Category: Uncategorized

The Three Mile Island power plant in Middletown, Pennsylvania, site of the most significant nuclear accident in U.S. history, is set to reopen. The plant will now serve a new purpose—powering Microsoft’s data centers, which are crucial for the company’s cloud computing and artificial intelligence operations.

Constellation Energy, known as the largest producer of clean, carbon-free energy in America, has entered into its most substantial power purchase agreement yet with Microsoft. This partnership is set to provide reliable, carbon-free energy essential for powering industries that are crucial to the U.S.’s economic and technological competitiveness.

Joe Dominguez, president and CEO of Constellation Energy, emphasized the unique capacity of nuclear energy to deliver constant, carbon-free power, crucial for data centers that operate around the clock. The deal is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including the creation of approximately 3,400 jobs and an injection of more than $3 billion in taxes into state and federal coffers. Furthermore, it’s projected to contribute $16 billion to Pennsylvania’s GDP.

The power plant, which will be renamed the Crane Clean Energy Center in honor of the late Chris Crane, former CEO of Constellation’s parent company, is scheduled to reopen in 2028 and will operate under a 20-year agreement.

While nuclear energy provides a carbon-free alternative to fossil fuels, it remains controversial. The reactor at Three Mile Island set to power Microsoft was not involved in the 1979 accident, and before its closure in 2019 due to economic reasons, it was considered one of the safest and most reliable in the grid. This reopening has sparked concerns among state activists about the potential financial burden on taxpayers.

This development marks a significant step in Pennsylvania’s journey toward a sustainable energy future, contributing to both economic growth and environmental preservation.

Please reference the original article at NPR.org.

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Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems delivers professional results for all your computer needs. We design, create, and code various custom software programs and websites. Additionally, we offer superior digital marketing services, including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising. We also repair and support commercial computer infrastructure, build custom systems and servers, and provide secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call (810)224-5252 or email info@cpsmi.com us!

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

Image taken from ScienceDirect.com

Researchers from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Central China Normal University have developed a high-performance perovskite X-ray detector, designed to enhance medical imaging. Published in Nature Communications, the study introduces a direct-conversion X-ray detector that integrates a thick perovskite film with a CMOS pixel array, offering improved spatial resolution and lower radiation doses.

Traditional semiconductor materials used in X-ray imaging, like silicon and cadmium zinc telluride, often suffer from low X-ray absorption efficiency or high costs. The newly developed perovskite detector addresses these issues by using a CsPbBr3 perovskite film, which demonstrates high detection sensitivity and a significantly lower dose detection limit.

The detector achieves excellent spatial resolution and has been successfully tested in 2D and 3D CT imaging, even at high speeds of 300 frames per second. This advancement indicates a promising future for medical imaging technologies, making X-ray procedures safer and more effective.

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RadParts, a TTG Imaging Solutions Company, 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 components 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: www.cpsmi.com

When considering clean and reliable water resources in Michigan, most people first think of the Great Lakes. However, there’s an overlooked water source that has provided countless residents for generations: private wells. An extensive network of private wells dots the landscape, supplying water to rural and suburban homes. These private wells offer homeowners a degree of autonomy and control over their water supply, as they are not connected to municipal water systems.

The Significance of Private Water Wells

Self-Sufficiency:

Private wells empower homeowners to have their own water source, reducing dependence on municipal water supplies and potentially saving on water bills.

Water Quality:

Many private well owners attest to the superior taste and quality of well water, which often comes from underground aquifers free from the chlorine and additives present in treated city water.

Environmental Impact:

By relying on their wells, homeowners can help reduce the strain on municipal water treatment facilities and decrease their ecological footprint.

Things to Consider Regarding Private Water Wells

Water Quality Testing:

Regular testing for contaminants like bacteria, nitrates, and arsenic is crucial to ensure the safety of well water. Michigan residents should take advantage of the state’s free well water testing program to assess water quality.

Maintenance:

Private well owners need to invest in regular well maintenance to ensure their systems operate efficiently and reliably. This includes checking pumps, pressure tanks, and well casings.

Regulations:

Michigan has specific regulations governing private wells, and homeowners must comply with these guidelines to ensure their wells meet safety standards.

Vulnerability to Contaminants:

Private wells are vulnerable to contamination from various sources, including nearby septic systems, agricultural runoff, and industrial pollutants. Ensuring proper well construction and maintenance is essential to minimize these risks.

Protecting Michigan’s Well Water

1. Test your water regularly and follow recommendations for water treatment or filtration if necessary.
2. Work with licensed contractors for installation, repair, and maintenance.
3. Be aware of potential sources of contamination in the vicinity of the well.
4. Stay informed about state regulations related to private wells.

