Livingston Reporting - page 31

What is a Reverse Mortgage

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Reverse mortgages are specially designed for homeowners 62, and older looking to supplement their income, cover healthcare expenses, etc., by converting part of their home equity into cash. The homeowner retains the title and gets an advance on some of the home equity in lieu of paying monthly mortgage payments. While this may be enticing for some, it’s important to know that a reverse mortgage will eventually result in fewer assets for you and your family. Read on to learn about the different types of reverse mortgages, how to qualify, get the best deal, and more. 

While regular mortgages require homeowners to pay the lender monthly, reverse mortgages require the lender to pay the homeowner. Reverse mortgages allocate part of the homeowner’s equity and convert it to payments, tax-free. As long as the homeowner lives in the same home, they do not have to pay the money back unless they sell their home, move out, or pass away.

The three different types of reverse mortgages are: 

Single-Purpose: Offered by some state and local government agencies and nonprofits. They are the least expensive options and can only be used for home repairs, improvements, or property taxes. 

Proprietary Reverse Mortgages: Private loans backed by developmental companies; these are tailored towards higher-valued homes.

Federally Insured Reverse Mortgages: Also known as Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), these are backed by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Many factors are associated with HECMs, such as age, home appraisal value, interest rates, and more.

Lenders for reverse mortgages usually charge a service fee, closing fees, along with mortgage insurance premiums. As the homeowner acquires money, interest is added each month. So over time, the amount of money the homeowner owes rises with interest. Reverse mortgages often come with variable rates, which are associated with a financial index and fluctuate based on the market. Interest on reverse mortgages is not tax-deductible until the loan is paid off. With a reverse mortgage, the homeowner is responsible for property taxes, insurance, utilities, fuel, maintenance, and more. 

Reverse mortgages can be helpful for some people but might not be the best option for others. It’s important to compare fees, costs, understand total costs, loan repayment, and more. 

Are you interested in applying for a Reversed Loan? Contact the loan experts at EB Mortgage 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

Web Browsers Spellcheck Can Unveil Passwords

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Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are two Internet browsers that use extended spellcheck features to transmit form data, including Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and passwords to their parent companies. 

While this feature is intended to assist the browser user, it does raise privacy concerns and calls the efficacy of password protection to question.  

“Spell-jacking” is the term used to describe the process of a browser sending PII from spellcheck to Google, Microsoft, and the like. Transmitted PII form data can include Social Security Numbers, Social Insurance Numbers, personal names, addresses, e-mails, dates of birth, contact information, bank information, and so much more. 

Josh Summit, co-founder and CTO of JavaScript security firm otto-js, unearthed this issue while testing script behaviors for his company. When Google Chrome Enhanced Spellcheck or Microsoft Edge Editor is enabled, nearly everything you type in form fields is instantaneously transmitted to Google and Microsoft. Clicking on “show password” can spell-jack your data. 

Summit stated, “Some of the largest websites in the world have exposure to sending Google and Microsoft sensitive user PII, including username, e-mail, and passwords, when users are logging in or filling out forms. An even more significant concern for companies is the exposure this presents to the company’s enterprise credentials to internal assets like databases and cloud infrastructure.” 

Though the transmission of form fields is securely sent through HTTPS, what happens to the user data after it reaches Google’s server, for example, is not exactly clear. Some companies have mitigated the issue by adding ‘spellcheck=false’ to all input fields; however, this could cause problems for users who can no longer use the spellcheck feature. 

Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge users can turn off spellcheck (or remove Edge’s Editor add-on) until the companies revise their code to exclude passwords and other PII from sensitive fields. 

Do you need assistance with adding or removing spellcheck from your browser? Has your data already been compromised? Contact the computer experts at CPS today – we can assist!  

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

Winter Weather Outlook

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For the third year in a row, La Niña will return to the United States, driving warmer temperatures in the Southwest, the Gulf Coast, and the entire Eastern Seaboard, according to the Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service. Beginning in December 2022 and continuing until roughly February 2023, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted dry conditions along the South and wet weather for the Ohio Valley, Great Lakes, Northern Rockies, and the Pacific Northwest. 

Michael Farrar, Ph.D., director of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction said, “The hardworking forecasters at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center produce timely and accurate seasonal outlooks and short-term forecasts year-round. NOAA’s new supercomputers are enabling us to develop even better, more detailed forecast capabilities, which we will be rolling out in the coming years.” 

In collaboration with the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), NOAA forecasters constantly observe the drought conditions that have plagued the Western United States since late 2020. They also track the Central United States as low-water conditions are afflicting the area. 

