#Chemistry Conferences Europe

[scotianostra]

The distinguished architect John Burnett died on July 2nd 1938 at Colinton, Edinburgh.

Burnett designed buildings the length and breadth of the British Isles and on the continent of Europe and as far afield as South Africa.

John Burnet was born a soldier's son at Craighead House, Kirk O' Shotts, and trained initially as a carpenter. After becoming a Clerk of Works, he set up as an architect specializing in modest churches and houses in the Italianate and Classical styles, and large-scale commercial buildings and hospitals in the Italian Renaissance, Baronial and Gothic styles.

One of his first undertakings in Glasgow was the Royal Institute of the Fine Arts in Sauchiehall Street, which was won by competition. Other notable buildings there are the offices of the Clyde Trust, the Athenaeum, the Botanical Department and extension of the University, the Pathological Institute, the Barony Church.

In Edinburgh he designed the Professional and Civil Service Stores, George Street, the business premises of R. W. Forsyth in Princes Street, which later housed Burtons for many years, and in Scotland and England generally many public, ecclesiastical and domestic buildings. He was also architect for the Edinburgh International Exhibition of 1906.

Important commissions came to him from London and to London he devoted the latter part of his life, the firm, of which he was senior partner, being known as Sir John Burnet, Tait & Lorne. He had the honour in 1905 of being entrusted by the Government with the important additions to the British Museum, now known as the King Edward VII. Galleries.

Among his numerous London designs are the Institute of Chemistry in Russell Square, the Kodak building in Kingsway, Adelaide House and Vigo House, and the Second Church of Christ Scientist. He was the chief architect in Palestine and Gallipoli for the Imperial War Graves Commission.

The professional esteem with which Sir John was regarded in Britain may be expressed by the words used in connection with the conferring of the Gold Medal of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1923, ‘‘ Few architects living can compare with him either in quantity or quality of output, and fewer still may be said to have had as pervasive an influence on the work of their own time.”

In France he had received both bronze and gold medals at the Salon and was a corresponding member of the Institute of France and of the Société central des Architectes Francais. He had the same relation with the American Institute of Architects.

Knighted in 1914, Sir John was a member of both the Royal Scottish Academy and the Royal Academy. He was an Honorary LL.D., of Glasgow and Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, of the Royal Society, Edinburgh, and of the Royal Society of Antiquaries.

Though he took fewer commissions personally, Burnet worked into his late seventies – he designed the famous Unilever building on London in 1933 - before he eventually retired, spending his final years at Colinton in Edinburgh. He died at home at the age of 81 on this day, 1938, he is buried at Warriston Cemetery.

Pics are the beutiful Drumsheugh Baths in Edinburgh, the old Public Library and Museum, Capbelltown and the former Clydesdale Bank Headquarters, St Vincent Place, Glasgow.

[dailyp1anet]

BUSINESS

UNFRIENDLY COMPETITION: 2016 BUDGETS

By Lois Lane, Senior Staff Writer

PUBLISHED: 16:32, 27th March 2015 | UPDATED: 06:25, 28th March 2015

THE MAN OF TOMORROW: LexCorp's CEO, Lex Luthor. © The Daily Planet: James Olsen, Photographer.

A new report was published yesterday into the biggest companies in the country, the report highlighted the budgets proposed for each company particularly when it came to defense contracts for the next financial year in 2016. LexCorp in particular is racing ahead thanks to some high profile exposure since the original LexCorp tower was destroyed. Originally founded as an aerospace engineering firm, LexCorp has become one of the world's largest, most diversified multinational conglomerate. Under the astute - some would say, ruthless - management of its founder, Alexander (Lex) Luthor.

LexCorp is projected to become the leading private contractor for high tech defense innovation with a proposed budget of $2 billion by 2016. Kord Industries who was previously held the title was not happy with the projected budgets. Foremost in the field for over two decades; analysts predict a substantive move from LexCorp into this space would be most damaging to this multi-billion dollar, multinational defense contractor. Projected for a whopping $707 million budget.

A close second to Kord Industries is STAGG, especially in terms of investment of dollars. STAGG's myopic focus on chemistry and genetics has analysts predicting minimal fallout from a LexCorp entry. With a projected budget of $628 million. Third on the list was Queen Industries, with a significant drop off from #2. Their aloof, and often absent CEO is rumoured to be considering an exit from military defense contracts altogether. Projected to have a budget of $210 million.

Geschäft-Krieg is next on the list, following their acquisition of US-based Sheridan Dynamics, their future has looked bright for Europe's largest light bulb maker-turned heavy weapons manufacturer. Lex Luthor could certainly leave them in the dark especially with the projected budget at $171 million. At the bottom of the list, which is not surprising is Wayne Enterprises. CEO, Bruce Wayne, is notorious for his refusal to accept military defense contracts with a projected budget of $97 million.

Press conferences have been scheduled in the coming weeks from LexCorp, Kord Industries, STAGG, Geschäft-Krieg and Wayne Enterprises to announce their next projects, mergers, business strategies and financial performances from the last financial year. Queen Industries has declined several enquiries since the date of this publication.

COMMENTS (6.4K) | LIKES (3.4K) | SHARES (2.5K)

[bespokeredmayne]

With film festivals in full swing again and Eddie Redmayne in an awards-buzzy film, these are glorious days for his fans. Starting with the world premiere of The Good Nurse last month at the Toronto International Film Festival, there have been opportunities to see him up-close-and-personal on red carpets at seven film festivals in Europe and North America, with hundreds successfully cozying up for a selfie or an autograph. He’s high-profile on talk shows and in magazine and newspaper spreads, and making appearances (sometimes displaying adorably palpable chemistry with co-star Jessica Chastain) at special industry events and entertainment organization screenings that help court awards voters. 

For a decade now, Eddie has quietly done something unique, though, with each of his film releases. Through his NY PR team, he has connected with fans for an interview. The first was done in 2012 by the creator of the definitive fan blog at the time, iloveeddieredmayne on Tumblr, run by American Kate Burton. She did a second interview, but by the time he was an Oscar winner promoting The Danish Girl, the interview became a group effort to broaden the geographical reach and reflect his fandom. 

On the eve of the release of our latest fan interview, here’s a collection of the earlier efforts, in reverse order. As fans, the interviewers show a depth of knowledge of his career that Eddie responds to with thoughtfulness and appreciation. He’s known as one of the nicest celebrities in the entertainment world, and this is additional evidence that he’s earned that reputation.

If there is not a direct boxed link , click on the link below the image to read the interview.

[ancientcoins]

Hi, I'm not sure if this is something you're able to answer, but I'm interested in getting a career in numismatics, specifically in regards to ancient Rome. I'm currently getting a BA in history with a focus on ancient Rome. Do you have any information/advice on next steps or field requirements? Thank you for your time!

Hello! What a great question! Careers in numismatics take a number of different forms, so I’ll do my best to offer you some insight into the options, and then tell you what I know about my experience of getting work in the field.

My guess is, if you are getting a BA in history, that you are probably most familiar with the academic track(s) that are out there. Most numismatists of this sort are either professors (for ancient material, they are either in History or Classical Studies departments) or museum curators or staff of some kind. There are a also handful of private numismatic organizations that also have staff and curators (orgs like the American Numismatic Society come to mind). For pretty much all these options, it would be expected that a numismatist would have an advanced degree, typically a PhD, in history, classics, or archaeology, with emphasis and skills developed through specific numismatic training (learning to do things like die studies, metallurgical analysis, hoard studies, or conservator/preservation work). There are summer schools for graduate students to gain this experience, sometimes with funding. If you go the curatorial track, getting experience volunteering as well as a degree will be expected, and if you can handle the chemistry, training in conservation is a big plus for job prospects.

Taking a more archaeological track, there are also posts for numismatists in the field. Coins coming out of the dirt need to be cleaned and IDed quickly and accurately. Most of these people also have advanced degrees and/or other academic jobs (since archaeology is mostly a summer gig in the northern hemisphere), but there are also emergency excavation companies who might need a numismatist from time to time. I’ve known people with MA degrees in archaeology who worked with these companies in Europe, but they weren’t specifically numismatists.

