Livingston Reporting - page 276

Mistakes To Avoid In Food Label Design

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to marketing your product one of the most important pieces of the entire process is your products label.  When designing a food products label you are looking into creating an enticing label that projects an appetizing message, one that promotes the products enticing features of the products as well as conveys product information to your customers.

With food products the label is one of the main tools that you have to make a statement about your product.  It is important for your brand identification that you make the most of your label.  The label becomes even more important to your marketing mix when you are working with limited funds or only have access to a small retail space in which to display your product.

There are some common mistakes to avoid when designing your product label.  One that happens often in the product label design has to do with the text font that is chosen for your label.

The Use Of Too Many Fonts

When designing your food products label there are many options in fonts available to choose from.  It is tempting to choose all of your favorite fonts.  This is not an option in successful food label designs.  When you are trying to convey important information as is done with product labels it is important that the font is easy to read to all segments that you are marketing your product to.  Keep the font simplistic and consistent.  If the label is hard to read it will appear disconnected and turn clients away from choosing your product.   Stick to a one or two fonts on your product labels while keeping the style changes on the label to a minimum.

Brand Name Font Size Is Too Small or Too Large

There must be a balance between the size of the text that is used in your brand name, product information and label text.  It is possible for your brand name to over power or become lost on a label that is not designed properly.  Your brand name should be prominent along with the product name.  From there it is important to maintain the integrity of the text throughout the rest of the label.

Difficult To Read Font

With marketing you have a limited amount of time to grab your audience’s attention.  This is why it is important that label designs use clean fonts that are easily read from close or far away.  When using a decorative font remember that they will convey certain messages to customers.  It is important the message is one that you wish to send.  For instance a formal font used on a play-full product gives off the wrong message.  Mixing fonts also creates a mixed message.  Choose a text font that goes well with the logo font you have chosen.

If you are having trouble with choosing a font to use on your product’s label create a few different label designs.  Test the different versions on co-workers and get their honest reactions.  Trial and error in the office is far better than trial and error in the market.

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 label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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Top Mistakes To Avoid When Installing Aluminum Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are mistakes to be made in every home improvement project.   It is helpful to know the pitfalls of any project before jumping head first into it.  Here are some common mistakes that many homeowners encounter when installing aluminum fencing.  Read this thoroughly to know what to avoid as it will save you time and money.

Many homeowners jump into installing their fences without having a survey done on the landscape around the home.  A survey is important because it puts in place the proper property lines and helps to solve any issues with boundaries.  If a fence is installed outside of your property lines you will be forced to remove the fence and install it within the proper boundaries.

Another area that homeowners don’t consider before purchasing and installing aluminum fencing is the regulations set in place by homeowners associations and those of local regulations.  Check into this before seriously considering a fence.  Check to make sure that the fencing material you choose fits within all local ordinances.   Don’t purchase any fencing until you have something in writing that says that the fence you are choosing fits within the specifications given.

Improper post setting is another issue often found when installing aluminum fence.  Without the proper installation of fencing posts the life expectancy of your fence diminishes astronomically.   To properly set fence posts use sand, gravel or concrete to secure the posts into the ground.  Installing a fence is not a cheap proposition; you don’t want to have to do it more than once.

Another issue homeowners run into is the miscalculation of the landscape and obstacles within.  When choosing a fence and designing the layout of the fence take extra special care around areas of landscape that are not uniform.  Residential aluminum fencing should be functional.  Properly adjust the fencing to compensate for the slopes and uneven terrain in your space.

Don’t jump into adding a fence to your home without properly planning for it.  This is one of the most essential parts of the entire process.  Installing an aluminum fence is both expensive and time consuming.  With proper planning you can avoid costly errors.  It is important to understand what purpose the fence serves when considering installing one.  Is the fence being put up to add privacy or to enclose a pool?  Aluminum pool fencing needs to meet different standards than normal landscape fencing.  Consider this when choosing what grade of fencing you need.  Different grades of fencing will vary a great deal in cost.

Don’t ignore the design of your home yard when installing a fence.  That is a mistake that happens as well.  Be aware of blocking your view or that of your neighbors.  If you are into gardening consider the light and how it will be reaching your landscaping once the fence is installed.

