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The MIL-SPEC catalog and its evolution have had a significant impact on various industries beyond the military sector. Many civilian industries have adopted military standards as a benchmark for quality, reliability, and compatibility in their products and processes.
World War II Era:
The MIL-SPEC system traces its roots back to the World War II era when the U.S. military faced challenges in coordinating manufacturing efforts across multiple suppliers. To address these challenges, the military began developing specifications and standards that detailed the requirements for various equipment and materials, including dimensions, materials, performance criteria, and testing procedures.
Post-World War II:
After World War II, the MIL-SPEC catalog expanded significantly to cover a wide range of military equipment, ranging from electronics and aircraft components to clothing and food supplies. The standards were continuously updated and revised based on technological advancements, lessons learned, and evolving military needs.
Evolution into MIL-STD:
In the 1950s and 1960s, the MIL-SPEC system evolved into the Military Standard (MIL-STD) system to provide even more comprehensive and detailed specifications. MIL-STD documents incorporated a broader scope of requirements, including design criteria, quality control processes, and test methodologies. The MIL-STD system aimed to ensure consistent design and manufacturing practices across contractors and suppliers.
MIL-STD Transition to Commercial Standards:
Over time, the reliance on MIL-STDs started to decline, and there was a shift towards adopting commercial standards whenever possible. This transition allowed the military to benefit from the advancements and cost efficiencies of commercial technologies. However, certain critical military-specific standards, such as those related to security and specialized equipment, continued to be maintained within the MIL-STD framework.
DoD’s Transition to Performance-Based Specifications:
In recent years, the DoD has been moving away from prescriptive specifications (MIL-STDs) towards performance-based specifications. Performance-based specifications focus on defining the desired outcomes and performance requirements while allowing contractors greater flexibility in meeting those requirements. This approach encourages innovation, cost-effectiveness, and broader industry participation in military contracts.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 4, 2024
Baseball is a pastoral game and lighting changed the experience of it. Since a baseball is less than 3-inches in diameter and routinely travels 400 feet at 100 miles per hour, illumination design must have outfielders in mind as well as other players and spectators.
FINALS MATCHUP SECURED 🤩
🖥️ https://t.co/vUbrNtVRPX
🎟️ https://t.co/i73Q25MuVk
📲 https://t.co/D9Ga3efNbI#MCWS pic.twitter.com/uO82Jy8d7x— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) June 19, 2025
“Baseball is ninety percent mental
and the other half is physical.”
– Yogi Berra
After athletic facility life safety obligations are met (governed legally by NFPA 70, NFPA 101, NFPA 110, the International Building Code and possibly other state adaptations of those consensus documents incorporated by reference into public safety law) business objective standards may come into play. For business purposes, the documents distributed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association inform the standard of care for individual athletic arenas so that swiftly moving media production companies have some consistency in power sources and illumination as they move from site to site. Sometimes concepts to meet both life safety and business objectives merge.
During the spring baseball season the document linked below provides guidance for illumination designers, contractors and facility managers:
Athletic programs are a significant source of revenue and form a large part of the foundation of the brand identity of most educational institutions in the United States. We focus primarily upon the technology standards that govern the safety, performance and sustainability of these enterprises. We cover the objectives of the energy conservation advocates in separate posts; notably advocates using the International Code Council and the ASHRAE suite to advance their agenda to press boxes and the entire baseball experience (interior and exterior) site in separate posts.
We collaborate very closely with the IEEE Education & Healthcare Facilities Committee where subject matter experts in electrical power systems meet 4 times each month in the Americas and Europe.
See our CALENDAR for our next Sport colloquium. We typically walk through the safety and sustainability concepts in play; identify commenting opportunities; and find user-interest “champions” on the technical committees who have a similar goal in lowering #TotalCostofOwnership.
Issue: [15-138]*
Category: Electrical, Energy Conservation, Energy, Athletics & Recreation
Colleagues: Mike Anthony, Jim Harvey, Jose Meijer, Scott Gibbs, George Reiher
More
Comparison of MH and LED performance for sport lighting application
A novel smart energy management system in sports stadiums
Tracking pitches for broadcast television
A flag stands for a set of principles; the reach for the ideals of a civilization–
not for the lapses of adherence to them.
