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4 ways to make your home more environmentally friendly

Finding ways to look after the planet by reducing carbon emissions has become an increasingly important part of everyone’s daily life over the past few years.

Many people have sought to make changes at home that contribute to having a positive effect on the environment and help to protect our surroundings for future generations.

Households that use sustainable building materials undoubtedly help to promote an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Sustainable energy sources, non-toxic decorating products and energy efficient lighting are other excellent ways to make changes around the home that will help the planet.

Read on as we look at four innovative ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

Install solar panels

Solar panels are a tremendously cost-effective way to help power your home while reducing your carbon footprint at the same time.

Installing solar panels on your roof does require a significant initial financial outlay, although using online promo codes is a great way to reduce the impact on your household budget.

However, the expenditure ultimately proves worthwhile, as the panels have been proven to more than pay for themselves during their lifespan by reducing household energy bills.

Use sustainable DIY materials

Many modern house builders now use sustainable materials when building new homes, but that was not always the case when older properties were being erected.

If you’re planning on modernising certain elements around your home, using reused or recycled materials is a fantastic way to reduce your carbon footprint.

If you need to buy wooden products, try to purchase items that have been harvested from sustainable sources and you will be doing your bit to help the planet.

Switch to non-toxic paint

Paint has historically contained chemicals and gases that can prove damaging both to the environment and personal health.

Many manufacturers have now introduced non-toxic paints into their range, providing an eco-friendly solution to the problem.

Products that come with Green Seal certification are an excellent way to ensure that the household materials and items you buy are greener and healthier.

Light up your life with LED

Switching to LED lighting around the home provides an energy efficient alternative to filament bulbs that looks stylish and is kind to the environment

With a lifespan of around 60,000 hours, LED lights last much longer than traditional bulbs and thus save you significant amounts of money in the long run.

LEDs are made of non-toxic materials which are recyclable, making them a sensible choice for any eco-friendly home.

 

The Secrets Big Gamblers Take to Their Grave

There are many among us who wonder how some of the best gamblers in history managed to pull off the feats they did. Stu Ungar, a terminal heroin addict, managed to win three WSOP titles despite a pitiful mental and physical health state that eventually led to his passing away. And yet, Ungar had a secret which helped him persevere – his wife and daughter. He won the WSOP titles to secure their future while sliding into his bad habits.

What are the secrets professional gamblers take to their graves and how do we know these legends are in fact true?

#1 It’s Not About the Cards

You have perhaps heard this when discussing poker. Most players agree that while you have a very good chance at drawing a superb hand, it should never be about the cards. Playing the cards is one way to guarantee yourself a loss whereas playing the player – this is a sure way to find a chink in someone’s armor, and that’s always a good thing indeed.

However, you cannot live by this maxim exclusively, as in certain situations, such as online gambling, you won’t be able to read the player, which is an essential drawback. This is where you need to start playing the odds. The chances of an event transpiring based on the information you have collected from the table so far.

#2 You Are Going to Lose

Here’s another secret most professional gamblers don’t like to talk about – you are going to lose a lot. Yet, they won’t tell you about those. It’s natural to experience bad beats in any form of gambling. Whether this is roulette or poker, players just have bad days. The cards won’t come or you won’t be feeling too well. This exact same thing applies to the biggest names of poker and there is truly no way to change that.

However, if you manage to acknowledge that you are losing because of this being your bad beat day as opposed to anything else, you will be able to gather strength and recover quickly. It’s simple as that – know your enemy, know yourself.

#3 Treat Gambling as a Form of Investment

The majority of professional gamblers agree that games such as poker are a form of investment. However, this is not the same as trading stocks, or at least not in the eyes of the law. Not everyone agrees that poker is a game of skill, but the players at the top who have been winning titles consistently seem to have proven those naysayers completely wrong.

Gambling is a form of investment and therefore you should only invest what you can realistically afford to lose. If you go all-in with your life’s savings, then you are putting yourself into a position that is very difficult to climb back out of. A great professional player would always warn you against something as foolhardy as that.

