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Title: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Linda_Howell on Apr 10th, 2008, 2:34pm This was written 10 yrs. ago. at the start of clusterheadaches.com Happy anniversary to DJ and to all of us. We all thank you from the bottom of our hearts for starting this. I can't even imagine how many people you've saved by doing so. I remember when you had hair. lol Linda If you don't already know me, name is Daren (DJ) Johnson and I'm 38 years old. I am the webmaster/creator/owner/operator of this site. I am not a company, simply a cluster headache sufferer. A sufferer who was so tired of not being able find any information on the condition, decided to do something about it. I am in the United States Air Force (16+ years), and currently live in Wichita, Kansas, stationed at McConnell AFB. I'm divorced and have no children. I've been an episodic cluster headache sufferer since the age of 18 (wow, 19 years now! Feels like 40!). I usually have yearly cycles that last about three months. My headaches have only skipped two years, the 1996 and 1999 cycles (that was cool!). When my annual cycle started a few years ago (April 1st, 1998), I immediately got on the web to find out if there was any information that I could possibly use to help me cope with the upcoming three or so months. Much to my dismay, there was literally NO information out there! I couldn't believe it! I thought to myself, how hard could it be to build my own site? On April 11th 1998, clusterheadaches.com was born. I wasn't sure what to expect at first. I had never met another sufferer, but I knew there had to be others out there. Honestly, I expected to be talking to myself on the message board for quite some time. But, the hits started coming. Slowly, but surely. I spent every extra hour I had for several weeks researching how to get better positions in the search engines, since there were no other sites out there to link with. Still, slowly, the hits kept coming. It's been over six years now. More than 3,000,000* people have visited the site, 11,000,000* hits total, and over 345,000* messages posted on the message board (* numbers as of Oct 21, 2004). I am TRULY amazed! If you only knew how many nights I've sat here, with tears streaming down my face, reading the messages from all of you. You have truly blessed my life! Like many of you have stated in messages, sometimes, the greatest feeling in the world is just knowing that someone else out there REALLY knows how you feel! That comfort, in itself, is absolutely priceless! In some kind of awkward way, it kind of makes it that much easier when a co-worker finds out that you have a problem with headaches and says "yeah, I get REALLY BAD headaches too... it's so bad, I have to go lay down for a couple of hours till it goes away". You want to jab an ice pick in their temple, wiggle it around for a while, and say "really? Does it feel like this? No? Mine do! So don't talk to me about how bad off you have it! I'll tell you what, the next time a cluster wakes me up at 2 am, I'll give you a call and you can drive me to the hospital while I bash my head on your dashboard for a while!!!!". Sorry, I'm getting a little carried away here, hehehe. The bottom line here is this. This site has been as much as a blessing to ME, as it has been to you. I sit here and cry as much as you do, trust me! Clusterheadaches.com was built for totally selfish reasons. I just needed a forum to share stories with something that has dominated nearly half of my life. Luckily, and thankfully, others have benefited from my needs. That, in itself, is worth every single penny I've ever spent, or ever will spend, to keep this site operating. I get what seems like an email a day from people asking if they can help with the expense of this site. My answer has been the same since the site was opened the first week of April, 1998. "Thank you VERY MUCH for your offer to help offset the costs of the site, however, this site was NOT built to make money..." blah, blah, blah. This site is NOT about money!!! It's about sharing, it's about learning, it's about knowing we are not alone. Personally, just knowing there are others out there who suffer from this terrible curse, and I'm not crazy, is absolutely priceless to me! No amount of money could ever replace the sense of peace and comfort that this site has given me, and the THOUSANDS of other people from around the world since the site came online. |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Paul98 on Apr 10th, 2008, 2:49pm Happy anniversary to CH.COM [smiley=headbanger.gif] And to DJ [smiley=bow.gif] This place and the family that make it what it is [smiley=cool2.gif] -P. |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by fubar on Apr 10th, 2008, 2:52pm 10 years... incredible resource, what a great legacy! |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by artonio7 on Apr 10th, 2008, 2:55pm Happy Anniversary!!! with warm regards, Tony |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by The mad viking on Apr 10th, 2008, 2:58pm A big salute to DJ I bet you dont know or reqognize how many lives you have saved by starting ch.com my friend? Its many