Since so much of what we do in standards setting is built upon a foundation of a shared understanding and agreement of the meaning of words (no less so than in technical standard setting) that time is well spent reflecting upon the origin of the nouns and verbs of that we use every day. Best practice cannot be discovered, much less promulgated, without its understanding secured with common language.
Title: IEEE P3119 – Standard for the Procurement of Artificial Intelligence and Automated Decision Systems
Scope: The IEEE P3119 standard establishes a uniform set of definitions and a process model for procuring Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automated Decision Systems (ADS). It covers government procurement, in-house development, and hybrid public-private development of AI/ADS. The standard redefines traditional procurement stages—problem definition, planning, solicitation, critical evaluation (e.g., impact assessments), and contract execution—using an IEEE Ethically Aligned Design (EAD) foundation and a participatory approach to address socio-technical and responsible innovation considerations. It focuses on mitigating unique AI risks compared to traditional technologies and applies to commercial AI products and services procured through formal contracts.
Purpose: The purpose of IEEE P3119 is to help government entities, policymakers, and technologists make transparent, accountable, and responsible choices in procuring AI/ADS. It provides a framework to strengthen procurement processes, ensuring due diligence, transparency about risks, and alignment with public interest. The standard aims to minimize AI-related risks (e.g., bias, ethical concerns) while maximizing benefits, complementing existing procurement practices and shaping the market for responsible AI solutions. It supports agencies in critically evaluating AI tools, assessing vendor transparency, and integrating ethical considerations into procurement.
Developmental Timelines:
September 23, 2021: The IEEE Standards Association (SA) Standards Board approved the project and established the IEEE P3119 Working Group. The Project Authorization Request (PAR) was created to define the scope.
2021–Ongoing: Development continues, with no final publication date confirmed in available sources. As of July 18, 2024, the standard was still in progress, focusing on detailed process recommendations.
The standard is being developed as a voluntary socio-technical standard, with plans to test it against existing regulations (e.g., via regulatory sandboxes).
By Whom:
Working Group Chair: Gisele Waters, Ph.D., Director of Service Development and Operations at Design Run Group, co-founder of the AI Procurement Lab, and a human-centered design researcher focused on risk mitigation for vulnerable populations.
Working Group Vice Chair: Cari Miller, co-founder of the AI Procurement Lab and the Center for Inclusive Change, an AI governance leader and risk expert.
IEEE P3119 Working Group: Comprises a global network of IEEE SA volunteers from diverse industries, collaborating to develop standards addressing market needs and societal benefits. The group integrates expertise from government workers, policymakers, and technologists.
Inspiration: The standard was inspired by the AI and Procurement: A Primer report from the New York University Center for Responsible AI.
The IEEE P3119 standard is a collaborative effort to address the unique challenges of AI procurement, emphasizing ethical and responsible innovation for public benefit
Title: IEEE P3120 – Standard for Quantum Computing Architecture
Scope: The IEEE P3120 standard defines a general architecture for quantum computers, focusing on the structure and organization of quantum computing systems. It covers the overall system architecture, including quantum hardware components (e.g., qubits, quantum gates), control systems, interfaces with classical computing systems, and software layers for programming and operation. The standard aims to provide a framework for designing interoperable and scalable quantum computing systems, addressing both hardware and software considerations for quantum and hybrid quantum-classical architectures.
Purpose: The purpose of IEEE P3120 is to establish a standardized framework to guide the design, development, and integration of quantum computing systems. It seeks to ensure consistency, interoperability, and scalability across quantum computing platforms, facilitating innovation and collaboration in the quantum computing ecosystem. By providing clear architectural guidelines, the standard supports developers, researchers, and industry stakeholders in building reliable and efficient quantum computers, bridging the gap between theoretical quantum computing and practical implementation.
Developmental Timelines:
September 21, 2023: The IEEE Standards Association (SA) Standards Board approved the Project Authorization Request (PAR) for P3120, initiating the project under the IEEE Computer Society’s Microprocessor Standards Committee (C/MSC).
2023–Ongoing: Development is in progress, with no confirmed publication date in available sources. As a standards development project, it involves iterative drafting, review, and consensus-building, typical of IEEE processes, which can span several years.
The standard is being developed as a voluntary standard, with potential for testing and refinement through industry and academic collaboration.
By Whom:
Sponsor: IEEE Computer Society, specifically the Microprocessor Standards Committee (C/MSC), which oversees standards related to microprocessor and computing architectures.
Working Group: The IEEE P3120 Working Group consists of volunteers from academia, industry, and research institutions with expertise in quantum computing, computer architecture, and related fields. Specific chairs or members are not detailed in available sources, but IEEE SA working groups typically include global experts from relevant domains.
Stakeholders: The development involves contributions from quantum computing researchers, hardware manufacturers, software developers, and standardization experts to ensure a comprehensive and practical standard.
The IEEE P3120 standard is a critical step toward formalizing quantum computing architectures, aiming to support the growing quantum technology industry with a robust and interoperable framework.
