about

♥♥♥♥♥♥
The name is Leah. I live in Cincinnati, OH. I really love to give advice! I have been here since November of 2004. But prior to joining here, I was always been seeked for advice. Still to this day, my primary concern is always helping someone out in need.

I am likely not the best columnist here, but I can quarantee I am very dedicated and concerned when I answer a question. If I answer a question you're not satisfied with, I will ask why, so I can try my best to change my answer. I only give people information that I know; not information that I might know. And if I notice a columnist giving you a wrong answer, you'll know I'll be correcting their response!!

I do allow everyone and anyone to ask a question. I may have listed favorite categories, but I really have no preference. I do love making new friends!! It's no problem to contact me by e-mail or IM. I do have a Myspace, and I will gladly give it out if asked! If you ever need advice, if you feel like ending it all, if you feel like no one cares, I am here!! Talk to me.. I will listen and I will help you!!

♥Leah

advice

I eat way too much sugar in my diet, and I want to start cutting back. I do pretty well, but then I get the worst cravings and I eat a bunch of sugary food. What is the best way to make these cravings back down, and how can I lower my sugar intake more easily?

I seriously had the same problem except it was with caffeine. It still is a bit hard for me today, but it's a slow process that takes patience.

First, don't just one day completely cut out on sugar. It can actually affect your emotionally, by blocking the "happy hormones". Seriously, I learned that on the Discovery Channel. Weird but true unfortunately.

So first off, slowly but gently try cutting out some sugar, and switch to alternative sugars, such as the famous "Splenda". It takes almost like sugar and it isn't as unhealthy as the standard sugar. Using alternative sweeteners makes a big difference.

It's like trying to cut down from alcohol. It does take time, and doing it rapidly can surprisingly affect your moods and overall behavior. So take it slowly. If you get the urge to eat a sugary food, try switching to something naturally sweet, like fruit.

I know that advice was brief but hopefully I helped =].

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Ok soo I really want to know what is the best acne wash.I dont have bad acne just mild. I tried Pro-Activ and it worked alright but not well. Everything else I tried really hasnt worked well on my skin. If you know of any good face washes or like cleansers let me know please.


Thanksss. =)

(wasnt sure what category this goes under but whatever.)

I had a huge difficulty finding acne products that work. I can agree that ProActive was alright but it didn't show excellent results. I guess just OK results.

What I use is Neutrogena facial wash that contains Salicylic Acid. It actually keeps my skin clear. I had a huge problem with acne once but using that really cleared it up.

Avoid cleansers with microbeads because it just digs the bacteria into our skin even more. Also, Triclosan (bacteria-killing ingredient), can really help.

Stridex wash foam works really well, too, which also contains the infamous ingredient Salicylic Acid.

I also wouldn't recommend the shortcut of facial acne wipes (such as Oxypads) because in my opinion they suck.

Hope I helped =]. Let me know if you need more information on acne products.

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i flat iron my hair.

what are some good things to put on it before to make it not damage?

What really works for me is Got2be Crazy sleek hair lotion. It protects my hair from thermal damage, and it also makes my hair smoother and flatter when I straighten it. It's amazing! =]

