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Pros with no helmets

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hiphopopotamus
Posts: 1177 - Karma: 45
after watching alot of this years movies i have noticed that almost all the pros dont wear helmets. it makes me mad because they have so much talent that could be wasted with a bad fall. it is also iresponsible from them because kids look up to them. i know they are unconfortable and not stylish but come on its your head. and you cant fix your head
Sep 24 2007 8:18PM
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quebecfreestyler
Posts: 13040 - Karma: 1,418
you do know that there is metal around you, a seatbelt and airbags when you drive a car???
I'd liek to have nearly as much pretoection on skis without having to wear an helmet.

I wear and helmet all the time cause you never know when you might fall over and hit your head hard.
Sep 25 2007 4:19PM
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Mykel
Posts: 1560 - Karma: 84
I dunno, I've only had two concussions skiing, and I was wearing a helmet both times. This wasn't the case for me on those instances, but when some people wear helmets they think they are invinclible and then ski outside of the zone they should. I think if you're helmet fits properly it shouldn't be much worse for comfort and maneuverability than just a beanie. Helmets are good, there's a lot of times where I don't where one, esp in the the spring when its hot and feels bulky. It's a good policy though. I do see quite a few skiers who almost always wear helmets. I think another argument would be that pros know teir ability well enough that it would take a complete freak accident for them to fall in a way that would put their head in jeopardy. I know that I've learned how to fall over the years and have ways of keeping my head safe from harm.
Sep 25 2007 4:33PM
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crazyfuck
Posts: 5968 - Karma: -7
you do know that most of that metal will become deadly with a second, third, fourth, etc. impact, right? that those airbags and seatbelts will become more or less useless after first deployed or locked? cars aren't really as safe as we all like to think...

cars r coffins.


and i hate this mentality that people who don't wear helmets are "ignorant" of what might happen to them... did i not just explain that i'm fully aware of what could happen? my reasons are my own, they aren't out of ignorance, and it's not something i'm all that excited about discussing (because it usually turns into "holy shit, you're a buttfucking lunatic whose mom and dad obviously had down's syndrome and your mom probably ate lead paint when she was pregnant with you because that's the ONLY way you'd be stupid enough to ski without a helmet!!!!!!!11oneone"). i like not wearing a helmet, some of you like wearing a helmet, power to ya. just because i don't wear a helmet doesn't mean i'm a retard and i'd explain myself if i thought anyone would take a second to hold a mature discussion about it instead of "holy shit, you're a douchebag moron!!!"
Sep 25 2007 5:51PM
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JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
rory bushfield was throwing the switch double backs
Sep 26 2007 9:15PM
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Krush
Posts: 1312 - Karma: 12
ive gotten 3 concusions(sp) from skiing
0 from driving
i dont really see your logic
Sep 26 2007 9:17PM
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ijibgoremtn
Posts: 4221 - Karma: 13
safety isnt the only reason for helmets, i feel so much more comfy, safe and warm in my helmet and i dont think they are uncool i got one of the special edition giro's with the graphic on it and i think its sick
Sep 26 2007 9:54PM
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chronic_rider
Posts: 208 - Karma: 10
Yeah he does most of the time because he is sponsored by Troy Lee Designs
Sep 26 2007 10:01PM
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stompdat
Posts: 641 - Karma: 50
agreed.
Sep 26 2007 10:56PM
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Edward.
Posts: 9366 - Karma: 445
that was so stupid. driving a car and skiing are two completely different things, and there can be different answers to this question
Sep 26 2007 11:00PM
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Edward.
Posts: 9366 - Karma: 445
and im pretty positive that theres a better chance of me getting hurt skiing than driving or even riding a car. because ive gotten injured from skiing A LOT more than i have from a car accident. actually, ive never even been in a car accident
Sep 26 2007 11:02PM
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RussellK141
Posts: 810 - Karma: 63
i honestly don't really even understand the car analogy. i would expect head related injuries are more common in traffic accidents than in skiing because maybe millions and millions of people drive everyday? therefore there are millions and millions more opportunities for such injuries to occur.
Sep 27 2007 12:05AM
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tride
Posts: 1038 - Karma: 26
Well, I've had 3 friends die from head injuries. All them were hardcore skiers.

