Livingston Reporting - page 228

Decorative Canes and Walking Sticks

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are three types of walking sticks and canes: decorative, folk art and system.  As the name implies a decorative cane is an accessory used for fashion and their main purpose is purely aesthetic.  Folk art canes were designed to be more about the carver then the individual who used them.  They are most often created in all wood.  System canes are often referred to as gadget canes.  These are perhaps the most utilitarian of all canes.  In the next few series we will discuss in detail each popular style of cane.

First we will discuss the decorative canes.   Most of the decorative canes that are available to collectors today are from the second half of the nineteenth century into the nineteen twenties.  They often have a basic shaft that has a decorative handle in which can be created from a number of materials including silver, ivory, gold, porcelain and other highly regarded materials.

Many antique cane collectors choose to begin their collections by purchasing vintage, silver handled canes that were common during this period of time.  Collectors will want to ensure that the handle is sterling silver or priced accordingly if it is only a replica.  The fancier the knob the more collectors should expect to pay.  Often times, decorative canes with silver handles will be made even fancier with the addition of gold and can take on the shape of an animal, human figure or crook handle.

Cane artisans of this century created a number of decorative canes using ivory for the handle.  Ivory is an incredibly scarce material and thus makes these canes highly collectable.  Decorative ivory canes could most often be purchased by only the wealthiest individuals in society.  When it comes to decorative cane handles the ivory material has literally had ever subject matter carved into it.  From frogs to humans everything was carved into ivory cane handles.  Human forms that are carved into decorative ivory cane handles are the most popular amongst collectors.  Ivory is a very sensitive material and thus collectors should be careful to display them appropriately away from the direct sunlight and heat.

Gold is another popular decorative cane handle material.  These are amongst the rarest and most expensive canes for collectors to get a hold of.  Animal bone, antlers, wood, leather, glass and more have all been materials used to create decorative canes.  Collectors should be careful when purchasing collectable canes as many of these materials, as they age, get cracks and chips and need repairs.  Make sure the price that is paid for the collectable cane matches the canes condition.  Of course a rare cane with exceptionally beautiful features may still be a popular option even with a few minor flaws.

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

Antique Cane World

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Don’t Fall For Staging Tricks When Buying A New Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In our last installment on buying a home we discussed how many buyers turn down a house if it lacks visual appeal.  Instead of only looking at a home for its aesthetic values it is crucial that homeowners look deeper into the bones of a home.  The condition of homes foundation and structure are the most important aspects to consider.  The following aspects can also tell you a lot about how the homes you are looking at have been maintained and cared for.

How does the plumbing throughout the home look?  Check out the water and the pressure of the water pressure.  Turn on all of the faucets all at one time and check to see their output.  Inspect the pipes to ensure they are not lead while also looking at the current insulation.  Pipes can easily be insulated using preformed insulation but it is important to know what will need to be done ahead of time.  Pipes that are in crawl spaces must be insulated as well as plumbing that is on the other side of exterior walls, often seen in kitchens.  Check the hot water heater and tank, boiler and radiator.  These are all good indicators of the updates that have or have not been done to the homes plumbing.

How well insulated is the home.  When you are inside the home is the traffic easily heard throughout the home?  Can you hear a lot of outside noise such as children playing?  This may not seem like a big deal at the time but poor insulation is not all about the annoyance of extra outside noise.  If a home is not properly insulated against the sounds of the world around it then it most likely is not apt to hold in heat or air conditioning.

Realtors advise buyers to check out the homes attic space as well.  Check for fire and water damage as both can lead to a structure that is weakened.   If you can see any light from within the attic, through even pin hole sized points it is crucial to make note of these.  If you purchase the home these areas need to be caulked to prevent water from accessing the area and leaking into the home causing damage to ceilings.  Is the attic easy to access?  Can the space be turned into something usable like an office or spare bedroom?  What about storage or extra insulation?

There is so much more to a home than what buyers can see however this is a hard concept for realtors to get across to a visual buyer.  A home that is painted with wickedly wild colors and covered in crazy bright carpet is a whole lot cheaper to repair than a home with a faulty foundation or unstable roof.  Remember this as it is easy to become caught up in the way something looks.  Professionals in staging can turn a home that hasn’t been maintained into a beauty with a few tricks of the trade. Don’t fall prey to this.  Instead keep your eyes open and look for things we have mentioned in these latest installments.

