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Post by nickgreyden on Mar 3, 2010 2:44:59 GMT -5
Let me begin by sharing my personal beliefs so you know both my feelings and my train of thought.
I hate emotions. This stems from the fact that I am a VERY emotional person. Emotions tend to make others as well as myself act and think irrationally and illogically and without thought of the future and consequences of their actions. When something gets me emotional, I have, over the years, programed myself to stop and wait for the wave of pity, anger, joy, etc to subside so I can again act as a calm rational being. I enjoy the emotional responses of an indivdual as they tend to show who that person really is deep inside. In anger and frustration, their carefully concealed agendas, fears, and hatreds come out. In joy their secret loves, hopes, and wishes come out and we can see those people for who they really are. Tonight I saw Dan's frustration and anger and it spoke to me about what kind of person he really is as some five to eight minute edited piece never could.
Now on to take a look at our values as a Tribe and my own suggestions to network our tribe with others as well as Dan's stated goals and the reasoning behind it. These will be taken out of order for this idea, so bare with me.
Embrace our “inner weird”
In doing this I, I took my own "weird" internal programing and had to switch it on after watching the video. After I sat back and thought about the situation at hand which someone who does not even know I exist gave me free reign to come up with an idea to fix . . . let's face it "worldsuck", I was taken aback at how absolutely MASSIVE ANY endeavor would be. However, as my brain refused to shut up as it has for many nights now, it began to (in the words of Terry Goodkind, his hero Richard, and his grandfather Zed would say) focus on the solution and not the problem. After thinking about it, an old axiom; actually a Chinese proverb came to mind that states "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." Thinking of this, I come to realize that this is EXACTLY what we are trying to do.
Think UNREASONABLY big
If we are to do this, we have to think big . . . UNREASONABLY big. The goal, is information. However, any information will do no good at all if it can not be understood or comprehended. I could write a masterpiece book, detailing ways to voyage to, seek out and colonize new planets for the low low price of $1,000 as well as answer questions that have been plaguing scientist for years. But if I only spoke and wrote in an ancient alien dialect and script, it would be better off used as toilet paper than a book. It would be unfitting, unnecessarily burdensome, as well as a waste of time to do everything for everyone and therefore we have to TEACH everyone to fish. We must educate so that the minds of people across the globe can derive solutions. We must educate so that information will not be wasted. We must educate so comprehension of knowledge received can be applied not only to what is shown, but to all things. We must educate, so that knowledge gain can be passed not only amongst our own tribe but through to other tribes. If we teach everyone to fish, not only will they be fed, but they will learn how to build boats and ships. Educate EVERYONE. To accomplish this, we must Reach out to each other and remember to Look out for each other to make sure that our efforts do not wan.
Take pride in what we know and seek to know more
This is one of OUR values. This is what WE wish to do. However, is it not stingy to horde knowledge, to lay at rest upon the bosom of enlightenment and not share. Yes, it would be a horrid thing. Indeed, as our vaules state, we are to...
Use our awesome to bring out the awesome in others
What better way to show the world their own awesome than to let them relish in the idea of self accomplishment. After all, take many third world countries for instance. I actually have limited knowledge of them. However, I can see them living primary in a stage two tribe. Giving them a sense of being someone, a sense of being better than they thought, would that not raise a single person at a time to tier three? For those in the first stage, would not it raise them to a tier two? Yes, their lives may suck because even though they have knowledge, they have no way to use it to their advantage. However, if the effort continues, unflaggingly, unceasingly, would it not lead them then to tier 3 once the tribes of that nation start to form larger, more knowledgeable groups where their education as well as unique skills could be put to work?
I'll pause here in the wall of text to bring you more on the How, not just the way as well as the nagging question "what about those that are already educated?"
P.S. I hope I covered everything I did discuss thoroughly enough to at least make sense.
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Post by nickgreyden on Mar 3, 2010 2:45:54 GMT -5
Ok guys so onto the plan of action.
