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tonynico

Apr 15, 2011, 10:06 AM

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Peso

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exchange rate today is 11.755. came way down. How is inflation in Mexico.
Has anyone felt the pinch of rising costs and falling dollar?

any comments

Tony



richmx2


Apr 15, 2011, 11:15 AM

Post #2 of 23 (5014 views)

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Re: [tonynico] Peso

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Those of us "living and working" in Mexico... who live on peso incomes... have been feeling the pinch of inflation for quite some time, what with food and other basics going up in cost. For retirees and remittance persons, perhaps the exchange rate is relevant to inflation, but for people like myself, it's a rather academic question.


http://mexfiles.net
http://voiceofmexico.com
http://editorialmazatlan.com


Karen K

Apr 16, 2011, 1:56 PM

Post #3 of 23 (4879 views)

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Re: [tonynico] Peso

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I live on a ranch and the cost of feed (alfalfa, grain, etc.) as well as other goods have been going up over the last 3 years or more.


YucaLandia


Apr 21, 2011, 10:40 AM

Post #4 of 23 (4661 views)

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Re: [tonynico] Peso

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Hey Tony,
Yes, there has been inflation here on food and fuel costs, but these increased costs have been more than out-stripped by typical Mexican investment gains. People who do not have investments, land, etc. are being squeezed.

Where do you think the situation of US dollar values is heading?

Both a key Chinese rating agency, Dagong, and Standard and Poors are publicly reporting significant long-term US Dollar weakening due to the US President's and Congress's refusal to reign-in Public Debt and US Federal deficit spending. Dagong is trusted for non-political currency ratings and their recent downgrading USA's Treasury bonds from their classic AAA ratings, and even Standard and Poors (a modestly politicized agency) downgrading of future US dollar strength seem to forecast trouble for the US dollar. This means trouble for people who depend on the dollar, like US ex-pat retirees with USD savings & investments. (Also check out the Bolsa's strength & performance over the past 5 years vs. Wall Street.)

The US dollar will likely continue to slide versus the MXN peso, unless Bernanke, the US Treasury Dept, Obama, and Congress make serious course changes, to keep the US public debt from exceeding US GDP, (US Debt currently @ $14 Trillion - Up an additional $4 trillion under Obama & the Democratic Congress) . The much heralded "deal" between Obama and Congress to cut the US Government budget by $40 billion, actually turned out to have only $380 million of real spending cuts. This shows that US politicians do not have the intention or the will to actually reduce the $2 trillion per year of govt. overspending. Cutting $380 million vs. the $2 trillion annual US deficit & $14 trillion of debt, is like reducing $1,000 of growing credit card debt by 19 cents a year.

"Yep, we're cutting back our $1,000 debt, by spending 19 cents less on cheap toilet paper, every year."

Oil prices are another driver to watch in the inflation/peso/dollar problems. As long as worldwide oil consumption matches or exceeds the 88 million barrels per day worldwide production level, oil prices will remain high (strong) and likely continue to increase, increasing the relative strength of the MXN peso. Pair this likely strengthening of the peso with the US public's unwillingness to cut their personal govt. subsidies (mortgage interest give-backs, corporate subsidies, etc), and also pair it with the US Govt's leadership's unwillingness to take meaningful action (19 cents of cuts on every $1,000 of debt), and it becomes difficult to avoid the conclusion that US dollars will continue to buy less and less in Mexico, for years to come.

Inflation effects? Likely less than the falling value of the US dollar: This all seems to mean that people living on a so-called "fixed income" of US dollars, will actually be living on a declining income, courtesy of Bernanke, Obama, Geitner, Reid, Pelosi, Bush and Boehner. Since the long-term outlook is for a strengthening peso (now under $11.6 MXN pesos per USD & falling?), we're personally glad that our income is in pesos, and glad that our Mexican investments have been much more productive than their US counterparts.

We also know of a number of US expats here who have recently moved blocks of cash (in the $25K - $50K range) out of the US, into Mexican investments, because the Chinese have been dumping US Treasury Securities for the reasons cited above - and the US Treasury is now asking lots of new & highly-intrusive questions about exactly why ordinary citizens are moving their money, and asking exactly what it will be spent on, before the Govt. approves the release or transfer of these personal funds.