Finally, there’s work in more commercial fields. Coins appeal to collectors, who want coins identified and sold by professionals, and companies exist to ID, grade, and auction coins. If getting an advanced degree (and learning Greek and Latin, which comes with the territory) is beyond your immediate reach, working for an auction house or coin grading company could be a good fit. You can also look into the American Numismatic Association’s summer school program, which I believe gives more support to BA students and to collectors.

Whatever path you choose, volunteering to help catalogue collections with university or museum collections is a great way to get experience and, for the academic options, getting ideas for conference talks and publications. The more you can handle coins, ancient or otherwise, and the more coinages you have worked with closely, the better your odds of being taken seriously as a “professional,” whatever that means for you. You can also follow academic numismatists on the site formerly known as twitter and see what they are up to to learn more.

For myself, I’m a numismatist, but I’m employed as a history professor. Coins are just one of my specializations, and while I love them, I understand that to work, I have to be both a generalist and a specialist. Even in academia, few numismatists are exclusively numismatists. Keep your mind open and look for ways to bring your love of coins into other kinds of work and conversations and you will find your way.

P.S. It’s also okay to love a thing without making it your job… I know that can be hard to hear especially as an undergrad trying to figure out what to do with your life, but like, the surest way to stop loving a thing is to have to do it, or else. Hobbies are good and, with coins, there’s a huge, healthy community to share your love with.

P.P.S. I work on a couple of digital numismatic projects that could use qualified volunteers (undergraduates are great for this kind of thing, especially if we can coordinate with your professors to get you course credit). If you’d like to get involved, especially if you have some digital humanities skills, reach out off anon and we can chat it through.

[the-annotated-antichrist]

Act I, Track 10 - Garden of Peace

Song links: Spotify - YT Music - Apple - Tidal

This track is a soaring, romantic duet sung by Thomas and Lori - the first "real" meeting of their characters.

A short time after the last scene, Seth's visionary book has had the success George predicted. Many speak in support of him becoming the leader of Europe and he gets invited to speak before the Pan-European Congress. The day before his speech, he "strolls through a famous garden" near the conference hall and thinks about the next day and everything that is happening. He meets the gardener who tends to this magnificent place - it is Helena!

The inlay describes her as follows:

The younger sister of Johanna. She is religious by heart, but not on the fanatical level of her sister. Blessed with a very loyal character, she is very much longing for Johanna with whom she has only been in brief contact growing up. Shortly following the arrival to Berlin her father passed away leaving Helena to be raised by her mother.

She must be a very accomplished gardener if she is in charge of such a famous place. Her gentle and loving nature probably aids her skill at making living things thrive. Seth is about to become one of those living things:

[Helena:] Greet the sun, bright and beautiful What better day to be king? [Seth:] Such it may be - dawning of Eden I'm here to answer its call But in darkness I tremble in fear of tomorrow Fate - let me go, let me fall

She greets him with praise and he immediately opens up to her about his uncertainty about the future. The song is rapturous, there is a sense of immediate harmony and bliss.

[Both:] In the garden of peace, beneath ancient trees Here is a wisdom [Helena:] I wish for you to share with me [Both:] Deep in the slumber of answers to be

Seth remarks that Helena is in fact pretty famous for her gardening skills and (rightly) calls it an art. Helena, of course, remains humble.

[Helena:] Sir, behold - Garden of delight [Seth:] Yes I have heard of your art [Helena:] Such is my life, simple but always true I wish to share this with you

A match made in heaven?

[Seth:] When in darkness I tremble in fear of tomorrow I will remember this day [Helena:] Open your heart [Both:] For to drown in silent rivers cold Means that we are soon floating On the green - forever we behold - [Helena:] Surface [Seth:] Of dreams [Both:] In the garden of peace We'll lay down our deeds to make them blossom unseen To make them blossom like dreams [Helena:] Deep... [Both:] Deep in the slumber of answers to be Our dreams

Anyone who has seen Lori and Thomas on stage together knows how good their chemistry as performers is, a chemistry which I think this song benefits from. It is also one of the 4 1/2 tracks composed by Thomas.

[bsaka7]

Mathieu Flamini: From protecting Arsenal defence (and pain of 2008)… to protecting the planet by Amy Lawrence

Mathieu Flamini sweeps into the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London. He is here to talk about his life in elite sport and the biotech industry, and when Flamini talks — at full speed and with full conviction — you want to listen. The trouble is, the hotel lobby is packed with a cacophony of guests, staff and people here for a conference.

I already failed in my enquiry for a quieter spot. Flamini, however, flashes a look that never takes no for an answer. Off he goes and arranges access to a closed restaurant. He then convinces someone to bring coffee. Voila. The vignette is a reflection of how he lives his life. He is a force of nature intent on making things happen.

The vocational leap in Flamini’s story is astonishing. He patrolled midfield for Olympique de Marseille, Arsenal and AC Milan and was still a committed, active player in Serie A when an engineer told him about green chemistry. He immediately wanted to get involved. “I decided to build a company that would help end chemical pollution,” he says. He is now CEO of GF Biochemicals, an organisation driving for more sustainable products in our everyday lives.

“Everyone knows about consumer goods we use every day,” he explains. “Shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, detergent to clean the house, paint in our homes and on our things — all of those consumer goods are made of chemical ingredients. When you use shampoo, if you look at the back you see very complicated names of ingredients which are mixed together in order to make the shampoo. What people need to know is most of those ingredients, unfortunately, come from the oil industry, or what we call the petrochemical industry. What we have discovered over the past few years is that many of these ingredients are harmful to the planet and for people.

“For example, when you take a shower, your shower gel or shampoo is made from ingredients which are not biodegradable and those ingredients basically go to sewage and accumulate in the water and never decompose. Every day the cream you put on your face contains chemicals being absorbed by your skin, which is your body’s biggest organ. If you clean your house with toxic products — your kids are walking on the floor, you cut bread with a knife, whatever — there is a contamination of these harmful ingredients.

“We manufacture bio-based ingredients using agricultural waste and plant-based products for the consumer goods industry. The shampoo we use, the paints we use, the detergent we use to clean the house, are safer for people and more sustainable for the environment.”

The Flamini who scurried around the midfields of Europe — pointing, cajoling, encouraging, tackling, full-on — is approaching a subject as monumental as climate change with the same unquenchable passion.

“Some of my colleagues like to joke with me,” he says, “‘Finally, you have your first real job’.”

It all begins in the city of Marseille. Flamini was born and raised there, growing up near the seaside. His father loved the ocean and was a diver. Sometimes he took his son with him deep into the water. What does it feel like down there? “Peace. Freedom. An escape from the whole world,” Flamini says. “Diving with my father was a beautiful experience.” Even then he was aware of plastic and chemical pollution in the sea.

Former Arsenal man Mathieu Flamini has been CEO of GF Biochemicals since 2022 (Photo by Eric Piermont/AFP via Getty Images)

Flamini in the Marseille youth team and (below) picking up an award (Credit: Mathieu Flamini)

But of course, his first love was on land. Football is an obsession in Marseille, and Flamini’s zest was noticed early on. His school was right next to the club’s youth development centre and he joined them at the age of five.

“I was extremely energetic,” he recalls. “I remember my parents coming to pick me up from school and every day I jumped on a bike to go to the playground and said ‘Catch me’. Football was a way of expressing myself and getting this energy out, otherwise I probably would’ve been out of control.”

Different field, but same passion to drive change by doing things better. 🌿👷🏽#positive #impact #sustainable #chemistry #greenchemistry #biobased #chimieverte #tech #technology #innovation #plantbased pic.twitter.com/rLxyee25hE

— Mathieu flamini (@mathieuflamini) April 2, 2022

When he reached his late teens, he had a choice between football and education. He combined a law degree with representing Marseille in the first team. The university was lenient and allowed him to miss a substantial amount of classes. “But I still had to go to 25 per cent of them, and when I asked Marseille if I could move some of the training to go to the classes they asked me to make my choice. Actually, it was simple,” he says, laughing.

He was the only one from his year group to make it as a pro. “It’s rare that someone starts from the age of five and goes all the way to the first team,” he says. “When OM play, people who can’t afford to buy food go to see the game. It is one of the pillars of the city of Marseille. I grew up in that culture, with that feeling, and being able to play for Marseille is a pride I carried with me every single day of my teenage life.”

