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Business Ethics: An Oxymoron?

Filed Under: Divorce — sudukin — Comments Off
December 18, 2011

Why do I believe good PR and business ethics are inextricably linked? It comes down to definitions. Ethics is learning what is right and what is wrong and then doing the “right thing.” PR involves providing counsel on the “right thing” to do and then helping the organization get credit for it. adult live chat

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The business and political excess of the last 10 years have taken some PR practitioners to the dark side because they felt it was the only way for their company to profit. Although I personally believe doing right for right’s sake is enough, there are some who may not share this view. OK, here’s a reason that any good capitalist can embrace: research now shows that socially responsible behavior is good for the bottom line.

A recent analysis of overall financial performance of the 2001 list of 100 Best Corporate Citizens shows that this group of firms did significantly better than the remaining companies of the S&P 500. Professors at DePaul University found that the mean ranking of the 100 Best was more than 10 percentile higher than the other firms of the S&P 500.

Additionally, they had a significantly better reputation among corporate directors and security analysts based upon results of the Fortune Magazine survey of most admired companies.

So, you see, it really does pay to do the right thing.

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Do Your Brakes Squeal Like A Pig?

Filed Under: Singles — sudukin — Comments Off
November 22, 2011

When you apply your brakes, do they squeal like a pig?

It’s not the braking part of the pad that is making the noise.

The high-pitched sound you hear is the metal part of the brake pads that is vibrating.

After the pads get worn some they get loose, and vibrate.

You can have them changed, or change them yourself (yes, you can do it, I’ll show you how sometime).

But, sometimes aftermarket pads are just not perfectly machined and will not fit the calipers snugly.

Sound silly? Think about how many times that rotor is going around, even at 30mph. The rotor is the round shiny disk that the brake pads rub against.

Ever hear a wood-pecker when he is hunting a bug in a tree?…………..I can’t even type that fast.

His quick and constant pecking sounds like a machine gun going off!

That’s about how fast, or faster, that your metal plate is slapping against the metal on the caliper eiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!

The caliper is the metal coconut looking thing that the brake pads fit into and connect to the rotor when you apply the brakes.

Now, don’t put any grease on the pad next to the rotor to keep it quite…it will be quite, but it won’t STOP! ?º

Personally, I’m not much on *turning* rotors. That’s when the machine takes metal off to make it smooth.

If the rotor is too warped you should have it refinished.

How will you know it is warped?

When you put your foot on the brake petal and apply pressure to slow down or stop, does the petal go *up and down* in a pulsating motion?

Yes? Then the rotors are out of round and should be turned. That, you can’t do; unless you have a brake lathe!

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Can I Get My Ex Boyfriend Back Even If They Have Started Seeing Someone New? You Bet You Can

Filed Under: Reconnecting — sudukin — Comments Off
November 22, 2011

Discovering the way to get your ex back is like any other skill; it has to be learned properly. It is common to feel overwhelmed with hurt after experiencing a break up, especially if he happens to be dating someone new. This can make the blow all the more devastating and difficult to cope with.

You may well be experiencing anger, even rage, even feelings of jealousy or betrayal may appear. It is crucial to realize that these emotions are entirely natural. We have all been there and know what it is like, someone once told me that it is like someone has died and this is true. The feelings of grief that you experience are very real and traumatic and take a very long time to heal. Don’t lose faith however as all hope is not lost. There is a solution to your predicament. In fact 90% of people who break up, are able to repair their relationship. Try and find comfort in the reality that 90% of broken relationships can be mended when you know exactly how to proceed and how to act around your ex.

Before you dash out and attempt to patch things up by yourself, stop! Listen to some expert advice, there is undoubtedly a right and a wrong way to go about things and you don’t wish to ruin your chances do you?

One thing to avoid is resort to screaming or shouting abusive language, however much you happen to be hurting. I realize it’s difficult nevertheless, you have to get over this stage before you can do anything else otherwise you’re just going to make yourself look ridiculous. Whatever you do, never resort to sobbing or begging; remember you’re a lady, have some respect for yourself and if he did take you back out of pity, your relationship wouldn’t last a minute. The worst thing you can do in cases like this is to cry or beg; you’ve got to remain dignified, rather than desperate or insecure which is very unattractive.

