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I thought the headline was ridiculous - I'm not entirely sure how that's newsworthy but the media can make people care (or pretend to care) about just about anything. Even though the Obama snub is ridiculous....the bigger issue is the fact that making guest list choices can be tough. Where do you draw the line and how do you make those tough cuts?

A lot of my clients face guest list drama. I'd say creating the guest list is 75% of the stress between a bride, her groom, and the families involved. While there's no hard and fast solution to making everyone happy, I thought I'd offer just a few quick tips as you muddle through your guest list...

1. Start your list without anyone else's input. Who are those people that IMMEDIATELY come to mind that HAVE to be at your wedding day? As in, you can't imagine your day without them. Just write them off - almost stream of consciousness brainstorming. Just write and write until your brain runs out of the must-haves. Have your fiance do the same thing. Chances are, after this loose process, your guest list will be at least 50-60% complete.

2. Then, allow parents to create their list. To set the tone early that perhaps not everyone they want can be invited - ask them to create their A list and their B list. It sounds harsh, but this makes them prioritize right out of the gate and they know that having to make tough cuts might be in their future...but some of the work (and emotion) will be cut down because they've already created their must-have and would-like-to-have lists.

Now, see how all of that stacks up and where your numbers roll in. If you've got room to keep going - then do just that. Take out your address book, your Blackberry, whatever you need to keep brainstorming. If your list (and capacity) has been met from that process, well, mission accomplished.


There are lots of "excuses" you can use if someone (like Obama) got snubbed from the guest list and perhaps family or friends (probably not the media) are talking about it. Budget constraints, limited space - those are pretty easy and non-emotional reasons. If you know someone might be upset that they're not invited - have your mom or mother-in-law broach the topic with them one-on-one so they don't find out in an awkward way or cause a scene at your next family gathering.

Another quick tip - find one, swift way to make a large cut. For my own wedding, I had about 35 second cousins to invites. When we had literally maxed out on how much room we had at the reception - we cut all of the 2nd cousins from the invite list. This made it consistent across the board so one cousin wasn't upset that another one was invited and they weren't.

Making (and cutting) the guest list is tough and there's not a magic solution - just do your best and START early!

I hope Obama gets over the snub but, somehow, I think he's got more on his mind than Chelsea's wedding with the $20,000 port-a-potties.]]> General http://so-chic.com/blog/index.php?itemid=246 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:42:36 -1300 http://so-chic.com/blog/index.php?itemid=244 here and enjoy the weirdness).

Well, now it seems EVERYONE points me in the direction of the most awkward wedding photos. I don't know if it's to surprise, disgust, or appaul me...but it works every time! Some are downright hysterical!

Below are some of the latest findings - compliments of AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com. Seriously, when were these pictures EVER a good idea? Don't even blame the 80's - even the 80's can't be responsible for taste this bad.

Photographers do always say the worst angle is straight on...who knew you had to turn out your feet too?
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I'm all for artsy poses...but looking like you're dead on you're wedding day? That does nothing for me.
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My new favorite (thanks to Mark & Tory). What's worse - the awkward gazing...or the awkward mullet?
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If you run across a ridiculous wedding image - send it my way - seriously hysterical!]]> General http://so-chic.com/blog/index.php?itemid=244 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 03:02:04 -1300 http://so-chic.com/blog/index.php?itemid=241
I met Steff and Austin just about 3 months ago when Steff contacted me to talk about me tying up the loose ends and taking some of the stress off of them for their big day. Steff and Austin are both in pharmacy school down in Florida so, to say they had a lot on their plate, would be an understatement. Add to that, Steff's parents live in the Netherlands so it made it extra hard! We started working together from afar but then I met them in early June. Talk about the sweetest couple! They are truly a perfect balance for each other - Austin being laid-back and calm, Steff being a bundle of energy and excitement. I knew we were in for an eventful wedding day!

