open invitation to join us in exploring new
innovative,
enhanced ways of thinking, defining,
behaving and
reasoning. Thus the...
THE INTERNATIONAL DEFINITION" JOURNEY
In which to explore...Strange new worlds... to reach out & to seek...
new understanding amongst diverse civilizations... to boldly go where no man has gone academically, scientifically & philosophically before. Thus we here at "International Definition" present an open invitation to join us in exploring new innovative enhanced ways of thinking, defining, behaving and reasoning.
It's strangely curious, fascinatingly wondrous along with philosophically adventure-filled how certain destined meetings have a way of perhaps having & sharing the divine knowledge & divine spirit to lift us up to new greater heights of enlightenment much further beyond ourselves, be it by some unknown but still secretly understood modus operandi which has it's own certain way that distinguishes the distinct distance & calls out to go but further beyond ourselves & our limited knowledge and to achieve but an even greater form of excellence and new founded definition of understanding reasoning, enlightenment and moral conviction.
Thus an open invitation to join us in
exploring new innovative enhanced ways of
thinking, defining, behaving and reasoning.
JAI GURU DEV, OM
So I give thanks to you divine heavenly teacher
(mentor-guide) & thus through your teachings
(instructions) feel further the natural universal vibrations.
International Definition -
A New Academic Discipline
In academia today, it is a growing practice to incorporate fields of study that are created by extending the ideas, theories, and methods of more traditional disciplines. Also, new times and revolutionary thinkers can enhance or renew existing disciplines, or even create new disciplines altogether.
The Global-Dynamics of International Definition
In Global-Dynamics, a global-dynamic system called International substance is defined as that part of globe that is under global-dynamic consideration.
Even if real or imaginary boundaries separates the global system from the rest of the International global substance, which is referred to as the social environment or cultural surroundings, ( also called the social, & cultural reservoir.)
A useful classification of global-dynamic systems is based on the nature of the boundaries & definitions created ( real or imagined) and the qualities flowing through it, such as linguistic definitions, cultural terminologies, as well as other social, ethnic & cultural variations, & geo-ethnic variables.
Purpose of The Cultural Enrichment Committees "International Definition"
International Definition in accordance with
"The Cultural Enrichment Committees" is a nonprofit
organization representing a scientific and academic
advancement in evolutionary & terminological usage
The purpose of "International Definition"
The goals of "International Definition"
"International Definition" is a academic discipline
The Cultural Enrichment Committees in
Purpose of The Cultural Enrichment Committees "International Definition"
(About Properly Defining
Earth's Diverse Human Beings)
Purpose
The purpose of "International Definition"
is to bring forth a new academic discipline by embracing many interrelated scientific fields of study that will help foster future scientific advancements by categorizing related and interrelated social-scientific definitions and terminologies.
Goals
The goals of "International Definition"
are to try and foster improved international relationships and understandings through enhanced cultural awareness by presenting guidelines for the proper use of rightly guided definitions and terminologies.
Mission Statement
"International Definition" is a academic discipline
which tries scientifically to better define and categorize earth's many diverse human beings in a proper scientific manner, by incorporating many scientific fields of study together.
Thus exploring new innovative and enhanced ways of thinking,defining, behaving and reasoning by seeking out new and improved methods concerning "International Relationships" that will help foster better international understanding, development, bondings and good will for all of earth's
diverse human populations.
Proclamation
The Cultural Enrichment Committees in
accordance with "International Definition" is a
non-profit organization representing an advancement in scientific evolutionary definitions & new innovative terminologies.
And thus through this newly founded academic discipline bring forth a series of thought provoking questions that need to be reasoned out and scientifically answered, for the enhancement & enrichment of all earth's diverse human beings.
Thus establishing new standards of definitions to guide us and future generations towards a better scientific internationally defined future.
(Kenneth W. Freelain P.E.)
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Ms.
Leslie Glustrom of Clean Energy Action discusses environmental protection,
global warming, and some of the consequences of using fossil fuels. She also
describes her assessment of the amount of coal which will be available before
the United States has exhausted its supplies of coal. This is Part 1 of a
sub-series of three (3) videos featuring Ms. Leslie Glustrom and her analytical
presentation. This is Part 1 of the "Engineering Tribute to the
Presidential Inauguration of January 20, 2013".
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Ms. Leslie Glustrom of Clean Energy Action discusses environmental protection,
global warming, and some of the consequences of using fossil fuels. She also
describes her assessment of the amount of coal which will be available before
the United States has exhausted its supplies of coal. This is Part 2 of a
sub-series of three (3) videos featuring Ms. Leslie Glustrom and her analytical
presentation. This is Part 2 of the "Engineering Tribute to the
Presidential Inauguration of January 20, 2013".
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following URL corresponds to this video.
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this particular video, the following title
appears in the YouTube title bar.
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Ms.
Leslie Glustrom of Clean Energy Action discusses environmental protection, global
warming, and some of the consequences of using fossil fuels. She also describes
her assessment of the amount of coal which will be available before the United
States has exhausted its supplies of coal. This is Part 3 of a sub-series of
three (3) videos featuring Ms. Leslie Glustrom and her analytical presentation.
This is Part 3 of the "Engineering Tribute to the Presidential
Inauguration of January 20, 2013".
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following URL corresponds to this video.
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this particular video, the following
title appears in the YouTube title bar.
Engineering
Tribute of 2013 - Part 4 - Anzalduas International Bridge
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The Anzalduas International Bridge officially opened for traffic at 6 a.m. on
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009. The highly anticipated opening of this bridge has come
after nearly 17 years of work and the forging of a strong partnership between
the cities of McAllen, Mission, Hidalgo and Granjeno.
The
new bridge serves as the most direct and efficient route between the Rio Grande
Valley and Mexican cities such as Monterrey and Mexico City, reducing travel
time by as much as 45 minutes. As the City Engineer, Ms. Yvette Barrera (in
addition to other important officials) made appearances, and shared valuable
information, during the production of this informative international video
production.
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Civil Engineering and Infrastructure
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In
this episode, Kenneth W. Freelain, P.E., M.ASCE reads a letter which Andrew W.
Herrmann, P.E. published on page 12 of the September, 2012 issue of “Civil
Engineering” Magazine when he was the president of the American Society of
Civil Engineers. Andrew W. Herrmann, P.E., F.SEI, F.ASCE, is a principal with
Hardesty & Hanover, LLP, and he published this article in order to
emphasize the importance of discussing the infrastructure during the 2012
presidential election. This same episode also describes the North American
Water and Power Alliance as an example of a major engineering infrastructure
project.
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by Mike Cooper, Expert on outer
space
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In this episode, we featured Part 6 of “The Engineering Tribute to the
Presidential Inauguration of January 20, 2013”. This is the first of two (2)
episodes which were presented by Miguel "Mike" Cooper during a
meeting of the Mars Society. Mike Cooper is a computer engineer and an expert
on the exploration of outer space. Kenneth Freelain produces the “Engineering
Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration”.
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by
Mike Cooper, Expert on outer space
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In
this episode, we featured Part 7 of “The Engineering Tribute to the
Presidential Inauguration of January 20, 2013”. This is the second of two (2)
episodes which were presented by Miguel "Mike" Cooper during a
meeting of the Mars Society. Mike Cooper is a computer engineer and an expert
on the exploration of outer space. Kenneth Freelain produces the “Engineering
Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration”.
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This is Part 8 of the "Engineering Tribute to the Presidential
Inauguration of January 20, 2013". It is also Subpart 1 of a sub series
about the North American Water and Power Alliance, also known as NAWAPA.
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This is Part 9 of the "Engineering Tribute to the Presidential
Inauguration of January 20, 2013". It is also Subpart 2 of a sub series
about the North American Water and Power Alliance, also known as NAWAPA.
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This
is Part 10 of the "Engineering Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration of
January 20, 2013". It is also Subpart 3 of a sub series about the North
American Water and Power Alliance, also known as NAWAPA.
