Author: Creative Programs and Systems - page 42

Smart Kitchen Storage Design

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

If you are thinking of revamping your kitchen design, a few cosmetic updates might not be enough. A full-blown remodel might be your best bet…but don’t skimp on storage. Score a beautifully designed kitchen with plenty of room for storage with help from several tips below. 

Designate Cabinet Space
All the drawers and cabinets in your kitchen can probably be expanded or organized to suit your needs and tailored accordingly. For example, wide, shallow drawers can house dishcloths and utensils, while deep upper cabinets are ideal for pantry goods such as spices near the stove or oven. A quick and easy solution for lower cabinets is to install pullout systems from companies such as Rev-A-Shelf, for example.

No More Corners
Corner cupboards used as a pantry – or any type of storage – are less-than-ideal. Too often, staple pantry items can be lost in the shuffle, pushed back to the out-of-reach corner. Instead of installing a corner cabinet, try a combination of cabinets and drawers you can see – and reach. 

Expand Cabinets
Forget the bulkheads and extend your above-countertop cabinets to the ceiling. Though you might need a step ladder to reach some items, it’s a great way to store kitchen appliances or special plates you don’t use as often as others. 

Drawers & Cabinets
Cabinets are a winning solution for bulky items (as described above), but drawers are more helpful in maximizing organization for smaller items. Drawers allow you to see exactly what’s inside without clearing other objects to find the item you need. 

Spice It Up
Once you experience a built-in spice rack near the stove or oven, you won’t believe how you lived without it. Consider adding a Lazy Susan in a cupboard above the stove for easy rotation or add a specially made spice drawer (usually the length of a cabinet) that perfectly fits spice jars. These usually come equipped with rails to help ensure the seasonings stay in place.

If you’re in the market for a kitchen remodel, contact the experts at JFC Remodeling today.

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call or email us to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Jason Foldenauer Construction

Four Ways to Improve Curb Appeal

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Making a first impression with potential buyers can be a hit-or-miss scenario. In today’s seller’s market, it’s important to hook buyers…but how? The simplest answer: curb appeal. 

Your home’s appearance can have a huge impact on how much money a potential buyer is going to fork over. Houses with a poor exterior sell for seven percent less than those that are polished and attractive, according to a recent study. 

Business professor Sriram Villupram at the University of Texas at Arlington programmed computers to recognize features such as trimmed shrubs, manicured lawns, and inviting flowers on more than 400 Google Street View images. 

Villupuram said, “The value of curb appeal could be as high as 14 percent during cold residential markets. This study also brings to light the value of homeowners’ associations and their covenants, which tend to maintain a uniformly positive curb appeal for the neighborhood as a whole.” 

Read on for seven tips and tricks for making your home more appealing to potential buyers.

Landscape
A 2019 survey of real estate agents found that well-landscaped homes sell between one and 10 percent more than those with no landscaping. Potted plants, window boxes, hanging planters, trimmed and edged grass, raked leaves, pruned trees, etc. are all surefire ways to boost curb appeal. If you have a patio or deck, don’t leave it empty. Add a bench or some chairs to invite buyers. 

Polish
Pull out your (or rent a) powerwasher and start cleaning your driveway, porch, siding, etc. Use some elbow grease and wipe all windows, clean walkways, handrails, and more. Sparkling clean windows let more natural light into your home, making it much more appealing. 

Replace
Swap out old light fixtures for new ones, paint (or replace) your front door, and add bright, LED light bulbs throughout your home to make it appear more refined. If your home has drab, old house numbers, replace those with new ones as well. Don’t overlook your mailbox, either! 

Upgrade
If your appliances are even slightly out-of-date, try updating some – or all – to give your home a sleeker look. If your home is not energy-efficient, consider upgrading windows, smart thermostats, light bulbs, and home appliances. 

Are you looking for a mortgage? You’ve come to the right place. Contact us today.

EB Mortgage is a locally owned mortgage company with experts in new home purchase, refinancing, and commercial loans. Our wholesale rates can’t be beaten. We offer more products, more options, and more solutions. Our “3C” Process is simple: complete our pre-approval request, consider options based on your requirements, and choose the offer that suits your needs best. Call us or e-mail us today! 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

EB Mortgage

The Next Computer Screen Could Be in Contacts

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Imagine living in the past, around 1900, wondering what the world would be like in 100 years. Technology, electronics, computers, and cell phones were far from being even remotely possible. 