“Drought conditions are now present across approximately 59 percent of the country, but parts of the Western U.S. and Southern Great Plains will continue to be the hardest hit this winter. With the La Niña climate pattern still in place, drought conditions may also expand to the Gulf Coast,” said Jon Gottschalck, chief of the Operational Prediction Branch in NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. 

The greatest warmer-than-average weather will occur in Western Alaska, the Central Great Basin, the Southwest, the Southeast, the Atlantic Coast, and the Southern Plains. Below-normal temperatures will stretch from the Pacific Northwest eastward to the Western Great Lakes and the Alaskan Panhandle. 

In terms of precipitation, Western Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, the Northern Rockies, the Great Lakes, and the Ohio Valley should brace themselves for wetter-than-average conditions. Parts of California, the Southwest, Southern Rockies, Southern Plains, the Golf Coast, and the Southeast will see drier-than-average precipitation.

Widespread drought will affect the West, Great Basin, central-to-southern Great Plains, the middle and lower Mississippi Valley, South-central, and the Southeastern United States. Moreover, the already-established drought conditions are expected to improve across the Northwestern United States in the coming months. 

Do you have all the cold-weather gear you need for winter? Are you prepared? Check out our supplies, available online and get what you need today…before you’ll need it tomorrow. 

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. 

Wolf Survival Gear

GM Energy Set to Compete with Tesla Powerwall

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General Motors (GM) has sparked its own energy storage business called GM Energy, which will utilize its Ultium battery packs to rival the Tesla Powerwall and Powerpack products. GM Energy will power homes, charge cars, and convert energy back to the power grid if necessary. 

GM Energy will be split into three divisions: Ultium Home, Ultium Commercial, and Ultium Charge 360, specifically designed for charging the already-existing fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) made by GM. Using a special software application, Ultium Charge 360 will allow drivers to search for public chargers in the area.  

Tesla’s Powerwall and Powerpack devices are built with similar batteries used to power their cars. GM Energy will have a similar concept; the batteries will be put into large, immobilized packs to store energy. During power outages, the packs will provide power to the property and can even recycle power back into the grid, which usually results in a credit on a power bill. Hydrogen fuel cells will be a part of the new GM Energy lineup, including solar energy products

GM Energy aims to provide software by allowing plugged-in EVs to provide electricity to a home during short-lived power outages. California’s Pacific Gas and Electric will collaborate with GM Energy to test the concept starting in 2023. The Chevrolet Silverado EV pickup is slated to pioneer the bi-directional charging concept. 

The new GM subsidiary will join forces with several major power companies, such as SunPower, to install solar panels on customers’ homes. According to GM, the overall goal of the subsidiary is to mitigate concerns regarding possible strains on the power grid caused by EVs. Allowing EVs to charge using previously saved power would reduce concerns over short-term power loss.   

Moreover, software applications could help EV owners coordinate their charging activity based on usage, peak times, and demand spikes. 

Are you looking for ways to power your home with green energy? Look no further – the experts at State Electric Company can help you reduce your overall dependency on the power grid. Contact us today to learn more about our offerings. 

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge in renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs. 

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

State Electric Co.

Why Your Business Needs Holiday Mail Campaigns

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The holidays are right around the corner, which means many of our to-do lists are piling up. Between dealing with the busy holiday rush and feverishly working to meet the new year’s goals, there’s no time to waste. Due to the already-busy season looming ahead, where does marketing your business fit in? 

Holiday cards are a great way to connect with potential customers and serve as a subtle reminder to previous clients. One of the most effective tools for marketing to consumers, direct mail produces higher responses than all digital channels combined. By offering your customers an incentive with holiday discounts or expressing gratitude, holiday cards are a win-win. 

Capture your audience’s attention by following three tips below: 

Personalized Mail
An effortless way to stand out above the rest is to create your document in a non-standard size, fold in a unique way, magnetize, and more. Personalized mailers see higher response rates – as much as 50 percent – than non-personalized. When you add a name to a mailer, the response is increased by more than 135 percent. With personalization, acquisition costs can be lowered by half, revenue can be raised by 15 percent, and marketing spend efficiency by 30 percent. 

Start Early, Timing is Everything
Start advertising early to ensure your materials are seen before the others. By being one of the first holiday cards, consumers are less likely to toss your card in the bin. Being first also gives customers time to reflect on any deals you are offering and make holiday purchases from your company versus the competition. 

Combine Marketing Strategies To maximize efficiency and your Return on Investment, combine your direct mail campaign with online outreach. E-mail newsletters, social media campaigns, and other online marketing strategies can help boost the efficacy of your direct mail.