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this particular video, the following title appears in the YouTube title bar. Engineering
Tribute of 2013 - Part 11 - NAWAPA Subpart 4
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This
is Part 11 of the "Engineering Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration of
January 20, 2013". It is also Subpart 4 of a sub series about the North
American Water and Power Alliance, also known as NAWAPA.
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This
is Part 12 of the "Engineering Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration of
January 20, 2013". It is also Subpart 5 of a sub series about the North American
Water and Power Alliance, also known as NAWAPA.
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Engineering Tribute of 2013- Part 13 - NAWAPA Subpart 6
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Engineering Tribute of 2013- Part 13 - NAWAPA Subpart 6
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This is Part 13 of the
"Engineering Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration of January 20,
2013". It is also Subpart 6 of a sub series about the North American Water
and Power Alliance, also known as NAWAPA.
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Thus the last...
~ Engineering Tribute To The Presidential Inauguration ~
was held on Tuesday January 20, 2009 from 7-10 PM at...
Fairfax Public Access
2929 Eskridge Road
Suite S
Fairfax, VA 22031
The function was held in (Studio A)
A Critique of the Televised "2009 National Engineers Week" Television
Program, Videotaped at the State Capitol Building Complex in Annapolis, Maryland
by Kenneth W. Freelain, P.E.
1. Historical Background
The televised "2009 National Engineers Week" program was produced to be televised on the "International Definition" television program. The "International Definition" television program is regularly aired on television station Access Montgomery (Channels 19 and 21). The television station Access Montgomery is located in the city of Rockville, Maryland. The show airs throughout Montgomery County, Maryland. "International Definition" is also regularly scheduled on television station Fairfax Public Access (Channel 10) in the city of Fairfax, Virginia. The show airs throughout Fairfax County, Virginia.
The host and producer of "International Definition" is Kenneth W. Freelain, P.E. In addition to being the name of the television program, "International Definition" is also the name of an academic discipline which was established by the statement of the First and Second Laws of International Definition. During the year 2009, "International Definition", the television program, will become fifteen (15) years old. The first broadcasts of "International Definition" took place at television station DCTV in Washington, D.C. during 1994.
2. Location of the Event
The location of the videotaping was the legislative capitol of Maryland. The capitol building complex is located in Annapolis, Maryland.
3. The Delegate Who Hosted the "2009 National Engineers Week" television videotaping in Maryland's Capitol
The delegate who hosted the "2009 National Engineers Week" television videotaping event in Maryland’s capitol was Delegate Justin Ross of Maryland's 22nd District.
4. An Assessment of the Event
This event would have been much more relevant to the engineering profession if Delegate Justin Ross had prepared himself more adequately. His references to topics which would be of interest to engineers were minimal. I sent him a set of the questions which I planned to ask him several weeks prior to the event. My initial contacts were with Delegate Justin Ross, and then I began to have more frequent contacts with his staff, including Mr. Patrick Armstrong.
Working through Mr. Armstrong, I invited Delegate Ross to review the questions and to suggest additional questions which Delegate Ross would care to answer during the interview. In addition, I invited them to remove any questions with answers which Delegate would not care to discuss. I explained to Delegate Ross, and to his staff, that each one of my shows lasts for approximately 28 minutes.
This is the same strategy which I used with Robert Miller, P.E., of the Virginia Society of Professional Engineers and Past President of the National Society of Professional Engineers. The engineering societies handled the interview situation very well.
Unfortunately, Delegate Justin Ross did not seem to be as well prepared as Robert Miller, P.E. was. When I invited Mr. Ross, through Mr. Armstrong, to include “additional topics”, one of the topics which I had in mind was infrastructure facilities, but I did not know whether Delegate Ross preferred to discuss the infrastructure on a local, state, national, or international basis.
Another topic which I had in mind was the Bay Bridge (U.S. 50/301). Because this bridge is operated by the Maryland Transportation Authority, I thought that it should be of interest to the Maryland legislature. Perhaps next year's program might include a speaker from the Maryland Transportation Authority.
Besides the Bay Bridge (U.S. 50/301), Maryland has the Chesapeake Bay, and the Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the U.S.A. While an estuary cannot be regarded as a part of the infrastructure, the bay itself has been the recipient of an enormous amount of environmental engineering, and I thought to myself, “Perhaps Delegate Ross might like to talk about that.” I was not sure, so I left it up to Delegate Ross. He never said anything about either the Chesapeake Bay or the Bay
Bridge (U.S. 50/301), but they are both excellent topics for discussion.
5. International, National, and Local Examples of Infrastructure Problems
I will now provide readers with three (3) examples of infrastructure problems in the public sector. I will label these examples as being international, national, and local, respectively.
5-1. An International Example of a Public Sector Infrastructure Problem
Hurricane Katrina made people around the entire world aware of the dangers which can be associated with the practice of ignoring infrastructure weaknesses. Today, the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers are still working on a solution to the infrastructure problems in the city of New Orleans.
One of the reasons for regarding this example as being international is the fact that rescue workers from Mexico became heavily involved in the emergency operations. Some of the victims of Hurricane Katrina are still displaced. The hurricane struck in 2005.
5-2. A National Example of a Public Sector Infrastructure Problem
At this point, it important to keep certain information in mind about our national infrastructure. The American infrastructure is aging, and many of its components are in a state of deterioration. A perfect example of the consequences of this situation can be found by examining our American bridges.
The kind of situation which I wanted Delegate Ross to address can be found by making reference to the Interstate-35W Mississippi River bridge. The I-35W Mississippi River bridge (officially known simply as Bridge 9340) was an eight-lane steel truss arch bridge that carried Interstate 35W across the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The bridge was completed in 1967, and its maintenance was performed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The bridge was Minnesota's fifth–busiest, and it carried 140,000 vehicles daily.
The bridge catastrophically failed during the evening rush hour on August 1, 2007, collapsing into the river and riverbanks below. Thirteen people were killed and 145 were injured. Help came immediately (after the collapse) from mutual aid workers in the seven-county Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. Rescue operations were carried out by emergency response personnel, charities, and volunteers. City and county employees managed the rescue using modern techniques and technology which probably saved numerous lives.
Oversight for the planning and construction of the interstate highway system comes from the federal and state levels. Notice that federal, state, county and city employees were all involved in this emergency operation. They are all public sector employees, and many of our infrastructure facilities are the responsibility of government leaders who are in the public sector.
5-3. A Local Example of a Public Sector Infrastructure Problem
Closer to home, within the last few months, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, also called the W.S.S.C., has experienced major water-piping problems which were caused by infrastructure weaknesses and deficiencies. Some of the W.S.S.C.‘s operations are located within Delegate Justin Ross’s own district, so he should be familiar with them.
At this time, I would like to point out the fact that Councilmember Tony Knotts used to work as a full time employee at the W.S.S.C. before he became a member of the Prince George’s County Council. His telephone number is (301) 952- 3860, and he will be glad to point Delegate Justine Ross in the right direction so that Delegate Ross will be able to present some meaningful facts about the W.S.S.C. during the videotaping of next year’s National Engineers Week Program. Councilmember Knotts can be reached by email at
tknotts@co.pg.md.us
and I have discussed this matter with him very recently. He told me, “The legislation for the W.S.S.C. has been written in such a way that both Prince George’s County and Montgomery County have to work together to develop a budget which they can both agree upon. Very often, that can be quite a difficult challenge.”
6. The Possibility of Confusion
I should point out the fact that a very understandable possibility of confusion exists. Because I did not specify a reference to terms such as “infrastructure”, “capital budgeting”, “capital assets”, and/or “engineering economics”, it is entirely possible that Delegate Ross might not have been clear on what I wanted and needed for the show and for the interview. Robert Miller, P.E., of the Virginia Society of Professional Engineers, and a former president of the National Society of Professional Engineers, knew exactly what to say, as a television guest. However, Mr. Miller is another engineer, and very often, engineers tend to think alike.
