Steam and Hot Water Circulation
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“Tea, Earl Grey, Hot”
The command issued by the character Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the television series “Star Trek: The Next Generation” finds its way into the archive of photographs of Nobel Laureates consorting with politicians at the University of Michigan and elsewhere.
Attendees of the Theoretical Physics Colloquium at the University of Michigan in 1929.
American Institute of Physics Archive
…”There’s not good math explaining forget the physics of it. Math explaining the behavior of complex systems yeah and that to me is both exciting and paralyzing like we’re at very early days of understanding you know how complicated and fascinating things emerge from simple rules…” — Peter Woit [1:16:00]
Since 1936 the Brown Jug has been the ancestral trough of generations of University of Michigan students and faculty — notably. Donald Glaser (inventor of the bubble chamber) and Samuel C. C. Ting (Nobel Laureate) whose offices at Randall Laboratory were a 2-minute walk around the corner from The Brown Jug. As the lore goes, the inspiration happened whilst watching beer bubbles one ordinary TGIF Friday.
The Brown Jug is named after the Michigan vs Minnesota football trophy, which is the oldest in college football.
Coffee Society
Annual report and financial statements 31 July 2024 | “Campus” Masterplan
Durham (Dunholm O.E.) as a Northumbrian learning settlement originates with its Cathedral; founded in 995 AD as part of a Benedictine monastery. Monks maintained libraries and created an intellectual hub for the English speaking peoples. Fast forward a millennium and we find “DU Coffee Society” which describes itself as a welcoming space for students to learn about coffee making, latte art and each other.
🗣️Did you miss out on Assembly last week? Don’t worry, our Media Observer, Nicole Ireland, was there to catch all the action!
Check out her report on our website here: https://t.co/lKSFHjhyyu pic.twitter.com/t70D0mKmcn
— Durham SU (@durhamSU) November 29, 2023
FYI:
LSE: “The Benefits and Costs of International Higher Education Students to the UK Economy
PwC: UK Higher Education Financial Sustainability Report
Don’t say ‘right-wing’, say ‘pattern recognizer’ https://t.co/0s5FNnlCOB pic.twitter.com/s0YuVy4jw6
— 𝒩𝒶𝓉𝒶𝓁𝒾𝒶 (@classicspilled) November 3, 2025
Observatories & Planetariums
“I know that I am mortal by nature, and ephemeral;
but when I trace at my pleasure the windings to and fro of the heavenly bodies,
I no longer touch Earth with my feet:
I stand in the presence of Zeus himself and take my fill of ambrosia.”
— Ptolemy, “Mathematike Syntaxis” 150 A.D
Galileo Demonstrating His Telescope In 1609
Planetariums in schools and colleges play a central in enhancing astronomy and astrophysics education. They provide immersive experiences that can ignite students’ interest and curiosity about the universe, making complex astronomical concepts more comprehensible and engaging. Observatories do much that but with direct access to telescopes and other observational tools — frequently away from campus — thus allowing them to engage in hands-on learning and real-time data collection.
Establishing research and teaching programs present special occupancy challenges. The cost of high-quality telescopes and equipment, along with the need for a suitable location with minimal light pollution, can be substantial. Additionally, schools require trained staff to guide students in using the equipment and interpreting data. Weather conditions and geographical location also impact the effectiveness of observatories. Despite these hurdles, the educational value of observatories is immense, providing students with unique opportunities to explore the universe and cultivate a passion for scientific inquiry.
Today we examine both occupancies using our SAFER-SIMPLER-LOWER COST-LONGER LASTING discipline. Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page at the usual hour.
Purdue University: Grand Universe planning liftoff in Hamilton County
The International Building Code includes various sections that address safety requirements relevant to observatories and planetariums. Key parts of the IBC that cover these requirements include:
- Chapter 3: Use and Occupancy Classification
- Section 303: Assembly Group A. Planetariums and observatories often fall under Assembly Group A due to their function as places where people gather for educational and entertainment purposes. Specific occupancy types and associated requirements will be detailed here.