Steff had her heart completely set on an outdoor ceremony so we had to battle Mother Nature throughout the day. It kept threatening to storm, the Weather Channel kept changing the time it was going to happen, and we had to make the final call to chance the weather or move under the pavilion. After I gave Mother Nature a stern "talking to" she opted to cooperate and Steff's dream ceremony happened! It was a bit hot with the sun shining down but I swear Steff, Austin, and the bridal party never had a single drop of sweat. Gotta love it when adrenaline kicks in!

Here's the fabulous vendor team:

Venue: Kickapoo Creek Winery
Photographer: Seth Morris Photography
Florals: Floral Designs and Kroger
Linens: I Do Events
DJ & Lighting: Sound & Light Creations
Ceremony Music: Mike & Carrie (LOVE THEM - they saved the day!)
Cake: Le Bakery
Rentals (chairs, centerpieces, arbor): Heaven on Earth and Heeren Signature Rental

I have a few favorite moments from their wedding day that I have to put into words so I can always remember them!

1. Right before the ceremony, Steff and the bridesmaids were in the bridal cottage. Steff said "Let's have a glass of champagne." As everyone hoisted their glasses, Steff said, in all seriousness, "Wait, what should we toast to?" Loveable Steff didn't even think to toast to the fact she was getting married in 5 minutes! It was pretty cute!
2. Steff's step-dad is a bagpiper over in the Netherlands. He called in a few favors from 2 other bagpipers here in the area and, just before Steff and Austin's first dance, her dad and the other 2 bagpipers came in and gave a surprise performance. Steff and Austin had no idea (okay, maybe they had a little bit of an idea - have you ever heard a bagpiper tune up? It's soo loud!)
3. Instead of the traditional father/daughter dance - Steff opted to surprise her mom with a little toast and a dance with her mom. I even knew it was coming and I still cried through the whole thing. It was an amazingly special moment! Steff and Austin are loved by so many and it was so clear in that moment.
4. Basically every moment with the entire bridal party was awesome. Not only were they the world's most stylish, gorgeous wedding party but they were so fun, laid-back, and sweet on top of it! They truly were only there to support Steff and Austin! Wait until I show you pics of the bridesmaid dresses and shoes-they were HOT!

There are so many others but these were some of my highlights! Congratulations Steff & Austin - thanks for letting me be a part of your big day and best wishes for the future! Don't forget your favorite wedding planner when you're big, successful pharmacists! :)

Now, enjoy a few pics from their big day! Their color scheme was black, white, and pops of orange. We were careful to use the orange just for pops as we didn't want it to become too "Halloween-y" but I think we found just the right balance!

These pictures are pretty horrible but I'll post some from the uber-talented and fun Seth Morris Photography as soon as I finish Facebook-stalking them and they post some preview shots!

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You've gotta meet Elizabeth - the newest addition to the So Chic team. I am so excited to have her as a part of the team. Our brides will love her, our vendors will love her, and I KNOW that I'll love her!

Elizabeth is now an Associate Planner with So Chic Events. She'll work with clients when we're double booked and she'll also have clients of her own. She has an incredibly strong background in event planning and has experience in floral design so she's got an amazing eye for style!

I asked her to do a little Q&A to share on the blog until I get her officially added to the website. So, keep reading to get to know her!

Oh, and little does she know that I snagged a picture from Facebook so you could put a face with a name. I just think this picture is adorable and so appropriate to share a picture of her from her own wedding day!

