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Kitchen Remodeling Requires a Good Contractor

January 21, 2012 By 67 Comments

21313012451_6475.jpgkitchen remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling contractors, kitchen remodeling los angeles, Kitchen Renovation Contractors, Kitchen Remodeling Design, Photos, Pictures, Ideas

Kitchen Remodeling Requires a Good Contractor

The average homeowner’s approach to kitchen remodeling includes looking for a proper design from among photos, pictures, and ideas available either on hard print, or on electronic media, including the TV and internet. In fact, it is usually from viewing photos of good-looking kitchens that most of us feel the urge to have our own spaces remodeled. That is how it is with me, at least. I can’t take my eyes off the beautiful photos of modular kitchens crying out to me from everywhere, and whenever I enter my oil-coated soot-slick personal food factory, my soul cries out for a change. My pockets always hold a different opinion, by the way, but sometimes things can truly get desperate, and quality of living matters.

Speaking of myself, when it comes to home renovation, I am ready to curtail costs on design and try to save wherever I can on materials, but as far as the expert employed is concerned, I would never go for anyone without a solid reputation, and would never compromise on that issue. I live in sunny Los Angeles, and my fingers have been burnt enough number of times to learn that when it comes to home renovation or kitchen remodeling Los Angeles has its own crowd of professional bunglers. And if you are not careful enough to steer clear of self-declared professionals, your kitchen remodeling can turn into a nightmare.

So, how is it that I have to face kitchen remodeling so frequently? Well, first time a friend took charge of the project. You never need enemies with such friends ready to help you out. Next time, my plumber convinced me that either he or his cousins did half the remodeling in Los Angeles. It was plumb disaster. So, this time, my third time, I am fixed on researching on it myself and on meeting the most reputed kitchen remodeling contractors in my area before deciding on anything.

kitchen remodeling is a project that almost every homeowner has to plan and execute some day, as do you or I. Of course, most of us trying to tackle the issue are not kitchen remodeling contractors, and know next to nothing of what is actually involved. As normal consumers, however, we do know that anything good is going to cost, but also that we can usually make each dollar count, if we take the efforts to do a little research before starting to spend.

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Safety Tips On Kitchen Remodelling

January 21, 2012 By 5 Comments

01313012447_kitchenremodelingafter.jpgAre you a homeowner who is hoping to start a kitchen remodeling project? If so, are you doing that project by yourself? While a large number of homeowners make the choice to hire a specialist contractor, others do not. Not simply will you have total control over your kitchen remodeling project, but doing your personal remodeling may save you money. Although there are several advantages to remodeling your own kitchen, there are likewise a number of disadvantages. One of those disadvantages is the chance of injury.

One of the numerous factors why kitchen remodeling may be termed risky is as a result of the tools that are used. Whether you are switching your kitchen lights, your kitchen cabinets, or your kitchen flooring, you will in all probability need to use a collection of tools; tools that can be unsafe if used improperly. That’s why it is essential that you know all of the instruments that you will be utilizing, including their dangers. Although there’s a strong possibility that that you have used a box cutter or a saw before, there is also a chance that you haven’t. Before you set about your kitchen remodeling project, perhaps it is a good idea to employ and acquaint yourself with the instruments that you will be utilizing. When it comes time to starting your remodeling, you ought to understand how to safely make use of all of your tools; thus reducing your risk of injury.

It is also important that you know your own physical limits, when remodeling your kitchen. Whether you are swapping your kitchen tiles for the floor, installing new kitchen cabinets, or establishing a new kitchen countertop, you ought to know how much is too much to lift. Lifting extra weight may extend to back injury; consequently, if you need assistance from someone, ask for it. It is also advised that you keep your overall ability to be employed in mind. Even if you are applying for your kitchen remodeling project finished as soon as feasible, it is recommended that you do not push yourself. When you are tired and working, your safety is not only at risk, but the overall results of your project is also because more mistakes can be made. If you might need a break, even for an hour, take one.