Taking on any task that is new to you is a bit unnerving.  Take the above advice and allow it to help you throughout the planning, design, ordering and installation process of your homes new aluminum fence.

iFence USA 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 from www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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How To Choose An Aluminum Fence

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Purchasing a fence for your home may become inevitable for one reason or another.  Maybe you have purchased a puppy and you want to keep him from leaving the yard.  Perhaps your family has decided to install an in-ground swimming pool and an aluminum pool fence is needed to ensure safety around the pool area.  It is feasible to want to install a fence for the sole purpose to provide privacy for your home, yard and family.  Whatever your reason for wanting a fence the expense is something quite considerable.  It is important that you have a guide to help you through the process of choosing a material and height for your fence.

First things first, when the time comes to purchase a fence it is important to look into the rules and regulations surrounding the materials and installation requirements of fencing in your local area.  This may mean checking with your homeowners association as well as local and state laws.  You need to find out if there are regulations with the materials you can use for your fence as well as height requirements. Some municipalities require that the fence is a certain distance from the street while others have specific requirements about exactly where a fence can and cannot be installed.

After you have done considerable research into local regulations it is time to examine what your reasoning is for installing a new fence.  This can help you determine what type of material and style you will want to choose for your home.

Are you looking into installing a fence to provide safety for your home, yard and family?  If this is the case you will want to consider a tall fence.  Fence panels come in heights over six feet to prevent intruders from easily climbing the fence.  You also can add in finials to the top of the fence along with a smooth sided aluminum fence to ensure that intruders can’t easily access the area.

For privacy you will want to purchase a fence that doesn’t have spaces in between the pickets throughout the panels.  The fence should be high enough to prevent people from being able to look over the fence as well.  Privacy can also be achieved using tall solid fence panels and landscaping materials.

If the fence is going to be used to contain your children or pets the fence can be installed using a variety of materials available.  The main thing to consider is a fence that is high enough that a pet or child could not climb over the fence as well as a material that cannot easily be dug under.  This is also true when trying to keep someone out of an area such as a pool.  If you are looking to keep children and pets from entering the pool area the concept is the same as well.  An aluminum pool fence should be installed that is high enough to keep people from climbing over it or animals from digging under it.

If you are looking for a fence that is for decoration only choose a pattern and design that compliments your home and landscape.  Fencing for decorative purposes also serves the purpose of creating a boundary.  You don’t need a fence of significant height when you are looking for a fence that provides a boundary for your yard or for decoration purposes only.  Choose a fence based on keeping the look and feel in balance with your home and landscaping.

For a complete guide through the process of purchasing a fence be sure to check out all the latest blog posts on fencing.  We hope this post sheds a bit of light to help you choose a material and height for your fence based on the purpose that the fence will provide.

iFence USA 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 from www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Aluminum Fencing Online

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Don’t purchase aluminum fencing from a company that doesn’t offer a variety of fencing options

When it comes to purchasing an aluminum fence for your yard, pool area or commercial property it is important that you have a variety of options to choose from.  It is important that you have choices in the grade of aluminum you choose as well as color and style options.

Top notch fencing companies will offer different options in pool fencing, residential fencing and security purpose fencing.  You should also find a company that offers a variety of fence grades to choose from. You may not need a commercial grade fence so why pay the premium price. To avoid overspending buy what you need not just what is offered.  An online fence retailer that offers a variety of options will provide you with this.

Don’t purchase aluminum fencing from a company that provides poor customer service

Find an online company that offers online support as well as phone support.  You want to be able to call the number on the website and speak to an actual representative.  You not only want to talk to a customer representative but also someone who is knowledgeable and able to assist in all aspects of aluminum fencing.

Look for an online company that offers prompt, reliable, knowledgeable customer service that follows you through the design, order and installation process.

Don’t purchase aluminum fencing from a company that imports cheap quality fences

American made fencing often is made from stronger materials than their imported counterparts.  Cheap fences get shaky over time and tend to bend under pressure.  If someone leans on an imported fence it is likely the cheap quality will bend.  One way to ensure you are purchasing a high quality aluminum fence is to order a free sample of the companies fencing options.  If an online company is not willing to send you a free sample of their fencing then that is a sure sign you should move on and look into purchasing from another company.  

Don’t purchase aluminum fencing from a company that doesn’t provide a quote within a day or one that has hidden expenses

When a company wants to do businesses with you they will provide you a quote right away.  This is something that is important when it comes to getting a feel for the customer service you will be given throughout the process of designing, purchasing and installing your new fence.  Also it is important that the online fence provider you work with offers you an all-inclusive quote.  Avoid companies that add on extra fees after a fence quote has been sent out.  Of course if you change your order the quote will change otherwise the amount you are quoted originally is the amount you should pay for your new aluminum fencing.  

iFence USA 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 from www.iFenceUSA.com!

