Laser Marking and Laser Etching on Glass for Industrial Applications

The marking of glass for industrial use has been done for hundreds of years. In the past the methods used have included ink stamp marking, sand blasting, air grit, acid etching, scribing etc.

Industrial applications of glass marking include:

1. Marking of safety information on safety glass used in commercial and residential construction. This includes glass areas around doors and/or entrance and exit locations. 2. Marking of glass for commercial and residential construction to identify the glass or door manufacturer [for product identification and marketing/sales activity] 3. Marking of headlamp or tail light lens in automotive applications for manufactures name, year of manufacture and/or part number. Also used in the manufacture of televisions for marking mirrors and lens. 4. Marking of serial number, product identification, or other manufacturing information for the prevention of theft and validation of warranty claims 5. Marking serial numbers, part numbers, text, or bar codes allowing for parts to be tracked though the production process until final assembly and shipment

The traditional methods of glass marking all involve contact with the surface of the glass product which exposes the product to stress and potential damage. Co2 lasers offer significant advantages for marking glass products. The RF excited sealed beam Co2 laser coupled with a galvo head and software offers the fastest, cleanest, most reliable method for marking and etching glass.

A Co2 laser can laser mark glass with bar codes, especially 2-D or data matrix bar codes, which can easily be coupled with vision systems for reading the data contained in the bar code. The use of bar codes on glass allows for the product to be tracked all the way through the production process until final assembly. This helps assure a continuous uninterrupted supply of product. The laser marked or laser etched bar code can also be used after the sale of the product for identification purposes and validation. This helps to eliminate warranty costs related to counterfeit or unauthorized products.

A Co2 laser marked or laser etched bar code can also be read by vision systems in the manufacturing process to determine the identity of the part. Examples include prescription strength of eye glass lens, or the type of front headlamp lens used in a Honda Civic. This ensures that the part is sorted and used properly throughout the manufacturing process and that the correct number of parts is produced based on anticipated sales for final assembled components.

The advances of Co2 laser marking of glass over traditional methods are extensive. These include:

* No contact with the part as in scribing methods thereby reducing the possibility of breakage to and damage of the part, as well as elimination of the maintenance required for the scribe unit * No solvents, thinning, or cleaning agents to purchase and keep in stock as in the case of ink marking or ink printing systems, thereby significantly reducing costs of operation and eliminating the need for continuous maintenance associated with these various ink printing technologies * No pads for ink printing to maintain as they can fall to an angle or become turned sideways causing the printed image on the glass to appear sideways or not square. * No need to stop the glass in place and make sure a secure fit with the rubber mask is formed as in the case of Airgrit marking * With Co2 laser marking for industrial glass applications the product can be marked on the fly [while moving]. If stopped or 'squared' for marking, five to eight lines of text plus logo's can be laser etched in less than 0.5 of a second. * With Co2 laser marking no supplies are necessary and no secondary process exists for cleaning or maintenance. * With Co2 laser marking changes to the mark [different text, different logo, difference shape, etc] can be accomplished with a simple click and drag command of the mouse.

Co2 laser marking for glass in industrial applications is the fastest, most effective, least costly method in which to mark the product

Jim Morin writes for Worldwide Laser Service Corporation a company that specializes in T.E.A. Co2 lasers. For more information visit http://www.wlsc.com

America's National Pastime - Blogging

According to the latest Time - CNN poll as reported by Wolf Blitzer in the situation room, Kvetching and Internet Poker have replaced Baseball as America's favorite pastime. Kvetching has spawned a huge industry in the United States of America now that the manufacturing jobs have been relocated to China. "Kvetch": "to complain, blame, harangue, scapegoat, get freaked out about, drive crazy, whine about, gossip, spin, twist the truth, lie and tell the truth about but do nothing about it except kvetch."

Kvetching is the fuel of the internet, a multi billion dollar industry. The internet has turned the Earth into a worldwide Kvetchfest. Every blog is a series of daily kvetches by literally hundreds of millions of people world wide. Blogging is now replacing psychiatry as a way for people to vent their fear, frustration, anger, and sense of worthlessness. Soon blogging will render psychiatry obsolete. Instead of lying on a couch for 45 minutes complaining about what your father said to you when you were 5 years old, as your Doctor sits silently thinking about what to buy his mistress for her birthday, and then saying, "I'm sorry our time's up for this week I'll see you next Wednesday", for $100 per session, people can now sit down at their computer and kvetch for free for as long as they like to the entire world.

Not only this, but the search engines' super computers index every single word of every single person's kvetch, so that if you search "Bush" you will come up with 228 million search results. Unfortunately the search engines do not yet display all 228 million results for each word, but they do display a thousand, and getting your kvetch into the top thousand has spawned an entire industry of snake oil salesmen called SEO experts. For a modest fee these people will tell you which words to use in your kvetch, submit your kvetch to millions of search engines, and promise to get your kvetch into the top ten kvetches for your keyword, the big time, where millions of people can read about your problem and feel sorry for you and send you comments, emails, and invite you to join their group of people with similar complaints. The NSA is now recording every telephone conversation that you make, writing down the name and number of the person you called, and recording every word of every blog that you write. It is as though they are recording on super computers every thought that comes into your mind. Even George Orwell could not have imagined this. It is like we are robots gone mad and our brains are mini computers and the government is the main computer trying to reign us all in, to defragment the system before we blow up the earth once and for all.

Kvetching is the fuel of the media, newspaper commentators and television commentators. You can now watch the talking heads in high definition. They have divided up into groups, Democrats and Republicans. Now the Republicans are kvetching about the other Republicans, as well as the Democrats. The Shiites are kvetching about the Sunnis and the Kurds and the Muslims are kvetching about the Hindus. The Americans are kvetching about the Iranians and the Iranians are kvetching about the Jews and the Americans. The psychiatrists only exist now because the search engines are not permitted to hand out medications, although that is changing. Drug companies are buying up our email addresses and spamming our mail boxes with invitations to purchase anti depressants over the internet without the intervention of any doctors. They are not concerned that many of these anti depressants cause even worse depression and cause the bloggers to commit suicide. The doctors are getting their revenge on patients who left them for their keyboards.

There is a deeply spiritual reason why computers are so popular. We know from countless people who have had near death experiences that after death many of us go back into a tunnel of brilliant white light. We experience a sense of complete relief and ecstasy, not a care in the world, all of our troubles left behind. Looking into the white light of our computer screens for hours on end we become one with the white light that is our holy spirit. We feel as though we are back in the womb, back in heaven from where we came, free from all worldly cares, like nuclear world war 3, global warming, Armageddon, pollution, crumbling economies, which worries are shouted at us constantly by the newspapers, televisions, and computer screens, sending us reeling to psychiatrists, drugstores, and SEO experts.

More American soldiers have committed suicide in Iraq than have been killed in combat. Imagine the stress they are under. They are in a country where they are universally hated, protecting people who hate their guts, watching their best friends get killed and their legs and arms blown off every single day, frightened to death that this will be their fate as they round the next turn, all for a country which was tricked into going to war and no longer believes in the war. Instead of sending more troops, the United States needs to send over more SEO experts. Don't worry. Soon it will all be over. Jesus is coming on a flying white horse to save us all again, and to meet George Bush in Jerusalem, to congratulate him on his successful crusade, reclaiming the Holy Land for Christianity as the Pope did with his Christian Army 1,000 years ago. As Albert Einstein said to his lover of 20 years, "If you didn't kvetch you'd have nothing to say at all. So keep on kvetching, you kvetch."