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im 14 ~today was my bday ~valentines day ~all i could think about was my bff since 4th grade~hes a guy ~ive been staring to really like him and he likes me we both no we like eachother ~my family doesnt really care about me tht much and dont say o yes they do ~bc they dont they told me ~i hate them ~they fogot it was my bday till like noon and ive only been talkin about it for days ~his family is just like mine ~were both deppressed when were apart~my bff he was the first person to tell me happy bday and even sing it ~which was left on a message on my cell at 9:00am the time i was born years ago ~i called him back ~it was so sweet ~someone cares about me atleast ~one person in my life ~i really love him and he really loves me but every1 who dates ends up hating eachother i no we wouldnt hate eachother but ~hes the only person in my life tht cares about me ~should we date ~i dont wana lose the only person who cares and loves me ~and yes im gothic depressed but can u blame me!!! ~my parents dont care his parents dont care any of my cousins dont care no1 else cares about me!!!!!!!! exept him i love him i dont ever want to loose him ~and if we ever do date he cant come over as much ~we cant go anywhere alone anymore ~what do i do ~i hate my life ~but i love him with all my heart ~i got only the present from him today ~i dont really care about the present i just wanted to be with him 2day thats all i wanted for my bday ~i cry myself to sleep every night im cryin my eyes out right now and hes the ONLY person to ever see me cry exept my mom since i was like 5 ~what should i do i dont wana loose the only person in my life we both love eachother as bff and as bf gf ~and no im not going to see anyone for all my problems ~hes the only person i can talk to ~i hav tried to kill myself befor~before i met him~hes means the world to me i mean the world to him~we only have eachother ~we might runaway together ~NOBODY WILL CARE EVRY1 NOS NO1 WILL ~im not sein a pyscyatristmy mom even told me because i was locked in my room cryin and screamin ~i will not see a physciatrist ~if we run away ~no1 will even notice ~ill go crazy if i dont get advice soon ~no1 will ever see missing signs for me no1 would even put them up

Thanks for choosing me to answer your question =]

I am really sorry about what is going on right now... but as a peer mediator at my school, I can only help you with some of these things that you are going through. Your suicidal thoughts and attempts is something that really needs to be taken to a Psychologist. I know how you feel right now, and I completely understand what you are going through because I can imagine, but I can not help you with your suicide thoughts. Please see someone. Give someone a chance. It was hard for me to see someone at first but I took the courage to, and things got better. PLEASE go see someone right away!!

And with your boyfriend and you, it's wonderful that there is someone in your life that cares about you, but your parents really should actually love you. They would have to, otherwise, they would put you up for adoption.

If you seriously think your parents are disowning you and being unfair, contact your local police department to ask for emancipation. Hence foster care, or adoption to some other family. And YES it can be local, you can still see your boyfriend, but arrangements will have to be made, but it would be better for you mainly.

Also, there are clinics (call centers, shelters) in your area you can contact anonymously for any guidance or help. They are completely confidential, your parents won't find out, and your boyfriend can tag along with you to seek a shelter. Don't just run off into nowhere. Go to someone you trust or to a shelter.

I really wish I could be there and help you out right now, but the only thing I can recommend is just going to a shelter or calling your police department. SUICIDE IS NOT THE ANSWER!! Never go there.. I regret attempting suicide, and I first thought nothing will ever get better, but getting help made me feel better, and my family and I bonded, I made new, and more friends.. and life in general just got better for me. Like I said, please go to someone!!


-->http://suicidehotlines.com/national.html

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I have been researching different birth controls all day...and i still dont know which one to choose from ( i have a doctor appt. monday to talk about it too)

I have narrowed it down to Seasonal and Loestrin 24 cause i have really bad/long/heavy periods...
NuvaRing cause you dont take it as much and Ortho Tri-Cyclen cause it's sopposed to help with acne...

if anyone is on/was on any of these could you give me your opinion of them? Like does Ortho Tri-Cyclen really help with acne and such?
Thanks so much!

I am actually on Ortho Tri-Cyclen lo right now and personally has no affect for me regarding to acne. I see no changes whether I am off of it or on it. But like the person said below, it varies with everyone. However I only have been on it for a month, and the information packet said it takes up to 3 months to see much affects.

And Ortho really did help me with my periods. They made them so much lighter, and eased cramps. So I highly recommend that.

If you need to know more about it, I actually have an information brochure on it (for me to type up for you) if interested, so let me know! =]

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hey, i saw your answer on a girls question about acne and i was wondering if you could help me. you see i wanna model/act and i already have an agency and stuff but the problem is that i have acne and it discolors my face so i was wondering if you can tell me what to do. what kind of acne prevention thing can i use? i have tried oxy and clerasil for a while and they are pretty much useless. they say am pretty and all but i will have to wear a lot of make up to cover up the acne and i hate make up. so what do you suggest i use

thanks in advance =)

Hey, thanks for choosing me to answer your questions =].