#4 Poker Players Are Incredibly Superstitious

If you ask a poker player how to win and become better at the game, they would give you all sorts of arguments, such as being logical, focused and committed. Grind and play hard. Study and pick theoretical knowledge. Understand maths and if you don’t take classes. There are all sorts of tips and advice you will hear being thrown out there, but the truth is that all poker players tend to agree when all is said and done – there are specific quirks that might actually be helping them win. Or so their thinking goes.

While logic seems to be the guiding principle, there is also something else. Some claim professional poker players don’t believe in superstitions and would not “knock on wood” or wear their “lucky socks”, but this might actually be some of the secrets they take with them to their grave.

After all, you wouldn’t want to know that your success is contingent upon the moon being in a certain alignment with Earth, for example? Such claims sound rather ridiculous, but they are in fact a sort of a mental palliative.

#5 Gamers Create Smurf Accounts

When it comes to gaming or online tournaments, some of the best names in the game have chosen to play under aliases – mostly because they seldom win a title. For whatever reason, some people just tend to be better at playing live events as opposed to qualifying for WSOP via the online qualifier.

Well, there is no shame in any of this, but most professional gamers would prefer their lucky socks and smurf accounts to remain a secret to take to the grave with them!

 

 

 

Ways to Make Your Business Stand Out

Owning a business on the high street has its positives and negatives. It means that your storefront is located in a popular street that attracts a lot of customers going by. You are more likely to get shoppers who are interested in what you have to offer and simply walk in. On the other hand, it can also mean that you have to compete with a row of identical stores and somehow make yours appear more attractive than your competitors. Here, we discuss some ways you can make your business stand out and attract customers.

Update the signage

One of the best ways to make your business stand out is to invest in creative signage. The sort of signage you use will embody the spirit of your business. Each specific type sends out a different meaning. Bright neon signage is perfect for bars and restaurants, as well as retro stores such as record shops. The name of your store projected on the ground can attract passersby as they walk over it. Consult your signage supplier in the Philippines to figure out what’s best for you.

Be creative

Many stores use a gimmick or creative show-stopping display to attract customers. There are different ways to channel your uniqueness, depending on the image you want to give off. For example, you can have an art installation in the form of a statue or a poster to grab attention. Many high-end brands use this format.

Use appropriate colors

Using the right colors for your exterior will lead to your branding. If you are selling gadgets, use modern and sleek colors such as blue, chrome, and white. Clothing stores do well with white and black, which make them look clean and add a boutique feel to the store. Certain colors convey luxury, while others will make your store look cozy and inviting.

Get an attractive display

The best way to bring people in is to give them a taste of what you have got. Put up some of your best products on display. Put in some effort into designing the perfect window display. Make sure that you have the latest products up. Your display should have a general theme and should be cohesive. A mismatched and motley collected of products will only confuse shoppers and create sensory overload.

Use multimedia

Make use of all the resources available to you. You can use a multimedia display on a screen, which will have moving parts to attract people’s attention. This is particularly appropriate for electronics stores. A screen is a good investment because it can be used to show a range of products such as clothes in a fashion slideshow. Even a catchy tune drifting by can attract the right kinds of shoppers, so don’t limit yourself to visuals.

You can use many different techniques to draw in customers. But the quality of the products you offer is what is going to help you retain them. To carve out a name for your business, pay attention to every single detail.

 

Help Your Man Build His Confidence with These Steps

Some women find it adorable when the men they are dating or married to are a bit shy and not too cocky. But if your man is suffering more from low self-esteem than simple shyness, then it’s a different matter.

One of the factors that contribute to men’s loss of confidence is when they start to go bald. What you can do here to help is buy your man moringa oil for hair loss. This is important because most men with low self-esteem find it hard to progress in their workplace. Some even find it hard to maintain a healthy relationship.

Here are some more ways you can help your man regain his confidence and believe in himself again.

Focus on each other

Take time each day to focus on each other without any distractions. Men with low self-confidence often feel that no one takes notice of them or care about what’s going on in their lives. So, what you should do is spend time with him and ask him about his day without being interrupted by your mobile phone or anything else.

You can also encourage him to ask you about your day and anything you’re currently doing in your job or in your pastime. It’s just as important for him to understand that he should focus on you as well if he wants to build his self-esteem. This is because he needs to learn that letting other people talk about their interests doesn’t mean that his interests are less important.