7. Editing Out, or Removing, Material Which is Not Suitable for Airing vs. Not Creating Such Material in the First Place
I could simply edit out Delegate Ross’s inappropriate comments, and in fact, that is one of the steps which I chose to take. Consequently, viewers who watch the show will not see or hear inappropriate remarks being made. However, if I only “clean up the videotape”, without making an effort to educate Mr. Ross, then I will have failed to educate an elected official in an area where education is very sorely needed.
8. This Critique is Not Intended to Excoriate, Chastise, Stigmatize, or Unfairly Criticize Delegate Justin Ross
This critique is not intended to excoriate, chastise, stigmatize or unfairly criticize Delegate Justin Ross. In fact, I definitely compliment him for sponsoring the interview and for reserving the space there in Maryland’s capitol.
However, I feel obligated to inform Delegate Ross about the fact that engineering is a profession, and elected officials should adapt their presentations to the professionalism of the people in the environment in which they are delivering their presentations.
A speaker should not discuss unscientific ideas in an engineering environment, because engineers are trained to utilize both science and technology. The speaker who communicates unscientific ideas to engineers will insult the intelligence of their audience, and that is a bad practice, regardless of whether you are discussing the fields of commercial real estate, engineering, or politics.
The fact that I am not “talking about Delegate Ross behind his back” is confirmed by the fact that I am sending a copy of this email to Delegate Justin Ross, for his consumption, education, and enlightenment.
I hope that Delegate Ross (or some other Delegate, Senator, sub-committee, or committee) will sponsor another National Engineers Week program again, next year, and that when the 2010 National Engineers Week program has come to an end, I, like the other engineers in attendance, can tell Delegate Ross (or whoever the sponsor is), “Congratulations for sponsoring such a very fine program!”. They certainly could not make such a statement this year!
I also hope that the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and other organizations will provide Mr. Ross with appropriate written materials, coaching, and advice so that he will be better prepared.
If he has a resource which he can depend upon, then he can deliver a better performance in his job. He could even invite other speakers who could be a part of a panel discussion. The engineering societies can help him, or whoever he assigns to this task, to identify suitable speakers. I will also be happy to help him, of course.
9. Recommendations for the Future
I would like to suggest that the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and other organizations should prepare information packet(s)to be used by elected officials so that they will have access to some basic facts and general information.
Such an information resource can provide elected officials with adequate preparation for public events and presentations in the future. Electric power systems, mechanical pumping stations, and other physical facilities involve the services of engineers of all of the various disciplines.
10. The "Nero Analogy"
I would like to draw an analogy which compares ancient Rome, in flames, to our modern-day infrastructure. It has been said that Nero played his fiddle while Rome was being consumed by fire. In this analogy, we can compare Nero to our modern day government officials who choose to discuss inappropriate and/or irrelevant subjects while our American infrastructure deteriorates.
These people need to be reminded of the importance of leaving personal preferences at home, while bringing an objective professional attitude of service to work, and that leads us into the subject of “the missing omission”.
11. The “Missing Omission”
The term “Missing Omission” refers to a statement which was missing from Delegate Justin Ross’s presentation. He said something which amounted to, “I meet and work with people with whom I agree 100% in politics, but I still do not want them to meet my family!”.
“We all have our personal preferences, and I know that I certainly do have mine. My family matters are personal, and I know how to distinguish between personal matters and professional business. Consequently, on a professional basis, I try not to let my personal preferences interfere with the professional level of representation which I know that I owe to all of my constituents.”
Let me make it clear that Delegate Justin Ross is not the only elected official who needs to apply the “Missing Omission”. This same concept is sorely lacking in the United States Congress, where our Congressional representatives frequently fail to function on a professional basis. Big banks and wealthy automobile manufacturers can go to Congress and demand “bail out money”, and then they receive that money. By “bail out money”, I mean public sector money which is used to pay private sector salaries and expenses.
Yet, if you or I went to Congress as the “little people”, they could chase you away, and threaten to extinguish your life if they ever see you in Congress again. I know because that is exactly what happened to me, precisely.
My point here is that Delegate Justin Ross is not the only person…….and Maryland’s legislature is not the only place…..where the “Missing Omission” is sorely needed. Every person has their own personal likes and dislikes, but on a professional basis, it is undemocratic to inject personal preferences into professional politics. Such subjective partiality is not consistent with democracy, or with democratic goals and ideals.
12. The Position of Chief Deputy Majority Whip
As the Chief Deputy Majority Whip, Delegate Justin Ross has demonstrated managerial talents. Consequently, I have faith in his ability to deliver a better presentation than the one which he delivered during the 2009 National Engineers Week.
It is possible that Delegate Ross could decide that another Delegate, Senator, or even a committee or sub-committee, is in a better position to interact with engineering, science, and technology than he is. He might reach such a decision as a result of the line of work in which someone is engaged, because of someone's educational background, or for some other reason. Whatever he decides, I will cheerfully abide by his decision. I am very agreeable, and quite easy to please.
13. “Thank you” to the Members of the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers Who Attended,
At this point, I will express a special word of gratitude to the members of the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers who attended the event.
Mr. Fred Ateto, P.E. and Mr. Bruce Cranford, P.E. both graced the event with their presence.
Mr. Fred Ateto, P.E. is the President of the Annapolis Chapter of the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers.
Mr. Bruce Cranford, P.E. serves as one of the Vice - Presidents of the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers. He is also the Past President of the Potomac Chapter of the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers.
14. Conclusions
Serving as an elected official can be both difficult and time consuming. Yet, once a person runs for, and wins, a seat in the legislature, they should understand that when they appear on television, they are not simply representing themselves as individuals. Every elected official should understand that, by taking office, they have become responsible for the public property, including infrastructure facilities, which can be found in the public sector.
Engineers attend to the many technical details which are related to the infrastructure. There are certain infrastructure facilities, including, but not limited to, buildings, dams, highways, bridges, locks and canals, levees and dikes, airports, water lines, etc. which are managed and operated by government officials who are in the public sector.
It is interesting to notice that Delegate Ross is involved in commercial real estate, because in both commercial real estate and engineering economics, the value of buildings is often amortized. Amortizing is a practice which is common to both disciplines.
Elected officials, such as Delegate Justin Ross, should be able to present intelligent and meaningful discussions about these subjects because elected officials have been entrusted with the responsibility for these physical facilities. Although the specific technical expertise falls within the scope of the engineering profession, the elected public official is responsible for sensible managerial oversight.
During the course of our discussion, Delegate Justin Ross did not mention the national, or even Maryland's, infrastructure even one time. His work in Maryland's capitol should expose him to the entire state of Maryland, and not just the 22nd District which he has been elected to represent.
In addition, Delegate Justin Ross did not seem to understand the fact that there is a certain professional atmosphere which surrounds all legitimate engineering discussions. Several times, Delegate Ross raised a discussion topic which does not belong in any meaningful engineering discussion, but Delegate Ross brought it up anyway.
There were members of the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers in attendance, as was Mr. Robert Mattia who provided technical television expertise. They all heard the discussion, and they know who said what. They were all witnesses. We need to hold our elected officials accountable for their shortcomings, and to educate them about appropriate behavior during engineering discussions, engineering programs, and engineering presentations.
If Delegate Ross, as well as many other public officials, were more diligent about looking after our American infrastructure, and less attentive to non-professional topics (which have no legitimate place in an engineering discussion), the infrastructure of this country would be in better condition.
In closing, I will invite anyone who has an interest in this subject, or in "International Definition",
to call Kenneth W. Freelain, P.E. at the following telephone number.
Telephone: (301) 891 - 0496
Thank you for your interest in
this matter of "Engineering Importance"!
Respectfully yours,
KENNETH W. FREELAIN, P.E. M.ASCE
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION,
~ PLEASE CONTACT ~
KENNETH W. FREELAIN, P.E. M.ASCE
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (301) 891-0496
Email:engingeeringtribute1@gmail.com
Email:engineering_tribute@yahoo.com
(also below is...)