This content is accessible to paid subscribers. To view it please enter your password below or send mike@standardsmichigan.com a request for subscription details.
Meatloaf is traced back to ancient times when people started combining ground meat with other ingredients for a more economical and substantial meal.
Colonial America: The concept of mixing ground meat with breadcrumbs or grains dates back to medieval Europe. When settlers arrived in North America, they adapted these techniques to the ingredients available to them, such as native grains and game meats.
19th Century: As meat grinders became more widely available in the 19th century, the preparation of ground meat dishes became easier. Meatloaf gained popularity during this time, with regional variations emerging across the United States. Families would incorporate various seasonings, herbs, and fillers based on local ingredients and preferences.
World War II and Post-War Era: Meatloaf became even more popular during World War II and the post-war era due to its affordability and versatility. Families could stretch a small amount of meat by combining it with breadcrumbs, rice, or oats, making it an economical choice during times of rationing.
1950s and 1960s: Meatloaf reached its peak of popularity in the mid-20th century, becoming a staple of American home cooking. The dish was often featured in cookbooks and advertisements, showcasing its versatility and ease of preparation.
Over time, meatloaf recipes have evolved with regional and personal preferences. Some variations include using different meats (beef, pork, veal, or a combination), adding vegetables, experimenting with various seasonings, and glazing with sauces.
Ketchup, 1 & 1/2 oz.
Water, 2 3/8 tsp.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Place ground beef in mixing bowl. Add eggs and combine.
Add ketchup (2 & 1/3 Tbsp.), mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, onions, celery, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Meatloaf should be firm. If mixture is not, add more bread crumbs.
Place meatloaf in a loaf pan. Make sure it is spread evenly.
Bake for about 45 minutes, uncovered. Remove from oven.
Combine ketchup (1 & 1/2 oz.) and water. Spread over meatloaf.
Return to oven for another 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 155 degrees.
Let the meatloaf rest for 30 minutes prior to cutting.
Bert Askwith worked his way through college shuttling students to and from Detroit Metropolitan Airport until his graduation in 1931; when two semester tuition cost $300. With no student debt he founded and grew Campus Coach Lines that still provides the same services at many other US campuses. He donated part of his fortune to establish a cafe in the Undergraduate Library; which now serves an expanding and bewildering catalog of caffeine-based drinks found in educational settlements worldwide.
When new foreign national students arrive at U.S. colleges and universities, they often enter environments where a left-leaning worldview is prominent and pervasive. Many campuses today emphasize themes of social justice, equity, and systemic critique that align with a preference for larger, more interventionist government. Faculty and administrative messaging can reinforce these ideas, portraying government as the primary instrument for addressing inequality, redistributing resources, and regulating social behavior.
For many international students, this can be both eye-opening and disorienting. They may come from countries with different political traditions, including skepticism of state power due to experiences with corruption or authoritarianism. Yet, in the university setting, they encounter curricula and campus cultures that valorize activist government solutions while often criticizing markets, traditional institutions, or individual responsibility. Programs in the humanities and social sciences in particular tend to frame policy questions through a progressive lens that sees expansive government action as not just beneficial but morally necessary.
This immersion—some might call it a “marination”—shapes perspectives over time. Students adopt the language of social justice, climate policy, and identity politics, often without exposure to robust counterarguments. While this experience can broaden horizons and foster empathy for marginalized groups, it also risks narrowing intellectual diversity and suppressing debate about the limits and costs of government power. For international students, it can mean graduating with a worldview significantly more aligned with the American academic left than with the diverse political traditions of their home countries.
“303.1.4: Accessory religious educational rooms and religious auditoriums with occupant loads less than 100 per room or space are not considered separate occupancies.” This informs how fire protection systems are designed.
“305.2.1: Rooms and spaces within places of worship proving such day care during religious functions shall be classified as part of the primary occupancy.” This group includes building and structures or portions thereof occupied by more than five children older than 2-1/2 years of age who receive educational, supervision or personal care services for fewer than 24 hours per day.
“308.5.2: Rooms and spaces within places of religious worship providing [Group I-4 Day Care Facilities] during religious functions shall be classified as part of the primary occupancy. When [Group I-4 Day Care Facilities] includes buildings and structures occupied by more than five persons of any age who receive custodial care for fewer than 24 hours per day by persons other than parents or guardians, relatives by blood, marriage or adoption, and in a place other than the home of the person cared for.
Tricky stuff — and we haven’t even included conditions under which university-affiliated places of worship may expected to be used as community storm shelters.
Public response to Committee Actions taken in Orlando in April will be received until July 8th.
Because standard development tends to be a backward-looking domain it is enlightening to understand the concepts in play in previous editions. The complete monograph of proposals for new building safety concepts for places of worship for the current revision cycle is linked below:
A simple search on the word “worship” will reveal what ideas are in play. With the Group B Public Comment Hearings now complete ICC administered committees are now curating the results for the Online Governmental Consensus Vote milestone in the ICC process that was completed December 6th. Status reports are linked below:
A quick review of the appeals statements reveals some concern over process, administration and technical matters but none of them directly affect how leading practice for places of worship is asserted.
