Find sample documents below or use Search this site in the upper right-hand corner.These documents are examples for courts and legal aid programs to copy and change for their own states. These should not be used as current legal advice. Examples provided with assistance from Transcend under LSC TIG # 9061.  Attribute to: Peace. |
Plain Language Library
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Examples of online plain language usage for topics related to housing, finance, divorce, health care and writing a will. These interviews were created using A2J Author (R) and are hosted on the LawHelpInteractive server. | 177k | v. 5 | Sep 30, 2011, 11:13 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Sample affidavit requesting a change of home parent (English and Spanish). Courts and legal aid providers can use this plain language form as an example for a better affidavit form. | 128k | v. 4 | Jan 18, 2012, 1:55 PM | Jeff Hogue | |
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How to prove your identity (specifically for disaster victims though may be modified for other situations) | 69k | v. 4 | Sep 19, 2011, 10:53 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Don't use some of the most valuable pieces of print real estate to print a long disclaimer about information and advice. Consider using this "Not Legal Advice" stamp instead. | 643k | v. 4 | Sep 30, 2011, 10:44 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Plain language samples organized by areas of the law, as well as Before and After samples, recommended reading, online training, and templates for content creators. | 2216k | v. 2 | Oct 11, 2011, 8:44 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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21k | v. 1 | Apr 12, 2013, 7:34 AM | Anna Hineline |
Administrative Forms & Documents| Selection | File type icon | File name | Description | Size | Revision | Time | User |
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Agency sign-in sheet for "help your help yourself" | 244k | v. 6 | Sep 19, 2011, 10:51 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Example attorney fees retainer add-on, BEFORE plain language review. This informs legal aid clients about how attorney's fees awards are handled by the agency. | 33k | v. 4 | Jan 18, 2012, 2:12 PM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Sample handout legal aid programs can modify and hand out to people they turn away. Might be good for a statewide legal aid website. | 83k | v. 4 | Jan 18, 2012, 1:53 PM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Sample retainer agreement from Legal Services agency. | 106k | v. 4 | Feb 22, 2010, 11:01 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Sample local bar disclaimer, in several languages. | 261k | v. 4 | Apr 20, 2010, 10:51 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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2010 Office Holiday closure signs in 3 languages (English, Spanish, Chinese). | 327k | v. 6 | Feb 22, 2010, 11:01 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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2011 Office Holiday closure signs in 3 languages (English, Spanish, Chinese). | 327k | v. 5 | Feb 22, 2010, 11:01 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Sample retainer agreement legal aid programs can modify for use with clients. Is your retainer understandable? | 128k | v. 4 | Jan 18, 2012, 1:54 PM | Jeff Hogue |
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"Are Debt Collectors After You?" - a plain language sample that courts and legal aid providers can change for use in local jurisdictions. | 133k | v. 4 | Mar 12, 2012, 9:55 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Sample Cease and Desist Letter. Modify for your jurisdiction and share. | 113k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:23 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Legal assistance for disaster victims: how to deal with contractors. | 67k | v. 4 | Jun 30, 2011, 7:38 PM | Jeff Hogue | |
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How to Get Your Security Deposit Back. Sample plain English flier. | 163k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:22 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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112k | v. 3 | Dec 20, 2010, 8:56 AM | Jeff Hogue | ||
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216k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:51 AM | Jeff Hogue | ||
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"Get Ready for Small Claims Court" - a plain language sample that courts and legal aid providers can change for use in local jurisdictions. | 227k | v. 4 | Mar 12, 2012, 8:57 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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"Get Ready for Small Claims Court" - a plain language sample that courts and legal aid providers can change for use in local jurisdictions. In Spanish. | 224k | v. 4 | Mar 12, 2012, 8:57 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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274k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:51 AM | Jeff Hogue | ||
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309k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:51 AM | Jeff Hogue | ||
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128k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:51 AM | Jeff Hogue | ||
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142k | v. 3 | Dec 20, 2010, 8:56 AM | Jeff Hogue |
| Selection | File type icon | File name | Description | Size | Revision | Time | User |
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133k | v. 3 | Dec 20, 2010, 8:55 AM | Jeff Hogue | ||