Reading up on the way that many other countries deal out education, I was thinking that the solution to the problem is a lack of a standard. Now the problem with this is we do not all fit into a "standard" however, Teachers without Borders has been working on a Global Standard for with the educated could indeed teach as well as teach each other. After all, what it takes to teach is nothing but the desire to share knowledge.
A privately ran, non profit ognazation that spanned the globe. It would be split up into 2 groups. The first, primary education consisting of a five year term. Here would be the basics of languages, math, science, and social skills.
Language - Reading and Writing. From the basics of Letter recognition and proper speech to sentence structure and the beginnings of essays writing. The tools to interact with others as well as reading comprehension
Mathematics - Covering everything from counting, telling time, measurements and currency to addition, subtraction, multiplication , and division. Both fractions and decimals as well as problems in a written format (word problems) and possibly pre-geometry (a^2 + b^2 = c^2) and pre-algebra ( x +3 = 12)
Science - The ability to understand the world around and ask questions. Earth sciences would be a must have as well as space. Chemical and phyical changes, photosynthesis, why birds fly, how electricity works, mechnical motions, pulleys and levers. The building blocks of knowledge with the understanding of the need to ask questions.
Social Skills - How to remain healthy and interact with others. "All I needed to know I learned in Kindergarten" is a phrase that has been tossed around a lot, however, for social interactions it is true. Share, play nice, don't hit, wash your hands, don't eat dirt, all these things have vital importance. Also hearing about and the begininngs of understanding other cultures especially how they relate to your own is a milestone to understanding relationships and intereacting to those around you. Where is the United States or Canada? What do they do? How do they live?
After a 5 year period, the teachers of this course could be satisfied that even if these students do not progress to the next step, they have the basics to go out and become more, because they have a foundation to grow on. A diploma would be issued to let everyone know, this person can read, can write. They can "do numbers" they have an idea how to stay healthy and react to others in a positive way. They can think for themselves and hopefully be aware of cause and effect. This, in and of itself, is a major step from a tribe stage 1 tribe stage 2 or even 2 to 3.
The second part would be a secondary school, much like the United States and highschool. It puts more in depth focus on the above courses, delving deeper into the subjects.
Language - A second language would be introduced. Current language would be focused on and the hows and whys would be answered. Books would be read as well as essays written, even public speaking. The literary works of other cultures could be discussed and why this or that had an impact.
Science - Deeper Earth Science, Physical Science, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics would take hold here as Science and Math began to merge
Math - Algebra, Geometry, Advanced Algebra, Pre-Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus could be brought in to help those interested in a higher field.
Of course social skills could be persued further but a wide open plan of options comes in also with History, Computer Literacy, Typing, and Engineering. For places whose culture is struggling, welding, structure building, wood shops, and other things that could be taught to children whose nation will rise up on their backs. Liberal arts, music, art, creative writing, the future expressionists of the country. Introductions to economics, government, history, and even tribal structure could pave the way for a future leader to bring in the reign of a new world.
After this 5 year period, another diploma, certificate of completion would be awarded extolling the deeds of the individual and his peers. It would signify to the rest of the world that this person is prepared for college in any country, or an agent of education no matter where he go.
This would indeed enforced a level 2 to 3 and possibly, maybe ( I haven't read the book to find the proper leverage) 3 to 4. And even if it doesn't, the collective unit will have spoken to 3 levels. Remember, a tribe can only hear one level above or below where they are.
Again I'll pause here and take any comments before proceeding further.
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Post by nickgreyden on Mar 3, 2010 2:46:45 GMT -5
Conrad, thank you very much for the link, it was quite informative. UNESCO seems to have a very close idea to what I was proposing, as well as Teachers without Borders (http://www.teacherswithoutborders.org/), both of which seem like noble causes (and I will reference them) and they appear to work quite closely by the information that has been given on both websites, though they do not come out and say so.