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.
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.
It’s a perfect day for school in @DGDistrict58! Such a fun morning visiting with the Lester students, staff, and families. It’s great to be in 58! #dg58pride pic.twitter.com/bwHlROpbMw
— Dr. Kevin B. Russell (@drkevinbrussell) August 30, 2023
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.
The iconic American “street food” traces its origin to 19th century German immigrants who brought frankfurters from their homeland.
In the 1860s, the term “hot dog” emerged in reference to these sausages being sold in buns at street carts. The popularity of hot dogs soared during the late 19th and early 20th centuries particularly at baseball games where the hot dog is virtually synonymous.at the sport.
In many college towns push cart hot dog vendors may be welcomed and even embraced as part of the local food scene. They can add variety and convenience for students, faculty, and staff by offering affordable and quick meal options. These towns may have regulations and policies in place to support and accommodate such vendors.
The case against hot dogs as a food primarily revolves around health concerns and potential risks associated with their consumption. Some of the key arguments include:
Processed meat and additives: Hot dogs are often made from processed meats that can contain additives, preservatives, and high levels of sodium. These additives, such as nitrates and nitrites, have been linked to increased risks of certain health issues, including cancer and heart disease.
High in unhealthy fats: Hot dogs are typically high in saturated and trans fats, which can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Potential for contamination: There have been instances of foodborne illnesses associated with hot dogs, such as outbreaks of bacterial contamination, including E. coli or Listeria monocytogenes. Improper handling, storage, or undercooking can increase the risk of such contamination.
Allergens and dietary restrictions: Hot dogs often contain common allergens like wheat, soy, and dairy. Additionally, they may not be suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions or preferences, such as vegetarians, vegans, or those following specific religious or cultural dietary guidelines.
Environmental impact: The production and consumption of hot dogs contribute to environmental concerns. The meat industry, including processed meat production, is associated with greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation, and water pollution.
These arguments against hot dogs do not necessarily apply to all hot dogs or to every individual. Moderation, choosing healthier options, and considering individual dietary needs and preferences can help mitigate some of the concerns associated with hot dog consumption.
Relevant codes, standards and regulations:
Food Safety and Inspection Service: Federal Meat Inspection Act
U.S. Department of Agriculture: Hot Dogs and Food Safety
More than half of this year’s American Institute of Architects North Carolina (@AIA_NC) awards were won by @NCStateDesign students, faculty and alumni. 👏 Explore their projects: https://t.co/0J28nxhgC2 pic.twitter.com/ACpEgAQfsN
— NC State University (@NCState) January 19, 2024
North Carolina State University Facilities
“If You Can Measure It, You Can Improve It” (Lord Kelvin)
Critical Operations Power Systems
Operational Resilience of Hospital Journal Article Published Inaugural Issue
Consuting-Specifying Engineer | Risk Assessments for Critical Operations Power Systems
Electrical Construction & Maintenance | Critical Operations Power Systems
Facilities Manager | Critical Operations Power Systems: The Generator in Your Backyard
National Electrical Code: Article 110 Requirements for Electrical Installations (Section 110.5 was revised to include aluminum wiring which can cut the cost of running large chunks of campus power by 2/3rds and increase campus power reliability by cutting the cost of backup feeders)
IEEE-TV Education & Healthcare Facilities Committee
A plausible explanation for Harvard’s rank as the least accommodating in free expression supports its institutional lust to remain the most iconoclastic educational settlement in the world.
Michigan Technology University ranks highest in free speech atmospherics in the United States (followed by Auburn University Alabama) according to the organization with the most experience in this domain.
Topics of this nature are generally outside our wheelhouse but since so many young people die in wars for freedom of speech, it seems appropriate for weekend reading when Veteran’s Day is observed around the world.
Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression
2024 College Free Speech Rankings
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
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