Don’t get distracted and overlook holiday mail during the busy season. These mailers are crucial for audience reach and to gain momentum into the new year. 

Are you looking to deliver powerful print marketing campaigns? Contact Econo Print to learn more about our design and mailing services. Get ahead of the holiday rush today. 

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 or visit www.econoprintusa.com 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

Electrical Grid Repair Stalled by Supply Chain Issues

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Florida’s power grid was recently demolished by Category 4 Hurricane Ian, and crews are furiously rebuilding using poles, generators, and wire. 

Hurricane Ian was one of the strongest storms ever to hit the United States and the deadliest to hit Florida since 1935. The catastrophic losses totaled tens of billions of dollars, killing more than 150 people. Millions of people were left without power in the storm’s wake.

Industry officials were initially concerned about future storms causing more damage before relief efforts could finish. They also warned that the nation’s supply chain issues could slow the recovery as well. 

A shortage of distribution transformers is plaguing the United States. These are essential for lowering electricity from high-voltage lines and reducing them to levels adequate for home and business. 

Joy Ditto, president and CEO of the American Public Power Association said, “It’s a critical component to the electrical grid that has been in scarce supply for a number of months now. We started to recognize it as a national concern in late winter, early spring, and the situation is getting worse.” 

Ditto explained that transformers are now taking over a year to arrive after being ordered, when it used to take roughly three months. This issue is causing electrical component companies to swap boxes with utilities seeing a shortage. 

About six transformer manufacturers throughout the United States are suffering through labor and raw-material shortages, mostly because the steel used in transformers is made by a single manufacturer. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association questioned the Energy Department about suspending a 2016 efficiency standard which they believe is responsible for the steel shortage. 

Though the shortages plague many companies, the efforts being made are ensuring materials can be shared with those who need them most. Hurricane and other natural-disaster relief are prioritized in terms of supply, crewmembers, and more. 

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

Radiotherapy Equipment to Last a Lifetime

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Medical equipment professionals often debate whether machines are useful past their “expiration” date. Newer radiation therapy equipment is touted to last seven or eight years, noting that it took roughly seven years to design and program before its release, doubling its age instantaneously. Therefore, the technology, software, and knowledge associated with a 14-year-old device is severely outdated. 

However, this thinking is not necessarily true, as there are machines over 20 years old that are operating safely and reliably. In Latin America, a Varian 6X linear accelerator has been treating patients for more than 40 years.

Since 1953, a GE MaximaR 100 X-Ray Device (also known as a Superficial Unit) has been working at a hospital in the United States. For almost 70 years, this unit has helped treat skin cancer patients by producing mild doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. This machine is still being manufactured for use in dermatology and radiation oncology clinics.

In the Caribbean, a physician at a radiation oncology center said, “Our 2003 Varian 21EX linear accelerator treats over 50 patients per day. It has all the features we want including RapidArc. The 21EX has successfully treated thousands of patients.”

These machines are well-built and are fully capable of lasting longer than seven or eight years. Certain companies purposefully underestimate the life of their linear accelerators to drive sales and increase new model usage. Also, many refurbished linear accelerators use the exact same technology as the current market models. 

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.

Are you looking to purchase a refurbished linear accelerator or have yours repaired? Contact Acceletronics today.

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

Acceletronics

AI On the Horizon for Radiologists

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been poised to improve the radiological process for some time, yet despite hundreds of conferences, hype, and promises, AI hasn’t made a huge impact yet. 

Part of the issue with AI’s slow integration for radiologists lies within the application. Algorithms can be applied to specific situations and places, but radiologists need to look beyond these narrow views. True workflow integration is the key to fully utilizing AI. 

Though other areas of our lives already rely on AI, radiology has not caught up with the trend. Today’s viewing software cannot suggest relevant prior imaging exams based on the current image being studied. Two strategies already exist which can help facilitate the AI process. 

Activity Pattern Identification
By recording a radiologist’s habits, AI can look for clusters of repeated actions to automate. Specifically, viewing particular images and reading aloud numbers on a corresponding screen could be achieved by AI. Or AI could monitor click patterns from radiologists to offer the most appropriate measurement tool. Personal patterns for handling protocols can also be improved by AI, which can shave valuable time and improve radiologists’ mental load. 

Information Integration
A large number of radiology algorithms accept images and output a diagnosis or prediction; however, after receiving images, the AI could include extra information with the output which would be of use to the radiologist. With this information at their fingertips, radiologists could make better clinical decisions. For example, if a radiologist is examining a specific body part where surgery had been performed, AI could display the most recent pre-operative images to allow the radiologist to compare the two more easily.  