I actually had the same problem. Used many products and nothing really worked for me. It started to clear up when I started to wash my face 2-3 times a day, using Salicylic Acid (Clean&Clear, Clearasil), Benzol Peroxide (PersaGel, Clearasil, Clean&Clear), and Triclosan (Noxzema facial wash). In the morning I would use Triclosan, so it would kill, and protect my skin from bacteria (which causes breakouts), during the afternoon I would use Saliclyic Acid, to wash out oil, and dry out pimples. Then at night I use the Benzol Peroxide to keep my pores clear overnight so it won't clog up and cause a few pimples.

Also, use sunscreen after you wash your face (in the morning or afternoon) and/or whenever going out. I really like the Clearasil sunscreen with spf 15. It moisturizes my skin, so it won't dry out, and it protects my skin from getting irritated or red in the sun.

If you used the pads like the OxyPads, then those alone won't do much any good. They are only a "cover-up" for protection of breakouts. They don't actually thoroughly go down deep into your pores, like what actual cleansers do.

If regular cleansers still do not work for you, still try cleaning your face like what I recommend and also use the PersaGel stuff. You put that cream on the pimples, and it dries out over time, and then makeup can easily clear it up while it heals. Don't try picking on it, or add more stuff to it after it dries because then you will scar it.

There are also makeup out there that can treat pimples while keeping your face clear. I really love the Wet n Wild brand, and the Neutrogena brand. They both have a product out there that contains Salicylic Acid in it, so it can clear them off while your skin looks clear and flawless.

If you are still having trouble, go a few weeks doing that routine, and if no dramatic results appear, see a Dermatologist because it could actually be another form of acne or another skin problem that will need better, more advanced treatment for.

You could also go with ProActive, but it cost 20 dollars, and it takes weeks for any improvement to appear (some cases within days but it takes patience). I tried it once and it really worked but it took awhile to start working to its full potential.

You did say you already tried using Clearasil and Oxy but I don't know if it was the pads you used or the facial wash so I added them to the list anyway.

Try some of these products:
+Clearasil (or Clearasil ultra) facial wash
+Noxzema facial wash (also has a new shaving cream out with Triclosan)
+Nature's Cure. It has safe herbal tablets to take one in the morning and one in the evening, plus a facial cream that contains benzol peroxide. I love this stuff, too.
+Neutrogena facial wash
+St. Ives facial scrub with microbeads

As a small note aside, try not to mix products up, or wash too much because you will dry out your skin. Try using the products seperately at separate times. If dryness does occur, use a facial moisturizer that is non-comedegenic (doesn't clog pores). Pretty much every acne product out there has it.

Hope I helped! Let me know if you need to know anything else! =]

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how can i get rid of a sore throat with out medican or perioxide or salt water. i tried all them and i still havent go rid of it :/

If you exclude medication, or salt methods, all it will really take is time. However, you really should try taking sore throat drops (if you have cough drops those work, too), and sore throat spray around the house if you have it. A glass of real, cold water from the freezer, or chewing on ice cubes may help.

I know you said no medication but those are effective ways of doing it, and those products are commonly found around the house. But excluding from all of that, try taking 1 tablet of tylenol and drink cold water. That really does help me. Sorry for recommending those but they are the only effective methods if you want it gone faster. If you avoid all ways of treatment, only time can help.

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what are some easy ways to make money? i'm a full time student with a part time job but it's not covering all my expenses. i need a quick, easy way to make money. nothing illegal, obsviously. it's currently winter and freezing so no ouside things... anyone ever try paid online surveys? how did they work out for you? anything would help!

The only things I can prefer is probably going to ebay to sell stuff that you don't need. My dad actually tried it out and it was a success for him. Also calling your local nespaper to add in some advertisement on anything you want to sell like an old couch or TV. No outdoors for these.

Also have you tried secret shopper? And before you assume this is a "full-time" kind of job, it actually isn't. On occasion, you'll get calls to visit a store and you evaluate the employee that served you. You can get easy money out of this and it only takes twenty minutes of your time. It's all local, so there's no need to travel 20 miles or anything. More information just go to www.groovejob.com or www.snagajob.com.

