Emergency Evacuation

May 28, 2010

in Accident & Mishap Stories

It was a Saturday afternoon at the restaurant where I work. It was usually busy on Saturdays and today was no exception. It was also the middle of summer and on this particular Saturday we were very busy, not slammed, but still pretty hectic. It was quite hot in both the restaurant and the kitchen but little did we realise that we were about to get heated up a little more.

My workmates and I were happily working away in the kitchen when all of a sudden the emergency fire evacuation siren went off. We were all sure this was another test, but our manager came up to us with a serious face and said that we needed to get outside NOW! From the tone of his voice we could tell that this was not a drill.

In the restaurant all the customers were sitting there looking confused and irritated. Following protocol we shepherded them all outside to the fire evacuation point. As we headed for the exit we passed a running department manager from the supermarket above us. He was yelling on his mobile phone that the smoke was coming from the top floor. While we waited outside for the all-clear, some of our ever so loyal customers decided to take the opportunity to run off without paying the bill.

After a while our manager informed us that the smoke had not been from a fire. It tuned out that the security guard who comes once every few days to collect our profits had dropped his secured case which set off its antitheft system and released the stunning smoke. Luckily no one was hurt and it gave us something to laugh about.

– Peace Lover

{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }

Jack May 28, 2010 at 10:05 am

Here you go complaining about your customers.

A customer comes in to your restaurant, and orders a meal. Part way through the meal, he is forced to leave the restaurant, and stand outside. Meanwhile his meal gets cold, and he is hungry. So what should he do? Well, after a few minutes he should probably go elsewhere for his lunch. Why should he pay for meal he couldn't finish? It wasn't his fault the alarm went off, or some fumble fingered security guard dropped his case.

The customer isn't the enemy. The customer is the reason you have a job. Stop complaining about them, or get a different job.

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Sean T February 10, 2017 at 10:27 am

When the customer is a thief, no, they're not the reason I have a job. They're the reason I have a very good working relationship with the police as well as having security cameras in my restaurant to identify and prosecute them.
Walking a ticket, regardless of the reason, is theft.

You cannot be this stupid, so I'll mark you as an amateur troll.

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At Your Service May 29, 2010 at 5:18 am

That sucks Peace Lover! Too bad…

Still it must have *sort of* been good for a laugh when you found out it was just stunning smoke… did the security guard at least get "stunned" for being so clumsy?

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Xiao Gou May 29, 2010 at 9:23 am

If it were my restaurant and the customers were actually evacuated for a period, I certainly wouldn't expect those who hadn't yet received their bill to do anything about it.

However, any honorable person for whom it would be convenient to return to the restaurant would've pursued their bill and offered to pay. Since when does a fire drill entitle us to, effectively, steal food/services from a restaurant? When you visit a store/restaurant *you pay your bill* despite any inconveniences that may be placed in your path. That's what moral, honorable people do.

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Jack May 29, 2010 at 10:26 am

Well, Miss Goodie-Two-Shoes didn't mention if the patrons who left without paying had actually eaten their food, or if the food was just left on the table during the evacuation.

If I had consumed the majority of my meal I would have returned to pay the bill, and leave a gratuity. On the other hand if most of my food was still on the table, getting cold, I would have probably left, and gone elsewhere for lunch.

A moral and honorable restaurateur would not expect his customers to pay when they were inconvenienced by no fault of their own.

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Jonasgal November 3, 2015 at 12:34 am

HOW ere they supposed to make a profit if people don't pay their food bills???????

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Amber May 11, 2016 at 3:54 pm

In a situation such as this, the manager should be comping all bills of those affected. End of discussion. That's what you do when something goes wrong, you comp the meal, it's not the customer's fault they were evacuated, it's not their fault their meals were ruined. Better they have their ruined meals comped then have the kitchen prepare new meals all around causing long waits and pissing people off even more.

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Sean T February 10, 2017 at 10:31 am

A moral and honest customer would give the restaurateur the chance to comp the meal before ASSUMING that they were exempt from the law making theft a crime.

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Peace Lover May 29, 2010 at 2:18 pm

Hello friends, thanks for all you're comments. To answer you're question At Your Service yes it was a bit of a laugh and no the security guard was able to escape being stunned by the smoke. And as for the ever so friendly Jack you should know that it is breaking the law by leaving a restaurant without paying a bill so sorry to say but you are wrong. Also "Miss Goodie-Two-Shoes" thanks! but I'm actually male. Still no hard feelings. And Xiao thanks for you're logical words and most of the customers had the honour to return pay their bills. Happy dining and thanks for putting up my story Gregg.

