Happy New Year.com

Kimberly Chapple
Editor

I thought I wanted a new car for Christmas. Shiny. Fast. And beautifully designed. One that could rip around the track in no time flat and get me to all the places I needed to be -- in time and in style. I hoped it would have been developed by engineers using some new version of a nifty CAD system. And wouldn't it be nice if it contained such components as VOVs--you know, the "high-performance, cost-effective expansion devices for auto A/C flow regulation."

Of course, I didn't need a car, mind you. In fact, prior to December, new wheels (or valves or chassis) never even crossed my mind. But as we prepared the January issue for you last month, my holiday wish list and the publication's automotive feature and application stories melded as personal and editorial deadlines became one. Funny when that happens. I chalk it up to lots of ideas and lots of work. Around the clock.

As design engineers, I am sure you know the feeling. You are all in the very competitive business of creating solutions. Whether you create from scratch or make a good idea a heck of a lot better, people depend on you for your ingenuity and ability to complete projects on time and on budget. Under that kind of pressure, I know very few engineers who simply "turn off the ideas" when 5 o'clock rolls around.

With that in mind, consider Designfax a solution for your round-the-clock ideas in 1999. We're online as a key ingredient of Manufacturing Center (www.ManufacturingCenter.com) and have dedicated considerable resources to providing a valuable, information-laden website for all your design engineering specification needs. In addition to the latest issue, there's a complete OEM supplier directory and a search engine for archived products, services, application and technology stories. There's also a bookstore, daily headlines tracking news in your industry, and useful manufacturing links to help you keep on top of it all. It's all there, 24-hours-a-day. As a colleague so aptly penned, www.designfax.net - Because creativity's not just a day job.

By the way, I never got that car for Christmas. Once we put the book to bed, I kind of lost interest anyway. I'm a little worried now, though. Tomorrow I start researching "business equipment." And a new copy machine--one that sorts and staples and never ever jams is looking really, really good right now. I'm in for an exciting new year. Here's hoping you are, too!

kchapple@designfax.net