Get into his hobby and vice versa

For example, if your man finds cosplay entertaining and a useful tool to build his confidence, join him in events. He should see that you’re also interested in his hobbies even if cosplay isn’t really your thing. You may never know, but you just might enjoy what he’s doing in his spare time. And you might even learn a thing or two about your partner that he often doesn’t share with anyone.

But again, this should be a two-way street. If you join him in his hobbies, he should also be part of yours. If you like hiking and every weekend is your chance to conquer a mountain, then ask him to come with you. It’s a great way to build his confidence because he might be forced to step out of his comfort zone.

If he’s not a physically active person, however, take baby steps to help him out. Instead of a mountain, try going up a hill first and let him progress on his own pace. Perhaps in time, you’ll both be climbing mountains.

Never let the spark wither and die

Both of you should work hard to be intimate with each other no matter how far you are in the relationship. If you’ve been together for six years, chances are the spark in your relationship is no longer as bright as it was when you started dating.

But make sure to keep the fire burning in your relationship. You can start by holding his hand frequently again. A simple touch can reignite your passion and therefore rebuild his confidence because he will see that you haven’t lost interest in him.

Find time for yourself

This suggestion may seem to contradict the others, but it’s important that you find time for yourself, too. Your partner should learn that if he wants a healthy relationship with you, he should give you some space from time to time.

So, that means when you want to go out with your girlfriends this Friday night, your partner should respect your decision and let you go. He should understand that just because you’re doing something that doesn’t involve him, it doesn’t mean you’ve lost interest in him or that he’s less important.

Rebuilding your man’s self-confidence requires both of you to exert the effort. So, he should also help himself regain the confidence he has lost, and it should never be your sole responsibility to do that.

 

Scorpion Prevention in Arizona – How To Get Rid Of Scorpions in Your Home

If you live in Arizona, you probably have seen scorpions in your backyard, in your room, terrace, or among other places, scampering across the surface with its bowed, sharp tail hanging in the air. Arizona is notorious for bark scorpions among other species. At least 56 scorpion species have been identified in Arizona alone. Hence, scorpion prevention in Arizona has become quite necessary for homeowners.

Like ticks or spiders, scorpions are arachnids, and have eight legs – they are easily identifiable. Although all scorpion species are venomous, the Arizona Bark Scorpion is one species whose venom is deadly enough to cause severe harm to humans.

If their presence doesn’t make you uncomfortable, their extremely painful sting will have you escaping them at all costs.

Fortunately, there are steps and measures you can take to avoid these deadly insects from entering your home.

In most Arizona homes, scorpions are found in:

· Closets

· Shoes

· Drawers

· Cabinets

· Sinks

The following are the steps one can take to safeguard scorpion prevention in Arizona homes.

· Ensure that there are no stripping around windows, doors, and pet doors. Even a small gap will allow a scorpion to enter your home. Warrant that you have sealed the gaps properly.

· Cracks in your home’s foundation can also make way for scorpions to enter your home. You can seal the foundation of your home yourself or call a professional.

· Get rid of loose objects and clutter, such as debris, wood, etc. nearby your home and surrounding areas since scorpions love shady and humid places to hide in. Get rid of the containers, bricks, pool toys, traps, boxes, and other debris since they play perfect hiding spots for scorpions.

· Keep the landscape around your home well-maintained. Prune large trees and make sure that their branches aren’t touching your home. Ensure that the bushes aren’t too dense, and there aren’t fallen leaves all over the backyard. Make sure that you don’t overwater your potted plants, and if possible, keep them off the ground as well. Scorpions love to hide in places that are damp and warm. They may also make their nests and lay eggs there, infesting your entire home.

· Excessive water can attract scorpions. Hence, make sure that your garden hose is closed correctly and look for any leaks and fix them immediately. Lastly, treat areas where there is standing water.

· Don’t leave footwear outside the home.

· Last but not least, if infestation persists, you are advised to contact a pest control company. They are professionals who will ensure that your home is bug-free for years to come.

In the event, a scorpion stings you or anyone from your family, and it starts showing allergic reactions or acute symptoms, you must immediately seek medical attention. Scorpion venom is known to impair the immune system.