There was some surprise, then, that he moved on at a young age, rejecting Marseille’s contract offer and instead joining Arsenal at the age of 20. The French club were not pleased. Flamini felt it was something he had to do.

“I was playing defensive midfield and they bought another player from Bordeaux and I didn’t feel like a priority there,” he says. “When I met with Arsene (Wenger), he made me feel like I was one of his priorities. It was time for me to leave. On one side I was pushed out and, on the other side, I had the pull of the opportunity presented by Arsene. Arsenal at the time was very French with a lot of players there in the national team. It was a big club on the European scene.”

His fellow Frenchman and former Arsenal team-mate Robert Pires remembers Flamini as being “very smart” and tells The Athletic: “In the locker room, he would speak up to say, especially, what was wrong on the field. He likes to talk with everyone. He is a good team-mate, Mat. As they say: you can go to war with him. And it was quite visible that he was already thinking about his future.”

Flamini, right, with Robert Pires and Thierry Henry in 2004 (Photo: Adrian Dennis via Getty Images)

At Arsenal, Flamini discovered something that chimes with one of his key principles: surround yourself with good people. Find your clan. It is what he calls his “wolf pack” and his was a young, skilful midfield quartet formed with Cesc Fabregas, Alexander Hleb and Tomas Rosicky. “We were super close, both on and off the pitch. This was our wolf pack. We took care of each other, we looked after each other, we protected each other in a midfield which was very technical but also very offensive. My job was to play further back and make sure everybody was protected.”

Flamini talks with rapid intensity. The only time he pauses is to reflect on the time that team relished a title charge, only to fall painfully. In some ways, 2007-08 was not unlike the situation Arsenal are in now: a young team riding the crest of a wave. They were top of the league with 10 games to go. It hit the rocks when Eduardo, their prolific scorer, had his leg badly broken in a game at Birmingham City.

“It was a very emotional year,” Flamini recalls. “We were a young team in every way. We were all very close to each other and we grew up together as men, as human beings. We had a very strong lead that year in the Premier League, and in the Champions League won memorably (2-0) at (AC) Milan and then went to Liverpool.

Today is International Coastal Clean-Up day. Nowadays, it’s more important than ever to protect our beaches and waterways 🌊 The team at @sascampaigns have made it easy to find your nearest beach clean, as well as how to set-up your own. #internationalcoastalcleanupday pic.twitter.com/aKTg7b7wEz

— Mathieu flamini (@mathieuflamini) September 19, 2020

“I remember it like it was yesterday. I got injured in Liverpool. I twisted my ankle, and we lost the game right at the end because of a bit of naivety. Inexperience cost us in the Champions League and in the Premier League. I remember this game in Birmingham; the terrible injury of Eduardo shocked all of us. I don’t believe in excuses: it is our fault we lost out that year, but it was a very emotional time which had an impact on us.”

He is keenly watching the current team in their quest at the top of the table. “I strongly believe they can do it,” he says. “Looking at how focused the team is, how strongly they are approaching every game, it gives me the confidence that they have the quality and mentality to make it happen.

“We still have eight games ahead and focusing game by game is very important. They have managed to bring everybody in around the team — the fans, ex-players, everyone — and the support is total. Everyone is together in this journey and if they can do it, they will make us all so proud and happy.”

Flamini left Arsenal for Milan on a Bosman (free transfer). He was headstrong enough to do things for his benefit, but there was a sentimental reason behind his desire to go to Serie A. His father is from just outside Rome and the Italian heartbeat of the family is strong.

“I always wanted to play in Italy,” he says. “When I had the opportunity to go there, I thought I would grow as a player and as a human being. I would go to Italy where we have roots, so it was a way of discovering myself to go back to my origins.

“People at Arsenal said, ‘But why did you leave?’. I joined a team with three Ballon d’Or winners: (Andriy) Shevchenko, Kaka, Ronaldinho; I played with people like (Paolo) Maldini, (Clarence) Seedorf, (Andrea) Pirlo, (Filippo) Inzaghi. The manager was Carlo Ancelotti, one of the most titled managers. When I moved to Arsenal I met incredible players like (Dennis) Bergkamp, Sol Campbell, (Patrick) Vieira, (Thierry) Henry, with Arsene Wenger. But moving to Milan offered another opportunity for learning. Myself and (Alexandre) Pato were among the youngest in Milan. Most of them were 30-plus and football legends.

“Walking into the dressing room was exciting. I was struck by their humility. I remember arriving and Paolo was sitting next to me. He gave me his number and said ‘If you need anything, you call me’. The humility and kindness of those champions struck me the most. To be a football legend and also be so humble, so open, and act with such simplicity taught me a lot. It was a learning experience every day.”

Flamini with Ronaldinho while playing for Milan in 2008 (Photo: Giuseppe Cacace/AFP via Getty Images)

He noticed many of the older players were entrepreneurs thinking of scenarios outside of football. Kakha Kaladze went into politics. Seedorf was business-driven. “It put something in my mind,” Flamini says.

After five years in Milan, during which he won the Scudetto in 2010-11, he got in touch with Wenger. The Arsenal manager tended to keep an open door to former players who needed fitness for one reason or another. Flamini hoped to sharpen up with a view to finding a new club.

Wenger was not usually keen to re-sign former players but occasionally made an exception. Flamini credits Wenger as a major influence on his life. “Obviously he is someone who has shaped my way of thinking and my way of being. He was for me a bit of a father figure.”

Flamini’s return to Arsenal was made official in 2013. “I like to say it was unfinished business,” he says. “It was the right time. It was great for both of us. It was great for me to go back and join a team I love very much. It was also the right thing for Arsene to bring some experience and some passion into midfield.” He was part of the squad that won two FA Cups in 2014 and 2015 and was a cult figure among fans for his tendency to excel against Tottenham Hotspur.

Meanwhile, GF Biochemicals was growing.

Flamini cares deeply about climate change, spreading the message, and getting on with it as soon as humanly possible. “When you see Greta Thunberg bringing a generation of kids onto the streets, I feel I have this responsibility towards the next generation. We created the problem. We have to be part of the solution.

“What are we going to say to our kids? I meet people every day who are trying to be part of the solution, part of the ecosystem of people bringing innovation to try to make the future a better place. I’m excited about that; to be part of those people I call believers.”

Flamini is also incredibly driven. Not many footballers have become a CEO in a completely new sphere.

Words cannot express the emotion you feel when you witness climate change first hand. The Arctic is at the forefront of the warming and I’m astounded at the lack of commitment to halt and hopefully reverse this phenomenon. #ClimateChange @wef #greenland19 pic.twitter.com/ymdjyRkv1l

— Mathieu flamini (@mathieuflamini) May 28, 2019

“What I miss the most from football is not actually playing, it’s more the dressing room. The camaraderie. That connection. It’s total dedication to the team. I always enjoyed sacrificing for the team. Ultimately, you spend more time with your team-mates than your family. What I miss most is the wolf pack.

“So in a way, you try to re-create it in your new life. Here my challenge is different — changing an industry. Every day I have some fights, problems to resolve. It’s a different challenge but it’s the same mindset and the same dedication. It’s also a lot of pressure. So I’ve transferred all this energy from one fight to another. I’m trying to recreate the wolf pack within this ecosystem.

“I’m very lucky to be part of this movement of people trying to drive change and create more sustainability. They’re brilliant people — creative and scientific — making a difference in the plastic industry or protecting the Amazon. They are my wolf pack. When I see one of them, it’s super exciting.”

But he has not totally left football behind. He is wondering about how to harness the power of football and its influence to help to push for more change. “Football is the No 1 sport, it is driving so much attention, the hot issues of this world should also be on the agenda of the governing bodies,” he says.

Then there is the idea of one day bringing his expertise as a business leader to football. “It’s a world that I belong to. If there is the right opportunity at the right time and the right discussion, if I meet people who share the same vision and mindset and desire to use football for a purpose, I would love to.”

Some Arsenal supporters at certain times have asked him to buy the club. He retains affection for OM, Arsenal and AC Milan. “Obviously those clubs have a special place in my heart,” he says. “I never forget where I come from. In life, you never know but it’s all about the right opportunity. I’m a real believer in the right time, right place, right people.

