High School Calculus Classes Visit k-Space

Local high-tech company k-Space hosted the Dexter High School AP calculus students for their annual Calculus is Great field trip day. Teacher Dewey Scott took his three AP Calculus classes to get a tour of k-Space and to see how the company utilizes calculus to make measurements with their products. Examples included finding the band edge position in diffuse reflectance spectra, and determining film thickness from analyzing spectral interference fringes.

Professor Roy Clarke of the University of Michigan Physics Department was on-hand to discuss solar panels and increasing their efficiency. k-Space is one of the leading suppliers of photovoltaic metrology to solar panel manufacturers and researchers all of the world. Their instruments monitor important quality factors in the production process in real time, which saves the manufacturers money and ultimately helps to lower the cost of solar panels, making them affordable to more people and companies around the world. This, of course, helps lowering green house gas emissions. A company like k-Space is a perfect example of how advanced knowledge in math and physics can make a positive difference in the world.

Stridepost is looking for digital-savvy Community Manager

Stridepost, the Ann Arbor start-up that will launch an online family planner in coming weeks, is looking for a digital-savvy Community Manager, who will work on content creation, social media marketing, event planning, customer relations and lead generation. Find out more about this job posting on the Stridepost website.

Ready to get fit in Ann Arbor?

Have you recently relocated to Ann Arbor or are you a longtime resident who is looking for a friendly, low-pressure, non-judgmental place to exercise? MOVE offers a variety of fitness classes in Ann Arbor: pilates, gyrotonic, barre and yoga. Private, duet and small group sessions offer a personalized experience that is beneficial for everyone who wants to get in shape and improve their overall health and wellness. The instructors are experienced, patient and encouraging. If you want to improve specific areas, then private, customized sessions are recommended, no matter if you have never been to a fitness studio or if you are an athlete who wants improve her performance.

Solar on the Rise in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti

Back in 2008 an average neighborhood of regular lower middle class families will only have about one house with solar power. Back then solar was considered highly expensive, and many would have simply not even dreamed about installing it at home. But with 2013, the situation changed drastically, and the prices for solar panels have dropped. This mostly happened due to increase of efficiency since PV industries switched to powerful tools that measure surface roughness and other variables in real operation time, and the material have also become less expensive. These all made it possible for blue-collar families to afford solar panels installation at their homes. It takes about six hours to hook everything up, and the solar panels will only take up approximately one third of the roof but will generate more than enough clean energy for a household.

Many electric companies have also started investing into clean energy projects in economically less fortunate neighborhoods with a lot of vacant land. In Michigan, for example, DTE Energy is planning to start a solar power plant in the city of Ypsilanty, near Ann Arbor, by next summer. Right now, the location has been found, the system is being under design, and the company is waiting for the city to approve this project. It is planned to have over twenty five hundred solar panels installed that will provide electricity to over one hundred of homes in Ypsilanty. The project is guaranteed by DTE to operate in the next twenty years.

Get fit with Gyrotonic

Are you looking for private GYROTONIC sessions in Ann Arbor? Working one-on-one with a MOVE instructor offers many benefits that wouldn’t be available within group classes. Planned sessions are much easier to fit into busy schedules, and having a dedicated trainer by your side will increase motivation and workout effectiveness no matter your goals. Their knowledgeable staff will ensure that you receive top quality service and guide you along the way, even if you’re new to personal fitness. Trainers will help you understand the effects of exercise on your body, and help you hone in the skills necessary to live a healthy lifestyle. MOVE is located at 3780 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, 734-761-2306.

EMU's Online Nursing Completion Program Top Ranked in Michigan

Eastern Michigan University’s online bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) completion program has been named one of the nation’s 50 best online nursing programs by Value Colleges, which released its Top 50 Best Value Online RN to BSN Programs for 2015 rankings in June. Eastern was the only Michigan school selected by the publication.

EMU offers the Accelerated RN to BSN Program Online with 6 start dates per year and an affordable tuition of $9,840. The program is 100 percent online and attracts students from all over Michigan as well as from other states, such as Ohio. Qualified applicants may be eligible for an additional $1,000 scholarship.

Cool Family Organizer Made in Ann Arbor

In September, Ann Arbor start-up Stridepost will launch a family organizer that will make it easy to keep track of a busy family’s hectic daily schedule. The company is inviting parents to sign up now to receive a special promo code in the fall.