One of them died skiing, the other two died in (separate) car accidents. That's my logic.

I understand people arguing against the car analogy, but what blows me away is the amount of people who are arguing it by trying to flat-out DENY that cars and car accidents can cause serious head injury, and DENYING that anyone on this site is at risk to ever experience a car crash.

It is a sad fact that most people will experience some type of car accident at least once in their life. It is also a fact that head injury is the most common cause of death in car accidents.

That said, hopefully nobody on this site ever goes through any type of car accident, especially a serious one.

But really, many of you need to find a better argument than "that's stupid, cars aren't dangerous!"

Sep 27 2007 1:46AM
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RudyGarmisch
Posts: 25443 - Karma: 13,844
Dude, the difference is that a ski helmet wont impair your ability to ski, while a helmet in a car will severely decrease your peripheral vision, which is kinda important when you're going fast with cross traffic. Sure, cars are inherently dangerous, and with the way some of my friends drive, I wish I had a helmet sometimes, shit can be crazy.

I just dont see how you can dismiss a practice that saves lives. Sure, it cant protect you from all injuries, but I would rather have one on than not in almost all of the injurious situations I can come up with. Fuck, maybe we should specially designed helmets in cars, and when they come out with one that is tried and proven with few to no drawbacks, maybe I will buy a 'driving' helmet. But until then, I like my head, and with the crazy shit I do skiing, I kinda like having that foam there to absorb the impact from rocks, logs, rails, hardpack snow and most importantly, other skiers. If you dont want to wear one, fine. Might as well fuck the whole seatbelt thing too. Its just a small safety precaution and completely up to you anyways.
Sep 27 2007 2:06AM
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tride
Posts: 1038 - Karma: 26
C'mon man, that's like saying that NASCAR drivers should not wear helmets. I would imagine peripheral vision is at least as important for them as it is for the average driver.

Trying to claim that helmets impair your ability to drive is not a valid argument whatsoever, every competitive driving situation requires helmets...

Anyways, the point of the analogy was never intended to dismiss or discourage helmet use while skiing... (It's not intended to convince everyone they should wear helmets in cars either). It's just an exercise in thinking outside the box.
Sep 27 2007 4:15AM
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RudyGarmisch
Posts: 25443 - Karma: 13,844
And every competitive car competition doesnt have drivers coming at you at 90 degree angles like the dude who hit my friend when he ran a red light. Helmets are good for racing where a high speed frontal impact is somewhat more likely, but in everyday driving, you need your head to be more mobile. Its a bullshit argument anyways, but even if, as I said, they did somehow make a helmet that would be safe for an everyday driver, I would sure as hell wear one to make an inherently risky activity just a little bit safer. Same applies to my skiing, controlling inherent risk and making shit safer is just smart. You wouldnt go into the backcountry without training and gear, so why the fuck would you risk running your head into a tree or rock or another persons board without some kind of protection? Helmets are a good idea, end of story.
Sep 27 2007 4:26AM
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tride
Posts: 1038 - Karma: 26
Ok, maybe I can use that comment to better get the point of the analogy across...

First, I agree 100% that wearing a helmet while skiing is a "practice that saves lives".

Race car drivers always wear a helmet because it is a "practice that saves lives". You cannot deny that if the public all wore helmets while driving, it would be a "practice that saves lives"

My point is simply that you, me, and everyone in society who rides in cars is "dismissing a practice that saves lives" on a daily basis.
Sep 27 2007 4:35AM
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tride
Posts: 1038 - Karma: 26
Come ON! You seemed like a smart guy but are you REALLY trying to convince anyone that helmets are only safe for race car drivers and would not be for public drivers.

Do I actually have to cite examples for what should be blindingly obvious? Fine, off the top of my head, stunt drivers wear helmets when doing complicated stunts involving traffic from ALL angles. Everyone in a demolition derby wears a helmet, don't you think they might want to have a mobile field of view with good peripheral? Don't you think that in a complicated city driving stunt there might be a chance of getting hit at a 90 degree angle?

I just can't believe that now the premise of your argument seems to be that helmets are safer for skiing but would somehow make driving more dangerous. Before responding to that, please take a minute or two to realize how absolutely ridiculous that sounds...