When remodeling your kitchen, it is in addition advised that you keep mindful of your surroundings; this includes who else is in the kitchen. If you are remodeling with a pal or a relative, it is a great idea to know where they are at all times. This will help to avoid accidentally injuries. It is in addition important to keep an eye on who may enter the kitchen when you’re remodeling. If you’ve children, it might be a great idea to block the entranceway to your kitchen. If you aren’t able to do so, you will invariably want answering when your kids enter the remodeling area. If you’ve young children, it is recommended that you never leave your remodeling tools laying around, especially large, sharp tools.

Perhaps, the best thing to bear in mind, when remodeling your kitchen, is to use your good sense. Hearing your brain or what your body is telling you, like when it signals that you may need a break, is the best method to stay safe when remodeling your kitchen. It is also, as previously mentioned, the best method to make sure that you produce quality work.

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Safety Glasses: Defense Against Eye Damage

January 20, 2012 By 3 Comments

21313011870_carpentry-diy-framing-figd.jpgDamages can take place to any one of us at any time. You’ll find some accidents that are considered minor by only leave us with bruises and little cuts, but then you will find a lot more severe ones that can affect your quality of life for a really long time. Preventing future injuries and pain begins with the care and precautions you take in performing tasks now. By being diligent inside the present time, you can save yourself a world of pain, anguish and medical expenses in the years to come. Whenever you have a construction project at home or if you work in an industrial field, one of the essentials of safety is correct safety glasses. While it? feasible to recover from many different injuries to the body, it much less likely to recover from eye injuries, or it will be a quite slow procedure with out any assurances due to the delicacy of the eyes.
Most of the eye injuries that happen at work are from flying items, airborne particles and dirt from glass, wood or metal. You’ll find also several instances of eye damage from chemical spills and fumes or even UV light or radiation. Whenever you wear the correct sort of safety eyewear, you ensure that your eyes are very well protected and that even if sparks fly off the power equipment you? utilizing, they won’t be a threat to your vision inside the end. In the event you take a look at the figures concerning accidents that happened within the US every single day, over 1000 of them will be instances relevant to eye injuries.
It is a well-known fact that whilst accidents do happen, injuries can effortlessly be prevented by being prepared with safety gear, which ought to always contain safety glasses. Let’s take the scenario that you are working on just a little re- modelling project inside your residence. No matter how skilled you are at using tools like wood cutters and the like, you still need to use safety eyewear. There is no predicting where small particles will probably be flying off once you turn on the machine. The injury it could do to your eyes could possibly be as small as obtaining dirt inside your eye to something as grave as losing your eye-sight altogether from larger dust cutting the delicate eye surface.
Don’t take chances together with your personal safety. Constantly wear safety glasses whenever you? working on projects whether its carpentry, sports crafts, etc. Safety eyewear is also your protection from hassles, cash issues and on-going pain.
 

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Common Carpentry Hand Tools

January 20, 2012 By 2 Comments

01313011865_dako-carpentry.jpgAs any experienced carpenter would know, carpentry also requires smaller carpentry hand tools. These tools may be regarded as precision tools which work best for putting the finishing touches and other kinds of work that require careful handling. Some of the most basic tools in this category will be discussed in this article.
 
For your convenience, it is highly recommended that you get a tool belt. This serves as a holster for hand tools that you can carry around with you. No need to worry about misplacing tools and wasting precious time finding for them. Consider having one an investment to make your work much safer.
 
A tape measure is among the most common carpentry hand tools that should be at your disposal. These have the simple job of allowing you to make measurements but these are immensely helpful. The standard tape measure can measure up to 25 ft. It is made of durable materials which should last a long time.
 
A speed square and carpenter square on the other hand are used for more accurate measurements. These are typically used around corners to determine the correct angle. It may look like an awkward tool but you will use these more often than you can imagine.
 
One of the most versatile carpentry hand tools is still the hammer. Even with power tools, it still remains a reliable tool to have around your belt. The average hammer weighs 16 ounces and should be enough to fulfill most jobs. However, there are options for both bigger and smaller jobs.
 
For trimming work, a handful of levels make your life much easier. These are simple tools that help you determine if your work is in the proper level for both horizontal and vertical orientations. You may need more than one for different kinds of jobs.
 
