In 1995, one century after the discovery of x-rays, FDA cleared the first laser for hair removal in the US, the SoftLight™ Nd:YAG by ThermoLase. [2] This device was rushed to market without adequate testing of effectiveness. It was marketed illegally as painless and permanent until FDA stepped in. It uses a carbon-based lotion as a chromophore. This lotion was rubbed into the skin following waxing, with the hope it would penetrate the follicle. The laser would then rapidly heat the carbon, causing a shock wave of energy that had the potential to damage nearby cells. This process was found to be more complicated and less effective than targeting chromophores that occur naturally in the skin.
The device was sold to physicians and treatments were offered in a chain of proprietary clinics called Spa Thira, primarily in affluent communities. Consumers basically paid to be guinea pigs. By the time a medical paper appeared in 1997 which observed full regrowth of all hair [3], consumers had already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on treatments. They quickly shifted their marketing strategy away from permanent hair removal to a "hair-management strategy," but word was beginning to get out.
In 1998 a class action suit was brought against the company by a consumer alleging ThermoLase "advertised SoftLight laser hair removal as long lasting with the knowledge that such treatments did not achieve that result." [4] ThermoLase quietly settled out of court later that year. In 1999, following other lawsuits and an annual loss of over $41 million, they began closing or selling their spas. [5] In 2000, with the stock down 92% from its high, ThermoLase was folded back into its parent company, which no longer manufactures or markets SoftLight in the U.S.
Wave 5 lasers: 1997 to present
In 1997 FDA cleared several types of devices that target melanin in the hair (see also flashlamps). As with the earlier devices, these devices were rushed to market without adequate testing of effectiveness.
Incremental improvements in equipment since 1997, such as more ergonomically-designed handpieces and methods of epidermal cooling, have made treatment generally more tolerable and reduced the likelihood of some side effects. The publication of clinical observations have also led to more optimized treatment parameters, but understanding of lasers and their long-term effects on hair and other skin structures is still in the early stages.
Full Site On Laser Hair Removal Information
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Africa Safari
One vacation that many couples dream about is visiting Africa. A trip to such an exotic locale can usually draw a couple closer and strengthen the bond that they share. The raw and animal qualities that are in the wild untamed lands can bring out the animal in all of us. An African safari has become more affordable and a favored vacation idea for newlywed couples looking for a memorable honeymoon experience.
There are few places that one can fully appreciate a sunset or the star filled nights as on a trip like this. Many of the guides that are involved with an African safari will keep the trip safe, yet will do all that they can to make it one that will be a memory that will never be forgotten. Your tour guide will explain every detail of your African safari and they’ll ensure that you’ll see and feel what the region has to offer. A lot of visitors wind up going on an African safari at least a few times in their life because they instantly fall in love with the experience.
Many people are also taken with the animals they see as they move along the African savanna. With the dry wind whipping past and the sun glaring down, the wildlife brings forth something that can not be seen anywhere else in the world. The savanna is just one area that can be seen on an African safari though. There are also lush areas that are filled with colorful forms of life and also the high lands to the south. A skilled guide will find a way to make the African safari something that will showcase all of this and make the whole experience last long beyond the typical two weeks that these adventures can take.
There are individuals who enjoy these adventures alone, but they are truly special when they are shared with someone else. Even a family can experience the adventure in a way that will teach more to children than any movie or book ever will. Some of Ernest Hemingway’s greatest inspirations can from his trips to Africa during the course of his life. He is only on example of someone that has shown the beauty that can be experienced on an African safari.
If you have a “to do” list, you should consider putting a trip to Africa on it. Once you are there, soaking up the atmosphere, hearing and seeing all the continent has to offer, you’ll sing the praises an African safari to everyone.
There are few places that one can fully appreciate a sunset or the star filled nights as on a trip like this. Many of the guides that are involved with an African safari will keep the trip safe, yet will do all that they can to make it one that will be a memory that will never be forgotten. Your tour guide will explain every detail of your African safari and they’ll ensure that you’ll see and feel what the region has to offer. A lot of visitors wind up going on an African safari at least a few times in their life because they instantly fall in love with the experience.
Many people are also taken with the animals they see as they move along the African savanna. With the dry wind whipping past and the sun glaring down, the wildlife brings forth something that can not be seen anywhere else in the world. The savanna is just one area that can be seen on an African safari though. There are also lush areas that are filled with colorful forms of life and also the high lands to the south. A skilled guide will find a way to make the African safari something that will showcase all of this and make the whole experience last long beyond the typical two weeks that these adventures can take.
There are individuals who enjoy these adventures alone, but they are truly special when they are shared with someone else. Even a family can experience the adventure in a way that will teach more to children than any movie or book ever will. Some of Ernest Hemingway’s greatest inspirations can from his trips to Africa during the course of his life. He is only on example of someone that has shown the beauty that can be experienced on an African safari.