- Chapter 4: Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy
- Section 410: Stages, Platforms, and Technical Production Areas. While not specific to planetariums, this section provides guidance on assembly spaces, which may be applicable to the design and safety considerations for the auditorium areas in planetariums.
- Chapter 11: Accessibility
- Section 1103: Scoping Requirements. This section ensures that buildings are accessible to individuals with disabilities, which is crucial for public facilities like planetariums and observatories.
- Section 1104: Accessible Routes. Requirements for accessible paths to ensure ease of access to and within the facility.
- Chapter 12: Interior Environment
- Section 1203: Ventilation. Adequate ventilation is essential in enclosed spaces like planetariums to ensure air quality and comfort.
- Section 1205: Lighting. Ensuring appropriate lighting levels and types, which is crucial in areas like control rooms and observational spaces.
- Chapter 15: Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures
- Section 1509: Rooftop Structures. Covers the installation and safety of rooftop observatories, which can include structural requirements and access considerations.
- Chapter 16: Structural Design
- Section 1604: General Design Requirements. Ensures that the structure can support both the static and dynamic loads associated with heavy equipment like telescopes.
- Section 1607: Live Loads. Specific load requirements for observatory equipment and public assembly areas.
These chapters collectively ensure that planetariums and observatories are designed and constructed with safety, accessibility, and functionality in mind. For detailed information, it is recommended to refer to the latest edition of the IBC and consult with a professional knowledgeable in building codes and standards.
Denison receives major gift to transform planetarium
World Astronomy Day is Saturday, and to celebrate we are showing off some of our favorite pictures of the Albion College Observatory. The Albion College Observatory was constructed from 1883-1884 under the direction of Dr. Samuel Dickie. #ThrowbackThursday #TBT #MyAlbion pic.twitter.com/ixgtAMlP4z
— Albion College (@albioncollege) May 13, 2021
Designing and building a telescope for teaching and light research at a college or university requires a detailed consideration of both the telescope itself and the supporting infrastructure. Here are the central architectural features:
Telescope Structure:
- Optical System:
- Aperture Size: A medium to large aperture (typically 0.5 to 1.5 meters) to gather sufficient light for educational and light research purposes.
- Type of Telescope: Reflecting (Newtonian, Cassegrain, or Ritchey-Chrétien) or refracting telescope, chosen based on specific educational and research needs.
- Mount: A sturdy, precise mount (equatorial or alt-azimuth) to support the telescope and ensure smooth tracking of celestial objects.
- Enclosure:
- Dome or Roll-Off Roof: A protective structure to house the telescope, with a retractable roof or dome to allow for unobstructed viewing.
- Material: Weather-resistant materials such as aluminum or fiberglass, designed to protect the telescope from the elements.
- Control Systems:
- Computerized Controls: For automatic tracking and alignment of celestial objects, often including software for scheduling and managing observations.
- Remote Operation Capabilities: Allowing students and researchers to control the telescope remotely for data collection and analysis.
Support Infrastructure:
- Observation Deck:
- Viewing Platforms: Elevated platforms around the telescope for students to observe through the telescope and participate in hands-on learning.
- Safety Features: Railings and non-slip surfaces to ensure safety during nighttime observations.
- Control Room:
- Location: Adjacent to the telescope enclosure, with visibility to the telescope for direct supervision.
- Equipment: Computers, monitors, data storage, and communication equipment to control the telescope and process observational data.
- Classroom and Lab Spaces:
- Multipurpose Rooms: For lectures, demonstrations, and data analysis related to astronomy and telescope use.
- Laboratory Equipment: Spectrometers, cameras, photometers, and other instruments for conducting light research and analyzing data collected from the telescope.
- Data Processing and Storage:
- Computing Facilities: High-performance computers and software for analyzing astronomical data.
- Data Storage Solutions: Secure and scalable storage for large volumes of observational data.
- Accessibility Features:
- Elevators and Ramps: To provide access to all areas of the facility, including the observation deck and control room.
- Adapted Equipment: Adjustable eyepieces and controls to accommodate users with disabilities.