of us that really owe you our lives me included Svenn & Bente |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by wildhaus on Apr 10th, 2008, 3:05pm Thank you DJ, from the bottom of my heart. Michael |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Charlotte on Apr 10th, 2008, 3:12pm Thank you, DJ. Charlotte |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Grandma_Sweet_Boy on Apr 10th, 2008, 3:13pm Thank God for DJ and his quest for information! Where would we all be without him and how wonderful that his story has now changed from "divorced and have no children" - to his current status of married with a wonderful wife and two adorable little boys. Thank you DJ. Carol |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by LeLimey on Apr 10th, 2008, 3:16pm Happy Birthday Daddy! :-* Thank you for my home and my family and my life. Helen x |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Kevin_M on Apr 10th, 2008, 3:26pm Quote:
Quote:
This baby has sprouted many hearts and minds now. Congratulations daddy. and thanks. |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by BMoneeTheMoneeMan on Apr 10th, 2008, 3:28pm Thanks, DJ. L'Chaim!! |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Gator on Apr 10th, 2008, 3:33pm Happy Anniversary Clusterheadaches.com and Thank You, DJ! http://www.plainboard.com/ch/10years.jpg |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by chewy on Apr 10th, 2008, 3:35pm Way to go Zip! Gotcha an anniversary gift. http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/tvproducts4less_1990_2943289 You suck Love Chewy. |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Linda_Howell on Apr 10th, 2008, 3:41pm Besides the lives that have been saved, the pain that has been aborted through the knowledge here, and the international organizations that have sprouted up directly because of this site , think of the people who are now "couples" because of this place. Den and Georgia Thomas and Gena Helen and Paul Dave and Leesa Donna and Steve (KOP) Kirk and Chris (I know there are more) Not to mention all the life-time friendships that have been made. |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by nani on Apr 10th, 2008, 3:54pm http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/love/love0030.gif (http://www.pagerank10.co.uk/mobile_phones/dialaphone/)http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/love/love0030.gif (http://www.pagerank10.co.uk/mobile_phones/dialaphone/)http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/love/love0030.gif (http://www.pagerank10.co.uk/mobile_phones/dialaphone/) Deej... not only have you done all of the above... ... but this place keeps the rest of the world safe from us crazies. You are a true superhero, dude. :-* Thank you, and Happy Anniversary. hugs and love, nani |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Jackie on Apr 10th, 2008, 4:13pm Happy Anniversary to CH.com. To DJ a huge and grateful thank you. The difference you have made for so many.....it's hard to grasp. This has truely been an extraordinary undertaking and a monumental success.....strong bonds forged, life long friendships made, lives saved. Much love to all.... Jackie |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by gore2424 on Apr 10th, 2008, 4:18pm WOW Ten years FIRST thank you DJ I found out I wasnt alone I have meet many friends some in person (and more than once) and thank you DJ again Ü on May 18th I have 2 table's at one of the biggest "Sports Cards and Comic's Convention of the Midwest" just across the river only 20 minutes from home and after that I am going to donate 5% of my total sells from that show to show my thanks Ü Terry ( the sell, sell, sell, GUY ) |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Redd on Apr 10th, 2008, 4:33pm All I can say is, THANK YOU DJ! ...oh and you need to change your discription to married with a family... ;;D |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Rosybabe on Apr 10th, 2008, 4:35pm Happy Birthday CH.com!! Thank You DJ!! :-* Rosy. |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Annette on Apr 10th, 2008, 5:09pm Thank you DJ and Steph too :-* :-* I guess you never thought it would save peoples lives from all over the world including those from as far away as Ozzieland huh ? Love ya all [smiley=heart.gif] |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by barry_sword on Apr 10th, 2008, 5:27pm Happy 10th anniversary CH.com. I am one of those people in which CH.com has saved and changed my life, for the better! Thanks DJ! ;) You the man!!! [smiley=bow.gif] |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Jackie on Apr 10th, 2008, 5:47pm And one more thing DJ has brought to this extended family.....a beautiful wife and precious children. :) Steph...we love you all.......thank you, Sweetie.... :-* Jackie |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Mastifflvr28 on Apr 10th, 2008, 6:03pm HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DJ!!!! Are you really in your 48 now?? :) Time to pay the yearly RENT!!! HIT THE PAYPAL BUTTON BELOW! Thanks DJ, Mast |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Mosaicwench on Apr 10th, 2008, 6:06pm Happy Anniversary! |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by alchemy on Apr 10th, 2008, 6:07pm Thankyou DJ!!!!!!!!!!! |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by cynjeep89 on Apr 10th, 2008, 6:15pm It's all your fault, D.J.........thanks. :-* |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Racer1_NC on Apr 10th, 2008, 6:18pm One person can still make a difference in this world. Thanks DJ. Bill |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by midwestbeth on Apr 10th, 2008, 6:20pm Happy Anniversary to ch.com Thank You DJ!! Beth :) |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Jimi on Apr 10th, 2008, 6:26pm Welcome to CH.com DJ. Now grab an oar and start rowing. 