Where you will find Mr. Kenneth W. Freelain's P.E., M.ASCE crititique
& comments to Mr. Andrew W. Herrmann, P.E., SECB, F. ASCE
in his open invitation to join him in future discussions on these concerns.
Here is an open message to Mr. Andrew W. Herrmann, P.E., SECB, F. ASCE
Sent: Sunday, September 30, 2012 3:23 PM
Subject: An open message to Mr. Andrew W. Herrmann, P.E., SECB, F. ASCE
Dear Mr. Herrmann,
I am a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers,
and I am writing this message in order to discuss an article
which appeared in the September, 2012 issue of “Civil Engineering” magazine.
On page 12 of this issue, you have published an article which is entitled
“President’s Note – Let’s Focus the Nation’s Priorities on Infrastructure”.
I have attached a copy of this article, as well as the cover of this issue of "Civil Engineering."
For those people who might not be familiar with Mr. Herrmann, Mr. Herrmann
is the president of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
He is also certified by the Structural Engineering Certification Board.
I would like to analyze this article by making the following ten (10) “Comments”.
----------------------------------------------
Comment # 1 –
I find this article to be entirely consistent with the “Critique”
which I wrote after interviewing a delegate in Maryland’s legislature
as part of the “2009 National Engineers Week”. In your article, you raised
the subject of a “Report Card” which was produced on a state-by-state basis.
------------------------------------------------
Comment # 2 –
Your style of writing is quite good! It helps the subject matter to flow smoothly!
------------------------
Comment # 3 –
The information which your article conveys is very substantive.
You make several references to credible web sites,
while providing readers with a great deal of factual information.
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Comment # 4 –
At one point in your article, you say, “I continue to be frustrated by the
lack of discussion about infrastructure’s role in improving the nation’s economy”.
Like you, I share that same frustration, so I will raise this subject during
the “Engineering Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration of January 20, 2013”.
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Comment # 5 –
At another point, you say, “ASCE works hard to increase public awareness
of these issues”. I am a part of the ASCE, and I will help to increase public awareness
of these issues by televising a discussion of this subject as a part of
the “Engineering Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration of January 20, 2013”.
In other words, I will read your article on television.
------------------------
Comment # 6 –
At another point, you say, “By law, ASCE may not endorse or oppose candidates
or engage in any partisan political activities at any level.” The “Engineering Tribute” is
completely no-partisan, and the basic nature of the event is totally non-political.
It is educational, and it is oriented towards engineering , but not politics.
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Comment # 7 –
I am located in the state of Maryland. I looked at the 2011 Report Card
for Maryland’s Infrastructure, and what I found appears below,
in Comment # 8, as well as in Comment # 9.
------------------------
Comment # 8 –
Transit C-
Roads C-
Dams C
Bridges B-
Stormwater D
__________________________
Maryland’s GPA = C-
Such a mediocre performance needs to be analyzed within the context
of elected officials from Maryland. The delegate whom I interviewed failed to
even hint at the possible existence of the word “infrastructure” during our
2009 National Engineers Week television interview. This is not my imagination or my opinion!
This is definitely a fact, and it is based upon reality!
I still have the interview on DVD if you care to watch it for yourself. Seeing is believing!
Where are the elected officials leading this country? Should we call them "leaders", or not?
------------------------
Comment # 9 –
The Baltimore Metropolitan Infrastructure Supplement looked like what appears below.
Drinking Water C-
Wastewater C
------------------------
Comment # 10 –
Of course, if you care to come, or to send a representative, you are welcome to do so.
All members of the ASCE are welcome to come and address a variety of engineering concerns.
However, if you, or your appointed representative(s), do not attend the “Engineering Tribute”,
I will read your “President’s Note” at the
“Engineering Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration of January 20, 2013.”
Of course, you are always welcome to call me at
(301) 891 – 0496 if you care to discuss this matter.
Thank you for your interest in the
“Engineering Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration of January 20, 2013”,
as well as your interest in the infrastructure of the United States.
Best wishes,
Kenneth W. Freelain, P.E., M.ASCE
Telephone: (301) 891 - 0496
A Critique of the Televised "2009 National Engineers Week" Television
Program, Videotaped at the State Capitol Building Complex in Annapolis, Maryland
by Kenneth W. Freelain, P.E.
1. Historical Background
The televised "2009 National Engineers Week" program was produced to be televised on the "International Definition" television program. The "International Definition" television program is regularly aired on television station Access Montgomery (Channels 19 and 21). The television station Access Montgomery is located in the city of Rockville, Maryland. The show airs throughout Montgomery County, Maryland. "International Definition" is also regularly scheduled on television station Fairfax Public Access (Channel 10) in the city of Fairfax, Virginia. The show airs throughout Fairfax County, Virginia.
The host and producer of "International Definition" is Kenneth W. Freelain, P.E. In addition to being the name of the television program, "International Definition" is also the name of an academic discipline which was established by the statement of the First and Second Laws of International Definition. During the year 2009, "International Definition", the television program, will become fifteen (15) years old. The first broadcasts of "International Definition" took place at television station DCTV in Washington, D.C. during 1994.
2. Location of the Event
The location of the videotaping was the legislative capitol of Maryland. The capitol building complex is located in Annapolis, Maryland.
3. The Delegate Who Hosted the "2009 National Engineers Week" television videotaping in Maryland's Capitol
The delegate who hosted the "2009 National Engineers Week" television videotaping event in Maryland’s capitol was Delegate Justin Ross of Maryland's 22nd District.
4. An Assessment of the Event
This event would have been much more relevant to the engineering profession if Delegate Justin Ross had prepared himself more adequately. His references to topics which would be of interest to engineers were minimal. I sent him a set of the questions which I planned to ask him several weeks prior to the event. My initial contacts were with Delegate Justin Ross, and then I began to have more frequent contacts with his staff, including Mr. Patrick Armstrong.
Working through Mr. Armstrong, I invited Delegate Ross to review the questions and to suggest additional questions which Delegate Ross would care to answer during the interview. In addition, I invited them to remove any questions with answers which Delegate would not care to discuss. I explained to Delegate Ross, and to his staff, that each one of my shows lasts for approximately 28 minutes.
This is the same strategy which I used with Robert Miller, P.E., of the Virginia Society of Professional Engineers and Past President of the National Society of Professional Engineers. The engineering societies handled the interview situation very well.
Unfortunately, Delegate Justin Ross did not seem to be as well prepared as Robert Miller, P.E. was. When I invited Mr. Ross, through Mr. Armstrong, to include “additional topics”, one of the topics which I had in mind was infrastructure facilities, but I did not know whether Delegate Ross preferred to discuss the infrastructure on a local, state, national, or international basis.
Another topic which I had in mind was the Bay Bridge (U.S. 50/301). Because this bridge is operated by the Maryland Transportation Authority, I thought that it should be of interest to the Maryland legislature. Perhaps next year's program might include a speaker from the Maryland Transportation Authority.
Besides the Bay Bridge (U.S. 50/301), Maryland has the Chesapeake Bay, and the Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the U.S.A. While an estuary cannot be regarded as a part of the infrastructure, the bay itself has been the recipient of an enormous amount of environmental engineering, and I thought to myself, “Perhaps Delegate Ross might like to talk about that.” I was not sure, so I left it up to Delegate Ross. He never said anything about either the Chesapeake Bay or the Bay
Bridge (U.S. 50/301), but they are both excellent topics for discussion.
5. International, National, and Local Examples of Infrastructure Problems
I will now provide readers with three (3) examples of infrastructure problems in the public sector. I will label these examples as being international, national, and local, respectively.
5-1. An International Example of a Public Sector Infrastructure Problem
Hurricane Katrina made people around the entire world aware of the dangers which can be associated with the practice of ignoring infrastructure weaknesses. Today, the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers are still working on a solution to the infrastructure problems in the city of New Orleans.
One of the reasons for regarding this example as being international is the fact that rescue workers from Mexico became heavily involved in the emergency operations. Some of the victims of Hurricane Katrina are still displaced. The hurricane struck in 2005.