Hope y'awl have filed your Form TD F 90-22.1 's, on your “FBAR” accounts and fideicomisos (worth over $10K USD).
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f90221.pdf - filing with the US Treasury Dept.

Enjoy,
steve
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Read-on MacDuff
E-visit at http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/

(This post was edited by YucaLandia on Apr 21, 2011, 1:46 PM)


CanuckBob


Apr 21, 2011, 12:29 PM

Post #5 of 23 (4623 views)

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Re: [YucaLandia] Peso

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Or you can put your money into Canadian investments for something a little more stable. The CDN dollar is strong and the markets are doing fine.

Todays exchange rate:

1 USD = 11.61 pesos
1 CDN = 12.24 pesos

Bob
Inside Lakeside
http://lakechapalainfo.bigforumpro.com/


ken_in_dfw

Apr 21, 2011, 12:32 PM

Post #6 of 23 (4619 views)

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Re: [YucaLandia] Peso

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We moved a fair amount of our investments out of dollar-denominated funds and into the Swiss Franc and Swedish Krona for exactly the reasons you've outlined, Steve.

That said, I think that the boys and girls in Washington will patch things up before the situation deteriorates too far. They are kept on a pretty short leash by their masters.

Mexico has impressed me with the fiscal discipline it has been running of late. Assuming it can stabilize its security situation - or maybe even in spite of it - I think the Mexican economy will benefit from rising wage and shipping inflation in the Asian exporting countries. So long term, the Mexican economy looks good to me.


YucaLandia


Apr 21, 2011, 12:52 PM

Post #7 of 23 (4604 views)

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Re: [CanuckBob] Peso

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Hi Bob,
Yes, the CAD has only declined 2.3% vs the MXN peso in less than 2 months (March 1'st $12.46 vs $12.17 today) vs the USD's 4.4% drop.

We prefer investments that appreciate in value,
steve
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Read-on MacDuff
E-visit at http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/


CanuckBob


Apr 21, 2011, 1:00 PM

Post #8 of 23 (4593 views)

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Re: [YucaLandia] Peso

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Well I guess if all your investments are always in a state of appreciation you must be one wealthy hombre........no?

Bob
Inside Lakeside
http://lakechapalainfo.bigforumpro.com/


arbon

Apr 21, 2011, 1:57 PM

Post #9 of 23 (4567 views)

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Re: [CanuckBob] Peso

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In Reply To
Well I guess if all your investments are always in a state of appreciation you must be one wealthy hombre........no?


As long as your investment return is higher than inflation it is appreciating.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



YucaLandia


Apr 21, 2011, 2:34 PM

Post #10 of 23 (4556 views)

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Re: [CanuckBob] Peso

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Hey Bob,
SO glad you have a sense of humor!

Beers are on me, next time you come to Mérida!
steve
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*We chose to leave our liquid cash here in Mexico, back when the Peso drooped to $13.75, (when many gringos were predicting $15 : $1 and worse exchanges). ... We've been smiling ever since.

**Does a 16% return over 18 months, due solely to Peso strengthening, outpace inflation?
Our investments have appreciated more than an additional 40% in the meantime - without the earlier big losses suffered by SEC-approved (Geitner-approved) Wall Street investments. And since there have been no prosecutions of major Wall Street banking/investment firms, and the US Govt. shows no sighn of fiscal reform, are Wall Street and the US economy suddenly a good bet? The US housing market still has not hit bottom, according to most statistics and experts - more layoffs of Govt. workers in 30 states with $ billions of state govt. deficits and more mortgage defaults/foreclosures loom on the horizon.

