January 7, 2024

Seventh Generation: Clean Clothes without Optical Brighteners {Giveaway}

We're big Seventh Generation devotees in this house, and I've blogged about their wonderful, green products on this blog in the past.  If you've never heard of the company, they make eco-friendly cleaning and laundry supplies, as well as baby items like diapers, wipes, and more.  They're really an amazing company, and we purchase their products all the time, especially their dish detergent.
As a member of My Blog Spark, I was given the opportunity to test out their liquid laundry detergent and fabric softener.  To be honest, I already use Seventh Generation detergent in the laundry, but was really interested in conducting a little experiment with optical brighteners, comparing it to a conventional brand of detergent.
So what's the deal with optical brighteners?  According to Seventh Generation,

"Optical brighteners are synthetic chemicals that make fabrics appear to glow in the presence of ultraviolet light. They don't have anything to do with getting things clean— they're only added to detergents to make us think our laundry is brighter and whiter than it really is."
~They can rub off on skin, causing sunburn-like irritation
~They wash into our waters and survive treatment facilities, accumulating in fish and water.

Not something you want to be wearing on your skin, huh?

I received a black light and 2 organic cotton shirts as testers, and washed one with Seventh Generation liquid detergent
and the other with Target's brand of detergent.  I added a hot sauce stain, just to test out the power of the detergents, along with the use of optical brighteners.
After washing, the results of the optical brightener test weren't so apparent to me, even under a black light.
You can see that the conventional detergent is only slightly brighter, however it's possible that  Target's generic brand of detergent just can't afford to add optical brighteners and keep the detergent budget-priced.  However, I'd like to try this on one of the big brands, that is if I can allow them into my home again, lol.

Testing photos from My Blog Spark made the difference between Seventh Generation laundry detergent and conventional ones much more apparent.
Regarding the second part of my experiment, when I checked the stains, I was pleasantly surprised that the one washed in the Seventh Generation detergent was gone,
while Target's brand still had a bit of residue, which is hard to see in the photo, but trust me, it's there.
I'm really pleased that our go-to detergent fared so well in the tests. No optical brighteners, good stain removal power, and considering we have mineral-rich water in our house, I'm happy to see that the detergent cleans well, and is easy on the environment.

Additionally, you can get a $1 off coupon for their laundry products by clicking here.
WIN IT!
Want to conduct your own experiment? Seventh Generation is providing a set of laundry products for one lucky reader.
To Enter
Visit Seventh Generation and leave a comment here telling me how you try to be eco-friendly in your household or your favorite tip for keeping your family healthy at home.

Extra Entries (you must complete the first mandatory entry before doing the extras.  Also, leave a separate comment for each one):
~Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link (2 entries)
~Subscribe to my updates
~If you're a Fan of Katydid and Kid on Facebook leave a comment letting me know
~If you're a Fan of Seventh Generation on Facebook, leave a comment letting me know
~Follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect
~Follow @SeventhGen on Twitter
~Follow @katydidandkid and tweet this giveaway, leaving a link to your tweet in the comments. You can tweet once per day (leave a comment each day). You can copy and paste my tweet if you'd like: Win an assortment of eco-friendly, laundry products from @SeventhGen. Free of optical brighteners!

You must do the first entry in order to enter ("I want to win, thanks!" comments will NOT be considered). You will have until Sunday January 16th at 11:59pmEST to enter. The winner will be chosen via random number generator the next day and notified by email.I'll also post the winners on my blog HERE. If I don't hear back from the winner within 72 hours, I'll pick another. 
Disclosure: I received liquid laundry detergent, fabric softener, 2 t-shirts and a black light from Seventh Generation though My Blog Spark for participating in this campaign.

274 comments:

  1. my fav tip for keeping family healthy is wash wash wash your hands, take vitamins, exercise!

    jmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com

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  2. GFC follower

    jmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com

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  3. LIKE u on FB: JUlie Matek

    jmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  4. LIKE Seventh Generation on FB: Julie M

    jmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  5. follow seventh generation on twitter: jmatek

    jmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  6. My favorite tip for keeping my family healthy is to clean with nontoxic products!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm a Fan of Seventh Generation on Facebook

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  8. I follow Seventh Generation on Twitter.