5-2. A National Example of a Public Sector Infrastructure Problem
At this point, it important to keep certain information in mind about our national infrastructure. The American infrastructure is aging, and many of its components are in a state of deterioration. A perfect example of the consequences of this situation can be found by examining our American bridges.
The kind of situation which I wanted Delegate Ross to address can be found by making reference to the Interstate-35W Mississippi River bridge. The I-35W Mississippi River bridge (officially known simply as Bridge 9340) was an eight-lane steel truss arch bridge that carried Interstate 35W across the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The bridge was completed in 1967, and its maintenance was performed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The bridge was Minnesota's fifth–busiest, and it carried 140,000 vehicles daily.
The bridge catastrophically failed during the evening rush hour on August 1, 2007, collapsing into the river and riverbanks below. Thirteen people were killed and 145 were injured. Help came immediately (after the collapse) from mutual aid workers in the seven-county Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. Rescue operations were carried out by emergency response personnel, charities, and volunteers. City and county employees managed the rescue using modern techniques and technology which probably saved numerous lives.
Oversight for the planning and construction of the interstate highway system comes from the federal and state levels. Notice that federal, state, county and city employees were all involved in this emergency operation. They are all public sector employees, and many of our infrastructure facilities are the responsibility of government leaders who are in the public sector.
5-3. A Local Example of a Public Sector Infrastructure Problem
Closer to home, within the last few months, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, also called the W.S.S.C., has experienced major water-piping problems which were caused by infrastructure weaknesses and deficiencies. Some of the W.S.S.C.‘s operations are located within Delegate Justin Ross’s own district, so he should be familiar with them.
At this time, I would like to point out the fact that Councilmember Tony Knotts used to work as a full time employee at the W.S.S.C. before he became a member of the Prince George’s County Council. His telephone number is (301) 952- 3860, and he will be glad to point Delegate Justine Ross in the right direction so that Delegate Ross will be able to present some meaningful facts about the W.S.S.C. during the videotaping of next year’s National Engineers Week Program. Councilmember Knotts can be reached by email at
tknotts@co.pg.md.us
and I have discussed this matter with him very recently. He told me, “The legislation for the W.S.S.C. has been written in such a way that both Prince George’s County and Montgomery County have to work together to develop a budget which they can both agree upon. Very often, that can be quite a difficult challenge.”
6. The Possibility of Confusion
I should point out the fact that a very understandable possibility of confusion exists. Because I did not specify a reference to terms such as “infrastructure”, “capital budgeting”, “capital assets”, and/or “engineering economics”, it is entirely possible that Delegate Ross might not have been clear on what I wanted and needed for the show and for the interview. Robert Miller, P.E., of the Virginia Society of Professional Engineers, and a former president of the National Society of Professional Engineers, knew exactly what to say, as a television guest. However, Mr. Miller is another engineer, and very often, engineers tend to think alike.
7. Editing Out, or Removing, Material Which is Not Suitable for Airing vs. Not Creating Such Material in the First Place
I could simply edit out Delegate Ross’s inappropriate comments, and in fact, that is one of the steps which I chose to take. Consequently, viewers who watch the show will not see or hear inappropriate remarks being made. However, if I only “clean up the videotape”, without making an effort to educate Mr. Ross, then I will have failed to educate an elected official in an area where education is very sorely needed.
8. This Critique is Not Intended to Excoriate, Chastise, Stigmatize, or Unfairly Criticize Delegate Justin Ross
This critique is not intended to excoriate, chastise, stigmatize or unfairly criticize Delegate Justin Ross. In fact, I definitely compliment him for sponsoring the interview and for reserving the space there in Maryland’s capitol.
However, I feel obligated to inform Delegate Ross about the fact that engineering is a profession, and elected officials should adapt their presentations to the professionalism of the people in the environment in which they are delivering their presentations.
A speaker should not discuss unscientific ideas in an engineering environment, because engineers are trained to utilize both science and technology. The speaker who communicates unscientific ideas to engineers will insult the intelligence of their audience, and that is a bad practice, regardless of whether you are discussing the fields of commercial real estate, engineering, or politics.
The fact that I am not “talking about Delegate Ross behind his back” is confirmed by the fact that I am sending a copy of this email to Delegate Justin Ross, for his consumption, education, and enlightenment.
I hope that Delegate Ross (or some other Delegate, Senator, sub-committee, or committee) will sponsor another National Engineers Week program again, next year, and that when the 2010 National Engineers Week program has come to an end, I, like the other engineers in attendance, can tell Delegate Ross (or whoever the sponsor is), “Congratulations for sponsoring such a very fine program!”. They certainly could not make such a statement this year!
I also hope that the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and other organizations will provide Mr. Ross with appropriate written materials, coaching, and advice so that he will be better prepared.
If he has a resource which he can depend upon, then he can deliver a better performance in his job. He could even invite other speakers who could be a part of a panel discussion. The engineering societies can help him, or whoever he assigns to this task, to identify suitable speakers. I will also be happy to help him, of course.
9. Recommendations for the Future
I would like to suggest that the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and other organizations should prepare information packet(s)to be used by elected officials so that they will have access to some basic facts and general information.
Such an information resource can provide elected officials with adequate preparation for public events and presentations in the future. Electric power systems, mechanical pumping stations, and other physical facilities involve the services of engineers of all of the various disciplines.
10. The "Nero Analogy"
I would like to draw an analogy which compares ancient Rome, in flames, to our modern-day infrastructure. It has been said that Nero played his fiddle while Rome was being consumed by fire. In this analogy, we can compare Nero to our modern day government officials who choose to discuss inappropriate and/or irrelevant subjects while our American infrastructure deteriorates.
These people need to be reminded of the importance of leaving personal preferences at home, while bringing an objective professional attitude of service to work, and that leads us into the subject of “the missing omission”.
11. The “Missing Omission”
The term “Missing Omission” refers to a statement which was missing from Delegate Justin Ross’s presentation. He said something which amounted to, “I meet and work with people with whom I agree 100% in politics, but I still do not want them to meet my family!”.
“We all have our personal preferences, and I know that I certainly do have mine. My family matters are personal, and I know how to distinguish between personal matters and professional business. Consequently, on a professional basis, I try not to let my personal preferences interfere with the professional level of representation which I know that I owe to all of my constituents.”
Let me make it clear that Delegate Justin Ross is not the only elected official who needs to apply the “Missing Omission”. This same concept is sorely lacking in the United States Congress, where our Congressional representatives frequently fail to function on a professional basis. Big banks and wealthy automobile manufacturers can go to Congress and demand “bail out money”, and then they receive that money. By “bail out money”, I mean public sector money which is used to pay private sector salaries and expenses.
Yet, if you or I went to Congress as the “little people”, they could chase you away, and threaten to extinguish your life if they ever see you in Congress again. I know because that is exactly what happened to me, precisely.
My point here is that Delegate Justin Ross is not the only person…….and Maryland’s legislature is not the only place…..where the “Missing Omission” is sorely needed. Every person has their own personal likes and dislikes, but on a professional basis, it is undemocratic to inject personal preferences into professional politics. Such subjective partiality is not consistent with democracy, or with democratic goals and ideals.
12. The Position of Chief Deputy Majority Whip
As the Chief Deputy Majority Whip, Delegate Justin Ross has demonstrated managerial talents. Consequently, I have faith in his ability to deliver a better presentation than the one which he delivered during the 2009 National Engineers Week.
It is possible that Delegate Ross could decide that another Delegate, Senator, or even a committee or sub-committee, is in a better position to interact with engineering, science, and technology than he is. He might reach such a decision as a result of the line of work in which someone is engaged, because of someone's educational background, or for some other reason. Whatever he decides, I will cheerfully abide by his decision. I am very agreeable, and quite easy to please.
13. “Thank you” to the Members of the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers Who Attended,
At this point, I will express a special word of gratitude to the members of the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers who attended the event.