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When did you get married and what was your wedding like?
My husband, Nate, and I were married June 28, 2008 at the Kickapoo Creek Winery. What was supposed to be a small intimate affair turned in to a 200+ guest extravaganza. (That is what happens sometimes when parents get a hold of the guest list.) Even though the guest list had more than doubled, Nate and I still wanted our wedding to feel intimate and special. Almost every aspect of our day we designed and created ourselves, from the invitations, to the favors and programs, to the ceremony itself. Our wedding was all about the details. In my opinion it is the details that make an event so special and memorable to both you and your guests. We were married outside by the grapevines in mid-evening. The ceremony was very much about our relationship and the future we were creating together. One of my favorite memories from the ceremony was my brother singing One Hand One Heart. It was beautiful and so very appropriate. The reception was a great party, just the way my mom wanted it! ƒº We ate great food, drank, and danced the night away! I have so many great pictures of friends and family out on the dance floor; Thriller comes to mind right away! Of course there were a few hiccups along the way¡Kit poured down rain in the middle of our pictures and there were gusts of wind during our ceremony that I thought for sure were going to knock decorations over. But, in the end, the day was absolutely perfect because I married the love of my life.

Why'd you get into wedding/event planning?
For the past six years I have been planning events within the public sector. My attention to details, organizational skills, ability to prioritize, and think on the fly all make event planning a great fit for me. I have chosen to concentrate on wedding planning as of recent for a few key reasons. First, in the public sector, I don¡¦t get to form a relationship with the client, get to know their wants and needs and help make those a reality. Also, I miss being creative. That is what I loved most about planning my own wedding, all the personal touches and small details that made it truly one of a kind. Lastly, weddings are so romantic. I love all of the hope and promise that weddings bring. The same can¡¦t always be said for the events I plan within the public sector. For these reasons and many more, I look forward to working closely with my clients, getting to know them on a personal level, and helping them to create their perfect wedding day.

Favorite thing about weddings?
There are so many things I love about weddings that I can¡¦t name just one. I¡¦ll give you my top three.
1. I love to see the father of the bride walk his daughter down the aisle. He always looks so proud, humbled, saddened, and overjoyed all at the same time. It is such a lovely moment.
2. I love, at the reception, the dance when all the married couples come out on the floor and are dismissed by the number of years they have been together. The end of the song when the couple that has been married the longest is dancing along side the newlyweds holds so much promise.
3. Flowers are another favorite part of weddings. I love flowers! I love the scents, colors, textures, shapes, and varieties; everything. I love to see what the bride has chosen and how it all comes together.


Tell us about your floral experience:
Flowers are not only one of my favorite things about weddings, but they are one of my favorite things, ever!!! Like I said, I love flowers! About a year ago I finished my Master¡¦s and really didn¡¦t know what to do with myself. After been in school for most of my life, I was a bit lost. I had free time; what is that, and what should I do with it. I figured why not go back to school!?! I enrolled in the basic floral design distance learning program through the Floral Design Institute. I hoped to learn basic care and handling, but it has turned into so much more. I am now familiar and confident with mechanics, elements, and principles of design. The Floral Design Institute also offers a specialized wedding design course which I hope to complete within the near future.
Flowers can play such a crucial role in establishing the style and feel of an event. I look forward to using my knowledge and skills to help each individual bride find her unique flower style.

Favorite crayon in a Crayola box and why?
What a corky question. I would have to say my favorite crayon in the Crayola box is rainforest green. Green is not even my favorite color. I just love the name.

If you could be any breakfast food, what would it be and why?
I think I would be a banana, just because I would get to see a lot of the world before I made it to the table for breakfast.

Remember CDs? What was your very first one?
Do I remember CDs¡Kplease! I remember cassettes, even records for crying out loud! My all time favorite CD was probably one of the first ones sold! Whitney Houston¡¦s - Whitney. My brother and I wore that down to nothing dancing around the living room as kids. ¡§I Wanna Dance with Somebody¡¨ - great memories.