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Hugh June 2, 2010 at 1:26 am

Wow, with your command of the language, it's no wonder you work in food service. I would say you would be limited to that or trash collection. I was pleasantly surprised by how well your posted piece was put together, with spelling, grammar, and the proper form of words, but in these little blurbs, you come off as mentally disabled. Seriously, guy, try spending a minute proof reading.

you're = you are

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Jack June 2, 2010 at 11:35 am

You can't be to tough on his grammar, after all he's English. 🙂

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Hugh June 3, 2010 at 1:14 am

In my experience, the English typically have examplary grammar. This makes it all the more odd for him to come off so poorly.

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memee June 11, 2010 at 5:23 am

Can't resist………..Too.

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Jack May 29, 2010 at 4:14 pm

Sorry about the gender mix up. I just assumed you were female from your writing style. Don't worry though, it's always good to be in touch with your feminine side. My wife has been trying to educate me in that regard for years.

If I have to leave a restaurant, through no fault of my own, before fully consuming my meal, I don't think I'm legally responsible for paying for it. The emergency, in your case was the restaurants responsibility. The customer wasn't responsible for having to leave before he was finished his meal. If I'm buying a pair of shoes, and the fire alarm goes off, and I have to leave the shoe store, am I expected to return to buy the shoes?

It just seems many of you "servers" have a jaundiced view of your customers. You want big tips for minimum service. You all seem to get pi**ed off if the customer asks for something out of the ordinary, like extra water, or an iced tea refill. Let's face it you are in a "service" business. You are there to cater to the customer, and satisfy his needs. If you fail to do that, you will get a small gratuity if any, if you meet the customers needs you'll get the standard 15-18%, if you exceed his needs you may get 20-25% or more. So work on satisfying the customer, and stop complaining.

Gregg, you who sees the sunny side of a thunderstorm, why do you have distain for your customers? Do you enjoy being a server? What don't you like about the job? Just asking…

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Peace Lover May 30, 2010 at 12:40 am

Thanks Jack but I love my job and I have nothing against our customers, with the exception of those few snobbish and big headed tyrants you get these days! And yes we all have to get in touch with our feminine side. I hope you and you're wife are doing great.

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sitting in front of May 30, 2010 at 5:23 am

Hi Peace Lover, you seem like a very likeable character. I must say, the restaurant has found the right man to do the job and they have successfully trained a hard-working candidate. I'd love to have you as my server but I live no-where close to the US! Cheers and I thank you and all the other hard-working waiters/waitresses for their hard work!

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sitting in front of May 30, 2010 at 5:27 am

Seeing you not getting angry at some of Jack's insulting comments also shows your positive attitude towards your type of work. Kudos to you!

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Peace Lover May 30, 2010 at 7:45 am

Thank you very much for you're lovley comments. I'm actually British so we may live closer then you think. And spitting venom back at those who insult you only makes things worse. My techniques work well with my anti-racism work. I get hate mail from the ku klux klan, neo nazies, racist skinheads, british national party the list goes on. But I manage to get rid of them by thanking them for their honesty and being positive to them. It's not what they expect and they never come back! As a humanitarian I fight hate with love. See you all soon, peace.

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Chiquita Chick May 30, 2010 at 8:58 am

Nicely said Peace Lover!

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Jack May 30, 2010 at 2:01 pm

Gregg, you sound like a very nice guy, and I am sure you are good at what you do. I will not hold it against you that you are a descendent of the Red Coats whom we soundly defeated during the battle of Yorktown. 🙂

Why do you get hate mail from the KKK, neo nazis, skinheads, etc.?

We have the same hate groups in this country. The USA has embraced the Tea Party, and other right-wing hate groups. Much of it has been caused by America electing a black president. The "good ol boys" down south, the ones who cling to their guns, and their bibles, just can't believe a black man is serving in the White House. They actually want him to be serving…breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Anyway, I digress…good luck to you in the future, and stay on the sunny side of life.

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rerere May 30, 2010 at 4:47 pm

Yeah, I thought you're a woman too! Sorry!

