For both modes of crystal fibre, the pattern of holes is generated by stacking hollow glass tubes a millimetre or so in diameter to form a rod several centimetres thick.

ECONOMIST: A new approach to making optical fibres

Pols, like then-governor Rod Blagojevich, used a form of smoke-and-mirrors known as pension-obligation bonds to avoid actually having to fund ever more generous benefits for his public-employee union cronies.

FORBES: Wisconsin Shows Mix Of Unions, Pols A Recipe for Ruin

Multiple rods are grouped within another metal jacket which is then drawn and baked to convert the raw material to the ceramic form and the rod into a wire.

ECONOMIST: Cool coils