If you have any queries regarding scorpion prevention in Arizona, feel free to contact us!

Join the discussion on this topic with Get Under Skeleton by visiting our contact page.

Free Apps to Help you Save

Money is what makes the world go around, and if you are struggling to save it can fee suffocating and hopeless. But this isn’t the case, you can budget better and save more by using the tools you have at your disposal. Whether you have no money or a lot of money, we all need help budgeting and saving for the future. The good thing is that there are many free applications that can motivate you and create a suitable atmosphere for saving and cutting down on spending. Read ahead to see what some of your options are.

Emma

Emma is a free app available on iOS and Android described as a financial advocate for your money. According to the experts at the site MoneyPug, which is used to find deals and compare payday loans online, this service aims to help you avoid over drafting, track your debt, and cancel subscriptions you don’t need.

With Emma you can track spending and set hard budgets. You will be able receive notifications to let you know when you’ve received a refund. When your direct debits are going to leave your account, your salary has been paid. Another great feature that seems to be unique among these apps is that Emma allows you to include your cryptocurrency investments. You can also track them over time.

Money Dashboard

Money Dashboard just may be the most accessible of these apps. It allows you to see all of your accounts in a single place, which includes current accounts, savings, and credit cards. Available for free on Android, iOS, and the Web while using over 70 UK banks, you can automatically categorise spending so it is easy to see where your money is being spent. Targets can also be set for each individual category. This is handy for when you need to cut down on specific expenses to save.

Money Dashboard also allows you to see into the future, at least with predictions. The app will project your income, expenditures, and account balances. This is very helpful, especially when you are looking towards a big event that you will need extra money for.

Oval

Oval, on the other hand, only works with 28 banks and credit cards. It is also free, but it is not available on the Web. But the most unique characteristic is that you can set up rules, goals, steps, and parameters for yourself. For example, you can make a rule that a certain amount of money is deposited whenever you buy coffee, or when you long into Facebook. Your savings are held in a segregated account at Barclays so you will not have to worry about your funds. Oval coach also helps you stick to your missions and improve habits.

Cleo

Cleo is the free budgeting app available from Facebook. It is quite interactive, meaning you can ask it questions and receive answers about your financial standing. Cleo will also send notifications, insights, and challenges to keep you engaged. Choose which accounts you want to link. The app is only able to read your transactions and make calculations based on your income and spending, but you cannot move money within the app itself. Cleo’s wallet feature has AI that calculates how much you can afford each week.

Bean

Bean allows you to connect your bank and credit accounts on a single dashboard, but the free service available on iOS and Android is really great for taking control of regular payments. The app allows you see recurring expenditures and decide if you need them and if you can find a better deal elsewhere. You can also cancel subscriptions or switch services. Bean notifies you when your bills are going up and if renewal dates and insurance contracts will be altered.

As you can see, there are a lot of options for budgeting apps. Choosing the right one for you and your situation will change everything. You will be able to see your current financial situation in front of you, and use it to make decisions. With so many viable options available to you, you should get started saving today and you will likely see big improvements in your financial life.

 

Road Trippin’: Your Easy Plan to Exploring Canada

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You deserve to take a break to maintain a healthy mental well-being. Good mental health enhances your ability to cope with stress and recover from challenges life throws at you. One way to take care of yourself is to go on road trips.

A road trip allows you to take a quick escape from your daily routine and spend quality time with yourself or with your family and friends.

Explore and Discover New Things

A road trip, either alone or with a group of friends, gives you more freedom. You will have full control of your trip, from deciding your departure time to choosing your itinerary and stops. It allows you to stop anytime you see something interesting along the way, as well.

Road trips are also a great opportunity to see natural wonders from a different perspective. You can witness how landscapes change as you drive farther. You’ll also be able to learn about different communities, and engage with locals.

This is a cost-efficient way of travelling, too, especially if you’re in a group. Driving somewhere with your car is more affordable than buying a plane or train tickets for each of you. Your group can also pack as many things as you can fit in your car trunk.

But where will go?

