What a run: I showed up 16 years ago at what was then called CMP Publications (now CMP Media), when the company had a mere 100+ people, about half of whom were editors or production people using blue pencils, scissors and glue to cobble together news stories. Nary a PC in sight: In 1982, the desktop computer was still an exotic machine. Some newspapers had switched to an involved form of automated processing, involving special computer paper that would be run through a machine. But only the big guys had that.

Many of you have your own prehistoric tales: modeling done in metal or clay, not software; calculations carried out via slide rules; and tiny peridot-green screens with white lettering. "You've got mail" meant the office boy (not person or girl) had arrived.

Telephones came with live operators from Ma Bell, coiled wires that mysteriously tangled up in the middle of the night (Lawrence Livermore never solved that riddle), and seven-digit phone numbers. Now they're automated, wireless and require punching up to 18 digit if you use a 10-10 long-distance service.

Recall the early "portables"? I still ache from hauling a Radio Shack monstrosity through airports. Speaking of which: Remember that when we complained about airplane food, we meant that the gravy was too hot on the beef, or that the "mystery meat" had green edges on it? The food's no better, but I haven't been served hot food on a plane since America West spilled coffee on my mystery roll. And my, but to relive the days when airline seats came with leg room.

Some things I'm just as pleased to have left behind since I started at EE Times: green Jello salads. Non-accessibly designed products. That leaden portable.

Strangely enough, I don't remember being frustrated by lack of speed in the first PCs. I think I was amazed at the idea of transmitting copy to the office, 1,200 miles away, over a phone line.

And, I'm glad to say I leave this job with a sense of amazement about engineering marvels and its creators-you, EE Times' readers-smart, savvy and, finally, recognized worldwide as absolutely essential to the world's economic engine. Wall Street, the federal government and corporate boards have all jumped on the engineering bandwagon. It's about time.

What I wrote in my resignation letter to EE Times' editors applies to its readers as well:

It's been a privilege.