“We’ll see what the future is made of. I’m a believer. If you want something very much, the universe usually brings it to you. Let’s see what the universe will bring.”

[floorinsite]

Carpet Recycling UK: Collaboration to seek better solutions for waste 

Collaboration was the theme for this year’s Carpet Recycling UK annual conference. A packed agenda saw a wide range of initiatives and topics covered, highlighting that partnership working across the comparable flooring sectors such as resilient flooring and other industries to include construction, waste management and recycling sectors is vital to finding better environmental and economic solutions for carpet and textile flooring waste.

Speaking at the two-day event in July, Adnan Zeb-Khan – CRUK Scheme Manager, highlighted that although an important outlet, ‘energy from waste’ (which accounted for over 200k tonnes of carpet and textile flooring to be diverted from landfill in 2022), is not a sustainable long-term route and more reuse, recycling circular solutions need to be developed. Delegates then heard about potential research project to divert carpet and textile flooring waste and how these could be used in construction products and the cement industry. Carpet Recycling UK will be exploring these further with universities and industry to research alternative solutions.

Exciting collaborative work is already underway and Headlam presented findings on their pilot take-back scheme which is providing valuable insight into behaviours around recycling flooring materials. Innovate Recycling unveiled results on their achieving partial circular sustainability from recycling polypropylene from carpet into new polypropylene beads that can be spun into new yarn for carpet manufacture. Matoha also presented their evolving infrared material identification gun which is using AI to enable it to identify thousands of different carpet chemistries and IOBAC presented their unique magnetic carpet floor tiles fixing solutions which are saving thousands of pounds on damage to subfloors during building interior renovations.

Perhaps the most important subject covered by the conference was the urgent need for all stakeholders to come together to collaborate and develop an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme that is suitable for the sector. Conference heard from several speakers on existing or similar schemes operating in Europe and the USA. Jane Gardner of ERFMI (European Resilient Floorcovering Manufacturers’ Institute) reinforced the need to develop a circular economy for flooring products. “On the circular economy, now is the time to act – politically, legislatively and technologically. Sustainability is becoming mandatory in the European Union. Our strategy recognises the need for waste management companies, recyclers and raw material suppliers to collaborate to ensure a workable solution for all stakeholders.”

During the conference some key questions were asked of the delegates which were intended to generate debates, conversations and opinions on the key challenges they each face when it comes to sustainable practices within their organisations and if now is the right time for CRUK to rebrand itself and provide support to other flooring types experiencing similar challenges and issues.

The evening event saw the popular Carpet Recycling UK annual awards presented by Jonathan Middelkoop from Betap. CRUK thanked all those who entered this year and is proud to announce the 2024 winners as:

Circular Economy Initiative of the Year – Robbert Wapstra, Edel Carpets; Highly Commended: Betap

Reuse and Recycling Project of the Year – Richard Shea, Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd; Highly Commended: John Cotton Group & Designer Contracts

Most Sustainable Product of the Year – Kate Burnett, Milliken; Highly Commended: Condor Group

The conference presented an opportunity for Cathie Clarke, CRUK’s new Managing Director to meet and network with some of their 134-strong membership. She said: “Having just joined CRUK Ltd at the beginning of the month, the annual conference was a perfect opportunity for me to meet a large number of members at once.”

She added: “The conference was packed with interesting and inspiring presentations on innovation within the carpet recycling industry, circular economy and sustainability with high energy debates on important issues. I look forward to working closely with all our members and the board to raise awareness of the important work that is already being done and to develop an ambitious strategy of influence and change within our industry for the benefit of our environment.”

For Darlene Sammut of Matoha attending the conference for the first time was a ‘great experience’, adding: “It allowed us to engage in meaningful discussions about the flooring industry’s advancements towards a circular economy. By presenting and exhibiting at the conference, we have been able to network and showcase our products, encouraging more collaboration within the industry.” 

Adnan concluded: “After a stimulating event packed with discussion, debate and insightful presentations, it’s clear there is a strong need for engagement and collaboration in helping the sector on its sustainability journey to reduce and recycle textile flooring waste while developing opportunities to create circularity within the sector through a more ‘design for recycling’ led approach.”

For more information, email: info@carpetrecyclinguk.com or visit www.carpetrecyclinguk.com.

[jeduka]

Discovering Excellence: The Best University in Switzerland

Switzerland, with its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and an unwavering commitment to educational excellence, is home to some of the world's most esteemed universities. Among these prestigious institutions, one name often rises to the top: ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich). Renowned for its cutting-edge research, exceptional faculty, and innovative approach to education, ETH Zurich stands as a beacon of academic brilliance in the heart of Europe.

A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence

Founded in 1855, ETH Zurich has cultivated a legacy that blends tradition with forward-thinking innovation. Its establishment was driven by the need to foster a new generation of engineers and scientists, capable of steering Switzerland into a future defined by technological and scientific advancements. Today, this legacy continues as ETH Zurich remains at the forefront of global research and education.

Pioneering Research and Breakthroughs

ETH Zurich's reputation for pioneering research is unparalleled. The university is home to numerous Nobel laureates, Fields Medalists, and Turing Award winners, whose groundbreaking work has left an indelible mark on the world. Whether it's in the realms of physics, chemistry, computer science, or engineering, ETH Zurich consistently pushes the boundaries of what is possible.

One of the most remarkable achievements in recent years is the development of the world's smallest transistor by ETH Zurich researchers. This innovation holds immense potential for the future of electronics, promising faster, more efficient, and smaller devices. Such breakthroughs are a testament to the university's commitment to addressing real-world challenges through scientific exploration and ingenuity.

An Interdisciplinary Approach to Learning

At ETH Zurich, education transcends traditional boundaries. The university fosters an interdisciplinary approach that encourages students to think beyond their primary fields of study. This holistic perspective is reflected in the diverse range of programs and courses offered, which allow students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career aspirations.

For instance, the Integrated Building Systems program combines elements of architecture, engineering, and environmental sciences to equip students with the skills needed to design sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. Similarly, the Data Science program bridges computer science, statistics, and business, preparing students to tackle the complex data-driven challenges of the modern world.

A Hub of Global Collaboration

ETH Zurich's impact extends far beyond the borders of Switzerland. The university boasts a vibrant international community, with students, researchers, and faculty members hailing from over 120 countries. This global perspective is integral to the university's mission, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and cultures.

Collaboration with leading universities and research institutions worldwide further amplifies ETH Zurich's influence. Through partnerships with institutions like MIT, Stanford, and the University of Tokyo, ETH Zurich engages in joint research projects, student exchanges, and academic conferences, creating a dynamic network of knowledge and innovation.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Resources

To support its ambitious educational and research endeavors, ETH Zurich provides state-of-the-art facilities and resources. The university's main campus in Zurich is a marvel of modern architecture, seamlessly blending historic buildings with cutting-edge research laboratories and teaching spaces.

The ETH Zurich Library, one of the largest scientific and technical libraries in Switzerland, offers an extensive collection of books, journals, and digital resources. Additionally, the university's advanced computational infrastructure, including high-performance computing clusters and specialized software, empowers researchers to conduct complex simulations and data analyses.

Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability is a core value at ETH Zurich, permeating every aspect of campus life and academic pursuits. The university is dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices. Initiatives such as the ETH Zurich Sustainability Program aim to integrate sustainability into research, teaching, and operations.

ETH Zurich's commitment to sustainability is also evident in its research efforts. Projects like the Future Cities Laboratory and the Energy Science Center focus on developing innovative solutions to global environmental challenges. By fostering a culture of sustainability, ETH Zurich prepares students to become leaders in creating a more sustainable and equitable world.

A Vibrant Campus Life

Beyond academics and research, ETH Zurich offers a vibrant and enriching campus life. Students have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, from sports clubs and cultural societies to entrepreneurial initiatives and community service projects. These opportunities foster personal growth, leadership skills, and lifelong friendships.

The university's location in Zurich, one of the world's most livable cities, adds to the overall experience. With its stunning natural surroundings, vibrant arts scene, and bustling urban life, Zurich provides an ideal backdrop for students to thrive both academically and personally.