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

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Don’t Get Caught Up In Curb Appeal When Purchasing A New Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to purchasing a new home many buyers get caught up in the visual aspects of the home.  This is a mistake that often hurts buyers.  Instead of seeing the potential in a home they are driven off by brightly colored walls or unconventional flooring.  In reality these aspects are easily changed.  Instead staging often fools buyers and they forget that beauty is only skin deep allowing them to forget about the costly realities like roofing, electricity, plumbing and foundation.

Real estate professionals often warn clients from making mistakes like this but fall on deaf ears.  To prevent the same mistake from happening to you consider the following when considering a home to purchase.  Even the ugliest of ducklings can have the makings of a castle given the shape of the homes foundation, roofing and a fundamentally strong structure.

Consider the shape of the homes windows.  Realtors stress that it is important for buyers to look at the external state of the windows over their age.  New windows that are installed incorrectly are far less attractive as older, sturdier windows that have been well maintained.  If the exterior of the windows are in good shape it is a great indicator of the condition and level of maintenance that the current homeowner showed the home.  If you push on the window and can easily push the window frame in at all then it means the windows are starting to rot.  If the windows are double hung and you can visually see any sort of condensation the windows are faulty.

The roof is also an important aspect when looking into purchasing a home.  An asphalt shingle roof has a life expectancy of between fifteen and twenty years.  If you are unsure of when the roof was last replaced it is best to have a professional roofer out to inspect any homes you are interested in.  A professional roofer will know what to look for to age a home roof.  Certain things buyers can see themselves such as if the roof has a bunch of missing shingles or if there is substantial curling that can be seen on the shingles.  These are all signs the roof will need to be immediately replaced.  If this is the case be sure to negotiate the expense of a new roof into the purchase price of the home.

Another item a buyer often over look is the homes electrical system and power sources.  Electrical wiring that is not done by a professional electrician leaves a lot of room for error.  Improperly ran electrical wiring is dangerous.  Check out the shape of the fuse box and test the circuit breaker to ensure that it is functioning properly.  Rewiring a home is a messy and expensive job to undertake.  It is often a job that new homeowners are not looking to involve themselves in.

In our next installment we will continue to look into the items often overlooked by buyers as they concentrate on the less important visual aspects of a home.

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

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Seeking Out Non-Traditional Financing For Mortgages

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are times when an individual’s credit rating doesn’t match their intentions.  When a borrower has met with the unexpected in life such as a divorce, medical bills, job losses or poor money management it can wreak havoc on their opportunities to get financing.  This can deter many individuals, especially when wanting to obtain a mortgage, discouraged.  The thought is that people with poor credit will never achieve homeownership however this is not necessarily the case.  People seeking home ownership with less than perfect credit should work with a mortgage broker to search out non-traditional methods and more creative financing to obtain a home loan.

The first step that people with poor credit should do when considering the possibilities of a future home purchase is to start to take steps to improve their credit.  A lengthy history of delinquent payments isn’t a good thing but the change in those habits can be.  A change in the habits you have with your bill paying can help creditors see that you are working towards change.  Start by resolving to pay down debt to less than thirty percent of your available credit line.  Don’t apply for more credit, pay creditors on time and eventually you will start to improve your credit score.

Mortgage lenders will want to see that you have history making a payment for housing.  It may make sense to rent for two years to establish a housing payment history.  During that time make sure that the payment for your rent is paid for on time, every month.  An occasional late car payment or credit card payment could be overlooked but it is crucial that mortgage lenders see your ability to pay housing consecutively for at least two years prior to receiving a mortgage.

During the time you are renting, work to save money for a down payment.  The larger the down payment on the home the more vested lenders will view you.  A solid down payment for a first time home buyer is twenty percent even though there are mortgage options that don’t require this large of a down payment it helps those with poor credit.

Another feasible option for homeowners with imperfect credit is to find a lease option that can lead into the possibility of ownership.  Motivated sellers can often be talked into a purchase agreement with an unconventional twist.  If you find the right seller you can even work in a deal where they use the money paid on leasing as payment towards the home.

A mortgage broker is the first individual that most individuals with poor credit should speak with before even thinking about looking for a home to buy.  Loan brokers have seen it all, more than your credit situation is not unique.