And in my opinion I think the paid online surveys are a waste of time because in order to do those, you would have to subscribe to different magazines or books, and take part in different clubs, organizations, plus having to donate money to some website you never heard of. On those same websites they advertise about it, but they don't tell you the catch until you apply, and when I tried applying it was just a waste of time. But if it sounds good to you, give it a try.

Hope I helped =]

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14/f. ok, well i've had my period before, but every stinkin time i have it i ALLWAYS get blood in my underwear. i'm running out of underwear!!! i'm not comftrable telling my mom that the blood gets in my uderwear, but i'm down to about only 5 pairs. idk what to do!! help!!

The advice below is helpful, so rely on that.

As SOON as possible, once you notice the blood on your underwear, wash in cold water. I usually put it in heavy cycle (where it soaks it longer in water), with slightly more detergent than usual. If you wash it in minutes, you'll easily get it off. The more hours you wait, the more the blood will settle and cause more permanent damage. Also, if your underwear is white (or off-white), bleach it. This will whiten it, and clear it up. You do not have to waste that underwear. It just takes a little washing in cold water. Easily fixable.

If you are on the go, and nowhere to wash it (which can happen), bring Hydrogen Peroxide, Rubbing Alcohol, or nail polish remover with you. This can not only rinse off permanent ink, but it can rinse off blood. Using Tide-To-Go is completely un-useful, so never go to a convenience store and buy it.

My periods tend to be very difficult. Some times it can secretly leak behind my pad, or it won't catch it in the tampon, so when you use a tampon, wear a thin "lightdays" pad, or a pantiliner for regular use [of vaginal discharge]. If your period is heavy, the columnist below me brought up birth control. I am on it for mine and it really lightens periods, decreasing the risk of any "leakage".

Another method, when wearing pads though, is buy pads with more hold, and longer ones. There are pads out there that are longer and wider for pant sizes 14+. It doesn't matter if you are slim, average, or overweight. Since everyone is different, everyone has a specific size. But that's the one I really love on my heavy days.

You can also going to diapers. I know that's hilarious. But it does exist if you really really need it. There are diapers specified for periods, not just "baby diapers." For this you'll need your Gynecologist to refer you to some.

I know that last one wasn't very good to read about but just opening up options in case you'll need to go to it.

If you need more information, product recommendations, or simple "clean-up" methods, just drop a question in my inbox! =]

Hope I helped and good luck.

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what do u mean by use toothpaste like put toothpaste on the pimple ?? will that really work ?? Thanks so much for your advice.

You take out a pea-sized portion of regular toothpaste and you apply it on just the pimple. Does that make sense?

No problem =]. Just let me know if you encounter any other problems.

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ok i know some of you will say google so please dont...this is for anyone who looks up lyrics often...what is the best site that you would reccomend to go to to find accurate lyrics of songs.

The biggest lyric site I know of is www.songlyrics.com. But as a second choice I would choose www.azlyrics.com

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ok well i am kind of embarrassed saying this but i do not get pimples very often but when i do they are BIG and NOTICABLE. all i have to use now is clearasil and i have been using it for a week now and the pimple STILL hasnt gone away !! what can i use what can i do !! helppppp !!

I used to have problems like that. My face is pretty irritating when it comes to pimples.

This is a little bad but if I really want to remove a pimple, I apply toothpaste on it. You may have heard it's not the greatest way doing it, but if you go into desperation that helps. Also, applying rubbing alcohol only on the pimple (not the face).

Cleaning your face with Salicylic Acid every day can help dry your pimple out. Then use Benzol Peroxide/Salicylic Acid cream apply it on the pimple. And within a few days it's dried out.

Those are some cheap ways doing it..

Or you can go the fairly expensive way (not too expensive; just costs 20 dollars and you'll need your parents for this). It's ProActive. It works, and it keeps your face clean.