Accessible on desktops and mobile devices, Stridepost enables parents, including divorced parents, to keep track of sports practices, dance recitals or any other parts of daily family routines. Stridepost will also feature tools to track chores and tasks for children. Parents can also assign rewards of their choosing that can be given after tasks have been completed, and kids can follow their own progress.

Stridepost also has a great parenting blog, with topics like Ways to Reinforce Responsibility for Kids, including financial, civic, environmental and personal responsibility.

10 Things You Should Do After Moving To Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor has been named one of the best places to live in the U.S. many times over the years. The excellent job market, low crime rate and easy access to top health care providers are some of the main factors.
Here are some things you should do to enjoy living in Ann Arbor to the fullest:
1. Visit the University of Michigan Botanical Gardens and the Nichols Arboretum.
2. Rent a canoe at Gallup Park.
3. Have a sandwich at Zingerman’s and explore the Kerrytown shops.
4. Stay fit by taking yoga classes in Ann Arbor.
5. Take a stroll along Main Street and Liberty Street and then through the Nickel’s Arcade and across the Diag.
6. Watch a movie at the historic Michigan Theater.
7. Attend a reading at Literati.
8. Get a soup at Le Dog.
9. Buy groceries at the People’s Food Coop.
10. Rent a garden plot from Project Grow.

Ann Arbor Fights Global Warming

Ann Arbor is one of the six largest cities in Michigan, and it’s in a continuous state of growth. It’s not only known for one of the leading US schools but also as one of the most technologically advanced and innovative places in the state. The city has now an active position on fighting global warming, and has been introducing a program aimed at reducing the greenhouse effect by 90 percent by 2050. The city is trying to do as much as possible to help the local communities go greener and switch to renewable energy. The plans include both the commercial and the private sector, and will involve incentives and other benefits for becoming environmentally sustainable. Besides the city’s well thought plans on increasing clean sources of energy, the Ann Arbor area is also home for one of the leading suppliers of thin-film measurement tools used in solar power production nationwide and abroad – k-Space. k-Space occupies a leading position in research and development of solar power engineering. The company’s history goes back to 1992, and it’s driven to excel as a major player in the photovoltaic industry. The company has multiple distribution centers – four in the US, one in Europe, Japan, China, India, Taiwan, Korea, and Russia. The company’s skilled engineers provide system configuration and on-site support. k-Space Associates is highly motivated to become a leading supplier of tools and technical support.

Ann Arbor City Council Failed to Change Cross-Walk Ordinance

The Ann Arbor city council again postponed action on a proposed ordinance change regarding cross-walks, reported MLive.

"Citizens should not have to feel that they have to stop if they don't believe it is safe to do so," said Council Member Stephen Kunselman.

A majority of council members, including Kunselman, voted 6-4 last year to eliminate the requirement for motorists to stop for pedestrians waiting at the curb to enter a crosswalk. Mayor John Hieftje blocked the council's action with his veto.

However, Hieftje is retiring from office next month and the action will be voted on again.

Cast Iron Wheels Provide Maximum Load Capacity

There are many different types of caster wheels, ranging from durable to fragile. When most are looking to purchase caster wheels, they want something on the durable side of the spectrum. The strongest and most durable caster wheel is the cast iron wheel.

Caster Concepts in Albion, Michigan, offers the most durable cast iron casters that are made from class 30 gray iron. Class 30 gray iron provides the maximum load capacity, and impact strength for the cast iron wheels, which is vital. Cast iron wheels are also valuable in the sense that they can withstand extreme heat and still remain strong. These cast iron wheels are good for indoor and outdoor situations that may be encountered.

When searching for a caster wheel, most would like to choose the most durable option. Cast iron caster wheels fulfill this preference.

Update:: Visit Caster Concepts at their booth at ProMat 2015, McCormick Center in Chicago, March 23-26, 2015.

Local High-Tech Company is Hiring

k-Space Associates, a local high-tech company located in Dexter, approximately ten miles from downtown Ann Arbor, is currently expanding. The company has been offering thin-film characterization services and in-line metrology monitoring tools for thin-film manufacturers and research labs for more than twenty years. Thin-film is the basic material for the production of solar panels. The company is looking to hire an energetic sales engineer. Since k-Space supplies tools and services worldwide, this position requires the sales engineer to travel both domestically and internationally approximately 40 percent of his/her work time.