About the Author

Karen Fish is a writer currently living in Los Angeles California. The Temple of Love http://www.thetempleoflove.com/

5 Tips for Stretching Your Remodeling Budget

It's that time of year again, spring is in the air, and that means fresh thoughts, new beginnings, and ideas for home renovation start to take shape. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) reminds homeowners that May is Home Improvement Month, marking the time when homeowners across the country seek out contractors who can turn their dream homes into reality.

"Preparing for a remodeling project is a lot like preparing to buy a car," said Everett Collier, CR, of Collier-Ostrom Remodeling, and President of NARI, "you may know which room and style you'd like, but the options you choose may drive the price higher than you can reasonably afford." He adds, "However, there are ways to stretch your remodeling budget."

Below are NARI's tips for stretching that budget:

Getting Started

? Hire a professional contractor who is familiar with the building codes in your area. Replacing work that does not meet code can be extremely expensive.

? A well-written contract can prevent costly mistakes or additions to the scope of your project. It is a critical step in maintaining your budget.

? Save money by planning ahead. Go through the design process with your remodeler first and choose everything you want to include in the new room(s), from appliances to light fixtures. This will define your budget and prevent hasty (and costly) changes later in the project.

? Compare products and their prices carefully before you make final decisions. And keep an open mind when you discuss product and design ideas with your contractor.

? Aside from product choice, another way to decrease the cost of your remodeling project is to pay attention to how labor-intensive some design features may be. For instance, laying a ceramic tile mosaic backsplash would be costly vs. a backsplash laid with conventional-sized tiles.

The remodeling market, a $275 billion industry in the U.S. in 2005, is expected to continue to experience significant growth. It is estimated that more than a million homes per year undergo major renovation or remodeling.

NARI is a professional association whose members voluntarily subscribe to a strict code of ethics. Consumers may wish to search www.RemodelToday.com to find a qualified professional who is a member of NARI. Consumers can also call the NARI National hotline at 800-611-NARI and request a free copy of NARI's brochure, "How to Select a Remodeling Professional," or visit www.RemodelToday.com and click on the homeowner's guide for more information. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only trade association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. With more than 7,000 member companies nationwide, the Association -- based in Des Plaines, Illinois -- is "The Voice of the Remodeling Industry."TM For membership information, or to locate a local NARI chapter or a remodeling professional, visit NARI's website at www.RemodelToday.com, or contact the national headquarters office at 800-611-NARI.

EDITORS NOTE: HIGH-RES BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS OF WINNING REMODELING PROJECTS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE. Contact Michelle Hillgoth at 847-298-9200 or e-mail marketing@nari.org

NARI members are committed to being professional, ethical and honest, and committed to high standards. If you DO NOT wish to continue receiving e-mail from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, please e-mail marketing@nari.org with the word "remove" in the subject line.

Director of Marketing and Communications National Association of the Remodeling Industry

Chemical etching -an innovative process for your all nameplate requirements

Chemical etching is a skilled practice of engraving your brand name on a nameplate. Texas Nameplate Company etches your emblem directly or indirectly on the metallic or non-metallic base and makes it more pliable to any lacerations. Chemical etching can be a substitute for embossing. The chemical etched nameplates are made by masking certain areas of metal by acid resistant material and then taking off desired amount of exposed material by acid. Widely custom name plates are etched on aluminum, stainless steel, brass, alloys etc and then baked after stuffing with varnishes for a perfect finish. The depth of industrial name plates etching varies from 0.0015 to 0.003 inches, depending on the height and stroke of letters and the type of metal or alloy. Along with chemicals gas and electric processes can also etch these wide ranges of metals.

Etching, also termed as 'milling' is of different types like laser etching, abrasive etching in which abrasives are used, photo chemical etching which is quite inexpensive and a high quality etching method. Photo chemically etched metals thus produced can be used as cost effective name tags, custom labels, panel boards, personalized name tags, industrial name plates for commercial uses and personalized name plate. Electro etching in which electric current is used instead of chemicals, dry etching does not use chemicals at all, Reactive ion etching which uses electric circuits and gas having chlorine or fluorine as iodized particles and vapor phase etching which also make use of reactive gases and many others to add to the list.

Chemical etching is preferred for practical applications and product identification tag. Name Tags made by chemical etching are durable items, which withstand even the harsh surroundings. Chemical etching makes your custom name tags withstand toughest environments, high temperatures and extreme outdoor conditions. Thus solve your purpose year after year. Texas Nameplate Company compliments the etching with screen-printing to avoid splitting or other form of wear and tear. Various adhesives are also added to etched metal name tags according to your specifications for pasting or welding. You can use our chemical etching nameplates on truck, tankers and trailer, control panels, dials and gauges of aircrafts, asset and property plates; and operating and warning signs for numerous electronics, military vehicles, and machinery etc. Chemical etching is also used to create stencils for commercial art and woodworks.

You can always depend upon TNC for any queries regarding the etching of your nameplates and sort out material suiting your specific requirements.Prabhjot kaur, working with Mileston Consultants www.milestone.cc in Plano as a Sr. SEO Analyst. Milestone Consultants is a global solutions organization providing expertise and business solutions in Project Management, Web Solutions, Business Process Outsourcing and Search Engine Optimization.

How to Draw Manga, Keen Style CG - Part 1: Sketching

Well this is the first part of my drawing series. This tutorial assumes that you already have some knowledge on drawing anime or manga. The beginners can still learn from this, but the drawing parts wont be in depth, just some tips and techniques on drawing to optimize the picture, that I use during the sketching process.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Since this is a drawing tutorial, images are vital for the teaching of some techniques. That is why I have so many. However, since this site doesn't allow the use of image tags in articles, so I have to make do with the limited links I can use. If you want to see the whole article which all the images, you can go to my website or the article, How to Draw Manga, Keen Style CG - Part 1: Sketching

Initial Sketch [Image] Firstly, before any CG (which stands for Computer Graphics by the way), I start with a nice sketch. Here is the end result. (Click on the picture for a larger size). In this tutorial I'll show the process of making this picture.

There's a whole lot of symbolical detail in this picture, but I'll elaborate on that later on in the tutorial =)

The program I use is called OpenCanvas, at this point in CGing, where you have to do sketching, it doesn't really matter. It is a basic sketch after all so you can use paint if you wanted (though the fact that it only has 3 undos' was really off-putting for me =D ).

This picture took 3 hours to draw. Yep 3 hours =D. Why did it take so long you say? Because it didn't turn out the way I like it =D. Sometimes I take 20 minutes to sketch something up, up to the massive 3 hour mark, especially if I'm drawing on the computer. Drawing on the computer has its benefits, as you can fix up errors that you see, while for drawing, sometimes you just can't be bothered to fix those errors you see =D. And the computer has the blessed undo-key. Ahh, what would we do without that? =)
Contest And Description I decided to enter a contest of a good friend of mine on DeviantArt, over at AkitoMaru.deviantart.com. This contest was in celebration of her 6,000th hit (yes I am well aware that that figure is more than double my current page views of my own deviantart account (http://keenfoong.deviantart.com/ ) at the time of this writing -_-). Well anyway, for this contest, I had to draw one of her three original characters. I chose Vampire Mello, you can see her picture and description here.

Now that I've chosen, I read her description of that character, Mello:

"This little vampire doesn't drain people of their blood, rather drains their souls in hopes to recover her other wing... o_o the bunny on her shoulder is BonBon and does most of her talking for her... her location are usually around graveyards or abandoned churches. "

Good, now that I've got this description, I have this great picture in mind. This is greatly important. Having a clear, sharp picture in mind is vital for a breath-taking picture, even if your skills aren't too great, this can still help make a nice picture (not that I'm claiming that mine are extremely good =P). Also, make sure you have a description of the character that you're drawing in mind, it adds to the feel of the character.

