When you think of ceramics, do you perhaps think of a group of old ladies making mugs and dishes by hand? Many do -- but actually ceramics, and ceramic products, are all around us today - filling our world with useful and beautiful products.

When it comes to sheer usefulness - and helpfulness - could there be anything more useful and practical than ceramic brake pads? These brake pads have caused a revolution in the automobile industry - reducing and eliminating the need for asbestos brake pads - a definite health hazard. Ceramic brake pads are much more effective, providing sure braking at all vehicle speeds.

Another useful product based on ceramics, that fills our world today, is ceramic tile. These are both beautiful and practical. Most homes could not exist without ceramic tile, as they are used in bathrooms and kitchens. While it is true that drilling ceramic tile is a delicate operation, and removing ceramic tile can be quite a chore - yet most homeowners are very proud of their fancy ceramic tile, and love to show it off to their guests.

Ceramics have invaded the home in another way, of course - in the kitchen. We now have ceramic coffee carafes, teapots, and ceramic tea strainers.

As well, when we turn to the outdoors, we find ceramics there as well: Ceramic garden stools and benches, and ceramic garden pixies and gnomes inhabit our dreams and stories as well as our gardens. And in many neighborhoods, you will see ceramic house numbers -- and even family names -- proudly displayed for all to see. And next to Rover - what do you see? Why, it's a ceramic dog bowl - providing safety and stability as he eats his evening meal.

Industry has always been a big user of ceramics -- especially in this high-tech world of ours. Piezo ceramic elements are found in everything from medical devices, computers, furnaces and backyard barbecue grills. Ceramic ball bearings are now widely used -- you will find them in everything from jet airplanes, to the family SUV, to the kids skateboard.

It is true, when you think about it: Ceramic products are all around us -- and we would be impoverished without them.