Show Us: The Most Beautiful Aircraft of the 21st Century

"For Sweden" (rallybeetle) 08/28/2013 at 13:55 • Filed to: Show us, Planelopnik

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What is the most beautiful aircraft of the 21st century? In my mind, the Embraer 190, which entered production in 2002, edges out the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, but not by much. Share your choices in the comments below.

Photo Credit: Embraer via airnation.net !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

PelicanHazard > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:09

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Is this for all aircraft or just passenger jets?

If it's for all aircraft, my vote is the ICON A5 (not in production yet, but soon):

If it's just passenger jets, I'm giving a nod to the Sukhoi Superjet

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:10

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This is, by far, my favorite aircraft. It's not a passenger liner, but it sure can take care of you need it to take care of!

For Sweden > PelicanHazard 08/28/2013 at 14:10

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I would say any aircraft that entered production in the 21st century, so the Superjet works.

For Sweden > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/28/2013 at 14:10

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But it did not enter production in the 21st century.

dd3333 > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:20

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Apologies offered; didn't see the "21st", so:

McLarry > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:23

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Yup

evoCS > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:24

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I have to say, The A350 is going to be a bit of a looker as passenger planes go.

Nintenzo > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:25

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Maybe not most beautiful, but most incredible without a doubt.

ptak appreciates old racecars > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:25

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F-35.

dddaaayyyuuummm

Canuk > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:26

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Hands down its Project Zero,

123456 > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:26

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Because, just look at it.

Shady Balkan Subject, Drives an Alfa > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:26

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For some reason I really love how the MiG-35 looks.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:27

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Yea, you're right. Oh well.

POD > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/28/2013 at 14:28

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I love the flying gun. Just an awesome durable plane.

gearboxtrouble > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:28

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The Sukhoi T-50. The Russians know how make good looking planes and this one (albeit still undergoing testing) is quite the looker as far as stealthy combat jets go.

GOAT__RODEO > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:29

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world record airplane (paper)

Mike_Honcho > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:29

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America's spaceship.

ejp > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:29

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Man, I love these things. The Dassault Falcon 7x should definitely be in the running for the most beautiful aircraft of the 21st century:

UKPDXWRX > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:30

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Airliner: A340 - It's crazy length to width (fineness) ratio makes it look like the airliner you drew when you were a kid.

Fighter jet ( and I know this will get some groans) - F35. It's a hybrid between the angular F-22 and a more traditional curvy jet:

Mike_Honcho > Nintenzo 08/28/2013 at 14:30

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Rocky Dennis!

user314 > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:30

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Bit of an odd choice, but I'm going with WhiteKnightOne

covers86 > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:31

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I share the love for the Embraer 190. Air Canada uses these for a lot of regional flights in. (I'm frequently do the St. John's to Halifax/Toronto). Those wingtips, unf. Also, outside the pure aesthetics, it's a really comfortable and quiet jet.

Dragon__Brain > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:31

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What about the 24th and a half century?

X-cchannel-M > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:32

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I'd say the 787 edges the Embraer out. Here's a like-for-like comparison (2014 delivery):

Mojonaut > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/28/2013 at 14:32

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It's not a passenger liner... it just uses the engines from one.

Vie Ventar > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:33

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If we are allowed ones that haven't yet flow, but are planned, then I've got to nominate the Skylon.

If they get that thing built and running, it's going to be as big of a step forwards in passenger aircraft technology as the jet engine.

Alternatively, if you want ones which have flown - though still in testing flights as of yet, then I'll nominate the VSS Enterprise and VSS Eve.

Jambon > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:33

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spitfire

Josh > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:33

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I do have a "thing" for everything Sukhoi though.

Troll is English for Troll > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:33

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Go 'MURICA.

jli585 > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:33

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G650

SaabLife, because Gripen > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:33

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Any of the Boeing 737 Series (737-800 for 21st Century purposes). Essentially a flying bus? You betcha! But ever since I've worked with them they've just become the sexiest aircraft in my book. Especially up close. Can't wait to see the Max when it comes out.

ejp > UKPDXWRX 08/28/2013 at 14:34

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A340 entered production in 1993 ...not 21st century :(

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:34

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Good choice, but I'd go with the 190 E2 with Pratt & Whitney engines.

Because gearbox.

Jambon > Jambon 08/28/2013 at 14:34

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oops, misread.

Still don't care. Sexiest in history.

ThisRaccoonIsOnFire > 123456 08/28/2013 at 14:34

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Zeeboid > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:35

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I'm just going to put this right here....