Your selection of carpentry hand tools is not complete with a pair of end cutters. As the name implies, this tools is used for nipping the edges and pulling nails. It comes in a variety of sizes that is suitable for just about any job you may have. The seven-inch model should be enough for most jobs.
 
Having a stud finder around your workplace is helpful in finding studs. You will need this especially if you want to find the frame lumber inside the walls. This saves you a lot of precious time and decreases your error rate dramatically. With this function, it is no wonder that it is one of the most helpful tools at your disposal.
 
A carpenter’s workplace is a hazardous place with all the carpentry hand tools around. With the proper safety gear though, accidents may be prevented from happening altogether. Safety glasses protect the eyes without obstructing the view. Knee pads and work gloves protect other parts of the body.
 
Carpentry hand tools can be found at your local hardware stores. Other sources such as online auctions and resellers are readily at your disposal as well. Either way, be sure to check for the quality of these tools before making a purchase.
 

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Purchasing an HVAC System

January 19, 2012 By 3 Comments

0hv32.jpgThe HVAC system refers to the heating, ventilating and cooling of the air in your home.  These three elements are essential to the comfort inside the house.  It also refers to the same elements in vehicles and office buildings.
These systems are vital not only to the homeowner, but also to the large facilities and office buildings that require strict heating and air conditioning regulation and maintenance.  The systems that are used in this industry are continuing to evolve as technology continues to advance.
Specific systems are sometimes developed for the specific size and needs of the building according to location and weather hazards.  The entire system may be controlled and regulated by several components or by just one component, as in the case of smaller buildings or homes. 
Systems are generally handled in homes by one component.  All of the air that is sent through the home is pushed through a maze of ducts that are in the frame of the building.  These air duct systems have been around since the Romans began using it for ventilation and water transportation.  The concept was new to them but continues to be improved for our benefit to this day.
HVAC systems that are chosen should be maintain properly to make sure they are working efficiently and correctly.  They should be kept clean and in good repair.  Ventilation shafts and filters that are clogged with dirt or grime will suppress good airflow and create a hazardous condition for the unit.  If the unit becomes overheated due to lack of ventilation, it could very well catch fire or cause some other dangerous situation to occur.  Either way, it will stop working altogether anyway, so keeping it in the best working condition possible is the best idea.
Manufacturers have been working for many years in an attempt to make the newer systems energy efficient, as well.

Related Coverage

Installing an HVAC Cooling System

The cooling system in an HVAC unit is only a part of a larger picture.  The HVAC system itself covers all that it says in its title, heating, ventilating and air conditioning.  These units have been replacing old methods of heating the home, such as space heaters, fireplaces, and gas furnaces. How to Choose an Air Conditioning System – HVAC Guide

If you go air conditioning shopping, you will realize there are quite a few different systems out there. So how do you know which air conditioning system to choose? It can be a little daunting to say the least. Below is the main types of air conditioners available, with a description of the advantages and disadvantages of each type. An Energy Efficient HVAC System is Easy to Find

In today’s environmentally conscious world, everyone wants to do their part for a more sustainable future. But it’s hard to know what you can do to limit your impact on the planet. One of the easiest and most eco-friendly choices is to install an energy-efficient heating and cooling system in your home for dramatically reduced energy usage. And, as if that wasn’t enough, the lower energy consumption of these heating systems will also help you save big bucks on your bills! In fact, some Energy St HVAC Products For Your Home

HVAC stands for heating ventilation and air conditioning systems that has become an important part of life today. However, before you decide to buy these systems it is important that you have a basic know-how of what these systems are and how do they work to make your life better.
Saving and limiting energy resources have become a hot topic for many people around the world.  As the knowledge in technology advances, we have also become more aware of the environmental factors that must be taken into consideration whenever we are dealing with natural resources of any kind. 
The United States has a delegated manual and rule book that each person must follow when installing, maintaining and using an HVAC system.  The professionals follow these standard guidelines to keep workers and homeowners safe. This is because the processes are based on electrical components that have the potential of causing bodily harm is someone who is not knowledgeable attempts to adjust, regulate, install or repair one.  HVAC systems will work best when they are installed, maintained and used properly by the owners.  Disregard for any of these factors can easily result in malfunction or hazards that can be avoided.