Still, after state deficits are unwound (by increasing taxes, govt. employee layoffs, etc), and US housing values start to recover from a year's backlog of under-valued foreclosed properties, the US picture looks to improve some by 2013.
-
Read-on MacDuff
E-visit at http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/

(This post was edited by YucaLandia on Apr 21, 2011, 4:02 PM)


tonynico

Apr 21, 2011, 7:20 PM

Post #11 of 23 (4472 views)

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Re: [CanuckBob] Peso

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I am going to get an argument over this but I will post it anyway.
I was concerned about Fbar filing. I called the treasury dept.
I spoke to a women in the Fbar division I started telling her about fidecomisos before I could get the entire word out she mentioned fidecomisos. I asked her how she knew about them? She said many people called last year to ask if they have to file Fbar for the trust. She said it was discussed in full detail and since the trust is not used for stock bonds, or any other type of investment and no cash could go in or out you do not have to file no matter the value of the property in the trust.
She said if I wanted to I could ask the IRS that deals with Fbar, she gave me their email address.
I emailed the question in explaining I have a fide. and explained that the other person in Fbar division said you do not have to file if you have a trust.

I got an answer back (one word correct)
Now I know I will here from others that disagree and will point out what the Fbar laws say but Two people one in the treasury Fbar division and one in the IRS fbar divsion both confirmed this and I have the email to boot.

Tony


(This post was edited by tonynico on Apr 21, 2011, 7:24 PM)


chinagringo


Apr 21, 2011, 7:55 PM

Post #12 of 23 (4453 views)

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Re: [tonynico] Peso

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Tonynico:

This is by no means a personal attack or criticism but while I believe in due diligence, there seems to be a tone to your accumulated posts that seems to indicate you may be over-thinking this whole concept of moving to Mexico. Granted you are raising issues created by the " nanny nation" but there may just be too many variables and lack of rigid rules/laws in Mexico for you to be comfortable?
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM



tonynico

Apr 21, 2011, 8:24 PM

Post #13 of 23 (4440 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] Peso

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A good chess player thinks many moves ahead. I am a firm believer in asking as many questions as I can on all variables. I thank you for your input pesos health and many other topics I am concerned about. It is a person who walks in blindly that is a fool. Get as much info as you can and then make your mind up. I am neither negative or positive when I ask these questions.
Take my post above some guy is going to file a Fbar on his fide. I took the time and spent many hours to find out that you do not have to. It is my make up to investigate. But guess what at least when it is all said and done. I am armed with the best possible knowledge to make an educated decision.
At least I know I do not have to file an fbar no matter what the value of the trust is. LOL

Tony


CanuckBob


Apr 21, 2011, 8:55 PM

Post #14 of 23 (4430 views)

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Re: [YucaLandia] Peso

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In Reply To
Hey Bob,
SO glad you have a sense of humor!

Beers are on me, next time you come to Mérida!
steve
-
I'll take you up on that one Steve......jeje


Bob
Inside Lakeside
http://lakechapalainfo.bigforumpro.com/


YucaLandia


Apr 22, 2011, 8:51 AM

Post #15 of 23 (4351 views)

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Re: [tonynico] Peso

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Hey Tony,
Excellent information on FBAR & Fideicomiso requirements!

We were so inspired by your helpful information, that we worked-up a new article at Yucalandia to cover your really helpful information at: http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/...hat-is-the-question/ , plus another related article on useful information for US Ex-Pat tax filing at: http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/...-us-ex-pats/
Thanks!
steve
-
-
Read-on MacDuff
E-visit at http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/

(This post was edited by Rolly on Apr 22, 2011, 8:54 AM)


surebought

Apr 22, 2011, 8:52 AM

Post #16 of 23 (4349 views)

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Re: [tonynico] Peso

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I agree with what Chinagringo said.


morgaine7


Apr 22, 2011, 9:49 AM

Post #17 of 23 (4315 views)

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Re: [tonynico] Peso

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Well, I'll do a certain amount of investigation, but when it gets too complicated or tedious or time-consuming to figure out what rules apply to my situation, I just shrug and file whatever-it-is. It's far less stressful than worrying about what might happen if I don't file.