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  9. I ♥ Seventh Generation!
    Using their products on the floor is one way I keep my silly girls from getting sick. because they are constantly eating, or licking the floor :O)

    ReplyDelete
  10. We try to be eco-friendly by using homemade natural cleaning products like a mixture of water, vinegar, and baking soda.
    andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I follow your blog publicly via Google Friend Connect!
    andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I follow @SeventhGen on Twitter! (@ampaetka)
    andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I follow you on twitter and tweeted! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/23523893775962112
    andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. We stay green by buying recycled paper products.

    roblyn66 at yahoo dot com

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  15. washing full loads and recycling all we can

    ReplyDelete
  16. Tips From Sue: How To Load a Dishwasher

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  17. GFC follow back

    http://aromaticspace150.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  18. button here

    http://aromaticspace150.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  19. I use reusable grocery bags and no bottled water!
    crazyhippiegirl1@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Became a fan of Katydid and Kid on FB (Miranda Marchese)
    crazyhippiegirl1@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Following 7th Generation on FB (Miranda Marchese)
    crazyhippiegirl1@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Followed on Google Friend Connect
    crazyhippiegirl1@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Following 7th Generation on twitter (mirandatweets)
    crazyhippiegirl1@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. We have starting eating a lot more organic foods, and using more eco friendly household items.
    jessycafoster@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. GFC follower. Jessyca Foster
    jessycafoster@hotmail.com

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  26. I like you on facebook. Jessyca Foster
    jessycafoster@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I like Seventh Generation on facebook. Jessyca Foster
    jessycafoster@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I follow you and tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/Jessyca81/status/23626942116790272
    jessycafoster@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. I follow SeventhGen on twitter @jessyca81
    jessycafoster@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. twitter follow them -kgail11

    ReplyDelete
  31. tweet http://twitter.com/kgail11/status/23728259963293696

    ReplyDelete
  32. I try to be eco-friendly by reducing our use of paper products. We use cloth napkins instead of papertowels and cleaning rags.
    diamond42377{at}gmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I am a Facebook fan of Katydid and Kid
    diamond42377{at}gmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I am a Facebook fan of Seventh Generation
    diamond42377{at}gmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I follow your blog with GFC as Shan
    diamond42377{at}gmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  36. if it's open to Canada...
    my tip for keeping healthy is wash hands often & don't sneeze into your hands.
    taraz9 at excite dot com

    ReplyDelete
  37. We recycle as much as possible and cut down on the use of paper products.
    Dove056 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'm a fan of Seventh Generation on Facebook.
    Dove056 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I follow Seventh Generation on Twitter. @Dove056
    Dove056 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I follow you on Twitter. @Dove056
    Dove056 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/Dove056/status/23769852493697024
    Dove056 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Keeping healthy is a matter of eating healthy, getting exercise, sleeping well, and getting the vitamins and minterals you need.

    iridia718 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  43. We try to be more eco friendly by using cloth instead of paper towels and hanging dry all of our clothes!

    lmerritt49903@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. email subscriber

    lmerritt49903@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. I follow with gfc

    lmerritt49903@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I follow seventh gen on twitter!
    @lmerritt49903
    lmerritt49903@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. My biggest tip is to drink plenty of fluids, eat right and get enough sleep

    phyllis2win(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  48. tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/phyllis2win/status/23795090673635328

    phyllis2win(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/23807232277741568
    andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  50. My son has sensitive lungs and taking harsh chemicals out of the house has helped tremendously.
    lkziegler[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  51. I subscribe via email
    lkziegler[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  52. I follow with gfc
    lkziegler[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  53. I like you on fb
    lkziegler[at]gmail[dot]com

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  54. i use all homemade cleaners and have been making my own laundry detergent as well

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  55. http://twitter.com/cneiding/status/23831492123693056 tweet

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  56. We reduce, reuse and repurpose!

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  57. I try to be eco friendly by using natural products for laundry, dishes, etc.
    We wash our hands regularly.

    winit6 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  58. I Subscribe to your updates.
    winit6 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I'm a Fan of Katydid and Kid on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  60. I'm a Fan of Seventh Generation on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I Follow your blog publicly via Google Friend Connect as nightowl.

    ReplyDelete
  62. I Follow @SeventhGen on Twitter
    @winsome6

    ReplyDelete
  63. tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/winsome6/status/23857606615375872

    ReplyDelete
  64. Non toxic products are the only items allowed in our home and I favour Seven Generations products!

    phjones1954 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  65. favorite tip for keeping family healthy at home is to keep the counters clean

    ReplyDelete
  66. tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/phyllis2win/status/24102006901702656

    phyllis2win(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  67. http://twitter.com/cneiding/status/24139947988484096 tweet

    ReplyDelete
  68. To be eco-friendly, we have a compost bin, and we recycle plastic and glass.