Private wells supplying homes in Michigan are vital in providing clean and reliable water to residents across the state. While they offer numerous benefits, homeowners must also be diligent in ensuring the safety and quality of their well water. By taking proactive steps and adhering to state regulations, Michigan residents can continue to enjoy the advantages of private well ownership while protecting their health and the environment for future generations.

If you have well water, contact the experts at Reynold’s Water for testing and solutions for treating water and more!

Reynolds Water Conditioning was established in 1931 and is Michigan’s oldest water conditioning treatment company. Still owned and operated by the Reynolds family, we take pride in providing the highest quality products at a cost-effective price. If your tap water lacks the quality you deserve, contact us today at 800-572-9575.

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

Home equity is a hot topic lately, especially since home prices have escalated recently. In the second quarter of 2022, the average level of equity for homeowners with mortgages reached almost $300,000. Over the past five years, home equity has been skyrocketing, spurred into overdrive by the pandemic. 

According to the National Association of Realtors, in March 2020, the median price of an existing home in the United States was $280,000, and by October 2022, it jumped to $379,000. 

Three ways to increase your home equity: 

• Making consistent monthly mortgage payments
• Completing home renovations
• Increasing neighborhood or city value

Just as equity can rise, it can lower as well; this is called “negative equity.” This happens when the homeowner owes more on their mortgage than the home is worth. Negative equity is not an issue for most people, thanks to the spike in home values, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be a factor when the housing market cools down. 

Some home equity statistics: 

• HELOC and home equity loans jumped by 47 percent between January and May of 2022.
• Hawaii had the highest home equity spike in 2022, at an average of $130,000.
• In the third quarter of 2022, home equity dropped by $1.3 trillion.
• Since March 2020, the average homeowner with a mortgage has gained $92,000.
• The home values throughout the US’s 50 biggest metro areas have increased between 19 and 66 percent.
• Defaulted mortgages accounted for less than 500,000 homes as of September 2022.

Home equity is an attractive benefit of homeownership. Making monthly mortgage payments are a better alternative than paying a landlord rent every month, as a mortgage allows you to build wealth. 

Are you interested in building wealth through a home mortgage? You’ve come to the right place; contact EB Mortgage today to learn how we can help you tomorrow.

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/

When it comes to home renovations, it’s imperative to hire a professional team you trust. Since remodeling is not necessarily within many homeowners’ skill sets, understanding how to hire the right company may seem daunting. 

If your project is extensive, hiring a general contractor will be your best bet, as they will lead a team of electricians, carpenters, plumbers, etc., and ensure that the project runs efficiently and smoothly.

Try to find contractors who are highly recommended by neighbors, friends, and online groups. Make sure you meet with more than one company to find the most competitive bid. Bear in mind the lowest bidder may not necessarily be suitable for your needs; reference their experience, timeline, and the quality of materials used.  

General contractors keep subcontractors on schedule, ensure they meet deadlines, and provide high-quality work. Before hiring a contractor, gain insight by asking them questions about their licensing, past experience, and more. 

Insurance and Licensing
Subcontractors and contractors should both be licensed and insured. Depending on where the property is, there might be clear requirements for contractors. All relevant licensing and insurance documents are subject to approval before work can begin. 

References
Satisfied customers are typically more than happy to discuss their experiences with potential new clients, especially in the remodeling world. Many contractors can provide a short list of references allowing new clients to familiarize themselves with what to expect. The contractor should also be able to show a portfolio of their previous work.

Labor Capacity
General contractors should be able to hire subcontractors with ease. With recent labor shortages, it is important to ensure your project will be completed in a timely manner. Subcontractor availability is imperative for a successful project. 

Material Access
Supply chain shortages and inflation have severely impacted the availability and cost of many remodeling materials. Experienced contractors will be able to inform clients about which products are behind and how to navigate the budget based on any issues incurred. Lead times are essential for ensuring your project is completed on time. 

Need a home contractor for a remodeling job? Give us a call for prompt, honest, and high-quality craftsmanship.

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 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/

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) suggests homeowners this winter might notice an increase in rodent activity due to the forecasted wet weather conditions this season.  

Cindy Mannes, Vice President of Public Affairs for NPMA said, “Although it may seem like pest activity dies down during the fall and winter, homeowners need to be on the lookout for signs of stealthy rodents like mice and rats, and take preventative measures to avoid encounters. Mice and rats can spread dangerous diseases, contaminate food, trigger allergy symptoms, and even bring fleas, ticks, and lice into homes. Rodents are also known to damage properties by chewing through drywall insulation, electrical wires, and even car wiring. Don’t forget to look under the hood!” 