- Lighting:
- Red Lighting: Low-intensity red lights for night-time use to preserve night vision while allowing safe movement.
- Exterior Lighting: Shielded lighting around the facility to minimize light pollution and ensure optimal observing conditions.
By integrating these architectural features, a college or university can create a functional and effective observatory that supports both teaching and light research in astronomy.
University of Michigan | Detroit Observatory
Designing and building a planetarium for public use involves careful consideration of various architectural features to ensure functionality, aesthetics, and a positive visitor experience. Here are the central architectural features required:
- Dome Structure:
- Shape and Size: The dome must be a perfect hemisphere to provide an unobstructed view of the projected sky. The size should be large enough to accommodate the intended audience while ensuring good visibility from all seating positions.
- Material: Typically constructed from aluminum or fiberglass, with an inner surface coated to enhance the projection quality.
- Projection System:
- Projectors: High-resolution digital projectors or traditional optical-mechanical projectors are essential for displaying realistic night skies, astronomical phenomena, and educational shows.
- Sound System: High-quality surround sound systems to complement visual projections, enhancing the immersive experience.
- Seating Arrangement:
- Tilted Seats: Reclined and tiered seating ensures all viewers have an unobstructed view of the dome.
- Accessibility: Include spaces for wheelchairs and accessible seating to accommodate all visitors.
- Control Room:
- Location: Typically located at the rear or side of the planetarium for ease of access and control.
- Equipment: Houses computers, projection equipment, sound systems, and control panels for show operations.
- Entrance and Exit Points:
- Flow Management: Design multiple entrances and exits to manage the flow of visitors efficiently and safely, avoiding congestion.
- Accessibility: Ensure entrances and exits are accessible for all, including ramps and elevators as needed.
- Lobby and Reception Area:
- Ticketing and Information Desks: Central area for purchasing tickets, obtaining information, and gathering before shows.
- Displays and Exhibits: Interactive exhibits and displays related to astronomy and science to engage visitors while they wait.
- Lighting:
- Adjustable Lighting: Capability to control lighting levels to facilitate different show requirements, including complete darkness for optimal viewing.
- Safety Lighting: Emergency lighting and pathway lights for safe movement in low-light conditions.
- Climate Control:
- HVAC Systems: Efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to maintain a comfortable environment for visitors and protect sensitive equipment.
- Acoustic Design:
- Soundproofing: Proper insulation and soundproofing to ensure external noise does not disrupt shows and internal sound is clear.
- Acoustic Treatment: Materials and design features to enhance sound quality and reduce echoes within the dome.
- Educational and Interactive Spaces:
- Classrooms and Labs: Spaces for educational programs, workshops, and hands-on activities related to astronomy.
- Interactive Kiosks: Digital kiosks with interactive content to engage visitors in learning about astronomy and space science.
- Accessibility Features:
- Elevators and Ramps: For easy access to different levels of the planetarium.
- Signage and Information: Clear signage in multiple languages and formats (e.g., braille) to assist all visitors.
- Exterior Design:
- Aesthetic Appeal: The exterior should be inviting and reflect the scientific and educational purpose of the planetarium.
- Landscaping: Incorporate outdoor spaces, such as gardens or open-air exhibits, that complement the planetarium experience.
- Parking and Transportation:
- Ample Parking: Provide sufficient parking spaces, including spots for buses and accessible parking.
- Public Transit Access: Ensure the planetarium is accessible via public transportation for the convenience of all visitors.
These architectural features are essential to create a functional, welcoming, and educational environment in a planetarium for public use.
Michigan Technological University | Houghton County
Breads of Christmas: Panettone
University of California Berkeley Net Position 2023-24: $4.380B (Pg. 3)
2021 Physical Design Framework
The word “panettone” has its origins in Italian and can be traced back to the Latin language. The root of “panettone” comes from the Italian word “pane,” which means bread. The diminutive suffix “-etto” is added to “pane” to indicate a smaller or sweetened version of the bread. The word “panettone” can be loosely translated as “small bread” or “sweet bread.”
