Although I’ve been to Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, England and Spain, along with Ecuador, Argentina and Mexico, I had never actually been to see our neighbors to the north, with the possible exception of a canoe trip on the Canadian side of the Boundary Waters. During the trip, I was told we had paddled onto the Canadian side; however, there were no signs, and American pine trees look much like Canadian ones, so it was hard to feel a sense of place.
Luckily this situation was remedied at last by a two-day company visit. And what better way to feel like you’re in a foreign country than by hearing everyone speak a foreign language-French in this case.
French was not the only language spoken, though, as the meeting brought people from around the world. No matter where they were from-Michigan, Montreal or Madrid-the attendees were all interested in learning about new product developments and a common interest in quality brought them together.
Before I left, I visited the Web site for the Canadian Institute for NDE, CINDE, along with the British Institute for NDT, BINDT. Their sites, www.cinde.ca and www.bindt.org respectively, are worth looking at, particularly the NDT cartoons-not too many of those out there-that can be reached from the British site. Of course, our American Society for Nondestructive Testing, www.asnt.org, is another great resource, with links to many useful sites.
So as not to play favorites, I also should mention that these countries are not the only places where NDT societies have developed. German, Italian and Spanish associations also are out there, along with Russian, Japanese, Chinese and Korean.
In case you’re wondering, I did spend some time clicking through the sites, including some foreign language pages. As I suspected, my Korean technical language skills are not up to par. Nor, sadly, are my German, Italian, Spanish, Russian or Japanese. Though the Web sites were, on average, very slick and impressive, I suggest the English versions if you are looking for information instead of differences in Web design. If not, enjoy the pictures.
And while you’re looking at new Web designs, I must say that our site, www.ndtmag.com, is looking livelier these days. Have you seen our new features? If not, visit our home page.
But let’s not forget the print version. This month features leak testing and infrared imaging, along with performance-based screening using NDT, X-ray inspection and standards. As always, case studies, news and products are all present and accounted for. Visit www.ndtmag.com to learn more, and look for our NDT Buyers Guide next month.
The NDT calendar finishes up this year with the ASNT show in Las Vegas next month, November 12 to 16. I hope to see you there. Stop by booth 530 and say hello (or bonjour).
Au Revoir.