Now, imagine the future: where you can see words, numbers, and other information flowing across your screen – except no one else can see that screen – it’s visible only to you since it’s in your eye.

Too far-fetched? On the contrary. Smart contact lenses will soon be a part of our reality; you’ll be able to do much more than you’ve ever imagined.

Steve Sinclair of Mojo Vision said, “Imagine…you’re a musician with your lyrics, or your chords, in front of your eyes. Or you’re an athlete, and you have your biometrics and your distance and other information that you need.” 

Mojo Vision is on the cutting edge of implementing smart contact lenses in humans. These “screens” within contacts will exhibit a heads-up display that will seemingly float in the user’s eyes. A tiny microLED display, smart sensors, and solid-state batteries will comprise the smart lenses. 

Sinclair said, “We’ve built what we call a feature-complete prototype that actually works and can be worn – we’re soon going to be testing that internally. Now comes the interesting part, where we start to make optimizations for performance and power and wear it for longer periods of time to prove that we can wear it all day.” 

At Columbia University, Rebecca Rojas, instructor of optometric science, says smart lenses could “include the ability to self-monitor and track intraocular pressure, or glucose. They can also provide extended-release drug-delivery options, which is beneficial in diagnosis and treatment plans. It’s exciting to see how far technology has come, and the potential it offers to improve other patients’ lives.” 

Mojo’s product testing has shown that smart lenses can be worn all day without a single battery recharge. Similar to our smartphones, actual battery life will depend on how often the smart lens is used.

Rojas said, “Any type of contact lens can pose a risk to eye health, if not properly cared for or not fitted properly. Just like any other medical device, we need to make sure the patients’ health is the priority, and whatever device used has benefits that outweigh the risk. I’m concerned about non-compliance, or poor lens hygiene and over-wear. These can lead to further complications like irritation, inflammation, infections, or risks to eye health.” 

Mojo’s smart lenses are expected to last for roughly a year, but he clarified that they could be programmed to detect whether they are being cleaned enough or need replacing. 

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Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems provides professional results for all computer needs. We design, create, and code an array of custom software programs and websites; offer top-notch digital marketing services including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising; repair and provide support for computers of both residential and professional nature; build custom systems and servers, and offer secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call us at 810-224-5252 or e-mail info@cpsmi.com.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Creative Programs and Systems

AI Tools Launched at Radiology Center for Breast Cancer 

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

US Radiology Specialists has partnered with Artificial Intelligence (AI) company Volpara Health to form superior mammography and breast cancer services at Charlotte Radiology in North Carolina. 

Novel analytics performed by Volpara Health’s AI will execute risk assessment, patient communication, reports, quality assurance, and breast density analytics. 

Lindsay Muns, group president of physician practices for US Radiology and CEO of Charlotte Radiology and Upstate Carolina Radiology, said, “With each of our 16 breast imaging centers now equipped with the latest Volpara software tool suite, Charlotte Radiology can better fulfill our most important mission: diagnosing breast cancer early and supporting our patients through their treatment. Implementing advanced technologies like these help us continuously improve both experiences and outcomes for our patients across the Carolinas.”

Amy Sobel, MD, section chief of Charlotte Radiology Breast Imaging, said, “Our partnership with Volpara allows us as radiologists to keep our focus where we need it: on each patient we see. With Volpara, we are assured of accurate and timely reporting, as well as high quality data. This streamlines our workflow and helps us deliver excellent patient care as a team.” 

Across the United States, AI is being implemented at an accelerated rate due to improving cancer care. 

At the Miami Cancer Institute, data from analytics company COTA were used to formulate insights to identify the BRCA gene. This research led to the implementation of total BRCA mutation testing for all newly diagnosed breast cancer. 

Now, a new partnership will focus on minimizing health disparities and gaps in cancer treatment, as preventative care was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) reported in 2021 that the global pandemic resulted in drastic decreases in cancer screening tests. Without early detection and treatment, many patients suffered from larger growths or more advanced stages of cancer by the time it was eventually detected. 

