Livingston Reporting - page 233

Finding A Reputable Mortgage Broker This Spring Buying Season

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to finding a mortgage broker there is a huge difference between finding one that is looking out for their clients best interest verse one that is looking to pad their own pocket.  One way to start the process of finding a mortgage broker that is reputable, reliable and working to ensure you get a mortgage that best fits your needs is to ask your real estate agent,  friends, family, co workers and other homeowners for recommendations.

It is crucial that you look for a specialist that is offers experience on top of patience.   This is especially true if it is your first time looking to finance a home.  Working with a broker that takes their time and can explain complicated financing in terms you can understand is vital.  A broker that doesn’t take time to help you understand the home loan process as well as the different loan options available isn’t worth a dime of your money.

From the recommendations you are given start out interviewing two or three prospective mortgage brokers.  Find out about their past experience and certifications.  Ask about the number of residential mortgage loans they have brokered specifically for homeowners in situations similar to your own.   Will they be able to broker a deal on an FHA loan or a government backed home loan?  When interviewing perspective brokers ask for the names and numbers of references.  Make the call to ask the references how satisfied they were throughout the process and if they are happy with the loan options they were given and finally settled upon.  Talk about their communication with the broker.  How accessible was the broker at various times during the mortgage process.

Many new homeowners don’t understand the difference between mortgage brokers and mortgage lenders.  Some homeowners choose to work directly with a bank, credit union or commercial lender.  If you decide to get a mortgage directly through a financial institution you will be dealing with one person, mortgage banker or loan officer.  The duties are similar to that of a mortgage broker however they don’t search for loan throughout the entire loan market.  Instead a loan officer only offers mortgage options from the financial institution they represent.

The loan officer, like a mortgage broker will help facilitate paperwork, applications and appraisals.  Once you choose a bank to work with however you are stuck with the loan officer they give you unlike if you were working with a mortgage broker.  There is not as much client control or personal contact when working with a loan officer.  Many work mainly from email.  Whereas when working with a mortgage broker you get plenty of individual contact as the broker works directly with you to understand your specific situation.  They build a list of options from several lenders for you to choose from, offer the benefits and drawbacks of each mortgage option.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Brighton Cross Country Mortgage

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Your Roof Is Your Homes Hat

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

It is essential that your home have a structurally sound roof.  Your homes roof offers the first line of defense against the elements.  In order prevent minor issues from turning into something major it is vital to recognize potential problems and handle them as they arise.  Below you will find information to consider in determining if it is time to replace your roof.

The Age of Your Roof

Most roofing contractors agree that shingle roofs only last about twenty to thirty years.  Shingle roofing over thirty years old may look good from the ground but be suffering from a myriad of complex issues. Even if your homes roof looks great from the ground be sure to have a roofing contractor inspect the overall well-being of the structure to assess the overall condition of the roof.

Curling Shingles

There are two ways in which shingles can curl on a roof.  Cupping is when the edges of the shingles start to turn upwards.  Clawing is when the shingle edges are flat but the middle of the shingle starts to come up.  No matter which way your shingles are curling the indication is the same.  The shingles are weathered and are at risk for leaking.  Roofing contractors suggest that roofs showing signs of curling should be replaced within the next year to retain the integrity of the roofs structure.

Missing Shingling

As far as the function of your roof is concerned replacing a few shingles that come loose or that are missing.  It may difficult to find replacement shingles that match your current roof.  If you start to notice the shingles being bare of granules or your roof turning into a checker board then it may be time to replace the roof instead of trying to keep replacing the missing shingles.

Cracked Shingles

When a shingle becomes cracked or damaged it is most often because of wind damage.  If just a few of the shingles are cracked you are probably okay to just replace them.  If you or your roofing contractor notice that the cracked shingles are located sporadically throughout the roof it may be time to start thinking about replacing your entire roof.  When you see cracked shingles the roof has about two to three years left before it becomes an absolute necessity to be replaced.

 Gutter Granules

Loose granules located in gutters are a familiar site after a roof has been replaced however if you begin to see these granules emerge after the roof has been in place for a few years it is a sure sign the roof is going to need to be replaced.  The granules on asphalt shingles is in place to keep the sun off of the asphalt.  When the granules start to fall off of the shingles the roof will begin to “bake” leading to quicker deterioration.