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sitting in front of May 30, 2010 at 11:15 pm

Actually I'm an Australian expat in Beijing and I have never been to Europe in my whole life. I really should learn to use your approach towards dealing with hatred and if I ever go to Britain, I should stop by at your restaurant!

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Jack May 30, 2010 at 2:06 pm

I guess it doesn't take a lot to insult you. Toughen up, it's a big, bad world out there.

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Peace Lover May 31, 2010 at 6:22 am

My name is not Gregg, Jack, I was thanking Gregg the owner of the sites for putting my story up. And I get these lovley messages from the hate groups because thay disagree with my words of equality for ALL people. I have been called a n****r lover and been told that people like me will drive the white people to extinction. I do not see the point in racism and I know that if we all stand up and say NO! then we can stop this terrible discrimination once and for all because if all you have in you're heart is hate, then you have nothing.

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Jack May 31, 2010 at 4:41 pm

Sorry about the confusion over your name.

You will never stop hate, and discrimination, it's been around since the dawn of man. In the USA discrimination is illegal, but that doesn't make it go away, it's still beneath the surface. It's simply not realistic to think that "all people" will stand up and say no. That just won't happen. Each of us can only try to treat other people they way we want to be treated.

Good luck in your search for utopia.

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jo June 1, 2010 at 4:37 pm

Hey Jack-Ass! You'll never learn, nobody likes your input. You crack me up that some one is SUCH a loser. "Serve" us all and shut-up!

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rerere June 1, 2010 at 7:00 pm

There was no need for that.

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Jack June 3, 2010 at 4:04 pm

Hey Jo, thanks for your input. You always add just the right touch to any conversation. I bet you are a hit at parties.

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Jodi June 2, 2010 at 9:13 am

I like the story.. but depending on how much food I actually got to eat AND if I had to be back to work, I may not have gone back in. I probably would have talked to the manager or wait staff before I left and at least tried to pay for my meal. But I would have left, rather than waiting around.

I also found it quite funny when Jack kept calling you Gregg. I think he allows himself to get very worked up over these stories and comments and doesn’t always read them thoroughly, and its quite entertaining at times.

Good luck “Gregg” ::giggle::

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Peace Lover June 2, 2010 at 12:27 pm

Hello Hugh! I was wondering if I was going to get a comment from you’re delightful personality. To answer you’re question I am in command of my own section in the restaurant but I do not mean to brag when I say that. And as for my spelling and grammar, this is due to the fact that I have a bit of dyslexia. You’re comments really make me laugh with much humour so don’t be afraid to keep coming!

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Hugh June 3, 2010 at 1:17 am

Wow, a whole section? I didn't realize that I was dealing with such a titan of business. As for your dyslexia, I believe you use that as an excuse. Using the incorrect form of your/you're should NOT be impacted by dyslexia, and you seem to make no effort to correct behavior which affects the way you present yourself and your arguments to others. My comments aren't designed to humor you,try to better yourself.

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Trixi June 7, 2010 at 12:32 pm

Hugh, just because you have a small penis doesn't mean you should take your humiliation and sense of inadequacies out on others–especially a peace lover. It's unseemly.

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Hugh June 16, 2010 at 1:29 am

Trixi, why are you so concerned with my penis size? I think we both know that answer to that one…my assertiveness and attitude let you know that I am a strong virile male, especially in comparison to "men" like Peace Lover, who was just mistaken for a woman. Sorry, sweetie, as much as you would love it, I am spoken for, and have been married nearly 2 decades. You missed your chance, you'll just have to continue secretly fantasizing about it. Thanks!

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Connie June 16, 2010 at 5:06 pm

Hugh… you're making me all wet!

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Hugh June 17, 2010 at 1:31 am

I know, that happens all the time. Don't worry honey, I have that impact on many women…give it time, it won't completely pass, but you'll learn to deal with the near constant arousal.

memee June 8, 2010 at 10:02 am

Google Dysgraphia and become educated.

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Hugh June 17, 2010 at 1:37 am

OK, I Googled it. It would appear completely unrelated to the symptoms expressed by Peace Lover. He states dyslexia is his problem. Dysgraphia is a difficulty or inability to write, usually due to lack of fine motor skills, and often with the person writing the wrong words or letters. I would suggest that YOU re-read the definition, and next time, rather than just throwing out a big word to cast apsersions on someone's arguments, perhaps you should understand the situation better, and certainly you shoudl understand the word you are using as the basis of your argument. Nice try.