FastRabbit08Pl > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:36

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How about Polish Airlines Dreamliner?

AMG OMG > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:36

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oops, didnt see 21st....was going to say L1011...

SP23 > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:37

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I've always liked the F-22 Raptor. I like its chiseled, angular lines. It's like the Lamborghini of the sky.

Ha, sorry, got carried away there.

Kookanoodles > 123456 08/28/2013 at 14:38

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Is that a Lambo dude ?

dagibby > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:38

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Honda jet is pretty pretty.

Travis Anderson > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:38

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The new Bombardier CSeries business jets (powered by the new Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1000G)

HappyCamperB > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:38

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Of course it's Italian, the Piaggio Avanti:

The Lancair Evo is also a looker:

Brian, The Life of > Troll is English for Troll 08/28/2013 at 14:39

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I approve of this well-deserved bit 'o trolling.

Eric Leonard > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:39

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Not amazingly beautiful, not supermodel beautiful, but beautiful in a quirky, Honda kinda way.

Gnarkill > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:39

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not sure if this counts but this v12 diesel powered yak is pretty bitchen

POD > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:39

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The Cirrus SR22.

Rocket propelled Cirrus Airframe Parachute System to bring the plane down in case of engine failure or pilot incapacity (assuming a passenger can pull the cord). I really like the look of this plane, even the micky mouse doors are cool.

Brian Tschiegg > ejp 08/28/2013 at 14:39

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Water landing? Or flooded runway?

blackonblack > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:39

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NO CONTEST:

stirling.spera > Jambon 08/28/2013 at 14:40

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That is most certainly more than 13 years old.

stirling.spera > Josh 08/28/2013 at 14:41

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That is frightening and sexy

Paul > SaabLife, because Gripen 08/28/2013 at 14:41

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21st Century..

dagibby > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:41

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Comanche!

Paul > Jambon 08/28/2013 at 14:41

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21st Century..

EVN99 > POD 08/28/2013 at 14:42

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The Cirrus is one of the sexiest singles on the ramp. Wait, that doesn't sound right...

SaabLife, because Gripen > Paul 08/28/2013 at 14:45

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The 737-700ER, 737-800, 737-900, 737-900ER, and the future 737-Max and it's variations are all 21st Century aircraft.

willkinton247 > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:45

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Dassault Rafale. The French do know how to make a pretty airplane.

dagibby > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:45

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Sikorsky X2, and the promise it holds. An easy to fly, 250kt cruise VTOL for the 21st century.

POD > EVN99 08/28/2013 at 14:45

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Oh it most certainly does sound right. I did the photoshoot for the owner of this one. As a thank you he took me up in it and let me take over mid-flight. He set a few navigation bugs and had me go from point to point for a good 15 minutes. It. Was. Awesome!

Travis Anderson > 123456 08/28/2013 at 14:46

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My favorite fighter!

SeveB > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:47

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Russian Tu-154

ejp > Brian Tschiegg 08/28/2013 at 14:47

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My guess: promo photo - wet runway.

IH8Tumblr > Gnarkill 08/28/2013 at 14:47

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I MUST HAVE MORE INFORMATION ON THIS!

StewMM > SP23 08/28/2013 at 14:48

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The F22 feels a lot older than what it actually is.

Jayhawk Jake > Brian Tschiegg 08/28/2013 at 14:49

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It's a certification test, checking to make sure water doesn't get where it's not supposed to.

Jayhawk Jake > blackonblack 08/28/2013 at 14:49

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Not the 21st century

EVN99 > POD 08/28/2013 at 14:50

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Very cool. I flew right seat in a SR20 from KPDK to KCLT. Very plush and tech heavy aircraft. BMW of the skies with a price to match.

Mercedes Streeter > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:50

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Antonov An-225. She isn't from the 21st Century, however her paintjob is!

The jetblast from that baby is simply phenomenal!

Bob LeDrew > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:51

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I'm gonna be a nationalist and go for the Bombardier CRJ1000

andersonwal > Jambon 08/28/2013 at 14:51

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21st century

AKnolly > POD 08/28/2013 at 14:51

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A good buddy of mine has an SR-22 (and had an SR-20 before that) that I've flown in a lot, I can confirm it is totally awesome and ridiculous how much avionics they shoved into a single prop plane.

