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Canon EOS Rebel T5 ( with 18-55mm Lens)
While it's a perfectly fine camera when you're making the jump from a point-and-shoot, there are better choices than the Canon EOS Rebel T5.
Sony Alpha 6000 ( with 16-50mm Power Zoom Lens, Silver)
Despite small annoyances, the Sony Alpha 6000 is a great overall camera for more advanced photographers who want something smaller than a dSLR, especially if they need the continuous- shooting speed.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 ( with 14-42mm Lens, Silver)
Though it doesn't deliver the best photo quality, the sum of the Olympus OM-D E-M10's design, performance and features add up to a nice upgrade from a point-and-shoot.
Nikon D3300 ( with 18-55mm II lens, Black)
Very good photo quality for its class plus decent performance make the Nikon D3300 A solid choice for a first dSLR.
Fujifilm X-T1 ( with XF18-55mm Lens)
The Fujifilm X-T1 is a great camera for advanced photographers as long as its quirks don't bother you.
Fujifilm X-E2 ( with 18-55mm XF Lens, Black)
It delivers great images and is still fun to shoot with, but the Fujifilm X-E2 isn't a no-brainer upgrade over the X-E1 and other cameras outfeature it.
Nikon D610 ( with 24-85mm lens)
Though competition's increasing for low-end full-frame cameras, the Nikon D610 holds its own; that said, while slightly faster than its predecessor it's not a whole lot different.
Canon EOS 70D ( with 18-55mm STM lens)
An overall excellent camera, but one that fails to capture the best-in-class prize for image quality.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II's combination of looks, speed, flexibility, and photo quality makes it a great choice for enthusiasts who can afford the price tag.
Fujifilm X-E1 ( With 18-55mm Lens, Silver)
It's not a general-purpose recommendable camera thanks to subpar video and slightly sluggish performance, but for photo-quality-first photographers who want the analog-ish shooting experience, the Fujifilm X-E1 rules in its price range.


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This property allows you to book online with a credit card. After submitting a reservation request, the owner or manager has 24 hours to accept, at which time your card will be charged and you will receive an email confirmation
Guana Bay Vacation Rentals Show this location only Back to top
€564 - €950 per night - EUR 5-7 night min stay
Nov 15, 2014 to Nov 1, 2015 Special offer STAY 6 NIGHTS & GET THE 7th NIGHT FREE!$6,601 per week 7 night min stay
€530 - €771 per night - EUR 5-7 night min stay
$995- $3200/wk
C$135 - C$285 per night - CAD 3-7 night min stay
$979 - $1,193 per night 3 night min stay
C$1,404 - C$2,808 per night - CAD 5-7 night min stay
$142 - $285 per night 4-7 night min stay
$10,000 - $20,000 per week 7-14 night min stay
$714 - $1,714 per night 5 night min stay
$843 - $1,129 per night 5 night min stay
$99 - $169 per night 5 night min stay
Guana Bay Travel Tips
Discover a Spectacular Island with Guana Bay Vacation Rentals
Guana Bay on St. Maarten is considered one of quietest destinations on the island—it is said that 10 visitors would constitute a busy day. What better way to enjoy this paradise that from one of VRBO.com's beautiful Guana Bay vacation rentals. From these fully-equipped and appointed accommodations, you and your group can enjoy all that this spectacular island has to offer—everything from pristine beaches to a vibrant nightlife.
Choose from an array of Guana Bay villas, and you and your group will find yourselves ensconced in accommodations that are a wonderful alternative to a hotel stay. Your lodging could include amenities such as multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, a private pool or hot tub, and perhaps a private beachfront.
Guana Bay Is a Great Surf Destination
Guana Bay is a surf destination—because it is exposed to the Atlantic Ocean, it is an attractive spot for those adventurers who want to body board and surf. Guana Bay is also very secluded with very little access, so you will enjoy peace, quiet, and solitude. However, as one of St. Maarten resorts, Guana Bay features a wonderful view of St. Barth's, which is less than 15 miles away.
There's only one spot on the Guana Bay beach for dining—the Boardroom Jazz Club and Beach restaurant. However, the myriad restaurants of St. Maarten are just minutes away. And of course, what could be better than gathering a few local groceries and making a great meal for you and your group in your fully-equipped kitchen.
A Vacation to Remember at St. Maarten Resorts
No matter what you choose to do during your stay in Guana Bay, your lodging from VRBO.com will provide you will a full range of amenities to make your stay unforgettable, and you'll want to return to the island and enjoy Guana Bay vacation rentals again and again.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." - Beverly Sills
The research interests of our research group are centered around Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM) in micro- and meso-scales. DDM is a fabrication approach that can directly convert a computer-aided design model into a physical object. Hence it has been widely recognized as a disruptive manufacturing technology for a wide variety of applications. To achieve the full potentials of DDM on cost and time savings, the development of novel DDM process, new process planning methodologies and a wide selection of materials are critical. In addition, DDM enables revolutionary new design by using complex three-dimensional shapes, heterogeneous material properties and multi-functionality. Systematic knowledge regarding modeling, analyzing, synthesizing, and optimizing such designs are required in order to achieve desired performance.
At USC's ISE department, we aim to develop DDM technologies that enable people to revolutionize future product design and manufacturing. Our multi-disciplinary research and training require bridging theoretical, computational and practical knowledge with systematic thinking. By integrating both physics-based manufacturing and computation-based design and control, some of our research results are listed as follows.
Novel process and machine development for direct digital manufacturing and 3D printing
Modeling and control techniques for accurate and reliable direct digital manufacturing processes
Design methods and tools for DDM-enabled products and applications
New modeling and computing methods for DDM-enabled complex geometries
Novel process and machine development for direct digital manufacturing and 3D printing
Rapid Manufacturing in Mintues: The Development of
a Mask Projection Stereolithography Process for High-speed Fabricating
Yayue Pan, Chi Zhou, Yong Chen
Proceedings of ASME-Intl. Manufacturing Sci. and Engineering Conference, 2012 (paper)
The purpose of this paper is to present a direct digital manufacturing (DDM) process that is an order of magnitude faster than other DDM processes currently available. The developed process is based on a mask-image-projection-based Stereolithography process (MIP-SL), during which a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) controlled projection light cures and cross-links liquid photopolymer resin. In order to achieve high-speed fabrication, we investigated the bottom-up projection system in the MIP-SL process. A set of techniques including film coating and the combination of two-way linear motions have been developed for the quick spreading of liquid resin into uniform thin layers. The process parameters and related settings to achieve the fabrication speed of a few seconds per layer are presented. Additionally, the hardware, software, and material setups developed for fabricating given three-dimensional (3D) digital models are presented. Experimental studies using the developed testbed have been performed to verify the effectiveness and efficiency of the presented fast MIP-SL process. The test results illustrate that the newly developed process can build a moderately sized part within minutes instead of hours that are typically required.
Direct Geometry Processing for Tele-fabrication
Yong Chen, Kang Li, Xiaoping Qian
Proceedings of ASME Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, 2012 (paper)
This paper presents a new approach for tele-fabrication where a physical object is scanned in one location and fabricated in another location. This approach integrates three-dimensional (3D) scanning, geometric processing of scanned data, and additive manufacturing technologies. In this paper, we focus on a set of direct geometric processing techniques that enable the tele-fabrication. In this approach, 3D scan data is directly sliced into layer-wise contours. Sacrificial supports are generated directly from the contours and digital mask images of the objects and the supports for Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA) processes are then automatically generated. The salient feature of this approach is that it does not involve any intermediate geometric models such as STL, polygons or non-uniform rational B-splines that are otherwise commonly used in prevalent approaches. The experimental results on a set of objects fabricated on several SLA machines confirm the effectiveness of the approach in faithfully tele-fabricating physical objects.
Ultrasound Transducer Array Fabrication based on
Additive Manufacturing of Piezocomposite
Hamid Chabok, Chi Zhou, Yong Chen, Arash Eskandarinazhad, Qifa Zhou, Kirk Shung
Proceedings of the ASME International Sysmposium on Flexible Automation, 2012 (paper)
Conventional methods for fabricating ultrasound imaging transducer arrays, especially for high frequency range (>20 MHz), are expensive, time consuming and limited to relatively simple geometries. In this paper, the development of an additive manufacturing (AM) process based on digital micromirror devices (DMDs) is presented for the fabrication of piezoelectric devices such as ultrasound transducer arrays. Both green-part fabrication and the sintering of fabricated green-parts have been studied. A novel two-channel design in the bottom-up projection system is presented to address the piezo-composite fabrication challenges including a small curing depth and viscous ceramic slurry recoating. A prototype system has been developed for the fabrication of green-parts with complex shapes and small features. Based on the fabricated green-parts, the challenges in the sintering process for achieving desired functionality are discussed. Various approaches for increasing the density of sintered components are presented. Dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the fabricated samples are measured and compared with those of bulk PZT samples. Based on the identified challenges in the DMD-based AM process, future work for achieving fully functional piezoelectric ceramic components is discussed.
