Tag Archives: November

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BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU

The release of Beaujolais Nouveau is not just about the wine itself; it’s a cultural and marketing phenomenon that brings people together to celebrate the harvest season, promotes the wine industry, and contributes to the economic and cultural vitality of the regions involved.  The settlements listed below contribute significantly to wine-related research, education, and innovation. Some notable universities and research institutions in France that lead wine research include:

  1. University of Bordeaux (Institute of Vine and Wine Science): The University of Bordeaux, located in one of the world’s most famous wine regions, is renowned for its research in viticulture, oenology, and wine-related sciences. The Institute of Vine and Wine Sciences (ISVV) within the university is a key research center in this field.
  2. Montpellier SupAgro: Montpellier SupAgro, part of the Montpellier University of Excellence, is known for its expertise in agronomy, viticulture, and oenology. They offer research programs and collaborate with the wine industry.
  3. University of Burgundy: The University of Burgundy, situated in the heart of the Burgundy wine region, conducts research in oenology and viticulture. The Jules Guyot Institute is a leading research facility in the field.
  4. Institut des Sciences de la Vigne et du Vin (ISVV): Located in Bordeaux, this research institute is dedicated to vine and wine sciences and is affiliated with the University of Bordeaux.
  5. University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne: This university, located in the Champagne region of France, has expertise in Champagne production and conducts research related to winemaking and viticulture.

These institutions, along with various research centers and organizations throughout France, contribute to advancements in wine research, including topics like grape cultivation, wine production techniques, wine chemistry, and the study of wine regions and terroirs. They often collaborate with the wine industry and help maintain France’s position as a leader in the global wine industry.

Beaujolais Nouveau is produced under specific regulations and standards set by the French wine industry. However, there isn’t a specific international standard for Beaujolais Nouveau like there is for some other wines, such as those with controlled designations of origin (AOC) or protected designation of origin (PDO) status.

The production of Beaujolais Nouveau is governed by the rules and regulations of the Beaujolais AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée), which defines the geographical area where the grapes must be grown, the grape varieties allowed, and the winemaking techniques that can be used. The AOC regulations ensure a certain level of quality and authenticity for wines carrying the Beaujolais Nouveau label.

Winemakers producing Beaujolais Nouveau must follow these guidelines, including using the Gamay grape variety, employing specific vinification methods (such as carbonic maceration), and releasing the wine within a limited time frame after the harvest.

While the production standards are regulated at the national level in France, individual producers may have their own techniques and styles within the broader framework of the Beaujolais AOC regulations.

It’s important to note that the term “Beaujolais Nouveau” itself is not a specific indication of quality or adherence to particular winemaking practices; rather, it signifies a style of wine that is young, fresh, and meant to be consumed shortly after production. As a result, the characteristics of Beaujolais Nouveau can vary from producer to producer within the general guidelines set by the AOC

Allied Trade Specialist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Welding Standards

Flags

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

Voting Precincts

Today we refresh our understanding of the standard of care for hosting elections in public spaces such as 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.

2024 International Building Code Appendix E: Supplementary Accessibility Requirements

NFPA 730 Guide to Premises Security: 2026 First Draft Report | Consultation closes January 3, 2025

“Election Day” 1944″ Norman Rockwell

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:

Can Voters Detect Malicious Manipulation of Ballot Marking Devices?

 

International Code Council

International Building Code

A117 Accessible and Useable Buildings and Facilities

National Fire Protection Association

Life Safety Code

Premises Security

ASHRAE International

Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy

Illumination Engineering Society

Designing Lighting for People and Buildings

Security 100

Sacramento County: Polling Place and Vote Center Management

 

Can Voters Detect Malicious Manipulation of Ballot Marking Devices?

 

Can Voters Detect Malicious Manipulation of Ballot Marking Devices?

Matthew Bernhard, et. al

University of Michigan

 

Abstract:  Ballot marking devices (BMDs) allow voters to select candidates on a computer kiosk, which prints a paper ballot that the voter can review before inserting it into a scanner to be tabulated. Unlike paperless voting machines, BMDs provide voters an opportunity to verify an auditable physical record of their choices, and a growing number of U.S. jurisdictions are adopting them for all voters. However, the security of BMDs depends on how reliably voters notice and correct any adversarially induced errors on their printed ballots. In order to measure voters’ error detection abilities, we conducted a large study (N = 241) in a realistic polling place setting using real voting machines that we modified to introduce an error into each printout. Without intervention, only 40% of participants reviewed their printed ballots at all, and only 6.6% told a poll worker something was wrong. We also find that carefully designed interventions can improve verification performance. Verbally instructing voters to review the printouts and providing a written slate of candidates for whom to vote both significantly increased review and reporting rates-although the improvements may not be large enough to provide strong security in close elections, especially when BMDs are used by all voters. Based on these findings, we make several evidence-based recommendations to help better defend BMD-based elections.

 

IEEE provides this article for public use without charge.

Gallery: School Bond Referenda (August & November Ballots)

In terms of total spend, the US elementary and secondary school industry is about twice the size of the higher education industry according to IBISWorld. About $100 billion is in play every year for both (which we cover during our Ædificare colloquia); with higher education spending only half of what elementary and secondary school systems spend on facilities.

Note that some districts are including construction for faculty housing.

Our focus remains on applying global standard to create educational settlements that are safer, simpler, lower-cost and longer-lasting — not on the hurly-burly of local school bond elections.  We recommend consulting the coverage in American School & University for more detailed and more timely information.



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