 

iFenceUSA

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Kitchen Remodeling Design Trends

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In home improvements the kitchen is at the heart of all renovations.  Homeowners want to keep their kitchens function, up to date and in great shape.  This will keep the value of your home at its peak.  When looking to increase the overall value of a home people will look to remodel their kitchens.  Keep these renovations in mind when looking at ways to make your home appeal to future buyers.

Functional Kitchen Islands

Kitchen islands that do more than provide a space to sit or prep food are the latest rage in kitchen design.  An island that includes a combination of kitchen desires such as a separate prep sink, a wine cooler, additional cupboard space or a wine cooler increase the value of your kitchen to your home.  Adding storage space in a kitchen under an island is also a valuable way to use space that is often wasted.  Extra seating is a bonus in the kitchen area as well.

Coffee Nooks

With the introduction of specialty coffees and coffee makers kitchen spaces that entertain this fad are more popular than ever in kitchen renovations.  A coffee center that is built in to the cabinet walls can include sophisticated espresso machines, cappuccino makers and one cup coffee makers.  These centers can be created and accessed by the simple push of a button.  Gourmet coffee at the touch of a button in your own kitchen at any time you wish is what fuels this craze.

Updated Cabinetry

No renovation in the kitchen is complete without thinking about the kitchen cabinets. There are so many affordable options in cabinetry without an overwhelming budget.  Floating cabinetry is a new, minimal approach to kitchen cabinets.  Floating cabinets have unique sliding doors without hardware.  If modern isn’t necessarily your idea of the perfect kitchen consider updating cabinets using paint or new wooden cabinetry.  Customize your cabinets to fit the look of your kitchen which in turn should be a representation of your home.

Custom Counters

This trend is a popular trend because it is one way in which you can mix and match several different elements.  Whether you mix butcher block and marble or glass and metal the elements work together to create a one of a kind kitchen.  When multiple materials are mixed together to renovate your kitchen the end result is something unique with a high end, exclusive vibe.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

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Updates To Keep Your Kitchen From Deteriorating

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are a billion reasons to renovate your home even when you aren’t considering putting it up for sale in the near future. When it comes to creating a kitchen environment that you are excited about entertaining in consider the following reasons you may want to update your kitchen.

It is obvious a kitchen is in need of remodeling when it begins to deteriorate. If your kitchen has simply started to fall apart, it is time to start saving money to update the areas in need of repair. Don’t aspire to create a gourmet kitchen but work to update the areas that are falling apart around you. If the tiles are cracked, start by saving for new tiles. Keep the momentum going by doing the same for peeling countertops, outdated cabinets and broken cabinet hardware. When a kitchen begins to deteriorate it has simply outlived itself and is in need of renovation.

If you are looking to increase the value of your home the number one way to do this is to update your kitchen. Kitchen renovations increase the value of your home and ensure your property sells faster than homes in the area with outdated kitchen spaces. Homeowners are drawn to kitchens that are attractive. The cost of many kitchen renovations is recouped when you go to sell your home.

Another reason to update your current kitchen is that is doesn’t meet your current needs or lifestyle. A kitchen layout that is ideal for one homeowner may not be ideal for another. If the kitchen lacks a space for informal gatherings, a space to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or a simple space to sit and eat breakfast it may be time to renovate. Whatever your need it is up to you to create a kitchen space that meets it.

Another reason that some homeowners give to update their kitchens is new need. Aging in place is another reason many homeowners give when looking to renovate their kitchen spaces. Age in place remodeling, along with universal design, allows kitchens to be accessed by individuals with special mobility challenges. Kitchens are redesigned to leave space for wheelchairs and walkers along with special fixtures that allow necessities to be kept within reach.

Whatever the reason is updating your kitchen space will turn your home into a valuable commodity. If you are looking to sell your home even the smallest of renovations within the kitchen will help to create desire amongst buyers.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds. Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

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Emotions Throughout The Divorce Process

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are so many emotions that are experienced throughout the divorce process.  It is hard to go through the process without feeling a little bit of everything.  The hope is that it won’t all hit at one time and that having a better understanding of what you will be experiencing it won’t be as difficult of a process to navigate.