For this picture I had a couple things in mind:

• I wanted to emphasise the fact that she did only have one wing (as it was a surprise for me seeing only one wing when I first saw her picture).
• I also wanted to show her sadness for only having one wing (I'm not sure if this is true to that character or not, but I got this impression).
• The abandoned churches and around graveyards said to me that she would be lonely (also further emphasised by her lack of speech, BonBon (the little rabbit thingo), would do the talking).

Err... that's it I guess, =) I'm sure I had more in mind while I was drawing it, but I've forgotten it. =P Anyway, it's good to have the description in mind, so you can actually draw the features on to the picture, and thus adding to the overall feel to the art work.
Sketching With that out of the way, lets start drawing!

Sometimes I draw on paper, sometimes I draw on computer. This time I drew on the computer because I was lazy to draw on paper. So lets start with the basic sketching.

[Image] You might notice that this picture is pretty different to the end product. Yep, I didn't really have a clear enough image in mind, (even if I did have a clear-ish image in mind at the time). So make sure you image is very clear before you start.

By the way, don't be afraid of making mistakes. Just let your mind flow, since you've already had the clear image in mind, your mind should automatically go towards that image. Oh yeah, btw, the brush I used was Sharp Pencil, Radius 0.5 for OpenCanvas, not that it's necessary.

[Image] Added more detail (legs and other arm), twisted it a bit.
Perspective Change [Image] Sometimes I flip it over to change the perspective a bit. You know that tip where you ask peoples opinions of your picture? then you ask them they can immediately spot errors you didn't see before, right?

Wouldn't it be nice if you would always see the errors, without the pain of getting people (and sometimes the harsh crit), which might put you off drawing that pic altogether? Well flipping is the technique for you!! Well sorta =D.

Flipping the picture gets you to see the picture in a different perspective instead of your locked view, which disallowed to see even the most obvious of errors. This is the same as going away from you picture for a while (5 minutes to a few days), then coming back, and seeing all those nasty errors pop-up! Same thing, except for the huge time lag =).

By the way, I sometimes flip it vertically also (though not often) since you also get used to seeing the second, flipped view. When I first started drawing, I never used it. I learned this technique from some place and decided to try it out on my pictures that I drew. I flipped it, and voila! So many errors were there that I nearly kicked myself seeing all of them! That is because this is how other people see it, with your approximate skill level in drawing. I had a fun time fixing those errors.

Now, when I flip the image, the errors don't come out so much anymore. Might be because I was a little better when I first started (I'd better be, other wise I'd go ballistic because I've wasted a couple of years =)), or maybe I've gotten used to seeing the other view, and get locked with it too.

I try to avoid this locked view, by looking at this picture as a whole, taking in the whole picture, all four corners (sometimes by zooming out or taking a step back to have a look at the picture if you're drawing on paper).
Problem! [Image] (Added some additional details)

BAH! Problem Encountered!

At this point, I realized that the wing was going to be a problem. I wanted to show that she had a lack of wing, but with the wing on this side, the lack of wing is going to be on the other side. What's wrong with that you say? Take a look! =P

With the wing on this side, some viewers may assume that there is actually a wing on the other side, but he's actually blocking it. AAAH! Why didn't I think of that before! At this point I was torn to whether to leave it be, or get rid of all the arms (and those hard to do hands )= ), switching the wing to the other side, and having her hold her wingless side, since that was my original intention, (symbolical blah blahs).

In the end I decided to do it. That this, in itself says, how important it is to have a clear picture in mind! =)
Hands and Other Little Details

[Image] Added little BonBon, and her wing.

[Image] Just to say, I had a WHOLE lot of trouble doing this hand. I must of tried 5 different techniques, redrawing the hands many times more than I care to remember! In the end I just gave up and let my mind do what it felt like it by scribbling anything, not caring if the end result came up right or not.

It turned out alright =D Well better than some of the other hands I had, I just need to do some tweaking now.
Background [Image] Added a basic sketch of a window, and some cloth behind her, made to kinda look like her missing wing (more symbolical blah blahs).

In case you're wondering, the reason why are some areas of the pictures are bold is because those are the areas I drew over many times =P So I had a little trouble drawing those bits =D.

[Image] Added a bit of shading to set the mood.
Clothing [Image] Some tweaking, and added some clothes.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention earlier. I tend to draw the naked body underneath first. =P Not because I'm perverted =), but because the clothing fits better around it, that way you can't have clothing looking like it is the body, like you see in some amateurish drawings =D.

Oh, and also, I didn't draw breasts for this girlie this time, I usually do, but from the looks of the original picture, she was kinda flat =P So I omitted it this time =)

Also, it helps for practicing anatomy.
Finish [Image] Then the end result. Did more tweaking and finished the wing. Still not entirely happy with the hand, and her left arm doesn't look relaxed enough.

But yeah, never mind. Sometimes you see errors after you've done too much. If this happens, make sure you make note of this, to make sure you don't make the same mistake ever again.

Conclusion Well there you have it! My 3 hours of sketching! =P Most of the time was spent just fixing the arms and the hands, and getting her body right. At the time of this writing, I still had trouble getting the arms and hands to0evoke the feeling I wanted. Getting the whole picture to evoke ghat you want to feel is pretty difficult, especially for learners like me. Making it not awkward, and making each part of the body (i.e body language), work fob the feeling of the picture is key.
Symbolical Stuff Well time for me to explain some of the symbolical stuff in here. People are welcome to skip this part, if you wish, but for those people who are just curious, I'll put it down here. Well firstly, lets get the description down here:

This little vampire doesn't drain people of their blood, rather drains their souls in hopes to recover her other wing... o_o the bunny on her shoulder is BonBon and does most of her talking for her... her location are usually around graveyards or abandoned churches.

Other than the obvious cuteness elements and possible sexy elements, the arms and hands, and legs, were put there for a purpose. Her left arm is holding her wingless shoulder/back. This represents her sadness for her lost wing.

The cloth behind her is there to represent her attempts in regaining this wing (though it does look kinda bad/comical, so I might remove it, but then again, I might not too =D). I wanted her right hand to grip her shirt, but it didn't really happen, but this was going to represent her pain and suffering, and loneliness. Her eyes would show that too, since in anime, this is the most easiest place to see their expression and feeling.

Her wing is opened out just to show her one and only wing. Legs, and the surrounding cloth on the floor, are there to show her chaos and suffering.

Woo, now that's done, you now can laugh at my description. Laugh at me if you will, but this little description helps me draw a whole lot better in my opinion, that way I can get a nice feel from the picture.

Now that you've read my article, you might want to visit my own website. There are more articles there if you wish to learn and read.

AniKC - a Place for Manga, Tutorials, Games and Articles and Other Useful Resources.

Stretching, It's Not Just For Your Body Anymore.

"Where Your Mind Goes, Your Body Follows."

Wade McNutt Natural Champion Bodybuilder

Flexibility is critical for proper body movement. And to achieve that requires proper stretching. You instinctively stretch, usually after first awakening. You push your limbs in extended movements to get that 'good stretch' feeling.

This book is insufficient to devise a stretching program to meet your total needs. There are plenty of good books out there. The one I have used for years is called 'Stretching' by Bob Anderson. He now has a DVD version if you prefer a visual approach. Both are available through Amazon.com.

The Key to stretching is when to do it. It was once thought that stretching should be part of your warm-up. Stretch and be ready for your workout. Now we know differently.