Smooth Surface Fabrication in the Mask Projection
based Stereolithography
Yayue Pan, Xuejin Zhao, Chi Zhou, Yong Chen
Proceedings of NAMRI/SME, 2012 (paper)
The surface finish is critical for applications such as optics, micro-fluid mixing and mechanical assembly, in which optical lens, fluidic flow channels and rotating components are all required to be smooth. However, the stair-stepping effect is well known in the layer-based additive manufacturing processes, in which a three-dimensional model is approximated by a set of two-dimensional layers. Consequently the fabricated surfaces have poor surface finish especially for the ones that are close to the horizontal plane. In this paper, a novel approach for achieving improved surface finish is presented for the mask-image-projection-based Stereolithography (MIP-SL) process. Theoretical models and parameter characterization are presented for the developed methods. Accordingly, the process planning and calibration approaches for fabricating smooth surfaces in the MIP-SL process have been developed. Multiple test cases based on various types of curved surfaces have been performed. A comparison of the built results based on the traditional and the newly developed approaches illustrates the effectiveness of our method.
Digital Material Fabrication Using
Mask-Image-Projection-based Stereolithography
Chi Zhou, Yong Chen, Zhigang Yang, Behrokh Khoshnevis
Rapid Prototyping Journal, 2012 (paper)
Digital materials such as the ones shown by Objet's Connex family demonstrate that a new material with desired characteristics can be achieved by combining two different base materials with various concentrations and structures. We investigate the feasibility of using additive manufacturing processes based on digital mask projection in the fabrication of such digital materials. A multi-material mask-image-projection-based Stereolithography process is presented. The related challenges and approaches of addressing them on the development of such a process are identified. A testbed has been developed to fabricate objects with designed digital materials. Experimental results illustrate that desired material properties can be achieved through the developed process. Several multi-material designs have been produced to highlight the capability of this promising technology for fabricating three-dimensional, multi-material objects with spatial control over placement of both material and structure. The limitations and challenges for future development have also been identified.
Fabrication of Conformal Ultrasound Transducer
Arrays and Horns based on Multi-axis CNC Accumulation
Yayue Pan, Chi Zhou, Yong Chen
Proceedings of ASME-Intl. Manufacturing Sci. and Engineering Conference, 2011 (paper)
Ultrasonic imaging is an important medical imaging technique. It uses ultrasound over 20K Hz to detect and visualize muscles, tendons, and many internal organs. Previous studies have shown that an improved acoustic performance can be achieved by conformal ultrasound transducer arrays and horns that can wrap conformably around curved surfaces. To address challenges in fabricating such curved ultrasound transducer arrays and horns, we investigate the possibility of using a newly developed additive manufacturing (AM) process named CNC accumulation. In such an AM process, an accumulation tool can have multi-axis motion, which is beneficial for building conformal ultrasound transducer arrays and horns on a curved surface. To address different resolution requirements, we illustrate the use of multiple accumulation tools that can have different curing sizes and power in the fabrication of a single component. The tool path planning methods for any given cylindrical and spherical surfaces have been discussed. Based on the developed prototype system, various test cases have been performed. The experimental results have illustrated the capability of the process and its potential use in the fabrication of conformal ultrasound transducer arrays and horns. The current limitations and future development have also been discussed.
Metallic Part Fabrication Using Selective
Inhibition Sintering
Behrokh Khoshnevis, Mahdi Yoozbashizadeh, Yong Chen
Rapid Prototyping Journal, 2011 (paper)
The purpose of this research is to investigate the fundamentals of the Selective Inhibition Sintering (SIS) process for the fabrication of metallic parts. A SIS-Metal process has been developed based on the microscopic mechanical inhibition principle. In this process metal salt solution is printed in the selected areas of each metal powder layer; the salt re-crystallizes when water evaporates; salt crystals decompose and grow rapidly prior to sintering; during the sintering process the constituents of decomposed salt particles spread between metal powder particles and prevent the fusing of these particles together; consequently, the sintering process in the affected regions is inhibited. This paper presents the research result on the inhibition mechanism and process control of the SIS process. Experimental results are also presented to demonstrate the capability of the process in fabricating metal parts with various geometries. The SIS-Metal process has numerous advantages including low cost, minimal shrinkage and deformation effects, and independence from polymeric binders.
A Layerless Additive Manufacturing Process based
on CNC Accumulation
Yong Chen, Chi Zhou, Jingyuan Lao
Rapid Prototyping Journal, 2011 (paper)
Most current additive manufacturing processes are layer-based, that is building a physical model layer-by-layer. By converting 3-dimensional geometry into 2-dimensional contours, the layer-based approach can dramatically simplify the process planning steps. However, there are also drawbacks associated with the layer-based approach such as inconsistent material properties between various directions. In a recent NSF workshop on additive manufacturing, it is suggested to investigate alternative non-layer based approaches. In this paper, we present an additive manufacturing process without planar layers. In the developed testbed, an additive tool based on a fiber optics cable and a UV-LED has been developed. By merging such tools inside a liquid resin tank, we demonstrate its capability of building various 2D and 3D structures. The technical challenges related to the development of such a process are discussed. Some potential applications including part repairing and building around inserts have also been demonstrated.
Modeling and control techniques for accurate and reliable direct digital manufacturing processes
An Integrated CNC Accumulation System for
Automatic Building-around-inserts
Xuejin Zhao, Yayue Pan, Chi Zhou, Yong Chen, Charlie C. L. Wang
Proceedings of NAMRI/SME, 2011 (paper)
A non-layer-based additive manufacturing (AM) process named computer numerically controlled (CNC) accumulation process is presented for applications such as plastic part repairing and modification. To facilitate the CNC accumulation process, a novel three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning system based on a micro-electo-mechanical system (MEMS) device is developed for in situ scanning of inserted components. The integration of the scanning system in the CNC accumulation process enables the building-around-inserts with little human efforts. A point processing method based on the Algebraic Point Set Surface (APSS) fitting and Layered Depth-normal Image (LDNI) representation is developed for converting the scanning points into triangular meshes. The newly developed 3D scanning system is compact and has sufficient accuracy for the CNC accumulation process. Based on the constructed surface model, data processing operations including multi-axis tool path planning and motion control are also investigated. Multiple test cases are performed to illustrate the capability of the integrated CNC accumulation process on addressing the requirements of building-aroundinserts.
Additive Manufacturing based on Optimized Mask
Video Projection for Improved Accuracy and Resolution
Chi Zhou, Yong Chen
Proceedings of NAMRI/SME, 2011 (paper)
Additive manufacturing (AM) processes based on mask image projection such as digital micro-mirror devices (DMD) have the potential to be fast and inexpensive. More and more research and commercial systems have been developed based on such digital devices. However, the accuracy and resolution of the related AM processes are constrained by the limited number of mirrors in a DMD. In this paper, a novel AM process based on the mask video projection has been presented. For each layer, a set of mask images instead of a single image are planned based on the principle of optimized pixel blending. The planned images are then projected in synchronization with the small movement of the building platform. A mask image planning method has been presented for the formulated optimization problem. Experimental results have verified that the mask video projection process can significantly improve the accuracy and resolution of built components.
Additive Manufacturing based on Multiple Calibrated Projectors and its Mask Image Planning
Chi Zhou, Yong Chen
Proceedings of ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences, 2010 (paper)
Additive manufacturing (AM) processes based on mask image projection such as digital micro-mirror devices (DMD) have the potential to be fast and inexpensive. More and more research and commercial systems have been developed based on such digital devices. However, a digital micro-mirror device such as a digital light processing (DLP) projector has limited accuracy and resolution. Based on the principle of pixel blending, we present a novel AM process by using multiple DMDs to significantly improve the accuracy and resolution of built components. In order to achieve the desired pixel blending result for a given layer, it is critical to plan the mask images that will be used by the multiple projectors. In addition, the mask image planning needs to compensate the calibrated light intensity in a projection image that is usually non-uniform and non-linear. We present a general optimized pixel blending method based on direct discrete search (DDS). Its mathematic model and computing method for the mask image planning are presented. Various test cases have been performed to verify its effectiveness and efficiency
Calibrating Large-area Mask Projection Stereolithography for Its Accuracy and Resolution Improvements
Chi Zhou, Yong Chen
Proceedings of Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, 2009 (paper)
Solid freeform fabrication (SFF) processes based on mask image projection such as digital micro-mirror devices (DMD) have the potential to be fast and inexpensive. More and more research and commercial systems have been developed based on such digital devices. However, a digital light processing (DLP) projector based on DMD has limited resolution and certain image blurring. In order to use a DLP projector in the large-area mask projection stereolithography, it is critical to plan mask images in order to achieve high accuracy and resolution. Based on our previous work on optimized pixel blending, we present a calibration method for capturing the non-uniformity of a projection image by a low cost off-the-shelf DLP projector. Our method is based on two calibration systems, a geometric calibration system that can calibrate the position, shape, size, and orientation of a pixel and an energy calibration system that can calibrate the light intensity of a pixel. Based on both results, the light intensity at various grayscale levels can be approximated for each pixel. Developing a library of such approximation functions is critical for the optimized pixel blending to generate a better mask image plan. Experimental results verify our calibration results.
