Can it

Ever wish you could reseal a can of soda when you couldn't finish it? Well it seems that your dream may become a reality soon.

Beverage Daily reported a German start-up called can2close has won a business award for its earth-shattering product, C2.

According to Beverage Daily, the company's co-founders claim that the C2 can replace the tab can opening so the it can be sealed over and over.

The company also claims that C2 "keeps drinks fresher, keeps out contaminants (wasps, cigarettes, etc.) and reduces the spilling risk."

Sounds like a dream right?

You should be seeing it in stores in the near future. "We're in the process of readying the closure for industrial production. We're in the testing process, and we aren't light years away, we're getting close to market readiness," said PR manager for can2close, Gabriel Gruenthaler.

To read more, visit Beverage Daily. To learn even more about can2close, visit the site.

iRobot

FANUC Robotics America introduced its new intelligent R-1000iA/80F Learning “Gakushu” robot, which is designed for high-speed palletizing during Pack Expo Las Vegas.

The company says the robot’s software allows it to “record the path characteristics with an accelerometer” which is run multiple times, letting the robot optimize path data therefore “reducing the vibration while improving cycle time,” said Virgil Wilson, product manager, FANUC Robotics America.

The robot boasts a slim design, which helps consumers reduce the size of their automation system by allowing for more robots in a work cell, or putting a single robot in one smaller work cell.

Reducing work cell sizes will require less equipment, which FANUC says will mean an energy advantage for smaller automation systems.

“This equates to a greener facility using less energy for costly utilities such as lighting, heating and cooling,” Wilson added.

http://fanucrobotics.com/

Forget 3D...

Just when we thought 3D printing was new and exciting... introducing 4D printing!

BBC has reported that there is a handful of geniuses at MIT who are working on incorporating time -- yes time -- to printing.

How you might ask?

Mr. Tibbits from MIT's self-assembly lab explained how his team was working on how they would incorporate the fourth dimension. "We're proposing that the fourth dimension is time and that over timee static objects will transform and adapt," he said.

He continued to explain that the process included using 3D printers which create multi-layered materials combined with a plastic that BBC described as a "smart material" that can absorb water.

Hold the phone... Aren't there toys which come in capsule form that grow "x" times when put in water? (See photo above.)

But that's neither here nor there.

Mr. Tibbits went on to say that water is not the only source they can use. "We could also have heat, vibration and sound," he said.

If this is the case, the future of printing is looking promising!

To read more about the story, click here.

Awards for excellence

Congratulations are in order to TricorBraun, which announced in a press release Feb. 15 that the company took home two graphic design awards for packaging. 

TricorBraun Design and Engineering, a division of TricorBraun situated in Chicago, is "one of North America's largest providers of jars, bottles and other rigid packaging components," teamed up with Hoppes, a company which manufactures gun cleaning products to design packaging for its newest product, for which TricorBraun received one award.

The other, was awarded for TricorBraun's design work for a sake brewer, SakeOne. The brewing company wanted a bottle that would set itself apart from competition and cost less than its existing bottle. TricorBraun's design featured a sleek black design with yellow and white lettering.

Sleek and simple design garners attention, not to mention awards.

The fourth sense

Long are the days of relying solely on sight behind us, as the packaging industry is now integrating another sense to the mix.

Protection Decoration Conditionnement (PDC) Europe is partnering with Eos Innovation to develop elastomer sleeves which package products, but with a new twist.

The sleeves are manipulated during manufacturing to replicate textures, either "smooth, marbled, scaled or dimpled," according a PDC press release.

"Skin enhances any product: spirits, cosmetics, perfume, everyday and decorative items, limited editions... it adds value and distinction to the brand by appealing to the consumers' senses of touch and sight," said Derek Vandervoorde, president of PDC Europe.

What's next? Smell?

Parents beware

Following last week's post about MeadWestvaco (MWV), two medicinal syrups have issued a recall on over 2 million units Jan. 31.

The products in question are Triaminic Syrups, Theraflu Warming Relief Syrups and about 20 others of the same type. Reason behind the product recall is the supposed child-resistant caps.

There were 12 reports of children who were able to unscrew the caps, and four reports of ingestion. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the United States, one incident sought medical attention.

Patrons affected by the recall can get a repair or a refund.

Read the press release in full here.


Consumer Contact:
Novartis Consumer Healthcare toll-free at (866) 553-6742 from 8 a.m. to midnight ET, Monday through Saturday, or online at www.novartisOTC.com for more information.