Stretching should be done at the end of your workout, after the muscles are warmed and supple. The problem is that you are usually pushing to finish your workout and get out of the gym, not trying to find a way to stay longer. However, allow me to encourage you to plan your stretching as part of your workout.

Taking less than 5 minutes to stretch out the major muscles just worked not only feels good but gives you lasting physical benefits. I had the pleasure to train a married couple, who first met at yoga class. These two had stretching down pat! While they and most yoga practitioners will bend your ear with the positives of stretching, you don't have to do yoga to feel real benefits.

Get Bob Anderson's book and incorporate stretching into your regular workout routine. Plan for it, do it.

While stretching the muscles is important, this title of this chapter implies something more than physical stretching. I believe there is a form of stretching that is essential key to long term success for you.

Recently, Forbes Magazine interviewed billionaire Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Atlantic Airways. During the course of the interview he said something very interesting while talking about his mentor, Freddie Laker.

Richard Branson said, "At the time, I was running a little record company; I was about 17 years old. The first time I met him was some years later. I was thinking about setting up my own airline. He gave me this advice: 'You'll never have the advertising power to outsell British Airways. You are going to have to get out there and use yourself. Make a fool of yourself. Otherwise you won't survive'."

I won't ask you to make a 'fool' out of yourself, however, I believe you must stretch. Stretch your mind.

All of my clients, at one time or the other, have heard me say this, "we all have limits in the gym, and over 80% of your limitation is mental. My job as your personal trainer is to push you to your limit, and a little bit beyond, so that your limit is stretched. Each time you go into the gym you are pushed against your new limits. You will always feel like your head is 'banging against the wall'. But over time, in retrospect, you will be able to see the progress that you cannot really see each day because of the frustration of 'hitting your limit'."

Now that is a poorly worded way of saying that you are either stretching your limitations or your dying. Your limits are really only limits of your mind, your faith, your belief. You must know that although you don't realize all your goals now, you are making progress toward those each day.

My book of faith and doctrine puts it this way, "faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen."

You don't wake up one day and magically get the body you want (or endurance, or self-confidence or whatever your goal is). You take small steps each day, make small decisions each day, each of which either gets you closer, or further away, from your goal.

Remember to stretch your mind and body. Both are essential to your long term success.

Daily disciplines help 'stretch' your mind. If you need a tool, or aid, in focusing on what is most important to you allow me to recommend a website called Simpleology.com. I don't make any money from this recommendation, but I have received tremendous value from what Mark Joyner has done there. Don't let the name fool you. Check it out!

Lance Curtis is a personal trainer and author of "7 Keys to Unlock The Sexy Dream Body Inside You!" To claim your free copy go to http://ThePersonalTrainingGuru.com

Stretching, It?s Not Just For Your Body Anymore

Wade McNutt Natural Champion Bodybuilder

Flexibility is critical for proper body movement. And to achieve that requires proper stretching. You instinctively stretch, usually after first awakening. You push your limbs in extended movements to get that ?good stretch? feeling.

This book is insufficient to devise a stretching program to meet your total needs. There are plenty of good books out there. The one I have used for years is called ?Stretching? by Bob Anderson. He now has a DVD version if you prefer a visual approach. Both are available through Amazon.com.

The Key to stretching is when to do it. It was once thought that stretching should be part of your warm-up. Stretch and be ready for your workout. Now we know differently.

Stretching should be done at the end of your workout, after the muscles are warmed and supple. The problem is that you are usually pushing to finish your workout and get out of the gym, not trying to find a way to stay longer. However, allow me to encourage you to plan your stretching as part of your workout.

Taking less than 5 minutes to stretch out the major muscles just worked not only feels good but gives you lasting physical benefits. I had the pleasure to train a married couple, who first met at yoga class. These two had stretching down pat! While they and most yoga practitioners will bend your ear with the positives of stretching, you don?t have to do yoga to feel real benefits.

Get Bob Anderson?s book and incorporate stretching into your regular workout routine. Plan for it, do it.

While stretching the muscles is important, this title of this chapter implies something more than physical stretching. I believe there is a form of stretching that is essential key to long term success for you.

Recently, Forbes Magazine interviewed billionaire Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Atlantic Airways. During the course of the interview he said something very interesting while talking about his mentor, Freddie Laker.

Richard Branson said, "At the time, I was running a little record company; I was about 17 years old. The first time I met him was some years later. I was thinking about setting up my own airline. He gave me this advice: 'You'll never have the advertising power to outsell British Airways. You are going to have to get out there and use yourself. Make a fool of yourself. Otherwise you won't survive'."

I won?t ask you to make a ?fool? out of yourself, however, I believe you must stretch. Stretch your mind.

All of my clients, at one time or the other, have heard me say this, ?we all have limits in the gym, and over 80% of your limitation is mental. My job as your personal trainer is to push you to your limit, and a little bit beyond, so that your limit is stretched. Each time you go into the gym you are pushed against your new limits. You will always feel like your head is ?banging against the wall?. But over time, in retrospect, you will be able to see the progress that you cannot really see each day because of the frustration of ?hitting your limit?.?

Now that is a poorly worded way of saying that you are either stretching your limitations or your dying. Your limits are really only limits of your mind, your faith, your belief. You must know that although you don?t realize all your goals now, you are making progress toward those each day.

My book of faith and doctrine puts it this way, ?faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen.?

You don?t wake up one day and magically get the body you want (or endurance, or self-confidence or whatever your goal is). You take small steps each day, make small decisions each day, each of which either gets you closer, or further away, from your goal.

Remember to stretch your mind and body. Both are essential to your long term success.

Daily disciplines help ?stretch? your mind. If you need a tool, or aid, in focusing on what is most important to you allow me to recommend a website called Simpleology.com. I don?t make any money from this recommendation, but I have received tremendous value from what Mark Joyner has done there. Don?t let the name fool you. Check it out!
 

Etching Automobile History With the Lincoln Mark VII

The Lincoln Mark VII is a vehicle that is from the Ford Motor Company's Lincoln division of luxury cars and vehicles. Before it was known as the Lincoln Mark VII, this vehicle actually was called and named as the Lincoln Continental Mark VII. Since it holds the Lincoln brand, it has been crafted to be a luxury car and it has been designed to be a large car. In fact, it has been produced as a coupe with an installed rear wheel drive system.

The lifespan of the Lincoln Mark VII started in 1984. Production for this vehicle continued up until 1992. The vacant spot and the niche in automobile history that the Lincoln Mark VII left behind were filled come the following year when the Lincoln Mark VIII took that spot.

The platform that the Lincoln Mark VII is mounted and constructed on is actually the very same platform that has already been used in other vehicles from the Ford Motor Company. This includes the Ford Thunderbird, the Ford Mustang, and the Lincoln Continental. During the period that the Lincoln Mark VII was introduced and that same period when this vehicle still roamed the streets, it has been said that the Lincoln Mark VII held the most high technology features when it came to comfort and convenience. This was when the vehicle was compared to all the other vehicles out in the market that time. These high class features included power accessories like the power windows, power locks, and power seating. The vehicle also held leather seating, a keyless entry system installed, an onboard computer and message center, as well as digital instruments and gauges.

In automobile history, this vehicle has also etched its name for this was the very first vehicle from the United States that came with the electronic four channel anti lock brakes. This happened back in November 1984. It was good timing though for after six months, the Corvette came out with a vehicle that held the same feature.

