#Private Bridge Infrastructure Company

[unitedbridgepartners]

Private Bridge Company

Discover the reliability and innovation of a top-tier private bridge company. Specializing in the design, construction, and maintenance of bridges, we offer tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each project. Our team of experts combines cutting-edge technology with extensive industry experience to deliver bridges that are not only structurally sound but also aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sustainable.

[awkward-teabag]

Love (cannot emphasis how much sarcasm there is in that word) that an official Canadian government response to high cellphone rates is to switch carriers.

Switch it to what? We basically have three companies since one was allowed to eat the forth (with the government saying it wasn't anti-competition and the company eating the other pinky promising they wouldn't jack rates up). Even the smaller companies have to rent infrastructure from the Big Three so there's only so much they can do if that rent costs an arm and a leg.

And that's not touching on how many "small companies" are actually just subsidiaries of the Big Three. You may save $5 but you're still with Telus/Rogers/Bell.

Or that the actual small companies tend to have shit coverage because they don't have the infrastructure available to them and are prevented from getting it. Or their traffic is throttled in favour of the Big Three's customers. Or both.

Or that they're extremely regional thus aren't an option for a huge chunk of Canada's population.

We have no true options and the government has shown time and again that they're fine with monopolies, in multiple industries, and don't care when said monopolies jack up prices to make shareholders and the c-suite more money at the expense of everyone else. At most there will be a verbal slap on the wrist and a giftcard for $25 that people have to register for, for a decade and a half of price gouging.

It's not talked a whole lot about outside the country from what I've seen and heard but Canada is a country of monopolies. A handful of companies own nearly everything, every province has a family or two that owns a hell of a lot (Nova Scotia is basically owned by one family at this point), and our government ignores it. Even the branch that is supposed to be against monopolies is fine with mergers and takeovers in most cases.

Because, you know, the company said it totally wouldn't use consumers' lack of options to increase prices.

[bixels]

In the past, people in the Animal Crossing community would make fun of Tom Nook as a sleazy landlord. Since then, he's really rehabilitated his image as this 'heart of gold' businessman (he's the one who puts bells and furniture in trees for you to find! he adopted orphans! he donates to charity!), but New Horizons genuinely paints the most devious version of him.

He's successfully privatized settler colonialism: you pay HIM to move to a "deserted island" (which apparently the oceans in the AC world are just full of) and start a colony that he is directly invested in. At best he's running a weird vacation package scam (you arrive on the island with no money and in debt for "using his services"). At worst, he's using you to set up company towns. For god's sake, he literally has his own fake currency that he forces you to use to pay off your debt. But don't worry, he's repackaged it in a way that definitely doesn't sound like an MLM scam: the Nook Mileage Program!

You're no longer just his tenant or his temporary part-timer, you're his business lackey. The entire tutorial section of the game has you spending actual weeks running around completing tasks and doing hard labor to set up his colony. You're even tasked with preparing his properties and finding buyers for them. No, you aren't a tenant anymore. You work for the landlord. You are directly responsible for finding tenants for him. And he doesn't even fucking pay you. Not for setting up town hall and museum, or his nephew's shop –– which is the ONLY store on the entire island that sells necessities –– or bringing KK Slider to town, or helping populate his town. Not a single cent. No, actually, you have to pay HIM to BUY infrastructure like bridges and stairs and park benches. And all the while, he's telling you're the "resident representative"; you get to call the shots! That the reward is the community's progress. That what you're doing is in everyone's best interest (but most importantly, his).

Since NH's release, people have done a lot of legwork to say that Tom Nook isn't a capitalist while the game shows him at his very worst. He owns the only general store in town. You're forced to use a phone that he modified and branded as his own. Buy Nook-branded furniture and merchandise at the self-serve kiosk in the town hall, a governmental building! There's no conflict of interest here!

But hey, if you're tired of being the landlord/business mogul's goon, you can also find work as a deluxe resort home designer for a company that also pays you in their special company currency that can only be used to buy their products instead of a real salary! Because that's what the Animal Crossing franchise needs! More vacation homes!!!

[weareeternalnerds]

I don't have a big following and I don't expect this to go crazy viral but wanted to get this out there. I'm in western North carolina we are more than 300 miles from the coast above 2000 ft in elevation. Hurricanes don't devestate the mountains like this, The mountains usually get some rain maybe a small bit of flooding, maybe lose power for a day 2 at most. This is unprecedented. Not to mention we had a front go through that dropped between 8-15 inches of rain before Helene even got to us. Places were already flooding and then helene dropped another 8- 15 inches of rain. My local lake rose 14 feet that's 10 foot over max capacity. Evacuation orders came at 3 and 530am morning of, to late to be of use. When we say whole towns have been washed away we aren't exaggerating at all. Whole towns are just gone. So many people are without power, internet and cell reception we still don't know anything really. There are so many missing and dead and no one can give an accurate total because we still don't know the extent of the damage. The news says 166 dead but just 1 city still has over 600 missing. As people get cell service and internet the totals will rise rapidly. You can see bodies washing down the river *multiple rivers*, through parking lots and in tops of trees. They aren't reporting it. They've brought in mobile morgue and are filling them up and not trying to identify bodies at this time. Whole towns are completely gone and many others are completely cut-off due to landslides. Bridges, roads, and driveways are either washed away or damaged so badly they cannot be used. In some places the land where the road was is gone and cannot be rebuilt. Some are covered in trees and mud and just everything to the point it's going to take weeks to clear the road enough for a car to pass through. Driveways and roads are gone and people are stranded with no way to get help, no way to get to the supply drop offs. 911 was down for days. Private citizens and fema are trying to bring in helicopters to help but there is no where for them to land in the mountains. The terrain is just too difficult and unstable. Elevation changes too quickly and nowhere to land for emergency landings. I personally know people who have been told they likely won't get running water again for at least a year. The infrastructure is gone, the reservoir that supplies the area is gone, the pipes that carried water throughout the area have been washed down the mountain and are so damaged it can't be used even if it was recovered. The electric companies can't get out to fix the power because of impassable roads. So many lines and poles are down with trees covering the lines and roads. People are being told they won't get power back on until the end of October, beginning of November. Water treatment facilities are completely underwater and shut down so there is no water either and when it does come back it'll be unusable. Stores are either out of everything or about to be. Looting has started. People are out of medical supplies and can't keep their prescriptions cold even if they had them. People on life saving equipment and oxygen are just watching their batteries run out hopelessly. Fema and military are telling people who come to help to not come and to leave. We still need the help especially in our mountain communities. WE STILL NEED HELP.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Mike Luckovich

* * * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

June 28, 2023

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

JUN 29, 2023

In Chicago today, President Joe Biden gave a historic speech at the Old Post Office Building downtown. In it, he was crystal clear that he has launched a new economic vision for the United States to stand against that of today’s Republicans. As he has said since he took office, he intends to build the economy “from the middle out and the bottom up instead of just the top down.”

His vision, he said, “is a fundamental break from the economic theory that has failed America’s middle class for decades now.”

That theory is “trickle-down economics,” the idea that cutting taxes for the wealthy and for corporations while shrinking public investment in infrastructure and public education will nurture the economy. Under that theory the most important metric was a company’s bottom line, Biden pointed out, so companies reduced costs by taking factories and supply chains overseas to find cheap labor, leaving “entire towns and communities…hollowed out.” It also meant cutting taxes, which led to dramatic cuts in public investments in infrastructure, research, social programs and so on, with the idea that concentrating money in a few hands would prompt private investment in the economy. That investment would, the theory went, provide more jobs and enable everyone to prosper.

This is the worldview that the Republicans have embraced since 1980 and that, Biden said, has “failed the middle class. It failed America. It blew up the deficit. It increased inequity. And it weakened…our infrastructure. It stripped the dignity, pride, and hope out of communities one after another…. People working as hard as ever couldn’t get ahead because it’s harder to buy a home, pay for a college education, start a business, retire with dignity. [For] the first time in a generation, the path of the middle class seemed out of reach,” Biden said.   

Biden came into office determined to reverse this policy by investing in the American people rather than in tax cuts. With the help of a Democratic Congress, the president backed legislation that invests in infrastructure, repairing our long-neglected roads and bridges, and in supply chains and manufacturing. Rather than scaring off private investment, as the trickle-down theory argued, that public investment has attracted more than $490 billion of private money into new industries. Manufacturing is booming. Together, infrastructure and manufacturing have created new jobs that pay well. 

Central to Biden’s vision is the idea that the prosperity of the United States rests on its working people, rather than its elites. In Chicago he emphasized his administration’s focus on training and education, as well as its emphasis on the trades and unions. He also emphasized economic competition, noting that business consolidation has stifled innovation, reduced wages, made supply chains vulnerable, and raised costs for consumers. 

To reduce the deficit that has exploded in the past decades and to pay for new programs, Biden reiterated the need for fair taxes on the wealthy and corporations after decades of cuts. “Big Oil made $200 billion last year and got a…$30 billion tax break,” he said, while billionaires pay an average of 8% in taxes, less than “a schoolteacher, a firefighter, or a cop.” He called for “making the tax code fair for everyone, making the wealthy and the super-wealthy and big corporations begin to pay their fair share, without raising taxes at all on the middle class.”

“We’re not going to continue down the trickle-down path as long as I’m president,” Biden said. “This is the moment we are finally going to make a break…. Here’s the simple truth about trickle-down economics: It didn’t represent the best of American capitalism, let alone America.  It represented a moment where we walked away… from… how this country was built…. Bidenomics is just another way of saying: Restore the American Dream because it worked before. It’s rooted in what’s always worked best in this country: investing in America, investing in Americans. Because when we invest in our people, we strengthen the middle class, we see the economy grow. That benefits all Americans. That’s the American Dream.”

Biden often points to the New Deal of the 1930s as his inspiration. In that era, under Democratic president Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Congress responded to the economic crash spurred by unregulated capitalism by passing a wide range of laws that regulated business and protected workers, provided a basic social safety net including Social Security, and promoted infrastructure. 

In his speech accepting the 1932 Democratic presidential nomination, FDR condemned the policies of his predecessors that turned the government over to businessmen, declaring that “the welfare and the soundness of a nation depend first upon what the great mass of the people wish and need; and second, whether or not they are getting it.” He pledged to give the American people a “new deal” to replace the one that had led them into the Depression, and to lead a “crusade to restore America to its own people.” 

But FDR was not the first president to see ordinary Americans as the heart of the nation and to call for a government that protected them, rather than an economic elite. FDR’s distant relative Theodore Roosevelt, a Republican, made a similar argument as president thirty years earlier. Responding to a world in which a few wealthy industrialists—nicknamed “robber barons”—monopolized politics and the economy, he called for a “square deal” for the American people. 

“[W]hen I say that I am for the square deal,” TR said in 1910, “I mean not merely that I stand for fair play under the present rules of the game, but that I stand for having those rules changed so as to work for a more substantial equality of opportunity and of reward for equally good service.” He called for conservation of natural resources, business regulation, higher wages, and “social” legislation to create a “new nationalism” that would rebuild the country. Overall, he wanted “a policy of a far more active governmental interference with social and economic conditions in this country than we have yet had, but I think we have got to face the fact that such an increase in governmental control is now necessary.”  

But TR didn’t invent the idea of government investment in and protection of ordinary Americans either. In his New Nationalism speech, TR pointed back to his revered predecessor, Republican president Abraham Lincoln, who believed that the government must serve the interests of ordinary people rather than those of elite southern enslavers. When South Carolina senator James Henry Hammond told the Senate in 1858 that society was made up of “mudsills” overseen by their betters, who directed their labor and, gathering the wealth they produced, used it to advance the country, Lincoln was outraged. 