“Still Life with Panettone, Sweets and Lemons” | Eugenio De Giacomi (1852-1917)
UCL: Bread predates agriculture by 4,000 years
Noteworthy:
- Traditional Ingredients: Panettone is made from a rich, sweet dough that typically includes ingredients such as flour, butter, eggs, sugar, and candied fruits. It may also contain raisins or other dried fruits.
- Signature Dome Shape: Panettone is known for its distinctive dome shape. The dough is left to rise several times, and the final proofing is done in a cylindrical paper mold, giving it its characteristic tall and round appearance.
- Regional Variations: While panettone is closely associated with Milan, various regions in Italy have their own versions of Christmas bread. For example, in Southern Italy, there’s a similar sweet bread called “Pandoro,” which is often shaped like an eight-pointed star.
- Artisanal and Commercial Production: Panettone can be found in both artisanal bakeries, where traditional methods are often employed, and in commercial production where large-scale quantities are produced for widespread consumption. Artisanal panettone is often prized for its attention to quality and flavor.
Click image for video recipe
What can you become at Berkeley? Whether it’s as a quantum scientist or olympic gymnast — or both — there’s no limit to what you can be at the greatest public university. @Cal @CalAthletics 🐻https://t.co/GMgmoQqDEu pic.twitter.com/VSIfStUDQZ
— UC Berkeley (@UCBerkeley) October 5, 2023
The Sacred and the Profane
Anthropology of Religion: “The sacred and the profane are two modes of being in the world, two existential situations assumed by man in the course of his history.”
Sacred space: “For religious man, space is not homogeneous; he experiences interruptions, breaks in it; some parts of space are qualitatively different from others.”
The sacred as reality: “The sacred is equivalent to a power, and, in the last analysis, to reality. The sacred is saturated with being.”
Cosmic religion: “Religious man’s desire to live in the sacred is in fact equivalent to his desire to take up his abode in objective reality, not to let himself be paralyzed by the never-ceasing relativity of purely subjective experiences.”
Hierophany: “Every sacred space implies a hierophany, an irruption of the sacred that results in detaching a territory from the surrounding cosmic milieu and making it qualitatively different.”
Time and the sacred: “For religious man, time, like space, is neither homogeneous nor continuous. There are intervals of sacred time, and there are also intervals of profane time.”
The sacred in nature: “The cosmic liturgy, the mystery of nature’s participation in the drama of the divine, is a constant feature of the religious experience of archaic man.”
Symbolism of the center: “The religious experience of the nonhomogeneity of space is a primordial experience, homologizable to a founding of the world.”
Modern man and the sacred: “Modern nonreligious man assumes a new existential situation; he regards himself solely as the subject and agent of history, and he refuses all appeal to transcendence.”
The sacred in human life: “The sacred does not necessarily imply belief in God, in gods, or spirits, but refers to the experience of a reality and the source of a consciousness of existing in the world.”
Related:
History of Western Civilization Told Through the Acoustics of its Worship Spaces
Traditional Irish Soda Bread
Ballymaloe Cookery School is situated on a 100-acre organic farm in County Kerry. It produces the freshest vegetables, fruit, meat and dairy products, all of which are used in the kitchen every day. We teach a diverse range of cooking styles but the fundamental message we pass on to our students is the importance of putting time and effort into sourcing the highest-quality ingredients.
Kerry College of Further Education
Cowboy Coffee
“We wish to suggest a structure
for the salt of deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA).
This structure has novel features
which are of considerable biological interest….”
James Watson | “Nature” April 1953
“The Valley of Wyoming” 1865 Jasper Cropsey
This simple method preparing hot coffee evolved from open flame; out on the range. The result is a strong, robust cup that retains grittiness due to the coarse grind and the absence of a filter. Cowboy coffee is more about utility and simplicity rather than precision and refinement, which aligns with the rugged and practical nature of cowboy life. Here’s how it’s typically made:
Ingredients:
Coarsely ground coffee beans, water.
Equipment:
A pot (often a simple metal or enamel coffee pot), a heat source (campfire or portable stove), and a way to separate the grounds from the liquid (like pouring or using a fine mesh strainer).