Educational Background:

I graduated from Limestone Community High School in 2000. (Ten years ago, yikes!) I then went on to Western Illinois University were I majored in Political Science with a minor in Business Administration. After graduation, I eventually got my first real job working in the Elections Department for the Peoria County Clerk¡¦s Office. (My father would define a real job as one that offers benefits!) In 2005 I started a master¡¦s program through the University of Illinois ¡V Springfield concentrating in Public Administration. For the past four years I have held the title of Assistant Executive Director for the Peoria Board of Election Commissioners. My educational background and work experience are concentrated within the public sector. Nevertheless, I have been planning large events, elections, for the past six years. My attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to think on the fly will lead to a very smooth transition into the wonderful world of weddings.
]]> General http://so-chic.com/blog/index.php?itemid=239 Thu, 8 Jul 2010 12:18:45 -1300 http://so-chic.com/blog/index.php?itemid=237
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You thought this picture was a good idea? Really?
A photographer actually thought "this would be a really great way to edit this photo." Really?
The dude is oh-so-important that he has his cell phone clipped to his belt during his vows. Really?
You thought it was cute to hold a tiny, creepy version of yourself? Really?

For the record, nothing about this picture is okay. We're so glad we get to work with the wonderful photographers that we do. I'd completely wig out if I saw this picture included in the proofs of one of our clients. Photogs: you've been warned! :)
]]> General http://so-chic.com/blog/index.php?itemid=237 Wed, 7 Jul 2010 02:49:57 -1300 http://so-chic.com/blog/index.php?itemid=233
Hayley and Michael are high school sweethearts – together for 8 years now. Hayley and Michael both graduated Bradley – Hayley just a month ago!! You could tell they are meant to be together and that they have an amazing, loving future ahead of them. Their parents were just over the moon with excitement that the wedding day had finally arrived. They had the most doting bridal party I’ve ever witnessed – including the bridesmaids busting into random dances at least a dozen times before the ceremony even started…and then of course throughout the entire night!

The weather on their wedding day was a little less than perfect but, honestly, I think it all worked out just the way it was meant to. The ceremony and reception were out at Kickapoo Creek Winery. They are always so great to work with out there – they take wonderful care of their clients! We had to move the ceremony under the pavilion as there were some threatening storms coming in. Luckily, the storms didn’t hit us until later in the reception but we couldn’t take the risk of having the ceremony outside! Huge thank you to Heeren Signature Rental – we decided at the last minute (i.e. about 3 hours before the ceremony) that we wanted to order a 2nd set of chairs so we could stage the outdoor ceremony and under the pavilion). Heeren was on point and delivered the chairs within an hour of making that call. I’m so glad we ended up doing that since we moved it under the pavilion!

Hayley was a radiant bride – and perhaps the giddiest bride I’ve ever seen! Michael was calm, cool and collected…at least he pretended to be! The bridal party was a group of characters…in a good way, of course! I could keep on writing but, long story short, I felt more than privileged to have been a part of this wedding. I know there are so many incredible things in their future and I look forward to being a part of Hayley and Michael’s life for years to come!

Thanks to our great vendors!
Venue – Kickapoo Creek Winery
Chair Rental – Heeren Signature Rental
Chair Covers – I Do Events
Flowers – Create a Scene Events
Cake – Sinfully Sweet
DJ – Just for You Entertainment (He did a great job – the dance floor was completely packed the entire night! It helped that the majority of the guests just graduated college within a year…they were still in party mode!)
String Quartet – Charlie Knapp Quartet
Hotels – Hotels at Grand Prairie (their complimentary shuttle is a life saver – it saved the couple from having to rent ANY transportation!)

Photography - Meredith Rineberg - she always does a great job - can't wait to see her pictures! She and her mom are such a delight to work with!

Now, onto some pictures of the big day…
((Sorry they got a bit out of order of how the day actually hapened!)