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Energy and HVAC Optimization

January 19, 2012 By 28 Comments

1hv28.jpgLet’s talk about 30-40% of your electricity bill. That’s how much it costs the average homeowner or commercial building owner to provide proper heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC).  A good HVAC system is the key to maintaining a comfortable, healthy and interior environment. Through the years, I have been asked by many owners for a strategy to reduce their cost of energy and HVAC. They don’t want to sacrifice the interior environmental conditions, but they do want a point-by-point plan to follow. The interesting thing that often happens is that energy bills are lowered substantially and the HVAC system performance is improved. This is a standard function of any mechanical engineer specializing in energy and HVAC.
The information on this page will help homeowners, building owners and building operators make informed decisions about existing HVAC systems or future upgrades.
Load Reduction
HVAC Systems
Control Systems
Operation and Maintenance

Load Reduction

The first step to achieve energy and HVAC system optimization is load reduction. This step normally consists of a long range plan which itemizes the actions to be taken based on best return on investment. Reducing your building load allows the existing HVAC system to operate more efficiently. If a new system or systems are being considered, it will be more cost effective to design for the reduced load as opposed to the existing load. A few common load reduction strategies include:
 
Tighten the building shell and add additional insulation. Adding insulation in existing buildings may not be achievable in some instances, so more consideration should be aimed at the exterior shell, especially windows and doors.
Installing energy-efficient windows. This is a big item on some buildings that still have single pane windows. The installation of double pane windows with a thermal break is a great return on investment. Make sure they are ENERGY STAR qualified windows. Tinting or Low-E coatings will even be better.
Upgrading lighting systems. The average commercial building has a lighting density of 2-3 watts per square foot which maintains proper lighting levels. This is a significant part of the HVAC load and almost any efforts in this direction will lower the cooling requirement for the building. Accent lighting (sometimes called architectural lighting) are not always energy efficient and should not be considered if you want to reduce energy and HVAC costs. Energy-efficient lighting systems emit less heat into conditioned space than older incandescent technology. If you have a return air plenum instead of return air ductwork, consider light troffers so that some of the heat from the lights is returned to the HVAC system instead of going into the occupied area.
Selecting efficient equipment and electronic devices that have a power saver option will reduce the sensible heat gain in the space. Items to consider include copy machines, kitchen equipment, computers and refrigerators.
Control ventilation by having your outside air balanced. Most building owners have drawings of the original HVAC system installation. Have the drawings reviewed by a mechanical engineer to confirm your outside air flow rates conform to the latest code requirements. If no drawings are available, your mechanical engineer should still be able to make recommendations for improvement.
Addressing these items is your first step to reducing energy and HVAC costs.

HVAC Systems

The second step to achieve energy and HVAC system optimization is knowing your system. Your HVAC system is critical to your interior environment, but it also represents a large component of your utility expenses. While it is beyond the scope of this article to discuss every system, a few recommendations can be addressed. Every HVAC system component has increased in efficiency over the years. If your system is more than 13 years old, it’s time to begin planning for an upgrade to new equipment. Well maintained residential systems have a life expectancy of about 15 years or so but seem to fail at the worse times. Have a replacement plan ready for the day your equipment fails. Commercial systems vary, but if your building is using packaged equipment or split systems, the same lifetime can be expected. For larger commercial systems and industrial applications, the HVAC system may be more complex and require an individual analysis by a mechanical engineer. As I said, HVAC systems vary and no one-size-fits-all analysis works for larger systems. What all these systems have in common is they are normally fueled by electricity. Electricity cost money, so any efforts in the direction of increased efficiency is a plus.