|Self-intersection Free and Topologically Faithful Slicing of
Implicit Solid
Pu Huang, Charlie Wang, Yong Chen
Proceedings of International Design Engineering Technical Conferences, 2011 (paper)
We present a robust and efficient approach to directly slicing implicit solids. Different from prior slicing techniques that reconstruct contours on the slicing plane by tracing the topology of intersected line segments, which is actually not robust, we generate contours through a topology guaranteed contour extraction on binary images sampled from given solids and a subsequent contour simplification algorithm which has the topology preserved and the geometric error controlled. The resultant contours are free of self-intersection, topologically faithful to the given r-regular solids and with shape error bounded; therefore, correct objects can be fabricated from them by rapid prototyping. Moreover, since we do not need to generate the tessellated B-rep of given solids, our approach is memory efficient – only the binary image and the finest contours on one particular slicing plane need to be stored in-core. Our method is general and can be applied to any implicit representations of solids.
|Manufactruability Analysis of Infeasible Features in Polygonal
Models for Web-based Rapid Prototyping
Yong Chen, Xiaoshu Xu
Proceedings of International Conference on Manufacturing Automation, 2010 (paper)
Web-based online submission of computer-aided design (CAD) models for prototype parts is getting popular among service bureaus and gaining wider acceptance among rapid prototyping users. In the web-based rapid prototyping (RP), an instant quote needs to be generated for an arbitrary polygonal model (usually in STL format). Hence the manufacturability analysis of polygonal models is critical in automating the instant quoting process. In this paper two common problems are addressed including: (1) small features that are infeasible to be made by a RP process; and (2) cost analysis of a given polygonal model. We present two methods based on the analysis of offsetting results: (i) a fast approach of identifying infeasible features in order to provide an instant feedback to users; and (ii) an accurate approach of calculating the information of infeasible features for a given tool size in order to facilitate cost analysis. The related data structures and algorithms are presented. Both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Three-Dimensional Digital Halftoning for Layered
Manufacturing based on Droplets
Chi Zhou, Yong Chen
Transactions of North American Manufacturing Research Institute of SME, Vol. 37, pp. 175-182, 2009 (paper)
Layered manufacturing based on droplets, such as multi-jet modeling and polyjet processes, shows great promises in fabricating accurate, smooth and highly detailed 3-dimensional models. It has been widely used in fabricating prototypes and investment casting patterns. In this paper, we present a 3-dimensional digital halftoning method which can significantly reduce the building time of these layered manufacturing processes. The key idea of the halftoning method is to intelligently control the printed droplet layout to form a slanted layer, which can closely match the surface of an input geometry. We present a mathematical model for finding the optimized droplet layout, and discuss various solution strategies. The experimental results showed that a revised DBS method can solve the formulated problem effectively and efficiently.
Optimized Mask Image Projection for Solid Freeform
Chi Zhou, Yong Chen, Richard A. Waltz
Proceedings of ASME Internal Design Engineering Technical Conferences, 2009 (paper)
Solid freeform fabrication (SFF) processes based on mask image projection have the potential to be fast and inexpensive. More and more research and commercial systems have been developed based on these processes. For the SFF processes, the mask image planning is an important process planning step. In this paper, we present an optimization based method for mask image planning. It is based on a light intensity blending technique called pixel blending. By intelligently controlling pixels' gray scale values, the SFF processes can achieve a much higher XY resolution and accordingly better part quality. We mathematically define the pixel blending problem and discuss its properties. Based on the formulation, we present several optimization models for solving the problem including a mixed integer programming model, a linear programming model, and a two-stage optimization model. Both simulated and physical experiments for various CAD models are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our method.
Non-uniform Offsetting and its Applications in Laser Path Planning of
Stereolithography Machine
Yong Chen
Proceedings of Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, 2007 (paper)
Laser path planning is an important step in solid freeform fabrication processes such as Stereolithography (SLA). An important consideration in the laser path planning is to compensate the shape of laser beam. Currently the compensation is divided into two steps, Z-compensation and X-Y compensation, and the shape of laser beam is assumed to be uniform for the whole platform. In this research, we present a sampling based non-uniform offsetting method which accounts for the different shapes of laser beam at various locations. We discuss the related steps and algorithms. We demonstrate its effectiveness by using various test cases. Besides improving the accuracy of SLA machine, non-uniform offsetting can also be applied to address other accuracy issues caused by thermal and structural variations.
Design methods and tools for DDM-enabled products and applications
|Mesh Thickening for Freeform Surface Patches
Charlie Wang, Yong Chen
Rapid Prototyping Journal, 2012 (paper)
Given an intersection-free mesh surface patch S, we introduce a method to thicken S into a solid H located at one side of S, where the thickness r of H is specified by users. With such a surface-to-solid conversion operation, industrial users are able to fabricate a designed (or reconstructed) surface by rapid prototyping. To develop this thickening operator for freeform mesh surfaces, we first investigate an implicit representation of the thickened solid H according to an extension of signed distance function. After that, a partial surface reconstruction algorithm is proposed to generate the boundary surface of H, which remains the given surface S exactly on the resultant surface. Experimental tests show that the thickening results generated by our method give nearly uniform thickness and meanwhile do not present shape-approximation error at the region of input surface S. These two good properties are very important to the industrial applications that need to use this thickening operation.
|Joint Design for 3-D Printing Non-assembly Mechanisms
Xuan Song, Yong Chen
Proceedings of ASME IDETC, 2012 (paper)
The layer-based additive manufacturing (AM) processes can directly fabricate sub-systems with multiple components during the building process. Novel applications in robotics and many others have been demonstrated by removing the need of component assembly. However, the AM processes also have inferior accuracy compared to the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining process. Hence the joint clearance that can be achieved in a 3D-printed mechanism is large. This would significantly limit the use of AM in directly building movable sub-systems without further assembly operations after the building process. To reduce the joint clearance, we present a novel joint design by considering the fabrication limitation of AM processes. A novel marker structure is developed for various types of joints including cylindrical pin joints. The relation of the marker design and the rotation performance of the 3D-printed joint is modeled. Test cases based on the Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA) process have been performed to verify the effectiveness of the developed joint design. Compared to the traditional pin joint design, the new design can achieve a smaller clearance during rotation while still be able to be fabricated by the SLA process. Consequently its rotation performance can be improved.
|Design of Origami Sheets for Foldable Object Fabrication
Dongping Deng, Yong Chen
Proceedings of ASME IDETC, 2012 (paper)
Reconfigurable structures that are enabled through the integration of multiple materials are important for future design and manufacturing practice. We investigate one of such reconfigurable structures - an origami sheet, which can be designed based on a 3D object and unfolded into a 2D sheet with complex creases. A fabrication approach based on a hybrid manufacturing process by integrating layer-based additive manufacturing and silicon molding techniques is developed. Related challenges on designing creases for given folding requirements and the related material properties are discussed. A novel structure design is presented to ensure the fabricated creases that are in soft materials can be folded and unfolded without failures. The design method can be applied to different scale levels. The origami sheets for test cases in different complexity have been tested. The experimental results illustrate that the designed and fabricated origami sheets can be folded and used for product components with reconfigurable shapes.
|A Rapid Shape Acquisition Method by Integrating User Touching
Yong Chen, Jinho Jung, Yongqiang Li
Virtual and Physical Prototyping, 2011 (paper)
The easiness of creating three-dimensional (3D) models from physical objects is one of the core challenges that remain to be addressed in reverse engineering. In this paper, a touch-based 3D shape acquisition method is presented that is easy and intuitive to use. Based on the method, a user can easily interact with both real and virtual objects and directly generate feature-based CAD models. The key technical challenges on developing the related hardware and software systems are discussed. By using widely available consumer electronic devices, a low-cost prototype system is designed and built. Based on the designed system, a novel 3D coordinate computation method is developed to obtain the touching point positions. Related challenges on using such a system in generating 3D models are also discussed. Multiple examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the developed method.
|Multi-Piece Mold Design Based on Linear Mixed-Integer Program
Toward Guaranteed Optimality
Stephen Stoyan, Yong Chen
Proceedings of International Conference on Manufacturing Automation, 2010 (paper)
Multi-piece molds are a type of molding technology, which consist of more than two mold pieces and are assembled/dissembled like a space puzzle. Based on such molds, complex parts can be made for limited run production. Compared to traditional two-piece molds, parts with much more complex geometries can be made; however, this also brings challenge in designing such multi-piece molds. Previous works to address the problem are all based on heuristics. In this paper, we present a multi-piece mold design framework based on linear mixed-integer program. In our method, multi-piece mold design with guaranteed optimality on the number of mold pieces can be generated for any given CAD model of a molded part. The formulation of multi-piece mold design as a linear mixed-integer program is presented. The related multi-piece mold design framework is discussed. Some examples are provided which illustrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our approach.
|Design of Flexible Skin for Target Displacements based on Meso-Structures
Yongqiang Li, Yong Chen, Chi Zhou
Proceedings of ASME Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, 2009 (paper)
Recent advances in sold freeform fabrication (SFF) present tremendous design freedom for a product design with complex geometries. In this paper, we consider the problem of using rigid materials to design flexible skin of a product component for SFF. A design strategy based on the combination of well-defined meso-structures is presented to achieve desired heterogeneous material properties, and consequently desired flexibility in target directions and positions. We present our computational framework to automate the design optimization process. Due to the dramatically increased design space, a brute force or traditional design optimization method such as the genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swam optimization (PSO) is not efficient. We present a design method based on the idea of analyzing the flexibility of each link for given meso-structures. Two experimental examples are presented to demonstrate its usage in generating the maximum/minimum and target displacements. We also present its comparison with the GA and PSO methods.