Lincoln Parts and Car Parts is the right place to find top of the line Lincoln Mark VII parts, replacement parts, performance parts, OEM parts, and Lincoln accessories. This online store has a huge inventory that includes Lincoln Mark VII a/c condensers, catalytic converters, engine parts, exhaust manifolds, fuel tanks, mirrors, radiators, radiator supports, starters, and much more.

Pamela Hewitt is marketing consultant of a successful auto body shop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This 39 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications. She is also an offroad enthusiast.

The Importance of Stretching

Among the methods applied in sport training, one that has been used more and more lately is stretching. The word, English in origin, is used as such in many other languages and it comes from the verb to stretch (meaning, in this sense, 'to make your arms, legs and body as straight as possible so that your muscles become long and tight'). More exactly, we talk about stretching the muscles, the joints, the tendons, the ligaments, etc.

Even before the term itself and the specific methods gained individuality, stretching was used a lot, especially in sports or activities which require a very good mobility of the joints and special muscle suppleness (gymnastics, martial arts, ballet, etc.). The positions specific to hatha yoga were a source of inspiration for the different movements practiced in stretching, but these positions underwent many transformations, adaptations and simplifications.

The most important effect of stretching is suppleness of muscles and joints, which enables increased effectiveness during the training. There are different opinions about the exact time when stretching should be introduced in the training program.

Thus, there are authors who support the idea that stretching is indicated for both warming up and relaxation, and even for the main part of the training. On the other hand, there is the opinion that stretching must be done only in the relaxation faze, because the movements that are specific to it induce a state of relaxation that you do not want at the beginning of the training. This state comes as a result of maintaining the passive faze of the positions.

Anyway, everybody agrees that stretching needs to be anticipated by general warming up, this way the practitioner will avoid tightening of the muscles.

General warming up takes about 5 minutes and it contains aerobic exercises. Stretching muscles that have not been warmed up might be dangerous for the integrity of the muscle fibers, which could rupture easily.

Both weight and resistance training should include stretching; the effectiveness will only increase once this type of movement is done during training.

Another reason for higher effectiveness is the fact that a bigger number of motive units are involved in the movement and they are mobilized faster once the volitional order is transmitted, through the motive impulse, to the muscles. Given the fact that the range of the movements is larger, the sportsman can cover bigger distances, larger scopes, saving, at the same time, energy, which is important especially in very demanding sports (athletics, canoeing, etc.).

You can have a whole training only with stretching exercises. However, this is not advisable: the muscles will quickly get used to only relax, without contracting, which can produce a certain misbalance.

Another possible negative effect of exaggerated stretching movements (over the physiological limit of a joint) is laxity of the joints or even accidents like sprains, dislocations, tightening of ligaments or tendons, etc.). The main joints (knee, shoulder, elbow, etc.) are protected not only by their own mobility, but also by the elasticity of the muscles which surround them (periarticular).

In conclusion, stretching must be accompanied by other forms of training so that the sportsman will have a complete and secure fitness program.

Isabel Curini, fitness trainer and editor at http://www.healthfitnessworld.com. HealthFitnessWorld.com is dedicated to providing high-quality, free advices, tips and resources on exercise, fitness, body building, supplements, nutrition, weight loss.This article may be reprinted as long as the "About" and "weblinks" are kept intact and active.

The Power of Stretching

Your muscles ache from a good stretch. This is quite normal and is part of the process. Stretching has seemingly been with us and particular with athletes since the beginning of time.

A very key point to good stretching is to hold the stretch for at least seventeen seconds. This is a pearl of wisdom gleaned from a ballet teacher a few years back. She said that any stretch under 17 seconds was just not effective.

The 17 second rule is exceeded in the high intensity Bikram's yoga where stretches are held for about 30 seconds. Don't forget the high level of heat that is used in Bikram's to extract that last little bit of stretch out of your muscles. An interesting twist that is not necessary to gain benefits from stretching. But, it can't hurt, right?

So what kind of benefits can you expect from stretching? That's an easy one. Have you ever seen the movie, Blood Sport? Did you know that Frank Dux could truly stretch his body to the extreme. The actor that played him was quite elastic as well.

Great elasticity is also something you might see in well trained Spetsnaz(Russian)agents. They often work out with Russian kettlebells too. They are for superior strength gains and the ability to withstand ballistic shocks.

Why are stretching and flexibility considered important to these people? Stretching gives one the ability to have explosive power available at one's fingertips without the need to warm up. Of course most of us are not martial artists or agents. But, you'll be happy to know there are plenty of other benefits.

Let me give you an example. After learning to sit in the full lotus position for long periods of time, my ankles became very flexible. One day I was walking along and my left foot fell into a pothole. This mishap pushed my ankle sideways to about 90 degrees from it's normal position.

Amazingly, this didn't even hurt, not one bit. If my ankle hadn't been so flexible, I may have suffered a sprained ankle. At the very least, it would have hurt for days.

Key point: stretching helps us to avoid injuries. Not only that but if you do have a muscle, tendon or ligament injury it should heal faster, theoretically speaking.

Stretching actually grows the ligaments, tendons and muscles being stretched. They really grow longer over time.

Check with your physician before undertaking any type of exercise, including stretching.

Dave writes for To Be Informed: http://tobeinformed.com

Anti Aging Benefits Of Stretching Exercises| Why Stretch Muscles?

In many exercise programs, be it weight lifting for building and toning muscles or cardio vascular exercises for increasing stamina and to lose weight, most people do not perform enough stretching exercises even though stretching exercises can be performed by anyone at any age unless that person has some physical restriction to stretch. What is worse, many people do not even stretch before and after exercising. Unknown to most people, stretching also has anti aging benefits.

?Benefits of stretching exercises for muscle growth

Stretching is an important aspect of exercising and should be a part of any exercise routine and program. There are many wonderful benefits when you perform regular stretching exercises. Stretching exercises not only help you to warm up and cool down before and after your workouts, it can and will actually help your muscles to grow bigger and stronger too. Don?t believe me? Then read on.

Stretching exercises help muscle growth because stretching lengthens your muscles and thus giving your muscle fibers a greater range of motion when lifting weights. So in effect, it recruits more muscle fibers and thus causing your muscles to grow stronger and bigger from your weight training.

By stretching your muscles after an intensive workout will reduce muscle soreness commonly known as DOMS (delayed onset muscle sore) which usually occurs a day after your workout.

Performing stretching exercises before your workout or before a physically demanding sporting activity will also decrease your chances of sustaining injuries and muscle cramps which will certainly destroy the joy of your activity.

When you stretch regularly, stretching exercises will help you gain agility which will make your daily chores much more pleasant and if you play sports, you will notice your agility is much better than others who do not stretch. This will put you in a more beneficial position against your opponents.

?Anti Aging Benefits Of Stretching Exercises

If you are a baby boomer and age is catching up, this agility will make your life so much more pleasurable because you will be able to avoid stiff muscles and stiff joints unlike your peers who do not stretch. You will be more mobile, agile and suffering from less pain associated with aging and stiff body parts. These anti aging benefits from stretching regularly are priceless. Benefits that money can never be able to buy.

What is more, you can stretch anytime any where as and when you like. Stretching exercises need not be limited as a pre and post workout activity. So start a stretching exercise routine soon and make it part of your everyday lifestyle. You will surely enjoy the pleasures and anti aging benefits that a regular stretching routine can bring you.
Chris Chew is a fitness personal trainer of actors, pageant winners, fashion models and other celebrities. His websites Enjoy Fitness and Great Health Forever and Fitness Trainers In Singapore

Baseball Pitcher Warm-Up and Stretching

Pitching a baseball game begins long before you even step onto the pitching mound. It is important to prepare both physically and mentally for pitching in a game. Below are some mental and physical steps you can do to prepare for pitching on the day of the big baseball game.

