I love Korean dramas and I write about ’em. (And write about ’em. And write about ’em. You may have noticed that brevity is not my friend. I want to be ITS friend, but it shuns me regularly.)
I’ve been watching Korean dramas (on and off) as long as I can remember, for almost two decades. My first Korean drama was the 1992 hit Jealousy, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Man does that make me feel old.
I started this site because I couldn’t find a site providing meaty (or any) analysis for K-dramas, a longtime guilty pleasure of mine. I enjoy marveling at the pretty as much as anyone, but also wanted to express appreciation for quality that didn’t automatically dismiss something for being popular. Or, on the flipside of that same coin, to discuss something popular that went beyond surface discussion of the plot or hot cast. (Although, let’s be honest! Hot cast = a nice bonus.)
My underlying modus operandi: Just because it’s pop culture doesn’t mean discourse has to be shallow. I’d like to sustain a fun but hopefully substantive level of conversation, mixed with some irreverence. Because it’s not worth it if it’s no fun.
I occasionally tweet (@javabeans). And even less occasionally blog (elsewhere, that is). There’s also a Dramabeans Facebook that gets ignored a lot.
I’m 50% writer, 50% couch potato. I lean left; politically, not footwise. I like to make snap judgments, then reconsider them to a pulp. I enjoy grammar, if only to break some more rules. I’m a tv junkie, a critic, a fan, but mostly importantly, I’m a writer who likes to procrastinate by watching k-dramas. The fact that I can do both now blows my mind.
I feel very strongly that people can have thoughtful discourse on just about any topic, and that art—mass, pop, high, pulp, whatever it may be—can and should be discussed intelligently for the thing it is.
Hence, I thought Dramabeans would be a good place to exercise my brain. Or was it exorcise? That would explain the confusion.
About the name: A Girl Friday could rule the world, if she really wanted to. You know her—the best friend smartypants, the plucky assistant who always knows exactly what the private eye/cop/secret agent/superhero needs? She’s cute and clever and sassy and loyal, and pretty much smarter than everyone in the room. I mean, could Jack Bauer have saved one day, let alone eight, without Chloe O’Brien?
My favorite Girl Fridays are of course ones that break the mold. Willow Rosenberg and Veronica Mars are the contemporary evolution of the classic character, and give us all hope that the geeky outcast can and will save the world.
Just think of me as Dramabeans’ girlfriday: the Miss Moneypenny to javabeans’ Bond.
I sometimes tweet things I shouldn’t. And ramble on in a blog.
Meet the rest of the Dramabeans staff
Official Dramabeans Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dramabeans
Official Dramabeans Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabeans
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akogaga
December 22, 2009 at 5:22 AM
just joining the chorus of praises! your works are greatly appreciated! kudos!
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nikky
December 30, 2009 at 6:44 AM
Hallo,
I become a fan korean drama in my country.
Please help me how to find the TV mini-series DAMO.
I have search a lot but I don't find how can be dowloaded. Especialy for the actor LEE SEO JIN, I want to see his preformance in this drama.
Thank you for your understanding.
nikky
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seo
December 30, 2009 at 10:37 PM
dramabeans, you are a god(dess), and i love you. stop. end.
well, i tried. i really really like your blog. i first started reading it because you were the first person that actually discussed a drama without being hung up on the superficial. You justify yourself in a generally eloquent manner and make the drama watching community a better place. i absolutely love kdrama and your site allows me to thoughtfully reflect upon and consider the dramas i watch with a perspective outside of my own. the only other human with which i have contact that watches dramas is my best friend who for some unknown reason watches only tw dramas... she did watch yab though just so she could understand the rabbit pig thing... garhg, well thats a digression!
anyway i have great respect for you and i absolutely love your site!
ending now. <3
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yoshi_hana
January 5, 2010 at 11:38 PM
i'm Malaysian, and i really love dramabeans!! i love the way you do the recaps, it's kinda 'friendly' -- not being too formal..-- i found this site when i was fond to know the story of Beethoven Virus -- which was shown up a bit late in my country- - i did search for the watch-kdrama-online, but when i found your site, i think it's better.. so, please continue this great work, coz this site my favorite one..
truly from my heart,
yoshi_hana
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HyunLove
January 14, 2010 at 5:34 AM
Hi,
I'm from Turkey,
I'm 13 years old,I'm following your site, always...