One of the first emotions when going through a divorce is intense anger.  It may be that you are trying to convey a mixture of pain, anxiety or irritation that comes out as anger.  This feeling of intense wrath is a mechanism we use to shield ourselves.  We try to protect ourselves from the vulnerability we are feeling and this is often done using anger.  Projecting anger leave us in a state that doesn’t allow us to be discarded once again.

Another emotion that participants in a divorce succumb to is shock.  You may be caught completely off guard when you are served with divorce papers.  People have been known to be caught off guard; unaware that the troubles in their marriage have led to a request for a divorce.  That feeling, the one in which it feels as if someone punched you as hard as they could right in the gut.  Your life is going to change, it will be scary and it starts right now.

Another emotion that is often felt is the feeling of rejection and despair.  Despair comes from being rejected.  The feeling of someone not accepting you brings back feelings in your life of when you have previously been disregarded.  Often times when your marriage fails people feel as if they too have failed.  You are not damaged goods just because your marriage did not work.  Your dreams have not failed; all that has happened is that you need to trade in the old dreams for new ones.

The fear of being alone is something that comes along with divorce.  This is especially true if you have been in a relationship for an extended period of time.  If you are unfamiliar with spending time by yourself the feeling can be quiet scary and cause you to have an overwhelming level of fear.  Trust yourself, it is possible to survive on your own without the help of your partner.

When any change occurs and a new phase of life is about to get underway it can be pretty scary.  It is alright to be scared.  Being scared is natural.  It would be unrealistic to believe that this phase would pass without it.

You will feel quiet bitter towards your partner and others that may be helping them through the process. Seeing your perfect family being ripped apart, thrown into turmoil because your spouse filed for divorce will cause you to be overcome with bitterness.  When your partner files you will blame them; you will blame them for an outcome that you feel you don’t deserve.

Allow yourself to go through the myriad of emotions you are sure to feel.  There is no right way to process your divorce.  A good divorce attorney will offer you referrals for assistance in handling your emotions throughout the entire divorce process.  Your divorce attorney will guide you; they are familiar with a process you are not so trust them and their instincts.  Hold on tight for the rollercoaster ride you are about to embark upon!

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Women/Mom’s in divorce throughout Trenton and the surrounding Michigan areas. Find us at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerforwomen.com.

Longton Law

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When Is Divorce The Only Option Left

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Divorce is not an easy way out of a marriage that is unsatisfying.  Many people consider divorce as a last resort and try incredibly hard to make their way through the difficult times in their marriages.  Vows are taken seriously and people fight to make relationships work. That is why when a divorce occurs it is not taken lightly as it is not an easy wait out of something that you worked so hard to revive.  In fact the divorce process is anything but simple but sometimes it is the only way out of a difficult situation that cannot be fixed.

If you have considered every other option and have found that a divorce is inevitable consider the following article.  It will help you better understand a variety of scenarios in which a divorce is for sure a better option for both you and your spouse.

  • A divorce is probable when you have really taken every other step to make your relationship work.  There are times when your marriage will have a bunch of rough patches but with a little work and understanding they can be repaired.  If you have been to marriage counseling and have put in an honest effort into fixing the issues in your relationship than divorce may be all that is left.  Divorce might be the only option left to ensure that you and your spouse don’t spend the rest of your lives making one another miserable.
  • When two people have grown apart and have completely changed there may be no way to create what you had to begin with.  If the person you married long ago is not the person you are married to now a divorce is often in your cards. When your goals, interests and future dreams no longer align it may be time to look into divorce as your next step.  When the gap between who you were and who you are now cannot be gapped it is time to call it quits.
  • If you can’t stand one another and are avoiding all contact with each other it is time to consider options in ending your marriage.   If you can’t talk with each other without it turning into an argument you can be assured you have problems in your marriage that cannot be fixed.  Your situation would be better off ending in divorce.
  • When you start to see your marriage or lack thereof affecting your children it is time to consider separating.  Believe it or not even with the difficulties that divorce causes children staying in an unhappy relationship that is visual to your children is worse.  Your children will be happier when they see that the two people that love them most in the world are happy as well.

When you have hit the wall and divorce is the option that your marriage is heading in contact a divorce attorney.  Talking with an attorney that specializes in divorce and family law will allow you to get an upper hand with your life after divorce.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Men/Dad’s in divorce.  For experienced representation throughout the divorce process in Trenton, Michigan and the surrounding area you can find more information at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerfordad.com.