You might find the next step somewhat challenging but it is part of the plan; accept that your relationship is over for now and grant your ex some space. The worst thing you could do now is to spy on your ex or follow him wherever he goes. He’ll start to think you’re an emotionally unstable stalker and you don’t want that!

Make sure you don’t say anything derogatory about him or his new girlfriend to ANYONE, it is sure to get back to him and it will only make him protective towards his new partner. You should not let him see that you’re jealous or insecure; although it might appear strange, be supportive of his new relationship.

The next stage should be to slowly and gradually build-up his trust again by becoming friends. Keep this friendship totally innocent and very soon, he’ll begin to confide in you and you will become his confidante. Don’t whatever you do try to encourage him to leave his girlfriend; just be there for him making sure that as soon as his new relationship hits a rocky patch, you will be the one that he confides in.

Now this step is extremely vital if you want the best chance of winning back your ex. You should sit down and try to remember what you were like when he first fell in love with you. What was it your ex fell in love with? Your looks, your self confidence, or your spontaneity perhaps? And more to the point; do you continue to have these qualities? If you want to discover how to be irresistible to him again, you are going to have to work on it.

I really hope that you’re starting to realize that with the right advice, anything is possible. Don’t struggle by on your own, you may get nowhere fast and f you’re absolutely certain he’s the man for you, it’s not worth taking that chance.

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How the Jaguar XKE (E-Type) Series 3 Compares to Earlier Models

Filed Under: Post Divorce — sudukin — Comments Off
November 22, 2011

The legendary Jaguar XKE series received its last major update in 1971 with the introduction of the Series 3. Jaguar was having a hard time retooling their older Series 2 models to comply with stringent US emissions laws, so decided to introduce a brand new all alloy 5.3 litre V12 engine in the S3. Not only did this new V12 engine meet and beat all US emission limits, it also boosted the car’s performance back to where it was with the original 3.8 litre 12 cylinder engine found in Series 1 E-Types.

The bigger, heavier V12 engine in the S3 lead to a widening of the chassis, wider wheels and tires, flared wheel arches, and a lower centre of gravity for the car. Thanks to the greater weight and wider tires power steering was no longer an optional extra but a basic feature. Unlike other E-Type models the S3 was available in only two options: a sporty Roaster and the larger Coupe 2+2.

While the S3 should have been the end all and be all of all E-Types with its larger engine and newer technology, the car did have many shortcomings. Perhaps the biggest disappointment in the S3 was the power steering. Gone was the zippy, sporty feel of the older E-Types. The power steering gave the S3 a vague and soft control, something akin to that of a Grand Tourer than a high performance sports car. Another major drawback was the prodigious quantities of petrol the S3 needed; the car consumed between 12 and 14 miles per gallon, an astounding amount by any standards.

What are the differences between the various S3 models?

The Roadster, although short on luggage space, gives the S3 its iconic sports car look and is always a pleasure to drive. The coupe is more refined and civilised, with more than enough luggage space for long trips and touring. The coupe 2+2 models offer even more luggage space if the back seats aren’t being used and are moved forward.

All coupe models suffer from heat bleeding into the interior from the engine compartment of the car. Not all models came fitted with air conditioners and long trips in the coupe could make it very uncomfortable in places with a hot climate.

Regardless of Roadster or Coupe, there is not much leg space in the S3 for people with large frames. If you are above 115 kgs (250 lbs) or more than 6′ 2″ tall you will have trouble fitting inside an early model E-Type. Your best bet would be the S3 Roadster or the coupe 2+2 models.

Which one should I buy?

It all comes down to personal taste. The earlier S1 models are the most iconic looking, with their covered headlamps and zippy engines. Those who want the convenience of power steering and extra leg room at the expense of raw performance should go for the S3. A good comprise between the two would be S2, which offers the best of both worlds.

Of all the E-Type models the Coupe 2+2s are the most widely available and cheapest – a great way to get introduced into the joys of owning a Jaguar.