Brighton Cross Country Mortgage

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Refinancing With A Low Credit Score

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Interest rates are at historic lows.  More homeowners than ever before are considering refinancing.  Think about it interest rates in 1998 for a 30 year fixed mortgage were on average about seven percent; today interest rates sit at an average of between three and three and a half percent.  That is a huge savings for homeowners not just each month but over the entire course of owning the home.  Refinancing allows homeowners to lower their monthly payment which can allow many to use the extra money for upgrades to the home that increase the value of the home overall.  One problem that plagues some homeowners is less than stellar credit.

Homeowners with poor credit ratings can have a difficult time refinancing their current mortgage.  Often this goes unrecognized until you begin the process of refinancing.  Homeowners often think they are basically refinancing the same mortgage amount just for a lesser interest rate so why does it matter if their current credit isn’t up to par.  For them it is the same mortgage just at a lower interest rate.  This however is not how mortgage lenders see it.

Credit scores are used to determine an individual’s ability to pay debt back in full.  A low credit score gives lenders the impression that you are taking on too much debt for the income that you have coming in.  The snap shot of your current financial situation puts you at a higher risk then when you financed your original mortgage.  The scores of an individual’s credit can range between three hundred, at its lowest, to eight hundred and fifty, at its highest.

Homeowners will pay lower interest rates with higher credit scores.  With less than stellar credit it’s important to make sure that the savings you are looking for with the lower interest rate will really exist for you.  You need to consider the actual rate you will be given.  A homeowner with an eight hundred and fifty credit rating will receive a lower interest rate than those with poor credit.

Refinancing doesn’t always make sense for homeowners that have poor credit after they take into consideration an extended loan term, closing costs, loan fees, and more.  When combining these concerns it maybe that refinancing actually increase the overall cost of your mortgage even with the lower interest rate.

When your credit is less than perfect it is especially important to work with a mortgage broker to find the mortgage refinancing option that works best for your situation.

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

Brighton Cross Country Mortgage

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Resetting Your Homes Electrical Circuit During A Power Outage

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When you own a home you are familiar the possibilities of sudden losses of electrical power.  This phenomenon is an especially common throughout the hot summer months as home owners are blasting air conditioners for hours on end.  As air conditioners run at max levels electrical circuits reach their limits and short out to prevent the current to overheat, catching fire.  At this point it is time to get your power up and the circuit restored.

Once in a great while there will be a power outage that over takes a whole neighborhood, city or region.  If this occurs then there is not a whole lot you can do about it but get out the flashlights and candles.  When the power outage is isolated to your home then you are in a bit more luck.  It is more likely than not to be an electrical short.

When a circuit breaker or fuse box shorts not only will the electricity go out but you often a loud pop can be heard when it occurs.  This is the most common solution if the electrical power within one area of your home stops working.  This occurs when a circuit has more electricity running through it then it allows safely.  A fuse or breaker will automatically “blow” or “trip” when this occurs to prevent the circuit from overheating and possibly causing a fire.

In order to prevent outages like this from occurring it is important not to overload the electrical circuits within your home.  When you need a lot of electricity in one area it is important to run separate circuits of electricity to the area.   If however, the amount of electricity changes to the circuit frequently and two circuits is overdoing it then make sure not use too much electricity at one time.

This happens in bathrooms regularly.  Homeowners want to be able to have the hair dryer running the curling irons warming up and iron on standby.  This isn’t normality for the circuit but occasionally occurs, right?  If you see this happening it make more sense to move some of jobs to another circuit to prevent it from tripping.

If a circuit is tripped then homeowners will want to reinstate the circuit and allow the electrical current to flow again freely.  This is done by locating your homes circuit box.  This is a metal box that contains a series of breaker switches or fuses.  When you open the metal door of the box there will be one fuse or switch that is tripped.  If it is a fuse you will replace that one fuse, after turning off the main current, with one of the same voltage.  A circuit switch on the other hand will need to be flipped back to its original state once the main current has been turned off.   After the individual circuit is allowing electrical current to pass through it again then it is time to flip the main switch on the breaker box back on.

If for some odd reason this doesn’t restore the power to the area then it may be time to call in an electrical professional.  They can make sure that the electrical standards in your home are up to par to prevent any dangerous situations from occurring in the future.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company.  At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

J & P Electrical Company

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The Differences Between Breaker Boxes and Fuse Boxes

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Circuit breaker boxes and fuse boxes aren’t something that most of us have to access on a regular basis.  It is important however to know where they are located and how they function before you find yourself in the middle of a power outage.  These boxes can be located anywhere but most often can be found in the garage, basement or utility closet.  Once you have located the box it is important to know the difference between a circuit breaker boxes and fuse boxes and how to restore power if it goes out.

