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Brethren, Australian Mason checking in. I've loved reading this thread, and I'm quite happy to answer any questions about the way we do things in the United Grand Lodge of Victoria (UGLV). One of the things I've seen which piqued my interest in the Nth American lodges is the adornment of hats on senior lodge members. We don't follow suit in our neck of the woods. For any interested, there is to be a television program starting on channel 31 (Melbourne) from the 3rd of March about the craft. It will run for 6 months and should be available to see for others around the world. (I know this as I'll be in it, you see) ... When I know the name of it, I'll repost as it's yet unnamed. Heading to Vegas during April, so if anyone knows of a lodge to visit I'd be delighted to hear from you.
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Feb 23, 2013 15:19
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Gents, any good masonic podcasts you can think of? I regularly listen to 'The Life Masonic', 'Whence Came You?', and the Australian 'Freemasons Queensland podcast', but I no longer listen to 'Masonic Central' as it is too grainy and chalky. Thoughts? Also any tips for a travelling brother to the USA (the end of this month)? I have a letter all sorted, but I'm told I'll need to have a dues card (which we don;t have in Aust).... Would the usual vetting process to visitors apply??
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Mar 31, 2013 14:43
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Thanks Gents, Well I got an back from the Grand Lodge of Las Vegas today, and whilst it discusses a dues card, I suspect that commonsense will prevail. Sadly I don't know whether a lodge will be meeting during my (short) visit. On another note, have we done any formal intro's so if we have any 'country specific' questions we might be able to field them on a local level, and also get input on the differences from different parts of the globe? For example, I know that many US lodges meet weekly compared to a monthly meeting in Australia For what it's worth, I joined my first lodge in Melbourne in 1998. After a few years away from the craft I've since come back into the fold and will be invested as an Inner Guard in July. We have the three standard degrees in the craft lodge, but recognise the Mark Master Masons degree as a fourth degree, and the Holy Royal arch degree (Chapter) as equally significant to Freemasons in Victoria. We do have the 18, 33, Knights Templar, and Royal ark Mariners as well as many other appendant bodies, but the previously mentioned three are the most popular, Around 15 - 20% of those who attend craft also attend the Mark Lodges, however I can't be sure of the chapter nor Ark Mariners. My fees are $212 for craft lodge (once a month meeting - $80 goes to grand lodge), and will be about $160 for MMM (which I will be joining in May). Any questions for a down-under brother???
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Apr 1, 2013 13:09
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QPZIL posted:I did a thing, heh Awesome. I'm thinking about getting a third degree tracing board, but don't know for sure... For I am a wimp, you see. Any other masonic tatts??
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May 9, 2013 18:09
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Pope on fire posted:
I'm sure that over the years the belief system of any brother is either challenged or changes somewhat. I don't know of masons who pretend, but then again nobody probably would unless the brother made it public knowledge (remember no discussion of religion) I'm sure that for some members in these circumstances, the comeradrie and friendships forged over many years would be too important to give up. I creates quite a quandry. Tell the truth and leave the group, or remain quiet and stay as involved as everyone else. I don't know about the others in here, but it would be a hard decision for me have to choose what to do.
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May 12, 2013 14:10
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Just for any Australian masons on here, Channel 31 - Melbourne is now halfway through it's first season of "Freemasons - The Inside Story". For those who aren't aware of it, Ch 31 is a sort of upmarket PBS. FTIS is a production exploring masonry from a the standpoint of the UGLV (Victoria). It airs on a monday night, but for those not from Melbourne, you could try the following link: http://www.c31.org.au/program/view/program/freemasons-victoria-the-inside-story. I have been interviewed for the program and one of my good mates, Ben, is one of the presenters. If you have a chance (and the link works) you should check it out. If you have issues, feel free to PM me and I might be able to arrange to post the episodes on a USB or something...
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Jun 2, 2013 05:14
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TemetNosceXVIcubus posted:Thanks Brother, If you get stuck, let me know. Ultimately it has been a huge success and it will make its way to DVD.