Internet Marketing in Ann Arbor

Picking the right digital marketing strategy can make or break a business these days. Over 90 percent of people who are looking for a product or service turn to search engines first. Many businesses don’t have the time or budget to experiment much and selecting an experienced internet marketing company right from the start is crucial. For almost ten years now, Pure Visibility has helped entrepreneurs in Ann Arbor and Metro Detroit to get the attention of search engine and social media users. Thoughtful executed digital marketing strategies have had a measurable impact on business for a wide range of clients over the years.

Heavy-Duty Casters Made in Michigan

Headquartered in Albion, Michigan, Caster Concepts is a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty industrial casters and wheels. Unlike swivel, or braking casters, industrial casters are heavy duty and designed to carry loads up to thirty thousand tons. They can be easily added by securing bolts in the four bolt holes on the caster to devices such as heavy duty storage racks, dolly carts, flat-top plates, assembly turntables, and many more. The industrial caster is unlike the swivel or braking and locking caster in the sense that it is minimal, but also heavy duty. Braking and locking casters, as well as swivel casters are more likely to receive caster flutter, which is a wobble that can be highly inconvenient for the operator. Industrial casters are made out of heavy-duty steel to ensure that the heavy loads securely get where they need to be.

Wreaths Are Not Just For Holidays Anymore

A wreath is a well known and loved traditional holiday symbol. Sadly, after the holidays are over, we put wreathes away. But you don’t have to sacrifice your home’s style anymore! Why not keep the holiday spirit all year long?! For example, summer is a perfect time for coastal theme wreathes. With the guidance of the most talented artists, you can create a unique and unforgettable nautical wreath, and greet your guests, relatives and friends in style that will be impossible to forget. Set the right mood for summer when your family comes over for a barbeque, or when you’re simply enjoying summer sunsets on you deck!

Grapperz earbud holder

Messy earbuds used to be such an irritating problem for me. If you're anything like me, you know how much stress and loss of time it causes. Luckily, I've bought Grapperz earbud holder, and the annoying problem is gone!

It’s such an easy and genius solution.

As a Michigander, I am happy to use a product originated in my home state. The holders will fit the leading brands styles of earbuds; it’s a product that is so simple to use; the unnecessary and frustraiting waste of time will become a forgotten past.

Go, get your Grapperz!

Thin-film Stress

Thin-film stress control is one of the important steps of production. Elevated temperatures are required to deposit thin-films onto surfaces like wafer. After the application process is done, the base cools down to room temperature. Thermal differences between the film and the wafer can cause stress. The effect of stress can cause the wafer to bow, cracks, film lifting, etc. Thus, it is very important to use advanced tools for thin-film measurement.

Should I Have a Primary Care Doctor?

Many health experts will tell you that it is very beneficial to have a long-term relationship with a primary care doctor. He or she will get to know you well over the years and will be in the best position to evaluate changes in your health.

A good primary care physician will also advise you on the prevention of diseases. For example, weight problems often cause heart disease and diabetes. Your family care doctor will keep an eye on your weight and recommend exercise or a healthier diet if there are any concerns or warning signs.

The Novi doctors website is an excellent resource on how to prepare for your first visit with a primary care doctor, no matter where you live.

Lighting for the 21st Century

With more than 30 years of experience, Osram Opto Semiconductors is the leading LED lighting manufacturer. Osram has been investing in research and developing new innovative products that enable them to set international standards within the fields of lighting and sensor technology. There are several products that Osram offers such as LEDs for automotive, consumer and industry applications, as well as infrared products and laser diodes.

Osram is a cutting edge company that looks to forward thinking by keeping environmental protection and sustainability as a priority in their business decisions. The company has been involved in high-caliber technology partnerships by collaborating with not only businesses, but also several universities and colleges. In addition, Osram is a trusted and professional company, looking to offer its customers exceptional and comprehensive support as a LED lighting manufacturer.

Ann Arbor SEO Consultant Has Advice for Business Owners

90 percent of people looking for a local service go to a search engine first. Therefore, showing up in the top search results on Google and Bing can significantly help a business to be profitable. "Anyone starting a business in the Ann Arbor area is well advised to invest in Search Engine Optimization," says experienced Michigan SEO consultant Kai Blum. "Ideally, you should talk to an expert before you start a business. Coming up with the right name for your business, for example, can make a huge difference in search engine optimization." Among other things, an SEO consultant can help you pick the right keywords for your business name and your website. "Investing a little in SEO often results in amazing returns," says Blum.