blew out my ear drum 2 years ago on certification day because I was sick and we tried to push it because there wouldn't be another class for 6 months. I've been toying with the idea since of trying to finish my certification up, but until I do I don't really have a need for anything worth too much money. I just need something so I don't burn up and it ruins my trip.
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By Back to Jeanine, or is it Tribs? (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1377) on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 6:37 pm: |
Oh Shawn, sorry to hear about your ear. That is sad news. However, I am happy to hear that you are an extremely brave man. Just look at you...going out shopping, at a mall even, on the Friday after Thanksgiving! My hat's off to you! Happy holidays and happy shopping!
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By Ron Edison (BonaireTalker - Post #73) on Thursday, November 24, 2005 - 10:31 pm: |
Shawn,
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