Shaping the Future

ETH Zurich's commitment to excellence, innovation, and global collaboration positions it as a leader in shaping the future of education and research. Its graduates are highly sought after by employers worldwide, known for their analytical skills, creativity, and ability to tackle complex challenges.

As ETH Zurich continues to push the boundaries of knowledge and discovery, it remains dedicated to nurturing the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders. By fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and sustainability, ETH Zurich ensures that its legacy of excellence will endure for generations to come.

Conclusion

In the landscape of global higher education, ETH Zurich stands out as a paragon of academic excellence and innovation. Its unwavering commitment to research, interdisciplinary learning, and sustainability, combined with a vibrant campus life and a global perspective, makes it the best university in Switzerland. For students seeking an education that transcends traditional boundaries and prepares them to make a significant impact on the world, ETH Zurich is the ultimate destination.

[conferenceineurope]

https://justpaste.it/693d8

 Bulgaria is a unitary state on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe. The country bordering the black sea in the east and rounded by Greece, the Republic of Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and turkey. Sofia is its capital city and Bulgarian is its official language. It was long influenced by Byzantine Culture. After the Second World War it became the satellite of the Soviet Union. Now it is a member country of the NATO and EU. Bulgaria has made numerous contributions to space exploration and research. International events, conferences, workshops and seminars educate and help the citizen to empower the upcoming knowledge evolution in Bulgaria. Engineering, science and technology, social science, Business Management, soil, plant and water science and Healthcare are the major topics of the conference or events. 

#UKConferences #UKMeetings #InternationalConferencesinUK #Medical #ConferencesinUK

#EngineeringConferences #MeetingsInternational #GlobalConferences #Pharmaceutical #Sciences #Pharmacology #pharma #business #research #chemistry #International #Conferences #AcademicConferences #Businessconferences #UpcomingConferences #EuropeanConferences #PharmaceuticalSciencesConferences #PharmacologyConferences

#PharmaceuticalChemistryMeetings #PharmaMeetings #PharmaceuticalSciencesConferences #PharmacologicalResearchConferences #PharmacogenomicsConferences #ClinicalPharmacology #ConferencesOphthalmologyConferences #EyeMeetings#business #work #construction #engineering #networking #share #design #like #event #help #research #opportunities #sports #water #canada #engineer #events #engineers #careerdevelopment #transportation #structural #civilengineers #offshore #structuralengineering #airports #hospitals #concrete #civilengineering #academicconferencesinEngineering #AcademicVirtualConferencesinEngineering #allconferencesinEngineering #alleventsinEngineering #ConferencesinEngineering #Engineeringconferences #Engineeringevents #Engineeringwebinars #maineventinEngineering #videoconferencesinEngineering #virtualconferencesinEngineering #webinarinEngineering

[lasithamax]

Zamzam Well

The Zamzam well was recently renovated in 2018 by the Saudi authorities. The project involved cleaning of the areas around the Zamzam well by removing the debris of concrete and steel used in the old cellar of the Grand Mosque.[35][36][37][38] During Ramadan, 100 samples are tested every day to ensure that the water is in good quality.[38]

Historical controversy

Edit

Cholera epidemics and the Hajj had become an issue of debate since a 1866 CE International Sanitary Conference in Istanbul. The conference however identified British steam-ships transporting Indian Muslims to the Hajj as mainly responsible for the globalisation of cholera. The Ottoman state consequently instituted a quarantine system using the Red Sea to protect public health. Britain tried to undermine this system in the coming decades fearing public backlash in India and restrictions on its ability to engage in free trade.

The first controversy surrounding the safety of water from the Zamzam Well began in 1883 CE. In 1881 CE, James Zohrab, British Consul in Jeddah sent samples of Zamzam water to Edward Frankland, who published his findings in 1883 CE. Frankland claimed the water from the well to be six times more contaminated by animal waste than sewage in London. Arguing that due to human waste being simply buried in the ground in Mecca, the groundwater had become highly contaminated and a source of cholera. This situation, coupled with the city's visitors from all around the Muslim world, is meant to have spread the disease effectively throughout it. He ultimately called for the closure of Zamzam as a public health measure to protect the people of Asia and Europe.

Frankland's report became the basis for a treatise presented to the Ottoman Board of Health by the Dutch emissary thereto. The treaty was received very negatively and interpreted to be anti-Islamic propaganda. Mehmed Şakir Bey, an epidemiologist, was so outraged that he consulted Bonkowsky Paşa, the Sultan's head chemist, and Ahmet Efendi, professor of chemistry at the Ottoman War College, for further scientific inquiry. Their testing revealed nothing dangerous about the water of Zamzam. By comparing their results to the results Frankland had published they began to publicly doubt the authenticity of his sample, as his sample was almost as saline as sea water. Additionally they explained that the water in Mecca's aqueducts and that from Zamzam came from entirely different sources, that pilgrims did not so much as bathe near the Masjid al-Haram, and that Zamzam could not be a cholera source because Mecca did not see annual cholera epidemics during the Hajj.

Related to their doubts of the water's authenticity they began to speculate that Yusuf Kudzi, a British protected person and associate of Zohrab, had been the source of the water and had contaminated the water to embarrass the Muslim world. Kudzi was of Russian-Jewish ancestry, he had been born in Jerusalem and was a convert to Islam. The Ottoman establishment of that time had grown to doubt the authenticity of any Muslim cooperating with the British, conceptualising them as not truly Muslim and possibly as being spies.

Britain's intellectuals ended up rejecting Robert Koch's (presently widely accepted) findings of cholera being caused by bacteria. They kept arguing that cholera must be caused by local factors and in a manner which cannot be mediated via quarantine. British scientists would continue publishing anti-Zamzam and anti-contagionist articles up to 1895 CE. Their anti-contagionist views would fall further and further away from scientific consensus in the following decades. Concurrently Ottoman authorities continued to invest into persistent and successful efforts seeking to maintain and improve water quality throughout Arabia.[39]

[scotianostra]

The distinguished architect John Burnett died on July 2nd 1938 at Colinton, Edinburgh.

Burnett designed buildings the length and breadth of the British Isles and on the continent of Europe and as far afield as South Africa.

John Burnet was born a soldier's son at Craighead House, Kirk O' Shotts, and trained initially as a carpenter. After becoming a Clerk of Works, he set up as an architect specializing in modest churches and houses in the Italianate and Classical styles, and large-scale commercial buildings and hospitals in the Italian Renaissance, Baronial and Gothic styles.

One of his first undertakings in Glasgow was the Royal Institute of the Fine Arts in Sauchiehall Street, which was won by competition. Other notable buildings there are the offices of the Clyde Trust, the Athenaeum, the Botanical Department and extension of the University, the Pathological Institute, the Barony Church.

In Edinburgh he designed the Professional and Civil Service Stores, George Street, the business premises of R. W. Forsyth in Princes Street, which later housed Burtons for many years, and in Scotland and England generally many public, ecclesiastical and domestic buildings. He was also architect for the Edinburgh International Exhibition of 1906.

Important commissions came to him from London and to London he devoted the latter part of his life, the firm, of which he was senior partner, being known as Sir John Burnet, Tait & Lorne. He had the honour in 1905 of being entrusted by the Government with the important additions to the British Museum, now known as the King Edward VII. Galleries.

Among his numerous London designs are the Institute of Chemistry in Russell Square, the Kodak building in Kingsway, Adelaide House and Vigo House, and the Second Church of Christ Scientist. He was the chief architect in Palestine and Gallipoli for the Imperial War Graves Commission.

The professional esteem with which Sir John was regarded in Britain may be expressed by the words used in connection with the conferring of the Gold Medal of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1923, ‘‘ Few architects living can compare with him either in quantity or quality of output, and fewer still may be said to have had as pervasive an influence on the work of their own time.”

In France he had received both bronze and gold medals at the Salon and was a corresponding member of the Institute of France and of the Société central des Architectes Francais. He had the same relation with the American Institute of Architects.

Knighted in 1914, Sir John was a member of both the Royal Scottish Academy and the Royal Academy. He was an Honorary LL.D., of Glasgow and Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, of the Royal Society, Edinburgh, and of the Royal Society of Antiquaries.

