Readings / PYROTECHNIC ARTS & SCIENCES IN EUROPEAN HISTORY

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Readings / PYROTECHNIC ARTS & SCIENCES IN EUROPEAN HISTORY

June 4, 2025
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“Royal Fireworks 1749” | CLICK ON IMAGE

 

FIREWORKS: PYROTECHNIC ARTS AND SCIENCES IN EUROPEAN HISTORY

Simon Werrett | University College London

Fireworks are synonymous with celebration in the twenty-first century. But pyrotechnics—in the form of rockets, crackers, wheels, and bombs—have exploded in sparks and noise to delight audiences in Europe ever since the Renaissance. Here, Simon Werrett shows that, far from being only a means of entertainment, fireworks helped foster advances in natural philosophy, chemistry, mathematics, and many other branches of the sciences.

Fireworks brings to vibrant life the many artful practices of pyrotechnicians, as well as the elegant compositions of the architects, poets, painters, and musicians they inspired. At the same time, it uncovers the dynamic relationships that developed between the many artists and scientists who produced pyrotechnics. In so doing, the book demonstrates the critical role that pyrotechnics played in the development of physics, astronomy, chemistry and physiology, meteorology, and electrical science. Richly illustrated and drawing on a wide range of new sources, Fireworks takes readers back to a world where pyrotechnics were both divine and magical and reveals for the first time their vital contribution to the modernization of European ideas.

 

CLICK HERE TO BUY THIS BOOK

 

Flags

June 4, 2025
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A flag stands for a set of principles; the reach for the ideals of a civilization–
not for the lapses of adherence to them.

“After School” 1959 Norman Rockwell

Flag Day in the United States, observed on June 14th, commemorates the adoption of the American flag by the Second Continental Congress in 1777. It’s a day to honor the symbol of the nation’s unity, freedom, and democracy. The flag represents the ideals and principles upon which the country was founded, including liberty, justice, and equality.

On Flag Day, Americans typically display the flag at their homes and businesses, participate in patriotic ceremonies, and reflect on the significance of the flag in American history and culture. It’s also a time to remember the sacrifices made by those who have served and continue to serve in defense of the nation. Flag Day serves as a reminder of the values that bind Americans together as one nation, under the banner of the stars and stripes.

United States Independence Day

There are no rigorous standard heights for flagpoles displaying the American flag in educational settlements but there are general guidelines and recommendations.

Commercial Use: In commercial settings, flagpoles can vary widely depending on the size of the building and the surrounding landscape. They can range from 20 feet for smaller businesses to over 100 feet for large corporate buildings.

Government Buildings: Flagpoles at government buildings or public spaces often range from 30 to 60 feet or more, depending on the size and prominence of the building.

Proportions: A general guideline for the American flag is that the length of the flag should be about one-quarter to one-third the height of the flagpole.

Regulations: Some local ordinances or homeowner associations may have specific guidelines regarding flagpole height, so it’s a good idea to check local regulations before installing one.

Ultimately, the height of a flagpole for the American flag depends on the context and purpose of display, as well as practical considerations such as the size of the flag itself and local regulations.

Flagpoles

University of Michigan

Hillsdale College Michigan

Western University Ontario

Universitetet i Oslo

Northeastern University Massachusetts

University at Buffalo New York

Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia

Pepperdine University / California

Colby College Maine

Finley Public School New South Wales Australia

St. Olaf College Minnesota

College of the Ozarks Missouri

University of Alaska Fairbanks

 

Neuqua Valley High School Illinois

Hillsdale College Michigan

Abilene Christian University Texas

University of Southern Mississippi | Image: Courtland Wells

Québec

Queensborough Community College

Bucknell University Pennsylvania

Flagpoles

 

NB: “The flag stands for a set of principles, not the lack of adherence to them.” ― Craig D. Lounsbrough.  We are not sure about this source; nor the author.  We have adapted the sentiment for our home page excerpt.