The COVID-19 pandemic did bring some innovation to cancer screening, however. By using video conferencing tools, education about screening and personalized tests was made possible. 

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Acceletronics is an industry leader in delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from CT Scanners and Linear Accelerators across all major brands and models. Call 610-524-3300 to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Acceletronics

Aphantasia Could Be Diagnosed Based on Pupil Size

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Pupil size fluctuates to let just the right amount of light into the eye. Vision is improved by contracting the brightness and dilating in the dark. New research shows that beyond light changes, pupil size might also change based on perceptual and cognitive circumstances. 

Mental imagery was shown to facilitate pupillary responses to light in this study published in the Association for Psychological Science (APS). 

Another study, published in the Journal of Vision (JoV), suggests the pupil constricts in response to a high-light luminance object in a photo, such as the sun. 

A condition known as aphantasia is diagnosed as the inability to produce mental images in the mind. Aphantasia can stem from birth or manifest later in life, despite being otherwise healthy. Researchers studied pupillary responses of people who experience aphantasia to better understand how the brain’s visual and ocular reflexes work.

The study, published in eLife, compared the pupillary responses of people with and without aphantasia. 

Professor Julia Simner leads the MULTISENSE lab at the University of Sussex and was not involved in the study. After analyzing the data, she said, “The fascinating finding reported here is that people imagining light or dark objects show the same type of pupillary action as we would normally find when the eyes are exposed to light and dark objects in the real world. This suggests that their imagination is treated [as] a simulation of the real world. [Meanwhile,] people with aphantasia — who imagine in a more abstract way because they cannot build a picture in their mind’s eye — don’t show the same effect.”

The study participants were asked to imagine 32 white or gray shapes while their pupil size was measured. Other experiments were conducted, as well as a questionnaire. Researchers concluded that people without aphantasia reacted to perceived and imagined luminous images, which affected their pupillary size. Those with aphantasia did not note a change in pupillary size when perceiving or imagining luminous images. 

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Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to provide personalized and extraordinary care to our patients. Whether your goal is to maintain or improve your natural vision, we are here to help you. Call us at 877-579-0202 to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com

Michigan Lasik

Five Ways to Influence Commercial Landscaping Clients

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Unsightly or uncared for outdoor spaces, particularly commercial ones, can turn people away, especially potential clients. Commercial landscape clients often need a slight nudge to improve their surroundings. Once they see how impactful the benefits are, they will surely come calling. Here are five ways to help encourage those clients to invest in their lawn.

Deal With What Exists

Are there overgrown bushes covering windows and signage? Weeds in the parking lot? Dead trees or unsightly shrubs? This sends a message to customers – in the wrong way. Remind clients these issues can also be a danger to potential clients, as limbs can fall, break, or cause bodily harm. A bit of pruning, grass-cutting, and edging can really brighten up a space.

Maintenance

It’s important to keep up with landscaping, as it grows quickly, and time can slip away from us. Without a regular schedule, the work that’s been done is basically for naught. Explain to your landscaping client that fertilization, irrigation, mowing, trimming, edging, pruning, and more are all imperative for success.

Seasonal Adjustments

Every fall, leaves cover the ground, resulting in an ugly mess. Property owners can attempt cleanup themselves, but it seems like a never-ending task; one that can easily slip through the cracks when it comes second to running a business. Remind clients how time-consuming autumn can be. Likewise, the spring season often requires mulch application and weed control. Same idea, different time…both fall and spring can be overwhelming and time-consuming for potential landscape clients.

Brighten it Up

Pops of color throughout an outdoor space is ideal for drawing in new potential clients with eye-catching designs or flair. Landscape beds filled with the same drab plantings can be boring; instead, opt for easy-to-care-for perennials such as roses, hostas, hydrangeas, daylilies, etc. Annuals can also be added to containers or pots, increasing revenue throughout each season.

Landscape Enhancement

Once your clients have already made the above investments but are still looking for that “wow” factor, direct them to a landscape project. Many business owners are seeking ways to attract – and retain – employees. Suggest adding an outdoor area where their team members can enjoy breaks while boosting morale. Additionally, analyze their property and look for ways to enhance it, such as designating walking areas or paths, adding a fire pit or fountain, sprucing up the entryway, creating a landscape bed, etc.