When you wake up in the morning, begin mentally visualizing your pitching experience. Start imagining how your pitching will be that day. While taking your morning shower, think about how you want your pitching strategy to be. Do you want to throw many fastballs? Do you want to vary your pitching a lot in the game? Do you want to try and strike every batter out? Or would you want to pitch each batter in such a way as to try to get them to ground out to the infielders on the first pitch? All of this mental preparation can help visualize how you want to win.

During the day, conserve your energy and keep thinking about how you are going to pitch the best game ever. Your positive attitude will help you win. All of the positive thoughts will get you very excited about pitching in the game.

When you are getting dressed for the game, keep a clear head and positive attitude. If you pitching coach gave you advice on pitching strategy, repeat key concepts in your head. Consider the strategies for each batter. If you did research on the other team's players, remind yourself of which batters to pitch fastballs to, and which batters to throw curveballs to. You don't need to quiz yourself, but simply review the concepts in your head.

Before going into the pitching bullpen, gently jog around the field. Get the blood flowing. Gently stretch, and then jog a little more. It's important to loosen up your arms and your legs. Your entire body is needed for baseball pitching, so be sure to warm-up your entire body.

Once you've returned to the bullpen, go to a grassy spot away from other players and gently stretch your arms and arm joints. Focus on your shoulders, forearms, wrists, and elbow.

After stretching for about 5 or 10 minutes, find a teammate to have a simple catch with. Stand about 20 feet apart and simply throw the ball to each other. There's no need to throw any pitches at this point. Just throw the ball. Catching and throwing the ball will actually help you stretch some more before you even throw a single pitch. After a minute or two, extend the distance to about 50 feet apart. After a few more minutes of having a casual game of catch with your teammate, you should start casually going through the pitching motion. Use your legs in throwing the ball. Do a casual wind-up and lift your leg a little bit in the pitch.

Now that you've warmed up, you can start your pitching activities. Have a teammate, preferably a catcher; assume the catching position while you throw some practice pitches. Start with a very slow pitch and practice the pitching motions. Don't worry about speed. Pay attention to your pitching mechanics. The web site www.2PlayBall.com has books and videos that discuss the mechanics of baseball pitching. Besides reading and watching videos, you can also watch other pitchers and study how they pitch the ball.

Once you've thrown about 15 simple pitches while focusing on the delivery, start to warm-up your pitching aim. Focus on inside and outside pitching corners. Practice your aim with each of your pitches. Throw a fastball, curve, change-up, slider, and other pitches.

Ask your warm-up catcher and another teammate to go to home plate and practice with you while you stand on the pitcher's mound. Your practice catcher should assume the catching position, and your other teammate should stand in the batters box with a baseball bat in hand. The practice batter should not hit your practice pitches, but simply stand in the hitting stance and occasionally swing very lightly at the pitches. All of this will help you visually prepare for real game pitching.

If you have not already done so, go see your pitching coach and say hello. Ask any questions that you may have. If you don't have any questions, review with your pitching coach any pitching strategies for the game.

Before you enter the game, be sure to go to the bullpen and throw some more warm-up pitches. Also, throw just a few pitches at full speed. Don't throw too many, but throw maybe 3 or 4 full speed pitches.

If you are not the starting pitcher, be sure to keep your body warm and loose. And remember to keep warm and loose in-between innings even when you are the active pitcher.

And of course, enjoy your pitching experience! After all, that's why you play baseball...to have fun!

Mike S. has been a baseball fan for nearly 30 years. As a child he enjoyed playing catch with very old, well worn baseball gloves. He now plays ball with friends and teaches his family and kids how to play ball. You can read more of his articles at http://www.2PlayBall.com and he also writes for http://www.TeachMeSports.com Mike hopes that his passion for writing about baseball will help everyone more thoroughly enjoy the game

Sports Injury and Stretching - The Facts

Since an injury causes loss on both fronts, one on the body issue which needs time to repair and recoup and two on the time loss which could have been put to better use for training and betterment. It is very similar to a financial loss, one you lose the money, second you spend more time to make it up. Serious sportsmen fear injuries more than anything else.

Some hard facts:

- Over 25,000 Americans sprain their ankles daily - 1 out of every 17 athletes suffer sports injury while playing the sport. - More than 50% of these injuries are preventable.

There are a few preventive measures that could be taken to prevent sports injuries, but most sportspersons do not practice them. These measures are not yet popular. Some techniques to prevent sports injuries are:

1. Good warm up: A good and gradual warm up would help increase the body temperature gradually, increasing the circulation and oxygen supply to the muscles. It prepares the body and the mind together for hectic physical activity that may follow. 2. Good cool down: Like a good warm up, a good cool down in immensely important to bring down the body temperature. It prevents pooling of blood in excessively used muscles and limbs and prevents build up of toxic matter like lactic acid in the muscles. It relaxes the muscles and your body entirely fighting away the stiffening and tightening.

However a good magical procedure to prevent sports injury by 50% is stretching. By making stretching a consistent part of a sportsman's exercise regimen, you could prevent major injuries. Stretching is a simple process of relaxing your body and most sportsmen tend to put it away as it is too simple and hence ineffective. This is a gross error in judgment, as stretching is vital to any exercise regimen, sportsmen or not.

Stretching improves flexibility and flexible muscles are prone to much lesser injuries. The benefits of stretching are yet to be realized by most sportsmen and coaches. Those who have already incorporated stretching are getting invaluable results from it by staying injury free.

How Stretching Works?

Stretching increases the length of tendons and muscles, resulting in increase of "range of movement". This implies that muscles and tendons can stretch a little further before injury inflicts them.

Lets us suppose the muscles of your neck are stiff and your ability to look around or turn your head is limited. While participating in your favorite sport, if you neck has to go beyond its normal range of movement, it would result in muscle tear or strain. If you do regular stretching of your neck muscles, its range of movement would improve and you might not be prone to such injuries in the future because your neck now has a better range of movement.

Stretching promotes recovery and prevents soreness. Stretching also makes sure that your muscles and tendons are in good working shape. Stretching in short conditions your muscles and conditioned muscles are prone to fewer injuries because they can handle more stress of sports and exercise.

There is certainly more to stretching than commonly believed. All the best for an injury free life.

Julian Hall - Director of Claims Master Group. Personal Injury Claim,No Win No Fee, Sports Injury Advice

How to Enlarge Your Testicle Stretching

Many men wonder if it may be possible to enlarge their testicles through testicle stretching. Big testicles hanging under the penis are taken as a sign of manliness, power and virility, which is why men like both their penis and testicles on the large side.

The scrotum is an elastic sac that stretches or shrinks to accommodate bigger or smaller testicles. It also goes up and down in order to protect the testicles or to facilitate spermatogenesis and ejaculation. As men grow older, the testicles start shrinking, much to the embarrassment of some.

However, the scrotum can be made to appear larger and fuller with the help of a simple surgical procedure or testicle stretching. Please bear in mind that this procedure is still in its early stages and long-term observation of its effects has not been poss ible yet. The scrotal wall consists of seven separate layers and fat cells from other parts of the body are injected between the layers. It seems that even a small amount of fat can make the testicles look significantly bigger.

This procedure is limited at the moment to men who are not interested in becoming parents, since there is no solid proof that the sperm count is not affected in any way. Also, men who are interested in this procedure should know that an added layer of fat may complicate attempts of finding testicular cancer nodules.