Society moved forward not at the hands of a wealthy elite, he countered, but through the hard work of ordinary men who constantly innovated. A community based on the work and wisdom of farmers, he said in 1859, “will be alike independent of crowned-kings, money-kings, and land-kings.” In office, Lincoln turned the government from protecting enslavers to advancing the interests of workingmen, including government support for higher education. 

Biden has recently embraced the term “Bidenomics,” a term coined by his opponents who insist that their embrace of tax cuts is the only way to create a healthy economy. But Bidenomics is simply a new word for a time-honored American idea.

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[360degreesasthecrowflies]

London is a city that has always been deeply uneven, with plenty of cultural treasures to hide the poverty in the Tower Blocks and the underpasses. London is effectively the main of the UK economy, and everything is geared towards it. Hence it retains a degree of economic dynamism that allows a degree of optimism, after all there's always a new restaurant, new exhibition, new flagship store, new play. Sure most workers are dirt poor, living on mashed avocado, and hoping the landlord gets visited by 3 Ghosts at Christmas, but there's the dream of making it in the big city.

Outside the London bubble, large parts of the country are either in despair, or have totally given up. Roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools are crumbling. Police have almost disappeared outside traffic stops. Courts are backlogged, prisons overfilled & well past their designed lifespan. Companies face significant trade barriers with the EU. The water industry is essentially operating on leveraged debt and mostly owned by oversea's pension funds, whilst the infrastructure collapses and raw sewage is being pumped into the rivers/seas. Everyone is underpaid compared to the cost of living, but also compared to many comparable roles in other countries.

In the shires, the more well paid commuter class can still have a nice life, but they are feeling a sharp pinch. Holidays cut. Cars held on to much, much longer than before. Meals out being reduced. Optional extras like music or sports for the kids cancelled. Impulse purchases stopped. All of which sounds like "oh poor Emma can't get her daughter Lucinda piano lessons boo hoo" but think about the economic impact. That is money that would have gone to a piano teacher (usually self employed), to the coffee shop whilst Emma waits, to a music shop for music, perhaps a CD or concert tickets to something Lucinda played at a lesson. Then when Lucinda grows up instead of having a career in arts or entertainment, even at her local bar or church, she doesn't know how to play piano. So society as a whole has lost a musician, and Lucinda as a person flourishes slightly less. The UK arts sector is one of our biggest economic powerhouses, yet it is routinely ignored and hammered by the govt. Art & music are regarded as luxury items, despite contributing £1.6 billion to the annual economy (2021 at 5.6%). That's huge, bigger than the fishing industry which contributes £1.4 billion (2021 at 4%). Yet with rents sky rocketing, and school budgets in utter crisis, arts/music get dropped and creative talent has to switch to more routine jobs to survive. UK Musicians are dropped from EU events following the botched visa system, and international work is increasingly harder for them to get.

Outside the diminishing middle class, the real difficulty and poverty of the UK hits home. People are not sure whether the next rent payment or electricity will quite literally bankrupt them and leave them homeless. Wages are mostly static, with few rises outside a number of key sectors. Some areas have seen wage growth, but that has been concentrated in a small number of jobs (especially finance/management). The population is aging, and the care system is left almost entirely to private companies in a very disjointed, expensive manner. For most people the only credible hope of a financially better life is to inherit or to win the lottery or to commit crime. This is strikingly similar to the pattern seen in many developing world economies.

For example, I have worked in the public sector for 20 years. In that time I have trained, gained professional qualifications, led larger teams, upskilled on IT/project management and become more productive. Since my pay has been capped at a 0.5% rise, it is a real terms wage cut. So I've become more productive yet I'm paid less. Why should I 1) carry on trying to be more productive, & 2) stay in the job? Productivity increases from workers have to be linked to a personal reward, as well as a benefit to an employer or there's no point for the employee. Hence "quiet quitting".

So the UK is in the dire position of poor infrastructure, rampant poverty, and a population that no longer believes hard work or being productive will improve their own lives, only maintain their survival. This is not a recipe for a flourishing economy or nation. The worst thing is that the UK has started to lose hope that things can get better without a magical solution. Without at least some hope, we are doomed.

Saved via reddit from user 'AgeOfVictoriaPodcast' - as an excellent (if depressing!) summary of the UK's economy and society in 2023 / the 2020s / post Brexit

[vren-diagram]

I don't like paying overmuch for things but I don't think the people selling the things are going to pass on the savings from port automation to me, nor do I think longshoremen are the reason for prices going up. And I'm not sure how anyone is supposed to buy things if you automate away all of their jobs, since you're never in a million years getting UBI or barracks communism or whatever other idea you have in mind to fix that problem.

Indented text is AI generated, lazily verified.

The Port of New York and New Jersey operates under a landlord port model: - PANYNJ acts as the landlord, managing public infrastructure and port land. - The port authority leases infrastructure to private operating companies and industries. - Private companies handle cargo operations and maintain their own superstructure (e.g., buildings, equipment). Revenue Structure The port's financial structure includes: - PANYNJ relies primarily on revenue generated from facility operations, including tolls from bridges and tunnels, user fees, and rents5. - Leasing often accounts for about 50% of total port revenue. - The port authority maintains reserve funds, including the General Reserve Fund and the Consolidated Bond Reserve Fund

Okay so it seems like the port authority of ny manages a bunch of meta-port stuff and then leaves the actual operation to operating companies, but the unions have a strong lock on operating companies. To make things simple lets pretend other east coast us ports work like that.

