“Mount Fuji from Lake Yamanaka” Takahashi Shōtei (1871-1945) | Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The Japanese Standards Association is the Global Secretariat for a standardization project devoted to the discovery and promulgation of common methods and guidelines for coordinated lifetime management of network assets in power systems to support good asset management. In addition, this may include the development of new methods and guidelines required to keep pace with development of electrotechnologies excluding generation assets; covered by other IEC standards.
There has, and will continue to be significant investment in electricity assets which will require ongoing management to realise value for the organizations. In the last 5 years, there has been USD 718 billion investment for electricity, spending on electricity networks and storage continued, reaching an all-time high of USD 277 billion in 2016. In the United States (17% of the total) and Europe (13%), a growing share is going to the replacement of ageing transmission and distribution assets. A more fully dimensioned backgrounder on the business environment that drives the market for this title is available in the link below:
It is early in this project’s lifecycle; far too early to find it referenced in public safety and energy laws in the United States where it would affect #TotalCostofOwnership. Where we should, we follow the lead of the USNC/IEC for the United States, while still mindful that many of our IEEE colleagues follow the lead of their own national standards body.
Because this project fills an obvious gap in good practice literature we maintain this project on our 4 times monthly electrotechnology colloquium that we co-host with the IEEE Education & Healthcare Facilities Committee. See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting; open to everyone.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is an independent agency within the U.S. federal government that regulates interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil. It oversees wholesale energy markets, pipeline infrastructure, and hydroelectric projects, ensuring fair rates and reliability. While independent, FERC operates under the Department of Energy’s umbrella but does not take direct orders from the executive branch.
FERC enforces energy laws, approves infrastructure projects, and regulates market competition. FERC plays a crucial role in balancing economic, environmental, and energy security concerns, aiming to maintain a stable and efficient energy system across the United States. Since the U.S. shares interconnected electricity grids with Canada and Mexico, FERC’s decisions on transmission rules and pricing affect energy flows and grid reliability in both countries.
Our interest lies in closing a technical gap that exists upstream from the building service point and downstream from the utility supply point. Some, not all of it, can be accomplished with titles in the IEEE catalog.
Given the dominance of vertical incumbents in the electric power domain, we have submitted a tranche of reliability concepts into the ASHRAE, NFPA and ICC catalogs — not so much with the expectation that they will be gratefully received — but that our proposals will unleash competitive energies among developers of voluntary consensus standards.
One of our proposals was heard at the April-May and October meetings of the International Code Council. We are happy to discuss the outcome of that proposal any day at the usual hour.
In power system engineering, availability and reliability are two important concepts, but they refer to different aspects of the system’s performance.
Reliability:
Reliability refers to the ability of a power system to perform its intended function without failure for a specified period under given operating conditions. It is essentially a measure of how dependable the system is.
Reliability metrics often include indices such as the frequency and duration of outages, failure rates, mean time between failures (MTBF), and similar measures.
Reliability analysis focuses on identifying potential failure modes, predicting failure probabilities, and implementing measures to mitigate risks and improve system resilience.Availability:
Availability, on the other hand, refers to the proportion of time that a power system is operational and able to deliver power when needed, considering both scheduled and unscheduled downtime.
Availability is influenced by factors such as maintenance schedules, repair times, and system design redundancies.
Availability is typically expressed as a percentage and can be calculated using the ratio of the uptime to the total time (uptime plus downtime).
Availability analysis aims to maximize the operational readiness of the system by minimizing downtime and optimizing maintenance strategies.
Reliability focuses on the likelihood of failure and the ability of the system to sustain operations over time, while availability concerns the actual uptime and downtime of the system, reflecting its readiness to deliver power when required. Both concepts are crucial for assessing and improving the performance of power systems, but they address different aspects of system behavior.
Comment:These 1-hour sessions tend to be administrative in substance, meeting the minimum requirements of the Sunshine Act. This meeting was no exception. Access to the substance of the docket is linked here.
On Monday June 13th, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission commissioners informed the House Committee on Energy and Commerce that the “environmental justice” agenda prohibits reliable dispatchable electric power needed for national power security. One megawatt of natural gas generation does not equal one megawatt of renewable generation. The minority party on the committee — the oldest standing legislative committee in the House of Representatives (established 1795) — appears indifferent to the reliability consequences of its policy.
“Our nation’s continued energy transition requires the efficient development of new transmission infrastructure. Federal and state regulators must address numerous transmission-related issues, including how to plan and pay for new transmission infrastructure and how to navigate shared federal-state regulatory authority and processes. As a result, the time is ripe for greater federal-state coordination and cooperation.”