Students with dysgraphia often have sequencing problems. Studies indicate that what usually appears to be a perceptual problem (reversing letters/numbers, writing words backwards, writing letters out of order, and very sloppy handwriting) usually seems to be directly related to sequential/rational information processing.

SYMPTOMS

1. Students may exhibit strong verbal but particularly poor writing skills .

2. Random (or non-existent) punctuation. Spelling errors (sometimes same word spelled differently); reversals; phonic approximations; syllable omissions; errors in common suffixes. Clumsiness and disordering of syntax; an impression of illiteracy. Misinterpretation of questions and questionnaire items. Disordered numbering and written number reversals.

3. Generally illegible writing (despite appropriate time and attention given the task).

4. Inconsistencies : mixtures of print and cursive, upper and lower case, or irregular sizes, shapes, or slant of letters.

5. Unfinished words or letters, omitted words.

6. Inconsistent position on page with respect to lines and margins and inconsistent spaces between words and letters.

7. Cramped or unusual grip, especially holding the writing instrument very close to the paper, or holding thumb over two fingers and writing from the wrist.

8. Talking to self while writing, or carefully watching the hand that is writing.

9. Slow or labored copying or writing – even if it is neat and legible.

These were just some excerpts from : http://www.as.wvu.edu/~scidis/dysgraphia.html
Other similar websites corroborate this definition.

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memee June 17, 2010 at 8:07 am

I am well aware of the meaning of the words I write. My point was you calling him out,especially after he posted he had a LD, and his use of your/you're was related to that. I know all about dysgraphia, so thank you for the same web site info I checked out many years ago. Sorry you wasted your time in showing me how so much more intelligent you are. I've noticed a trend here. I am in total awe of you…Dysgraphics Mom

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Hugh June 17, 2010 at 8:19 am

My point is that his misuse of your/you're has NOTHING to do with dysgraphia. Please also remember that you posted to Google it and educate myself…I did just that, though it was largely unnecessary, my wifes best friend has a child with Aspbergers, who has dysgraphia…his symptoms read like the textbook definition. Peace Lover may in fact have a learning disability, but Dyslexia and/or Dysgraphia is NOT the reason for him misusing those words. I have found it to be much more prevalent among the younger kids today. I originally thought him an older gentleman, perhpas an aging hippy, but finding out he is in his late teens seems, to me, to make sense, judging by his misuse of words. So, sometimes people misuse words because they are lazy, stupid, uneducated, don't know the correct use, or just don't care, and yes, sometimes because of a disability…in Peace Lover's case I would say it is most likely the first, third, fourth, or fifth reason.

Jack June 3, 2010 at 4:19 pm

You say you are "in command" of your own section. WOW! Do you get to wear a special hat or something, maybe a "Commanders Hat" like Hugh Heffner wears? Do you have servers beneath you, or do you just command the customers? Do you say stuff like "sit there!" "Eat this!"? I've never been to a restaurant where there was an actual commander in charge of a section of the dinning room.

While I've never been to jolly old England, I have taken a few cruises on the QEII before it was retired. The English are a stuffy bunch, with all that class distinction, dress codes, and so on. I enjoy the Norwegian Cruise Line, much more relaxed, and enjoyable.

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Peace Lover June 4, 2010 at 3:02 am

Hello Jack! It is always a pleasure to read you’re comments which really make me laugh. A hat was actually once part of our uniforms but I never liked them and they were eventually scrapped. Also thanks for you’re honesty regarding us brits, I could say a few compliments about you American brothers. Have you really been on the QE2? I have always wanted to go on a cruise holiday but they’re really expensive. I would love to hear about you’re sailing adventures, see you soon!

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Jack June 4, 2010 at 12:57 pm

It's always a pleasure to read your saccharin coated words too.

Yes I had two cruises on the QEII, in the late '80's, both from NYC to Bermuda. The cruises were both pleasant, my wife and I loved Bermuda. The English bred service was a bit stuffy for my tastes. There was a lot of class distinction, the staff let you know that one dining room was better then another. Although the food was in general good, nothing was really outstanding. I will say there was plenty of food, it seems like we were eating something every two or three hours. Bermuda was beautiful, and charming.