The chain of logic goes

ports get automated -> operating costs for companies renting from port authority are lower -> their competitors also have lower prices -> port services are generally undifferentiated labor -> lowest bidder wins -> shipping companies have lower expenses -> shipping is also undifferentiated -> the savings are passed on to consumers in a competitive market -> you pay less money for, like, beans

As to that second point, about what the dockworkers will do if they're automated, why does it matter?

We do not run schools for the benefit of teachers.

We do not run fire departments for the benefit of firefighters.

We do not run ports for the benefit of dockworkers.

We have public infrastructure to benefit the public, and we should be interested in making it work as best as it possibly can. It is sad if some dockworkers lose their jobs in that process. But. These are by and large able bodied people in major metro areas on the eastern seaboard of the US. The vast majority of them will be able to find something else to do for money. We do not need to pay them to dig holes and fill the holes in again.

[im-fckn-threaded]

You know what? Literally ONE person on here asked me about my job. So now you all have to know :)

I already mentioned I‘m a transportation engineer. That means my general job is to plan different modes of transportation and then oversee the execution of my plans, including infrastructure, operational planning, business management, digitalization, decarbonisation, ect. I’m also trained in vehicle construction and manufacturing as well as in the planning of civil engineering structures like bridges and roads (asphalt and concrete construction of roads were my favorite subjects in uni!). I‘m currently working for a city government in my area and am the project manager for the city’s public transport. That means designing and adjusting the public transport network, adding new bus lines, changing old ones, building a five year development plan for the public transportation system (network development, accessability, service quality, analyzing demographic structures and changed in the city, taking into account new centers of gravity of different activities like work, shopping, living and recreational activities, all that shebang) and then seeing to the execution of that plan. I have to coordinate our regional bus network with neighbouring municipalities and of course, the most important part, I have to coordinate with my colleagues who are planning the other modes of transportation in the city (motorised and non-motorised private transport). And THEN I also need to take into account what the other department is cooking, the city planners (lots of architecture, not really my cup of tea).

That being said, this is my job now. I‘m interested in many aspects of transportation engineering and I‘m not going to do this particular thing forever. Actually rolling stock construction and manufacturing (and certification) really tickles my fancy and I‘m trying to get my foot into the door within the next 1-2 years, because I would like to work with a tangible product again (I used to work in electric drive manufacturing, but my department got closed down and I wanted to try something else with more orientation towards planning public transport supply, so I‘m now in public service).

I love to read and ruminate about curious, brave, creative and different solutions for urban traffic and urban design problems. And then think about how they suck or not and wether or not they could be a viable solution for problems I encouter in my city. And then get in contact with my colleagues to figure it out. There is always much to learn from other cities, other countries (including fuck-ups). And luckily the doors are wide open to change and new ideas (thanks climate crisis) so it‘s the perfect time to be a bit funky with the transportation planning.

Unfortunately it‘s also my job to answer stakeholders’ (think citizens, local companies and shops etc) questions and complaints. And they don‘t like the change in mentality that is currently leaning heavily towards walkable cities and car-free zones.

Hey, I‘m really enjoying talking about this actually. Maybe I can find some more transportation design fuck-ups to talk about. Anyone, give me shout out or something if you wanns know particular things idk

Will definately be posting more anyway :)

[jcmarchi]

The tenured engineers of 2024

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/the-tenured-engineers-of-2024/

The tenured engineers of 2024

In 2024, MIT granted tenure to 11 faculty members across the School of Engineering. This year’s tenured engineers hold appointments in the departments of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS, which reports jointly to the School of Engineering and MIT Schwarzman College of Computing), Mechanical Engineering, and Nuclear Science and Engineering.

“My heartfelt congratulations to the 11 engineering faculty members on receiving tenure. These faculty have already made a lasting impact in the School of Engineering through both advances in their field and their dedication as educators and mentors,” says Anantha Chandrakasan, chief innovation and strategy officer, dean of engineering, and the Vannevar Bush Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

This year’s newly tenured engineering faculty include:

Adam Belay, associate professor of computer science and principal investigator at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), works on operating systems, runtime systems, and distributed systems. He is particularly interested in developing practical methods for microsecond-scale computing and cloud resource management, with many applications relating to performance and computing efficiency within large data centers.

Irmgard Bischofberger, Class of 1942 Career Development Professor and associate professor of mechanical engineering, is an expert in the mechanisms of pattern formation and instabilities in complex fluids. Her research reveals new insights into classical understanding of instabilities and has wide relevance to physical systems and industrial processes. Further, she is dedicated to science communication and generates exquisite visualizations of complex fluidic phenomena from her research.

Matteo Bucci serves as the Esther and Harold E. Edgerton Associate Professor of nuclear science and engineering. His research group studies two-phase heat transfer mechanisms in nuclear reactors and space systems, develops high-resolution, nonintrusive diagnostics and surface engineering techniques to enhance two-phase heat transfer, and creates machine-learning tools to accelerate data analysis and conduct autonomous heat transfer experiments.

Luca Carlone, the Boeing Career Development Professor in Aeronautics and Astronautics, is head of the Sensing, Perception, Autonomy, and Robot Kinetics Laboratory and principal investigator at the Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems. His research focuses on the cutting edge of robotics and autonomous systems research, with a particular interest in designing certifiable perception algorithms for high-integrity autonomous systems and developing algorithms and systems for real-time 3D scene understanding on mobile robotics platforms operating in the real world.

Manya Ghobadi, associate professor of computer science and principal investigator at CSAIL, builds efficient network infrastructures that optimize resource use, energy consumption, and availability of large-scale systems. She is a leading expert in networks with reconfigurable physical layers, and many of the ideas she has helped develop are part of real-world systems.

Zachary (Zach) Hartwig serves as the Robert N. Noyce Career Development Professor in the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering, with a co-appointment at MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center. His current research focuses on the development of high-field superconducting magnet technologies for fusion energy and accelerated irradiation methods for fusion materials using ion beams. He is a co-founder of Commonwealth Fusion Systems, a private company commercializing fusion energy.