Considered some of the most technologically forward physicians, radiologists should harness the power of AI and tap into the potential capabilities. By using pattern detection and information integration, AI can simplify tasks, clarify figures, and help to boost maximum productivity.  

RadParts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts. We specialize in low-cost parts for repairing linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Our mission is to provide high-quality, user-friendly, low-cost parts and support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Contact RadParts at 877-704-3838 to learn more.

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

RadParts

Smoking: Connection to Macular Degeneration & Cataracts

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A novel study in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, and the University of Newcastle found that smokers develop age-related macular degeneration five-and-a-half years earlier than non-smokers. Moreover, people who suffer from second-hand smoke are twice as likely to develop age-related macular degeneration. 

Jude Stern, head of Knowledge Management from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness said, “Smoking increases your risk of developing serious eye conditions and permanent sight loss. Quitting smoking and having regular eye tests can help improve eye health and prevent avoidable sight loss.” 

The only way to restore vision after a cataract diagnosis is to surgically remove and replace the cloudy lens. Annually, roughly 94 million people have significant or extreme distance vision impairment or blindness due to undiagnosed cataracts. 

Cataracts are the world’s leading cause of blindness and can develop slowly without pain. 

People who use e-cigarettes are not safe, either: these devices can produce free radicals, damaging DNA and leading to cataracts or poor vision. Also, retinal function might be diminished by the use of e-cigarettes since they can reduce blood flow to the eyes, leading to an increased risk of eye cancer. 

Vinayak Prasad, head of the No Tobacco Unit at the World Health Organization said, “WHO urges everyone not to use tobacco and e-cigarettes to protect their overall health, including eye health.” 

There are several other tactics people can try to limit their risk of cataracts, including the following lifestyle changes: 

  • Quit smoking
  • Reduce alcohol consumption
  • Limit UV exposure
  • Get routine eye exams
  • Control related conditions (hypertension, obesity, chronic kidney disease, diabetes)
  • Reduce your weight
  • Ingest antioxidants (omega-3, lutein, zeaxanthin, flaxseed, bilberry, turmeric, walnuts)

Cataracts might seem inevitable, but cutting your risk can be an easy way to mitigate a diagnosis. 

Are you suffering from cataracts? Contact the experts at Zen Eye Institute to schedule a consultation today. 

Rohr Eye & Laser Center is now Zen Eye Institute! We offer 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: https://www.cpsmi.com

Rohr Eye and Laser Center

Pool Cracks: Normal or Bad?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

With proper maintenance, swimming pools are immensely strong and can last for several years. Pool cracks can usually be found on the surface of the pool in the plaster and generally do not run through the entire pool. These cracks can be normal or unusual, but can you tell if the pool itself is in danger of leaking? Keep reading to learn how to manage pool cracks. 

Shrinkage cracks are normal and shallow, typically found on the surface. They usually develop after the curing process and can be easily repaired. Structural cracks, however, run through the entire pool and can be a sign that the pool is leaking or will soon leak. 

There are three main reasons for pool cracks. They include: 

Faulty Design or Structure
Structural cracks are serious and should not be overlooked. They are usually evident in uneven pools, which directly result from improper engineering. If a pool is incorrectly created, the likelihood of a crack increases tenfold. Retaining walls, water weight, concrete or tile areas, and more are all susceptible to failure if the engineering is not up to par. 

Soil Testing
One of the first flaws of pool engineering coincides with structural issues such as loose soil, soil movement, earthquakes, clay, and more. Testing the soil for soil-bearing capacity and stability prior to pool installation is imperative to avoid future cracks. 

Poor Craftsmanship
Following a blueprint is essential; otherwise, a pool will inevitably crack. Adding too much water, failing to tie rebar correctly, dry concrete, taking shortcuts, etc., can all cause immense cracking and bigger issues down the road. 

Pool owners concerned about any type of crack within the structure should consider scheduling an inspection with a qualified pool contractor. If further work is needed, a pool inspector can refer a civil engineer, a structural engineer, or a geotechnical engineer. 

Generally, pools hold up well through the years. The cause of many cracks can be mysterious to homeowners, but pool specialists can identify the culprit before suggesting a solution. While some cracks are normal, pool owners should check with a maintenance specialist to ensure the cracks do not cause permanent damage. 

Are you in need of a pool renovation? Contact Pound Pool Plastering today to learn more about our pool resurfacing options. 

Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools in applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or e-mail us for a free estimate. 


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

Pound Pool Plastering