Another good option is to hire the E-Type of your choice for a weekend, and go on a tour. Not only will this allow you to spend quality time with the car of your dreams, it will also provide practical insight into the joys and day-to-day challenges of owning a Jaguar.

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Celebrating The Latest Indian Festivals and Events

Filed Under: Marriage — sudukin — Comments Off
November 22, 2011

Indiis a country of different entertaining festivals and religious celebrations. There will be nothing wrong to say that Indian festivals have become an essential part of people‘s life. These festivals of India reflect rich cultural heritage of India. In fact, it can be well said that India celebrates its diversity through different sports and cultural events and religious festivals. Throughout the year, a spirit of celebration can be felt in some corners of the nation. Since in India people of different religion stay together, Indians get opportunities to celebrate several festivals. All Indian festivals are commemorated for different religious causes, either to remember goddess or to celebrate the victory of good over negative power. Beside these religious festivals, every state celebrates separate other festivals that reflect the varied culture of their society. However, some of the festivals among them are celebrated by all the Indians. These festivals play important role in the promotion of Indian tourism and traditional handicrafts.

This country’s rich cultural heritage draws the attention of the foreigners during the celebration of festivals like Durga Puja, Onam and Holi. All the religion celebrates their own festivals on the basis of their own rituals and customs. However, it should definitely be mentioned that the common thing that gets celebrated in each of these occasions is humanity. Usually the rituals that get followed in the festivals are decoration of sacred places, processions in the streets, traditional song and dance performances. Most of the India festivals and events have traditions, prayers, rituals and customs attached to them. Though throughout the year India celebrates a series of entertaining events and festivals, some of the most popular among them are mentioned below:

Kumbh Mela- It is a religious festival, which truly reflects the tradition of the Hindu people. However, people from different religion can contribute in the celebration of this festival.

Christmas- Each year on 25th December this special day is celebrated. Not only Christians but people regardless of religion enjoy this occasion to their hearts’ contents.

Durga Puja- It is one of the biggest celebrations. During this occasion, goddess Durga is worshipped with great devotion. Usually, this occasion extends for a period of five days.

Diwali- It is the festival of lights. During this festival oil lamps get burned all through the day. It is indeed one of the most colorful Indian festivals.

Holi- This is the festival of colors and is celebrated in all the regions of India. This occasion takes place at the end of the winter season.

Karwa Chauth- All the married Hindu women usually celebrate this occasion by praying for their husbands’ long lives.

Apart from these, some other popular Indian festivals include Jaisalmer Desert Festival, Mumbai Marathon, India Design Festival, Sunburn, Lohri, Mumbai Marathon, Navratri Festival, Pongal Festival, Kolkata Film Festival and International Film Festival of India. However, while discussing about latest Indian event the name that strikes our mind are Janmashtami, Onam, Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Races and Raksha Bandhan.

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The Best Way to Buy Car Subwoofers

Filed Under: Enhancement — sudukin — Comments Off
November 22, 2011

If loud and thumping music is what attracts you immediately, you will surely love to have the same in your car. You can get amazing sound with bass beating loudly all around by adding car subwoofers. Let’s find out the best way to buy subwoofers for your car without any compromise in quality and price.

Things to be considered

There are a few things that you need to keep in mind before you buy a subwoofer. Consider your personal taste and preference for the music that you listen to. If the music has a lot of bass element in it, you may require relatively larger car subwoofers. Also decide the placement of the subwoofer in your car before you buy them. It generally depends on the size of your car. For instance; if you have a small car it leaves you with only a few options for the placement of the subwoofers. Another thing to keep in mind is the amount you are ready to pay for the car electronics.

Variety of Subwoofers

There is a wide range of subwoofers available in the market. You have to pick the one that suits your taste. You can go for a powered or a passive woofer. Powered subwoofers have a built in amplifier and so it can deliver a better sound as compared to a passive ones which are driven by the car amplifiers. You can find car woofers in many sizes for instance 8, 10, 12 inches and so on. You can choose the size according to your preference and the placement of the subwoofer. Also you should check if the car subwoofers are matched with the car stereo system to give the best output. Also keep in mind the kind of enclosures and the surrounds you choose for the sub-woofers.