If you have a “to do” list, you should consider putting a trip to Africa on it. Once you are there, soaking up the atmosphere, hearing and seeing all the continent has to offer, you’ll sing the praises an African safari to everyone.
Acting Books
I have been reviewing books on acting for a drama weekly for about three years now. In all that time, I have yet to find an acting book that compares to real acting experience. Don't get me wrong, acting books have their place. They often contain an almost encyclopedic discussion of various acting methodologies and approaches, as well as useful contact information that might take a while to find on your own. None of this, however, takes the place of a good acting course.
The only real use for acting books I can see is to help you to take your first steps into the world of acting. After that, it is all up to you. You see, you can study all of the acting books that you want, and try out every acting technique known to man on your own, but if you can not use these to impress a director, they are worthless. For some people, acting requires a lot of methodology, but the methodology is not the point. The point is figuring out what you want to do and finding ways to do it. Some professional actors know so many techniques that they write acting books on their own, but others know very little. It is enough for them to dive into the mind of the character, and make him come alive.
Honestly, instead of spending that hard earned money that actors tend to have in such small quantities on acting books, you should consider getting a few drama books instead. Books of plays, especially classic plays, are an actor's best friend. Theater, after all, is one of the original art forms. The more deeply you can delve into it, the more it will strengthen your acting. This is true even if you are a movie actor. Many of the best movie actors started out with Shakespearean acting courses. Very few of them read many acting books.
Of course, I don't want to discourage you entirely. If acting books inspire you, you should read them. Whatever inspires you to act is important and worthwhile. Just remember, the purpose of these acting books is inspiration and ideas. Although they can be great sources, none of them will give you real acting experience. You have to go out and get that on your own. You will have to take acting courses, go to acting workshops, and of course hustle for jobs like the rest of the acting world.
The only real use for acting books I can see is to help you to take your first steps into the world of acting. After that, it is all up to you. You see, you can study all of the acting books that you want, and try out every acting technique known to man on your own, but if you can not use these to impress a director, they are worthless. For some people, acting requires a lot of methodology, but the methodology is not the point. The point is figuring out what you want to do and finding ways to do it. Some professional actors know so many techniques that they write acting books on their own, but others know very little. It is enough for them to dive into the mind of the character, and make him come alive.
Honestly, instead of spending that hard earned money that actors tend to have in such small quantities on acting books, you should consider getting a few drama books instead. Books of plays, especially classic plays, are an actor's best friend. Theater, after all, is one of the original art forms. The more deeply you can delve into it, the more it will strengthen your acting. This is true even if you are a movie actor. Many of the best movie actors started out with Shakespearean acting courses. Very few of them read many acting books.
Of course, I don't want to discourage you entirely. If acting books inspire you, you should read them. Whatever inspires you to act is important and worthwhile. Just remember, the purpose of these acting books is inspiration and ideas. Although they can be great sources, none of them will give you real acting experience. You have to go out and get that on your own. You will have to take acting courses, go to acting workshops, and of course hustle for jobs like the rest of the acting world.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Unique Christmas Gifts
Over the years I've built up a reputation among my friends and relatives as being someone that always comes through with unique Christmas gifts. I'm not the kind of person that settles for giving neckties, socks, perfume, or boxes of chocolate as presents. When I'm shopping for people I care about, I don't mind taking extra time to find something truly special. Because of my reputation, others often come to me for advice about how and where to buy unique Christmas gifts. These are the two guidelines that I share with them.
First, in order to buy a unique Christmas gift that will be appreciated by the recipient, you have to be willing to use your intuition and take some chances. Sure, you can simply ask the person what they would like or you can buy something for their home or office that you know they'll be able to use. But in all likelihood, you're not going to come up with a unique Christmas gift by being so conservative. If there's ever a time to think outside the box, it's when you're trying to find a really unique Christmas gift for the important people on your list. So go ahead and buy things they've never used before or wouldn't dream of getting for themselves. Purchase an experience instead of a tangible product. There are many different things you can do in order to find unique Christmas gifts.
Second, it would be wise to stay out of typical suburban shopping malls. Let's face it, there's very little chance of being able to find a unique Christmas gift at the mall. Most of the stores in the mall basically sell carbon copies of the same goods in slightly different packaging. Instead of going to the mall, I search for unique Christmas gifts online. When you shop on the Internet, you have access to wide range of products from retailers located all around the world. You'll have more options than you could ever get from a single store and you'll be able to buy truly authentic presents as well. For example, if you wanted to give someone a Japanese kimono, wouldn't you rather order it online directly from Japan than settle for a knockoff at the mall?
As you can see, it's actually not that difficult to find unique Christmas gifts for everyone on your list this year. All it takes is a bit of creativity and a willingness to go that extra mile. So forget about the malls this holiday season and buy some truly unique Christmas gifts online instead.