HVAC System Tips:

 
Find a qualified consultant you trust. If you are a home owner or small commercial building owner, find a good HVAC company or mechanic to evaluate and maintain your system. If you are a large commercial building owner, find a commercial HVAC company for normal maintenance and a good mechanical engineer for specific guidance. I do not recommend using a mechanical engineer employed by the HVAC Company; find a third party engineer for unbiased information.
Verify your HVAC system load. Home owners should use ACCA’s Manual J calculation method and all others should have a load conducted by a mechanical engineer. Commercial buildings have more requirements related to code conformance, minimum ventilation rates, etc and are individual to each building.
Load reduction-Read the information above.
Select equipment sized for your load. NEVER OVERSIZE! More-is-better does not apply for HVAC systems. It will cost more to purchase the equipment as well as operate it. Get the load and the equipment selection right the first time.
Purchase high efficiency or Energy Star equipment. Many of the new systems include variable speed drives for fans and compressors. Over the years of ownership this will be paid back many times over. Compare standard efficiency equipment to high efficiency equipment in terms of initial cost and life cycle costs. Any good HVAC company or mechanical engineer can obtain this information.
Consider some form of energy recovery for any air exhausted from the building and use it to condition the incoming fresh air. This is air you have paid to condition, so extracting some of the energy before exhausting it should be a priority.
For large commercial buildings, consider conditioning the outside air with a dedicated outside air unit. This will eliminate any problems related to humidity control in most instances. It will also increase occupant comfort and allow for further downsizing of equipment.
Commercial buildings should consider economizers on their equipment. Most current codes require economizers on equipment over 15 tons in size. Often available at a low incremental cost, these units draw in fresh air from the outside when the temperature (sometimes humidity) outside is lower than the temperature inside.
Home owners and small commercial building owners should install programmable thermostats. Commercial building owners should install a Direct Digital Control (DDC) system. The investment in either of these will pay back more than the cost in a small amount of time. Read more below.

Control Systems

The third step to achieve energy and HVAC system optimization is controlling your system.
Programmable Thermostats-The age of digital controls has made saving energy easy. One of the best investments for the homeowner or small commercial building owner is a programmable thermostat. These are simple to use and incorporate strategies based on time scheduling. Most manufacturers offer 7 day programs and setback/setup programs which will turn the HVAC system on and off to compliment your schedule and desired indoor temperature. This is a great way to ensure HVAC systems are used only when necessary.
DDC Systems-For the large commercial building, I consider this as a must have system. Installation costs have steadily decreased and the performance reliability has steadily increased. They can be integrated into any system and expanded as required. Some of the more popular features of these systems are optimized start/stop of the HVAC system, multiple zone control, multiple temperature sensor locations and ventilation control. The best part of these systems is their ability to be scaled up to the largest of commercial applications. This means you can install a simple system and add more controls later to incorporate your whole HVAC system. Again, the payback is short and well worth the investment.

Operation and Maintenance

The fourth and last step to achieve energy and HVAC system optimization is operation and maintenance. The most efficient HVAC systems are well maintained. Ensure reliability, efficiency and a long life for your HVAC system by following these tips.
Find a qualified consultant you trust. If you are a home owner or small commercial building owner, find a good HVAC company or mechanic to evaluate and maintain your system. If you are a large commercial building owner, find a commercial HVAC company for normal maintenance. Make sure you record and document all servicing with dates, times and names of the servicing person.
Home owners should always get a seasonal tune up. The operation of your system will vary with the seasons of the year.
Replace your air filters regularly. Don’t use anything less then a MERV 5 filter to assure dust and fibers are removed. Clean filters will save fan energy.
Coil Cleaning-This is always a big item overlooked by residential and commercial building owners. Condenser coils collect dirt and debris on their surfaces because they are outside. This makes the compressor work harder and results in a higher refrigerant temperature in your refrigeration system. Evaporator and heating coils collect dust and fibers that circulate inside your home or building. Clean them at least once a year.

Summary

Energy and HVAC optimization will reduce your electricity costs. A little time getting to know your system and familiarizing yourself with improvement strategies will save money and increase the life of your equipment.
 
Visit my site for more information on Energy and HVAC optimization.