Best place to buy

Best place to buy car woofers is from a place that sells car stereo and related products. You can find these in a store or a web portal that sells products such as car stereo systems, car amplifiers, car sub woofers and so on. If you plan to buy from an online store, check the description of the amplifier carefully. Depending upon the budget you have set aside for your subwoofer you can go in for cheap car subwoofers or the ones that are high in quality. You can compare the prices of different brands of electronic system available on the net and decide accordingly. Make sure to buy from a reliable dealer to avoid any inconvenience latter on.

Hope that all the above insights will help you find the best system for your car. You have installed new woofers in your car. So, thump away in the pulsating music beats.

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How To Get My Ex Back: Tips To Heal Or Restore A Damaged Relationship

Filed Under: Domestic Violence — sudukin — Comments Off
November 22, 2011

There was a time when this kind of help was simply no mote than a dream. Inter-personal relationships was guesswork and very hard-going. Not any more! Now we have the perfect fix right here at our fingertips. Whether your relationship is as boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, if your are engaged or just serious (or thought you were), we have the solution to your woes. Not only can you learn how to mend a damaged relationship and get your ex back, but you will discover the amazing secrets behind keeping your partner with you in something bordering on bliss.

You see, a relationship doesn’t just break up on its own. It is interaction between two people that goes out of kilter over time. What was once a lovely and loving partnership becomes stale and creased with misunderstanding and irritation. HOW DO I UNDERSTAND THE OPPOSITE SEX? You might ask, fair enough question. You may never be able to fully understand your partner, but that is not THE KEY!

No, you can get along with your partner well enough based on certain behaviours, the kind that comes from you. We arm you with knowledge and tact, you put it into practise…if you care to. You see, it is you who needs to work at implementing the way ahead. And I can promise you this, some of the ways you will learn will definitely seem strange, but hell…they WORK! None of the methods are weird as such, they just don’t seem to make an awful lot of sense, but when you see what reaction you get you will be flabbergasted to say the least. I should know, I do it with my own wife

My wife gets very upset with the way our teens treat the house, as if it their personal dumping ground, bedrooms, kitchen…you name it. She gets to the stage where she just wants give up! This is where the learning, put into practise, comes in. It goes something like this…

Wife: “I just CANNOT TAKE THIS ANYMORE. I QUIT! I’VE HAD ENOUGH! I AM NOT THEIR MAID!!!”

(Get the idea, this is normally at full volume)

Me: “My dear, I wish there was something I could say to them that would make a difference. You are tired and frustrated and have it up to ‘HERE!’ and I don’t blame you. I know how you feel and wouldn’t like to be your shoes ever. Why not leave things as they are for now, let’s go out for coffee and time-out together”

Any guesses at the result, because at the same I take her into my arms, kiss her gently on the forehead and put her head into my shoulder for comfort…this is not manipulation, it is showing her that I understand, that I have noticed her situation and SHARE her frustration. I have CONFIRMED her feelings, they have been validated…that is all she needed to get a new lease on energy and focus on her day, and guess what happens next…you will NEVER guess

Wife: “Yes, I struggle to cope sometimes, I just get to feeling so used and hopeless. But I’ve got so much to do, let’s go out another time. This house is in a mess!” And would you believe it, she gets stuck into the house with renewed energy and it’s not long and the work is done, happily. Much better than if I’d said “Hey, that’s life. Get a grip on it my dear”. That would not have gone down well

I want to tell from my side how it feels to be able to do this for my wife, as I type this I get misty-eyed (yes, right now I have a lump in my throat), because it feels soooo good! To see her move out of my arms smiling where a few moments ago she in tears with frustration. I love my wife and tell her this regularly, and I show her in so many ways. This is so important, a man and a woman need to show each other that they care, and it kills a million objections dead cold….