You're the best! This site great! I LOve very much Korea and Korea Dramas,
I Love your site,,,I love all!
Thanks from Turkey....
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shahi
January 14, 2010 at 5:14 PM
Hi Javabean,
i am from ktm, Nepal but getting my masters degree in USA.
Thank you for your great reviews, views, gossips etc. You have no idea how happy i was to come across your blog. my 1st k drama was My Girl and instantly fell in love with it . my sister from Nepal sent me its dvd. i woke up all night to finish it. i have watched it at least 5 more times after that. my second K drama was Full House. i didnt like it as much as My Girl. Now, i have watched at least 15 more all together. and my most favorite has to be "you are beautiful."
These days I follow your blog like a religion. keep up the good work.
have a quick question. Have you watched "Really really love you?" if yes, then wht do you think about it? i was going to watch it ( waiting for new episodes of 'wish upon a star') i really wanted to know ur opinion on it as i really value ur opinion.
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kdramakpopaddict
January 14, 2010 at 7:38 PM
hi jb or Oh Mighty One!
Thank you so much for putting up this site which has been my homepage since I stumbled upon it 2 years ago. It has been my constant go-to reading material whenever I find myself without a book nearby and I have even bookmarked your blog on my phone. It is now proven that your blog is an addiction I just can't and won't quit since it has provided me with numerous thoughts and insights about the korean entertainment which I find intriguing.
I love reading your entries because they're always both entertaining and intellectual, without souding supercilious and superficial. You don't fail to amuse me and at the same time, awe me with your fascinating use of the english language. I find it stimulating to have found a conversant blogger that instigates the reader to think on their own without being patronizing when you're expressing your views/concepts/opinions. That goes for your contributing bloggers, too ^_^
I express my deep gratitude and respect for all your hardwork. Fighting!!! lol
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Hannah K
January 15, 2010 at 4:27 AM
When I stumbled on this site, I thought it was a site for kdrama enthusiasts to get good reviews about korean dramas and such. But it seems this site is all about the admin being judgemental and highly critical. I don't know...some of the reviews sound very snobby and condescending...
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hanguk-drama-luver:D
January 20, 2010 at 10:17 AM
so i became a fan of korean dramas 2 years ago my friends kept telling me to watch them and i was like umm no i am not really intrested me being mexican i dont really like the soap operas there so dramatic and take forever dont get me wrong theres a few that were good but thats about it :D so they kept nagging me and nagging me :3 that i finally gave in 1 because i had letrally a bag full of dramas and 2 because i had gotten sick so i decided to give them a shot and iam so happy i did my first drama i watched was Autumn Fairytale and it was really good had me in tears from the start after that i just couldn't stop tell this day....So i found your page while looking for an ost and i was mad that i found your page first becuase i realized that i wasn't going to find any music here but then i was thrilled that i found something better than music i found a blog about dramas and korean actors and entertainment i was very pleased that on that same night i went threw as much recaps and pages that i could this was on oct 08 and ever since i've been on your page everyday and every chance i get just to see if anything new has been posted...
so i just reallized that i just jolted a hole bunch of nothing down but anyways i want to thank you and everyone that helps you with all of our drama addiction////
:D THANK YOU DRAMABEANS IS THE BEST :D
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edna
January 21, 2010 at 8:35 PM
hi javabean! love ur blog...do you mind if i ask how do you make your headers? or do you know what software/application did the people that gave them to you used to make them? i love them so, theyre so cool and fun..they are my inspiration (hahaha)in making banners/headers for our JKS forum...thanks! :D
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Norme
January 21, 2010 at 9:45 PM
Annyeong,
Hi luv your blog..Ist time in.. wow...I did not know about this blog..just my luck I think..
Do update us more....more...more..Kamsamida....
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rachel
January 24, 2010 at 9:12 AM
came across yr blog just a wk ago. glad i fd it!
your reviews of the drama series are great; very well-written and enjoyable to read. not shallow at all!!! saw 'u're beautiful' and then came across yr reviews which were as enjoyable as watching the series.
keep it up!