Child-proof

MeadWestvaco (MWV), packaging-biz giant is working alongside professionals in the pharmaceutical industry to create packaging that is child-resistant, a partnership that's been ongoing for years.

Reason behind the partnership was the fact that too many children (more than 500,000) five and under suffer poisoning from medication. MWV included in a press release that "more than 60,000 end up in the emergency room after ingesting unsecured medications."

MWV is promising to tailor its packaging solutions to satisfy each of its customers' needs. While products will be child-proof, MWV is working toward making the products adult-friendly. Personally, I'm not a fan of the push-twist caps on Tylenol/Advil bottles.

But the purpose of the initiative is to save lives, first and foremost.

BOXXing out the competition

There's a new machine in town, and it's taking human jobs. Transformers are actually taking over.

Canadian Packaging reported that Eagle Packaging Machinery LLC, based in Miami, FL, has a new machine that it (Eagle Packaging) hopes will decrease operators' carbon footprints.

The new machine called BOXXER is an automated system that will build cases and place products in them. Which will negate the purpose of having hardly any human presence in a factory that does such thing.

According to Canadian Packaging, BOXXER will "help increase productivity and lower labor costs."

To learn more about how it works, read the original post.

Go Wild

Originally posted Nov. 26, 2011.

I'm a huge DIY fanatic, so here goes my first post.

On Pinterest, I often peruse the site to keep up with current nail trends. One of my first "pins" was someone's leopard-print manicure. I fell in love immediately.

A friend recommended I start reading Syl and Sam, a blog following a sister-duo on their fashion adventures and DIYs, while showcasing their amazing designs.
Syl posted a nail DIY with her version of the leopard-print manicure.

I had nothing else to do on a Saturday afternoon. Armed with two toothpicks, my trusty OPIs and 1.5 hours I decided to give it a try.
The result:

The pinkie I did at Sephora yesterday.

For those of whom are interested, I used "Isn't it Romantic?" for the base, and "Over the Taupe" and "Baby it's 'Coal' Outside!" for the spots.

Gemma the Great

Originally posted Sept. 3, 2011.

I’ve recently found out that supermodel Gemma Ward has been cast to play a role in the upcoming Gatsby film. While her character’s name is unknown, the role is said to be of some significance.

For those of whom aren’t familiar with Miss Ward in the fashion industry, if you caught the latest Pirates of the Caribbean, you would have seen her as Tamara the First Mermaid. This information I’m getting from IMDB.

I am still unsure of how I feel about this development. As the film is gaining a lot of attention, with big names attached to it, I cannot help but expect a lot from her. I mean, I guess there are lots of model turned actress success stories. Perhaps Gemma will deliver and change my perspective.

Hell hath no fury like an ape scorned...

Lesson 1: Testing on animals is NOT good.
Lesson 2: Don't piss off a chimp.

When the full trailer for Rise of the Planet of the Apes was released, I was none but pleased to see the ever-attractive James Franco and ever-gorgeous Freida Pinto sharing the screen in the much anticipated prequel. Later I learned that Andy Serkis decided to bust out the green suit again to play another CGI character.

I will be honest, I have never seen the original. Nor have I seen the 2001 remake by Tim Burton. The only movie with chimps would have been Tarzan... the Disney version. So when I saw the trailer, I couldn't help but gawk at the advancement of film-making technology. It is armed with CGI work that rivals Avatar... the apes look incredibly lifelike!

The film surrounds a genetic engineer named Will Rodman. His research is primarily on finding something that will hopefully cure Alzheimer's -- a disease his own father has. Will tests out a drug on a chimp named Bright Eyes and sees that her intelligence is growing -- a telltale sign that his drug should help Alzheimer's sufferers. When Bright Eyes goes bananas, her life comes to an untimely end and her newborn baby is left without a parent. Will shows compassion towards the chimp and brings him home where he is given the name Caesar.
As the chimp becomes part of the family, the intelligence Bright Eyes possessed is passed onto Caesar and as each day grows, his IQ increases.
One day, Alzheimer's troubles the family when Will's father gets into a neighbor's car and causes a ruckus. As Will's father is being verbally abused by the angered neighbor, Caesar watches in his room window. Protective of his family, Caesar rushes outside to protect Mr. Rodman. This results in Caesar being violent towards the neighbor, and ultimately is pulled away by animal control to a compound where other chimps live.

Thus begins the downfall of Caesar's trust in humans, and the rise of the apes.

If you have seen the trailer, you obviously know what happens. The chimps are outraged by the way they are being treated by humans so they break out of the compound. What else is next but a showdown with the humans. They literally go ape shit on San Fransisco.