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Jun 2, 2013 12:59
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Innerguard posted:On seeing the title, I made the internal assumption that it would be in the usual vein of 'inside story' programs - I am pleased to say that I was quite wrong. I'm also glad that I can watch it online, sometimes we get problems in that kind of thing in the UK. The archive section is a personal interest - I do love learning about the rich tapestry of history that lodges develop. Brother Innerguard..... I have nine episodes and I suspect that they only keep two at a time on the website. As I mentioned, I'm happy to help you find the episodes you've missed but it will eventually make it;s way to DVD. I'm not sure which one(s) you've seen, but each usually focuses on an interview with a high ranking member of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria - UGLV - (usually by either the Grand Master or Deputy Grand Master), an interview with an ordinary member (usually a tad goony), an exploration of some of the signs and symbols of freemasonry, a visit to an historically or geographically interesting lodge, a look at charitable activities by members, goatkeeping best practice techniques, and masonic items of interest from the grand lodge library. The GM and DGM usually are onboard to answer the very type of questions raised on this forum and they usually do a really good job, save for the trotting out the occasional "It's not a secret society, it's a society with secrets..." garbage. That said, they make things pretty clear that whilst anyone could go and google every aspect to every degree it really would detract from the experience of actually being a part of it. This was something I always thought was a throwaway line, but found it was true once I started out. It does it's best to present a modern face to the obviously shrinking numbers in my state (150K members post WW2 - down to just over 30K statewide nowadays), without making things too camp, post-modern, nor contrived. Obviously theres only so much you can do to try and pique the interest of young blokes when the average age is 70+, but I take my hat off to them for such a bold attempt. It cleverly avoids the terms: temple (masonic centre), ritual (ceremony / play / lessons), and brethren (lodge members), but still pays reverence to our traditions. Anyway, hope this gives a bit of an insight.
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Jun 3, 2013 04:30
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mrbill posted:I love getting to "fill in", although I've only done it for degree ceremonies and not Stated Meetings. Especially love being the Secretary; my large physical stature makes part of the EA lots of fun, and I improvised and did something once that had everyone in stitches and has become a tradition. Ok....I'm a fish.....I've taken the bait.... "Say, Mr Bill, what did you do filling in as an EA that was so drat funny!?!" (Nice tat btw, bro)
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Jun 8, 2013 05:01
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Any other Melbourne goonmasons in here by chance? I'm going in as Inner Guard on the second Monday in July. It appears the Grand Master will be officiating the nights activity which is pretty drat cool. Do it!
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Jun 19, 2013 09:56
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TemetNosceXVIcubus posted:Take the implement of your office with you to dinner, and see if anyone comments on it. Yeah there are a few on the thursday night, only a couple on friday, and none on the weekend when you're here. I guess it all depends on where you're staying in Melb. I'm more than happy to accompany you and help out with a lift if need be. PM me. We'll figure something out. Yeah, might take the 'items' to dinner and employ them if anyone comes too close....
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Jun 20, 2013 09:05
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Can anyone recommend any good masonic podcasts? There seems to be only a handful of decent ones to listen to on iTunes. What about online publications? Post a link why don't you?
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Jun 22, 2013 11:08
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Innerguard posted:Don't know of any podcasts, but would love some I subscribe to: 'Whence Came You' (US) - hosted by Bro Robert Johnson who is connected with 'The Midnight Freemasons', X-Oriente (US) - hosted by Eric Diamond but the series has been wound up, and UGLQ - Queensland Freemasons (Australia) - feat. Bro. Luke Elin and VWBro. Graham Schulz. My grand lodge puts up ours at https://www.freemasonsvic.net.au Midnight freemasons is pretty good, and the California Freemason magazine is a ripper
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Jun 22, 2013 13:17
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Paramemetic posted:I work at a juvenile residential treatment center. The other day, I was having a heart to heart over some treatment goal stuff with a 14 year old male resident, who saw my masonic ring. He asked me what the ring was, I told him my basic throwaway answer for when it's not a topic that should be explored at the time, "it's for my fraternity." He responded "let me guess, you're a bunch of math nerds?" Well....You DO kind of have a thing for geometry....
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Jun 23, 2013 09:56
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Innerguard posted:On the recommendation of jrgnsn_tjf in the post above, I've started to listen to the 'Whence Came You?' podcast. I highly recommend it to other brethren. So far, it seems quite simply and refreshing. 90-something episodes to go! I forgot to add: 'The Life Masonic' to that list. It's good too, but a lot of it is lost on me owing to the fact it is Scottish Rite 
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Jun 23, 2013 13:41
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Innerguard posted:It would be nice to see some people on these podcasts (looking at 'The Midnight Freemasons' in particular) who were more 'average' brethren - folks who concentrated on the 'blues' more. I wonder what these podcasts opinions would be on doing sections with masons from other countries to discuss the differences (and similarities) of their particular constitution. Then I direct you to the UGLQ Freemason Podcast. As mentioned it's hosted by a computer programmer and the deputy GL secretary. It appeals to me because it talks about things like toasts, literature, and internet sites of interest, as well as interviews with 'everyday' masons and the roles of lodge officers to name a few. It doesn't pretend to be scholarly nor elitist which makes it very easy to listen to. Plus Queenslanders are chilled out cats at the best of times so it always sounds like just a couple of brothers chatting casually.\ Also, what are the three dots? I've never seen them down here... Is it just 'one of those things?'