Your breaker box will be a metal box that is flush against the wall that is enclosed by a metal door to keep the breakers or fuses protected.  The garage, basement, storage room or utility spaces are the places where you will most likely find them located.  If you can’t find the box located inside somewhere check outside or next the meter box.

Next, determine if the house has a circuit breaker or fuse box.  Open the door and take a look inside.  Do you see rows of switches?  If you do you have a circuit breaker.  If you see sockets like a light bulb then you have a fuse box.  Most commonly newer homes will have circuit breakers where as older homes that have yet to update their electricity will have a fuse box or maybe even several fuse boxes.

When replacing a blown fuse it is crucial that you unplug the appliances that are connected to the circuit that has lost electricity.  If the kitchen looses power then unplug all of the appliances and other electrical products that are plugged into the circuit.  If this is not done the risk that is faced is another blown fuse.

When you are replacing the fuse from the box be sure to turn off the main power switch.  This is a toggle switch located within the fuse box.  This main switch allows electricity to flow on a main current to the other circuits throughout the fuse board.  As you are shutting the main power off protect yourself by wearing rubber soled shoes and thick gloves when shutting the power down.

Find the fuse that connects the electricity to the point within the home that is no longer functioning.  Once the fuses are located and unscrew the fuse from the socket and replace it with a new one of the same power rating.  After the fuse has been replaced it is time to switch the main breaker back on.

For a circuit breaker that has been tripped the process is a bit simpler. You will still need to go through and unplug the appliances and shut the main breaker off in both fuses and circuit breakers.  After this is done you should be able to see which breaker is blown because it will be switch facing the opposite way.  Reset the switch back to its original state and that will restore the circuit.  After this is done the main power can be reinstated.

When replacing either of these types of electrical circuits if you notice that the circuit keeps blowing it is time to call in an electrician.  An electrician will come in and evaluate the state of the electrical wiring throughout your home and consult on electrical upgrades to your home.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company.  At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

J & P Electrical Company

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Hiring a Roofing Contractor Simplified

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Hiring any contractor to do work around your home can be a challenging task.  When it comes to hiring a roofing contractor we have compiled a list of tips to make the selection process simpler.

Insurance: Contractors that do not come bearing insurance should not be allowed to do any work on or around your home.  Insurance is a must when hiring a professional.  Ask for proof of insurance from all contractors interested in being hired.  Professional contractors should have copies of both their worker’s compensation policy and liability insurance policies.  Part of the cost in hiring a professional to complete work on your home is the security of knowing that they are covered if an accident should occur while they are working around your home.

Local vs. National: When it comes to hiring a contractor it is always best to look to hire someone with a locally operated, established company with a reputable reputation within the community.  Hiring big chain contractors can end up disastrous.  You aren’t hiring an individual and their specific skill set you are hiring a crew that is contracted by the large chain.  This means that each time work is to be done around your home a new crew may be sent.  There is no continuity in the work that is performed.  Whereas using a local contractor you are dealing with one specific contact for projects throughout your home.  Another bonus is that local contractors also vouch for one another and are able to refer specialists when needed for different projects.

Price:  The cost should never be the driving factor on your decision to hire a roofing contractor.  A lot goes into creating a bid and each contractor may bid projects differently.  Some contractors bid the job low by leaving out incidentals like nails, caulking and roofing tar; items that are necessities for the project to be complete but add to the bid.  Look at the bid in its totality.  Ask questions when looking into exactly what is covered by the quote and what extra expenses you can expect to incur.

Everything in Writing:  You should be in control of the job from start to finish.  The home belongs to you, the money is coming out of your pocket and the end result is yours to live with.  Be sure that you never pay in full for a job that is not one hundred percent complete.  If you are unhappy with any aspect of the project you need to communicate in writing a clear and precise agreement with the roofing contractor to establish a procedure for the job to be completed to the specifications in the contract.

All communication between the two parties should be in written form to protect both of them from misunderstandings.  Don’t forget to ask for a detailed quote that includes specifics from materials to costs and quantity.  It is imperative to have details in your contract regarding the amount of time that the job is expected to be done in and the size of the crew that is intended to be on site each day.  Contracts should also detail the hours that work will be completed.