Gorgeous bride and bridesmaids!
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A traditional cake with a few contemporary twists!
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I hate that this turned out a bit blurry...but I LOVE how beautiful and happy Hayley looks!
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Everyone dancing to a Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana song! I had never heard it before but the girls kept dancing to it before the ceremony and then REALLY busted a move when the reception started. Keep an eye on the guy on the right...he was TOTALLY busting a move!
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Now they were on to "Jump on It" - check out the intensity on that guy! (He was the boyfriend of a bridesmaid....seriously, they were both so much fun...and great dancers!)
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Hayley hanging out with one of her littlest guests....can you tell she's going to be a teacher? So sweet!
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The beautiful ceremony under the pavilion! It's kind of the best of both worlds - outdoorsy feel but still covered overhead!
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Not a great picture but their flowers turned out so pretty...a little bit of a whimsical, antique feel.
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The two versions of centerpieces....
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Thanks again for letting me be a part of your big day! ]]> General http://so-chic.com/blog/index.php?itemid=233 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 04:21:53 -1300 http://so-chic.com/blog/index.php?itemid=231
Scott from Video Dreams Productions sent me a link to the video and I LOVE it! It's such a beautiful representation of their wedding day. If you want to see it - just click here.

As a side note - I know that many couples (especially when they're being budget conscious) tend to cut out the videographer. They often splurge on the photographer and then decide, since they've done that, they don't need a videographer. I, personally, did it - and I see a lot of my couples doing the same. I totally understand the sentiment but I encourage you to take a look at your budget and see if there's a way to squeeze it in. Photos are wonderful - but they don't capture the quiver in your voice as you say your vows. They don't see your fiance squeeze your hand a little bit tighter as the officiant pronounces you husband and wife. They don't see your sweet Grandma tear up while she's walking down the aisle. They don't capture the screaming temper tantrum your ring bearer throws.

Just some of my random thoughts. There are very few things I regret about my own wedding...not having a videographer is one of them. ]]> General http://so-chic.com/blog/index.php?itemid=231 Sun, 13 Jun 2010 04:20:38 -1300 http://so-chic.com/blog/index.php?itemid=228
If you want to get in shape, lose a bit of weight, or just be more active - give Jaime a call at 838.8111 or e-mail her at justfitness8@yahoo.com. She'll take good care of you and you'll look and feel gorgeous! And you don't have to just be getting married to get in shape or feel better.

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Now, all of my brides are BEAUTIFUL but Jaime was in the most amazing shape I've ever seen any bride. She totally rocked her wedding gown and I've never seen such defined arms holding a bouquet. Here's one of her beautiful wedding pictures from Bruer Photography! (It doesn't do her justice at all - I just really wanted to share one of my favorite pictures!) :)

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]]> General http://so-chic.com/blog/index.php?itemid=228 Tue, 8 Jun 2010 02:52:37 -1300 http://so-chic.com/blog/index.php?itemid=225
I have loved your humor, your wit, your charm, and your fashion (well, not all of it…let’s be honest, some of it is completely ridiculous!) While I’ve loved all of those things, as I watched your newest addition last night – I was reminded that I have especially loved your weddings.

You’ve charmed us with at least 6 weddings in the “immediate circle.” 2 for Charlotte, 2 for Carrie, 1 for Miranda, and 1 for Stanford and Anthony (don’t worry – that’s not a spoiler – it’s all over the trailers!)

Now that I’ve declared my deep, abiding love for SATC – I thought I’d share some of the weddings they’ve graced us with along with my critique of what was fabulous and what was not so fabulous about them. If you haven’t seen SATC 2 yet – you should go scope it out. I’ll admit that there are some horribly cheesy, ridiculous, over-the-top parts but, overall, the girls are as beautiful and inspirational as ever. If you ignore the Abu Dhabi trip, the hats that are completely insane, and a horrible karaoke scene…I’m sure you’ll be reminded why Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha charmed you in the first place!

Last thing....in the movie Carrie says, "You've got to take the tradition and decorate it in your own way." She doesn't say it in reference to weddings...but how incredibly true is it when planning your wedding? Take those elements you love...but add your own sparkle!

