Following a nine-month stretch of positive billings, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) showed no increase in design activity in January 2015. The slowdown was likely a result of winter weather conditions, says the American Institute of Architects.

Technology for a backlit vanity mirror with with a TV that is invisible until it is turned on won two patents for Electric Mirror. The application took years to make their way through the US Patent Office.

"Mirror with Media Display Device" and "Backlit Mirror with Media Display Device," which took years to make their way through the US Patent Office, won utility patents for mirror TV and lighted mirror TV technology.

Q: We are in a discussion about the role that water and moisture plays in bending wood. I know that how well a piece bends is dependent on the moisture content of the wood but what role does the moisture play in the plasticity of the sample? If you were to take a piece of wood that is oven dry and we're able to cool it in a chamber with 0 percent RH, would application of heat alone be enough to bend the piece and maintain it's shape?

Q: We have had a large dining table returned to us this winter after four years of use. It had a glass top. What happened is that the table crowned - the top warped with the center being higher than the edges. The glass cracked too. Even though it is four years old, we will probably replace it in the interest of good "public relations." Can you tell us what has happened?

Q: Can you suggest a good wood for a sauna? Cedar is too expensive, redwood is out because of environmental concerns; and pine has too much resin that bleeds out? Perhaps spruce?

Q: I made a table with a bunch of narrow pieces edge glued together. Now this summer the top is showing a ridge at every glue line—actually, it is hard to see, but I can feel it easily. Can you help?

Lumber Liquidators opened new 1,500-square-foot testing lab at its new distribution center outside Richmond, VA.

The Department of Homeland Security should be sitting pretty comfortably these days. Between fiscal year 2010 and 2014, the DHS spent approximately $148 million on office furniture and makeovers.