Be on the lookout for these twelve signs of rodent activity: 

1. Gnaw Marks: Rodents love to chew…through almost anything. They can seriously damage plastic and lead pipes, wires, wood, cardboard, baseboards, and more. Their constant chewing can spark water leaks, fires, and more. 

2. Droppings: Easy to identify, and one of the most common signs of an infestation is rodent feces. Small pellets are often left behind where food is stored or where nesting material is tucked away. Look in pantries, cabinets, cardboard boxes, baseboards, and wall beams. When cleaning rodent droppings, always wear gloves and a mask. 

3. Noises: If you hear scratching, gnawing noises, scampering, or the rolling sound of round objects such as nuts or seeds, these are telltale signs of a rodent within the walls, attic, or ceiling.

4. Marks: Also known as rub tracks or grease marks, rodents usually leave dark dirt (grease) marks along walls, floorboards, and in and out of small entry or exit holes. This grime is left behind from the rodent’s oily fur. Keep an eye out for tiny rodent footprints in areas with a large amount of dust or surfaces they can easily run across, such as beams. 
5. Car Alarm: If your car alarm is activated either in the garage while locked or shortly after you drive away from home (while parked), check under your vehicle’s hood for any signs of rodents. These pests like to nest in the fabric protecting the battery or chew wires throughout the hood. 

6. Nests: House mice really enjoy constructing their nests with shredded paper products, packing materials, insulation, fabrics, cotton, and such. Obvious signs of nesting include small rips of paper appearing seemingly out of nowhere. 

7. Food storage: Rodents tend to stockpile food for the winter, and anything goes. Food such as dog or cat kibble, nuts, seeds, etc., found in piles in an unusual area, such as an inconspicuous drawer or cabinet, are surefire ways to confirm rodents are in the house. 

8. Rodent Spotting: If you see a rodent of any kind in your house (or even outside near your home, for that matter), chances are, there are more. Female house mice can give birth to half a dozen babies every three weeks, which adds up to roughly 35 mice per year. 

9. Allergies: A sudden onslaught of strange allergic reactions might actually be caused by rodent fur, dander, or droppings. A pest-free home can help reduce allergies. 

10. Holes: Check the perimeter of your house for tiny holes; these are usually the entry and exit points for rodents. Rodents can fit through openings as small as a dime.

11. Odor: Rodents stink, and the musky odor can linger if not handled properly. Dead rodents are especially pungent, so if you smell something rotting, there is probably more than one.

12. Strange Pet Behavior: If you have other pets, such as a dog or cat, who are acting unusual in a specific area of the home, it could be due to rodents. 

If you suspect you have rodents in your home or business, contact the experts at Northern Pest asap! Don’t hesitate to call; we can help clear your infestation safely, effectively, and professionally.

Our family is serving yours! At Northern Pest, we are licensed and insured to provide insect and wildlife pest control. Our crew has the expertise to track wildlife entry points and remove pests of all kinds, including our licensed builders, who can make any of the necessary repairs caused by wildlife. Northern Pest is a member of the MDAT and the NWCOA. We are certified by the IICRC to offer professional mold mitigation services caused by animal damage. At Northern Pest, we do it all! Call or e-mail us today. 

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

The bands of connective tissue that join your bones, joints, and organs are called ligaments. There are over 900 ligaments in your body. Some of their purposes include: 

• Facilitating proper joint movement
• Preventing twisting joints
• Ensuring bones stay intact
• Minimize dislocating bones
• Creating stabilized muscles and joints
• Increasing joint strength

Scapholunate Advanced Collapse (SLAC Wrist) affects the wrist and occurs when damage or a tear to the scapholunate ligament results in pain or arthritis. SLAC Wrist can result from overworking or force on the wrist, such as falling onto an outstretched hand. 

The most common symptoms of SLAC Wrist are: 

• Inability to put weight on your wrist 
• Painful sensation
• Weak grip 
• Low range of motion 
• Stiffness 
• Tenderness

If a SLAC Wrist is not immediately treated, arthritis can eventually form in the joint. Symptoms of arthritis might also include swelling, bone spurs, grinding, popping, or cracking. 

Treatments for SLAC Wrist include: 

• Anti-inflammatory medication 
• Cortisone injection
• Identifying and stopping all aggravating activity
• Physical therapy
• Surgical options such as SLAC reconstruction or total wrist arthrodesis

SLAC Wrist can be debilitating yet treatable. Physical therapy might be recommended following surgery if required. 

Do you think SLAC Wrist affects you or someone in your family? Contact the experts at MI Hand & Wrist to learn how we can help provide relief. 

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Call us at 248-596-0412 for further questions. 

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