Kate


tonynico

Apr 22, 2011, 9:50 AM

Post #18 of 23 (4315 views)

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Re: [surebought] Peso

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Thank you I am glad I could pass along useful information.
In my quest to find out about Fbar. I got lucky and spoke to someone that is involved with Fatca
For those that are not aware, there is great concern that the IRS might start to tax people on use of the property in a foreign trust = Fide. The person I spoke to at the treasury was involved with setting the Fatca policy. Again I explained about what the Fide was and he was already aware. We spoke in depth. I explained if you read the fatca law it sounds to all that reads it that it will apply to Fide if you use the propety within it. He explained that it is a grantor trust and as such it should not apply
I asked him if more guidance or clarity could be given since many American expats are very concerned. He said they are working on it. He gave me another number to call of a women in the treasury who is actually writing the law again we spoke in detail. We talked about the same things in the prior conversation and she confirmed what the last person said. About it being a grantor trust and that the law realizes that you are the one that owns the trust and set it up so it should not apply to these grantor trusts.
Again I asked if they could put out a clearer definition on who is affected.
She said it is still new and guidance will be coming.

Both used the word should not apply but it is not set in stone. So I guess we have to wait
But their statements are encouraging.

If it does not work out you will be charged for sleeping in your own bed!!

I do believe it will work out reason dictates these trusts are not set up to hide money.
and that it was originally your already taxed money that set up the trust. Far different then a trust that can take in stocks bonds etc. gererate income and not be reported.

Tony


chinagringo


Apr 22, 2011, 10:19 AM

Post #19 of 23 (4298 views)

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Re: [tonynico] Peso

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"A good chess player thinks many moves ahead."

A standard game of chess starts with each player having 16 pieces in each side of the game board. Having previously owned a home in MX for 8 years and traveled the country for over 10 years, I have concluded that the number of pieces that each player starts with each day varies and that the so-called rules can change from town to town or State to State or even day to day. Before achieving a "Mexico State of Mind", I allowed my NOB baggage or thought processes to bring on stress, anger, disappointment and numerous other negative reactions. Now each day brings a new set of experiences, rules, and lessons that go into that memory vault for the day and open for modification the following day. As the French say: C'est la vie!

Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM



Mexberry

Apr 23, 2011, 7:31 AM

Post #20 of 23 (4174 views)

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Re: [tonynico] Peso

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The factors that are excluded from 'core inflation' trends, such as housing and gasoline pricing make the results somewhat irrelevant. House prices in Mexico are down substantially over the past 2/3 years. Gas is still cheaper , although increasing, than in the US and especially Canada. So depending on your lifestyle - if you drive a lot for example , then inflation may effect your budget.
The returns on investments through the Bolsa are impressive, although it is such a small market that if Mr. Carlos Sim ( Telmex et al) has a bad year , your losses will be much greater than if you invested your cash in Canada, Australia etc. where you can spread your risk. Until all levels of government in the US quit spending and start to raise taxes , the greenback will weaken even further.


YucaLandia


Apr 25, 2011, 1:14 PM

Post #21 of 23 (3954 views)

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Re: [CanuckBob] Peso

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Hi Guys,
Did the latest Currency & Economic news from last weekend and last week catch the US Dollar/MXN Peso watchers?

The US Treasury just sold $66 billion in new treasury notes. New Treasury Supply Helps Market Get a Grip


Other additional tasty tidbits in the flotsam and jetsam of things un-reported by the US mainstream big media:
Reports out of Great Britain’s media describe how the Chinese Govt. had sold off roughly $65 billion of US treasury securities that were maturing between Dec. 2010 and the present ($34 billion in Dec as the biggest chunk and another reported $24 billion in Jan 2011), with more sell-offs planned (see below). http://www.guardian.co.uk/...ls-us-treasury-bonds and
http://www.baltimoresun.com/...0425,0,3963191.story


Why should reports and news from outside the US Media matter to ex-pats facing inflation and exchange issues?

Last week, China’s Central Bank head, Zhou, had said that China had
“too much in reserves”

aka an understatement of their intention to dump more US dollars? Nor have they mentioned the respected Dagong’s actions lowering USD/US Treasury ratings, followed by S&P’s “me-too” lower US Govt Treasury future ratings?