8) |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Karla on Apr 10th, 2008, 6:44pm Dj thank you for saving my life on more than one occassion. I was so desperite when I logged on here back in 99. I was alone, scarred, had a dr that didn't know anything, and an unsuportive husband. My how all that has changed. I am so proud to know you. You are my hero. Your outreach has reached in and touched so many people. The numbers speak for themselves. You have a wonderful family here and at home. May God bless you abundantly for all that you do. |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Jonny on Apr 10th, 2008, 6:56pm on 04/10/08 at 18:26:34, Jimi wrote:
I fixed it for ya, Jimi....LOL ;) |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by PollyPocket on Apr 10th, 2008, 7:35pm Ten years. Wow. Look at your little drop in the bucket now DJ. from a drop, to a ripple, to tidal waves that reaches around the world. I'd say ya done good :) Thank you. From the 3 days I sobbed when I found out I wasn't alone, to the joy and tears I've shared with my family here. For building the house that this family lives in, those already here and those yet to come. For the lives changed, the love forged, the everyday bits of our lives we share, for the sanity this house brings, the outlet we all need sometimes, the deep relationships which have blossomed,..all of it. But mostly, for sticking your neck out there 10 years ago and making it all happen. From my house to yours, from my lips to God's ear, a lifetime of blessings. Congratulations to you, and Happy Birthday to CH.com. With much love and gratitude, Jen |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by HeadhurtinMama on Apr 10th, 2008, 7:42pm Deej... Thank you. You will always have a special place in my heart, as will the rest of my cluster family. Even you Jonny! |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by E-Double on Apr 10th, 2008, 7:42pm Thank you! Everyday we thank you |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Jonny on Apr 10th, 2008, 7:56pm on 04/10/08 at 19:42:48, HeadhurtinMama wrote:
(Why does she keep saying that?).....LMAO!!!! :-* |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Melissa on Apr 10th, 2008, 7:56pm Thank you for my virtual home and family. :) (I arrived in Sept. 2000, same month as MOC ;)) |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Lizzie2 on Apr 10th, 2008, 7:56pm Happy Anniversary and thank you sooooo much Deej!!! I know my life has changed forever because of this place, as have the lives of so many others here!! You're truly a wonderful person!! Hugz, Carrie :) |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by andrewjb on Apr 10th, 2008, 8:11pm :), congratulations CH.com, [smiley=sayyes.gif], happy anniversary. well done DJ. thankyou. andrew. |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by George_J on Apr 10th, 2008, 8:23pm Well, this seems to be a nice place. Think I'll stick around for a while. Many thanks, Deej and Steph, for all you've done--and happy anniversary. All the best, George |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by boonie on Apr 10th, 2008, 8:28pm Happy Anniversary D J I found this site in May of 98 and have been here almost everyday since Thanks for your great work and thanks for being here Boonie |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Charlie on Apr 10th, 2008, 8:35pm http://www.netsync.net/users/charlies/gifs/toast.gif Congratulations D. J. What you have done is to make it possible to get more people to take us seriously. My neurologist asked me what was new a couple of times. Hard to beat that. Charlie |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by HappyElaine on Apr 10th, 2008, 8:35pm Has it been 10 years DJ? It doesn't seem that long. I came here in April 1999. Finding this site was one of the highlights of my life. The 3000 miles my daughter and I traveled to meet you was another highlight of my life. You changed my life. You gave me a new life. One I can cope in. You gave me some damn good memories. Without you I would still be living in pain. With this site, I learned to cope, and I am no longer chronic I believe with all my heart its because of this site. I have some of the best friends I ever had because of this place. I have sure enjoyed watching your life change and I can't wait to met your family in person! I feel I already know them, but I can't wait to hold the baby and hug Steph s neck. Thank You DJ. May God Bless you and your wonderful family. Oh