This is just a brief example, there are as many ways a woman shows her man the same thing, you too have an obligation to put in the effort, well…when you get to actually doing it, it is really no effort at-all! We all need to be appreciated

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Animation Art Collecting #1 – Authenticating Artwork

Filed Under: Dating — sudukin — Comments Off
November 22, 2011

An animation art gallery recently received a call from a collector who wanted to sell three drawings of Pluto from the 1937 short film, Hawaiian Holiday. The gallery was interested, so they asked the collector to hold the drawings up to the light and check to see if there was a watermark on the paper. Watermarks, invisible to the reader unless the paper is held to light, show the name of the paper manufacturer and the stock used. Different studios used different stock during specific periods. Although this is not the only indication of authenticity, it does give the buyer an idea of the period of time the piece was produced.

The stock used to produce this film was Hammermill Management Bond. The watermark on the stock the collector was holding did not match, therefore the drawings were forged. The collector had purchased these drawings from another dealer, assuming he could rely on the seller’s “expertise”. Most dealers supply what is known as a Certificate of Authenticity with every piece. This is your insurance policy. It should state everything that is known about the piece. If at any time you discover that the information is not accurate you can return the piece for a full refund. The dealer he had purchased from did not give a Certificate of Authenticity with the piece, so the collector was stuck with three forged drawings worth nothing.

As a collector there are many ways to avoid such costly mistakes, including (1) only buy pieces that come with a Certificate of Authenticity, and (2) have a least a minimal understanding of how to determine authenticity yourself.

CERTIFICATES of Authenticity should be very detailed. They should state the film, year, description of the piece, size of the image and condition. The Certificate should plainly offer a lifetime refund if any of the information at ANYTIME is discovered to be incorrect.

AUTHENTICITY is determined in a number of ways. First, become familiar with the terms. If you did not already know what the term “Watermark” means, you do now. Add more to your arsenal, and keep a notebook so you can authenticate pieces you are searching for. Because production methods and materials remained consistent within each film but VARIED by film, if you know methods to authenticate one piece in a film, you can authenticate EVERY piece in that same film. Common methods to determine authenticity include:

WATERMARKS – You already know what those are and how those work!

PEG HOLES – The holes punched in cels and drawings to hold them steady while they are being photographed. Peg holes can change in shape, dimension and location depending upon the year and studio.

HAND INKING – Studios used to hand ink the outlines for all cels, then paint within the outlines. Each studio reverted to photocopy outlines at different points to transfer the outlines onto the acetate.

PAPER SIZE – Different size paper and acetate were used by studios for different years. Like peg holes, these sizes changed over time but remained constant within each film.

CHARACTER DEPICTION / COLORS – Depending upon the director and the era, the same character may have been depicted in various stages of development and color changes. Become familiar with the styles of different directors and the general era in which each character took on certain attributes and colors.

STUDIO SEAL – When studios discovered a market for their original artwork, they began to place studio seals on each piece and archive the art, letting it trickle out to meet demand and keep prices elevated. Studio seals can be either printed on the art or embossed onto the art. Older vintage cels ARE NOT brought back into the studio to be sealed!

Learning to protect yourself and buying only from reputable dealers are the only two ways to avoid costly mistakes.

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Save Big on Auto Sound Systems

Filed Under: Conflict — sudukin — Comments Off
November 22, 2011

Many people believe to get great sound you have to buy the most expensive components. This is simply not true. It is possible to save big on auto sound systems if you know what to look for and where to locate great deals.

Shopping at Big Name Retail Stores

We all know the big name retail stores with the expansive audio department. They have displays all set up with the speakers and you can hear the sweet sounds at the push of a button. The prices will range from ridiculously low to over the top high, but here’s something they don’t tell you. Many will pair up one low budget item with one higher priced item just to entice you into buying the higher end products. For instance, the head unit is top of the line and way over your budget, but the package deal with the speakers is what makes it a deal. At first listen, you’re thinking, this can’t be the way this deck sounds; it’s horrible. But wait a minute, now the salesperson switches the speakers to give you pounding base and sweet highs that would sound terrific in your car. What’s the catch? Well, the package deal for the high priced unit and the low end speakers doubles when you add the better speakers. You know what you want, you certainly deserve it, but you just cannot afford it, and you don’t have to, just keep on shopping.