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thumberine
January 25, 2010 at 12:20 AM
i love ur blog...especially those drama recap, rating and ur comment on those drama. it really helps in choosing which drama worth to watch..
tq for ur time for all these
keeps up the good job! :)
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Freehee
January 26, 2010 at 10:32 PM
Hey JB,
Followed your website for the first time just for "You're Beautiful" and can I say you are a splendid writer? I had such a hard time finding reviews that made any sense, and yet, when I stumbled upon dramabeans, all my qualms vanished. I would come after the drama and with my own critique in my head, it was always nice to see that someone picked up on all those quirks that I hadn't just imagined. Now, I don't have to scamper all around the worldwideweb to remember what happened in what episode of what(particularly "You're Beautiful, strangely obsessed? I do believe I am. It could be JGS, but let's leave that there :P) You've done a favour to the world, be proud! And keep it up!
Freehee from Canada
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CJ
January 27, 2010 at 5:15 AM
Hi! I stumbled upon your blog and I really like how you write your reviews. I enjoy reading them so much and really find myself laughing at some of your quips. Thanks so much!
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Suk
February 2, 2010 at 8:36 PM
Javabeans!!! a few lines to let you know how cool i think you are ;)
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Nikki
February 7, 2010 at 8:49 PM
Can you re-upload all the roller coaster's songs? Thank you a lot! You're awesome!
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ips
February 8, 2010 at 10:48 PM
Hey Javabeans, just wanted to let you know that I and i'm sure many others are hardcore devotees to dramabeans. i remember when you had the javabeans wordpress, too. though im not sure why im stating what you probably already know, i do have one complaint.
i'm seeing less of YOUR posts and more of GUEST posts. crrrrry. Honestly, I couldn't care what others had to say and the fact that im visiting your blog to hear your take on dramas, actors, etc., its pretty disgruntling to no longer see your opinions on some cool dramas. but then again, you're probabaly busy. if thats the case, ignore my rant. Ha! thanks for everything
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vixen
February 12, 2010 at 9:27 PM
i just want to thank you.
your blog helps me a lot, understand Kdrama.
its hard to read subtitles while watching.lolz
i cant focus.
now i'm crazy about Stars falling from the sky.
at first im wonderin why they choose a short actor to be the lead(Kim Ji Hoon).
but then, i realized that hes handsome and a hunk. lolz. now, i cant get my eyes off him. hahaha
i just wish, there's more news about him. its very limited (in english) i have zero Korean. (i just love Kdrama & kimchi) :)
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Grace
February 15, 2010 at 2:22 PM
Dramabeans became my number one visited web site after I discovered this blog.. now when I press D it always pops up,, kkkkk
Thank you for this great source,:))))
Surprisingly, Kdramas are so popular not only in Asia but also other parts of the world..
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Cuz
February 19, 2010 at 2:33 PM
You're writing is amazing, it's something I can only aspire to. I have to praise your thorough recaps-- especially for Boys Before Flowers, I was suprised someone disagreed with the all around awesomeness of the mainstream drama. Your perspectives aren't facile and I'm really grateful for it. It's great that there's a website that provides someone's contemplative inner thoughts on Korean drama (that typical spurs the conventional cry of "love love love" and never a reason why). By the way, your moniker is nothing if not succinct. It's perfect, don't worry over the potential "imperfection." Dramabeans is sure better than most of the titles (like [insert popular band name here] rules) out there. Thanks for your recaps, Oh Mighty One.
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genie
February 20, 2010 at 4:35 AM
i also love watching korean drama
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herbaltea
February 20, 2010 at 10:36 PM
Oh~ Might ON~
Will it be OK for me to translate your English translation and post it in a Chinese drama site at Baidu BBS? I would refer to your and your site, but the problem is that they sometimes will just remove any posting with external links, so I may not be able to post your complete URL, but can definitely reference your site by name.
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herbaltea
February 20, 2010 at 10:36 PM
Oh~ Might ONE~
Will it be OK for me to translate your English translation and post it in a Chinese drama site at Baidu BBS? I would refer to your and your site, but the problem is that they sometimes will just remove any posting with external links, so I may not be able to post your complete URL, but can definitely reference your site by name.
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Nur
February 21, 2010 at 8:48 AM
Hi there.. it's nice reading the recaps/reviews you've written.. esp when the screen caps are included! (Lol i got all crazy when I saw YB's screen caps).. i know you're busy and stuffs but it would be great to see you do recaps/review of the drama Stars are Falling from the Sky ^_^
keep up the good work!