Other issues that roofing contractors say to look for is shingles covered in moss or algae, if you see sunlight from anywhere in your attic or if you notice that the roof is beginning to sag.  As stated earlier, the homes roof is its first defense against the elements.  It is crucial in providing protection for the structural integrity of your home.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Buying and Selling During The Spring Season

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Spring time in the north is one of the greatest times.  The landscapes are turning from brown to green, color is coming back to the skies, softball starts and home buyers eagerly start to look for a home to purchase.   There is no doubt about it; spring is the most popular real estate season.  No matter if you are looking to purchase or sell a home now is the perfect time to forge full speed ahead.  Below are some tips to assist buyers as they look to gain insight into the spring real estate market.

First things first:  Talk with a Mortgage Broker

Before you even begin to look at homes are meet with a real estate agent talk with a mortgage broker.  You must be able to secure a home loan to buy a home.  Sellers are looking for buyers who are preapproved.   Sellers do not want to waste time accepting offers from buyers who will not be able to secure a mortgage.  A pre-approval is valuable because it shows that the buyer will be able to obtain a home loan as well as a point of reference on how much the buyer can afford.  A pre-approval means that you are a serious buyer.  If a seller needs to choose who to enter into a contract with they will always go with the buyer that has already secured financial backing in the form of a pre-approval.

Secondly: Choose a Real Estate Agent

Finding a real estate agent is the next step in looking to purchase a home in the spring.   Get referrals from family, friends and individuals who have recently purchased a home.  After you get several names and numbers start by calling their office to schedule an appointment to meet to discuss what you are looking for, how much you have to spend and the needs verse the wants in the home you are looking to purchase.

It is critical when interviewing real estate agents you find someone that is not only experienced in local real estate but also one that is available to communicate with you in a productive manner.  Buying a home is the biggest financial decision in your life; you will want a partner to help you find a home that is in it for you and not just for the commission.

Check out the Neighborhood

Take time to look into neighborhoods that your real estate agent thinks best fit what you are looking for.  Drive by the area, check out the schools and such before ever stepping foot into a home.  Find several locations that you are interested in to help narrow down the search.  The last thing you want to do is spend day after day walking through home after home especially in areas that are of little appeal to you.  If you don’t love the neighborhood falling in love with the house does very little in getting you to the finish line and purchasing a home.

Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area. Find out more at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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What To Look For When Purchasing A Cane

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When looking to purchase a cane there are several factors to consider.  The styles and materials used in cane making differ a great deal.  Consumers need to understand about basic cane varieties before looking to make a purchase.  Vintage canes can be found for sale in several locations such as online outlets, antique shops and second hand resale shops.  Canes that are found online or at resale shops are often more reasonably priced then those found at other outlets.

For the most part all canes are composed similarly.  Walking canes are created of an elongated, durable post that has a handle or knob to rest a hand on.  Not only have canes been used as supportive walking devices but have also been used as fashion accessories.  The main element to look for in a cane is comfort especially when looking to purchase a cane as a stability device.

Canes classically used for walking are mainly made from wood, glass, bone or strong plastic; most often they are referred to as walking sticks.  When you are interested in purchasing a cane and adorn it with a topper or badge they should shop around as removable toppers come in a variety of animals or birds.

Round shaped knobs adorn walking canes; these are known as knob-handled walking sticks.  Knobs on this style of cane are usually created from a variety of wood, metals, glass or plastic.  Sometimes wooden knobbed walking canes are created from the same piece of wood from the post to the cane.  Other material selections like metal, glass or plastic are either glued or screwed into the cane.

Cane users that are looking for fashionable canes to wear as an accessory piece are known as dress canes.  The more decorative the cane the better when it comes to canes that are used as accessories.  Dress canes most often come from antler materials or bone.  Dress canes are most often used in evening outings.

The oldest style of cane available on the market are known as crook canes.  The handles on these canes are shaped similarly to a shepherd’s cane.  Crook canes of the modern era offer a less exaggerated, shorter version of the shepherd hook.  If an individual is looking to use the cane as extra support this is the style of cane that is most often chose.

Another popular option in canes is the sword cane.  A sword cane comes with a hidden blade sunk inside a cane post.  The topper of the cane is attached to the sword not the cane post.  This allows the cane to easily be pulled from the base.  In a dangerous situation a cane can be pulled from the post.  A sword cane can be considered a concealed weapon and therefore are illegal in quite a few states.

There are numerous aspects to look into when purchasing a cane.  The type of cane you purchase will depend on if you are looking to display the piece as part of a collection or for use the piece for the purpose of stability.