Also the parachute system allows awesome photos like the first one in this article: http://huffingtonpost.com/wynn-walent/st…

srghyc > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:51

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The HondaJet

Kawaii-Gon Jinn > POD 08/28/2013 at 14:51

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jesus, i came to mention a Cirrus and look who it is!

i would like some stats on ballistic recovery systems and how often theyre deployed. it seems like a lot of money for something that you don't want to use. i mean, if youre in an airplane, you can try and bring it down without power. if it's structural, then by all means, pull the chute. but as a pilot (and somebody making payments on something that costs twice as much as an aventador), i'd really rather try an emergency landing. pilots are trained for the emergency landing, not to pull a cord and pray you don't drift into the nearby power sub-station.

now if your mistress is in the copilot seat and you've OD'ed on Cialis and she's freaking out, she'll probably pull the cord; but either way, youre busted.

123456 > Kookanoodles 08/28/2013 at 14:53

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Yes, this is the Sesto Elemento's third cousin, the brother of the Egoista.

Jayhawk Jake > Nintenzo 08/28/2013 at 14:53

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In what possible way is that the most 'incredible'? It's hardly even impressive. Hell, it's not even innovative.

Paul > SaabLife, because Gripen 08/28/2013 at 14:54

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So you deleted the L-1011 Tri Star.. that's what I was referring to.

RS Hole, I forgot my password for 8 months > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:54

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Solar Impulse. So GREEEEEEN

My hovercraft is full of eels > willkinton247 08/28/2013 at 14:54

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I love how they develop their aircraft independently. It makes military aviation more colorful.

DanimalHouse > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:55

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Mark Webber of course, flying the Red Bull RB6!

Mercedes Streeter > ejp 08/28/2013 at 14:55

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Not only is it a looker, but it has a kickass name as well!

Dassault Falcon 7x - Jeez, why don't cars have names like that?

Standard_Deviation > Kookanoodles 08/28/2013 at 14:55

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Nope, just a flying knock-off.

J. Walter Weatherman > Gnarkill 08/28/2013 at 14:55

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I want it!

...and a matching hotrod with that v12 shoehorned into it!

My hovercraft is full of eels > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:56

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The A400M. Yes, I think it's beautiful.

POD > EVN99 08/28/2013 at 14:56

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I never asked him the price, I can't imagin it's cheap.

DoubleDoublePlease > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:57

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I've never been one for the lines of an Accord, but those of the HondaJet... You had me at over-the-wing-engine-pod-that-look-like-original-P4/5-exhaust-stacks-from-behind.

Justino6969 > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:57

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That bad boy I made last year.

(Not actually mine)

SaabLife, because Gripen > Paul 08/28/2013 at 14:58

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Ah, yeah your comment must have been delayed when I removed the Tristar then refreshed the page. Just bad timing.

ttyymmnn > dagibby 08/28/2013 at 14:59

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I think you would be interested in this article from Air & Space Magazine from 2009.

http://www.airspacemag.com/flight-today/H…

Canuk > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 14:59

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Handsdown Project Zero,

Justino6969 > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 15:00

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Or is this more appropriate?

UnafraidRabbit > Mojonaut 08/28/2013 at 15:00

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Question:

What do you get when you strap two jetliner engines to on of these?

Answers: Please select one

A

B

C

ATX211 > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 15:01

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OK, I am not so much throwing this in for consideration because it still may not happen, but the Saker S-1 as a personal conveyance sounds pretty good to me, and looks even better.

Jayhawk Jake > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 15:01

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These two are going to put up a hell of a fight for that crown

The Latitude cabin looks fantastic in person ( http://www.cessna.com/company-info/n… )

And even though it shouldn't count because the design is from the 20th century, technically The New Citation X is a 21st century aircraft, and currently the fastest new production aircraft a person can buy.

Dennis loves you too > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 15:01

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787 is the best I flew one from Europe most comfortable flight ever !

Vair > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 15:01

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the UH-60M of course

boxrocket > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 15:02

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787 Dreamliner. Those wings!!!

The 747-8 shares the wing design, but the upper deck's hump ruins the overall look IMHO.

2nd nomination would be the NASA Scramjet, but I can't find any good pictures of it.

Remember, folks, 21st century means January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2100

Scrape > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 15:02

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747-8

Classic lines with a modern twist. But still the Queen of the skies.

EVN99 > POD 08/28/2013 at 15:02

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$500k-$750kUSD

ghost650 > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/28/2013 at 15:03

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Heres an A-10 I photoshopped for the fighterjets-with-racing-livery post a while ago:

Brutal Calves > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 15:03

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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.