Options for Your Destination 

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Canada is a traveller’s haven. The places to visit are almost limitless. Here are the top three places you shouldn’t miss when you go on a road trip:

  • Vancouver – located in western Canada, the coastal seaport city features endless outdoor activities and delectable food that offers diverse flavors, from Vietnamese to traditional North American cuisines. You can spend your morning skiing and your afternoon at the beach.
  • Kamloops – this location is popular for being the tournament capital of Canada because of the world-class sporting events that happen here each year. The city hosts hiking and biking trails during summer and skiing and snowshoeing in the colder months.
  • St John’s – this destination showcases unique vibes and endless charm. The hilly streets are lined with electrically-colored houses where you can draw inspirations. The city is home to artists, musicians, and small-town heroes.

Of course, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle’s well maintained before exploring Canada. It can’t travel where you want it if the tires blow out or the engine stalls. Take your car to a local garage, get it inspected, and repair what needs repairing. Don’t overlook what may seem like a minor issue; chipped windshield auto glass, for example, may affect how you see the road.

Other Preparations

Getting your car ready isn’t the only thing to do before you go on a road trip across Canada. You’ll also want to spend time on research to give you an idea of what to expect during your trip. Language, for instance, can be a problem. Depending on where you go, not everyone in Canada speaks English. Many speak in French, particularly those in Quebec. Be sure to learn some basic French phrases before you hit the road.

Then, learn the traffic rules. You don’t want to be pulled over because you’ve been overspeeding.

The speed limit on all motorways is normally 100km/hr but it can go up to 120km/hr, depending on where you are. In some provinces, switching your car’s lights on is a requirement even when you’re driving during the daytime.

A road trip is an exhilarating way to manage stress. So prep your vehicle, plan your destinations, and explore the scenic roads.

 

Customs Clearance: How to Do It Properly

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A big challenge for importers will always be clearing customs for their products. Sending or receiving goods to or from another country can be a problem. Every country has its own customs and rules. In their basic sense, customs are a mix of preparing the necessary paperwork for import and export and knowing the local law and guidelines of the country. All this can be scary for people who have no idea how the system works.

If you want to be on the safe side, a licensed customs broker can do all the hard work for you. These customs brokers help your goods meet all the requirements set by the country. This includes preparing and submitting all necessary documents and payments to the relevant agencies involved. But what exactly do you need to do to pass customs?

Check local rules and regulations

Regulations change in every country. Sometimes, they vary per port. You have to be sure of all the provisions, restrictions, and prohibited goods before you start shipping your items. The last thing that you want is your items being held in customs—warehouse and storage fees stacking up every day. It could even be worse. Your items could be shipped back to the country of origin.

Payments and penalties also differ in every country. In one country you might pay only a few dollars as payment; in another, it might be hundreds or even thousands. Hence, it is best to check and review the different countries’ rules before you start importing and exporting.

Prepare official documentation

There is an enormous pile of paperwork involved in international trade. If you want to avoid hold-ups or delays at the border, you have to provide the correct and detailed information required by the different agencies. This includes your information or the business’ information, detailed list of shipment, and estimated value of the cargo. It is with your supplied information that customs authorities will classify, process, and approve or disapprove your shipment. Any inaccurate information supplied by the shipper will raise suspicion and hold your items for further inspection.

Be ready for duties and taxes

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When your shipment is ready for transport, you should be ready to pay the necessary duties and taxes. Duties and taxes vary by destination and the value of the cargo involved. With some items, you may not even have to pay certain fees at all. But again, this can vary.

Get a customs broker or customs clearance agent. They can get an accurate amount for payable duties and even find possible tax exemptions. Clearing customs can be difficult to understand and follow. But if you look at it from a simpler point of view, it is almost similar to the procedures and processes of your local post office.

With time, you will be able to deal with customs with ease. You might even work through it like it was part of your routine. But if you are still struggling with the process, you can ask your local agency for more information or find a professional to help you out.

 

How to Turn Your Condo Unit into a Money-Making Business

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Condominium units are no longer just your regular living space. Now, more and more unit owners are converting their properties into mini-hotels where guests can stay in a short period. Condotels, as what people refer to it, are an engaging property investment that aims to turn a condo unit into a place where travelers can stay.