First let me begin on why I suggest a fairly rigid standardized version of at least the first 5 years of education. A child of say 6 years old attending classes has the opportunity to lay the foundation of a better life. By learning the very basics, the building blocks of education, he/she has a chance to go back, at any point and begin again their formal education. Though it might be difficult to get back into the swing of classroom learning, they have the fundamental principals already ingrained in them. They can read, write, do numerical computations, as well as have a basic understanding of the world around them. THIS IS KEY FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT! Though at this time, having reached or exceeded the ripe old age of 11, they become very useful to many cultures to keep around as they begin to learn to help more and more with common practices around their respective communities the hope is those communities see the benefit of continued education. However, if by this time education has taken root, they can continue their cultural tasks with a knowledge that possibly many others around them have not had before. Think of what that could produce!
The roots must be firmly planted. They must be watered and tended while they are young. To do less, would not only invite disaster, but to give up on the mind.
UNESCO states one of it's causes is to grant education to all peoples no matter age. This is a very good thing. It does, however, warn that without a desirable result, children and their parents will pull each other out of the educational environment as it produces nothing of desire. This is where the first part of secondary schools education comes in. It is left more wide open to be of the best use where it is enacted upon. Some might benefit most from learning about general building and maintenance while others agriculture and forestry. Others might glean more from history and nearby cultures while others business and politics. It would be up to the local cultures to enact which of the many different types of education best suits each area. However, a variety should be offered for those that wish to leave a certain area for others. Multilingual training would be essential as well especially for those that live in and around areas where multiple languages are spoken. This would provide the basis for communication and understanding as well as peaceful exploration and assimilation into other areas.
The second part is college training. This is more about academic standards. The ability to preform advanced math and language skills as well as writing. Upper sciences and the ability to extrapolate information and draw conclusions would be pressed. UNESCO wants education expressing the benefits of a democratic governments and for that I call foul as many different types of governments work and no one should "pigeon hole" people on a particular system. Instead all should be addressed, their strengths and weaknesses, to allow these future leaders the knowledge to pull the best of all worlds. After all, who is to say that these that are being trained cannot develop a whole new system that works better!
Finally I shall address something that is tainted with my personal opinions so be forewarned. Another goal of UNESCO is the desire to make sure the needs of women, minorities and special needs people are addressed. This is one of those that I hate to touch on but I will and beg for your comments on as well. Please remember to play nice.
First off, minorities. We here in the United States have had a long long lesson about disparaging another group of peoples. Unfortunately we are most likely more thick-headed than most other people as we are still learning at a surprisingly slow pace. However, in our own experience, to borrow a line from a Fox special on the X-Men called Mutant Watch, "The sadder fact is that some people fail to realize that intolerance of any kind has never been successful in improving the fortunes of mankind". As such, we have learned that Thomas Jefferson (primary author of the United States Declaration of Independence) had it correct in proclaiming "all men are created equal". Yes this includes any minority. Though they may act differently than the majority or "norm", they have their own reasons. If you wish to learn about them, from them, by them, the only possibility is equal education. However there will be problems. Keep reading and they will be explained during and after women.
It is difficult to address the variety of problems associated with those that have special needs. Problems ranging from physical to mental make it difficult to be able to address them all as a lump sum. Inability to walk, to hold writing utensils, learning disabilities, ADD, ADHD, Cystic Fibrous, and all other provide unique challenges that need to be faced almost on a case by case basis. Facilities and special types of education would most likely need to be implemented to educate those with handicaps. However, we cannot afford to let those slip through the cracks. We also cannot afford the luxury of lowering the bar based on these individuals nor slowing the learning process of the masses.
Finally women. UNESCO insists that women feel comfortable and safe in a learning environment and that they too should be included. It pains me that many places still feel the need to place women below men in any aspect of life. Many places have seen the benefits of women becoming a partner in the world in education, as well as other parts of life. However, when is the thrust forward appropriate? In the United States, Canada, England, Australia, and others, only when a society reaches a certain point where it is no longer dependent upon gender based roles hashed out by their customs and cultures over years are peoples truly free to fly. Now, I know for a fact that the United States and England were well behind the curve at this point, and I by no means intend to limit rights or education based on gender, I only intend to point out that many tribes depend on gender based roles for survival and that it will be a transition, like everything proposed herein that will take time. All must be very very careful in any attempt to implement anything and constantly be aware of local customs and cultural heritage else we run the risk of running roughshod over others in an attempt to make them a mini-US or mini-England etc. The goal is not only to educate others, but each other as well. We can learn just as much when we discover the hows and whys of people as we do from giving those people a book and an ability to read.
