Webster's dictionary defines “Rube Goldberg,” for instance, as “any very complicated invention, machine, scheme, etc. laboriously contrived to perform a seemingly simple operation.”

"Air Engines: The History, Science, and Reality of the Perfect Engine" and "Aircraft Engine Controls" are featured in ME Bookshelf this month.

Instrumentation and Control is the theme of the February 2010 Technology Focus column.

"Quick Reveal," "Coaster Class" and "Crime Shoot" are among the items in this month's Computing section.

This month's News & Notes features "New Energy Assessment Standards," "Trade Fair Wants to Start a Reshoring Trend" and "$49 Million for Advanced Jet Fuels."

The February 2010 Letters section includes "Life Lessons and Teamwork," "Who Gets Hired," and "To Create and Serve."

Erik Hersman stands out in the crowds near his home in Nairobi, Kenya. It helps that he’s tall and pale, with a bushy beard and an imposing build.

Interest in sustainable technology remains a personal matter among engineers. Rising concern over government action keeps the issue in the forefront.

Physical phenomena—and engineers—rarely work in isolation, so simulation software is addressing those facts.

Engineering Management: More than a recognition of achievement, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program provides a framework for continuous improvement of companies.

Engineering Management: Program for mid-level managers stresses workshops, seminars, and networking.

Engineering Management: Application of a visual method to determine the abilities of engineers reveals new and useful insights.

Engineering Management: We take different approaches to problems, and the best solutions are achieved by the greatest diversity.

Engineering Management: A chemical plant applies Six Sigma analysis to keep its technicians efficient and its machinery reliable.

Linear stepper motors, a data acquisition module, a tapper for EDM, and a flush-mount fastener are among the New Products for February 2010.

Barracuda, SolidProfessor Update, Knovel, and Tecplot RS 2009 are discussed in Software Exchange this month.