Though he took fewer commissions personally, Burnet worked into his late seventies – he designed the famous Unilever building on London in 1933 - before he eventually retired, spending his final years at Colinton in Edinburgh. He died at home at the age of 81 on this day, 1938, he is buried at Warriston Cemetery.

Pics are Forsyths on Princes Street Edinburgh, Athenaeum Theatre, Buchanan Street, Glasgow and Charing Cross Mansions, Glasgow.

[boothconstructor]

Exploring the Latest Trends and Developments at Chemspec Europe 2023 Switzerland

Chemspec Europe is one of the most significant international exhibitions for the fine and specialty chemicals industry. The event is held annually, and the upcoming Chemspec Europe 2023 will be held in Switzerland. The event brings manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors worldwide to showcase their latest products, technologies, and services. This blog will give you an overview of Chemspec Europe 2023 and why it is worth attending. Chemspec Europe 2023 Switzerland will be held at the Basel Congress Center on Wed, May 24, 2023 - Thu, May 25, 2023. The event will feature over 350 exhibitors from more than 27 countries, making it an excellent platform for networking and exploring the latest trends and developments in the industry. The exhibitors will showcase various products, including intermediates, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and other specialty chemicals. Attending Chemspec Europe Switzerland will provide you with a unique opportunity to interact with experts in the field, including manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors. This interaction will enable you to learn about the latest trends and developments in the industry, and you will be able to explore new opportunities and partnerships. You will also get a chance to see the latest products and technologies being developed to meet the industry's ever-evolving needs. The event will also include a series of conferences and seminars where experts from the industry will share their knowledge and insights. The conferences and seminars will cover various topics, including regulatory affairs, green chemistry, and new technologies. Attending these sessions will provide you with a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the industry and gain valuable insights that can help you stay ahead of the competition. Chemspec Europe 2023 is an excellent platform for launching new products and services. Exhibitors can use the event to showcase their latest products and technologies globally. This can help them to generate new leads, secure new partnerships, and gain valuable market insights. Attendees, on the other hand, will be able to explore new products and technologies that can help them to improve their business operations and stay ahead of the competition. In conclusion, Chemspec Europe 2023 Switzerland is an event that should not be missed by anyone in the fine and specialty chemicals industry. The event provides an excellent platform for networking, exploring new opportunities and partnerships, and learning about the latest trends and developments in the industry. Attending the event will enable you to meet experts in the field, gain valuable market insights, and explore new products and technologies that can help you stay ahead of the competition. So, mark your calendars and attend Chemspec Europe 2023 Switzerland

[ieisia]

James Bryant Conant

James Bryant Conant (March 26, 1893 – February 11, 1978) was an American chemist, a transformative President of Harvard University, and the first U.S. Ambassador to West Germany. Conant obtained a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Harvard in 1916. During World War I he served in the U.S. Army, working on the development of poison gases, especially Lewisite. He became an assistant professor of chemistry at Harvard in 1919 and the Sheldon Emery Professor of Organic Chemistry in 1929. He researched the physical structures of natural products, particularly chlorophyll, and he was one of the first to explore the sometimes complex relationship between chemical equilibrium and the reaction rate of chemical processes. He studied the biochemistry of oxyhemoglobin providing insight into the disease methemoglobinemia, helped to explain the structure of chlorophyll, and contributed important insights that underlie modern theories of acid-base chemistry.

In June 1940, with World War II already raging in Europe, Vannevar Bush, the director of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, recruited Conant to the National Defense Research Committee (NDRC), although he remained president of Harvard.  Bush envisaged the NDRC as bringing scientists together to "conduct research for the creation and improvement of instrumentalities, methods and materials of warfare." Although the United States had not yet entered the war, Conant was not alone in his conviction that Nazi Germany had to be stopped, and that the United States would inevitably become embroiled in the conflict. The immediate task, as Conant saw it, was therefore to organize American science for war. He became head of the NDRC's Division B, the division responsible for bombs, fuels, gases and chemicals. On June 28, 1941, Roosevelt signed Executive Order 8807, which created the Office of Scientific Research and Development (OSRD),  with Bush as its director. Conant succeeded Bush as Chairman of the NDRC, which was subsumed into the OSRD. Roger Adams, a contemporary of Conant's at Harvard in the 1910s, succeeded him as head of Division B.  Conant became the driving force of the NDRC on personnel and policy matters.  The NDRC would work hand in hand with the Army and Navy's research efforts, supplementing rather than supplanting them. It was specifically charged with investigating nuclear fission.

In February 1941, Roosevelt sent Conant to Britain as head of a mission that also included Frederick L. Hovde from Purdue University and Carroll L. Wilson from MIT, to evaluate the research being carried out there and the prospects for cooperation.  The 1940 Tizard Mission had revealed that American technology was some years behind that of Britain in many fields, most notably radar, and cooperation was eagerly sought. Conant had lunch with Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Frederick Lindemann, his leading scientific adviser, and an audience with King George VI at Buckingham Palace. At a subsequent meeting, Lindemann told Conant about British progress towards developing an atomic bomb. What most impressed Conant was the British conviction that it was feasible.  That the British program was ahead of the American one raised the possibility in Conant's mind that the German nuclear energy project might be even further ahead, as Germany was generally acknowledged to be a world leader in nuclear physics. Later that year, Churchill, as Chancellor of the University of Bristol, conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Conant in absentia.

Conant subsequently moved to restrict cooperation with Britain on nuclear energy, particularly its post-war aspects, and became involved in heated negotiations with Wallace Akers, the representative of Tube Alloys, the British atomic project.  Conant's tough stance, under which the British were excluded except where their assistance was vital, resulted in British retaliation, and a complete breakdown of cooperation. His objections were swept aside by Roosevelt, who brokered the 1943 Quebec Agreement with Churchill, that restored full cooperation. After the Quebec Conference, Churchill visited Conant at Harvard, where Conant returned the 1941 gesture and presented Churchill with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. After the United States entered the war in December 1941, the OSRD handed the atomic bomb project, better known as the Manhattan Project, over to the Army, with Brigadier General Leslie R. Groves as project director. A meeting that included Conant decided Groves should be answerable to a small committee called the Military Policy Committee, chaired by Bush, with Conant as his alternate. Thus, Conant remained involved in the administration of the Manhattan Project at its highest levels.

In August 1942, Roosevelt appointed Conant to the Rubber Survey Committee. Chaired by Bernard M. Baruch, a trusted adviser and confidant of Roosevelt, the committee was tasked with reviewing the synthetic rubber program. Corporations used patent laws to restrict competition and stifle innovation. When the Japanese occupation of Malaya, North Borneo and Sarawak, followed by the Japanese occupation of Indonesia, cut off 90 percent of the supply of natural rubber, the rubber shortage became a national scandal, and the development of synthetic substitutes, an urgent priority. Baruch dealt with the difficult political issues; Conant concerned himself with the technical ones. There were a number of different synthetic rubber products to choose from. In addition to DuPont's neoprene, Standard Oil had licensed German patents for a copolymercalled Buna-N and a related product, Buna-S. None had been manufactured on the scale now required, and there was pressure from agricultural interests to choose a process which involved making raw materials from farm products. The Rubber Survey Committee made a series of recommendations, including the appointment of a rubber director, and the construction and operation of 51 factories to supply the materials needed for synthetic rubber production. Technical problems dogged the program through 1943, but by late 1944 plants were in operation with an annual capacity of over a million tons, most of which was Buna-S.

In May 1945, Conant became part of the Interim Committee that was formed to advise the new president, Harry S. Truman on nuclear weapons. The Interim Committee decided that the atomic bomb should be used against an industrial target in Japan as soon as possible and without warning. On July 16, 1945, Conant was among the dignitaries present at the Alamogordo Bombing and Gunnery Range for the Trinity nuclear test, the first detonation of an atomic bomb. After the war, Conant became concerned about growing criticism in the United States of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by figures like Norman Cousins and Reinhold Niebuhr. He played an important behind-the-scenes role in shaping public opinion by instigating and then editing an influential February 1947 Harper's article entitled "The Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb". Written by former Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson with the help of McGeorge Bundy, the article stressed that the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were used to avoid the possibility of "over a million casualties", from a figure found in the estimates given to the Joint Chiefs of Staff by its Joint Planning Staff in 1945.