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jing
February 25, 2010 at 8:05 AM
hi! this blog site is nice. i like watching kdrama/movies whenever i can. what i like about the tv dramas (at least the good ones) is that the emotions are conveyed clearly (of course good acting is a must) without the usual exaggeration of facial expressions ( or lack of it) which, alas, is a staple of the Filipino counterparts. the scene can be filled with tension and conflict through subtle moves and moods sans the slapping/violent reactions.verses are clearly stated through the emotions without the garble of spit and tears.i do hope that Filipino dramas can take some pointers from the Korean experience. What is actually incredible is the ability of Korean directors to convey to its audience sensuality without being pornographic, violent or cheap.the really good ones can really deliver without actually showing a lot of skin.kudos to the Korean directors! even the comedy films are really funny even with minimal slapstick.i love "my sassy girl". i do hope i'd be able to get some good sources of great Korean films/tv series for my viewing pleasure.thanks for the deconstruction. :)
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romina
February 27, 2010 at 12:08 PM
Hi. I am from Iran, and I did not know anything about Korean drama and boysb4 flowers was the first Korean drama that I seen. That was really nice.that was the firs film that i cried when I was watching it & I really love Go-jun pyoo he is really kind & pure boy. Love you.(jee-hu,jandi,vubin,goo-junpyoo & best boy of f4). :)
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Fish
February 27, 2010 at 7:02 PM
Hi, I'm from Hong Kong and i love watching korean dramas ever since i started Boys Before Flower and You're Beautiful! Your site is awesome, keep it up!! =)
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Love You Thousand Time
February 28, 2010 at 8:54 AM
Hello, I'm a k-Drama addict. I've been watching Love You Thousand Time and begin to get frustrated with how the write gears the ending of this drama toward a so typical KDrama ending. Anybody knows the English website for this drama so we can vent our frustration and relay our idea of happy ending for this drama
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Princess Hours
March 1, 2010 at 7:54 PM
Okay, so I'm a big fan of your work, and I love your recaps on The Woman Who Still Wants To Marry. But I was wondering if you could ever consider doing a recap about The Princess Hours/Goong but only if you have the time. (:
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lita
March 1, 2010 at 8:13 PM
i like this
ilove boys before floers.....
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Rizzy
March 5, 2010 at 3:04 PM
Thank you very much for making this blog. I've been a fan of K Dramas and Movies for a few years now and its great to share this enthusiasm with others. Greatly appreciate it. ;)
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eman
March 6, 2010 at 7:40 AM
hey :)
i don't have to express anything .. all i can say , your website is my homepage!
that explains it all right ?
<3 thank you for your hard work and updates !
eman
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perempuanini
March 23, 2010 at 10:01 AM
Hi dramabeans, Im from Indonesia. I really really like your blog, I big fan of korean drama. I enjoying read ur post. Well, nice to read all of those. Good work!
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Mana
March 25, 2010 at 11:01 AM
Just had the urge to thank you Java/dramabeans.
btw I think that i'm dramabeans addicted.
Each time when I open the Internet Dramabeans will be the first site that I visit
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schatzky
March 27, 2010 at 4:24 PM
my friend told me about this site, i'm from germany half asian, i'm kdrama fan just recently, keep me laugh and fun especially when i'm bored. keep it up all subbing team the drama become interesting because of you guyz cHeErSssSSssSS
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newbie2kdrama
April 1, 2010 at 11:57 PM
I LOVE your site and come here for all the latest K-Drama news... thank you for your passion and for sharing it with those of us who share the passion with you! :)
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robotdollsheart
April 2, 2010 at 12:58 PM
hey you XD
this is the first time i´m on your blog .....and i´m completely addicted !!!!
i´ve read the recap of personal taste , it was great !!!
you probably hear this quite often as i can read on this page XD, but i want to tell you once more : YOU ARE AWSOME !!!!!!
the idea for this blog is super XDDD
eventhough i not only love korean dramas, but also j and tw (nd others ^^) i think it is such a great present to us all !!!
thx
lots of happy greetings from germany !!!!