and Tell your Mom I said hi and kiss her for me. You came from a beautiful lady so she deserves credit also. I think a lot of your class came from her ;-)! |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by jon019 on Apr 10th, 2008, 9:09pm Below, an exerpt from a letter from Thomas Jefferson to Edward Jenner (the inventor of the smallpox vaccine): SIR, ...I avail myself of this occasion of rendering you a portion of the tribute of gratitude due to you from the whole human family.... ...Yours is the comfortable reflection that mankind can never forget that you have lived..... ...Accept my fervent wishes for your health and happiness and assurances of the greatest respect and consideration. Insert CH, and any in this family can't relate to THAT? I think not. What DJ did has SAVED lives, families, marriages, and sanity (me,ME). Not many in my life I can say the same of. I am humbled, what a MAN! (Not forgetting you Steph, thank you). Regards, Jon AND Linda, thanks for providing the opportunity. AND Jen, your eloquence, among others, is inspiring. |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by stevegeebe on Apr 10th, 2008, 9:10pm Changed the World. Thanks DJ. Steve G |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by cash5542 on Apr 10th, 2008, 9:12pm My daughter started having CH summer 06. In the fall when I went to visit her at her college, she would show me this site and told me how she met some new friends who were helping her. I was skeptical but the hits started coming faster and harder so I was desperate for ANY and all information. I turned to this site, stopped doubting it and from that point on I found answers coming in all directions. Thank you so much DJ for making this site. I truly think that's why Lisa was able to be diagnosed so quickly. We clearly knew what we were dealing with! Charlotte (and Lisa) |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by cosmicfunkfather on Apr 10th, 2008, 9:24pm Thank you Bro you're the man D.J. |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by purpleydog on Apr 10th, 2008, 9:47pm I found this site in April of 2004. It was the best thing I found. This site has all the current info, and the best people on it. I've been very lucky to find people who understand, and meet some of you. Friends for life. Thank you DJ, for more than you will ever know. |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by minime on Apr 10th, 2008, 10:23pm I don't post normally, but the site you have built is priceless DJ. Thank you for the life saving information Daniel |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by BarbaraD on Apr 10th, 2008, 11:14pm Been here since fall of 98 and expect to be here for a while longer.... Thanks Kiddo for the site, the friendship and all the stuff that's gone on here... and if you think I'm gonna get mushy... :-* :-* Hugs BD |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by DragonSlayer on Apr 11th, 2008, 1:05am Let me add my Thank you!!!! to the many. I have been suffering this demon's hits since 1975. This site has given me more insite and proven relief in the last 3 months than I ever found in the last 30 years. From a very grateful newbie - DJ you truly ROCK!!!! THANK YOU!!!!! |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by sandie99 on Apr 11th, 2008, 3:16am Happy Anniversary, CH.com! :) This site has been a life saver and a life line for me during many difficult days and nights and source of joy and kinship during others. It's a blessing that this site exists. So, DJ, thank you, thank you, thank you! From the bottom of my heart. [smiley=hug.gif] Hugs, Sanna |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Emily on Apr 11th, 2008, 5:17am Happy anniversary! What a milestone and what an achievement. Thank you to everyone who has contributed!! Em |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by mummymac on Apr 11th, 2008, 11:29am What can I say that hasn't already been said DJ and all off you in Clusterville thank you |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Batch on Apr 11th, 2008, 11:40am BRAVO ZULU DJ We've all benefited and our lives made so much better in so many ways thanks to your personal efforts in developing and maintaining this forum for cluster headache sufferers. You've always been and will continue to be our Man of the Year. Thank You. Pete & Joyce |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by lionsound on Apr 11th, 2008, 8:04pm My head thanks you.... and my heart too!!! |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by thebbz on Apr 12th, 2008, 12:57pm If you was a girl DeeJ I would kiss ya. Your site has saved me vast amounts of pain. THANKS Man am I getting old. thebb |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by Langa on Apr 12th, 2008, 11:24pm I second all the sentiments stated DJ...to me you really are a hero. Love, Langa |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by BobG on Apr 13th, 2008, 3:51pm Thanks DJ. Who'd a thunk it? |
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Title: Re: Ten Years tomorrow DJ Post by MvT on Apr 14th, 2008, 1:50am Happy anniversary to CH.COM And to DJ |
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