|Computer-aided Product Design with Performance-Tailored
Yong Chen, Shanglong Wang
Computer-aided Design and Application, 2008 (paper)
Motivated by the design and manufacturing of customized cushions for debilitated patients, we propose the idea of performance-tailored mesostructures which can change or adapt their design performance based on given requirements. Our goal is to develop a CAD tool with the capability of specifying heterogeneous material properties in a product component such that a designer can design the component with better performance. Based on the object oriented programming paradigm, we first define a performance-tailored mesostructure and its properties. We then demonstrate an approach of building discipline-specific performance models for such mesostructures. For a product component design, we present a performance-tailored mesostructure design method based on a hierarchical design framework. A CAD system based on the proposed design framework is being developed which can generate CAD models with performance-tailored mesostructures. The generated CAD models can then be fabricated by a layer-based rapid manufacturing system. Several experimental examples are given to demonstrate the capability of our method.
|3D Texture Mapping: A Microstructure Design Method for Rapid
Yong Chen
Computer-aided Design and Application, Vol. (4), No. 6, 2007, pp.761-771 (paper)
Inspired by the developments of biomimetic design and layer manufacturing, we present a microstructure design method which uses complex internal structures to achieve an optimal design. Similar to 2D texture mapping, our approach is based on mapping a 3D microstructure into a design space to generate internal structures. We develop a texture mapping design system which enables a designer to select a microstructure from a library. It then automatically generates a CAD model with internal structures based on given design requirements. The generated CAD model can be fabricated using a layer manufacturing system. The ability to design microstructures within a part creates tremendous potential for lightweight and high performance components and devices.
|A Mesh-based Geometric Modeling Method for General Structures
Yong Chen
Proceedings of ASME Design Engineering Technical Conferences, 2006 (paper)
This paper presents a mesh-based geometric modeling method to create tessellated models of general structures, which can be the design results of conformal truss structure design, thermal design, topology design, material design, compliant mechanism design and others. A general structure configuration design format is proposed to describe the structures. A universal structure generating system is developed based on the mesh-based geometric modeling method. Besides generating a watertight surface model for an input structure configuration, the modeling approach can automatically add an important design feature, fillets, in the generated model. Therefore the structures' mechanical performance is improved comparing to results generated by other methods. Examples from different structure design areas are presented.
|Hybrid Geometric Modeling Method for Large Scale Conformal
Cellular Structures
Hongqing Wang, Yong Chen, David W. Rosen,
ASME Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering, 2006, accepted (paper)
This paper presents a hybrid geometric modeling method to create CAD models of large-scale conformal cellular structures effectively and efficiently. Cellular material structures can be engineered at the mesoscopic scale for high performance and multifunctional capabilities. One type of cellular structure is conformal lightweight truss. A simple method of constructing models of uniform trusses is to pattern unit cells linearly within a CAD system. However, by orienting strut directions and adjusting strut sizes, such trusses can be optimized to achieve superior strength, stiffness, and weight characteristics. For large truss structures, computational and storage complexities cause difficulties in CAD system modeling. In this paper, a new hybrid geometric modeling method by using both solid modeling and surface modeling techniques is developed to directly create tessellated models and automate the geometric modeling process of conformal truss structures efficiently. This hybrid modeling method is intended to support the design, analysis, optimization, and manufacture of conformal truss structures. Examples are presented and the computational efficiency of the hybrid method is compared with the approach of creating the complete solid model of cellular structures. The hybrid geometric modeling method can be generalized to various types of cellular structures as well as other periodic structures.
|Geometric Tailoring: A Design for Manufacturing Method for Rapid
Prototyping and Rapid Tooling
Shiva Sambu, Yong Chen, David W. Rosen
ASME Journal of Mechanical Design, 2004, Vol(126), 571-580 (paper)
The goal of fabricating functional prototypes quickly is hindered by a mismatch of material properties between production materials and those used in rapid prototyping (RP) machines, such as stereolithography. Even when rapid tooling (RT) technologies are utilized for injection molded parts, differences in mold materials cause differences in molded part properties. To compensate for these material and process differences, a design for manufacturing (DFM) method is introduced, called geometric tailoring. The idea is to modify dimensions of prototype parts to match key characteristics of production parts, such as stress and deflection behaviors. For RP parts, the geometric tailoring DFM method integrates two sub-problems, one for achieving functional requirements by matching part behaviors, and one for RP process planning to incorporate manufacturing capabilities and limitations. For parts fabricated by RT, an additional sub-problem is integrated, namely injection molding process planning. Problem decomposition is critical due to the coupled nature of the sub-problems. A problem decomposition and solution procedure is presented. The geometric tailoring method is shown to enable the matching of prototype to production part behaviors, while improving manufacturability.
|The Rapid Tooling Testbed: A Distributed Design-for-manufacturing
David W. Rosen, Yong Chen, Shiva Sambu, Janet K. Allen, Farrokh Mistree
Journal of Rapid Prototyping, 2003, Vol(9), 122-132 (paper)
A new design-for-manufacturing method, called the geometric tailoring (GT), and the associated digital interface concept have been developed that enable the design activities to be separated from the manufacturing activities. Conditions for the successful application of this method are investigated. The GT method is demonstrated for rapid prototyping and rapid tooling technologies, where prototype parts are required to match the production properties as closely as possible. This method is embodied in a system called the rapid tooling testbed (RTTB). Research work is presented on GT and the distributed computing environment underlying the RTTB. Examples are summarized from the usage of this method and testbed.
|Computer-Aided Design for Rapid Tooling: Methods for Mold Design
and Design-for-Manufacture
Yong Chen
Ph.D. Dissertation, Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 2001. (dissertation)
New modeling and computing methods for DDM-enabled complex geometries
|Parallel and Efficient Boolean on Polygonal Solids
Hanli Zhao, Charlie C. L. Wang, Yong Chen, Xiaogang Jin
Visual Computer, Vol. 27, pp. 507-517, 2011 (paper)
We present a novel framework which can efficiently evaluate approximate Boolean set operations for Brep models by highly parallel algorithms. This is achieved by taking axis-aligned surfels of Layered Depth Images (LDI) as a bridge and performing Boolean operations on the structured points. As compared with prior surfel-based approaches, this paper has much improvement. Firstly, we adopt key-data pairs to store LDI more compactly. Secondly, robust depth peeling is investigated to overcome the bottleneck of layer-complexity. Thirdly, an out-of-core tiling technique is presented to overcome the limitation of memory. Real-time feedback is provided by streaming the proposed pipeline on the many-core graphics hardware.
|Uniform Offsetting of Polygonal Model based on
Layered Depth-Normal Images
Yong Chen, Charlie C. L. Wang
Computer-Aided Design, Vol. 42, 2010 (paper)
Uniform offsetting is an important geometric operation for computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) applications such as rapid prototyping, NC machining, coordinate measuring machines, robot collision avoidance, and Hausdorff error calculation. We present a novel method for offsetting (grown and shrunk) a solid model by an arbitrary distance r. First, offset polygons are directly computed for each face, edge, and vertex of an input solid model. The computed polygonal meshes form a continuous boundary; however, such a boundary is invalid since there exist meshes that are closer to the original model than the given distance r as well as self-intersections. Based on the problematic polygonal meshes, we construct a well-structured point-based model, Layered Depth-Normal Image (LDNI), in three orthogonal directions. The accuracy of the generated point-based model can be controlled by setting the tessellation and sampling rates during the construction process. We then process all the sampling points in the model by using a set of point filters to delete all the invalid points . Based on the remaining points, we construct a two-manifold polygonal contour as the resulting offset boundary. Our method is general, simple and efficient. We report experimental results on a variety of CAD models and discuss various applications of the developed uniform offsetting method.
|Layer Depth-Normal Images for Complex Geometries -
Part I: Accurate Modeling and Adaptive Sampling
Yong Chen, Charlie C. L. Wang
Proceedings of ASME Design Engineering Technical Conferences, 2008 (paper)
The layered depth-normal images (LDNIs) is an implicit representation of solid models that sparsely encodes the shape boundary in three orthogonal directions. We present a LDNI-based geometric modeling method for applications with high accuracy requirements. In our method, we first construct LDNIs models from input polygonal models. The accuracy of the generated LDNIs models can be controlled by setting pixel width during the construction process. Even for very complex geometries and high accuracy requirements, the construction process is fast with the aid of graphics hardware. Based on the LDNIs models, we then perform geometric modeling operations. Two types of operations are presented including regularizing and Boolean operations. The geometric modeling operations are straightforward and easy to be implemented robustly. From the processed LDNIs model, an adaptive sampling method is presented to construct a cell representation that includes both uniform and octree cells. Finally 2-manifold polygonal mesh surfaces are constructed from the cell representation. For high accuracy requirements that are typical in CAD/CAM applications, we present a volume tiling technique and a parallel implementation to accelerate the computation. Our method achieves a good balance between the accuracy and computational resources. We report experimental results on a variety of CAD models. The results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our approach especially for modeling complex geometries.