And please stop insinuating that I am trying to discourage helmet use, at no point have I said that. In fact I already mentioned that I routinely wear a helmet, and I have also made the same comment as you that "helmets are a good idea".

Sep 27 2007 5:01AM
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tride
Posts: 1038 - Karma: 26
That part is almost signature worthy B.S.

Tell you what, I'll help you out: go to this site:

http://www.driverdynamics.com/precisiontraining.php

they are a stunt and defensive driving school that provides helmets for their course. I guess they must have "somehow" found ones that are safe! I'm sure they could line you up with a helmet that would be safe for an everyday driver.

Maybe you can first call them and tell them your theory about how helmets would impair driving, I'd love to hear that conversation..

Yours is the perfect attitude to help drive home this analogy. You sound so disapproving that anyone would choose not take extra safety measures when skiing, but the suggestion of taking extra safety measures in a car has you coming up with ludicrous excuses like "helmets would impair driving". On the ski side of things, there are people who have tried to claim that "helmets would impair everyday skiing". Now, do you FINALLY get the analogy?
Sep 27 2007 5:38AM
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skiierman
Posts: 28699 - Karma: -5,563
There's a difference from everyday driving and stunt driving. A helmet would indeed impair your normal driving abilities such as looking in your blind spot before making a turn. Stop trying to upload this non-sense analogy. It's making you look like an idiot that cares to much.
Sep 27 2007 8:26AM
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FartBoy05
Posts: 1306 - Karma: 9
ok you're an idiot


its just smart to wear a helmet. i think they are warm.
Sep 27 2007 11:14AM
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ECfreeski3
Posts: 12019 - Karma: 126
i cant believe anyone has that big of a problem with wearing a helmet. i just wear a skate helmet and i dont even realize its there
Sep 27 2007 11:51AM
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shanedawg
Posts: 361 - Karma: 15
THERE PROS...
Sep 27 2007 12:02PM
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RudyGarmisch
Posts: 25443 - Karma: 13,844
I get your analogy, and I still think its bullshit. I am a little disapproving of people that chose to wear a hat cause its 'cooler' when skiing, its fucking stupid to think that you are so good that you'll never hit your head. Its even more ludicrous to believe that you are safe from 200 lb Texans screaming down the mountain with little to no control.

By all means, take extra safety precautions, you are stupid not too. If they dont impair your ability to drive or ski, go ahead and do it. While I still think that the average driver is going to be encumbered and more accident prone if they're locked up in a hyundai with a cage, neck brace and helmet, I think the impairment, if there is any, is next to negligible for wearing a helmet when skiing. Thats the difference and thats why I think you are irresponsible. I've heard of too many deaths on the slopes over the years that could have been concussions if the person had just worn a helmet.
Sep 27 2007 12:06PM
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Alkyy
Posts: 2839 - Karma: 149
Its their choice, i have grown up using a helmet and cant imagine riding without one anymore.  I think they are just as comfortable as without.  Their are some pros that rock helmets but it seems like the majority are the grassroot age. (cedric always seems to have a helmet on)  And to the person who keeps saying statistically you have a greater chance breaking you head in a car wreck...who cares you can still fuck yourself up skiing bad.  Obviously you havent shattered a helmet then looked at the thing and thought "damn what if that was my head right now"
Sep 27 2007 12:31PM
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CALFERNIAN
Posts: 92 - Karma: 10
helmets can be stylish....look at the berms. wearing a helmet also shows you're smart cause you wanna KEEP your brain. if the pros don't wear helmets i don't care i'm still wearing mine...keeps me warm if anything. 'sides my fav pro, seth wears his almost all the time.
Sep 27 2007 12:46PM
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dave_uninc
Posts: 335 - Karma: 71
let them be
Sep 27 2007 5:06PM
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tride
Posts: 1038 - Karma: 26
Wow, you just keep coming up with statements that can be perfectly applied to the car analogy.

There are also deaths EVERY DAY on the highways that "could have been concussions if the person had just worn a helmet". Yet nobody calls them "irresponsible" Why?