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T&T Property Maintenance has been visualizing, creating, and maintaining commercial properties since 1997. We offer a vast number of services for our clients, including lawn and landscape maintenance, irrigation set up and repair, fertilization, weed and pest control, snow plowing and salting, and tree trimming and stump grinding. We are licensed with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, so you can rest assured we will do the job right – every time. We work with commercial businesses of any size and offer our services in seasonal or yearly packages, and a la carte. For over 20 years, we believe a satisfied customer is the only kind of customer. Call or e-mail us to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

T&T Property Maintenance

MDOT Showcases Roadwork Funded by Whitmer Bonds

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Specific sections of roadway are being showcased by the Michigan Department of Transportation by way of signs that say, “Bond Financing at Work,” which alludes to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s 2020 road bonding plan. 

MDOT spokesman Jeff Cranson said about 15 green signs ($750 each) have been installed throughout the state with plans to install more. One sign, located in a construction area on Interstate 496 in Lansing, is meant to assure “that the work is being done,” according to Cranson. 

“Installing these signs is consistent with MDOT’s objective to be transparent and provide the public with as much information as possible about road projects,” Cranson said.

House Republicans who have opposed Whitmer’s bonding plan added a stipulation to the transportation budget requiring that the signs mention the monetary amount paid by the state in interest and borrowing costs to repay the bonds. 

Currently, the 2022 budget requires construction and borrowing costs to be listed on the signs. MDOT is not complying with the law, so the 2023 budget approved by the House includes provisions for non-compliance. 

Cranson says the addition of words or signs as outlined by the House budget would increase the cost of each sign. 

In 2020, Whitmer suffered from a failed bid to bump up the state’s gas tax by 45 cents a gallon to finance road renovations. In response, she launched her “Rebuilding Michigan Plan,” announcing it during her 2020 State of the State address. The next day, the Michigan State Transportation Commission authorized the department’s use of bonding.

Rough estimates by economists showed that the $3.5 billion program would total approximately $5.2 billion if the state remits annual debt bond service payments of $206.6 million for 25 years. About $529 million of the $1.6 billion issued thus far has already been spent or is spoken for, with an additional $1.9 billion in bonds to be sold in the future. 

At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a distinct surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we work to discover surety solutions for all types of cases ranging from ordinary to challenging. Call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Construction Bonding Specialists

Increase Business Visibility With These Effortless Marketing Tips

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Don’t be fooled by the technology surrounding us – marketing still matters. Businesses of all sizes can use tried-and-true tactics to attract new customers, lock in brand awareness, create notoriety, and much more. Read on to discover some creative ways to increase your company’s visibility. 

Be A Sponsor
Call your city council or community center to learn about future events, and then offer to sponsor them. Look for children’s sports teams, canned food drives for humans or pets, trade shows, grocery store carts, etc. 

Give Away Branded Merchandise
One of the most effortless ways to help get your business’ name and logo in the public eye is to give away items with your logo on it. Consider getting banners, signs, flyers, postcards, and other handheld materials for your clients. 

Socialize
Social media is a must for all companies trying to reel in more customers. According to Fundera, 74 percent of consumers rely on social media to sway their purchases. 

Sweepstakes
Remember the good ol’ buzz-creating sweepstakes of yesteryear? They still exist; only now, they mainly run through social media. Offer a special item (tablet, gift card, expensive coffee machine, headphones, etc.) as a prize, and watch the entries come in. 

Establish Loyalty
Implementing referral discounts on products or services can help promote exclusivity. Build a refer-a-friend program, offer special codes, add incentives, etc. Publish these on social media or send a physical postcard blast throughout neighborhoods to hook potential clients.  

After brainstorming some marketing strategies, create a plan while staying true to your brand. Choose the techniques that make the most sense for your business and can really showcase your brand. Marketing is an ever-evolving strategy; trust the process and be as creative as possible.

Econo Print is your one-stop shop for marketing materials. We’ve got you covered whether you want to print a postcard, yard sign, banner, invitation, label, or more. Contact us today to learn more.