Antique Cane World is an online retailer of antique canes, walking sticks and umbrellas.  Contact us today for more information on antique canes, unique umbrellas and more at http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/.

Antique Cane World

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Important Factors in Working with Linear Accelerator Equipment

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Obtaining expensive equipment, such as a linac system, to provide external radiation therapy is a great responsibility for medical facilities.  A linear accelerator is crucial in penetrating increased amounts of x-ray energy to conform tumors to destroy cancer cells while maintaining the adjacent healthy tissue.  An oncologist specializing in radiation therapy will employ techniques to ensure the appropriate treatment.  On account of the expense involved in purchasing linear accelerator equipment there are numerous aspects to think through.

Proprietorship of the Machinery

Most often large equipment is purchased and owned by a group of investors or physicians to provide treatment within a given facility such as a hospital or medical clinic.  For many patients this is important because they can guarantee that the treatment is needed instead of being recommended for the profitability of the procedure.

The fear is that if a linear accelerator is privately owned that the radiosurgery or radiotherapy may be a procedure that is recommended because of the funds it brings in rather than necessity.  When equipment is owned by a group of individuals, people believe it is less likely that radiotherapy is being prescribed because it is the correct procedure for the patient rather than being prescribed for the profit it brings in.

Intensity of the Equipment

The stronger the equipment, the deeper into the individuals tissues it can infiltrate.  The strength of the therapy is not always a direct product of the multiple electron rating of the machine but rather a result of the technique employed to deliver the radiation.

Imaging Tools Being Used

Depending on where the tumor being target is located often determines the imaging tool that is utilized to deliver radiation therapy.  An MRI is the preferred imaging method in targeting a brain tumor.  It provides a view of the inside of the body that is unmatched.  MRI’s show a clear image of the normal tissue in comparison to the brain tumor tissue.

CT Scanning employs x-ray technology to scan tumors.  Bone close to the tumor muddles the clear image produced with CT imaging.  The borders of the tumors are unable to be seen on CT scans.  Details of soft tissues are highly visible on MRI scans over CT scans.

Certain linear accelerator technology can only use CT scanning where as others can blend both MRI and CT images to create a complete and more accurate representation of the tumor.

The Support from a Public Entity

The backing of a public entity is important for medical equipment.  The backing of a public entity means that the equipment has been tested for safety and clinical application.  This ensures that the U.S. SEC standards for financing and ethical standards have been met and that annual reports are obtainable to consumers.  Without public backing technology only need to be approved through the FDA with very little clinical testing.  All that has to be done is that the manufacturer has to state that the equipment is comparable to current technology that already exists within the market.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Acceletronics

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Less Is More In Food Product Labeling

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Less is often more when it comes to food product labeling.  Companies should not allow clutter to overtake the label however should include the minimum legal requirements that have been established by local and federal law.  A label that is muddled will not help to sell your product.  Design a label that is appealing to the eye that includes the legal requirements while being a valuable marketing tool for the product, company and brand as a whole.

A products label is the first point of contact between the producer and the consumer.  The label will distinguish your product from others available on the market.  In order to make a buying decision consumers take into account the information included on the label while taking into account past experiences with the brand/company.

When designing a product label the goal of manufacturers should be to design the best label that they can afford in relation to the value of the product being sold.  Spending a dollar on a label for a product that sells for two dollars just doesn’t make sense.  Designing an affordable label that provides valuable product information, advertises the product, distinguishes the product from competitors and includes all of the legal requirements should be the top priority of product manufacturers.

The legal requirement for food product labels in the United States are as follows:

  • The products full name
  • The name and address of the product manufacturer
  • The date the product was manufactured as well as the best before date and sell by date
  • List of ingredients in order descending weight
  • Net weight of the product within the package

Other information that is often included but is optional includes the brand logo, instructions on proper preparation, storage instructions, recipes and a product bar code.  The brand logo is one of the most important, as far as marketing, contained within the list.  Establishing your product as part of a brand is a crucial aspect in the marketing mix.  Consumers will quickly identify your product and be able to identify them quickly when making a repeat purchase.

Food products should always be labeled.  The type of label is going to vary depending on the product type, the container, preference and the ability of labeling materials.  A common, inexpensive label is paper using glue to hold it in place.  Labels that are self-adhesive are a bit more expensive nevertheless more convenient.  Choose a reasonably priced, well designed label that compliments the product and enhances the marketing mix.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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Select Aluminum Fencing For Your Project

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Choosing the perfect material for the fencing is important.  The fence material is important since it determines the sturdiness of the fence, the amount of maintenance that will be required, how long the fence will last and how it will withstand the climate in which it is installed.  Whether it is for the backyard, perimeter of a pool, boundary for farm animals, commercial or industrial use, aluminum fencing ought to be your leading pick.