Longton Law

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Closing Procedures That Help To Protect Your Swimming Pools Plaster

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Another summer season has come and gone.  With temperatures dipping into the freezing realm in parts of the country it is time to make sure your in-ground pool is closed properly.  If you haven’t had time to close the pool yet be sure to keep your pool pump running to avoid freezing which will cause cracks in the plaster.  The materials that the pipes, heaters, filters, pumps and shell are made from are all very strong but when they freeze, they will expand.  This will cause cracks in even the strongest of materials.

It is necessary to take proper precautions in closing your gunite plaster pool.  Below you will find tips to help you properly close your in-ground gunite plaster pool.

  • The first thing you need to do when closing your pool is to balance the pool water.  The pools pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness levels need to be adjusted to prepare for the harsh winter cold.  This should be done a few days prior to the actual closing of the pool.  You may also want to shock the pool with granular chlorine while you are balancing the pool water.  This needs to occur before you put the winter pool cover onto the pool.  High levels of chlorine will ruin the pool cover.
  • The pool should be thoroughly cleaned before you close the pool.  This will avoid issues from occurring that could be present in the spring such as stains on the pools plaster.  Also debris and algae left present in the pool water will dilute the chemicals leaving the environment more susceptible for more algae growth.
  • Lower the pools water.  The level in which you leave the pool water will be dependent on the pool cover you choose.  For a mesh safety cover lower the water to about a foot below the pools tile, for a solid pool cover or one that floats on the  surface the water level should be lowered to five inches below the pools tile.
  • Add in the winter pool chemicals.  This will require you to follow the directions on the pool closing kit.  These chemicals can be purchased at any local pool center.  Once the pool water level has been lowered it is the perfect time to add in the winter pool chemicals.
  • Clean and store the pool filter and blow out all lines that could contain water that could possibly freeze and crack the pools equipment.  Remove pumps, heaters and automatic chlorination systems.  Place all of these pieces together in a temperature controlled environment to avoid any possibly freezing that can occur.
  • Plug all open lines and shut the power to the pumps off.  This can be done by switching off the circuit breaker.  Also be sure to turn off all timers just in case someone accidently turns the circuit breaker back on.

If this seems all to complex or if it is your first time you are closing your pool for the winter the best piece of advice I can give to you is to hire a professional pool closing company to come in and walk you through the process.  They can help to address the specifics surrounding your precise in-ground pool needs.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Pound Pool Plastering

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Establish Security With An Electronic Entrance Gate

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

One of the most effective methods to establish security and inaccessibility to your home is to install an electronic driveway gate.  Depending on your needs and the amount of money you have budgeted there are arrays of options when it comes to driveway gates.  While assessing the selection in electronic entry gates for your home and driveway consider the size, strength and special features that are offered while keeping in mind special requirements set forth by your home owners association.

  • Determine The Size Of The Driveway Gate You Need: When purchasing a driveway gate one of the considerations needed to be considered is the size of the gate you need.  It is important not to base the size of the gate solely on your own vehicles but to also think about the emergency vehicles that may need to enter.  Leave additional space around the gate area to avoid any accidents having to do with driveway gates.
  • Automatic or Manual Gate Operators: One of the greatest benefits that come along with driveway entry gates is the ability for it to open with the touch of a button.  Manual driveway gates need to be opened and closed the way you would any standard gate system.  An automatic gate operates using a gate operator that is powered with electricity or using solar power.  Using a remote or entry pad you can open and shut the gate at will.  This is what makes electronic gates such a popular addition to your driveway.
  • Gate Designs Including Sliding and Swinging Gates: When choosing a driveway gate design you will be considering one of two options a slide or swing gate.  Just as their names apply the gate will either slide or swing open.  Take into consideration your property layout.  Swing gates are usually less expensive than sliding gates however they require additional space to open and close.  Evaluate the space that you have and purchase a gate design that fits your need.
  • Material Options For Your Driveway Gate: The driveway gate that you choose needs to be made from a durable material.  Gate options come in a variety of different materials including wrought iron, steel, wood, vinyl and aluminum driveway gates.  Choose a material that fits the style of your home and landscape as well as one that is strong enough to last a lifetime.

It is important to consider all of the options involved with purchasing an electronic driveway gate.  Online you will find a variety of options in gate designs, gate materials and gate operating systems to choose from.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic entry gates, access control entry systems and fence options for homeowners to choose from. You will find a variety of fencing options online at http://www.sacfencemi.com/.

SAC Fence

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