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Jun 23, 2013 15:09
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I just enrolled in the 'Certificate of Masonic Studies' program offered by my state lodge through our Lodge of Research 218. http://218.australianfreemason.com/?page_id=9 It is designed for master masons who are interested in the origins of freemasonry, its development and worldwide spread over centuries, and it's recent evolution into the current grand lodges we find today. Additionally it incorporates its philosophies, symbolism, and teachings. GL is angling it's promotion towards those desirous of going through the various leadership roles within the lodge. So far the readings have been quite interesting I think I'm going to get a lot out of it. This course is separate to our lodges of instruction, as none of it focuses on the usual lodge room ritual. Tell me what types of courses you have on offer or have completed. Do you find that supplementing education courses has helped you in your development in your lodge? Is there any you'd recommend?
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Jul 10, 2013 01:16
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Loomer posted:Sorry. Not actually initiated yet myself, so no idea what's kosher and not. You'd probably do well in not misrepresenting yourself as a freemason then...
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Jul 11, 2013 01:43
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Colton posted:I got a call yesterday saying the local lodge wants to do the family interview. Wish me luck! Just on this, in general how are families factored in with respect to prospective candidates from where you're from? When I joined I was single, but I know that if you are thinking about going through lodge officer positions then your home life and family are big factors in deciding if you should.
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Aug 9, 2013 08:12
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Gents, please excuse any ignorance on my part but I need a little advice. One of my relatives is going to be staying with other relatives in Florida then Alabama. Not being a US resident, I just wanted some local input into the general view to freemasons in that part of the states. I assume that disdain for masonry can be found anywhere but I wonder if there are any issues in the southern states. I think I read in this forum that there were some major issues in relation to the GM of the Grand Lodge of Florida. I don't know whether it attracted media attention in turn igniting negative public perceptions. Nothwithstanding they will be having contact with the pastor of a revelations type ministry and I just don't know which way that will go... Any opinion would be appreciated, and I mean no offence. It's because of 
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Oct 21, 2013 10:09
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It's as I would have thought. I visited a lodge in Vegas earlier this year and wasn't worried at all about leaving my gear around the hotel room... I guess in Australia - and the other aussie lads can attest to this - it's simply not at all interesting to anyone who isn't in a lodge. That's just the way it is. People my age don't really have a clue about it all, which is a shame. Regrettably I can't see it changing here anytime soon. Thanks for the reply Parametic. Sage advice as always. e:parametic quote removed.. Sir Joseph Banksy fucked around with this message at 10:31 on Oct 22, 2013 |
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Oct 22, 2013 10:27
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Myself and three others are doing the Holy Royal Arch Degree on 25th of Feb. In my jurisdiction(Victoria, Australia) it's considered the 'fifth degree' and aside from the 'Mark Degree', it's considered the final degree to 'tie everything together' (I've been told). QPZIL, I know you have done some extensive writing about the Arch, but I have decided to hold off reading it unti after i've gone through the veils.... If anyone is in Melb, PM me and I'd love to have you along!! Any tips for the night, gents? Aside from the usual re: not falling off the goat...
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Feb 2, 2014 05:05
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Polymemetic, I'm interested to know what your Volume is, please.
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Feb 20, 2014 02:23
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General question then for any Buddhists who can help me, what do you consider your sacred text? I've seen differing views amongst some, but does anybody have any direction for me?
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Feb 22, 2014 15:50
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Practical question: how do you memorise ritual? Mnemonics? Small slabs at a time? Record and listen back? Automotive negative reinforcement? I'm looking for some ways to help myself and other younger members... Also, all of those buildings are magnificent. So opulent. We are soon to move from our lodge hall to a you-beaut new 'masonic centre'. I'll be sad to leave, as it is truly unique as it's single storey and looks just like a big house with gables and 25 foot ceilings built from scratch by the brothers in 1918.
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Apr 7, 2014 13:10
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I appreciate the responses re: memorisation. I think I might have identified a major difference in the way we do our ritual. In my neck of the woods EVERYTHING is typed out and in a small hardcover book. The only times that the words are omitted is in the case of certain words and small phrases and descriptions. Even so, the first letter of said missing words are revealed (ie jrgnsn_tjf balanced carefully on his toes = j... b... c... on his t....). I have only seen a cipher used in the mark degree.... Or am I on the wrong track here??!!