    ReplyDelete
  69. I use only eco friendly products for my household cleaning.

    honeybeez80@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  70. try to not be as wasteful and recycle and use less water
    msboatgal at aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  71. like you on fb
    msboatgal at aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. like 7th generation on fb
    msboatgal at aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  73. Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/24250157121937408
    andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  74. We try to stay healthy by eating well and getting enough rest. It doesn't always work though...

    hmcnaron at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  75. I follow seventh gen on twitter @creep4ward

    ReplyDelete
  76. I follow your blog on gfc.
    hmcnaron at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  77. tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/phyllis2win/status/24460485021667328

    phyllis2win(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  78. I try to keep my family healthy by buying healthy foods and having hand sanitizer in every room of the house.
    smchester at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  79. I fan you on facebook-Susan Chester
    smchester at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  80. I follow you publicly on GFC.
    smchester at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  81. To keep my family healthy, I keep my kids signed up for soccer and swimming lessons during the year. Both are fun, and we all get a workout when we practice together.

    ReplyDelete
  82. I follow your blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.

    ReplyDelete
  83. http://twitter.com/cneiding/status/24532318542626816 tweet

    ReplyDelete
  84. Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/24542219222392832
    andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  85. i visited seventh generation and love their diapers..

    * Wood pulp processed without chemicals containing chlorine
    * Hypoallergenic
    * Fragrance and latex free
    * Premium fit and absorbency

    my tip is i use peppermint oil with water to clean my floors no chemicals and it leaves the house smelling fresh

    ReplyDelete
  86. ~If you're a Fan of Katydid and Kid on Facebook leave a comment letting me know

    yes i am

    toni marie caravello

    ReplyDelete
  87. ~If you're a Fan of Seventh Generation on Facebook, leave a comment letting me know

    yes i am

    toni marie caravello

    ReplyDelete
  88. ~Follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect
    done

    ReplyDelete
  89. ~Follow @SeventhGen on Twitter

    done

    tonic67

    ReplyDelete
  90. like you on twitter and tweet

    http://twitter.com/#!/tonic67/status/24546493042008066

    ReplyDelete
  91. Tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/Dove056/status/24563536046850048
    Dove056 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  92. we try to buy natural products and natural foods as much as possible

    ReplyDelete
  93. We buy organic as often as we can.

    ReplyDelete
  94. Fan of Katydid and Kid on Facebook

    ReplyDelete
  95. Fan of Seventh Generation on Facebook,

    ReplyDelete
  96. Follow blog publicly via Google Friend Connect

    ReplyDelete
  97. Follow @SeventhGen on Twitter

    ReplyDelete
  98. http://twitter.com/#!/aitmama/status/24623554083426305

    ReplyDelete
  99. I am trying to reduce the use of plastic baggies by using reusable cloth ones, returning bottles and cans for recycling, some light composting of household and yard waste and using reusable grocery bags for shopping.

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  100. email subscriber
    micaela6955 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  101. your facebook fan Michele Pineda
    micaela6955 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  102. Seventh Generation FB fan Michele Pineda
    micaela6955 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  103. GFC follower
    micaela6955 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  104. Seventh Generation twitter follower micaela6955
    micaela6955 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  105. your twitter follower micaela6955 and tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/micaela6955/status/24624914631753728

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  106. tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/phyllis2win/status/24805066871410689

    phyllis2win(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  107. http://twitter.com/cneiding/status/24864386271154176 tweet

    ReplyDelete
  108. Tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/Dove056/status/24889327532113920
    Dove056 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  109. Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/24935617796251648
    andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  110. I try to be more eco-friendly by making natural cleaning products rather than buying products with toxic chemicals. Thanks for the giveaway!
    jacy468 at aim dot com

    ReplyDelete
  111. I follow your blog!
    jacy468 at aim dot com

    ReplyDelete
  112. I like Katydid and Kid on facebook!
    jacy468 at aim dot com

    ReplyDelete
  113. tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/phyllis2win/status/25165262886014976

    phyllis2win(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  114. http://twitter.com/cneiding/status/25238782638821376 tweet

    ReplyDelete
  115. Tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/Dove056/status/25245646608924672
    Dove056 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  116. Follow and tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/winsome6/status/25252098987786241

    ReplyDelete
  117. Last year I bought new HE washer & dryer, and now only wash my clothes in cold water. And we stay healthy by washing our hands & using good hygiene!

    ReplyDelete
  118. I subscribe via email at annmarieweeks at verizon dot net!