For most of the movie, I found myself growing fond of Caesar. He is so lovable, but so misunderstood. About half the movie is seeing Caesar growing up. I did not find it slow at all. It was all rise, but it was gradual and I liked that. It wasn't too slow paced.

What I didn't enjoy is that Tom Felton's character seems so Draco-like. Having watched him play Malfoy for the past 10 years, I couldn't help but see him as his Potter persona. Although I really like him, I wish he didn't always have to play the bad guy...

While Andy Serkis was blowing me away with his best ape impression, James Franco didn't act as well as he did in 127 Hours. However, the focus of the movie is not on him. His looks and beautiful co-star made up for his lack-luster performance. Again, the focus of the movie is not on humans so I don't have much to say about Freida Pinto. She's just really nice to look at... She didn't have much to say so I can't criticize too much.

I have to admit that the film was great and well received. Achieving over 80% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes is quite the accomplishment for the remake. It ends leaving the audience itching for more. Luckily, there will be more Apes swinging our way in the future.

I Have a Dream...

...and it came true at 8:30pm on Saturday, August 6 2011. After a satisfying pho dinner, much, much anticipation, a great opening act and a half hour break, New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys started their second last show in their NKOTBSB tour.

I. Went. Bananas.

Turn back the clock to 1999 when Millennium was released. An album packed with what are now BSB classics I couldn't help but fall madly in love with the Boys, but really, what isn't there to love? They cover all bases -- catchy dance beats as well as slower love songs, and they dance. They are what all boy bands will forever be compared to... and they will never measure up.

2001 comes around and for my 11th birthday I received Black and Blue.
Shape of My Heart is still my favorite on that album.

Fast forward to 2005 when my dear friend's birthday occurred shoftly after the release of Never Gone. Because I was too cheap to buy her the actual CD and I was feeling techy, I made her a mixed CD of past BSB hits as well as their new material. The love grew as I reacquainted myself with their biggest hits.

2008 rolls around and I am off to first year at Wilfrid Laurier. Thanks to a wonderful thing called DC++ I managed to download their entire discography and a tiny obsession begins.

All this time, I'm dreaming of one day seeing them in concert.

Summer 2011 my friend Eileen emails my girlfriends and I telling us that NKOTBSB will make a stop in Hamilton! Without hesitation we all agreed to get tickets for the show. The obsession grew as each day passed. The closer we got to the date, the more I was starting to  feel like I was a preteen again.
The week before the concert my sister and I listened to all their songs to prep us for the concert.

When the day finally came, my friends and I spent a couple hours making our tshirts. When they were dry, we ventured into Hamilton where we saw about 8 tour buses parked outside Copps Coliseum. We were going to see our childhood loves! As Copps is really close to our dinner spot, we walked there. Before we got close to the main entrance we saw a group of women crowded behind yellow tape. What were they there for? To catch a glimpse of the Boys of course! Determined to see Brian (our favorite), we stuck around. We waited around for about 15 minutes when one of the bus's doors opened. Women screamed as Howie D stepped outside and walked in our direction!! He stopped in front of the small crowd we were in and started shaking hands. I muscled myself in there and he touched my hand and WINKED.

Brian didn't end up coming out and the concert was starting. We didn't want to miss too much so we made our way to our seats. Matthew Morrison (Mr. Schue from Glee) was the opening act. He's amazing live! Sounds just like recordings. And he's way more attractive in real life.
Great way to start the show.

30 minute intermission.

Lights dim, fans scream, opening video introduces the groups and then BAM. The bands appear and sing some of their lyrics to Viva la Vida. Actually a dream come true. The concert was amazing! Could care less about New Kids but the Boys still got it! What made it even better is that they sang all my favorites!






Concert highlights:
- many crotch grabbing dance moves (so funny seeing 40 year old Kids dancing like that)
- seeing Brian
- Jordan Knight's comical high-pitched falsetto
- Donnie Wahlberg stripping
- BSB's amazing dancing
- "Don't Turn Out the Lights"
- "Everybody" encore
- experiencing this with my girls




I have never screamed so much or so loud in my life but it was definitely worth the sore throat!

Who shalt play Romeo?

According to Perez Hilton the role of Romeo has been cast by Douglas Booth. This I confirmed on IMDB. The name is not familiar to me, but like Hailee Steinfeld, a name I am sure we will be hearing for years to come.