First, in order to buy a unique Christmas gift that will be appreciated by the recipient, you have to be willing to use your intuition and take some chances. Sure, you can simply ask the person what they would like or you can buy something for their home or office that you know they'll be able to use. But in all likelihood, you're not going to come up with a unique Christmas gift by being so conservative. If there's ever a time to think outside the box, it's when you're trying to find a really unique Christmas gift for the important people on your list. So go ahead and buy things they've never used before or wouldn't dream of getting for themselves. Purchase an experience instead of a tangible product. There are many different things you can do in order to find unique Christmas gifts.
Second, it would be wise to stay out of typical suburban shopping malls. Let's face it, there's very little chance of being able to find a unique Christmas gift at the mall. Most of the stores in the mall basically sell carbon copies of the same goods in slightly different packaging. Instead of going to the mall, I search for unique Christmas gifts online. When you shop on the Internet, you have access to wide range of products from retailers located all around the world. You'll have more options than you could ever get from a single store and you'll be able to buy truly authentic presents as well. For example, if you wanted to give someone a Japanese kimono, wouldn't you rather order it online directly from Japan than settle for a knockoff at the mall?
As you can see, it's actually not that difficult to find unique Christmas gifts for everyone on your list this year. All it takes is a bit of creativity and a willingness to go that extra mile. So forget about the malls this holiday season and buy some truly unique Christmas gifts online instead.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Broadway musical
Broadway musical
When I was young, my father told me that I should surround myself with culture and intelligence. He wanted me to be educated and informed about what was going on in the world. He would take me to art shows and plays in order to expose me to the arts. I went to my first Broadway musical when I was in middle school. He had gotten two tickets to the Phantom of the Opera Broadway musical in New York City. A week before our trip to the city, he purchased the soundtrack to it so that I could know a bit about it ahead of time. Listening to the music was nothing like actually being there.
The day came for my first Broadway musical journey and it was pouring. I dressed up as nicely as I could and we headed for the bus station. Much to our dismay, it was still raining intensely when we arrived in New York City. Rivers of umbrellas walked down the streets and we tried to merge with them. The two of us only had one umbrella however, so it was a challenge. We were wet and cold. I entered the theater more interesting in getting dried off than seeing the Broadway musical that we had endured this weather in order to see. When we took our seats, I still felt damp and the air conditioning made me feel incredibly cold.
I will never forget the first five minutes of that Broadway musical. I was captivated. I honestly think that my mouth was probably hanging open. Everything was breathtaking. The cast was brilliant and more talented than I could have ever imagined. The choreography was perfect and the costumes were flawless. I forgot about being cold and wet. I knew that this would not be my last Broadway musical, there would be many more. The entire show left me in awe. We walked out of the theater and back into the rain. I barely even noticed it, the Broadway musical had left me with such a warm and happy feeling. On the bus trip home, all I could talk about was going to see another Broadway musical. My dad just laughed. He told me that Broadway was addictive, and I believed him. Everything had impressed me, including the city. While I had once been intimidated by the mere thought of New York City, I found myself in love with it. I never once felt as if I wasn't safe. The theater district just seemed so sophisticated to me at the time. It still does. I've seen more than one Broadway musical now that I'm in my adult years. I must say though, that Phantom, still tops my list as my favorite Broadway musical.
When I was young, my father told me that I should surround myself with culture and intelligence. He wanted me to be educated and informed about what was going on in the world. He would take me to art shows and plays in order to expose me to the arts. I went to my first Broadway musical when I was in middle school. He had gotten two tickets to the Phantom of the Opera Broadway musical in New York City. A week before our trip to the city, he purchased the soundtrack to it so that I could know a bit about it ahead of time. Listening to the music was nothing like actually being there.
The day came for my first Broadway musical journey and it was pouring. I dressed up as nicely as I could and we headed for the bus station. Much to our dismay, it was still raining intensely when we arrived in New York City. Rivers of umbrellas walked down the streets and we tried to merge with them. The two of us only had one umbrella however, so it was a challenge. We were wet and cold. I entered the theater more interesting in getting dried off than seeing the Broadway musical that we had endured this weather in order to see. When we took our seats, I still felt damp and the air conditioning made me feel incredibly cold.
I will never forget the first five minutes of that Broadway musical. I was captivated. I honestly think that my mouth was probably hanging open. Everything was breathtaking. The cast was brilliant and more talented than I could have ever imagined. The choreography was perfect and the costumes were flawless. I forgot about being cold and wet. I knew that this would not be my last Broadway musical, there would be many more. The entire show left me in awe. We walked out of the theater and back into the rain. I barely even noticed it, the Broadway musical had left me with such a warm and happy feeling. On the bus trip home, all I could talk about was going to see another Broadway musical. My dad just laughed. He told me that Broadway was addictive, and I believed him. Everything had impressed me, including the city. While I had once been intimidated by the mere thought of New York City, I found myself in love with it. I never once felt as if I wasn't safe. The theater district just seemed so sophisticated to me at the time. It still does. I've seen more than one Broadway musical now that I'm in my adult years. I must say though, that Phantom, still tops my list as my favorite Broadway musical.
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