This forward-looking index indicates broad optimism that the expansion of manufacturing activity will continue throughout the year.

Beauty and brains, pleasure and usability — they should go hand in hand.

I've been thinking hard about the Apple product-development process since I left. If you follow my [guidelines], it will guarantee good design. But Steve Jobs doesn't want good design. He wants great design, and my method will never give you that. That takes a rare leader, who can bring both the cohesion and commitment and style. And Steve has it.

The profit margin index is well above the 50%-level, indicating that, for most firms, profit margins are higher than one year ago, when margins were showing improvement from their depressed levels throughout 2001-2002.

While a few manufacturing industries--in particular, the auto industry -- face challenges, the overall manufacturing sector appears to be on very solid footing for at least the near term.

Just 8% of the respondents reported that backlogs are down from last year, while 66% said that backlogs are higher.

It's nice to finish with a great shot like that. It was a nice way to finish up. It looked pretty good in the air. I had a little mud on the ball, so I was hoping it would fly straight. I had a perfect yardage and it came off beautifully.

This forward-looking index points to continued expansion in most manufacturing industries.