Admir Masic, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, focuses on bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern material technologies. He applies his expertise in the fields of in situ and operando spectroscopic techniques to develop sustainable materials for construction, energy, and the environment.

Stefanie Mueller is the TIBCO Career Development Professor in the Department of EECS. Mueller has a joint appointment in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and is a principal investigator at CSAIL. She develops novel hardware and software systems that give objects new capabilities. Among other applications, her lab creates health sensing devices and electronic sensing devices for curved surfaces; embedded sensors; fabrication techniques that enable objects to be trackable via invisible marker; and objects with reprogrammable and interactive appearances.

Koroush Shirvan serves as the Atlantic Richfield Career Development Professor in Energy Studies in the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering. He specializes in the development and assessment of advanced nuclear reactor technology. He is currently focused on accelerating innovations in nuclear fuels, reactor design, and small modular reactors to improve the sustainability of current and next-generation power plants. His approach combines multiple scales, physics and disciplines to realize innovative solutions in the highly regulated nuclear energy sector.

Julian Shun, associate professor of computer science and principal investigator at CSAIL, focuses on the theory and practice of parallel and high-performance computing. He is interested in designing algorithms that are efficient in both theory and practice, as well as high-level frameworks that make it easier for programmers to write efficient parallel code. His research has focused on designing solutions for graphs, spatial data, and dynamic problems.

Zachary P. Smith, Robert N. Noyce Career Development Professor and associate professor of chemical engineering, focuses on the molecular-level design, synthesis, and characterization of polymers and inorganic materials for applications in membrane-based separations, which is a promising aid for the energy industry and the environment, from dissolving olefins found in plastics or rubber, to capturing smokestack carbon dioxide emissions. He is a co-founder and chief scientist of Osmoses, a startup aiming to commercialize membrane technology for industrial gas separations.

[visit-new-york]

The Williamsburg Bridge remains a dynamic and integral part of the fabric of New York City, continually evolving to meet the changing needs of its residents and visitors while preserving its historical and cultural significance.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety: Ensuring the safety of pedestrians and cyclists using the bridge has been an ongoing concern. Improvements to walkways, bike lanes, and signage have been implemented to enhance safety and accessibility for these users.

Public Transportation Integration: The bridge plays a crucial role in New York City's public transportation system, with several bus routes connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn via the Williamsburg Bridge. This integration helps reduce traffic congestion and provides options for commuters.

Cultural Events: The Williamsburg Bridge has served as a backdrop for cultural events and festivals. Its location and grandeur make it an ideal setting for outdoor concerts, art exhibitions, and community gatherings.

Historical Tours: Guided tours and educational programs centered around the Williamsburg Bridge are offered to the public, allowing people to learn about its history, engineering, and cultural significance.

Sponsorships and Partnerships: Private companies and organizations have sometimes sponsored events or initiatives related to the bridge, further highlighting its role as a civic and cultural landmark.

Community Gardens: Near the Williamsburg Bridge, there are community gardens and green spaces that contribute to the neighborhood's quality of life and provide residents with opportunities for urban gardening and relaxation.

Traffic Management: To alleviate congestion and ensure smooth traffic flow, transportation authorities have implemented various traffic management strategies, such as reversible lanes and real-time traffic monitoring.

Maintenance Downtime: Periodic maintenance and repair work require temporary closures or lane restrictions on the bridge. These closures are typically scheduled during off-peak hours to minimize disruptions to commuters.

Historical Documentation: The history of the Williamsburg Bridge has been documented in books, documentaries, and academic research, making it an essential subject for those interested in the history of urban development and infrastructure.

Adaptive Reuse: The Williamsburg Bridge's strong structure has led to discussions about potential adaptive reuse projects. Ideas have been proposed to repurpose some of its spaces for public use, cultural exhibitions, or commercial ventures.

Community Engagement and Advocacy: Local community boards and organizations have played an active role in advocating for the needs and interests of the neighborhoods connected by the bridge, including issues related to transportation, infrastructure, and safety.

Bridge Artifacts and Memorabilia: Various artifacts, memorabilia, and historical documents related to the Williamsburg Bridge are often on display in museums, historical societies, and archives. These items help tell the story of the bridge's construction and significance.

Special Events and Festivals: The Williamsburg Bridge has been a focal point for special events and festivals celebrating the diverse cultures and communities it connects. These events often feature music, food, and cultural activities.

Architectural Awards: The bridge's distinctive architectural features and historical importance have earned it recognition from architectural and engineering organizations. It has received awards and accolades for its design and historical preservation efforts.

Lighting Innovations: Technological advancements have allowed for innovative lighting schemes on the bridge, creating stunning visual effects and contributing to the bridge's iconic nighttime appearance.

Educational Outreach: Educational programs and initiatives related to the Williamsburg Bridge often target local schools and educational institutions, fostering an understanding of its significance and inspiring future generations of engineers and architects.

Community Art Projects: Local artists and community members have collaborated on art projects that involve the bridge and its surroundings, contributing to neighborhood beautification and artistic expression.

Urban Development: The Williamsburg Bridge's influence extends beyond transportation; it has also played a role in shaping urban development in both Manhattan and Brooklyn, influencing the placement of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Emergency Preparedness: The Williamsburg Bridge serves as a critical component of New York City's emergency preparedness plans, with protocols in place for its use in the event of a disaster or large-scale emergency.

Public Safety Measures: Regular safety inspections, security measures, and maintenance work are essential for ensuring the bridge's structural integrity and the safety of all who use it.

Global Symbol: The Williamsburg Bridge is not only a symbol of New York City but also of urban engineering excellence and the enduring human spirit to overcome challenges through innovation and collaboration.

Community Resilience: The bridge's role as a vital lifeline has been evident during times of crisis, highlighting its importance as a symbol of community resilience and unity.