|Layer Depth-Normal Images for Complex Geometries -
Part II: Manifold-Preserved Adaptive Contouring
Charlie C. L. Wang, Yong Chen
Proceedings of ASME Design Engineering Technical Conferences, 2008
We present an adaptive contouring approach to generate contour surface from solid models represented by Layered Depth-Normal Images (LDNI) sampled in three orthogonal directions. Our contouring algorithm builds an octree structure for mesh generation in a top-down manner: starting from the bounding box of a LDNI solid model, the cells are recursively subdivided into smaller sub-cells based on the topology and geometry criteria of refinement until both of the requirements, the topology in cell is simple and the geometry approximation error is less than a user defined tolerance, are satisfied. The subdivision also stops when the processed cells reach the finest resolution of LDNI models. In order to overcome the topology ambiguity inside a cell that leads to the occurrence of nonmanifold entities, we analyze the possible inside/outside configurations of cell-nodes and exploit two strategies to generate manifold-preserved mesh surfaces. Moreover, the most time-consuming step of our contouring algorithm – the construction of octree structure can be easily parallelized to run under a computer framework with multiple-processors and shared memory. Several examples have been tested in the paper to demonstrate the success of our method.
|An Accurate Sampling-based Method for Approximating
Yong Chen
Journal of Computer-Aided Design 2007, Vol. 39, No. 11, pp. 975-986 (paper)
We present a sampling-based method for approximating the boundary of a geometry defined by various geometric operations. Based on a novel adaptive sampling condition, we first construct a volumetric grid such that in each cell an error-minimizing point can be found to captures all the geometric objects inside the cell. We then construct a polygonal model from the grid. We guarantee the boundary approximation has the same topology as the exact surfaces, and the maximum approximation error from the exact surfaces is bounded by a user specified tolerance. Our method is robust and easy to implement. We have applied it in applications such as remeshing of polygonal models, Boolean operations and offsetting operations. We report experimental results on a variety of CAD models.
|Robust and Accurate Boolean Operations on Polygonal
Yong Chen
Proceedings of ASME Design Engineering Technical Conferences, 2007 (paper)
We present a new sampling-based method for the efficient and reliable calculation of boundary surface defined by a Boolean operation of given polygonal models. We first construct uniform volumetric cells with sampling points for each geometric element of polygonal models. We then calculate an error-minimizing point in each cell based on a quadratic error function (QEF). Based on a novel adaptive sampling condition, we construct adaptive octree cells such that a QEF point in each cell can capture the shape of all the geometric elements inside the cell. Finally we reconstruct a polygonal model from the volumetric grids and QEF points for approximating the boundary of a solid defined by the Boolean operation. Our method is robust since we can handle different types of topological inconsistency including non-manifold configurations. It is also accurate since we guarantee the boundary approximation has the same topology as the exact surface, and the maximum approximation error from the exact surface is bounded by a user specified tolerance. The efficient hierarchical scheme based on octree enables using sufficient grid resolutions on a commodity PC. We demonstrate our algorithm for a number of test cases and report experimental results.
|A Point-Based Offsetting Method of Polygonal Meshes
Yong Chen, Hongqing Wang, David W. Rosen, Jarek Rossignac
ASME Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering 2006, in review (paper)
We address the delicate problem of offsetting polygonal meshes. Offsetting is important for stereolithography, NC machining, coordinate measuring machines, robot collision avoidance, and Hausdorff error calculation. We introduce a new fast, and very simple method for offsetting (growing and shrinking) a solid model by an arbitrary distance r. Our approach is based on a hybrid data structure combining point samples, voxels, and continuous surfaces. Each face, edge, and vertex of the original solid generates a set of offset points spaced along the (pencil of) normals associated with it. The offset points and normals are sufficiently dense to ensure that all voxels between the original and the offset surfaces are properly labeled as either too close to the original solid or possibly containing the offset surface. Then the offset boundary is generated as the isosurface using these voxels and the associated offset points. We provide a tight error bound on the resulting surface and report experimental results on a variety of CAD models.
|Filleting and Rounding Using a Point-based Method
Yong Chen, Hongqing Wang, David W. Rosen, Jarek Rossignac
Proceedings of ASME Design Engineering Technical Conferences, 2005 (paper)
Rounds and fillets are important design features. We introduce a new point-based method for constant radius rounding and filleting. Based on the mathematical definitions of offsetting operations, discrete offsetting operations are introduced. Steps of our approach are discussed and analyzed. The methodology has been implemented and tested. We present the experimental results on accuracy, memory and running time for various input geometries and radius. Based on the test results, the method is very robust for all kinds of geometries.
|A Region Based Method to Automated Design of
Multi-Piece Molds with Application to Rapid Tooling
Yong Chen, David W. Rosen
ASME Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering, 2002, Vol(2), 86-97 (paper).
Particularly for rapid tooling applications, delivering prototype parts with turn-around times of less than two weeks requires fast, proven mold design methods. We present a region-based approach to automated mold design that is suitable for simple two-piece molds (consisting of core and cavity), as well as molds with many additional moving sections. In our region-based approach, part faces are partitioned into regions, each of which can be formed by a single mold piece. The basic elements of our approach are concave regions (generalized pockets) and convex faces since these elements are central to the identification of regions. This paper focuses on the initial steps of automated mold design, including a problem formulation, methods for identifying the basic elements from part faces, and combining them into regions. By seeking to minimize the number of mold pieces, different partitions of faces into regions are explored until the smallest number of regions is found. During this process, a linear programming problem is adopted for finding a satisfactory parting direction of a region. Algorithms are presented for the region generating and combining process. Our approach is illustrated with several examples of industrial injection molded parts.
|A Reverse Glue Approach to Automated Construction of
Multi-Piece Molds
Yong Chen, David W. Rosen
ASME Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering, 2003, Vol(3) (paper).
Mold design can be a difficult, time-consuming process. Determining how to split a mold cavity into multiple mold pieces (e.g., core, cavity) manually can be a tedious process. This paper focuses on the mold construction step of the automated mold design process. By investigating glue operations and its relations with parting faces, an approach based on a new reverse glue operation is presented. The key to the reverse glue operation is to generate parting faces. A problem definition of parting face generation for a region is provided. Correspondingly, three face generating criteria are identified. Based on the parting lines of a region, our algorithms to generate the parting faces are presented. Our mold construction algorithms for two-piece molds and multi-piece molds are also presented with brief discussions. Some industrial examples are provided which illustrate the efficiency and effectiveness of our approach. We tested our mold designs by fabricating stereolithography mold inserts (a rapid tooling method) and molding parts.


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In Rails Session Management Howto Part I, I introduced the concepts of managing http sessions with Rails and explored the first approach, cookie based sessions. A couple of the limits were the size of the data that can be stored in the session and the lack of encryption as the data is transferred from browser to server. The next approach is to store session data in a flat file on the server in what is known as the PStore format. This format stores the serialized (marshaled) form of the session data on the file system. The location and name (actually just the prefix for the name) of the file can be configured in the environment.rb file. Refer to Agile Web Development with Rails by Dave Thomas for details on the syntax and configuration.
The benefits of using the p_store based sessions are that the data is securely kept on the server and never crosses the network between the browser and server. This provides security and also reduces bandwidth usage. The size limit of the session data is also greatly increased (limited by your system IO).
What happens when scaling the number of servers? Clearly each server can not have an individual PStore unless one is using "sticky" sessions and are willing to have users lose their session data when a server fails. This is not an optimal situation for scalable, reliable, load-balanced systems. When there is more than one server, then it is necessary to have the PStore file available to all servers because subsequent http requests may be directed to a different server each time. One way to do this is to place the PStore file on a network mounted storage system.
Thus with a p_store based session there is increased data security and reduced bandwidth usage vs a cookie based session. However, there is also now some challenging server configuration choices and network file storage. Thus it is a IO limited solution which requires a lot of optimization and monitoring. For some applications this might not be a problem and should be tested. In an application with many simultaneous sessions the number of PStore files can grow very large.
I'll also briefly mention that there is a file_store option for sessions in Rails which also uses flat files, but it is rarely used because the session data must be strings.
Is anyone using p_store based sessions in their applications? Is it scalable? Is it reliable when servers failover?
In the next part of this series I will examine some memory based sessions.
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One Response to "Rails Session Management Howto, Part II"
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François Nars's Dog Is the New Face of Nars; Agyness Deyn Has a Crew Cut
Also, a bribery scandal brews at Avon.
Skip to content, or skip to search.
Skip to content, or skip to search.
Also, a bribery scandal brews at Avon.
Also, Fergie named her new fragrance. Guess what she chose!
New report says sales of prestige beauty products dropped 6 percent in 2009, compared to 2008.
And Marchesa designed a free gift bag for Drugstore.com.
And Whitney Port's cousin is a hairstylist. She comes recommended.
And Rosebud Salve has a new flavor!
Also if you become an Avon lady, you could have direct access to Suze Orman!
Also the Fred Segal salon is closing, and Playboy launches new fragrances.
Also, Erykah Badu stars in Tom Ford's new fragrance ads, Jennifer Connelly is the new Revlon girl, and '90210' inspires nail polish.
Patrick Dempsey makes cologne, Elle Macpherson speaks at a business convention where previous speakers have included Bill Clinton, and Daria Werbory is back!