The Atomic Energy Act of 1946 replaced the wartime Manhattan Project with the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) on January 1, 1947. The Act also established the General Advisory Committee (GAC) within the AEC to provide it with scientific and technical advice. It was widely expected that Conant would chair the GAC, but the position went to Robert Oppenheimer, the wartime director of the Los Alamos National Laboratory that had designed and developed the first atomic bombs. At the same time, the Joint Research and Development Board (JRDC) was established to coordinate defense research, and Bush asked Conant to head its atomic energy subcommittee, on which Oppenheimer also served. When the new AEC chairman David E. Lilienthal raised security concerns about Oppenheimer's relationships with communists, including Oppenheimer's brother Frank Oppenheimer, his wife Kitty and his former girlfriend Jean Tatlock, Bush and Conant reassured Lilienthal that they had known about it when they had placed Oppenheimer in charge at Los Alamos in 1942. With such expressions of support, AEC issued Oppenheimer a Q clearance, granting him access to atomic secrets.

By September 1948, the Red Scare began to take hold, and Conant called for a ban on hiring teachers who were communists, although not for the dismissal of those who had already been hired. A debate ensued over whether communist educators could teach apolitical subjects. Conant was a member of the Educational Policies Commission (EPC), a body to which he had been appointed in 1941. When it next met in March 1949, Conant's push for a ban was supported by the president of Columbia University, General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower. The two found common ground in their belief in ideology-based education, which Conant called "democratic education". He did not see public education as a side effect of American democracy, but as one of its principal driving forces, and he disapproved of the public funding of denominational schools that he observed in Australia during his visit there in 1951. He called for increased federal spending on education, and higher taxes to redistribute wealth. His thinking was outlined in his books Education in a Divided World in 1948, and Education and Liberty in 1951. In 1952, he went further and endorsed the dismissal of academics who invoked the Fifth under questioning by the House Un-American Activities Committee.

A sign of Conant's declining influence occurred in 1950, when he was passed over for the post of President of the National Academy of Sciences in favor of Detlev Bronk, the President of Johns Hopkins University, after a "revolt" by scientists unhappy with Conant. The GAC was enormously influential throughout the late 1940s, but the opposition of Oppenheimer and Conant to the development of the hydrogen bomb, only to be overridden by Truman in 1950, diminished its stature. It was reduced further when Oppenheimer and Conant were not reappointed when their terms expired in 1952, depriving the GAC of its two best-known members. Conant was appointed to the National Science Board, which administered the new National Science Foundation, and was elected its chairman, but this body had little financial or political clout. In April 1951, Truman appointed Conant to the Science Advisory Committee, but it would not develop into an influential body until the Eisenhower administration.

Conant's experience with the Manhattan Project convinced him that the public needed a better understanding of science, and he moved to revitalize the history and philosophy of science program at Harvard. He took the lead personally by teaching a new undergraduate course, Natural Science 4, "On Understanding Science". His course notes became the basis for a book of the same name, published in 1948. In 1952, he began teaching another undergraduate course, Philosophy 150, "A Philosophy of Science".  In his teachings and writing on the philosophy of science, he drew heavily on those of his Harvard colleague Willard Van Orman Quine. Conant contributed four chapters to the 1957 Harvard Case Histories in Experimental Science, including an account of the overthrow of the phlogiston theory. In 1951, he published Science and Common Sense, in which he attempted to explain the ways of scientists to laymen. Conant's ideas about scientific progress would come under attack by his own protégés, notably Thomas Kuhn in The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Conant commented on Kuhn's manuscript in draft form.

[sounmashnews]

[ad_1] COPENHAGEN, Denmark -- The starting of October means Nobel Prize season. Six days, six prizes, new faces from across the globe added to the world's most elite roster of scientists, writers, economists and human rights leaders.This yr’s Nobel season kicks off Monday with the drugs award, adopted by every day bulletins: physics on Tuesday, chemistry on Wednesday and literature on Thursday. The 2022 Nobel Peace Prize will likely be introduced on Friday and the economics award on Oct. 10.Here are 5 different issues to know concerning the coveted prizes:WHO CREATED THE NOBEL PRIZES?The prizes in drugs, physics, chemistry, literature and peace had been established by the desire of Alfred Nobel, a rich Swedish industrialist and the inventor of dynamite. The first awards had been handed out in 1901, 5 years after Nobel’s demise. Each prize is price 10 million kronor (practically $900,000) and will likely be handed out with a diploma and gold medal on Dec. 10 -- the date of Nobel’s demise in 1896.The economics award — formally referred to as the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel — wasn’t created by Nobel, however by Sweden’s central financial institution in 1968. Between 1901 and 2021, the Nobel Prizes and the prize in financial sciences have been awarded 609 instances.WHO KNOWS WHO WILL WIN AND WHY? The Nobel statutes prohibit the judges from discussing their deliberations for 50 years. So it’s most likely going to be some time earlier than we all know for positive how judges made their picks for 2022 and who was on their brief lists. The judges strive arduous to keep away from dropping hints concerning the winners earlier than the bulletins, however generally phrase will get out. Bookies in Europe generally supply odds on attainable peace prize and literature Nobel winners.WHO CAN NOMINATE A CANDIDATE?Thousands of individuals all over the world are eligible to submit nominations for the Nobel Prizes. They embody college professors, lawmakers, earlier Nobel laureates and the committee members themselves. Although the nominations are saved secret for 50 years, those that submit them generally announce their ideas publicly, notably for the Nobel Peace Prize. WHAT ABOUT THE NORWEGIAN CONNECTION?The Nobel Peace Prize is offered in Norway whereas the opposite awards are handed out in Sweden. That’s how Alfred Nobel wished it. His actual causes are unclear however throughout his lifetime Sweden and Norway had been joined in a union, which was dissolved in 1905. Sometimes relations have been tense between the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm, which manages the prize cash, and the fiercely impartial peace prize committee in Oslo.WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO WIN A NOBEL?Patience, for one. Scientists usually have to attend a long time to have their work acknowledged by the Nobel judges, who need to guarantee that any breakthrough withstands the check of time. That’s a departure from Nobel’s will, which states that the awards ought to endow “those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit to mankind.” The peace prize committee is the one one which repeatedly rewards achievements made within the earlier yr. According to Nobel’s needs, that prize ought to go to “the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.”———Follow all AP tales concerning the Nobel Peace Prize at https://apnews.com/hub/nobel-prizes [ad_2] Source link

[ji-spot]

extra! extra! eren jaeger, mikasa ackerman, armin arlert, jean kirstein, sasha braus, connie springer

warnings gossip, rumors, trash "journalism"– look i really don't know what this is so i don't know what else to warn you about i'm sorry 🥺 author's note i've been having heavy celebrity au thoughts & i've been obsessed with this fan art from @nihaalart so!!! also i tried to not make this as negative or trashy but if yall are down for that i can make another part to this wink

"MAMMA MIA!" – SASHA BRAUS SPOTTED ON AN INTIMATE NIGHT OUT WITH ITALIAN MICHELIN STAR CHEF! 13/2/2022 10:45 PST

The Nation's Sweetheart Sasha Braus was spotted last night at the upscale Trost Resto-Bar cozying up to the esteemed celebrity chef mononymously known as Niccolo, who hails from Florence, Italy. Trained in various luxury hotels and restaurants in Southern Europe, Niccolo earned three Michelin Stars even before the time he turned 25, making him one of the youngest chefs to have such achievement. Sources close to the pair say that they met at an Amalfi Coast yacht party Niccolo was catering for, and hit it off immediately when #foodie Sasha made an effort to sneak into the kitchen and personally give her compliments to the chef. "They're both very passionate about the same things, culinary arts being at the top of the list, and they just have this amazing chemistry that I've never seen with anyone else." a source close to Braus gushes. "This is probably the closest she's got to a potential fiancé!" they add. While we are still waiting for word from their representatives on whether the pair are exclusively dating or not, we wish the beautiful couple to remain #relationshipgoals! – J.S. Weekly