...Actually, now that I think about it, he was the boy Miley Cyrus allegedly dated briefly after her initial split from Liam Hemsworth. Anyways, he will soon have another reason to remember his name. The fresh faced newcomer will be starring alongside Hailee Steinfeld as the famous star crossed lovers. While I know absolutely nothing about him, I think he is the appropriate age to star as the leading male.

In similar news, Holly Hunter is set to play the Nurse, and (Vampire Diaries fans rejoice) Paul Wesley will play Paris, the guy who does not get the girl. Shouldn't matter, he's so good looking, he should get pity dates easily.

Read more about it on Perez's website!

So long, Farewell

There once was a boy named Harry

Whose name was mentioned in a prophecy

One must die

While the other survives

And thus it all began

Hunting for Horcuxes

Voldy's soul now fluxes

Voldemort rises again

His power so great

Harry’s life was up to fate

…and the Battle was less than accurate.

Like my fellow Potter fans, I have been anticipating “The End” since the release of the final novel. It was inevitable, and for most it means the end of their childhood. I am one of them.

I started reading the series when The Prisoner of Azkaban had already been published. A friend introduced me to the magical world of witchcraft and wizardry and it was unlike anything I had ever read. I was fully immersed in their world.

All 7 books were published within 10 years, and similarly, the films were also released within 10 years. If I started reading the books when I was just shy of the age of 10. It means that Harry Potter has been part of my life for 12 years.

More than half my life has been dedicated to the series and I’m sad it has come to an end. However, the purpose of this post is not to bore you with my laments, but to share my thoughts on the final gift the franchise could give.

After being blown away by Part 1 of The Deathly Hallows, I expected no less from Part 2. Because I had not read the book since 2007, I felt compelled to refresh my memory and read it once more. 

I believe the movie was a joy to watch – cinematically speaking. 3D didn’t do much for me but I got Harry Potter glasses out of it. The film was full of emotion… those who have read the books will understand why. For those of you who don’t read the books and haven’t seen the movie yet, I will not spoil it for you. The most frustrating aspect of the movie was the inaccuracies that plagued the film.

Movies based off books have the difficulty of staying true to the original, for many reasons. The Harry Potter film franchise was no exception.

While I love the films, a part of me is always disappointed with the film doesn’t match the book. However, I must constantly be reminded that it is the Director’s vision not mine, that budgeting must play some role in the omission of characters, and again, it is someone else’s interpretation.

I liked the film, for it bade farewell to the beloved franchise… but unfortunately it was laced with inaccuracies.

While it saddens me to see it all end, I find comfort in the fact that Harry, Ron and Hermione still have adventures on paper.

Auf Wiedersehen, Harry Potter.

Oh na, na... Part III

You know the phrase "slice of pie"? How about naming my blog "Slice of Lai"?
It combines my love for food and it's a play on words.

Yay or nay?

Oh na, na... Part II

A while back I asked you guys what I should change blog name to and one person responded with "Lai to Me".

I really liked it, but I decided to go in that direction with my own twist. So please take a second to participate!

I have no idea how to put in an actual poll in my post... so I'll just ask that you write your answer in the comments section.

Name Change!
What should I change my blog name to?
1) Lai 2 You
2) All Things Stefani
3) Other (then write your suggestion)


Thanks friends!

Not your typical "Chick Flick"

Behold, Judd Apatow's latest -- Bridesmaids. It's The Hangover but with chicks. This hilarious film was released earlier this month and I was beyond excited to see it as I am a fan of Apatow's previous works. I expected a lot of laughs, crude humor, and obscenity.

When Annie's best friend Lillian becomes engaged, she's asked to be Lil's maid of honor. At the engagement party, she meets the rest of the bridesmaids.
There's Becca, a seemingly innocent newly wed who's nothing but smiles. Rita, a housewife and mother of 3 boys who's itching for girly time. Megan, Lil's fiance's sister who's low maintenance and has no filter, literally (she belches and passes gas like it's nobody's business). Lastly, there's Helen, Lillian's fiance's boss's wife, who's beautiful, passive aggressive, and Annie's competition as BFF.
Annie has to endure all the duties of maid of honor while keeping up with the other girls and trying to upstage Helen (which later seems impossible).
 
Toss in some vulgar language, cat fights, innuendos, hilarious catchphrases, sexual content and lots of puking, and you've got an Apatow movie. He sure knows how to cross the line.