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Entertainment calendar (Nov. 28-Dec. 4, 2013)
"SWINGLE BELLS" will be performed by Carolina Chamber Symphony Players at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at James A. Gray Jr. Auditorium, Old Salem Visitor Center, 900 Old Salem Road, Winston-Salem. The concert also features vocalist Martha Bassett with the Giannini Brass and Jazzmas Trio. $20 for adults, $5 for students, children, www.carolinachambersymphony.org, (800) 838-3006
CRAFTMEN'S Christmas Classic 2013 crafts fair will be held 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at the Special Events Center, Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W. Lee St. Admission of $8 for adults, $1 for age 6-12 is good all three days, with free return pass.
"SATURDAYS with St. Nicholas" will be held each Saturday through Dec. 21 at Frank L. Horton Museum Center, 924 S. Main St., Winston-Salem. The event includes photos with St. Nicholas, performances of "Herr Kater's Christmas" by Heirloom Puppet Theater (10 a.m.-2:45 p.m.), readings of "The Night Before Christmas" every half hour, refreshments. $7, free for children younger than 2, 721-7300, firstname.lastname@example.com
CIRQUE de la Symphonie aerialists perform with the Winston-Salem Symphony in a show titled "Carolina Christmas Spectacular" at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Reynolds Auditorium, 301 N. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem. The program includes secular and religious music, with two aerialists performing above the stage. Burke Singers of Winston-Salem State University also perform. $25-$65 for adults, $25-$40 for children age 2 and older, 464-0145, www.wssymphony.org
CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT Tours of Old Salem continue through Saturday in the historic district of Winston-Salem. Tours are at 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. They depart from Herbst House, 511 S. Main St. Tours include the Saal of the Single Brothers' House and Tavern Museum. $20 for adults, $15 for children, $18/$13 for Friends of Old Salem, www.oldsalem.org
BLANDWOOD MANSION, the family home in the 1840s of Gov. John Motley Morehead at 447 W. Washington St., Greensboro, will be decorated for Christmas and open for tours through Dec. 29, except for today and Friday. Tour hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays. $8, $7 for seniors, $5 for age 12 and younger, www.preservationgreensboro.org, 272-5003
LIGHTING OF THE QUAD will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Hearn Plaza at Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem. Free
For kids
"HERR KATER'S CHRISTMAS" will be performed by Heirloom Puppet Theatre through Dec. 20 at Frank L. Horton Museum, 924 S. Main St., Winston-Salem. Cost is $2 or with an all-in-one ticket. Show times are online at www.oldsalem.org
WINTERFEST continues through Feb. 1 outdoors adjacent to the Greensboro Cultural Center, 200 N. Davie St. Features include an ice skating rink open 4-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 4-10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and noon-7 p.m. Sundays. During school holidays the rink will be open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Other features include an ice roller coaster, an ice gazebo, a light carousel. Admission to the rink, including skates and an ice saucer, is $10 per person for 2 hours of skating and ice sliding. The $10 price includes unlimited trips down the ice roller coaster during the two-hour time frame. Groups of 15 or more can skate for $8 per person. Special mid-week $8 discount nights are available. Private rink rental times are also available for parties and corporate events before or after public skating hours. The full schedule and additional programming details are online at www.piedmontwinterfest.com.
DAR WILLIAMS performs at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Centenary United Methodist Church, 1646 W. 5th St., Winston-Salem. Admission is free; reservations are required because of limited seating (www.rootsrevivalws.com).
SUSAN KECK FOSTER, organist at Home Moravian Church, performs at noon Wednesday on the Tannenberg organ at James A. Gray Jr. Auditorium, Old Salem Visitor Center, 900 Old Same Road, Winston-Salem. Free
UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRA gives a concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Brendle Recital Hall, Scales Fine Arts Center, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem. Free
"SNOW QUEEN" opens Sunday and continues through Dec. 22 at Triad Stage, 232 S. Elm St., Greensboro. Performances are the world premiere of an Appalachian adventure story by Preston Lane, with original music by Laurelyn Dossett. In it, a young boy disappears on a winter day in the heart of Appalachia, and his best friend sets out to bring him home. $10-$48, 272-0160, www.triadstage.org
JOHN STEVENS gives a book signing 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Charlotte and Philip Hanes Art Gallery, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem. He is a calligrapher whose work is featured in the "Letterforming" exhibit at WFU.
THE GARAGE, 110 W. 7th St., Winston-Salem, features the following, all at 9 p.m.:
• American Aquarium, The Darnell Woodies— Friday;
• Wafer Thin, Karon Click & the Hot Licks— Saturday.
777-1127, www.the-garage.ws
THEATRE ART Galleries, 220 E. Commerce Ave., sponsors exhibits through Jan. 3:
• "Facescapes: Paintings by Dan Smith" — Main Gallery. Smith creates face portraits, and more than two dozen will be on display. He has taught college-level painting, drawing, design and photography, and he currently teaches at Appalachian State University.
• "Adele Wayman: Paintings and Altars. A Painter's Journey - Conversations with Nature." — Gallery B. Wayman uses oil sticks and oil paint on cotton or linen canvas and wood to create patterns of nature that often are symbolic. Some are used as altars for personal or group rituals.
• "Ignite High Point: Vision in Action" — Hallway Gallery. The exhibit is designed to serve as a six-month progress report on new projects to create a more vibrant city center.
• "Annual Elementary school Exhibition" -— Kaleidoscope Gallery. Participating schools are: Montlieu, Parkview, Shadybrook, Southwest, Union Hill elementary schools, Wesleyan Christian Academy, Westchester Country Day School.
Gallery hours are noon-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays. 887-2137, www.tagart.org
NORTHWESTERN RANDOLPH County Arts Council sponsors exhibits through Dec. 31 by Joyce Royal at Ed Price and Associates, 118 Trindale Road, and by Mary Pegram at Sechrest Funeral Service, 120 Trindale Road, both in Archdale.
"EDUCATION is Freedom - Improve the Outlook of Learning" is on exhibit through Dec. 31 at Jamestown Public Library, 200 W. Main St. Organized by Dan Lambeth of Archdale, the exhibit is designed to show the history of education in the United States 1610-2010. The exhibit changes to include different schools each month.
"LETTERFORMING" continues through Dec. 8 at Charlotte and Philip Hanes Art Gallery, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem. It gives an historical overview of the development of letters and words and traces the evolution of text, typefaces and print and notes current shifts. Free, www.hanesgallery.wfu.edu
"MERRY MOOR WINNETT: A Photographic Personal Perspective continues through Dec. 4 in Sechrest Art Gallery, Hayworth Fine Arts Center, High Point University, 833 Montlieu Ave. Winnett (1951-1994) was known in the late 1970s as the queen of experimental photography, and she used infrared, hand-painted, toned, stitched and composite-printed images. The retrospective exhibit covers Winnett's lifetime of work. Featured works include 45 vintage surreal photographs from a variety of series and collections, with themes of mythology, fantasy and popular culture. Winnett's work is in the permanent collection of Smithsonian Museum of American Art, and it also is at Guilford College, University of South Florida, Reynolds Collection, Greenhill Center for Art and New York's Floating Foundation of Photography. Gallery hours are 1-5 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays. 841-4680
"QUILTS and Crafts of the Lakota" continues through Jan. 26 at Delta Arts Center, 2611 New Walkertown Road, Winston-Salem. It is in conjunction with the Museum of Anthropology at Wake Forest University. The exhibit is composed of two related exhibits: "Quilts of the Lakota" organized by The Heritage Center at Red Cloud Indian School, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, and "Contemporary Creations: Arts and Crafts by Lakota Artists" by C-H Jacobson Produktion AB of Stockholm, Sweden. www.deltaartscenter.org
"THE WAR AT HOME: Exploring Winston and Salem During the Civil War" continues through June at New Winston Museum, 713 Marshall St. South, Winston-Salem. Designed to present the war from the perspective of the communities of Winston and Salem, the exhibit has three components: "A Divided Community," "The War Effort" and "Life and Legacies." Museum hours are noon-5 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Free, www.newwinston.org, 724-2842
"PARTISANS: Social Realism in American Art" continues through March 16 at Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem. It is designed to explore art as a form of protest against social injustice. It is a Reynolda rotating exhibit, and it includes works not regularly on view, such as "Bootleggers" by Thomas Hart Benton and "Spring Turning" by Grant Wood. www.reynoldahouse.org
INUIT art will be on exhibit through Dec. 15 at Guilford College Art Gallery, 5800 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. The exhibit includes more than 100 contemporary works — sculpture, textiles, prints, drawings, paintings, photographs — from private collectors who have made trips during the past decade to Nanavut, the largest and northernmost territory in Canada. Related events are online at http://library.guilford.edu/art-gallery.
"COMPLEX CONVERSATIONS: Willie Cole Sculptures and Wall Works" continues through Dec. 15 at Weatherspoon Art Museum, 500 Tate St., Greensboro. The exhibit encompasses more than 30 years in the career of Cole, including three-dimensional sculpture, drawing and printmaking. Cole, from Newark, N.J., and he considers himself an urban archaeologist. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays; 1-5 p.m. weekends. Free, 334-5770, email@example.com


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Judges' caseloads vary widely in study
WASHINGTON — Federal judges across the nation are shouldering criminal caseloads that vary widely in size, sometimes even among judges in the same courthouse, according to a study released Sunday.