Most condotel units are individually owned. They are an excellent way for owners to generate passive income by having their properties rented. Depending on the season of the year and the location of the property, converting your condo unit into a condotel can help you earn a lot of money.

A practical investment   

A condominium situated in the right location is an ideal investment. It is especially true if you can get the property at its lowest price. A condominium has common areas that all residents can freely access.

When you buy a pre-selling condo in Capitol Commons, for example, you are purchasing everything inside the unit. Meanwhile, you get to share and manage everything outside the unit with a group of other owners. Every resident is obliged to pay fees to the homeowners’ association to maintain the facilities shared by everyone.

The rising popularity of condotels  

Experts say there are several reasons the condotel business has become popular over the past couple of years. In the case of people working overseas, owning a condotel unit can serve as their home every time they return to the country.

Aside from the accommodation, owning a condotel unit means that you do not have to worry about maintaining anything. That is because the management will take care of all the shared amenities for you.

People invest in condominiums because they see an enormous opportunity to earn passive income. Since many people no longer have time to go out of town or have the means to go to a luxury hotel, staying in a condotel is an excellent alternative option.

Choosing the right condo unit

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Buying a condo is a serious financial commitment that requires much thought. That is why you need to consider several factors before choosing the right condo. If you are planning to rent out your condo unit for a short period, you need to select a property that has an ideal location. The location determines the comfort and convenience that your guests will feel whenever they want to go out.

You also need to keep tabs of the developer of the condo, too. There have been cases of some condo projects that got halted because the developer ran out of funds to continue with the construction. So, you need to be wary of these things before agreeing on anything.

There are mainly only two reasons people purchase a condo. One is to have a place to stay in, and two is to utilize it for investment. Either way, investing in a condo is a huge financial decision. So, you need to think about it carefully to get the most out of your money.

 

Credit Score: Do All Filipinos Have It?

Credit scoring is a basic concept in the developed world. Although it’s still not that popular in the Philippines, the average Filipino is becoming more aware of it and its value.

A high credit score can open a world of financial opportunities for you, such as a more affordable residential house and lot in Cavite. However, not all Filipinos have credit scores. If you do have one, building it up takes time, effort, and discipline.

To make sure you’re as creditworthy as possible when taking out any loan, do the following.

Pay Your Bills on Time

Punctual and complete payment of bills is the bedrock on which good credit scores are built. Don’t play favorites, for picking which bills to pay on time and in full can taint your overall payment history.

Living in a country where financial credit data sets remain fragmented, it’s imperative to be responsible for handling every bill under your name. You never know when a late or missed payment can pull your credit score down, so make sure you repay whatever you owe.

Use a Credit Card

Credit card issuers are data furnishers. In other words, they submit consumer data to credit bureaus, the companies that generate credit reports and calculate scores.

If you’re allergic to plastic, you probably don’t fully understand how it works. The notion that a credit card can ruin your finances is a myth. In most cases, you may not even have to shoulder any interest when you use plastic to buy goods and pay for services. As long as you pay the full balance on or before the due date, you will not be charged extra.

Credit card usage comes with many other practical benefits. Apart from building your credit, it allows you to earn rewards, track your expenses, and push the deadlines of your financial obligations.

Don’t Rely on ‘5/6’ or ‘ATM Sangla’

When it comes to lending, avoid informal sources of funds. More often than not, they don’t report your payment history to credit bureaus, rendering your good pieces of credit information practically useless.

Instead, seek financing from the mainstream banking system. Thanks to the fintech boom, you can borrow money from non-traditional lenders through mobile apps.

Buy Insurance

Like bankers, insurers are active members of the financial community. They constantly collaborate with credit bureaus to assess the risk of doing business with different customers. Building credit is another reason to buy insurance and pay your premiums on time.

Reach Out to a Credit Bureau

Most importantly, request a copy of your credit report from a credit bureau. This document should give you the full picture of your creditworthiness. It explains where you stand financially, informs you about your credit score, and reveal incorrect information attached to your name that needs fixing.

Whether you’re planning to seek financing soon or not, you should take your credit score more seriously. The sooner you pay attention to increase it, the more you can benefit from it over the long term.

 

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