The Williamsburg Bridge stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring impact of infrastructure on communities, culture, and the urban landscape. It continues to bridge the gap between past and present, history and innovation, and the diverse communities of New York City.

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[seogoogle1]

Unlocking Opportunities: Exploring the Landscape of Jobs in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia stands as a beacon of opportunity in the Middle East, offering a plethora of employment prospects for both its citizens and expatriates. With its vibrant economy, strategic location, and ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, the Kingdom has emerged as a hub for diverse career opportunities across various sectors. In this article, we delve into the dynamic realm of jobs in Saudi Arabia, exploring the current landscape, trends, challenges, and the promising future that lies ahead.

Economic Diversification and Job Market Expansion:

The Kingdom's economy has long been reliant on oil revenues. However, recognizing the need for diversification and sustainable growth, Saudi Arabia initiated Vision 2030. This ambitious blueprint aims to reduce dependence on oil, foster economic diversification, and create job opportunities across multiple sectors. As a result, the job market in Saudi Arabia has witnessed significant expansion, with emphasis placed on industries such as technology, healthcare, tourism, and renewable energy.

Technology Sector: A Driving Force for Employment:

In alignment with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has made substantial investments in its technology sector, aiming to become a regional leader in innovation and digital transformation. This focus has led to a surge in demand for skilled professionals in fields such as IT, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. Multinational tech companies and startups alike are establishing their presence in the Kingdom, offering a myriad of job opportunities for local talent and expatriates alike.

Healthcare Industry: Meeting the Growing Demands:

The healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia has undergone rapid expansion to meet the evolving needs of its population. With a growing emphasis on quality healthcare services and infrastructure development, the demand for healthcare professionals has surged. From doctors and nurses to allied health professionals and administrators, the sector offers diverse employment prospects across public and private healthcare institutions, as well as research organizations.

Tourism and Hospitality: Enriching Experiences, Creating Jobs:

Saudi Arabia's rich cultural heritage and natural wonders are increasingly drawing tourists from around the globe. In line with Vision 2030's objectives to boost tourism, the Kingdom has embarked on ambitious projects such as the Red Sea Project and NEOM, creating vast opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sectors. From hotel management and tour guiding to event planning and culinary arts, jobs in Saudi Arabia's tourism industry cater to a wide range of interests and skill sets.

Renewable Energy: Pioneering Sustainable Futures:

As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, Saudi Arabia has set ambitious targets for renewable energy production. The Kingdom's vast solar and wind resources present immense potential for the growth of clean energy industries. Consequently, there is a growing demand for professionals specializing in renewable energy technologies, project management, and sustainable development. Jobs in this sector not only contribute to environmental conservation but also drive innovation and economic growth.

Challenges and Opportunities:

While the job market in Saudi Arabia offers promising prospects, it is not without its challenges. One such challenge is the need to bridge the skills gap and enhance the employability of the local workforce. Initiatives aimed at upskilling and reskilling the workforce are essential to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. Additionally, efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity in the workplace are crucial for fostering a conducive environment for both local talent and expatriates.

Navigating the Job Search Process:

For individuals seeking employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia, navigating the job search process effectively is essential. Networking, both online and offline, can significantly enhance job prospects, as personal connections often play a pivotal role in the recruitment process. Moreover, leveraging online job portals and professional networking platforms can provide access to a wide range of job listings and opportunities across various sectors.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, jobs in Saudi Arabia present a diverse array of opportunities across sectors ranging from technology and healthcare to tourism and renewable energy. With Vision 2030 driving economic diversification and growth, the Kingdom is poised to emerge as a global hub for innovation and employment. By addressing challenges such as the skills gap and fostering a culture of inclusivity, Saudi Arabia is paving the way for a prosperous future characterized by sustainable development and vibrant job market dynamics.

As individuals seize the opportunities afforded by the evolving job market in Saudi Arabia, they contribute not only to their own professional growth but also to the broader vision of prosperity and progress envisioned by the Kingdom. Embracing diversity, innovation, and sustainability, the landscape of jobs in Saudi Arabia reflects a future brimming with promise and potential.

website: alljobspo,com

[unitedbridgepartners]

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[hoursofreading]

His vision, he said, “is a fundamental break from the economic theory that has failed America’s middle class for decades now.” That theory is “trickle-down economics,” the idea that cutting taxes for the wealthy and for corporations while shrinking public investment in infrastructure and public education will nurture the economy. Under that theory the most important metric was a company’s bottom line, Biden pointed out, so companies reduced costs by taking factories and supply chains overseas to find cheap labor, leaving “entire towns and communities…hollowed out.” It also meant cutting taxes, which led to dramatic cuts in public investments in infrastructure, research, social programs and so on, with the idea that concentrating money in a few hands would prompt private investment in the economy. That investment would, the theory went, provide more jobs and enable everyone to prosper. This is the worldview that the Republicans have embraced since 1980 and that, Biden said, has “failed the middle class. It failed America. It blew up the deficit. It increased inequity. And it weakened…our infrastructure. It stripped the dignity, pride, and hope out of communities one after another…. People working as hard as ever couldn’t get ahead because it’s harder to buy a home, pay for a college education, start a business, retire with dignity. [For] the first time in a generation, the path of the middle class seemed out of reach,” Biden said.    Biden came into office determined to reverse this policy by investing in the American people rather than in tax cuts. With the help of a Democratic Congress, the president backed legislation that invests in infrastructure, repairing our long-neglected roads and bridges, and in supply chains and manufacturing. Rather than scaring off private investment, as the trickle-down theory argued, that public investment has attracted more than $490 billion of private money into new industries. Manufacturing is booming. Together, infrastructure and manufacturing have created new jobs that pay well.  Central to Biden’s vision is the idea that the prosperity of the United States rests on its working people, rather than its elites. In Chicago he emphasized his administration’s focus on training and education, as well as its emphasis on the trades and unions. He also emphasized economic competition, noting that business consolidation has stifled innovation, reduced wages, made supply chains vulnerable, and raised costs for consumers.  To reduce the deficit that has exploded in the past decades and to pay for new programs, Biden reiterated the need for fair taxes on the wealthy and corporations after decades of cuts. “Big Oil made $200 billion last year and got a…$30 billion tax break,” he said, while billionaires pay an average of 8% in taxes, less than “a schoolteacher, a firefighter, or a cop.” He called for “making the tax code fair for everyone, making the wealthy and the super-wealthy and big corporations begin to pay their fair share, without raising taxes at all on the middle class.” “We’re not going to continue down the trickle-down path as long as I’m president,” Biden said. “This is the moment we are finally going to make a break…. Here’s the simple truth about trickle-down economics: It didn’t represent the best of American capitalism, let alone America.  It represented a moment where we walked away… from… how this country was built…. Bidenomics is just another way of saying: Restore the American Dream because it worked before. It’s rooted in what’s always worked best in this country: investing in America, investing in Americans. Because when we invest in our people, we strengthen the middle class, we see the economy grow. That benefits all Americans. That’s the American Dream.”