The study by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, or TRAC, at Syracuse University found three courthouses where the judge with the largest criminal caseload had sentenced more than twice the number of defendants as the judge with the smallest caseload from October 2006 through July 2012. They were Los Angeles; Beaumont, Texas; and Camden, N.J.
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I was a young man when I started to do CAPD. I remember well the time when two
doctors suggested me to start doing Peritoneal Dialysis.
I was very scared at that time, because I didn't know about CAPD.
Now after being treated for 7 years in CAPD and then being transplanted, I
would like say thank you for everyone who is developed this kind of Dialysis.
The waist support belt was developed for my own use.
I am a fashion designer and I always think about the appearance and comfort of
my clients.
After operating the catheter of my abdomen I used to be
unsatisfied from my appearance as it did not look esthetic.
From time to time I used to tell myself that I should to do something.
My first belt was good but not perfect. The current one was reached after
polishing the belt again and again until I felt comfortable with it.
To my opinion, the belt serves as a body outfit and at the same time it is
very comfortable to wear. It hides the catheter from its surrounding. I can
testify on my own experience that during 7 years on CAPD I have never had any
infection. Even PD nurses when they a changed my catheter every six months
they used to tell me that the catheter looked like a new one.
Now that I am transplanted, I feel that I have the power to introduce this
invention to the CAPD patients.
How To Order | SPD-Belt Secure Order


text:
Police in Anne Arundel County are busy investigating two separate Glen Burnie robberies.
At around 8 a.m. ET on Monday morning, officers responded to the 1600 block of Pleasantville Drive for a report of a robbery.
An 18-year-old man said that at about 10 p.m. Sunday night, three men approached his vehicle as he was parked near Hidaway Loop and Hidden Brook Drive.
Two of the suspects opened his passenger side door and entered his vehicle. The victim says one of the suspects was holding a gun as he and a second suspect got in. A third suspect then stood outside the vehicle and fired one round before fleeing the scene.
The robbers demanded money and, after the victim complied, the too fled.
The suspects are described as three black men in their 20s standing about 6′ tall.
In a second incident, officers responded to the 7800 block of Winborne Drive at 1 a.m. Tuesday for a report of a robbery.
A 22-year-old man told authorities that two men with guns approached him in a parking lot, took his cash, cellphone and bottle of liquor.
The culprits then tried to enter the victim's vehicle, but the victim fled on foot. The thieves also then fled the area.
The robber is described as a black man in his 20s, about 5'10" tall, weighing150 pounds, wearing a black ski mask, a hooded sweatshirt, black pants and black boots.
The second robber is described as a black man in his 20s, about 5'9″ tall, weighing 140 pounds, wearing a black ski mask, a short sleeve shirt with a long sleeve black shirt underneath and jeans.
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What does RUG mean in General?
This page is about the meanings of the acronym/abbreviation/shorthand RUG in the Computing field in general and in the General terminology in particular.
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What does RUG mean?
- rug(n.)
- a piece of thick fabric for covering part of a floor, often having a design.
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"RUG." Abbreviations.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2014. Web. 18 Dec. 2014. <http://www.abbreviations.com/term/202088>.
RUG also stands for:
- Rangefinder User Group
- Really Ugly Game
- Really Useful Groups
- Recreational User Group
- Regional User Group
... and 9 more »
Nearby & related abbreviations:
Alternative search:
- Search Roots User Group on Amazon.com
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- Details
- Published on Tuesday, 07 February 2012 23:26
New Zealand: International Indigenous Development Research Conference 2012 - Registration Open
Registrations now open International Indigenous Development Research Conference 2012
27th–30th June 2012
Auckland, New Zealand
Registrations are now open for the 5th Biennial Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga conference. The conference will highlight indigeneity and the multidisciplinary approach used for indigenous development. Presentations will address all aspects of the following themes central to the realisation of indigenous development:
- Optimising Indigenous Economic Wellbeing – addressing issues, needs and opportunities arising in Māori and indigenous communities leading to increased economic independence and self-determination.
- Healthy and Thriving Indigenous Families – addressing issues, needs and opportunities arising in indigenous families leading to health, successful and thriving indigenous families.
- Enhancing Indigenous Distinctiveness – understanding the distinctive contributions that indigenous communities – people, knowledge, assets, resources – do and may yet make to the world at large. Yielding opportunities for development that may not be sourced from any other community or population.
Keynote speakers include:
Dr. Keawe'aimoku Kaholokula, the University of Hawai'i
Dr. Jelena Porsanger, Sámi University College, Norway
Aroha Mead, Victoria University of Wellington.
For more information and to register go to www.indigenousdevelopment2012.ac.nz Early-bird registration rates are available now, so register today!


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Water Quality Management
The Water Quality Management Technology (WQM) program at Red Rocks Community College is a comprehensive program that prepares students for employment in water and wastewater operations. If you are already working in the industry, the WQM program offers courses that apply to higher operator certification. Click here to contact and advisor from this program.
Most of the WQM activities are supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) or the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAA)-Department of Labor. These grants fund activities such as curricula redesign for hybrid and distance learning, the creation of a mobile teaching lab, supporting student success through career coaching, and coordinating job readiness training and professional networking events.
As seen in the National Rural Water Association publication:
"Our nationally recognized educational program has made our courses available to you in an ONLINE delivery. The Red Rocks Community College Water Quality Management Technology program consists of 28 different courses, offered through a rotating schedule. Specialize your training NOW!"
Our new online program delivery is compiled of the existing detailed curriculum that we have become well known for. Our online classes are more than reading and examinations. The new format provides students with more "hands-on" learning exercises to engage the student while still providing our outstanding curriculum. Learn more about our course here.
Water Quality Management : A career with many opportunities!
For more information about the WQM Technology program:
Water Quality Management Technology
Red Rocks Community College
13300 West Sixth Avenue
Lakewood, CO 80228
Many WQM activities are supported by one or both of the following grants:
The National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program under Award No. 0903055.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training – U.S. Department of Labor (TAA).
"This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President's Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grants as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment & Training Administration. The information contained in this product was created by a grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. All references to non-governmental companies or organizations, their services, products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement
Red Rocks Community College is committed to diversity in its people and programs. The College is an equal opportunity educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex/gender, sexual orientation gender identity, religion, age, national/ ethnic origin, pregnancy status, veteran's status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other category protected by applicable law, in its employment practices or educational programs and activities.
RRCC has designated the Executive Director of Human Resources as its Affirmative Action Officer/Equal Opportunity Administrator/Title IX Administrator with the responsibility to coordinate its civil rights compliance activities and grievance procedures. For information, contact Bill Dial, Executive Director of Human Resources, Title IX Coordinator, Title VII/Equal Opportunity Coordinator, ADA/Sec 504 Coordinator, 13300 West Sixth Avenue, Lakewood, Co 80228. 303.914.6298, firstname.lastname@example.com. Click here for more info.


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Monday's hub-bub is all about Mr Obama's proposed "immigration reform."
This is about the only post you'll see from me dealing with the issue unless something completely untoward occurs.
This bill or its clone will pass. Period. Get used to it. There are no forces against it like the forces opposed to disarming the American public.
It's that simple.


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Home » News » Politics » City Hall
Ted Siefer's City Hall: Mayor says aldermanic meeting not arena for school issue
Mayor Ted Gatsas took his share of knocks at Tuesday's Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting. There were the parents who called him a "bully" and accused him of "ruining the schools." Later, Alderman Joyce Craig insisted that he tell the board what his plan was for keeping Candia and Hooksett from pulling their kids - and their tuition money - from the district.
The unflappable mayor did not regard the aldermanic board as the appropriate forum to respond to his critics. He said these were matters for the school board, which he chairs, to concern itself with - and that it likely would when the Coordination Committee meets on Monday.
For all the consternation, the mayor is focusing on the positive, even after the Hooksett School Board voted to officially declare Manchester in breach of its contract over crowded high school classrooms. He said the board's action only reflected one point of view among families in the town.
"I've received a lot of calls from parents who want to keep their kids in the district. I don't think (the board) reflects the will of the parents or a majority of the students," he said, adding, "I think the door should always be open and we should find a way to work together."
Still, the school board is taking the moves by Hooksett - and similar threats from Candia - seriously. A couple of weeks ago, in a non-public meeting, the board consulted with the district's attorney to consider its own next moves regarding the contract with the sending towns.
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It was only a couple of weeks ago that the aldermen voted to give the mayor temporary authority over the city's economic development office, in the wake of the rather abrupt departure of its chief, Jay Minkarah. Since then, judging by the report Mayor Gatsas gave the aldermen last week, he has been busy.
He's met with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, transferred the management of antenna leases and revolving loan funds to the city finance office, and begun preparing a a report comparing how other cities in the state have handled economic development.
"I think we need an interim plan, if that's the next step - and we need an economic development director," said Alderman Dan O'Neil, the board's chairman.
The mayor insisted he wasn't making any unilateral moves.
"Things have been moving well, and hopefully we'll have some resolution about going forward. I'm looking forward to doing this with the board," Gatsas said at Tuesday's meeting.