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At Econo Print, we strive to deliver the highest-quality printed products possible. We produce top-rated goods in a timely fashion at a competitive price. Listening to our clients and helping them achieve their business goals is our top priority. We are proud of the strong roots we’ve built in the community and pride ourselves on using cutting-edge technology. Our products, commitment to service, and level of expertise exceed our clients’ expectations. Contact us today to learn how we can help launch your business to the next level.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Econoprint

Consumers Energy Announces Plan to Invest $100 Million in Power Grid

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With power outages happening more frequently as a result of inclement weather, Consumers Energy has vowed to invest $100 million in upgrades to improve reliability for customers. 

The High Voltage Distribution (HVD) system, nicknamed the “Backbone of the Power Grid,” will receive significant upgrades thanks to the 2022 investment. The HVD enhancements will impact roughly 130,000 customers across the state of Michigan. 

Josh Paciorek, Consumers Energy Media Spokesperson, said, “Our job is to keep the lights on for folks and when those lights don’t come on, they’re frustrated.” Paciorek explained they are taking such proactive steps ahead of the storm season to ensure clients have a more reliable, resilient power grid. 

Over the past number of years, Michigan has seen an increased amount of severe weather, including a recent tornado in Gaylord. These once-in-100-year weather events are becoming increasingly common, with 70 to 80 MPH wind gusts that can wreak havoc on the power grid. 

In an effort to make electricity more reliable, Paciorek said Consumers Energy needs to upgrade and make investments to ensure the grid is more resilient. 

Over 40 miles of HVD lines will be rebuilt, as well as repairing more than 64 miles of HVD line pole-top equipment. Roughly 750 poles will be replaced, and novel technology will enable Consumers Energy to swiftly identify power outages.

The upgrades performed by Consumers Energy throughout 2022 represent a segment of their larger effort to build a better energy grid through its five-year, $5.4 billion Electric Reliability Plan. 

Efforts such as trimming trees, replacing poles and wires, improving substations, and replacing vital equipment are all high priorities, especially with the pressure from climate change affecting the weather and causing more frequent, severe weather storms. 

Since 2018, Consumers Energy has also raised its investment in forestry by over 60 percent. Trees are the number one cause of power outages, so the plan has a section dedicated to increasing spending to keep distribution lines clear. The plan currently outlines more than $500 million throughout five years. 

The reliability plan will also reduce the average length of time that customers are powerless by roughly 15 percent by 2025. 

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance.  

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

J & P Electrical Company

Tick Safety and Precautions

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It’s that time of year again…tick season. Ticks can be extremely dangerous and sometimes lethal. If you, a family member, friend, or pet get bitten by a tick, do you know the proper steps to take to ensure adequate removal, when to go to the doctor, and more? Read on to learn more.

Ticks are notoriously difficult to remove. It is best to pull upward with steady, even pressure using fine-tipped tweezers. Grab the tick as close to the skin as possible. If you twist or yank the tick, the mouth can break off and remain embedded. You can usually pry the remaining tick out with tweezers. After removing the tick, thoroughly wash the affected area, and save the tick or take a photo for identification by a healthcare professional if you happen to get sick later. 

If you find a tick latched on to a human or pet, tip a Q-Tip in liquid soap (Dawn, for example) and start making small circles around the tick. The soap suffocates it, so they immediately let go of the skin and can be removed effortlessly.  

Never use petroleum jelly, fingernail polish, or a hot match to remove ticks from the skin. 

Ticks are seemingly impossible to smash under your shoe. The best way to rid them is by flushing them down a toilet, trapping them in a piece of tape, or burning them. Just because you remove them from your skin does not mean they will refrain from biting someone else. 

Ticks tend to migrate to the scalp or furry areas where they can hide well. It’s imperative to check your scalp regularly for ticks if you’ve been outside or spotted them on a companion.

If you aren’t completely able to remove the tick, a rash develops, flu-like symptoms appear, the bite becomes infected, or a deer tick bit you, you should seek medical attention immediately. 

Though most tick bites are painless and only cause minor symptoms, they can be deadly and should not be taken lightly. 

Whenever you are in the woods or within grassy outdoor areas, protect yourself by using sprays such as Cedercide, which help prevent bites naturally, without chemicals. 

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Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you’ll need it later.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Wolf Survival Gear