At the July 20th meeting of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Tristan Kessler explained the technical basis for a Draft Final Rule for Improvements to Generator Interconnection Procedures and Agreements, On August 16th the Commission posted a video reflecting changes in national energy policy since August 14, 2003; the largest blackout in American history.
Hubbell Corporation, a leader in electrical and utility solutions, significantly contributes to data center build-outs by providing end-to-end infrastructure products. These include reliable connectivity, structured cabling, wiring devices, enclosures, and modular prefabricated systems for high-density server rooms and power distribution. Through brands like PCX and Hubbell Premise Wiring, it ensures scalability, maximum uptime, and regulatory compliance, backed by a 25-year guarantee. Amid AI-driven demands, Hubbell’s vertically integrated approach supports efficient grid-to-chip power management, enabling faster, resilient expansions for colocation and enterprise facilities.
We want to give a warm welcome to this year’s summer #interns! This summer, we have 94 interns that span across 23 locations, 57 universities, and over 12 business functions.
We look forward to seeing the unique contributions that each of these interns will make over the summer. pic.twitter.com/A2mbytr338
— Hubbell Incorporated (@HubbellCorp) May 15, 2023
Today is an “off-year” federal election but there are many appeals to voters for more money to build new, or expand or maintain educational settlements. We may have to pick through a few bond offerings. We maintain an ongoing concern for the security of polling places; many which are located in schools, colleges and universities.
In the United States, polling places can be located in a variety of public and private facilities, not just in public schools. While public schools are commonly used as polling places due to their widespread distribution and accessibility, they are not necessarily the largest proportion of polling places nationwide. The specific locations of polling places can vary by jurisdiction and are determined by local election officials. Other common polling place locations include community centers, churches, libraries, government buildings, and private residences.
The selection of polling places is based on factors like accessibility, convenience, and the need to accommodate a specific number of voters within a given precinct or district. The goal is to ensure that voters have reasonable access to cast their ballots on election day. The use of public schools as polling places is widespread but not universal, and the distribution of polling places across various types of facilities can vary from one region to another.
The political party that claims that “democracy is at stake” today’s election is the same political party that seeks to federalize state election laws, pack the Supreme Court, remove the Electoral College, remove US national borders and abolish voter identification will be voting in today’s off-year elections. In other words: it wants to abolish democracy. Its partisans have long since metastasized in education communities where polling places for students, faculty, staff and nearby residents are hosted.
Join us in post-irony America today when we focus only on the safety and environmental condition of these polling places. Where there is closer agreement. Catalogs, titles, chapters, sections and passages that inform best practice on this topic:
The largest school bond referendum on ballots in November 2025 is the $1.4 billion package for Richardson Independent School District (ISD) in Texas.
University of Michigan’s 2025 $2 billion general revenue bonds
New York University’s 2025 $2.18 billion bonds through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York
The largest school bond referendum on ballots in November 2024 was Measure US for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) in California, totaling $9 billion.
In the November 2022 elections, a significant number of school bond referenda were presented to voters across the United States. For example, in Wisconsin alone, there were 57 successful capital referenda amounting to nearly $2.1 billion in authorized debt (Wisconsin Policy Forum)
In Texas, Central Texas schools had a total of $4.24 billion in bonds on the ballot, covering various propositions for school facilities, technology improvements, and athletic facilities (Fox 7 Austin)
In California and Arkansas, bond measures totaling $74 million — including school choice — were aimed at addressing school facility improvements (The74Million)
Voters in 16 North Carolina counties approved bond issues totaling $4.27 billion, with $3.08 billion dedicated to K-12 public school construction and improvements (EducationNC)
“The cure for high prices, is high prices” — They say.
Today we explore fiscal runaway in the US education “industry” with particular interest in the financing instruments for building the real assets that are the beating heart of culture in neighborhoods, cities, counties and states. We steer clear of social and political issues. The marketing of these projects — and how the loans are paid off — provides insight into the costs and benefits of this $100+ billion industry; the largest non-residential building construction market in the United States.
We cannot do much to stop the hyperbolically rising cost of administrative functionaries but we can force the incumbents we describe in our ABOUT to work a little harder to reduce un-used (or un-useable) space and reduce maintenance cost. Sometimes simple questions result in obvious answers that result in significant savings.
More recently hybrid teaching and learning space, owing the the circumstances of the pandemic, opens new possibilities for placing downward pressure on cost.