Please, just explain why, until around 12 years ago, NOBODY considered skiing without a helmet to be "irresponsible". Were rocks, ice, lift towers, and trees softer back then? Were people's heads harder? Did nobody take risks while skiing? Were there no responsible thinking people in society? Did nobody realize that a helmet would protect their head in a bad fall?

Or was it just a case of herd mentality: "Well, nobody normal wears a helmet for skiing, so even though it would protect my head, it must be a needlessly overcautious idea".

The car/skiing thing is just an example of how ones perception of "irresponsible" can be influenced by whatever the social norm of the time happens to be.

And PLEASE stop saying that I am irresposible, as if I am encouraging anyone not to wear a helmet. Don't all the "helmets are a good idea" comments that I continously put forth get through to you at all?

I'm not lobbying against helmet use at all. In fact, I'm doing this because I'm working on a paper about "How social norms affect "rational" thoughts and perceptions" and many of the responses to this thread are providing great examples of the issue.
Sep 27 2007 6:00PM
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MarkieR
Posts: 5337 - Karma: 98
my sentiments exactly.
Sep 27 2007 6:11PM
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 246
why the hell do skiers have to be such nerds? how about instead of being a good role model for kids by being responsible and making smart choices, they should be a role model by doing what they want and having a good time, thats what skiing is about anyway, not being responsible and that shit.
and if you cant deal with the risks of skiing without a helmet you shouldnt be skiing. i wear a helmet usually, but there is something i dont like about it, its like unnatural, and i feel kinda guilty wearing one sometimes, like it takes away from it in some ways. i know its more "risky" but thats skiing, if you wanna dont take risks go play chess or something.
Sep 27 2007 6:24PM
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TheButterHashira
Posts: 9691 - Karma: 1,702
i feel naked without a helmet. if you think wearing a helmet is "unnatural" you should take those odd wooden planks and plastic boots off your feet.
Sep 27 2007 6:27PM
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grams.
Posts: 7406 - Karma: 186
Eric H does switch double backs? Are you thinking of Rory Bushfield doing one in MSP on the same jump that Eric was hitting?
Sep 27 2007 6:58PM
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 246
who gives a shit if not wearing a helmet is irresponsible, freestyle skiing, or pretty much any freestyle sport can be called "irresponsible" the sport is a risk, so live with it or quit. you guys sound like my mom but worse.
if you think its stupid or "irresponsible" to take risks, thats great, have fun doing nothing the rest of your life. personally i think its stupid and a waste of a human life for someone not to take risks.
one of my dads friends almost died from cancer awhile ago, and after that he stated flying planes, racing motorcycles/cars, and pretty much doing everything dangerous he could think of, he showed me pictures of him landing his small plane on a little bumpy ass dirt field with random ditches everywhere, and he had tires meant only for asphalt, he said there was a huge chance of him crashing, but he did it anyway. he says something like you can either die rotting of old age or choking on a carrot. or you can die having the most fun of your life.
Sep 27 2007 10:08PM
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RudyGarmisch
Posts: 25443 - Karma: 13,844

I could go biking on the oncoming lane of a highway too, that shit would get adrenaline running through my veins pretty good too. Doesnt mean its a good idea, and suer I could get lucky and survive and call it the coolest thing in my life... and hundreds of other people that then try will get pancaked by an 18-wheeler.

Taking risks is inherent in skiing. Its fun, sure. I love doing crazy shit. But I rarely haul ass into a huge jump without a speed check, I rarely drop cliffs where I dont know what the snowpack is like under it, and I dont ski backcountry when avy danger is high. Its a fine line between managing acceptable risks and being a reckless idiot. One side guarantees a high probability of fun while taking calculated risks, the other will probably result in injury or worse. So go on, have fun and take risks, and ski in high avy conditions and take needless risks. All I'm advocating is a head covering that will save your life when you need it, and wont impair you in any way when skiing. You're family will be happy you're wearing one when it saves your life someday.

And as to whats changed recently - Helmets have increased in popularity for two reasons that i can see. First, someone actually went out there and designed a snowsport helmet that works well, was cheap and available to the weekend warrior. Second, ski areas have gotten WAY more crowded over the last 10 years. I'm less afraid of hitting my head or wacking it on a log when I'm skiing trees, I mainly wear one because I dont trust other people on the hill. I can react to whats in front of me, but some douchbag that lets go of his board at the top of the run while I'm skiing down... thats something I cant react to. I also cant react to jackass beginners that bomb the run and hope the hit something to slow down. I dont want a ski or board cutting my occipital lobe in two, so I wear one.