Still, one good news is that fat does not seem to be resorbed by the body. At least that's the conclusion of early reports. Time will certainly provide more data on the success of this testicle stretching.

Patrick Flanagan is a writer, and webmaster; for more information and to

subscribe to recieve the Free Penis Enlargement Exercises 5 Day Free eCourse

visit http://www.1st-Penis-Enlargement-Product-Review.com.

Patrick Flanagan

1728 Wilson Dr

Tampa, Fl 33602

Email: stpenise@1st-penis-enlargement-product-review.com

Phone: 813-938-2821

Clothes and Shoes and Stretching

Now that we have a trainer, our next concern is to be equipped with the proper shoes and clothes, so our training experience can be maximized. If your trying to create a great body you need to start with clothes and shoes that will make you feel good as well as look good! {The reason behind that is if you look and feel good you will tend to be in a motivated state of mind, and in this state we build consistency, this is where results come from.}

What kind of clothes and shoes do I need you may ask? You could spend a few hundred dollars for designer workout gear and that would make you feel and look better, but all you need is some clean and comfortable clothes and shoes. Most discount stores sell designer replicas at a fraction of the cost. I recommend layering your clothes and as you warm up take a piece of clothing off. Keeping warm helps protect your joints, until you fully warm up, so you don't get hurt. Now we have the proper equipment to get started.

Next I highly recommend incorporating a consistent stretching program, which will reduce injuries and produce greater results. I do 15 to 25 minutes per day as well as stretching in between exercises. The benefit of stretching is huge; it can make or break your training progress. As I describe training techniques each month I will go over the stretching to do for each body part. So you can achieve optimum results!!!

Here are some basic stretches you can start with to enhance your training and or walking program. Trunk Twists- Standing big and tall with good posture, feet shoulder distance apart, place your hands on your hips rotate your upper torso from right to left in a nice controlled manner. Repetitions of 15 to 30 per side will be enough. Side Stretches- also standing tall with good posture, feet shoulder distance apart, your arms hanging to your side, slowly with your head up bend from one side, then the other. This focus is on stretching the outer muscles of your abs which is the oblique {commonly referred to as love handles} Toe Touches- Standing tall with feet shoulder distance apart, arms hanging to your side, slowly, bend your torso touching your fingertips as close to your toes as you can get, without bouncing. This is a great stretch for your hamstrings and your lower back. I normally recommend finishing your stretching warm up with a series of push- ups and sit-ups. All movements are to be slow and controlled at all times. While doing these stretches stand with your knees slightly bent to alleviate the pressure off your lower back.

Remember that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

I believe that the key of everybody's personal journey is to develop faith in yourself, your creator and the people around you. Also condition yourself to believe that there is always a way if you're committed.

If you fail just keep changing your approach until you succeed!!! Remember to always be good to yourself and others

To learn more, please visit http://building-muscle-information.info/

To learn more, please visit http://building-muscle-information.info/

Keith Londrie II

klondrie @ yahoo.com

http://building-muscle-information.info/
 

The Art of Etching Through Time

Etching is the method of engraving using acid on a metal surface. It is also a printmaking method wherein the image is carved into a surface of a metal plate with the use of an acid. This acid bores into the metal surface, and leaves behind rough areas or lines if the surface is too narrow.

Etching is a process which is believed to have started in Augsburg, Germany, by Daniel Hopfer who used the technology in armor making. Later on, the method was applied to printmaking.

The metal plate used in etching is usually copper or zinc, which has a thin coating of resin that is resistant to acid. This coating can also be made of some waxy material. The metal plates are usually smoked so that the engravings and lines become clearly visible through the resin. A sharp tool then scratches the metal and exposes it without actually penetrating it.

As the etching design is completed, the plate is immersed in an acidic solution that attacks the exposed metal parts. During this process, called a bath, the plate is immersed, but frequently removed until the lines are etched to their satisfactory depth.

A coating varnish is then applied to stop the acid from attacking the metal surface further. In this process, the lines which were exposed to the acids longer get the darker prints. Other etchers also apply the acids directly on the plate's surface.

In printmaking; however, the varnish is removed, and the plate is coated with ink after being warmed or heated. The ink is then wiped carefully so that enough amounts remain the etched depressions. A soft, moist paper is then used to cover the plate, and ran through an etching press.

There is a wide range of modifications in etching techniques. Some etchers modify their products by removing undesired lines. They do this by burnishing or by modifying the original state of the plate after their trial print.

Prints appear differently in various stages, and only a few first prints can be made out of a single plate. Etchers also destroy these plates after making a number of prints.

Several methods of etching produce different effects. Soft-ground etching looks like a pencil drawing, while aquatint produces an effect similar to wash drawing. Aquatint is usually used in combination with hard-ground etching.

Pictorial etching, which evolved from burin engraving also originated from Germany, where artists etched on iron as the earliest example of this delicate form of art.

Nowadays, the popular methods of etching are wet and dry etching. Wet etching is a simple method that requires a container or bin with a solution that is meant to dissolve the metal used.

The downside of this process is that it needs a mask to selectively etch the plate, and one has to find a mask that will not dissolve in the prepared solution. This process is fairly suitable for etching on thin films.

Dry etching, is divided into three classes, namely, reactive ion etching (RIE), sputter etching, and vapor phase etching. Several gases are introduced in the RIE method, where plasma is mixed in the gas to break gas molecules into ions. The ions are then accelerated and start reacting to the metal surface.

Sputter etching is similar to RIE, but without the reactive ions. Vapor phase method is the simplest dry etching technique. In this method, the metal plate is placed inside a chamber, where gases are introduced. The design is then dissolved at the metal surface by the chemical reaction with the gas molecules.

The most popular vapor phase etching techniques are silicon dioxide etching (uses hydrogen fluoride) and silicon etching (uses xenon diflouride).

James Monahan is the owner and Senior Editor of EtchingHouse.com and writes expert articles about etching.

STRETCHING; Why Should I?

 by: Brad Walker

This short article looks at some of the tips, tricks and helpful hints you can use to help prevent sports injury and do-away with stiff, aching muscles & joints. It's been put together to answer some of the more common questions we get regarding stretching and sports injury, and details a number of useful sports injury prevention techniques. I hope it proves useful to you.

* Overcoming & Preventing Sports Injury

If youre involved in the health & fitness industry, whether it be participating in your favourite sport, coaching, training or just keeping fit, you'll know how annoying and debilitating a sports injury can be. In reality, when you have a sports injury youre actually losing on two fronts. Firstly, youre losing simply because your body has been hurt and now needs time and care to repair itself. And on top of this, youre also losing the time you could have been putting into training and improving your sporting ability.

A sports injury is a bit like losing money. Not only do you lose whatever you were going to buy with that money, but you also have to work hard to make up the money you've lost. Take it from me; a sports injury is one of the most frustrating and debilitating occurrences that can happen to anyone whos serious about their health, fitness, sport or exercise.

* The Cold, Hard Facts

I recently read an article titled "Managing Sports Injuries" where the author estimated that over 27,000 American's sprain their ankle every day. (And no, that's not a typo, EVERY DAY!) On top of this, Sports Medicine Australia estimates that 1 in every 17 participants of sport and exercise are injured playing their favourite sport. This figure is even higher for contact sports like Football and Gridiron. However, the truly disturbing fact is that up to 50 percent of these injuries may have been prevented.

* The Professionals Secret Weapon

While there are a number of basic preventative measures that will assist in the prevention of sports injury, there is one technique that has slowly been gaining in popularity. Its still not used as often as it should be by the average sports participant, but with the professionals using it more and more, its only a matter of time before it starts to catch on. Before we dive into this little used technique for minimizing your likelihood of sports injury, let's take a quick look at some other techniques to help you prevent sports injury.