PS: nice that i can post some texts to some other d.addicts ^^ ....can´t get my friends to watch dramas .....*sigh*
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daph
April 12, 2010 at 2:39 AM
i love your site.i enjoy it and so much info about my favourite drama...
keep it up....
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kryptonite
April 12, 2010 at 10:37 PM
Hi JB,
I've read all the posted messages and one thing in common is that they all love your blog.
Well, as for me, I'm bowled over the fact that you have a beautiful, informative and well written blog about kdrama I've ever read.
I love those kmusic that you have posted here, (even though I don't understand the lyrics)...i'm from the Philippines by the way..
Keep up the amazing work.
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o_O
April 13, 2010 at 11:14 PM
hey , this is my first time to be here , i like your blog ! and i am going to subscribe the feed !
Keep updating ! please !
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Kurious1
April 15, 2010 at 12:24 AM
Thoroughly enjoy and look forward to your writings. I feel like you're a friend I haven't yet met and we have so very much in common ~ so keep up the great work that you do for all of us!
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gr4c3
April 20, 2010 at 12:19 AM
Oh Mighty One... please do continue feed our addiction ^,^
I'm loving your site and FYI (to feed your curiosity....yeah rite) your drama recap is my regular daily doses. Keep on rockin' javabeans!
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Pary
April 21, 2010 at 4:21 AM
Hi dramabeans!
I am a Chinese student .I have been watching K-dramas for almost 5 years.
I love them very much!
What a pity that I did not find your blog until this year !! Really a coincidence,
I read your recaps on Will It Snow For Christmas.As a whole , I think it is a good melodrama.I Enjoy your recaps as well!Thank you !
Well,I am just a little curious.How can you spare so much time to do so much great work?I hope you do not sacrifice much time of rest!
God!Have I expressedmyself clearly?My poor English!
All the best
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anne1993
April 24, 2010 at 12:53 AM
hello .
can you tell me what is the REAL NAME of sung joon ? thank you .
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Confession~
April 27, 2010 at 9:41 PM
Hey there- I feel like I'f done this before but I don't think I have and really I don't know if you'll see this but when it really really comes down to it that's not what a confession's all about is it at least not to some degree -BREEEATH!-
Run on sentences are my talent.
I don't want to sound too serious or too pseudo serious, so I will let what fly fly.
Anyhow.
I just wanted to express my appreciation for your blog. I've practically lived on it for quite some time as a lurker. Maybe... I don't know. Over a year, at least. I think? No concept of time. I do very much enjoy your recaps, even when I'm watching a series. Tonight, though, I've come across is again after a short hiatus from the internet [ I was going to say 'participation on' said internet, but.. as mentioned before, lurker. ] and realized how much I luuurrve this place [or state of mind?] and that I WANT YOU TO KNOW. HOW MUCH. I ENJOY YOU.
As much as you can enjoy someone you don't know. [:
So thanks.
I get so jaded when it comes to the internet, but I'm a repeat customer here.
And since I've lost my train of thought, I'll go back to reading old new updates~
[and prove why it's best I stay a lurker, I guess]
Night~ !!
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cocoa
April 27, 2010 at 11:28 PM
hellllo,
i rarely comment when i'm on this site, but for some reason tonight i felt the urge to do so. i just want to tell you that i think you're a really good writer. in your drama recaps, i think you do a really nice job of blending objective and subjective aspects - it's so much fun reading the character analysis and your own personal commentary. you pretty much expressed my feelings of watching those dramas through these recaps. thanks so much, and don't overwork yourself!
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Hemi
April 28, 2010 at 4:33 AM
J-Beans! U! ROCK! MY! WORLD! I'M A KDRAMAHOLIC AND PROUD OF IT NO DOUBT!
Just wanted to give u a shout-out from Sri Lanka! I've been recommending your site to all my fellow Kdrama Addicts since we all can't wait until the subs on WithS2 are available :)
Love your work! Keep it up! and i hope you continue forever and ever!!! :D
Saranghae J-Beans!!! ;)
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Dory
April 28, 2010 at 5:31 AM
☆☆☆☆☆ for your site :)
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Rosaida
April 30, 2010 at 7:56 AM
Just wanted to praise you guys on the awesome jobs you guys do with the recaps, sometimes you take the word out of my head and write it in your recaps.
I couldn't agree more with what you write.
Keep it up!
Besos from the Dominican Republic.
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