Flagpoles

Best Coffee Spots in Cardiff

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Standards WalesBritish Standards InstitutionISO Coffee Standards

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024


Facilities Management Job Description

June 1, 2025
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Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies

June 1, 2025
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Received Pronunciation

June 1, 2025
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ASHRAE Landing Page (Lorem ipsum)

June 1, 2025
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Draft: August 18, 2025

 

 

Public Review Drafts*

Guideline 12 – Managing the Risk of Legionellosis Associated With Building Water Systems

Guideline 13 – Specifying Building Automation Systems
Guideline 45P – Measurement of Performance for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
Public Review Draft July 29
Standard 90.1 – Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
Addendum BK June 30
Addendum cy June 30
Addendum ae June 16
 
Addendum cn June 16
 
Standard 127 – Method of Testing for Rating Computer and Data Processing Unitary Air Conditioners
Standard 135 – BACnet: A Data Communication Protocol for Building Automation and Control Networks
Standard 201 – Facility Smart Grid Information Model
170- Ventilation of Health Care Facilities

Addendum m July 7
Standard 214 – Standard for Measuring and Expressing Building Energy Performance in a Rating System

 

*ASHRAE staff typically removes the link to exposure drafts after consultation close date.

 

 

Evensong “Mr. Sandman”

June 1, 2025
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Nitro Cold Brew

June 1, 2025
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Consolidated Financial Statement 2024: $3.541B

Nitro cold brew is bubbling up in coffee shops almost everywhere. The nitrogen-infused beverage became one of the hottest new offerings for coffee lovers looking for something different.   The cold brew — made by steeping coffee grinds in cold water for multiple hours — is dispensed from a stout tap, similar to what you’d find at your local bar.

Image: Chemical & Engineering News

WBUR City Space | Campus Planning & Operations


 

City Journal (February 6): “The Downfall of Ibram X. Kendi”

Discusses the collapse of Kendi’s Center for Antiracist Research at Boston University, alleging mismanagement of $55 million with minimal research output. Describes Kendi as a “symbol of the BLM era’s destructive passions” and notes his move to Howard University. 

— Christopher F. Rufo

Temple of Zeus

June 1, 2025
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Consolidated Financial Statements – June 2024: Net Position $19.548B (Page 4)

The Temple of Zeus is a popular café located in the Groos Family Atrium of Klarman Hall at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Established in 1964, it began as a modest coffee and donut operation in a basement storage room in Goldwin Smith Hall, designed as a neutral space for students and faculty to meet. The café’s name comes from plaster casts of statues from the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, purchased by Andrew Dickson White in 1881, some of which still decorate the Arts & Sciences Career Development Center and Klarman Hall atrium.

Since moving to Klarman Hall in 2016, the café has grown significantly, serving nearly 900 customers daily. It offers a menu focused on healthy, locally sourced food, including creative soups (like Choklay’s Lentil, Tomato Garlic, and Curried Cauliflower), made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. Beverages include locally roasted Copper Horse Coffee and Gimme Coffee, with a discount for bringing your own mug. The café is known for its vegetarian and vegan options, yogurt from Ithaca Milk, and seasonal fruit from local growers.

The current space is bright and spacious with 170 seats, a stark contrast to its original dingy basement setting with recycled Navy ROTC furniture. It’s a vibrant hub for students and faculty, fostering a communal atmosphere. The café employs four full-time staff, two student managers, and 50 student workers, and is managed by Keith Mercovich, who emphasizes high-quality, healthy food. It operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and is closed on weekends.

Historically, it was a gathering spot for notable faculty like Archie Ammons and Roald Hoffmann, and it remains a cherished part of Cornell’s campus culture, with a 2017 petition ensuring its name remained unchanged despite rumors of a potential rename. The café also faced a temporary closure in 2020 but reopened with a simplified menu focusing on classics like soups and scones.

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