Hiring a roofing contractor, or any contractor, for that matter doesn’t have to be a hassle or a nightmare.  Be sure to follow the tips above to ensure you find a contractor that meets your needs now and in the future.

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

Home Pro Roofing MI

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The Five Advantages Of Asphalt Shingles

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The benefits of asphalt roofing are plentiful.  In this installment on shingle roofing we will look into the top five advantages of installing asphalt shingles over other roofing materials.

Adaptability:  Asphalt shingles are the best material for adapting to complex roofing structures.  If your homes roof has a steep slope or angles it is important to recognize how adaptable shingle roofing can be.  Oddly shaped roofs are often hard to conform to.  Roofing contractors use shingles to form to the most unique roofs.  Asphalt shingles allow solid coverage and can be formed to maximize coverage.  They can be manipulated into locations other materials would not be able to.

Assorted Design Options:  Homeowners often thing of flat, rectangular shingles when they think of asphalt.  Roofing contractors say this misconception is one of the biggest hurdles they have to contend with when talking to homeowners about the options available to them in 2016.  Shingles today come in a variety of patterns to compliment the architecture of any home.  There are shingles that replicate the look of wood shakes, hand cut slate, European clay and many other old world patterns.  The benefit of using a shingle replica is not only the decrease in cost but also the increase in longevity and reduced maintenance.

Highly Rated: Shingle roofing materials can withstand a variety of weather conditions.  Asphalt comes in a variety of class ratings the highest being class 4.  What this means is that it is resistant to a number of environmental aspects that other materials are not.   Asphalt shingles are popular in areas where the climate is ever changing.  When your home takes the beating that all four seasons hands out you need to know your choice can withstand whatever is thrown at it.  From ninety five degree, heat scorched sun filled days to thirty five below temperatures with freezing rain and ice shingles are created to endure.

Cost Effectiveness:  Asphalt is not only an affordable material to purchase it is also the most inexpensive material for roofing contractors to install.  Proper installation is crucial to ensure that you roof is going to stand up to the test of time.  Labor to install an asphalt roof is less expensive for a number of reasons.  It is a popular choice amongst homeowners and therefore the technique is one that professionals have mastered.  The average asphalt roof takes between one to three days to replace including the time it takes to strip old shingles and repair any areas that appear to be damaged.

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

 

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Delivering Radiation Therapy To Patients

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Most often radiation therapy is given in small doses throughout several weeks through an outpatient facility.  This is especially true of external beam radiation therapy given with the use of a linear accelerator.  Most often radiation will only be administered once a day but occasionally can be given twice daily if recommended.

For most patients receiving radiation therapy as part of their cancer treatment external beam radiation therapy will be given once daily using a linear accelerator.  The treatment is delivered in this manner because a once daily treatment plan helps to minimize the amount of damage that is done to the healthy tissue and normal cells surrounding the cancerous tumors and cells.   Also the likelihood of exposing radiation to cancerous cells during the cell cycle when they are most susceptible to DNA damage increases.

Three other methods in which to distribute radiation have been tested including:

Hypo-fractionation: In order to reduce the number of treatments needed, hypo-fractionation is given in larger doses either once a day or less.

Hyper-fractionation: It is the opposite of hypo-fractionation; smaller doses are given throughout multiple treatments a day.

Accelerated Fractionation: In order to reduce the number of weeks treatment is needed, accelerated fractionation allows treatment to be given in larger doses on a daily or weekly basis.

The hope is to find different options that make receiving treatment more convenient to patients without sacrificing the effectiveness of the therapy.

Patients most often receive radiation therapy before, during or after surgery.  In some patients therapy is given using linear accelerators only without other treatments or surgery while others receive chemotherapy and radiation therapy without surgery.  This will vary due to a number of factors.  The exact point at which radiation is delivered alone or with other cancer treatment methods mainly depends on the patient’s goals and specific type of cancer that is being treated.

When radiation therapy is given before a patient has surgery is done in hopes to shrink the tumor.   This makes it simpler for surgeons to remove the entire tumor decreasing the likelihood it will return after the surgery is complete.   Radiation that is given during surgery is known as IORT, inter-operative radiation therapy.  During surgery radiation is given when normal structures are too close to the cancerous tumor and external-beam radiation would damage the nearby normal tissues.   After surgery radiation is known as post-operative therapy.    Post-operative radiation therapy is given during complicated surgeries to regions such as the abdomen and pelvis.

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

Acceletronics

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