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Apr 8, 2014 06:02
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Joined the HRA Chapter last night (UGLV). Quite an amazing ceremony. Everything QPZIL said it would be. Going in as JD at our installment next month, and my first job is a 1st degree in August....Any tips??? (Aside from ask someone else to step in for the night...)
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Jun 6, 2014 03:11
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Loomer posted:Read the ritual and speak it out loud while you do. Have another brother assist you by prompting, same as when you learned your answers. Attempt to remember it, line by line, correcting yourself. When you've learned one line, continue. It will take time, so start now, not next month. While I've never done the ritual from the other side and won't for some time, the basic principles of memorization remain essentially the same: repetition, repetition, more repetition. You should already have the text of the ritual; if you don't, ask for it. I know here in Australia everyone is given a copy when they reach a degree of the degree work in case they can't remember a part of the ritual, and while certain words are abbreviated or hidden, a regularly initiated mason will know those words. Some sound advice there. If you're a Melbourne mason you should come along some time! I guess the JD job isn't the headiest, but my floor work is poor and I'd hate for the new guy to have a disappointing night...
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Jun 7, 2014 05:34
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Congrats Loomer! I'd suggest you head out as soon as you can go and see another third. I had the good fortune to see one in Nevada on my travels. That took it to a whole new level!
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Jun 21, 2014 02:52
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The latest add-on to 'The Simpsons - Tapped Out' app is pretty fly. Every hour or so my phone lets off a: "We do! We do!"...
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Jun 27, 2014 06:31
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Sithsaber posted:
Why are you seemingly unable to write without grandiloquent loquaciousness? Hmmmm, quite...
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Aug 30, 2014 02:17
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Anyone know any really well put together podcasts regarding freemasonry? I listen regularly to 'The Winding Stairs', 'Whence Came You?', and 'The Masonic Roundtable'. Our friends from Queensland, Australia used to do one of their own, but sadly it has ceased. I'm keen to add a few more to my list Any thoughts?
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Oct 31, 2015 16:45
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COOL CORN posted:Best of luck! Me too. We'll share tips. You're an Aussie, right?
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Nov 11, 2015 05:15
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Old Dirty Cumburgs posted:Well, I had my initiation last night. Everything went very well, and after we closed and congratulations were issued, we had a nice drink at the bar that operates right next to our building. Great to hear mate. What part of the world are you from. Were scattered all over the earths broad surface itt ...
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Jan 1, 2016 07:02
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Old Dirty Cumburgs posted:USA, specifically Eastern Shore of Maryland. Maryland sounds like a gorgeous place. One of my favourite podcasts features a comedian named Ryan Sickler and he's always talking about its highs and lows in some parts - normally the highs though. I'm in Melbourne, Australia. Whilst - having visited at USA lodges - I am aware of how very different things are, the tenets are the same. There are many experienced brethren here from the us who - after due examination - I'm sure would love to help you on your journey. Enjoy masonry. (Did you find the whole goat portion of your initiation bizarre? Loomer and I used kangaroos...)
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Jan 1, 2016 09:52
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Old Dirty Cumburgs posted:Without saying too much, I was appropriately surprised by the goat. 'The Crabfeast'. Hilarious.
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Jan 2, 2016 03:17
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I have a serious question. I'm in craft, Royal arch, and Mark masonry (Australia). Im still relatively young, and find belonging to all three both financially impeding and with a young family - time prohibitive. I think I know the way I will approach my resignation from the latter two (I'm JW in craft), but has anyone else been in this position, and how did you approach it? I'm certain my brethren won't be disappointed, but I've bought people in, and don't want to let them down. Cheers lads
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Mar 4, 2016 07:47
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I figured I would get sound wisdom and support from you guys. I'll have a chat with my proposer (to both) and let him know. It won't be forever, just for a few years. Btw those furnishings really are very beautiful. He's a fine craftsman!!
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Mar 4, 2016 23:39
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Delivery McGee posted:As a non-Mason who reads this thread mostly for the jokes about the goat, I agree. Any organization that would think ill of you for taking time off for family's sake (this extends to employers and the bowling team) is not a club you'd want to associate with anyway. You're doing the right thing, your brothers will understand if they're half-decent human beings (which I'm pretty sure is a prerequisite to joining, isn't it?). Thanks friend. Appreciate the sentiment. I'll be doing so tomorrow night.
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Mar 13, 2016 09:19
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shame on an IGA posted:GLNF was restored after they got rid of that lunatic Stefani. Gwen?
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Mar 13, 2016 09:21
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