To those who would blast apart my latter argument as being a male chauvinist let me put that into a different perspective. Imagine if you will, going out to The Middle of Nowhere, South America and finding a tribe of peoples that have lived apart from the world in the middle of the rain forest for years. Now, tell all those people of the wonder and majesty of New York City, London, and Sydney and tell them they must change their entire lifestyles to fit that. It doesn't work because it is not the same place with the same rules. Instead it must be a gradual thing to move one step at a time. They have roles that have been established that allow for X to happen so Y can happen so everyone can enjoy Z. When any new element is brought in, such as a standard education, it introduces element R which they are unfamilar with. It has to find it's own place to influence things in a manner which is acceptable to the tribe else it will forever be an outcast and never willingly accepted.
In short, offering to teach minorities, special needs, and women is the first step as that begins to open peoples minds to new concepts. Once someone sees how they are equal in education, it gives those who never thought that possible pause and something to discuss not only to each other but for those in power to enact change as well. Once these people reach an age of being leaders, the problem begins to correct itself. In other words, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it". Proverbs 22:6
Well that's all for this addition/edition. Stay tuned for more thoughts later and any comments, thoughts, links, research etc are welcome.
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Post by nickgreyden on Mar 3, 2010 2:48:18 GMT -5
OH HO! It appears that people do read my long winded posts, and you hit the head on the nail for what was going to be my next large post that was lost due to a dying computer.
In a nutshell. The first 5 years are spent on the foundations of learning. Each "course" would be broken down into 5 levels, one for each grade. If you excel at math and stink at language skills it would possible to have a level 4 math and level 2 language. The diploma would be handed out theoretically in 5 years, 1 year per advancement stage, however, it could take longer or shorter depending on how well you do, your speed of learning etc. This allows for quick learners and gifted children to excel without limits save the maximum. It also allows those that need longer and more time that as well. You advance as quickly as you can, never held back from knowledge in one field due to the lack of knowledge in another. This, of course, only holds true for the first 5 years (give or take a few :-) ) The following is another story.
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Post by bombmaniac on Mar 4, 2010 11:46:59 GMT -5
Nick Greyden for UN secretary general! who's with me!
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Post by nickgreyden on Mar 5, 2010 1:32:06 GMT -5
lol thanks bomb, but I don't think I could become the thing I've come to hate the most :-(
Ok so I've been giving this a lot of thought and was wondering how to continue when Dan posted a video about changes in education. I'm trying to decide if it would really be a good thing or not and how to work it in exactly. Fear not, the long winded old man isn't finished yet :-) I will be back soon with some tweaks. In the meantime, if you can make it through my wall-o-text let me know what you think.
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ElfLady
Planet
I'm a crazy!
Posts: 409
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Post by ElfLady on Mar 5, 2010 2:00:31 GMT -5
Nick Greyden for UN secretary general! who's with me! ME!!!!!!! Woah man, that was pretty epic. ^_^ I haven't read it all yet, but it still seems awesome. With your first thoughts, about feeling, I totally know where you're coming from. I'm an empath, so I tend to feel other's emotions, as well as my own. I try really hard to block these emotions.
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Post by nickgreyden on Mar 19, 2010 7:09:19 GMT -5
I haven't came here in a while because to be honest, I'm stuck. I've never been that great with coming up with things on my own, only with finding and suggesting fixes for things already in the works. So this is where I need you guys to come in.