June 28, 2023 - by Heather Cox Richardson

[janhavi-21]

Real Estate Evolution In India!

Real estate, a constantly changing market, has a rich history and complex evolution. Although understanding its journey is challenging due to numerous factors, I will attempt to provide a simplified overview of the real estate sector in India. Let's explore its fascinating evolution without further ado!

Early years:

The real estate sector in India underwent significant transformations during the post-independence period. The government played a crucial role by implementing policies and undertaking various projects to meet the housing demands of the population. Special residential houses and colonies were constructed to cater specifically to government employees, equipped with essential amenities like schools, parks, and hospitals.

Another noteworthy development during this era was the introduction of public housing projects. As there was a shortage of residential spaces in major cities, the government initiated these projects, which greatly improved the living conditions for people. Additionally, land reforms were implemented in the 1950s and 1960s to benefit farmers and enhance rural life. These reforms included land allocation to landless farmers.

In summary, the post-independence period in India witnessed the establishment of government housing for employees, public housing projects, and land reforms aimed at improving housing conditions and supporting agricultural communities.

Urban Planning and Infrastructure:

During the post-independence period in India, there was a strong emphasis on the development and modernization of cities, which involved the implementation of infrastructure plans. These plans included the construction of bridges, ports, improved road networks, and other initiatives aimed at enhancing transportation and connectivity across the country. As a result, urban centers emerged, and the improved infrastructure contributed to the overall economic growth of India. Additionally, these developments created new employment opportunities in cities.

Basically, from the 1950s to the 1970s, the Indian government primarily focused on public housing as a key priority. However, in the subsequent years, there were significant shifts in priorities and approaches to the real estate sector.

1980s-1990s:

The 1980s to 1990s marked a significant shift in the Indian real estate sector. It witnessed the rise of private housing, attracting prominent businesses and entrepreneurs to the market. This era also saw the diversification of real estate into different sectors, including commercial and luxury properties. People began to view real estate as an investment opportunity, prioritizing their comfort and luxury.

During this time, several benefits of investing in real estate became evident:

Value Appreciation: Real estate investments had the potential for value appreciation over time, making it a favorable asset compared to other investment options.

Long-Term Security: Real estate provides stability and long-term security, offering a reliable and protected investment option.

Multiple Income Sources: Real estate investments could generate additional income through rental properties. The emergence of companies like Getsethome's 'Xtra Income Homes’, allowed property owners to earn rental income, with returns as high as 7%.

The 1980s to 1990s were transformative for the real estate industry in India, shaping the perception of real estate as an investment avenue and offering various advantages to investors. Let's now explore further developments in the subsequent years in the real estate realm.

Liberalization in the 1990s brought significant changes to the Indian real estate industry.

The government implemented measures to remove restrictive regulations, leading to rapid expansion and growth. This resulted in the emergence of large-scale real estate projects like IT parks, shopping malls, and commercial developments. The real estate landscape underwent a transformative shift, creating new avenues for development and prosperity.

Digitization has also played a crucial role in reshaping the real estate industry. Online platforms have made property search, buying, and selling more convenient and streamlined. Buyers can now easily access information about properties and make informed decisions.

The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), introduced in 2016, has had a significant impact on the real estate sector. It aims to protect the rights of buyers and sellers and promote transparency in the industry.

The Covid-19 pandemic presented challenges to the real estate industry, but it also brought about unexpected positive outcomes. The experience of the pandemic shifted people's mindset towards the importance of homeownership, leading to increased interest in real estate investment. As a result, the industry quickly rebounded in 2022.

In conclusion, the real estate market is dynamic and continuously evolving. Real estate investment remains a reliable and secure option. If you are considering investing in real estate, it is advisable to take prompt action and secure your own property in this diverse and ever-changing industry.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Mike Luckovich

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

May 8, 2024

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

MAY 09, 2024

Today, in Racine, Wisconsin, President Joe Biden announced that Microsoft is investing $3.3 billion dollars to build a new data center that will help operate one of the most powerful artificial intelligence systems in the world. It is expected to create 2,300 union construction jobs and employ 2,000 permanent workers. 

Microsoft has also partnered with Gateway Technical College to train and certify 200 students a year to fill new jobs in data and information technology. In addition, Microsoft is working with nearby high schools to train students for future jobs. 

Speaking at Gateway Technical College’s Racine campus, Biden contrasted today’s investment with that made by Trump about the same site in 2018. In that year, Trump went to Wisconsin for the “groundbreaking” of a high-tech campus he claimed would be the “eighth wonder of the world.” 