And tride, good luck with that paper, I'm sure you'll get a wonderful grade since you can present a clear and reasoned argument. Oh wait, sorry....


Sep 27 2007 10:37PM
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 246
actually, im not sure if this is true, but one of my friends said that the number of bad head injuries increased when ski helmets became popular, because people think they cant get hurt.
and thats seriously the only reason i wear one is because i will try scarrier stuff when im wearing a helmet.
but yeah i understand what you mean by not doing REALLY dangerous stuff all the time. but i dont think not wearing a helmet is that crazy or dangerous.
Sep 27 2007 11:27PM
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Glenjamin
Posts: 139 - Karma: 10
Tonny Hawk got paid 1,000,000 dolla a year to wear his helmet for a good message "role model!"
Sep 27 2007 11:49PM
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tride
Posts: 1038 - Karma: 26
Thanks man.. since you did such a wonderful job of countering things... Wait, no you didn't, In fact your argument is about to crumble down around you...

Lets examine your clear and reasoned argument...You did claim that if they made a helmet that didn't "impair driving" you "would sure as hell wear one to make an inherently risky activity a little safer".

So... does that mean that you plan on wearing a helmet when you are a passenger in cars?

It's time to back up your bold words Rowen, by strapping on that full-face helmet every time you ride in somebody else's car! .

...Or alternatively, you could compose a nice clear and reasoned argument about how wearing a helmet would impair your ability to be a passenger.... Can't wait to hear it.....
Sep 28 2007 3:50AM
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skiierman
Posts: 28699 - Karma: -5,563
Have you noticed not one person has backed you up? Usually when you think you're the only one right and everyone else is wrong... that's when you need to re-think things a little. Just drop it because no one is caring enough anymore to read through your posts.
Sep 28 2007 9:11AM
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Tze.C
Posts: 1596 - Karma: 86
i never used to wear one, but then I met this guy who skied into a tree and now I always rock one.
Sep 28 2007 9:31AM
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KG_
Posts: 2198 - Karma: 20
no poles, no helmet. im preeeety much an idiot huh
Sep 28 2007 10:12AM
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skiierman
Posts: 28699 - Karma: -5,563
Naw... you're the future where helmets and poles are no longer needed and you are protected only by the "force"
Sep 28 2007 10:19AM
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snwbrdmilf
Posts: 22441 - Karma: 2,805
This is one of the reasons that I also, wear a helmet. I am just as afraid of running into a tree, as I am having some 200lb. man, who's out of control, come crashing into me. I've had it happen before, and I've seen it done to others.

The other reason was a friend of mine, screwed up on a box, smacking the back of her head on it. It was a pretty scary situation. She ended up having a concussion. From that point on, I realized I would be safer wearing a helmet. And I'll be damned if I ever let my kids ski without helmets. It will be an enforced rule. No helmet = no skiing.
Sep 28 2007 10:21AM
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gfanuckaa
Posts: 536 - Karma: 314
rory will
Sep 28 2007 10:28AM
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JATS101
Posts: 882 - Karma: 17
Its all rider preferance, and its all rider image. So much of this sport is about image, look at super baggy pants, rags hangin out, skinny jeans, poles no poles, knitted hats, stickers on skis, to whole one piece thing, huge ass head phones... its all about an image that each person is striving for. Ride the way you want, if you wanna follow an image, follow it, if you wanna be original, well good luck with that, cause its probably been done. See you on the slopes, trend or no trend sliding down the mountain rules it.
Sep 28 2007 2:40PM
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[]Soul_Steeze[]
Posts: 2357 - Karma: 60
i wish everyone would think like you...

Sep 28 2007 2:41PM
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Daver_BC
Posts: 1256 - Karma: 307
yeah it all depends on what your doing i suppose. like when your jibbing rails and just riding hard in the park, you will want one. but for like powder and cruising around its ok not to wear one.

plus most of the people at ski resorts only wear hats. so dont stress to hard on the subject.
Sep 28 2007 3:00PM
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