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Sample Restraining Orders Fact Sheet in 6 languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Tagalog, Vietnamese). | 287k | v. 5 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Sample Custody Mediation FAQ. | 119k | v. 6 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Sample visitation FAQ. | 289k | v. 6 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Sample visitation FAQ (Spanish). | 291k | v. 6 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Don't Put Your Kids in the Middle of a Custody Dispute. Plain language example. | 314k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:20 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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A domestic violence abuse worksheet for agencies and their clients. | 143k | v. 5 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Domestic Violence Accordian handout in plain English. | 51k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:19 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Domestic Violence Poster | 471k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:19 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Sample Domestic Violence FAQ. | 179k | v. 6 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Sample informational packet on Domestic Violence from Kentucky Legal Services. | 296k | v. 4 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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HTML version: for easy website use (English) | 42k | v. 5 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Spanish language sample informational packet on Domestic Violence from Kentucky Legal Services. | 164k | v. 8 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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HTML version: for easy website use (Spanish) | 39k | v. 5 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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A sample safety plan flyer for victims of domestic violence. | 115k | v. 5 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Sample shelter application for agencies and their clients. | 134k | v. 5 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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101k | v. 4 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | Jeff Hogue | ||
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105k | v. 4 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | Jeff Hogue | ||
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460k | v. 4 | Mar 11, 2011, 6:31 AM | Jeff Hogue |
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Samples of homework assignments completed by students in the 2012 Plain Language Seminar. | Dec 31, 2012, 11:02 AM | Anna Hineline | |||
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Example of suggested plain language revisions to a document as a part of individualized mentoring sessions. | 143k | v. 2 | Dec 31, 2012, 11:29 AM | Anna Hineline | |
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Sample Notice of Request for Guardian, written in plain language with the assistance of a plain language expert. | 181k | v. 2 | Dec 31, 2012, 11:32 AM | Anna Hineline | |
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Draft of a "Rights of a Job Applicant" section of a website. Reviewed and edited as part of plain language mentoring session. | 181k | v. 2 | Dec 31, 2012, 11:35 AM | Anna Hineline |
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A sample Tenant's Guide to Evictions, from San Francisco Superior Court. | 160k | v. 4 | Feb 22, 2010, 8:51 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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A Spanish language sample Tenant's Guide to Evictions, from San Francisco Superior Court. | 76k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 8:54 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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A sample Tenant's Guide from Kentucky Legal Services. | 190k | v. 4 | Feb 22, 2010, 8:56 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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HTML version: for easy website use (English) | 15k | v. 6 | Feb 22, 2010, 9:07 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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A Spanish language sample Tenant's Guide from Kentucky Legal Services. | 199k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 8:58 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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HTML version: for easy website use (Spanish) | 17k | v. 5 | Feb 22, 2010, 9:06 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Sample foreclosure information sheet written in plain language. | 142k | v. 5 | Feb 16, 2012, 9:38 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Sample Security Deposit information written in plain language. Review, update, and use in your state! | 112k | v. 5 | Feb 16, 2012, 9:38 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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179k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:41 AM | Jeff Hogue |
| Selection | File type icon | File name | Description | Size | Revision | Time | User |
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228k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:28 AM | Jeff Hogue | ||
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Adult Name Change (Spanish) | 223k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:14 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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235k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:28 AM | Jeff Hogue | ||
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230k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:28 AM | Jeff Hogue |
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Sample of work created by plain language course student after taking the course. | 22k | v. 2 | Apr 12, 2013, 7:38 AM | Anna Hineline | |
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Sample of work created by plain language course student after taking the course. | 18k | v. 2 | Apr 12, 2013, 7:38 AM | Anna Hineline | |
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Sample of work created by plain language course student after taking the course. | 21k | v. 2 | Apr 12, 2013, 7:38 AM | Anna Hineline | |
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Sample of work created by plain language course student after taking the course. | 33k | v. 2 | Apr 12, 2013, 7:38 AM | Anna Hineline |