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How to train for a career in the HVAC industry

January 19, 2012 By 6 Comments

2hv20.jpgChoosing a HVAC college program
When choosing a HVAC college program, the first thing that you must ascertain is that the college you have selected is an accredited one. This is an extremely important factor, since it means that the training imparted will be at par with the standards specified by HVAC organizations. The most prominent accrediting agencies for HVAC programs are the National Center for Construction Education and Research, the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration, HVAC Excellence, North American Technician Excellence and Research, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Select a college that has at least one accreditation.
Smaller class sizes are also important, which means you will get personalized attention from the instructors. A good HVAC college will also have an on-campus science lab with professional-grade tools.  Visit the campus and get a feel of the place, the classroom, the facilities and talk to the faculty, if possible. Also find out whether they allow any flexibility in scheduling classes for working students, and how you should go about procuring financial aid, if required.
HVAC Colleges
These are just a few of the many HVAC training centers that you will find all over the United States: New England Institute of Technology in Palm Beach, Ferris State University in Michigan, Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the Refrigeration School in Phoenix, Arizona, Brownson Technical School in Anaheim, California, the Northwest HVAC Training Center in Spokane, Washington, and the National Capital Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America in Maryland.
You must have a high school diploma or equivalent in order to enroll for a HVAC training program, along with sound math and science skills. College programs usually last from two to four years, and depending on the type of course you select, you will be awarded a certificate, an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in HVAC.
You will also find a number of community colleges and vocational or technical schools where you can sign up for short-term programs, which last for six months to two years. If you do not have the time to attend college fulltime, you can still get your HVAC training, thanks to online courses. Do make sure that the college is an accredited one.
Once you have successfully completed the HVAC course, the next step is searching for available HVAC jobs in your area. Your college will have campus interviews or will help you with leads for suitable openings in the industry.  HVAC employers include HVAC manufacturers, HVAC service companies, HVAC contractors, property management companies, mechanical engineering firms, HVAC wholesale suppliers, building owners and many more.
When you start looking for your first job in the HVAC industry, start your search with HVACJobsReport.com. HVAC Jobs Report is a community based job website that services the HVAC and Refrigeration industry. Members can use this website to search for new jobs, apply to new job postings, read about industry news and network with those in the HVAC/R industry.
Good luck with your HVAC career!
 

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Great carpentry adds life to your home-setting

January 18, 2012 By 3 Comments

11313011869_carpintry5.jpgThe renovation of your home or any other kind of construction is certainly incomplete without carpentry, which demands great workmanship on the part of a carpenter to blend various design techniques together. This technique has a history in India that reveals the emergence of enhanced construction methods, which were in systematic and planned manner. In carpentry, carpenters are the craftsmen who gracefully work with wood logs and sheets in order to create a matchless piece of furniture and other showpieces. Along with interior remodeling, the fondness for elegant wooden furniture is equally high among people.
A unique carpentry design reflects the sharp skills possessed by a carpenter who can turn your property into a dream home.  He must be able to prepare an appropriate layout of the site and analyze the elevations of its excavations. Apart from this, factors including concrete footing, wall forms, sheath floors, and building walls, roofs, stairs, window panels, cupboards, or cabinets are kept under a deep consideration. Along with rooms, carpentry has also to do a lot in building kitchens, which have now taken a modular form. And therefore, the demand for carpenters is on rise these days. It is worthwhile to mention that now even the advanced tools have been introduced, which are machine based and take less time.
If you have decided to build or refurbish your house or office and are desirous of adorning it with carpentry work, you can hire a carpenter and make the wood available for making nice furniture based on your specifications. However, if you are looking for something completely unrivalled, you can explore market and purchase ready-made furniture item suiting to your budget as well as preference. Woods of various qualities and prices are available in the market. If you are buying a ready-made item, its value can vary according to the quality of wooden material as well as the complexity involved in making its design. All you can do before making such investment is consulting your interior designer or taking an idea from the dealer from whom you may intend to purchase.
Finally, it is all upon your carpenter who, with his latest carpentry know-how, can add life to the overall appearance of your home-setting. Good and experienced carpenters are in great demand for corporate construction projects involving offices, public buildings etc. Not only this, they are greatly hired for residential projects and small renovations, requiring roofing, flooring etc. Their demand has led to the establishment of many branches within the carpentry segment. Therefore, if you are wishful of improving the home-setting at your property, start exploring market to approach the best interior design company.

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