We are happy to get down in the weeds with facility professionals on other technical issues regarding other occupancy classes that are present in educational communities. See our CALENDAR for next Construction (Ædificare) colloquium open to everyone.
Open agenda; Not Too Organized. Whatever anyone wants to talk about. We do this once every month. Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
A massive number of colleges and universities have shut down within the last couple of years, or will shut down in the next few.
Many of these colleges have cited financial hardship or enrollment decline as reasons for closure. But what’s really going on? 🧵 pic.twitter.com/MoF1Iiejzd
We had so much fun celebrating the magic of this Swedish tradition by making flower wreaths, dancing around the maypole, enjoying a smorgasbord buffet and music with our American friends, families and allies here in DC. pic.twitter.com/NC9tEKa4RS
— Embassy of Sweden USA (@SwedeninUSA) June 21, 2024
In honor of Charles-Augustin de Coulomb’s birthday, we would like you to know that 1 coulomb is equal to the charge of 6.24 quintillion (billion billion) electrons! pic.twitter.com/VnrLu0Lb0P
— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) June 14, 2024
In honor of Charles-Augustin de Coulomb’s birthday, we would like you to know that 1 coulomb is equal to the charge of 6.24 quintillion (billion billion) electrons! pic.twitter.com/VnrLu0Lb0P
— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) June 14, 2024
📢📢📢
MSU Observatory will be open for public observing twice a month between April and September. Stay tuned for our public events schedule.. 🔭🌕🪐💫@MSUNatSci@michiganstateu
Video credit: EA Photography
Audio credit: Epicomposer pic.twitter.com/hGF9oEidqd
The IEEE P3119 draft standard is designed to help strengthen AI procurement approaches, using due diligence to ensure that agencies are critically evaluating the AI services and tools they acquire.https://t.co/ujVJxZqjEm@InstituteIEEE
— IEEE Standards Association | IEEE SA (@IEEESA) May 19, 2024
— Standards Michigan (@StandardsMich) May 25, 2024
The word #standard is commonly used in daily language, so much so that people do not always reflect on its definition. Learn how ASTM International’s Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees (aka “Green Book”) defines them. #standards See https://t.co/oSBmwh1lbXpic.twitter.com/ynk87XDr7D
— Standards Michigan (@StandardsMich) May 18, 2024
🏆 We applaud the brilliant minds shortlisted for the 2024 IEEE PES Power Engineering Education Committee (PEEC) Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award!
Goodnight my angel, time to close your eyes
And save these questions for another day
I think I know what you’ve been asking me
I think you know what I’ve been trying to say
I promised I would never leave you
Then you should always know
Wherever you may go, no matter where you are
I never will be far away
Goodnight my angel, now it’s time to sleep
And still so many things I want to say
Remember all the songs you sang for me
When we went sailing on an emerald bay
And like a boat out on the ocean
I’m rocking you to sleep
The water’s dark and deep, inside this ancient heart
You’ll always be a part of me
Goodnight my angel, now it’s time to dream
And dream how wonderful your life will be
Someday your child may cry, and if you sing this lullaby
Then in your heart there will always be a part of me
Someday we’ll all be gone
But lullabies go on and on
They never die
That’s how you and I will be
US Department of Agriculture | § 58.2825 United States Standard for ice cream.
Southern ice cream often differs from ice cream in other regions of the U.S. in several ways, reflecting regional tastes, ingredients, and traditions:
Flavors and Ingredients:
Pecans and Pralines: Southern ice cream frequently incorporates pecans and pralines, which are popular in the region.
Peaches: Georgia is known for its peaches, so peach-flavored ice cream is a Southern staple.
Sweet Tea and Bourbon: These flavors are inspired by Southern beverages and can be found in ice creams.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk ice cream has a tangy flavor and is a nod to traditional Southern cooking.
Style and Texture:
Custard Base: Southern ice cream often uses a custard base, which includes egg yolks, giving it a richer and creamier texture compared to the typical Philadelphia-style ice cream that uses a simpler cream and sugar base.
Churned at Home: Traditional Southern ice cream is often made using hand-cranked ice cream makers, producing a different texture and incorporating more air, which can make it lighter and fluffier.
Historical Influence:
Cultural Heritage: The South’s diverse cultural heritage influences its ice cream, with recipes passed down through generations and reflecting African American, Native American, and European influences.
Popular Brands and Shops:
Regional Brands: Brands like Blue Bell, which originated in Texas, are particularly popular in the South and known for their classic Southern flavors.
Local Shops: Small, local ice cream parlors in the South often offer unique, homemade flavors that highlight regional ingredients and traditions.
These differences highlight the South’s rich culinary traditions and how they extend even to sweet treats like ice cream.
New update alert! The 2022 update to the Trademark Assignment Dataset is now available online. Find 1.29 million trademark assignments, involving 2.28 million unique trademark properties issued by the USPTO between March 1952 and January 2023: https://t.co/njrDAbSpwBpic.twitter.com/GkAXrHoQ9T