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Glossary of legal words and phrases, in English and Spanish. | 1020k | v. 4 | Apr 20, 2010, 10:51 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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How to test the readability of your document. | 535k | v. 4 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:56 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Excellent single-page summary of major readability concepts. Copyrighted by Transcend. All rights reserved. | 245k | v. 5 | Mar 3, 2011, 4:48 PM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Excellent single-page summary of major readability concepts. Copyrighted by Transcend. All rights reserved. | 137k | v. 4 | Mar 3, 2011, 4:48 PM | Jeff Hogue |
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Spanish version of a plain language A2J script used in an informational A2J interview about Fair Hearings | 137k | v. 2 | Apr 30, 2013, 10:57 AM | Anna Hineline | |
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Plain language A2J Script used in an informational A2J interview about Fair Hearings. | 122k | v. 2 | Apr 30, 2013, 11:00 AM | Anna Hineline | |
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Social Security Disability in plain language. A sample document for legal aid groups to revise for use in their programs. | 138k | v. 5 | Mar 12, 2012, 9:58 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in plain language. A sample document for legal aid groups to revise for use in their programs. | 139k | v. 5 | Mar 12, 2012, 9:59 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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How to get unemployment aid. | 71k | v. 4 | Jun 30, 2011, 7:38 PM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB) in plain language. A sample document for legal aid groups to revise for use in their programs. | 159k | v. 4 | Mar 12, 2012, 9:59 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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near-final draft | 160k | v. 5 | Dec 20, 2010, 8:55 AM | Jeff Hogue |
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139k | v. 3 | Dec 20, 2010, 8:54 AM | Jeff Hogue | ||
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How to Use a Court Interpreter | 70k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:13 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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136k | v. 3 | Dec 20, 2010, 8:54 AM | Jeff Hogue | ||
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How To Serve Someone | 467k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:13 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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How to Serve Someone (En Espanol) | 184k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:15 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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333k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:51 AM | Jeff Hogue | ||
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327k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:51 AM | Jeff Hogue | ||
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173k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:51 AM | Jeff Hogue | ||
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178k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:51 AM | Jeff Hogue | ||
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Testifying in Court (En Espanol) | 115k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:15 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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The Massachusetts Legal Aid Websites Project is thrilled to bring you Your Right to an Interpreter Poster - Editable Version! Adapt it it to meet your clients' needs. | Aug 13, 2012, 11:05 AM | Jeff Hogue |
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Advance Directive in plain English. Sample for replication. | 406k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:24 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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305k | v. 4 | Jun 30, 2011, 7:39 PM | Jeff Hogue | ||
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117k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:54 AM | Jeff Hogue | ||
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171k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:54 AM | Jeff Hogue | ||
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Probate - Frequently Asked Questions (En Espanol) | 159k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:15 AM | Jeff Hogue |
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This is a Spanish translation of a model plain language explanation of how to ask for help in a domestic violence situation. En Espanol | 125k | v. 5 | Jan 18, 2012, 1:33 PM | Jeff Hogue | |
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En Espanol | 132k | v. 4 | Jan 4, 2011, 12:04 PM | Jeff Hogue | |
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En espanol | 502k | v. 3 | Jun 30, 2011, 7:42 PM | Jeff Hogue | |
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En Espanol | 124k | v. 5 | Jan 4, 2011, 12:04 PM | Jeff Hogue | |
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En Espanol | 241k | v. 4 | Jan 4, 2011, 12:04 PM | Jeff Hogue | |
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En Espanol | 136k | v. 4 | Jan 4, 2011, 12:04 PM | Jeff Hogue | |
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Don't Put Your Kids in the Middle of a Custody Argument (En Espanol) | 134k | v. 4 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:18 AM | Jeff Hogue | |
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En Espanol | 75k | v. 4 | Jan 4, 2011, 12:04 PM | Jeff Hogue | |
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En Espanol | 123k | v. 5 | Jan 4, 2011, 12:04 PM | Jeff Hogue | |
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En Espanol | 153k | v. 4 | Jan 4, 2011, 12:04 PM | Jeff Hogue | |
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En Espanol | 139k | v. 4 | Jan 4, 2011, 12:04 PM | Jeff Hogue | |
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En Espanol | 141k | v. 4 | Jan 4, 2011, 12:04 PM | Jeff Hogue | |
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En Espanol | 151k | v. 4 | Jan 4, 2011, 12:04 PM | Jeff Hogue |