Process:
Add coarsely ground coffee to the pot. The amount can vary based on personal preference, but it’s generally a couple of tablespoons of coffee per cup of water.
Add water to the pot. Again, the ratio of coffee to water can be adjusted based on taste preferences.
Place the pot on the heat source and bring it to a near-boil. Watch it carefully to avoid boiling over.
Once it’s heated, let it steep for a few minutes. Some cowboys might toss in a crushed eggshell to help settle the grounds.
Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a moment to allow the coffee grounds to settle.
Pour the coffee carefully to avoid pouring the grounds into your cup.
Locals swear by it:
“Cowboy coffee ain’t as easy as it looks. It takes some know-how to make it right.” – Unknown
“You can’t compromise with a cup of weak coffee.” – Cowboy Proverb
“There are only two things that a cowboy can’t do without – his horse and his coffee.” – Unknown
“A cowboy’s day starts with coffee and ends with whiskey.” – Unknown
“Life is too short for bad coffee.” – Unknown
“Cowboy coffee: where the grounds are meant to be chewed, not sipped.” – Unknown
“The Liberals are Coming, and They’re Bringing Fancy Coffee” https://t.co/XykfCFYZgVhttps://t.co/exHU6TR2h9
America is changed by flight from miserable Blue States to better Red States—only to import the policies that created the misery they fled from in the first place. pic.twitter.com/OaVVgrTxJr— Standards Michigan (@StandardsMich) October 31, 2022
High-voltage switchgear and controlgear
Aerial view of IEC and ITU offices | Geneva
The U.S National Committee (USNC) of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) serves as the focal point for U.S parties who are interested in the development, promulgation, and use of globally relevant standards for the electrotechnical industry.
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers: Relevant Recent Research
A study of an approach to the construction of high-power with high-voltage supplies
Fault Clearing Operation in Low-Frequency High-Voltage AC Systems
Guide for Overhead Alternating Current (AC) Transmission Line Design | Comments Due February 2
National Electrical Manufacturers Association: Standards relevant to this topic.
National Fire Protection Association
Underwriters Laboratories: Solutions for Medium & High Voltage Cables
Memorial Church Sunday Service
Hillsdale College | The Theological–Political Problem and the American Founding | Glenn Ellmers
From George Washington to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, 18 August 1790
The Best Breakdown of America You’ve Never Heard: Richard Miniter
In Federalist No. 2, John Jay [1764 Graduate of King’s College; now Columbia University] argues that a strong union under the Constitution will promote peace and prosperity, which are conducive to the spread of religion and morality:
“Providence has been pleased to give this one connected country to one united people—a people descended from the same ancestors, speaking the same language, professing the same religion, attached to the same principles of government, very similar in their manners and customs… These considerations, and many others that might be mentioned, prove, and experience confirms it, that artificial distinctions and separations of [America’s] land are essentially unnatural; and that they may be eradicated and extirpated by the united and advisable efforts of individuals and communities…”
The Federalist Papers discuss themes of morality, social order, and the importance of a cohesive society, they do not explicitly emphasize the importance of Christian faith to the American constitutional republic. The authors generally focused on principles of governance, political theory, and the structure of the proposed Constitution.
“The experience of the sacred is a universal phenomenon,
found in all human societies, however primitive or complex.”
— 1957 Mircea Eliade (‘The Sacred and the Profane’)
Harvard’s Memorial Chapel, also known as Memorial Church, was designed by the architectural firm Coolidge, Shepley, Bulfinch, and Abbott. The church was dedicated on Armistice Day, November 11, 1932, as a memorial to Harvard alumni who died in World War I.
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Sunday Service Announcements and Music Notes
John Harvard, the namesake of Harvard University, was a 17th-century English minister lived on campus from 1607 – 1638 and conformed to Puritan ideal of dedicating Sundays to worship, prayer, and rest.
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/njrDAbSpwB pic.twitter.com/GkAXrHoQ9T
— USPTO (@uspto) July 13, 2023
Standards Michigan Group, LLC
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