Mr. Fred Ateto, P.E. and Mr. Bruce Cranford, P.E. both graced the event with their presence.
Mr. Fred Ateto, P.E. is the President of the Annapolis Chapter of the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers.
Mr. Bruce Cranford, P.E. serves as one of the Vice - Presidents of the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers. He is also the Past President of the Potomac Chapter of the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers.
14. Conclusions
Serving as an elected official can be both difficult and time consuming. Yet, once a person runs for, and wins, a seat in the legislature, they should understand that when they appear on television, they are not simply representing themselves as individuals. Every elected official should understand that, by taking office, they have become responsible for the public property, including infrastructure facilities, which can be found in the public sector.
Engineers attend to the many technical details which are related to the infrastructure. There are certain infrastructure facilities, including, but not limited to, buildings, dams, highways, bridges, locks and canals, levees and dikes, airports, water lines, etc. which are managed and operated by government officials who are in the public sector.
It is interesting to notice that Delegate Ross is involved in commercial real estate, because in both commercial real estate and engineering economics, the value of buildings is often amortized. Amortizing is a practice which is common to both disciplines.
Elected officials, such as Delegate Justin Ross, should be able to present intelligent and meaningful discussions about these subjects because elected officials have been entrusted with the responsibility for these physical facilities. Although the specific technical expertise falls within the scope of the engineering profession, the elected public official is responsible for sensible managerial oversight.
During the course of our discussion, Delegate Justin Ross did not mention the national, or even Maryland's, infrastructure even one time. His work in Maryland's capitol should expose him to the entire state of Maryland, and not just the 22nd District which he has been elected to represent.
In addition, Delegate Justin Ross did not seem to understand the fact that there is a certain professional atmosphere which surrounds all legitimate engineering discussions. Several times, Delegate Ross raised a discussion topic which does not belong in any meaningful engineering discussion, but Delegate Ross brought it up anyway.
There were members of the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers in attendance, as was Mr. Robert Mattia who provided technical television expertise. They all heard the discussion, and they know who said what. They were all witnesses. We need to hold our elected officials accountable for their shortcomings, and to educate them about appropriate behavior during engineering discussions, engineering programs, and engineering presentations.
If Delegate Ross, as well as many other public officials, were more diligent about looking after our American infrastructure, and less attentive to non-professional topics (which have no legitimate place in an engineering discussion), the infrastructure of this country would be in better condition.
In closing, I will invite anyone who has an interest in this subject, or in "International Definition",
to call Kenneth W. Freelain, P.E. at the following telephone number.
Telephone: (301) 891 - 0496
Thank you for your interest in
this matter of "Engineering Importance"!
Respectfully yours,
KENNETH W. FREELAIN, P.E. M.ASCE
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION,
~ PLEASE CONTACT ~
KENNETH W. FREELAIN, P.E. M.ASCE
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (301) 891-0496
Email:engingeeringtribute1@gmail.com
Email:engineering_tribute@yahoo.com
(also below is...)
Where you will find Mr. Kenneth W. Freelain's P.E., M.ASCE crititique
& comments to Mr. Andrew W. Herrmann, P.E., SECB, F. ASCE
in his open invitation to join him in future discussions on these concerns.
Here is an open message to Mr. Andrew W. Herrmann, P.E., SECB, F. ASCE
Sent: Sunday, September 30, 2012 3:23 PM
Subject: An open message to Mr. Andrew W. Herrmann, P.E., SECB, F. ASCE
Dear Mr. Herrmann,
I am a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers,
and I am writing this message in order to discuss an article
which appeared in the September, 2012 issue of “Civil Engineering” magazine.
On page 12 of this issue, you have published an article which is entitled
“President’s Note – Let’s Focus the Nation’s Priorities on Infrastructure”.
I have attached a copy of this article, as well as the cover of this issue of "Civil Engineering."
For those people who might not be familiar with Mr. Herrmann, Mr. Herrmann
is the president of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
He is also certified by the Structural Engineering Certification Board.
I would like to analyze this article by making the following ten (10) “Comments”.
----------------------------------------------
Comment # 1 –
I find this article to be entirely consistent with the “Critique”
which I wrote after interviewing a delegate in Maryland’s legislature
as part of the “2009 National Engineers Week”. In your article, you raised
the subject of a “Report Card” which was produced on a state-by-state basis.
------------------------------------------------
Comment # 2 –
Your style of writing is quite good! It helps the subject matter to flow smoothly!
------------------------
Comment # 3 –
The information which your article conveys is very substantive.
You make several references to credible web sites,
while providing readers with a great deal of factual information.
------------------------
Comment # 4 –
At one point in your article, you say, “I continue to be frustrated by the
lack of discussion about infrastructure’s role in improving the nation’s economy”.
Like you, I share that same frustration, so I will raise this subject during
the “Engineering Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration of January 20, 2013”.
------------------------
Comment # 5 –
At another point, you say, “ASCE works hard to increase public awareness
of these issues”. I am a part of the ASCE, and I will help to increase public awareness
of these issues by televising a discussion of this subject as a part of
the “Engineering Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration of January 20, 2013”.
In other words, I will read your article on television.
------------------------
Comment # 6 –
At another point, you say, “By law, ASCE may not endorse or oppose candidates
or engage in any partisan political activities at any level.” The “Engineering Tribute” is
completely no-partisan, and the basic nature of the event is totally non-political.
It is educational, and it is oriented towards engineering , but not politics.
------------------------
Comment # 7 –
I am located in the state of Maryland. I looked at the 2011 Report Card
for Maryland’s Infrastructure, and what I found appears below,
in Comment # 8, as well as in Comment # 9.
------------------------
Comment # 8 –
Transit C-
Roads C-
Dams C
Bridges B-
Stormwater D
__________________________
Maryland’s GPA = C-
Such a mediocre performance needs to be analyzed within the context
of elected officials from Maryland. The delegate whom I interviewed failed to
even hint at the possible existence of the word “infrastructure” during our
2009 National Engineers Week television interview. This is not my imagination or my opinion!
This is definitely a fact, and it is based upon reality!
I still have the interview on DVD if you care to watch it for yourself. Seeing is believing!
Where are the elected officials leading this country? Should we call them "leaders", or not?
------------------------
Comment # 9 –
The Baltimore Metropolitan Infrastructure Supplement looked like what appears below.
Drinking Water C-
Wastewater C
------------------------
Comment # 10 –
Of course, if you care to come, or to send a representative, you are welcome to do so.
All members of the ASCE are welcome to come and address a variety of engineering concerns.
However, if you, or your appointed representative(s), do not attend the “Engineering Tribute”,
I will read your “President’s Note” at the
“Engineering Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration of January 20, 2013.”
Of course, you are always welcome to call me at
(301) 891 – 0496 if you care to discuss this matter.
Thank you for your interest in the
“Engineering Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration of January 20, 2013”,
as well as your interest in the infrastructure of the United States.
Best wishes,
Kenneth W. Freelain, P.E., M.ASCE
Telephone: (301) 891 - 0496
The "Engineering Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration"
is the name of a ceremony which takes place in conjunction with theinauguration of each President of the USA.
Because the "Engineering Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration" takes place in conjunction with the inauguration of each American president, it occurs once every four (4) years, during those years which follow
the year of the Presidential Election.
Sometimes it lasts for more than one day, in order to allow all of the speakers to be videotaped for television.
When such extensions of time are required, they are usually necessary in order to provide flexibility in the schedules of both the speakers and the television crews.
In its shortened form, the "Engineering Tribute to the
Presidential Inauguration" is simply called the "Engineering Tribute".
is the name of a ceremony which takes place in conjunction with theinauguration of each President of the USA.
Because the "Engineering Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration" takes place in conjunction with the inauguration of each American president, it occurs once every four (4) years, during those years which follow
the year of the Presidential Election.
Sometimes it lasts for more than one day, in order to allow all of the speakers to be videotaped for television.
When such extensions of time are required, they are usually necessary in order to provide flexibility in the schedules of both the speakers and the television crews.