Here are the weddings…from my favorite to my least favorite…

When Charlotte Marries Harry
• Favorite elements: their deep, sincere love made it all feel so genuine – Charlotte’s dress – the huppah – Miranda giving her best effort in her toast (let’s be honest, we’ve all seen nervous MOH’s attempting to give speeches…while they don’t usually result in fire, their nerves make it more heartfelt!)

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Carrie’s 1st Attempt to Marry “Big”
• Favorite elements: the venue (I swooned over the library), the non-matchy-match bridesmaid dresses
• Least favorite elements: The huge bird on Carrie’s head and her enormous veil, Carrie’s red lipstick (I like more understated lips for a wedding day), the outcome of the wedding (obviously!)

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Miranda’s Wedding to Steve
• Favorite: it was so personal and it was very “them” – I love it when couples make it such a true representation of who they are

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Carrie’s 2nd (and more successful) Wedding to “Big”
• Favorite: Carrie’s shoes and her vintage suit, their vows, the simplicity

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Charlotte York Marries Trey McDougal
• Favorite: Trey’s kilt (I love it when couples incorporate their heritage), her bouquet, the sheer elegance and sophistication of it all

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Stanford & Anthony
• This is obviously the latest one and most of you haven’t seen. I won’t ruin it but I was expecting FABULOUS. What I got was over-the-top (not in a good way), Liza Minnelli doing a not-so-great version of “Single Ladies,” Carrie wearing the weirdest hat, and swans. I am just not a huge fan of living things at a wedding. Unless it’s a dove - I probably don’t want to see any sort of animal wandering around your wedding…but that’s just my opinion. I did love Anthony's vows though!

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There you have it…the weddings of SATC in all their fabulosity! Hope you enjoyed the commentary and perhaps you were inspired by some of the SATC elements for your big day!
]]> General http://so-chic.com/blog/index.php?itemid=225 Fri, 28 May 2010 04:16:31 -1300 http://so-chic.com/blog/index.php?itemid=223
Ya see, I have acrylic nails. Have had them for about 9 months now – the longest I’ve ever kept them on. I got them one day because I was bored and then I’ve kept them because I like how polished my hands look and it keeps me from biting my nails, which has always been a gross habit. Plus, one day a mother of the bride said – “I could tell from looking at you – your hair, your nails, so put together. I knew you were the right planner for us.” So maybe that vanity contributes to it as well!

That one answer “tacky acrylic nails” really made an impact on me. I was due for a “fill” on my nails the next day and I found myself stressing out about whether or not I should just have them taken off. If the editor of Cosmo thinks they’re tacky, do my clients think they’re tacky? What about vendors? Do I look fake or phony? Then I thought, what if I didn’t paint them and just did French? Is that less tacky? Or maybe I should stay away from dark colors and go more neutral? My brain was going crazy with self-doubt….all from a comment a total stranger said. And she didn’t even say it to me!

As always, this personal turmoil related back to an issue I deal with in regards to my clients. Do you know how many brides I’ve had that have a certain idea and then someone makes a rude comment or has an opinion about it..and then the bride starts talking themselves out of it and doubting themselves. That’s the thing about opinions – everyone has one and they don’t always align with ours. If we’re not careful – all those opinions cloud our judgment and make it hard to remember what we wanted in the first place.

Moms, mother-in-laws, sisters, bridesmaids, friends, co-workers…they’re all going to give you opinions on what you should or shouldn’t do for your wedding. Let them have their opinion and take it into consideration – but remember that it’s your wedding.

The only two people that have to be totally in love with your wedding? You and your fiancé. Of course you’d love for your parents to love and support it all and for your friends to be jealous of your lavish affair….but the day is about the two of you.

People will have their opinions – just don’t lose yourself while taking their thoughts into consideration.

And, for the record, I kept my nails…but I changed them to a French manicure. It was my compromise with the Cosmo editor.
]]> General http://so-chic.com/blog/index.php?itemid=223 Tue, 18 May 2010 06:40:49 -1300