After Architect-Engineers and Building Construction Contractors (many of whom finance election advocacy enterprises) the following organizations are involved in placing a bond on the open market:
School Districts: Individual school districts issue bonds to fund construction or renovation of school facilities, purchase equipment, or cover other educational expenses. Each school district is responsible for managing its own bond issuances.
Colleges and Universities: Higher education institutions, such as universities and colleges, issue bonds to finance campus expansions, construction of new academic buildings, dormitories, research facilities, and other capital projects.
State-Level Agencies: Many states have agencies responsible for overseeing and coordinating bond issuances for schools and universities. These agencies may facilitate bond sales, help ensure compliance with state regulations, and provide financial assistance to educational institutions.
Municipal Finance Authorities: Municipal finance authorities at the state or local level often play a role in facilitating bond transactions for educational entities. They may act as intermediaries in the bond issuance process.
Investment Banks and Underwriters: Investment banks and underwriters assist educational institutions in structuring and selling their bonds to investors. They help determine bond terms, market the bonds, and manage the offering.
Bond Counsel: Bond counsel, typically law firms, provide legal advice to educational institutions on bond issuances. They help ensure that the bond issuance complies with all legal requirements and regulations.
Rating Agencies: Rating agencies, such as Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, and Fitch Ratings, assess the creditworthiness of the bonds and assign credit ratings. These ratings influence the interest rates at which the bonds can be issued.
Investors: Various institutional and individual investors, including mutual funds, pension funds, and individual bond buyers, purchase school and university bonds as part of their investment portfolios.
Financial Advisors: Financial advisory firms provide guidance to educational institutions on bond issuances, helping them make informed financial decisions related to borrowing and debt management.
Regulatory Authorities: Federal and state regulatory authorities, such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and state-specific agencies, oversee and regulate the issuance of bonds to ensure compliance with securities laws and financial regulations.
These organizations collectively contribute to the process of issuing, selling, and managing school and university bonds in the United States, allowing educational institutions to raise the necessary funds for their capital projects and operations. The specific entities involved may vary depending on the size and location of the educational institution and the nature of the bond issuance.
Homage to Salvador Dalí’s famous painting “The Persistence of Memory (1931)”
The time shift results in sunrise and sunset occurring approximately one hour later on the clock than the day before, providing more daylight in the evening and less in the morning.
Start Date: Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 9, 2025. This is the second Sunday in March, following the schedule established by theEnergy Policy Act of 2005.
Time Change: At 2:00 a.m. local standard time, clocks are set forward one hour to 3:00 a.m. local daylight time. This is often referred to as “springing forward.”
Geographic Scope: Most of the United States observes DST, except for Hawaii and most of Arizona (with the exception of the Navajo Nation, which does observe DST). U.S. territories such as American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not participate in DST.
Legal Basis: The rules are governed by the Uniform Time Act of 1966, as amended by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The U.S. Department of Transportation oversees the implementation, while states and territories have the option to opt out of DST but cannot independently choose to make it permanent without federal approval.
“Time After Time (Cindy Lauper Cover) | University of Delaware
University of Wisconsin Eau Clair
The U.S. power grid operates on a synchronized frequency of 60 Hz, maintained across three major interconnections: Eastern, Western, and Texas. During the Daylight Saving Time (DST) switch—typically at 2:00 AM local time on the second Sunday in March (spring forward) or the first Sunday in November (fall back)—the grid’s synchronization is unaffected because it relies on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), not local time. Grid operators, coordinated by entities like the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), ensure frequency stability through automatic generation control (AGC) systems, which adjust power output to match demand in real time.
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The DST shift doesn’t disrupt this process. When clocks spring forward (e.g., 2:00 AM becomes 3:00 AM), demand may briefly drop as human activity adjusts, but AGC systems respond instantly, balancing generation and load. In the fall, when clocks fall back (e.g., 2:00 AM repeats), a temporary demand spike might occur, but the grid’s inertial stability—provided by large rotating generators—and real-time monitoring prevent desynchronization. Operators may pre-schedule minor adjustments, but the system’s design, rooted in UTC-based frequency regulation, ensures seamless operation. Thus, while local time shifts, the grid’s 60 Hz hum remains steady across the transition.
Salutariness (Cleanliness) standards follow culture (which follows the science which follows water and chemical management systems). What is considered clean or hygienic in one culture may differ from what is considered clean or hygienic in another culture. In some cultures, it is customary to remove shoes before entering a home, as it is considered unclean to wear shoes indoors. In Japan, it is customary to take a bath or shower before entering a public bathhouse or hot spring, as it is considered unclean to enter a communal bath without washing first. Most public swimming pools in the United States conform to a similar standard.