In its shortened form, the "Engineering Tribute to the
Presidential Inauguration" is simply called the "Engineering Tribute".
Organizational Structure of
" The Engineering Tribute"
"The Engineering Tribute Committee"
The organization which administers and oversees
the Engineering Tribute is called the Engineering Tribute Committee.
The Engineering Tribute Committee is one of three (3) committees which, when taken as a group, collectively comprise the Cultural Enrichment Committees.
The Cultural Enrichment Committees is the name of
a non-profit corporation which has been incorporated
in the District of Columbia. As a corporation,
the Cultural Enrichment Committees organization is
comprised of the following three (3) committees.
The Cultural Enrichment Committees (a non-profit corporation, incorporated in the District of Columbia) consists of the following three (3) committees.
I. The Engineering Tribute Committee
II. The International History Week Awards Committee
III. The Congressional Tribute Committee
ON THE FOUNDING
AND HISTORY OF
the Engineering Tribute is called the Engineering Tribute Committee.
The Engineering Tribute Committee is one of three (3) committees which, when taken as a group, collectively comprise the Cultural Enrichment Committees.
The Cultural Enrichment Committees is the name of
a non-profit corporation which has been incorporated
in the District of Columbia. As a corporation,
the Cultural Enrichment Committees organization is
comprised of the following three (3) committees.
The Cultural Enrichment Committees (a non-profit corporation, incorporated in the District of Columbia) consists of the following three (3) committees.
I. The Engineering Tribute Committee
II. The International History Week Awards Committee
III. The Congressional Tribute Committee
ON THE FOUNDING
AND HISTORY OF
International Definition was founded by...
Mr. Kenneth W. Freelain P.E. in 1985
in accordance with his founding of
the non-profit organization known
as the Cultural Enrichment Committees.
Taken as a group collectively, these comprise
the Cultural Enrichment Committees. The Cultural
Enrichment Committees is the name of a non-profit
corporation which has been incorporated in the
District of Columbia.
Mr. Kenneth W. Freeelain P.E. Engineer & President of
Engineering Solutions and the host and producer
of the "International Definition" television program,
and a member of the Bowie Community Media Corporation.
(As well as hosting and producing shows for both in
Montgomery County Maryland )
Bio of Kenneth Freelain, The "Engingineering Tribute"
under "The International Definition" show at Mymcmedia
(click on link above to learn more)
He also is the host & producer of
"International Definition"
(click on link above to learn more)
He also is the host & producer of
"International Definition"
in Fairfax County Virginia
at their (FPA) Television station.
Earlier this year, I visited the Houston Astros baseball stadium.
My hosts knew about “International Definition”, so they
invited me to the “Press Box in the stadium.
( Photo of Kenneth W. Freelain P.E., M.ASCE as well as being
Producer, Director & Editor Of " International Definition " above )
Also below is an interview with Kenneth Freelain P.E.
in the "the Volunteer Spotlight" feature.
To Kenneth Freelain on recognizing his past creative and
innovative knowledge brought forth with his presenting of the
~ Engineering Tribute To The Presidential Inauguration ~
INFO ON ...
- The City Of Bowie -
"Growth, unity and progress"
On Tuesday, February 21, 2006, the City of Bowie, Maryland
issued the "Bowie Proclamation" which appears on this website.
This proclamation was issued in honor of the "National Engineers' Week".
Bowie , Maryland is one of the few city councils
to have a registered professional engineer serving as its
Mayor Pro Tem. Dennis Brady, P.E. serves as the Mayor Pro Temas he sits on the City Council with a professional engineer's license.
Notice that in the "Bowie Proclamation", the last paragraph toopen with the word, "Whereas" says, "Whereas", the last
"Engineering Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration"
took place at Bowie City Hall on January 20 and 21, 2005.
Sample History of Bowie, Maryland
The city of Bowie owes its existence to the railway.
In 1853, Col. William D. Bowie succeeded in obtaining a charter
from the Maryland legislature to construct a rail line into Southern Maryland.
In 1869 the Baltimore & Potomac Railroad Company began the construction of a railroad from Baltimore to Southern Maryland. By 1872, it was completed together with a spur to Washington DC. The remainder of the railroad through Southern Maryland and Pope's Creek, was completed in 1873.
Bowie has grown from a small railroad stop to the largest municipality in Prince George's County, and the fourth most populous city and third largest city by area in the State of Maryland.
The town was first called Huntington City, though its train station was named in honor of a local resident, who was President of the Baltimore & Potomac Railroad at the time, and later Governor Oden Bowie.
In 1853, Col. William D. Bowie succeeded in obtaining a charter
from the Maryland legislature to construct a rail line into Southern Maryland.
In 1869 the Baltimore & Potomac Railroad Company began the construction of a railroad from Baltimore to Southern Maryland. By 1872, it was completed together with a spur to Washington DC. The remainder of the railroad through Southern Maryland and Pope's Creek, was completed in 1873.
Bowie has grown from a small railroad stop to the largest municipality in Prince George's County, and the fourth most populous city and third largest city by area in the State of Maryland.
The town was first called Huntington City, though its train station was named in honor of a local resident, who was President of the Baltimore & Potomac Railroad at the time, and later Governor Oden Bowie.
The town was subsequently
rechartered as Bowie in 1880.
In the early days the land was subdivided by developers into more than 500 residential building lots, to create a large town site at a junction of the Baltimore and Potomac's main line to southern Maryland, and the branch line to Washington, DC.
In 2006, the City reopened the Bowie Building Association building
as a Welcome Center for all to enjoy and learn about the history of Bowie.
This Building is a small brick and
block structure constructed circa 1930.
It originally housed the Bowie Building Association, which helped finance much of the development in the early days of the community.
While the city is proud of its heritage, it is also focused on the future.
It has grown from a small agricultural and railroad town to one of the largest and fastest growing cities in Maryland.
It originally housed the Bowie Building Association, which helped finance much of the development in the early days of the community.
While the city is proud of its heritage, it is also focused on the future.
It has grown from a small agricultural and railroad town to one of the largest and fastest growing cities in Maryland.
Bowie is a city of 16 square miles
and approximately 50,000 residents.
It has nearly 2,000 acres (8 km) set aside as parks or open space.
It has 72 ball fields, three community centers, an ice arena,
a theatrical playhouse, a golf course, and three museums.
The city has recently added a state-of-the-art senior citizens center
and a gymnasium for community programs.
The city of Bowie is a dynamic, family-oriented community
whose residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life.
The city's motto of "Growth, unity and progress"provides
a fitting description of this municipality at the start of a new century.
and approximately 50,000 residents.
It has nearly 2,000 acres (8 km) set aside as parks or open space.
It has 72 ball fields, three community centers, an ice arena,
a theatrical playhouse, a golf course, and three museums.
The city has recently added a state-of-the-art senior citizens center
and a gymnasium for community programs.
The city of Bowie is a dynamic, family-oriented community
whose residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life.
The city's motto of "Growth, unity and progress"provides
a fitting description of this municipality at the start of a new century.
"The Engineering Tribute On T.V."
have been videotaped for television.
Since President Bill Clinton was elected in 1996,
all of the Engineering Tributes have been videotaped
and televised on the International Definition television program.
Kenneth W. Freelain is both the producer of the
"International Definition" television program and
the founder of the Cultural Enrichment Committees organization.
More information on this subject may be obtained by
referring to the table in the section which is entitled
"Historical Background Information".
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION,
PLEASE CONTACT
KENNETH W. FREELAIN, P.E.
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (301) 891-0496
PLEASE CONTACT
KENNETH W. FREELAIN, P.E.
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (301) 891-0496
TELEVISION STATION'S IN WHICH YOU CAN VIEW
The Cultural Enrichment Committees Presentation of the
"Engineering Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration"
As well as many other productions of
"International Definition".
As well as many other productions of
"International Definition".