He also noted that "other communities I've been talking to throughout the state have gone toward different models. Developers want to make sure they have the ability to have someone to advocate for them when they move through the process."
For the record, the mayor told me he doesn't see this as a job he would take on.
Alderman Patrick Arnold insisted that the city needs more than just someone to guide developers through the permitting process. "I believe we need someone fulltime that lives, sleeps, eats and breathes how to grow jobs in this city. I believe it is the mayor's job to be the chief cheerleader, but the mayor has to deal with schools and other issues," he said.
It's too bad the aldermen can't ask Minkarah about his perspective. He left his job with 10 days' notice and the city didn't have time to conduct an exit interview.
Such a process is standard protocol, Human Resources Director Jane Gile told the aldermen, but one was not conducted with Minkarah.
Minkarah is now the CEO and president of DevelopSpringfield in Massachusetts, according to his newly updated LinkedIn profile. It's a nonprofit, backed by businesses and state agencies, that seeks to "create conditions that encourage private development, with a bricks-and-mortar focus" to meet "Springfield's unique and diverse redevelopment needs," according to its website.
Minkarah didn't offer any insights to the New Hampshire Union Leader either. He didn't return phone calls left at his new office.
The aldermen did take one action on Tuesday concerning the city's economic development office. They voted to have the city auditor review the department's books.
"I don't think there's anything wrong," said Alderman Pat Long, who proposed the motion. "I believe we should have an audit to have a clean break."
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The seemingly never-ending story of the city's software contract took another twist last week.
Several weeks ago, the aldermen were so fed up with the delays in "going live" with the Innoprise system, more than two years after the contract was signed, that they hired the accounting firm BerryDunn to come with a point-by-point management plan.
The purpose of the $1.5 million contract is to overhaul and streamline the computer system used throughout city departments. It would handle everything from payroll to a resident-complaint program, which a number of cities have implemented in recent years.
In a letter sent to the mayor a couple of weeks ago, the vice president of Harris Enterprise Resource Planning, the company that took over Innoprise shortly after the deal with the city, essentially said the delays are the city's fault. The letter notes that it was the city that requested the delays and that they were caused "through no fault on our part." He also writes that the company would be raising its hourly rate because of the delays, as per the contract.
City Information Systems Director Jennie Angell, who has been in the hot seat more than once about the software contract, told the aldermen Tuesday that the vendor could only charge more if all the hours allotted under the contract were used up - and the company is nowhere close to that point. "There are no bills coming," Angell said.
Mayor Gatsas, for his part, said he would not respond to the letter until BerryDunn completes its management report, which is expected later this month.
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Ted Siefer may be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow him on Twitter: @tbsreporter.
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Superintendent taking heat over lack of communicationREADER COMMENTS: 1
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For students, our tours are co-curricular enrichment programs that aim to form the entire person, and not simply impart information. For foreign guests, balikbayans, and the general public, we offer tours that excite and inspire the heart, the imagination, and the spirit.
Heroes Square tours feature multimedia and theatrical shows presented in various sites in Intramuros. These include walking tours, plays, dance, music, living history, and more.
By showing that the world of our heroes is still the world we live in today, Heroes Square aims to move people to see the Philippines with new eyes, to ignite dreams of greater possibility for the Filipino. By showing that our heroes are people like ourselves, with lives like our own, Heroes Square aims to embolden and empower everyone into realizing that we, too, can be heroes.
At the original site of Ateneo Municipal de Manila, participants will meet the young Rizal as a student then in Ateneo, with his favorite Jesuit teacher, Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez, SJ. Rizal and Padre Sanchez will talk about Rizal's wonderful and challenging experiences in life as a student.
Led by a comic couple who dramatize and reenact significant events in Philippine history, participants will experience an animated, theatrical walking tour of Fort Santiago. This walking tour gives participants the occasion to experience a journey into the rise and fall of the Filipinos' struggle for freedom in various periods of Philippine history.
Using dance, music, and theater, participants will experience an intense street theater piece that takes them on a kinetic journey along the walls of Intramuros. They will meet Andres Bonifacio, Gregoria de Jesus, Emilio Jacinto and learn about the Philippine Revolution.
At the Valedictory Hall of Rizal Shrine, participants will meet José Rizal, Josephine Bracken, Doña Teodora Alonzo and Padre Sanchez in a heartwarming musical drama presentation on the life and heroism of our National Hero. The presentation invites the audience to reflect on the question: What was Rizal's life all about?


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Currently you can buy Paula's Choice products directly from this site and a few top-rated products from other brands are available via links to affiliate websites. We review and recommend products from other brands because we are dedicated to helping you find the best products for your skin, whether they're from Paula's Choice or other lines.
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This is a good, thick-textured non-propellant shaving cream that effectively cushions skin, and it contains some good soothing agents. It is best for normal to dry or sensitive skin. The benzocaine serves as a mild topical anesthetic, but you want to be careful that the numbing effect doesn't prompt you to shave certain areas repeatedly each time you pick up your razor. Doing so increases the likelihood of nicking the skin or causing razor bumps. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after each use. Maximum Comfort Shave Cream is fragrance-free. Note: This product is also available in an 8-ounce jar for $24.
Rich, creamy formula with Aloe and Caffeine softens beard and conditions skin for a close and comfortable shave.
Water, Stearic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol Stearate, Petrolatum, Triethanolamine, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Tridecyl Stearate, Cola Nitida (Kola) Nut Extract, Hordeum Distichon (Barley) Extract, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Myristyl Myristate, Glycine, Lanolin Alcohol, Cholesterol, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Diethylhexyl Adipate, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Ethylhyxyl Palmitate, Algin, Dimethicone, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Myristyl Laurate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Polyqyaternium-10, Linoleic Acid, Acetyl Glutamine, Laureth-3, Caprylyl Glycol, Myristyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethycellulose, Hexylene Glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Phenoxyethanol
Owned by Estee Lauder Corporation, Lab Series Skincare for Men used to be called Aramis Lab Series for Men. Lauder also has other brands that offer male-specific products, including Clinique Skin Supplies for Men and Aveda Men, but the Lab Series products by far have the better formulas. That's not to say there aren't any missteps to watch out for, because there are plenty, but given that the formulas of most men's products fall far behind those of women's products in terms of basic good skin care, a few good products in a men's line is something out of the ordinary. Compared with Clinique's soap- and alcohol-laden toner routine and the incomplete, overly fragrant offerings from Aveda, Lab Series is the Lauder-owned men's line most deserving of your consideration.
Originally launched in 1987 (well before the industry was taking the men's skin-care market seriously), the people behind this brand now are described as "an elite team of doctors, scientists, and skin-care specialists" who join forces at the Lab Series Research Center to create advanced products tailored specifically to men. However, lofty descriptions don't necessarily make for great skin care. In fact, all that these "specialists" needed to do was look at the well-formulated products from the best Lauder has to offer. In some cases, it's clear they did just that, but in other cases ... well, it should've been an across-the-board strategy but that's now how it shakes out.
In terms of ingredients, there is nothing in these formulas that you don't also find in products marketed to women. Regardless of gender, skin is skin. Hormonal elements do play a role, such as male hormones making a man's skin thicker and more oily than a woman's skin, just as female hormones make a woman's skin smoother and softer, and, more often than not, with smaller pores than a male. But, in terms of what either gender needs to create and maintain healthy, protected skin, there is no fundamental difference. When it comes to acne, sun protection, free-radical damage, growing older, rosacea, psoriasis, and on and on, there is no research showing that men require products that are different from those women need.
Quality aside, what generally differentiates men's products from women's is packaging, and Lab Series Skincare for Men follows that theme. They offer masculine, no-nonsense packaging and plenty of products to deal with the morning shaving ritual. And considering all the talk about elite doctors and scientists endeavoring to create superior products for men, it's disturbing that these so-called experts formulated several products that contain irritants such as alcohol (which also generates free-radical damage), menthol, sandalwood, and peppermint. Those bracing, invigorating ingredients may seem manly, but it's only sensory perception. The reality is that the amount of these irritants in many of the problematic Lab Series products makes them damaging to skin, especially when applied immediately after shaving, causing "razor burn" (which is not really only about the process of using a razor. Think about women shaving their legs; they don't get red bumps unless they use overly fragrant moisturizers afterward.)
It is worth mentioning that Lab Series offers sensible advice about the best ways to shave skin on their Web site. Some of their other information about men's skin having special needs is off base and not at all rooted in fact, but it works within the context of getting guys to become more interested in keeping up their appearances using a sensible skin-care routine.
For more information about Lab Series, call (866) 316-4819 or visit www.labseries.com.
Paula Begoun is the best-selling author of 20 books on skin care and makeup. She is known worldwide as the Cosmetics Cop and creator of Paula's Choice. Paula's expertise has led to hundreds of appearances on national and international television including:
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Vine Announces Trending Hashtags, Further Antagonizing Haters
By Mary C. Long on April 5, 2013 6:00 PM
There are those on Twitter who love to hate Vines. They have good reason, we guess. Vines are new and (sometimes) annoying – and everyone is talking about them like they're the best thing since . . . the last best thing everyone hated.
But Vine is going strong in spite of the haters. And it just announced a new feature that will make those you love Vines go ga ga a-new, while making detractors gag: trending hashtags.
Time to #VineItUp.