First off, take the time to read through this incredibly long winded thread please. Please read it from start to finish (just did it and it took 12 mins). Grasp the idea that I'm going for. Tell me what I'm doing wrong. Tell me what is right. Then help me. It's not complete. It's missing something.... valuable. I can't put my finger on it, I can't see it, but like a shoe that just doesn't fit correctly, I know it's not right.
Give me the missing pieces, and together, we will build a masterpiece!
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Post by simonlebeast on Mar 20, 2010 7:51:46 GMT -5
i thought this is intresting tell me if u agree. it would definatly moyivate me in school more.... and make it less stressful....
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Post by simonlebeast on Mar 20, 2010 7:52:08 GMT -5
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Post by akirsteninthesky on Mar 20, 2010 22:36:31 GMT -5
I have not finished everything you have said so far, so I will finish later, but I will discuss a bit on what you have said so far (please, bear with me...).
You said that you "hate emotions". I understand completely, but I do also believe that emotions are not only ways to aggravate others, but they can inspire those to continue to move forward. One of our many inspiring emotions is "Hope", and I believe that the more we think of more ideas for PogoTribe, we should continue to hope.
We should hope, even if we cannot. This is difficult, but with support, we can achieve our goals.
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Post by nickgreyden on Mar 30, 2010 3:02:56 GMT -5
Anyone else have any comments. I'm still missing something... massive.
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Post by nickgreyden on Dec 29, 2010 2:17:19 GMT -5
project revival 2.0 - Cause some things need not die
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Post by nickgreyden on Dec 29, 2010 18:13:05 GMT -5
Below is Brain Crack, and may disregard the above.
The first years should focus on 3 P's Primary, Productive, Practical
Year 1 Semester 1
Language: Completely at a loss on this one as I have little to no understanding on languages other than English. For English examples, the alphabet and associated sounds followed by how they fit together to begin to form words. The latter half of the semester should be devoted to "sight words" such as
Mathematics: Should focus on numbers with everyday meaning while teaching the base structure of math. This includes adding, subtracting, shapes, and time. Should also include proper layout of mathematical formulas and the symbols that represent each part of the equation.
Social Skills: Should focus on common social aspects as well as health. The social should include things like how to share, how to be nice, what happy and sad mean, do not hit, hands to yourself etc. The health should vary depending on the circumstances but should include things such as washing your hands before eating, proper bathroom etiquette, some few dangers of unclean water etc.
Science: The bases of logical thought and intro into the world around them. Should include things such as maps of the world, mountains, plains, valleys, deserts, the arctic, etc with explainations on the type of life and people there and how they have adapted to their climate. Should spark understandings how locals have adapted to their own part of the world.
Arts: Hazy. Not an art person. Music would be great but for poorer places unreasonable. Things like colored pencils/crayons are iffy at best. Paint and woodwork would also be great. Big unknown.
Year 1 Semester 2
Language: Begin with reading small simple stories and begin to write the students own. Focus more on getting thoughts out and on the page than on correct grammar and spelling. This should be the norm for the rest of the year.
Mathematics: Hone in on adding and subtracting and understanding real world applications. Intro into measurements and local currencies.
Social Skills: Continue teaching health as well as expand to social skill sets to include how to act around those that are not peers (e.g. teachers, parents, and strangers) Health should continue to be taught more for things like recognizing good and bad foods as well as exercise.
Science: Continue with the world and how it is with it's different peoples, animals, and plants as well as things like dust storms, volcanoes, and rain/snow.
Arts: Hazy. Always build with what has been learned previously. As children grow, expansion should continue as they become more reliable and more mature.
Test should always contain or have materials that has been covered and some should use information previously learned to stay sharp.
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Post by qooqǝɯɐƃ on Dec 29, 2010 18:17:15 GMT -5
Yea, physical education is missing. And what of the ways of testing and grading students? And how about the structure of class time and school duration? The evaluation and pay of teachers, the grouping of students or even the ambiance of a classroom? And of course how is this non-profit organization for education structured (where do they get all the money? Donations?)?
