This can't be happening I thought when I first heard the news that a major earthquake had struck northern Japan. I had the same feeling when I heard that a devastating tsunami followed the earthquake. And again when I heard that the nuclear energy plant had lost power and was out of control. Can this really be happening all at the same time? Sadly, the answer turned out to be yes.

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For all the negative news we hear in regard to the American school system – budget cuts, teacher strikes, drop-out rates, graduates that can’t write – it is certainly nice to hear about some smart kids that are excited and motivated about learning and about school programs that teach students real-world skills and experience. Here’s one such example.

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On my way to work this morning, I endured the typical frustrations of driving in Southern California traffic. The cement, garbage, 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks were lined up four abreast. In addition, there were the usual assortment of cars and pickups traveling at a rate 10 to 15 miles under the speed limit and leaving huge gaps, sometimes a quarter mile — between them and the next vehicle.

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No, this isn't a follow-up from my last post where I actually "reveal secrets" from my recent trip to Japan. It's a reference to an event here at Roland DGA that we've had after the last 2 Pacific Design & Engineering/West Pack shows.

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Roland DG is a Japanese company. While the name doesn't sound like it, it actually is. Our counterparts in Japan come over to Roland DGA's territory for shows and meetings with us fairly often, but a once or twice a year I head over to Hamamatsu Japan for meetings and to get the latest on new products in our pipeline. This time, we sent our sales, product management and field engineering teams over to have them see, first-hand, what R&D is working on and what we have coming. There's no way for me to translate every product detail or the excitement the engineers have for our products when I visit, so it's important for them to see it for themselves.

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How much easier would it be to sell your package concept to your client or your superiors if you could make new mock-ups every day as your design evolves?

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One of my hobbies is managing a small but growing portfolio of stocks and among my better performing investments of the past few years has been Apple (APPL). Accordingly, I read a fair amount of news and commentary in the business and investment press with regards to whether Apple will continue to grow, or whether it’s peaked.

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Quick, look at the clothes you’re wearing. If anything you are wearing has been embellished with printing, embroidery, a heat transfer, rhinestones, studs, or a host of other techniques, then it is officially decorated apparel. The ISS Long Beach Show opened today, and as usual, I saw some exciting and unexpected things. There were lots of blanks, including T-shirts, hats, bags, jackets, sweatshirts, and athletic gear, but there was also a booth full of slippers, and one full of dog clothing.

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I enjoy going to the movies, sitting in a large, dark theater, and being carried away by the music, sound effects and imagery. It's even more fun when you know a little about how the movie was made and the people involved.

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