    ReplyDelete
  119. I'm one of your facebook fans! (Annmarie Dipasqua Weeks)

    ReplyDelete
  120. I'm a Seventh Generation facebook fan! (Annmarie Dipasqua Weeks)

    ReplyDelete
  121. I follow SeventhGen on twitter! (amweeks)

    ReplyDelete
  122. I follow you on twitter & tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/amweeks/status/25261977416765440

    ReplyDelete
  123. Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/25267000636866560
    andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  124. We make sure to wash hands a LOT!
    katiekarr at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  125. We started composting this year!
    aleksa91 hotmail com

    ReplyDelete
  126. fan on seventh gen on FB - aleksandra n

    ReplyDelete
  127. busyworkingmama follows seventh on twitter

    ReplyDelete
  128. I have replaced laundry detergent with more natural alternatives like borax and soda for most loads.

    dchrisg3 @ gmail . com

    ReplyDelete
  129. I follow you on Google Friend Connect. (Debbie C)

    dchrisg3 @ gmail . com

    ReplyDelete
  130. tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/phyllis2win/status/25533762318106625

    phyllis2win(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  131. http://twitter.com/#!/cneiding/status/25546776807219200 tweet

    ReplyDelete
  132. We already do simple things like recycle and take reusable bags to the grocery store, but I'm trying to buy better products and also trade out more of my plastic containers for glass.

    rachelsgiveaways at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  133. follow sponsor on twitter @MsgatorRN
    rachelsgiveaways at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  134. I'm your FB fan (rachel r.)
    rachelsgiveaways at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  135. I'm a FB fan of the sponsor (rachel r.)
    rachelsgiveaways at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  136. GFC follower Rachel R.
    rachelsgiveaways at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  137. I like to make sure I keep lots of disinfecting wipes on hand. If they are around, I tend to use them more. A quick wipe on a doorknob or a sink handle can help keep germs at bay!

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  138. I follow you on Twitter @coriwestphal
    Tweet: http://twitter.com/coriwestphal/statuses/25620394534768640

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  139. I like you on FB: Cori Eckstrom Westphal

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  140. I like Seventh Generation on FB: Cori Eckstrom Westphal

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  141. I'm a Google Friend (follower): Cori Westphal

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  142. I follow SeventhGen on Twitter @coriwestphal

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  143. I'm an email subscriber, coriwestphal at msn dot com.

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  144. I try to be eco friendly by recycling, washing clothes in cold water, I unplug stuff I am not using like toaster, microwave, etc.
    ashleygatewood@mail.com

    ReplyDelete
  145. Tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/Dove056/status/25624445930446849
    Dove056 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  146. Seventh Generation facebook liker
    ashleygatewood@mail.com

    ReplyDelete
  147. I follow you on GFC agatewood1
    ashleygatewood@mail.com

    ReplyDelete
  148. I follow SeventhGen on twitter @shuggysmommy
    ashleygatewood@mail.com

    ReplyDelete
  149. I follow you on twitter @shuggysmommy
    http://twitter.com/#!/shuggysmommy/status/25625376201904128
    ashleygatewood@mail.com

    ReplyDelete
  150. One way we are eco-friendly is that we recycle all our aluminum cans, cardboard, and paper products. As for keeping healthy, I make sure we wash our hands frequently and cough or sneeze in our sleeve. Thanks.
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  151. email subscriber
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  152. follow your blog
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  153. i require everyone to wash their hands often... especially in the winter time!

    hockiemack at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  154. google friend

    hockiemack at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  155. Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/25669374983544832
    andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  156. I try to be eco-friendly by recyling, using cloth grocery bags and replaing my regular lightbulbs.

    ReplyDelete
  157. Following @SeventhGen on Twitter

    ReplyDelete
  158. Tweeted http://twitter.com/kittycardero/status/25731542475083776

    ReplyDelete
  159. we try to recycle and conserve electricity
    addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  160. tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/phyllis2win/status/25907379207933952

    phyllis2win(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  161. http://twitter.com/#!/cneiding/status/25920812603150336 tweet

    ReplyDelete
  162. Among the best ways to keep everybody healthy are frequent handwashing, a good diet, and adequate sleep.

    cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  163. Follower via GFC

    cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  164. Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/25964852312801280
    andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  165. Tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/Dove056/status/26012636558659584
    Dove056 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  166. my tip is to keep your home cleaner by taking your shoes off before you enter your home. shadygrove79 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  167. subscribed to updates shadygrove79 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  168. fan of yours on facebook shadygrove79 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  169. fan on 7th generation on facebook shadygrove79 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  170. following your blog with gfc shadygrove79 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  171. following 7th gen on twitter shadygrove79 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  172. following you on twitter and tweeted http://twitter.com/meadowsgrove/status/26169689801494528 shadygrove79 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  173. blogged http://andreanathan.blogspot.com/2011/01/win-eco-friendly-laundry-products-from.html

    shadygrove79 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  174. http://andreanathan.blogspot.com/2011/01/win-eco-friendly-laundry-products-from.html blogged post 2 shadygrove79 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  175. We try to recycle and use eco-friendly products when possible.
    mannasweeps
    (at) gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  176. tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/phyllis2win/status/26271690761699328

    phyllis2win(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  177. http://twitter.com/#!/cneiding/status/26294156468944896 tweet

    ReplyDelete

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