I would hope to see an emphasis on work habit in elementary education, as much as the subjects being taught and maybe even more so on social education. And in high school, logical thinking, and social education/personal development should be the main objective of their education. Not just learning specific, in-depth subject matter. And a wide range of courses should be available. However this might make it necessary for some courses to be taught online with video. And what about allowing the students to choose which classes they take and when they take them (like in college)?
That's all that's come across my mind so far... What do you think?
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Post by nickgreyden on Dec 29, 2010 22:15:37 GMT -5
I think it's nice to see someone taking an interest. I'll get back to you, several points to take out of what you have said, however i'm late for something. I'll be back :-)
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Post by nickgreyden on Dec 29, 2010 22:37:12 GMT -5
Turns out I'm not needed :-) So here goes in response to several of your questions.
Most of the "westernized" world has their education set up already and this, while I think when it is finished would be better, is doubtful to take over. This is being built more for developing countries and places without an educational system. I wanted to put that out there so you know where the rest is coming from.
Physical Education is missing, and I'm aware of that. I intended it to be lumped in with Social Skills/Health. The latter means of grouping students can be seen above in huge post #2 I think, beginning I haven't hammered out yet but is on the charts. Testing is likewise on the charts. Off in the distance is class structure, duration, and the evaluation and pay of teachers since I believe it to be more benefical to work out a curriculum first, then match logistics. In this case, make the peg then make the hole for it to fit :-)
In response to work habit, as I said this is mainly for developing countries (at least that is what it is being built on) and thus trying to keep homework to non-existance or at least to a minimum. The reason being these children would be expected to help out either around the house if living at home, or around the school if it required boarding. My own mother was threatened that any books brought home from school would be burned because school was for school and she had work to do at home. However, this does not mean that a good work ethic could not/would not be enforced in the school itself.
The goal of the primary education is to be just that. As another one of the insanely long posts above states, the goal is to teach as much of the basics as possible in the earliest years so that by the time they are 10 or so, if their parents pull them out of school because they need to do work, they can read, write, do simple numbers, and know how to live socially and healthy with one another. It also provides the foundation to return to school at a later time and have a great start. It also provides a basic education system they can teach siblings, parents, children, or neighbors.
High school was a rough draft. It is still being hammered out. However you have to remember that for many in these places, graduating high school is a really big deal. The goal I had it mind was not just to provide for them a solid education, but valuable skills that makes them highly valued in a job market. A man that knows how and can build a house, a welder, a carpenter... these are valuable life skills and could provide a better life for the person being taught as well as a better life for their children. Remember as well for whom this structure is being built. Having online classes with video is not really an option... unless of course it is optional pending both funds and accessibilty.
Anyway there ya go
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Post by nickgreyden on Dec 29, 2010 22:59:22 GMT -5
Year 2 Semester 1
Language: Periods, exclamations, questions. Subject and verb. Subject and predicate. More reading and spelling. Begin write more. More emphasis on spelling and grammar.
Mathematics: More on shapes (3d). More on local and/or oft seen currencies. Borrowing and Carrying. Multiple number problems.
Social Skills: More on remaining healthy. More complex social skills (e.g. how do you think that make them feel?) Antiapation. More on near by cultures that one may be forced to interact with.
Science: Why do things happen. Pushes and pulls. Levers. The intro into space. The sun, the earth, the other "however many there are now" planets. Shadows. gravity.
Art: Continue on
Year 2 Semester 2
Language: Near the end spelling and grammar should be corrected. More spelling words and more writing and reading. Complex sentences.
Social Skills: Food Groups. Differences in people and accepting them. Clean homes. Safety (fire, floods, lost, strangers), phyical education. Discussion on bones and muscles.
Science: Light, Dark, how the earth moves and how we move. Simple Newtons Third Law. Intro to chemicals. Hot/Cold temperature
Arts: ....move of the same?
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Post by SwimFellow on Dec 29, 2010 23:07:00 GMT -5
Hey nick? Can I talk to you over PM about my secret project? I swear, it's not at all the same..
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Post by nickgreyden on Dec 30, 2010 0:01:06 GMT -5
skype is better but ya
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