There are many benefits in choosing aluminum fencing for installation in any residential, pool, commercial or industrial setting.  Wholesale aluminum fencing can be purchased conveniently online, easily installed by even the most novice do it yourselfer, can withstand a myriad of elements and maintains its beauty without a great deal of maintenance.

Reasonably Priced

To begin with aluminum fencing is more expensive then wood, vinyl or a number of other popular fence materials.  In the end however, homeowners will save with fewer repairs, lower maintenance and cheaper replacements.  In metal fencing it is the most ample, reasonably priced metal in fencing.  The purchase and installation of a fence doesn’t have to cost a lot; with aluminum fencing you get character and quality well within your budget.

Delivers an Up-To-Date Look

Wholesale aluminum fencing comes in a variety of styles with an abundance of options to select from.  No matter the exterior there is a stylish choice in aluminum.  There is no need for your fence to be a neighborhood eyesore especially in residential applications.   Ugly fences make neighbors angry; unkempt fences make nice neighborhoods look like trash.  The same is also true of commercial and industrial applications.  Aluminum offers contemporary, colonial, victorian, rustic and so many more options that compliment any exterior.

Resilient and Sturdy

Powder coating finishes off aluminum fence to give it a resilient, sturdy finish.  The coat protects the metal from corrosion and aids in the maintenance free nature of aluminum fencing panels.  The aluminum metal material lasts much longer than many others without the expensive and redundant upkeep of other materials such as wood, vinyl or chain link.

Endless Possibilities

With aluminum fencing there are plenty of options to consider from choosing a color all the way down to the style of fence bottom.  These options are simply not available in other fencing materials.  With aluminum fencing you get a chance to express the homes exterior uniqueness.

Aluminum fencing is both utilitarian and alluring.  Be it to keep pets and children in the yard or out of the pool in residential use, sectioning off a section of sidewalk for commercial use or to keep trespassers out in industrial spaces, aluminum is the best option for fencing.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America fromwww.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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Tips On Hiring A Reputable Home Improvement Specialist

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Home improvement projects come with some difficulties; the most common stemming from hiring an experienced, dependable contractor to execute the project.  Whether you are knowing out a wall to increase the size of the kitchen or something simpler like tiling the bathroom floor it is crucial the contractor will perform at the highest performance level possible. Below are several tips to help homeowners find a reliable and steadfast home improvement specialist.

Ask friends, family and co-workers for references on work previous contractors have performed:  If you know anyone that has had work done around their homes check with them to see if they would recommend the contractor that they employed.  When looking for qualified individuals to work with no one is a better reference than those within your own tight knit community of friends, family and co-workers.

Narrow the selection down to three contractors before asking them to estimate your home improvement project:  Interview contractors before getting bids or estimates from them.  Do not allow the final selection come down to the estimate or bid amount.  Find at least three contractors that offer exactly what you are looking for in a home improvement specialist.  Seek estimates from all three contractors and work to negotiate the best overall value for your project.

Review the licenses, complaints and litigation history on contractors that you are interested in working with:  Never waste time on a contractor without the proper licensing, bonding and insurance.  Homeowners insurance does not cover many problems that can arise when hiring work to be done around the home. With the proper licenses, bonds and insurance in place a contractor is showing that they are serious in protecting project owners, their business and subcontractors from any and all losses that should arise.

Have an idea of what you want before seeking out estimates from contractors:  It is important to be able to express exactly what you want in order to get to the end result you desire.  Contractors cannot read minds.  It is crucial to have a plan with definite ideas on what you are looking for.  Do not speak to a contractor until you have a set plan.  Once an idea is in place and you have a sense of what you want start seeking estimates from contractors.  This is the only way that you will get a reliable estimate on labor and materials for your project from the contractors you are seeking to work with.

In our next blog installment we will continue providing tips to aid homeowners in the search to find a contractor to employee that will perform home improvement projects within your home.

Aspen Construction is an innovative building leader specializing in home additions, new construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling.  For all of your home improvement needs including electrical services contact us today at http://www.aspencoinc.com/.