The Norwegian Cruise Lines is lot more focused on a casual and fun experience, while onboard. We did a 7 day tour in the Caribbean, which was nice, but visiting poverty stricken islands is a bit depressing. While the islands are beautiful you always feel you are just a few steps away from abject poverty. I found Mexico the same way. While in Acapulco, we stayed at the Princess, a magnificent hotel right on a beautiful beach. The beggars and the outlaws however, were only a few steps away. We were warned against walking on the beach at night, because of the "bandits who could come out of the hills". Indeed the entrance to the beach was guarded by jeeps with mounted machine guns. It was not a pretty picture.

Some of my most memorable vacation memories have been right here in the USofA, when you can drink the water, walk on the beach, and not be looked down upon because you don't rent the most expensive room in the hotel. Nothing is nicer to me then sitting in front of a big pile of steamed Maryland crabs, with a pitcher of cold beer, while sitting on a deck overlooking the beautiful Assawoman Bay in Ocean City, Maryland at sunset.

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tim June 15, 2010 at 5:25 pm

Peace is just a child looking for attention. I've read all his posts and it's easy to see that his only life is in front of a keyboard.

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Hugh June 16, 2010 at 1:32 am

I agree. I see his posts as kind of a "stealth" trolling. He has such a risiculous take on things that it invites negative comments. So unlike typical trolling, he tries to hide it by supposedly nice posts. So, I concur with him being a child. Either he truly is doing this "stealth trolling", or if these are his real views, he has a very immature, childlike view of the world. A sad person to be sure, he has some measure of my pity.

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Peace Lover June 16, 2010 at 11:04 am

Hey guys! Thanks for your honesty tim and Hugh and I am in my late teens so I suppose I am technically still a child but I will always be a child at heart hehehe. Stealth trolling, I have never heard of that before but I assure you that my words are honest and came from my heart. Treating those who abuse you with compassion and respect instead of spewing back venom is a sign that you are better person and not sinking to their level. I am going to respect you Hugh and others with your same views and there is nothing you can say that is going to change that because I know that underneath all that mockery is a kind and wonderful human being. Also I would like to thank all those who have commented on my story and made it one of the most commented. See you soon guys, peace.

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At Your Service June 16, 2010 at 1:09 pm

Oh lord, I just got myself a case of the giggles. I don't know WHAT it is about you Peace Lover… you are so hilarious to me. These people keep writing such nasty shit about you and you really cannot be riled, can you?

I will admit to being slightly annoyed and definitely disgusted at times by your seemingly sincere la-dee-da responses on this forum. You seem to be devoted to a life of peace, happiness, and love. I, however, am a self-admitted angry person. Things like revenge, confrontation, getting the "one up" on someone… these are the things make me happy. I am not ashamed of that. So your personality on here kind of makes me wanna throw up in my mouth sometimes.

But don't get the wrong idea. I have the highest respect for someone who is only in their teens but is able to thwart nasty, adult-caliber comments on here with such ease and passive aggression. Despite my up-chuck reflex, I can't help smiling every time I read your posts… and I'm not saying that sarcastically at all. You're just funny and admirable in your own bizarre way. Keep being you, that's all I can say.

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Kara March 20, 2012 at 9:01 am

I agree, although “Jack” and “Hugh” come across as the self-entitled a-holes that most people would hate to have to serve or even just be around – (I hope they are not like that offline!) – who think they are smarter than “Peace Lover” just because they know it should be “your” not “you’re” and the responses to their comments kinda make me sick too, at the same time it’s admirable that instead of indulging in some revenge and raging, Peace Lover just keeps being upbeat. (and people keep putting “you’re” instead of “your” – annoying)

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Hugh March 20, 2012 at 1:05 pm

And you, Kara come off as a self entitled d-bag as well. Encouraging people to post incorrect words, either to make themselves sound stupid, or to annoy others. Look at the dates on these posts, almost 2 years old. Please read up more than a single post thread before you cast aspersions.

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Connie June 16, 2010 at 5:36 pm

I agree. I think Peace Lover rocks!

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blue peter November 7, 2012 at 5:18 pm

Yes, Peace Lover is very interesting to read. But the mod should really think about banning Jack and Hackz from posting as they only post flamebait. Don’t feed the troll.

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gamis anak October 24, 2015 at 2:13 pm

Peace Lover should lead all the way

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Donavann August 19, 2016 at 6:52 am

Peace in every where

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