* So, Where Do You Start?

Most people are coming to understand both the importance and the benefits of a good warm-up. A correct warm-up will help to raise body temperature, increase blood flow and promote oxygen supply to the muscles. It will also help to prepare the mind, body, muscles and joints for the physical activity to come.

While warming-up is important, a good cool-down also plays a vital role in helping to prevent sports injury. How? A good cool-down will prevent blood from pooling in your limbs. It will also prevent waste products, such as lactic acid, building up in your muscles. Not only that, a good cool-down will help your muscles and tendons to relax and loosen, stopping them from becoming stiff and tight.

While preventative measures such as warming-up and cooling-down play a vital role in minimizing the likelihood of sports injury, other techniques such as obeying the rules, using protective equipment and plain common sense are all useful.

* The One Technique to Cut Your Chance of Injury by More Than Half

So what is this magic technique? Why is it such a secret? And how come you haven't heard of it before? Well chances are you have, and also, its not that secret and its definitely not magic. You've probably used this technique yourself at some point or at least seen others using it. But the real question is, how dedicated have you been to making this technique a consistent part of your athletic preparation?

What is it? STRETCHING. Yes, stretching. The simple technique of stretching can play an imperative role in helping you to prevent the occurrence of sports injury. Unfortunately stretching is one area of athletic preparation often neglected. Do not underestimate its benefits. Don't make the mistake of thinking that something as simple as stretching won't be effective. Stretching is a vital part of any exercise program and should be looked upon as being as important as any other part of your health and fitness.

In recent time the professionals have been getting more and more serious about stretching and ultimately, their flexibility. The coaches and trainers are just starting to realize how important flexible muscles are to helping prevent sports injury. Flexibility has often been neglected in the overall conditioning of modern athletes. Its only now that its benefits are proving invaluable to all those serious about staying injury free.

* How Does Stretching Prevent Injury?

One of the greatest benefits of stretching is that youre able to increase the length of both your muscles and tendons. This leads to an increased range of movement, which means your limbs and joints can move further before an injury occurs. Let's take a look at a few examples.

If the muscles in your neck are tight and stiff this limits your ability to look behind or turn your head around. If for some reason your head is turned backwards, past its' normal range of movement, in a football scrum or tackle for example, this could result in a muscle tear or strain. You can help to prevent this from happening by increasing the flexibility, and the range of movement, of the muscles and tendons in your neck.

And what about the muscles in the back of your legs? The Hamstring muscles. These muscles are put under a huge strain when doing any sort of sport which involves running and especially for sports which require kicking. Short, tight hamstring muscles can spell disaster for many sports people. By ensuring these muscles are loose and flexible, you'll cut your chance of a hamstring injury dramatically.

How else can stretching help? While injuries can occur at any time, they are more likely to occur if the muscles are fatigued, tight and depleted of energy. Fatigued, tight muscles are also less capable of performing the skills required for your particular sport or activity. Stretching can help to prevent an injury by promoting recovery and decreasing soreness. Stretching ensures that your muscles and tendons are in good working order. The more conditioned your muscles and tendons are, the better they can handle the rigors of sport and exercise, and the less likely that they'll become injured.

So as you can see, there's more to stretching than most people think. Stretching is a simple and effective activity which will help you to enhance your athletic performance, decrease your likelihood of sports injury and minimise muscle soreness. If you'd like to know more about stretching and how it can help you, visit http://www.TheStretchingHandbook.com/ today.

Article by Brad Walker. Brad is a leading stretching and sports injury consultant with over 15 years experience in the health and fitness industry. For more information and articles on stretching and the prevention & treatment of sports injury, subscribe to The Stretching & Sports Injury Newsletter by visiting http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/.admin@thestretchinghandbook.com

Stretching Can Explode Your Muscle Growth

 by: Nick Nilsson

When you think about gaining muscle, stretching is probably not the first thing that pops into your head. But did you know that stretching plays a critical role in building muscle?

Every muscle in your body is enclosed in a bag of tough connective tissue known as fascia. Fascia is important for holding your muscles in their proper place in your body.

But your fascia may also be holding back your muscle growth. Think for a moment about your muscles. You train them and feed them properly. They want to grow and will grow but something is holding them back. They have no room to grow!

Because fascia is so tough, it doesnt allow the muscle room to expand. It is like stuffing a large pillow into a small pillowcase. The size of the muscle wont change regardless of how hard you train or how well you eat because the connective tissue around your muscles is constricting the muscles within.

The best example of this is the calf muscle. The lower leg is riddled with fascia because of its tremendous weight-bearing duties in the body. It is because of this fascia that many trainers have great difficulty developing their calves.

The solution: stretching.

Using the pillowcase example from above, imagine you can expand the size of the pillowcase by stretching it. Suddenly, the pillow within has more room and will expand to fill that new space.

By stretching your muscles under specific conditions, you can actually stretch your fascia and give your muscles more room to grow.

The key to effective fascial stretching is the pump. The best time to stretch to expand the bags that are holding in your muscles is when your muscles are pumped up full of blood.

When your muscles are fully pumped up, they are pressing against the fascia. By stretching hard at that time, you increase that pressure on the fascia greatly, which can lead to expansion of the fascia.

One of the major reasons Arnold Schwarzenegger had such incredible chest development was that he finished his chest workouts with dumbell flyes, an exercise that emphasizes the stretched position of the pectoral muscles. He would pump his chest up full of blood during the workout then do flyes, holding the stretch at the bottom of the flye. This gave his chest room to grow to amazing proportions.

Fascial stretching is more rigorous than regular stretching but the results can be amazing. When you stretch hard enough to cause the fascia to expand, you will really feel it! When you are stretching the fascia, you should feel a powerful pulling sensation and pressure as the muscle works against the fascia to expand it.

Be sure you do not stretch so hard that you cause the muscle to tear or cause injury to yourself. You will rapidly learn to distinguish the difference between a good stretch and a bad stretch. You should not feel any sharp pain, just a steady pull.

Hold each stretch for at least 20 to 30 seconds as you must give your fascia time to be affected by the stretch. Stretch hard like this only when you have a fully pumped muscle as you must give your fascia a reason to expand. If your muscles arent pumped, just stretch normally.

You can find instructions for stretching at: http://www.fitstep.com/Library/Info/Stretching1.htm

One set of hard stretching after each set you do for a muscle group, besides the obvious benefits of increased flexibility, can have an incredible effect on the size of your muscles and their further ability to grow.

Nick Nilsson is Vice President of BetterU, Inc., an online exercise, fitness, and personal training company. Check out his latest eBook "The Best Exercises You've Never Heard Of" at http://www.thebestexercises.com or visit http://www.fitstep.com. You can contact him at betteru@fitstep.com or subscribe to BetterU News, his fitness newsletter at betterunews@fitstep.com.

Stretching with Your Golf Partner

Improve your golf game.

If you want to improve your game you have got to be in condition to do the job. 

Stretching is often an over looked part of the game by many golfers.

Its all about the swing. If youre stiff you wont be able to consistently make your golf swing to your maximum potential. Stretching improves flexibility, which allows you to move your joints through their full range of motion. Flexibility is a key element of golf fitness; it can enhance physical performance and relieve muscle tension and stiffness. You should stretch after a warm-up and/or when cooling down after a workout, since it is easier and safer to stretch a warm muscle than a cold one. Warm-ups bring blood to the muscles and make injuries from stretching less likely.

Warm up first then stretch.

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