The 42nd Annual Symposium on Refractories, sponsored by the St. Louis Section and the Refractory Ceramics Division of the American Ceramic Society, was held in St. Louis, Mo., March 29-30, 2006, with about 120 attendees. The theme of the meeting was "Advances in Raw Materials," and the event featured an exposition with 17 exhibitors in addition to the technical program.

Modern ceramic and glass manufacturers face a dual challenge-how to cost-effectively manufacture high-quality standard products while simultaneously developing new products and services to remain competitive and meet increasing customer needs.

A mind is a lot like a parachute-it only works if it opens. If you really want to increase profitability and cash flow in your business, then you must welcome change.

Many people equate the word "technical" with "boring." Not so in our industry. Technical ceramics and glasses are exciting, rapidly growing industry segments. From traditional and alternative energy sources to fibers and coatings to liquid crystal and other types of displays, the applications for technical ceramics and glasses are nearly endless.

Many people equate the word "technical" with "boring." Not so in our industry. Technical ceramics and glasses are exciting, rapidly growing industry segments. From traditional and alternative energy sources to fibers and coatings to liquid crystal and other types of displays, the applications for technical ceramics and glasses are nearly endless.

It appears the honeymoon with China is over-will we skip marital bliss and head straight for divorce and, if so, how ugly will it get?

You know the Seinfeld episode where everything is backward? Frankly, when I look at the world today, I feel like I have been transported to Seinfeld's Bizarro World.

To the consumer, porcelain tile probably seems like a very straightforward product. Different shapes, sizes and colors are available, certainly, but how those effects are achieved isn't relevant as long as the tile looks great. Manufacturers know differently, of course. Especially in terms of pressing and decorating processes, tile manufacturing has experienced significant innovations over the last several decades.

When an industry starts working together, there's no end to what it can accomplish. The sky's the limit as the U.S. glass industry pursues a number of strategic objectives - from improved glass strength to better energy efficiency and reduced melting costs.

The athleticism of the competitors in the Olympic Games is awe-inspiring, as is their dedication to their sports. I imagine the multitudes of other people - from parents, coaches and trainers to friends and neighbors-who have worked together to support each athlete and help them succeed. The process isn't so very different in industry. So many people throughout the various levels of a company all work together to achieve the same goal - a successful business.