Under Republican governor Scott Walker, Wisconsin legislators approved a $3 billion subsidy and tax incentive package—ten times larger than any similar previous package in the state—to lure the Taiwan-based Foxconn electronics company. Once built, a new $10 billion campus that would focus on building large liquid-crystal display screens would bring 13,000 jobs to the area, they promised. 

Foxconn built a number of buildings, but the larger plan never materialized, even after taxpayers had been locked into contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars for upgrading roads, sewer system, electricity, and so on. When voters elected Democrat Tony Evers as governor in 2022, he dropped the tax incentives from $3 billion to $80 million, which depended on the hiring of only 1,454 workers, reflecting the corporation’s current plans. Foxconn dropped its capital investment from $10 billion to $672.8 million.  

In November 2023, Microsoft announced it was buying some of the Foxconn properties in Wisconsin.

Today, Biden noted that rather than bringing jobs to Racine, Trump’s policies meant the city lost 1,000 manufacturing jobs during his term. Wisconsin as a whole lost 83,500. “Racine was once a manufacturing boomtown,” Biden recalled, “all the way through the 1960s, powering companies—invented and manufacturing Windex…portable vacuum cleaners, and so much more, and powered by middle-class jobs.

“And then came trickle-down economics [which] cut taxes for the very wealthy and biggest corporations…. We shipped American jobs overseas because labor was cheaper. We slashed public investment in education and innovation. And the result: We hollowed out the middle class. My predecessor and his administration doubled down on that failed trickle-down economics, along with the [trail] of broken promises.” 

“But that’s not on my watch,” Biden said. “We’re determined to turn it around.” He noted that thanks to the Democrats’ policies, in the past three years, Racine has added nearly 4,000 jobs—hitting a record low unemployment rate—and Wisconsin as a whole has gained 178,000 new jobs. 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act have fueled “a historic boom in rebuilding our roads and bridges, developing and deploying clean energy, [and] revitalizing American manufacturing,” he said. That investment has attracted $866 billion in private-sector investment across the country, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs “building new semiconductor factories, electric vehicles and battery factories…here in America.” 

The Biden administration has been scrupulous about making sure that money from the funds appropriated to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure and manufacturing base has gone to Republican-dominated districts; indeed, Republican-dominated states have gotten the bulk of those investments. “President Biden promised to be the president of all Americans—whether you voted for him or not. And that’s what this agenda is delivering,” White House deputy chief of staff Natalie Quillian told Matt Egan of CNN in February. 

But there is, perhaps, a deeper national strategy behind that investment. Political philosophers studying the rise of authoritarianism note that strongmen rise by appealing to a population that has been dispossessed economically or otherwise. By bringing jobs back to those regions that have lost them over the past several decades and promising “the great comeback story all across…the entire country,” as he did today, Biden is striking at that sense of alienation.

“When folks see a new factory being built here in Wisconsin, people going to work making a really good wage in their hometowns, I hope they feel the pride that I feel,” Biden said. “Pride in their hometowns making a comeback. Pride in knowing we can get big things done in America still.” 

That approach might be gaining traction. Last Friday, when Trump warned the audience of Fox 2 Detroit television that President’s Biden’s policies would cost jobs in Michigan, local host Roop Raj provided a “reality check,” noting that Michigan gained 24,000 jobs between January 2021, when Biden took office, and May 2023.

At Gateway Technical College, Biden thanked Wisconsin governor Tony Evers and Racine mayor Cory Mason, both Democrats, as well as Microsoft president Brad Smith and AFL-CIO president Liz Schuler.

The picture of Wisconsin state officials working with business and labor leaders, at a public college established in 1911, was an image straight from the Progressive Era, when the state was the birthplace of the so-called Wisconsin Idea. In the earliest years of the twentieth century, when the country reeled under industrial monopolies and labor strikes, Wisconsin governor Robert “Fighting Bob” La Follette and his colleagues advanced the idea that professors, lawmakers, and officials should work together to provide technical expertise to enable the state to mediate a fair relationship between workers and employers. 

In his introduction to the 1912 book explaining the Wisconsin Idea, former president Theodore Roosevelt, a Republican, explained that the Wisconsin Idea turned the ideas of reformers into a workable plan, then set out to put those ideas into practice. Roosevelt approvingly quoted economist Simon Patten, who maintained that the world had adequate resources to feed, clothe, and educate everyone, if only people cared to achieve that end. Quoting Patten, Roosevelt wrote: “The real idealist is a pragmatist and an economist. He demands measurable results and reaches them by means made available by economic efficiency. Only in this way is social progress possible.”

Reformers must be able to envision a better future, Roosevelt wrote, but they must also find a way to turn those ideals into reality. That involved careful study and hard work to develop the machinery to achieve their ends. 

Roosevelt compared people engaged in progressive reform to “that greatest of all democratic reformers, Abraham Lincoln.” Like Lincoln, he wrote, reformers “will be assailed on the one side by the reactionary, and on the other by that type of bubble reformer who is only anxious to go to extremes, and who always gets angry when he is asked what practical results he can show.” “[T]he true reformer,” Roosevelt wrote, “must study hard and work patiently.” 

“It is no easy matter actually to insure, instead of merely talking about, a measurable equality of opportunity for all men,” Roosevelt wrote. “It is no easy matter to make this Republic genuinely an industrial as well as a political democracy. It is no easy matter to secure justice for those who in the past have not received it, and at the same time to see that no injustice is meted out to others in the process. It is no easy matter to keep the balance level and make it evident that we have set our faces like flint against seeing this government turned into either government by a plutocracy, or government by a mob. It is no easy matter to give the public their proper control over corporations and big business, and yet to prevent abuse of that control.”

“All through the Union we need to learn the Wisconsin lesson,” Roosevelt wrote in 1912.

“We’re the United States of America,” President Biden said today, “And there’s nothing beyond our capacity when we work together.”

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON