Sunday, September 20, 2009

At-Home Beauty Treatments Offer Lower Costs, Lower Risks

<p>There has been an increase recently in Americans' obsessions to look and feel better. Reality makeover programs such as "Extreme Makeover" use cosmetic surgery to erase signs of aging or to change the size and shape of specific body parts. However, for some people, invasive procedures are not an option. <p> Many are afraid to undergo surgery because of the risks or the expense that is often associated with these cosmetic procedures. Fortunately, there are now products that can be used in the privacy of your own home for a fraction of the cost, are more convenient and offer great results. <p> For years, those searching to get rid of fine lines and get that healthy glow went to a physician for microdermabrasion, a treatment where dead skin cells are removed with tiny silicon or aluminum-oxide crystals blown against the skin using a hand-held device and then sucked up with a small vacuum. Costing about $1,200 a visit, the procedure was not easy on the wallet. But there's a new generation of at-home alternatives that allows you to get similar results within weeks. Creams and serums that contain Retinol (pure vitamin A) exfoliate the skin, giving a more youthful appearance. Those who want to go a step further can now buy their own high-tech beauty treatment system, a microdermabrasion machine, at a cost of $79.95 (www.sharperimage.com). <p> Some women are unhappy with the size or shape of their bust. They might have always wished they were a cup size larger so that their clothes fit them better, or they may have noticed changes in their shape after childbirth. Regardless of the reason, many of these women are afraid or unwilling to undergo the pain associated with implants. Others are simply not willing to fork over the average $5,000 cost for surgery. Now there is another option available, a system that is clinically proven to grow a woman's own natural breasts about a cup size without surgery, pills or creams. <p> These are just a few of the do-it-yourself at home beauty treatments that are easier on your wallet, provide you with more control of your looks and can be done on your own time. To find out more about these treatments, log on to their Web sites or try the procedures yourself for the ultimate proof. - NU <p> <p></p>

SolidWorks – an Overview

Not so long ago, companies had massive drafting departments. Workers hand created detailed technical drawings that concisely conveyed all the specifications to convert an idea into a physical form. But, about twenty years ago Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software programs debuted on the market. Training a CAD operator could eliminate a handful of drafters.
<br>
<br>As the use of personal computer increased, eventually engineers, designers, and architects began doing their own drafting work. Today anyone involved in any kind of design work from cars, perfume bottles, and even students, use Computer-Aided Design programs. One of the best known packages on the market is SolidWorks.
<br>
<br>Introduced in 1995, SolidWorks is a three dimensional mechanical CAD program that runs on Microsoft Windows. This year SolidWorks sold its one millionth license, making it one of the most popular products in the 3D mechanical CAD market. With its Windows-like user interface and use of standard conventions, such as toolbars, menus, and icon command buttons, SolidWorks feels familiar and is relatively easy to use considering its complex nature.
<br>
<br>Work usually starts with a two dimensional sketch. At first it looks like a geometric sketch consisting of points, lines, and arcs. Then dimensions are applied to define the size and location. Relations are used to define attributes – for example if certain parts are to be parallel or perpendicular. The set dimensions and relations drive the geometry which is why it is known as parametric feature-based approach to creating models.
<br>
<br>Prior to programs like SolidWorks, designs were sketched on paper and then prototypes were created to test ideas in the real world. Things often didn't work out and it was back to the drawing board, literally. SolidWorks allows users to do all the testing and simulating virtually. The virtual prototype behaves as it would in the real world because users input all the characteristic of the real thing.
<br>
<br>This has dramatically changed the way products are designed. Multiple changes can be quickly made and tested. SolidWorks was the first to offer users the ability to roll back through the development of the design to make changes and add additional features. With parametric software changes made to one area are propagated to all other areas of the design automatically. The result is a dramatic reduction to the amount of time devoted to design and testing.
<br>
<br>Solidworks offers another tremendously beneficial feature allowing users to put together components – creating a virtual assembly. Each piece is individually designed and then one can see how parts interact together. Tests can be run to make sure components assembly properly and don't interfere with each other as they move. With this application both pieces and a final product can be designed and tested without even setting foot in the factory.
<br>
<br>When a design has been virtually tested and assembled, SolidWorks offers several different tools that automate the drawing process. Using the information in the three dimensional design, SolidWorks creates drawings that are needed by manufacturers to provide quotes and determine proper manufacturing processes.
<br>
<br>In short, software applications such as SolidWorks have revolutionized the manufacturing industry as well as many other design industries. While mainly used for commercial applications, even the layperson can have fun tinkering with SolidWorks. There are endless applications and many user groups that meet regularly.
<br>
<br>About the Author: Find <a href="http://www.solidworksjobs.net/" rel="nofollow">Solidworks jobs</a> near you at SolidWorksJobs.net.
<br>

Free Food - Massive Coupons and Freebies

<p>If you like saving, you're probably like many collecting coupons and always looking for the free food giveaways. There's actually a ton of resources online that give away free food, free groceries, coupons and more online. However, it can sometimes be difficult finding the sites and knowing what to look for.</p><p>Recently there have been a lot of sites online that are offering rewards programs, where you can actually get free food or free groceries after completing their requirements. In some cases it can be an absolute steal, especially if you were looking for the items in their rewards program anyhow.</p><p>Local charities and groups tend to run food drives and do a lot of giveaways as well. Schools are big on the food drives and collect canned goods, and then deliver these items to local shelters to help out the not so fortunate.</p><p>If you're looking for free food and the best deals when it comes to coupons, we've been very fortunate to find a few really good resources that actually do what they say to do. Just be sure to do your own research and look for the best deals. There are tons of buy one get one free deals and sources on the internet for free food giveaways and groceries coupons. The trick to finding free items online is to visit as many sites as possible and reading just about everything on the site. After doing a lot of research ourselves, these sites do exist and when you do find them, they are absolute goldmines.</p><p>We've found some really good sites when it comes to free food and coupons. Here's our number one recommended. <a target="_new" href="http://www.freegroceries247.com" rel="nofollow">free food</a></p>