In some cultures, it is customary to eat with one’s hands, while in others, using utensils is the norm. Similarly, in some cultures, it is customary to clean one’s hands and face before eating, while in others, it is not considered necessary. Cleanliness standards can also vary depending on the level of economic development, access to clean water and sanitation facilities, and public health policies in different countries. Mahatma Gandhi believed that promoting cleanliness and hygiene could help in building a strong and self-sufficient nation.
“Harlem school custodian to retire, gets cafeteria dedicated to him” | Rockford Register Star
At 15:00 UTC today we review best practice literature for hygiene in education community interior spaces; including related accessory technologies. Owing to the circumstances of the pandemic we have rewritten our past coverage of this topic for 2022.
Among the standards setting organizations active in this domain: (Short List)
We place public consultation deadlines at top priority in the time available and will schedule a separate break-out session to write and send comments.
Open to everyone. Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
Water is essential for sanitation and hygiene — and proper sanitation is essential for protecting water sources from contamination and ensuring access to safe drinking water. Access to safe water and sanitation is crucial for preventing the spread of waterborne diseases, which can be transmitted through contaminated water sources or poor sanitation practices. Lack of access to safe water and sanitation can lead to a range of health problems, including diarrheal diseases, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A.
On the other hand, poor sanitation practices, such as open defecation, can contaminate water sources, making them unsafe for drinking, bathing, or cooking. This contamination can lead to the spread of diseases and illness, particularly in developing countries where access to clean water and sanitation facilities may be limited.
We track the catalog of the following ANSI accredited standards developers that necessarily require mastery of building premise water systems:
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers: ASHRAE develops standards related to heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration systems — and more recently, standards that claim jurisdiction over building sites.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers: ASME develops standards related to boilers, pressure vessels, and piping systems.
American Water Works Association: AWWA is a standards development organization that publishes a wide range of standards related to water supply, treatment, distribution, and storage.
ASTM International: ASTM develops and publishes voluntary consensus standards for various industries, including water-related standards. They cover topics such as water quality, water sampling, and water treatment.
National Fire Protection Association: NFPA develops fire safety standards, and some of their standards are related to water, such as those covering fire sprinkler systems and water supplies for firefighting within and outside buildings. We deal with the specific problems of sprinkler water system safety during our Prometheus colloquia.
National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF International): NSF International develops standards and conducts testing and certification for various products related to public health and safety, including standards for water treatment systems and products.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL): UL is a safety consulting and certification company that develops standards for various industries. They have standards related to water treatment systems, plumbing products, and fire protection systems.
* The evolution of building interior water systems has undergone significant changes over time to meet the evolving needs of society. Initially, water systems were rudimentary, primarily consisting of manually operated pumps and gravity-fed distribution systems. Water was manually fetched from wells or nearby sources, and indoor plumbing was virtually nonexistent.
The Industrial Revolution brought advancements in plumbing technology. The introduction of pressurized water systems and cast-iron pipes allowed for the centralized distribution of water within buildings. Separate pipes for hot and cold water became common, enabling more convenient access to water for various purposes. Additionally, the development of flush toilets and sewage systems improved sanitation and hygiene standards.
In the mid-20th century, the advent of plastic pipes, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), revolutionized plumbing systems. These pipes offered durability, flexibility, and ease of installation, allowing for faster and more cost-effective construction.
The latter part of the 20th century witnessed a growing focus on water conservation and environmental sustainability. Low-flow fixtures, such as toilets, faucets, and showerheads, were introduced to reduce water consumption without compromising functionality. Greywater recycling systems emerged, allowing the reuse of water from sinks, showers, and laundry for non-potable purposes like irrigation.
With the advancement of digital technology, smart water systems have emerged in recent years. These systems integrate sensors, meters, and automated controls to monitor and manage water usage, detect leaks, and optimize water distribution within buildings. Smart technologies provide real-time data, enabling better water management, energy efficiency, and cost savings.
The future of building interior water systems is likely to focus on further improving efficiency, sustainability, and water quality. Innovations may include enhanced water purification techniques, decentralized water treatment systems, and increased integration of smart technologies to create more intelligent and sustainable water systems.
The first mover in building interior water supply systems can be traced back to the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley. However, one of the earliest known examples of sophisticated indoor plumbing systems can be attributed to the ancient Romans.
The Romans were pioneers in constructing elaborate water supply and distribution networks within their cities. They developed aqueducts to transport water from distant sources to urban centers, allowing for a centralized water supply. The water was then distributed through a network of lead or clay pipes to public fountains, baths, and private residences.