If you want the pimple removed within hours, there are methods in hospitals where they literally remove the pimple off your face (It's about 100 dollars though) But I doubt you would go that path, but just opening up options for you.

Also, there is makeup you can use that contains salicylic acid and while your face looks evened out and clear, it's drying out the acne behind all the makeup. I think Neutrogena makes it, but it really works. Also Wet N Wild makes foundation makeup that can clear up your face.

I am pretty Knowledgable at acne medications. If you need more information on more acne ingredients, product recommendations, or any other information, feel free to leave a question in my inbox! =]

Hope I helped.

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im 12 it started at 11 i have never cried before i just get mad enough to kill them so i lock myself in my room they love my brother he can do what ever he wants i have to do everything for him and i get nothing its been a year that i went through with it now im very rebellious and violent i get everything in black i do it to piss them off i want a new family

Hey, first off thank you for choosing me to answer your question.

If you really think it's severe enough that your parents are disowning you, and using you to run errands for your brother, then you really need to see someone about it. Going to a school counselor can make a difference. Also, you can call your local police department if you feel they are doing it intentionally enough to harm you emotionally and physically. They may consider emancipation. Or in other words, foster care.

If you feel it's minor enough to be fixable, then really talk to your parents about how you feel. You may have, or have already tried to, but try it again. If your words do not get through them, take action and see a counselor or trusted adult.

Also, is your brother younger or older than you? If your brother is younger than you, your parents may feel that you should take on his responsibilities since he is at a younger age. If he is older than you, then I can see where he can "do whatever he wants" which certainly is unfair. Older siblings are harder to get through with. But either way, ask your brother how he feels about you doing things for him.

In the mean time, you just seem so angry and distraught, which I completely understand. You are going through some rough times, and really going to someone is the first step to anything because in some cases, you can't solve it all on your own. Getting someone on your side makes the problem easier, and it makes it resolved faster.

A few steps the counselors do in this kind of process:

1) The first step they take is to call up your parents, to try to talk to them about the situation and how you feel.

2) If that doesn't work, the second step they do is notify them again, and warn them what they are doing is just harming you emotionally and putting you through stress, anxiety, and maybe some depression through it all.

3) The third step is they will notify police (if it's that severe) and get them involved. They will take you through an endless of options to get this family prblem straight.

I know this because I went through something similar, except I wasn't disowned or anything. I was going through many family problems as well, and those were the steps I was told about.

I really hoped I helped because this really sounds like something severe. So please get any help if it's necessary so you won't do any harm to yourself and/or others. I can understand the emotions, but I really don't want you doing anything harmful. =]

So let me know what happens asap. You'll get through just fine, hun. =]

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For this next week, I'm going to be balancing 2 jobs. (1 is full time and the other is part time). There are a few times out of the week where I will be scheduled to work at both places (not at the same time though) - which will require me to be working 12-14 hours those days. Can anyone give me some tips on how to stay awake, energized and not worn out for that day and the following one? (This is only for this week by the way.)

I had to do the same thing over summer. I used to have to wake up 3 AM for work, and I wouldn't go to bed until 3 or 4 PM. So this is what helped me:

1) I drank a few cups of coffee, and took a caffeine pill (every 4-6 hours).

2) I always tried to find something to do, whether I liked it or not. I'm a cashier (like the columnist below me), and went to stock shelves, mop, and dust around. I tried entertaining customers to keep me awake.

3) If you need a short break, take it. Don't stay on your feet (or work non-stop) for those 12-14 hours. You'll wear yourself out faster.

4) Eat! Food=energy. Some good snacks would be poptarts, cereal, and a PB&J sandwich - all high in carbs, which supply energy.

5) Drink cold beverages (water would be the best), but if you really need the energy, later take some ginseng, or green tea pills (or green tea flavored water), to give you energy.

6)If you start to feel sleepy, wake yourself up by splashing a little cold water in your face.

7) If it's possible, after you are done with your first job, go home and take a small warm shower. This soothes any soreness from the previous job and supplies you with more energy. But put in a little cold water afterwards to wake you up.