Kristin Wiig is also worthy of acknowledgement. The story allows for her comedic styling to shine through. Joining her is fellow SNL regular Maya Rudolph and both funny ladies work really well together. Alongside the duo is Jenny McCarthy, best known for her role on Gilmore Girls. It was refreshing to see her play someone who's completely different to Sookie St. James. Rose Byrne adds to the group. Her striking good looks are deceiving, and she proves she's more than just a pretty face. Another recognizable face is Ellie Kemper (Erin from The Office). Though her character is similar to that of Erin, she's a great addition to the cast and brings a lot of laughs with her. Lastly, there's Wendi McLendon-Covey. I haven't seen much of her, but she's a very funny lady, as made evident in the movie's outtakes that made it on Funny or Die.
This talented group of women makes it clear that raunchy comedy isn't just for boys.

There were some really uncomfortable scenes to sit through, but the hilarity of the rest makes up for it.
I really did enjoy this movie and would recommend it to anyone who possesses a funny bone.

From Chuck to Tybalt

2 months ago, I blogged that Hailee Steinfeld had been cast to play Juliet in the upcoming adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.

Well I've just read that Ed Westwick will be playing Juliet's cousin Tybalt in the Shakespearean love story.
You've probably seen him in the CW hit show Gossip Girl, in which Ed plays Chuck Bass. A heavy schemer who is devilishly charming. He plays that role with ease, and from what I know of the character Tybalt, I believe Ed's familiarity with playing the douche-bag will help him deliver a notable performance.

I can't wait to hear who will be cast to star opposite Hailee. She's only 14, so he's got to be age appropriate, otherwise it could get creepy.

Crap, please let it be anyone BUT Justin Bieber?!?
Who would you like to see play Romeo?

Read more about it on Perez!

HK: Day 18

Well, today was our last full day in Hong Kong. So we spent most of it wrapping up our trip.

Started at noonish today. We all had a late night, so we didn't eat our first meal till 12. We had dim sum with my uncle downstairs. (I love how convenient it is to eat around here!) Shortly after, we went back to the flat to do some packing. This is when I figured out that I bought the most during our time here. Most of which is from H&M. They have more stuff, AND no taxes. C'mon. How could I not??

Anyways... when my Mom and aunt came back from their massages, we made our way to the old folks home to see my Yeh Yeh one last time.
He looked so much better today than the last time. He seemed more aware of his surroundings, and was sharp and quick with his replies. He really does remember a lot, but he's a man of few words, so he doesn't always reply to our many queries. In fact, if he's feeling like he's being tested/pestered he'll just ignore the question and not say anything. It's pretty funny actually. Great to see he's still got a little kick in him after all.
When we finally had to say goodbye, that's when my heart broke yet again. I can't leave him like this... It was really hard to not get teary-eyed when kissing his cheek and saying joy geen (good bye). I can only hope to come back in the very near future to see his face again. I love you Yeh Yeh.

Some other very important people we had to see one more time was my Dai Bak (oldest uncle) and my auntie Moh. What better way to end our HK trip with some Korean BBQ? Good times. Good food. My auntie Moh talks so fast that we have to constantly remind her to speak a little slower. It's way harder for Ev and I because we have to translate whilst being ultra attentive.
Anyways, after dinner, with much persistence, we had a little family photo shoot in Tsim Sha Tsui. So many photos... So much fake smiling. Haha I miss them already though.

All in all folks, this was a great trip. I learned a lot about my family. Some good, some bad. I got to know my cous a bit better. And I could actually carry a conversation with my relatives. Winning!

Missing Dai Bak, but we're mostly all here.

HK: Day 17

Busy(ish) day.

Met up with Peter and Chess for lunch. It was a mini-Bronte Camp reunion!! Great company, great conversation, and great memories. Sad to say goodbye to Peter as we won't see him for a year (at least). And Chess I'll be sure to see when she visits in August.

So today we had made plans to go to a factory store to shop. The clothes and accessories come straight from the factories and are sold at outlet prices. Really cheap. Anyways, I was the only one that didn't buy anything (there). I know, I was surprised myself!

Well, our shopping adventure didn't end there. We made our way back to Ladies Market in Mong Kok and Langham Place, where my favorite H&M is. Of course I had to buy a dress I had been eying the whole 3 weeks we'd been here.

All that took just about the whole day. Dinner rolled around quickly.
My aunt made reservations at a restaurant downstairs to have Peking duck again. Personally I found it better than Taiwan (and my family agrees). Really good dinner.

Went home, and it was finally time for my facial. After that, I came to the conclusion that I like squeezing my own pimples... Not so much when someone else does it for me. Good times though.

It was our last night with my cousin, so afterward we exchanged our "goodbye"s and "see you soon"s. He promises to come to Canada in about 2 years time. I'll hold him to that.