One notable example of Roman plumbing ingenuity is the city of Pompeii, which was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The excavation of Pompeii revealed a well-preserved plumbing system that included indoor plumbing in some houses. These systems featured piped water, private bathrooms with flushing toilets, and even hot and cold water systems.
The Romans also invented the concept of the cloaca maxima, an ancient sewer system that collected and transported wastewater away from the city to nearby bodies of water. This early recognition of the importance of sanitation and wastewater management was a significant advancement in public health.
While the Romans were not the only ancient civilization to develop indoor plumbing systems, their engineering prowess and widespread implementation of water supply and sanitation infrastructure make them a key player in the history of building interior water systems.
ANSI’s 2025/2026 Student Paper Competition challenges high school & college students to investigate the invisible standards that keep our world running—from smartphone compatibility to food safety.
For nearly twenty years now, the American National Standards Institute Committee on Education administers a student paper competition intended to encourage understanding of the global standards system that also provides a solid prize — in the $1000 to $5000 range. The topic of the 2024 Student Paper Competition will be What Role Do or Could Standards Play in Safe and Effective Implementation of Artificial Intelligence Applications/Systems?
For the past six years Standards Michigan has hosted Saturday morning workshops to help students (and faculty) interested in entering the contest. We will soon post those dates on our CALENDER. We typically host them — three sessions ahead of the deadline — on Saturday mornings.
We provide links to previous paper winners and refer you to Lisa Rajchel: lrajchel@ansi.org for all other details.
💙Last middle school dance💙 Time is flying, but I’ve loved every moment of this phase — shopping for his unique style, the cologne hunts, the late-night talks, and watching him chase what he loves. Keep being authentically you, GT!💥 pic.twitter.com/glH8AHyid4
One week postpartum with the sweetest baby ever. I am blessed beyond measure to have had my 5th successful home birth and a very smooth recovery. God is so good! pic.twitter.com/bWBqAtOUkj
A South African man who recently picked up an abandoned baby in Mpumalanga suburb of Emalahleni is now applying for court permission to adopt the boy and get him a birth certificate
Ten years after our wedding, our triplets have finally arrived… Thank you to everyone who sent us congratulations. These are our most precious treasures. #fblifestylepic.twitter.com/AXKOj7vL7Q
The body of 8-year-old Mystic camper Virginia Hollis was found along the Guadalupe River earlier this week, more than a week after the July 4 floods in Texas.
Yesterday, this angel’s favorite horse followed her casket through the streets to bid her farewell. 😭 pic.twitter.com/T8f8O6n4q3
After 15 years of marriage, the first child is actually twins! 🥳Maybe no one will say it, but we want to share this joy anyway. 🌹 pic.twitter.com/T60zPJZ0tT
He was with me almost every day for 12 years. The best living creature I’ve ever known including humans.
He protected children and loved his job out here.
I hope I can be half the man this dog was to our world. I buried him last evening in his beloved woods.
A heartfelt surprise for her best friend on graduation day.. She didn’t expect it because they hadn’t seen each other in so long, ever since her friend moved to another citypic.twitter.com/3pxswYFVNt
From couple matching to couple chief-ing!!!thrilled and honored to serve as chief residents together at the program that shaped us. Grateful for the journey and excited for what’s ahead! #HUHpic.twitter.com/lClrJpGABW
20th March 2010
A couple – just married – choose to cycle from the church to their reception.
From my book ‘Cambridge – Town & Gown’. pic.twitter.com/Y9zzcUsHh4
We got him moved into the new house! His bride-to-be is helping him decorate and put things away and will be joining him there on their wedding night! Today, only a few tears were shed (out of his sight). We are beyond happy for them! @BrandonLansdownpic.twitter.com/NSNmzg8hyG
Naistenpäivän kunniaksi haluan jakaa, että minulla on onni ja siunaus odottaa omaa tytärtä. Toivon näyttäväni hänelle samanlaista naisen mallia kuin oma äitini on näyttänyt minulle. Nainen voi olla vahva ja lempeä, sitkeä ja kaunis, herkkä ja periksiantamaton. Nainen voi olla… pic.twitter.com/MivsLRh1wJ
Syracuse University. Kissing Bench: This bench on the Quad is steeped in tradition. Legend has it that if a couple kisses on the bench, they will eventually marry. Conversely, if a single person sits there alone, they risk staying single forever.
University of Idaho. Hello Walk and Kissing Rock: While not a bench, this area on campus features a large rock where students have historically kissed. It’s a romantic tradition for couples at the university.
It is so rare for people to see a normal, white family that lefties think it gives ”Third Reich vibes”. This really tells us that we need to make it less rare.
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