WORD ON THE KIRSTEIN GRAPEVINE 13/2/2022 12:27 PST

Chick Flick King Jean Kirstein first made us swoon with his charming looks in his debut TV series “Attack on Titan”, immediately gaining a large fan following from his first appearance alone. He proved himself to be a force to be reckoned with as he dominated the big screen with box office hits such as "Omelette Rice", "Life Within The Wall", and "Half A Best Friend". Now, Jean is putting on his entrepreneur hat as he ventures into the liquor business with the launch of Kirstein Wines and Whiskeys. The actor has posted several teasers on his Instagram and Twitter, boasting that he was very hands-on during the development and production process, and that his line of alcoholic beverages will give you a warm, comforting, and relaxing feeling akin to "grabbing a drink with an old pal". He further states that the grapes used in his wine collection are sourced from Bordeaux, France, and "pays homage to his French roots." We at J.S. Weekly wish Mr. Kirstein the best in his entrepreneurial endeavors, and hope that we could grab a drink (or two) with the boyfriend of our hopeless romantic middle schooler dreams. – J.S. Weekly

JAEGER THE SHOW STOPPER! 14/2/2022 22:10 PST

Eren Jaeger stole the show at the 2022 Fritz Awards for The Arts ceremony held yesterday, not only for his turning heads with his excellently-tailored Armani suit and his famous "smize", but for bringing home 4 accolades of excellence for his role in the highest-selling movie of the year "The Basement Key". Jaeger, pictured barely getting to hold his trophies, couldn't conceal his happiness and excitement as he beamed from ear to ear, speaking to the media candidly during the post-ceremony press conference about how he didn’t expect to bring home any trophies and was just "excited to see all these amazing actors and stars". The rising superstar's name was consecutively called to receive the awards for Best Leading Actor, Actor of The Year, Best Actor in a Drama Film, and Outstanding Actor of The Year. He was also called to the stage to receive the awards for Best Screenwriting, Best Cinematography, and Best Director alongside manager and "The Basement Key" director and writer Hajime Isayama. Fans were more than thrilled to have a lot of Eren screentime at last night's awards show (to paint you a vivid image: a lot. not that we're complaining, though.), and we are definitely looking forward to see more of Eren Jaeger on the big screen! – J.S. Weekly

"FREE AS A BIRD!"– MIKASA ACKERMAN ANNOUNCES SPLIT FROM M.P. MANAGEMENT 14/2/2022 22:38 PST

Mikasa Ackerman has officially announced her departure from M.P. Management following months and months of rumored tension and disagreement between the superstar and her management agency. Reliable sources claim that while she is forever grateful and acknowledges that M.P. Management was very instrumental in her rise to fame, she has expressed frustration and even disappointment with how she has been “getting the same roles over and over again”, and that she often feels her grievances are left unheard, or even ignored, by the agency. "They [the management] are trying to keep Mikasa in some sort of weak, damsel-in-distress, Sandy-from-Grease mold." one source says. "But she's not comfortable in that image. Mikasa's a free-spirited, active girl. She wants to do action movies and do her own stunts." they add. The said claims seem to hold water, however, as the "Red Scarf" lead was reportedly seen having a ball at the Sand Bar Night Club just hours after the announcement of her departure was made. Club goers say that Ackerman had a mile wide grin the entire evening, popping bottles of champagne for her close friends and entourage, thus giving off the impression that her party was having some sort of celebration. We have reached out to her representative for comment and are still awaiting a response. Hopefully, their comment will include the good news that Mikasa Ackerman will star in a Lara Croft-like movie very, very soon! – J.S. Weekly

"HEY, BIG SPENDER!" – CONNIE SPRINGER MAKES HIS MAMA (AND PAPA) PROUD WITH $36M MANSION SURPRISE! 14/2/2022 23:00 PST

Boy-Next-Door Connie Springer is moving his parents into a posh, modern mansion in the Krolva District that he reportedly acquired for a whopping $36 million! The Ragako District native rose to fame with his debut on hit TV series "Attack on Titan", before branching out and excelling in the stand-up comedy, vlogging, and music industry. While he has never forgotten his roots by consistently hosting and engaging in philanthropic community activities, and always giving his hometown a little "shout-out", especially in his music, Springer has said that the next available house and lot just happened to be Krolva and that it's "nothing personal against the good ol' R.D." He also shared that he has always dreamed of "one day taking care of his parents who have never failed to take care of him". Aww! Springer took to Instagram stories to post videos of him and his siblings, Sunny and Martin, guiding their blindfolded parents into the Krolva mansion's sleek, pristine foyer (which, if we may add, is probably as big as a skating rink based on what we saw in the video) before removing the eye covers and revealing his parents' new happy place to them. Mr. & Mrs. Springer were overwhelmed to the point of tears, enveloping their children in a warm group hug as an expression of thanks, making us tear up as well. Surely, Connie Vlogs will be uploading a house tour real soon and we can hardly wait! – J.S. Weekly

ARMIN ARLERT TAKES THE (SCUBA) DIVE! 17/2/2022 19:15 PST

Red Carpet Prince Armin Arlert was all smiles in his latest Instagram post where he proudly showed off his scuba diving license. The "Open The Door" star has consistently expressed his love for the water, even mentioning in several interviews that had he not taken up acting, he would have definitely taken up marine biology, and that he plans to own a beach-front home in the future for him to retire in. Arlert was all smiles this weekend at Umi Beach accompanied by a few non-celebrity individuals, who were presumed to be his diving club classmates, and taking his fans by surprise with his abrupt appearance. He was greeted warmly, however, by those who were more than excited to see in the flesh the man whom they thought they would only see in their bedroom posters. There have been reports from sources close to Arlert speak of his plans to open up a dive shop of his own, speculating that this could be his first step towards ocean-side living. If that means we’ll get more pictures of our favorite beach boy in his element, then we are so looking forward to it! – J.S. Weekly

[centrally-unplanned]

in the ayn rand post you said something like, Mao was going on vibes, and thought proletarian spirit would get rid of locusts and produce steel. But what else could China have done about locusts? I mean not kill sparrows ofc but idk how that fits in to the point. They couldn't buy pesticides from the west, they were limited in how much they could get from the Soviet Union and then there was the Sino-Soviet split, they had few people with chemistry educations and shortages of required materials like steel made chemical engineering difficult. It's not like Mao just decided chemistry was bad and you should kill locusts with effort and teamwork instead, it's just a hard problem when you're cut off from the world and dont have much domestic industry

I see this sentiment as part of a wider debate around mainly authoritarian leftist regimes (but also others), the "contextualization" school of thought, and I am not gonna throw it all out - North Vietnam, for example, was absolutely stuck between a rock and a hard place and there were no peaceful answers to their dilemma. The world is filled with hard tradeoffs and no state built modernity without mistakes and bloodshed. The argument absolutely applies in some contexts!

None of those arguments apply to certified lunatic Mao Zedong. If you want to know what Mao Zedong should have done, I think I can summarize it:

China had a productive agricultural system for thousands of years, and in the 20th century, particularly in the "Nanjing Decade" of 1927-1937, they are already integrating a lot of more modern methods. Maybe China needed access to international trade markets to *grow*, but their agricultural system was a functioning status quo. Or at least it was, until you kill so many sparrows inducing massive locus waves that you have import hundreds of thousands of sparrows from the Soviet Union just to replace the dead birds you spent hundreds of thousands of labor-hours killing. That is not a problem China faced in the past! Don't do this very dumb thing!

And the same logic applies to fertilizers. Instead of doing the Really Dumb Thing, just do what China did when Mao *wasn't* micromanaging agri policy:

Domestic production's share of that consumption btw went from 10,000 to 10 million tons per year from 1949 to 1972; you will note that means 4/5ths of their fertilizer came from imports. That was doable because importing fertilizer was trivial, since only the US had a trade ban on China (in response to the Korean War that was still technically ongoing - at the same time, the US was trading with the USSR in spades) but China could trade with most every other country on the planet, Europe had no such embargos. And they did so - once the Communist Party of China forced Mao into semi-retirement after the Seven Thousand Cadres Conference in 1962 and took over the reigns again.

Mao was not backed into any recognizable corner by the context of the time; China had the ability to conduct open trade and pursue a variety of economic paths, and when Mao *wasn't* in power economically it did so very successfully. Mao just didn't believe in material growth, he believed in permanent revolution overcoming material constraints. He believed in magic, and he was wrong, and tens of millions died to prove it.