In a related little-reported quote this past weekend, a key member of the monetary policy at the Beijing’s central bank, Mr. Bin, seems to clarify their earlier hints about “too much in reserves” by saying:
“$1 trillion dollars in reserve would be sufficient” … (vs. their current $1.25 - $1.5 Tn in US Govt Debt holdings)

Continuing: “Zhang Jianhua, a head of research at the People’s Bank of China, said worries that:
the heavily indebted U.S. government may not repay its debt could drive Treasury yields higher and cause U.S. debt prices to fluctuate.”

http://www.baltimoresun.com/...0425,0,3963191.story


For those speculating about future US Dollar vs. MXN Peso exchange rates, it may be risky to ignore Chinese perp-spectives, their planned US Debt sell-offs, and how that affects MXN Peso currency values?

Time to buy Pesos and Mexican Investments?
(especially if Beijing sells-off their proposed additional $250 billion of US Govt, Debt at the same time Geitner and Obama are printing and trying to sell $2 Trillion of fresh US Debt.?)

CanuckBob projected a healthy future for the CAD dollar, but has he factored in the Canadian Government's stated monetary policy plans to keep the CAD values consistent with USD values? Past Canadian pronouncements have clearly indicated that they plan to keep the CAD on a par with the USD, which means intentionally keeping the CAD weak versus other world currencies as the USD weakens, because they want to continue to attract US tourist $$ and to keep the cost of Canadian export goods low.

If you want to read more details and economic perspectives about whether it's time to invest in Mexico, US, or Canada, see our analyses at: Time to Buy Pesos? $2 Trillion of New Money Printed by Geitner & Treasury

Enjoy!
steve
-
-
Read-on MacDuff
E-visit at http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/

(This post was edited by YucaLandia on Apr 25, 2011, 1:17 PM)


dongringo_catemaco


Apr 25, 2011, 1:34 PM

Post #22 of 23 (3944 views)

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Re: [YucaLandia] Peso

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Are you implying to stock up on Renminbi (Chinese: 人民币)? If so, where can I get my hands on those cute little things?
Visit Catemaco News



YucaLandia


Apr 25, 2011, 2:17 PM

Post #23 of 23 (3931 views)

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Re: [dongringo_catemaco] Peso

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Hey DonGringo Catemaco,
I'm no Sino-phile, but my friends who watch our growing oriental neighbors caution that China has sufficient internal problems that they may not be the best place to invest long-term. Problems with Chinese investments/currency are not linked directly to US dollar/MXN Peso rates nor are they linked to inflation in Mexico, so, investing in Renminbi/Yuan may not fit this thread.

Said another way:
During a multi-horse race, when one horse trips another, it doesn't mean that the "trip-er" will win the race.
If Chinese monetary policy causes the US horse to stumble, and the Mexican horse avoids the collision, then the Mexican horse may cross the finish line before either the US or Chinese entries.

China's proposed US Debt Sell-off & Future Peso Values v. USD:
China's internal environmental, labor, societal, and infrastructure problems are important, but they do not seem to affect the Chinese government's potential future $250,000 billion sell-off of US debt. If the value of US Treasury instruments and the quality of US debt continues to fall, and US Govt.deficits cause the continued printing of $2 billion new USD every year to cover deficits, and if the Chinese slowly dump large amounts of US securities, then the US will have even more trouble selling their debt, forcing them to pay higher interest rates for years to entice buyers => long-term lower US dollar values vs the Peso?

Do these trends mean that planned "fixed income" returns for US expats with US dollar assets will actually become declining incomes due to Mexican peso strengthening and inflation?

A final tie-in with the original proposal of this thread: If US dollar values continue to fall (due to reasons listed above), then Mexican inflation for expats may moderate or even fall: 42% - 45% of Mexican food is imported, primarily from the USA, which means a weakening US dollar would reduce Mexican food costs? And a weakening USD would also lead to lower peso prices for many of the US goods that ex-pats buy?

I really don't know, but the tea leaves seem to point toward continuing strengthening of Mexican real estate and the Peso, and net lower costs of living for expats with pesos and investments in Mexico.
steve
-
-
Read-on MacDuff
E-visit at http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/

(This post was edited by YucaLandia on Apr 25, 2011, 2:50 PM)
 
 
 
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