Aspen Construction

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Hiring A Bankruptcy Attorney To Represent You

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

If you are considering bankruptcy the last thing you need is stress over hiring an attorney.  It is best to find a qualified individual to represent you throughout the bankruptcy proceedings.  Don’t thoughtlessly choose a bankruptcy attorney based on criteria such as their fees or the fancy advertisements.   Below you will find the five “musts” in choosing a lawyer to represent you.

Bankruptcy Lawyer Essentials

Many individuals choose an attorney based on their fees.  This can be one element in the decision process but must not be the key factor in deciding on an attorney.  Depending on where you are located bankruptcy attorneys can charge between one thousand and three thousand dollars to process either a Chapter 7, liquidation or Chapter 13, personal reorganization.

Reputable bankruptcy attorneys will never quote a fee over the phone.  The cost of the bankruptcy should include considerations specific to your current situation.  An attorney’s flat fee will include a consultation that reviews and analyzes the client’s current financial situation, preparing the bankruptcy petition, reviewing the petition with the client, meeting with creditors, following up with creditors all the way through the discharge of the bankruptcy.

Theoretically, any lawyer can process your bankruptcy however it is best to hire only an attorney specializing in bankruptcy to handle your proceedings.  An attorney that limits the number of specialties they focus on is a better bet than one that dedicates their practice to ten different areas of law.

Look for a practice where the attorney you initially meet with is the same one that will represent you at the bankruptcy hearing.  Many shady firms exist in which they churn and burn cases without taking into consideration each of the clients specific needs.  These firms are infamous for haphazard legal work, clients who are discontent as well as trustees and judges that don’t necessarily trust their intentions.

Don’t ever choose an attorney that isn’t easy to talk with.  Sharing private financial information is uncomfortable enough let alone if it is uncomfortable to speak with the attorney.  The amount of information shared between the client and attorney significantly decreases if there is uneasiness between them.  Filing for bankruptcy is an emotional process.  Open communication is a must in the client/attorney relationship.

It is not impossible to hire a lawyer that specializes in bankruptcy who is reasonably priced, reputable and easy to talk with.  Filing for bankruptcy is not a process that can happen overnight and neither should be hiring an attorney.

Bohikian Law Group specializes in chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcies in Michigan. Contact us today to find a bankruptcy attorney that will help you in debt relief at http://www.bohikianlaw.com/ today.

Dickron Bohikian Law Group

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Common Collectible Canes

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Collectors of canes, walking sticks, are mainly interested in the types of canes that were used as accessories in fashion over those used as orthopedic supports.  Traditionally, individuals would choose to accessorize their wardrobe with the use of a cane.  The canes quality was representative of the person’s social standings, wealth and level of power within the community.  This happens today in similar fashion with the jewelry, shoes, handbags and such.  Reminiscent of how past cultures sought out canes today we seek out designer handbags and other types of fashion accessories.

Every collector and type of collection has their own unique set of “rules” per se on what makes a piece valuable.  Cane collectors understand that collectible canes will often show some visible signs of wear as they were used by individuals on a daily basis.  Antique canes are valued based on a number of things. The materials the cane is made out of as well as the condition, age, rarity, demand, authenticity and style all come into play when determining the canes worth.

There are three common types of canes that are collected: gadget canes, decorative canes and folk art canes.  Practically all canes have four basic components that are universal: handle, collar, shaft and ferrule.  When determining the age and authenticity of antique canes look at how the canes pieces are assembled, the way the parts are manufactured and the materials of what it is made from.

For instance, a proper ferrule is important in authenticating antique canes.  It is important to note that folk art pieces are not included in this.  Most vintage ferrules are created from bimetal, steel where the tip meets the ground and surrounded by brass sleeves.  Modern canes may have bimetal ferrules however it is not the norm.  Collectible cane tips will show some wear unless they have been recently replaced or the cane itself is a replica.  Worn ferrules are usually a sure sign that the cane is an antique.

Another thing about cane ferrules that allows collectors to authenticate them is the way in which it is attached to the shaft.  Vintage tips are secured to the shaft in a fashion that makes it almost impossible to remove by hand.  The shaft and ferrule is aligned perfectly; if the edge of the tip is above the surface of the shaft this is an indication that the original ferrule has been replaced or is a reproduction.

For more foolproof tips on establishing the authenticity of antique canes check in with organizations such as the International Association of Antique Umbrella and Cane Collectors.  Their main purpose is to collaborate and educate others on the art of collecting canes and related items.

Antique Cane World is an online retailer of antique canes, walking sticks and umbrellas.  Contact us today for more information on antique canes, unique umbrellas and more at http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/.

Antique Cane World

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