Shopping Online

The Internet is flooded with every piece of equipment you can think of from head units to amplifiers to tweeters and woofers to DVD players- the list goes on and on. The whole online search can be a bit overwhelming with all of the online stores, auction sites, and classified listings; unless you know what you’re looking for. So here’s what you do, while visiting the retail store, jot down the model numbers of the components that you like and save it. Now when doing your online search, just type in the model numbers and narrow down your search drastically. Remember when shopping online to check for a manufacturer’s warranty as well as the shipping costs and return policy. If your item does not work correctly, you want to be able to exchange it or get a refund hassle-free. Another thing to make mention of is when shopping with overseas companies, make certain that your components have an English option for settings and instructions. All too often, items arrive with instructions in another language leaving the buyer stuck with a fantastic product that displays in another language or instructions that they cannot understand.

Pawn Shop Shopping

One place that is often overlooked is pawn shops. While the chances of finding what you’re looking for may be hit or miss, there is a good chance that you can negotiate a great deal because someone needed cash quickly and had to sell their audio system. When shopping in pawn shops inquire if the item has been tested and if refunds are offered for defective products. Speakers are easy enough to wire up and test quickly, but head units may not be tested beforehand. Overall, you can get great bargains if it’s your lucky day.

The key to getting the best deal for your money is to do your homework. You do not have to buy high end brand name products to get good sound, but wouldn’t it be nice if you could catch a bargain on high end equipment for a fraction of the retail cost.

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Great Ways to Cartoon Yourself

Filed Under: Commitment — sudukin — Comments Off
November 22, 2011

With many creative options available online, most of us are constantly looking for ways to create portraits. Converting your photograph into a cartoon is one creative idea that is fast catching on. With Internet new technologies traveling at lighting pace, it is much easier to create a cartoon caricature of your photo right from the comfort of your home without going anywhere. In this article we examine the top ways of creating a cartoon image of yourself and the pros and cons of each of these methods.

Free websites

Today many websites offer the service of converting your photograph into a similar looking cartoon character for free. There are a host of these sites that allow you to quickly upload your digital photograph and quickly convert it into a caricature in a matter of minutes, often seconds.

Advantages: These sites are quick to use and allow you to see results in a matter of minutes. Also they are free of charge, so often there is no harm in trying.

Disadvantages: Results obtained at such sites are often not professional with the cartooned photo looking much like your digital picture. Also, while the photo may be useful as an online avatar, printing the same can be tedious, with limited printing options. Also, the method of printing and quality of the output is totally left on to you.

Hiring Artists

Many freelance artists can be spotted at malls and other places, and are ready to draw a cartoon out of the real you. To avail of this, you need to visit a good artist, wait for your turn and get a real cartooned portrait done. This often takes time and you will need to take out at least an hour of your precious time to avail of this.

Advantages: The benefit of such a portrait is that you get an original looking cartoon caricature of you, something that free sites cannot offer you.

Disadvantages: The quality of your portrait is not in your hands and cannot often be altered. Also the process is time taking with you having to wait for your turn. Again, the mediums on which you can print too are limited.

Software tools

Photoshop, Illustrator and many other software tools also allow you to convert photos to cartoon images. To make use of this, either you need to be well-versed with the platforms or need to learn them. While these software can be useful as a starting point, often the quality of image produced is not so great.

Advantages: Easy to use with the end results being totally in your hands. If you know the software, then the end product comes free of charge.

Disadvantages: The process is time taking, mediums on which you print are limited and the quality of finish may not be good if you are not a pro.

Professional Studios

Few art studios also offer the service of creating a cartoon image for you. These studios have a team of artists who use their creative talent coupled with relevant technologies to create cartoon replicas for you. These studios will charge you a little more, but give a high quality picture. You can check for these places in your neighborhood or look for global art providers online also.

Advantages: You get a professionally done image, you have a choice of mediums, you can select the end results and also save time and effort.

Disadvantages: As compared to other forms of cartooning, this works out to be slightly expensive. Also you may need to ensure the quality of artwork.

Cartooning oneself whether it be for online social media avatars or for home/office decor displays is fast catching popularity. If you want a professionally done job, opt for studios that give great results and try to match your preferences. If it is just for fun, do check out the free websites, and watch yourself transform!

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