8) If you are all out of things to do, read a cool magazine that you have, or a book you haven't had time to read before. Also, if any of those two jobs are a "sitting" kind of job, call up a friend to talk to, to keep you awake and occupied.

Hope I helped =] Good luck!

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What is the difference between anal and oral sex??

I'll make this simple but straight-out:

Anal = Butt sex

Oral = Giving head to a girl/boy; blowjobs;getting eaten out.

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lets start this off by saying im a and a virgin. and its really starting to smell even when i dont have my period? is there anything wrong? like its not infected or anything it just smells really really bad.

It's normal. Every girl is different when it comes to odor "down there". Some girls get light odors; some get heavy ones. Easy treatmens (that I have used and recommend) is Playtex daily wipes. It's not douching (no worry) and you just use them to cleanse yourself down there to remove the odor. Also, Vagisal powder can do the same, while absoribing any moisture from discharge.

Some tips to help it are:
1) Avoid tight clothing -- tight jeans and tight underwear can block oxygen from coming in and out, causing moisture and bacteria (odor and extra discharge).

2) Avoid silky underwear -- this also blocks oxygen [air]. Stick with cotton

3) Don't use soap to clean yourself down there, because that can make it worse.

I know you didn't ask for tips, but I thought that would help with your question.

****There's really nothing you can use that will be effective [at home] to reduce the odor. But for a last resort, use a little bit of baby powder down there as a temporary solution, or wear pantiliners (scented) to reduce the odor. Also, washing down there with just warm water can get the odor out a little bit.

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are there any products store or like tips like lemon juice or something that prevents oily and greasy hair?

There is nothing really out there to prevent it but you can treat it, and make it gone temporarily when you are out all day.

There are shampoo out there for oily hair. Suave makes it, and it works pretty well. My sister has very oily hair and when she uses it, the stuff lasts for hours.

If you are on the go, apply [lightly] some baby powder in your hair. This absorbs the oils in your hair, while leaving it looking healthy. Putting too much can irritate the scalp.

Hope I helped =]

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i have my ipod connected, but i dont know what to click or anything. i just dont wanna earse my songs on my ipod.

Go to my computer --> and they'll have a new icon on there. Look for the Ipod symbol or the keyword "USB", "USB Drive", or "Ipod USB". Click on it. If you see none of these or unsure, just give me all the icons you see with their names, and I will choose it out.

It'll open up your folder. Click on the top one. Press CTRL + SHIFT key and click on the last song/file from the bottom. This should highlight all songs. If not, stick with CTRL, and highlight the songs you want. If still not highlighted, press the right button of your mouse and hover over all of your songs.

Next, carefufully click and hold the highlighted portion, and drag it to another folder. Give it a few minutes since it is a lot of songs. Then once it is done you can do anything you want with those songs. You can listen to them on the computer, burn them onto a CD, or transfer them elsewhere (to a cell phone or another mp3 player/ipod)

Your songs will not be erased unless you accidentally click on delete, but they should prompt you, so don't accept if you ever mistakenly click on something.

Good luck and let me know if you encounter any problems!

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i just got a new computer and i wanna transfer the songs on my ipod to my computer. i would put the songs on cd's and put them on the new computer, but there are over 1000 songs.

thanks in advanced

Do you have a USB port and a USB cable to connect to your Ipod? If so, you can easily transfer all of the songs from your ipod to your computer. Would take a bit time since that is a lot of songs, but once your usb is connected (and by going to my computer -- > usb [name/brand]), it simply transfers them.

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On an MP3 player how many songs will 2gb play?

It varies. If the average song was about 3-4 mb, then it could carry around 200-500 songs. There is no maximum amount of songs. Also if it helps, I have a 2 gb mp3 player as well, and I can easily fill up about 250 songs (using songs that range from 2 mb to 4 mb). a 3 mb song is like 3 minutes, pretty much if that helps. If the song was any longer, it could shorten the maximum hold [of 2 gb]. Hope that didn't confuse you. =]

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