Fairfax Public Access (FPA)
2929-S Eskridge Road, Fairfax, Va 22031
(571) 749-1100
http://www.fcac.org/
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++==
Thus International Definition &
The Cultural Enrichment Committees Presentation of the
"Engineering Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration"
Plays this winter schedule on Channel 30.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012 - 7:00 AM
Friday, December 21, 2012 - 4:00 PM
Saturday, December 22, 2012 - 4:00 PM
Of course, each Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday,
the shows schedule will be the same.
If you want some specific information beyond that,
you can call Mariam Shah and/or Steve Grider on Wednesday.
Their telephone number is (571) 749 - 1100
Their telephone number is (571) 749 - 1100
Montgomery Public Access
(MY MC MEDIA)
Location
Montgomery Community Television, Inc.
7548 Standish Place
Rockville, MD 20855
(301) 424-1730 phone
(301) 294-7476 fax
7548 Standish Place
Rockville, MD 20855
(301) 424-1730 phone
(301) 294-7476 fax
Facilities Hours
Monday – Thursday: 2pm – 10pm
Friday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 9am – 7pm
Sunday: 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Friday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 9am – 7pm
Sunday: 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Thus International Definition &
The Cultural Enrichment Committees Presentation of the
"Engineering Tribute to the Presidential Inauguration"
will play this winter schedule 2012-13 on Channel 19.
& will play on International Definition show
that airs on Mondays at 10:00 A.M, and
it also airs on Thursdays at 9:30 P.M.
Of course, each Monday and Thursday
the shows schedule will be the same.
We here at "International Definition"present an open invitation to join us
in exploring new innovative enhanced ways of thinking,
defining,behaving and reasoning.
So connect into a better internationally defined"Future World"
& thus come in contact with brighter future event horizons.
Also "Kenneth Freelain, P.E. interviews
Dev Rahega on "The Science of Patient Safety - Part 1 & 2" featured below.
>
So connect into a better internationally
defined "Future World" & thus come
in contact with brighter future event horizons.
Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology. The nation's first national laboratory, Argonne conducts leading-edge basic and applied scientific research in virtually every scientific discipline.
Argonne researchers work closely with researchers from hundreds of companies, universities, and federal, state and municipal agencies to help them solve their specific problems, advance America 's scientific leadership and prepare the nation for a better future. With employees from more than 60 nations, Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.
For more information, please contact
Matthew Howard (630-252-7930 or mhoward@anl.gov) at Argonne.
that airs on Mondays at 10:00 A.M, and
it also airs on Thursdays at 9:30 P.M.
Of course, each Monday and Thursday
the shows schedule will be the same.
in exploring new innovative enhanced ways of thinking,
defining,behaving and reasoning.
So connect into a better internationally defined"Future World"
& thus come in contact with brighter future event horizons.
Selected Examples of Past
Television Appearances:
Also "Kenneth Freelain, P.E. interviews
Dev Rahega on "The Science of Patient Safety - Part 1 & 2" featured below.
>
defined "Future World" & thus come
in contact with brighter future event horizons.
Selected Examples of Past Television Appearances:
10/19/2005, CTV, Channel 10, Channel 77, MTC, Ken Freelain: United Nations
International History Week Award Show
Argonne featured on 'International Definition' D.C. cable TV show.
http://www.anl.gov/Media_Center/News/2007/International_Definition.html
Watch the video (27 min.; 87 MB .wmv file)
ARGONNE, Ill. (April 11, 2007) - Argonne National Laboratory and the
University of Chicago were featured on the Washington , D.C. , cable TV
show "International Definition."
The show featured Argonne and the univerity as part of
International History Week in recognition of Argonne's 60th anniversary.
Representing Argonne and the university was Adam Cohen, deputy associate
laboratory director for Physical Sciences, currently on assignment
with the U.S. Department of Energy.
Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology. The nation's first national laboratory, Argonne conducts leading-edge basic and applied scientific research in virtually every scientific discipline.
Argonne researchers work closely with researchers from hundreds of companies, universities, and federal, state and municipal agencies to help them solve their specific problems, advance America 's scientific leadership and prepare the nation for a better future. With employees from more than 60 nations, Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.
For more information, please contact
__________________________________
& HERE IS ONE OF
KENNETH FREELAIN'S PAST WORK
WITH "INTERNATIONAL DEFINITION"
& THE 2006 INTERNATIONAL HISTORY
WEEK AWARD CEREMONY.
Again contact info:
internationaldefinition@yahoo.com
futureworld@myway.com
THUS GIVEN FORTH IN TRIBUTE
& IN DEDICATION TO THE NEW
ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE DEEMED...
I dream things that never were and say why not."
(Robert F. Kennedy)
"COME & SEE" & THUS AWAKEN...
WITHIN THE JOURNEY & THE DREAM
A Dedication: To An Historical Event
The meeting with Kenneth W. Freelain & his
International Definition Future World (Sept. 11, 2000)
To my truly noble friend & mentor Ken Freelain P.E.
A brave, honorable and courageous soul, who has shown
me the way to a better internationally defined presence
& a better internationally defined future world.
~ Also dedicated to all those noble gentlemen who have helped in
shared in, assisted in & brought forth to others the wonders of a
better & brighter "INTERNATIONAL DEFINED FUTURE WORLD" Existence...
~ Held Eternally In A Timeless Journey Of Hourglass Filled Wonder ~
THE "INTERNATIONAL DEFINITION" JOURNEY
An Ever Continuing Dream Awakening Adventure...In Which
To explore...Strange new worlds... to reach out and to seek... new understanding amongst diverse civilizations... to boldly go where no man has gone academically, scientifically & philosophically before.
with philosophically adventure-filled how certain destined meetingshave a way of perhaps having & sharing the divine knowledge anddivine spirit to lift us up to new greater heights of enlightenment
much further beyond ourselves, be it by some unknown but
still secretly understood modus operandi which has it's owncertain way that distinguishes the distinct distance
and calls out to go but further beyond ourselves and
our limited knowledge and to achieve but an even greater form of excellence and new founded definition of understanding, reason, enlightenment and moral conviction.
So it was my sincere desire found in my decision to reach forthand embrace Mr. Kenneth Freelain's Scientific Academic Disciplineknown as "International Definition" for those reasons stated above.
And thus it has truly been a sacred honor
to work with him & to help Ken with his noble work.
His noble endeavor thus seeks to see, know & realize a much brighter future, so thus enlightened by a better "Internationally Defined Future World".
Now my goal, mission & hope has and will continue to be to but better serve humanity through the heralding in of a new era with his tireless work & his great sacrifice given forth to all humanity.
Thus to approach this excellent wondrous work of Mr. Ken Freelain from not only a historical & scientific point of view but from a deep introspective philosophical point of view is thus to look within & understand further the laws, statements & principals that he has brought forth & expounded upon within his new founded academic discipline. So thus it has been a keenly enlightening & a divinely awakening experience of mind & being.
THE "INTERNATIONAL DEFINITION"
AWAKENING DREAM
I once again want to thank Mr. Kenneth Freelain for his
unending service to humanity & to science, his kind & patient mentoring, his tireless search for wisdom & truth, his noble & courageous efforts to bring humanity out from the deepest darkness of despair & ignorance, and thus to but bring forth bravely a new shining light to but guide us onward towards a new destined future reality in which all humanity can then but find a brighter future through a destined doorway by which all are beckoned to enter on through & into a new dawning.
Thus the grand benefit to all will take place at last
in which all hopes & dreams that return us to that
grace of spirit, innocence of being & purity of thought will thus nurture a new awakening that will guide all of us to a better defined International unity & grace, by which we can all share in and build a brighter future with.
Thus we can all be a part of creating
in which all hopes & dreams that return us to that
grace of spirit, innocence of being & purity of thought will thus nurture a new awakening that will guide all of us to a better defined International unity & grace, by which we can all share in and build a brighter future with.
Thus we can all be a part of creating
a better defined world for not only ourselves
but for our children & our children's children.
THUS THE JOURNEY REALIZED
& THE DREAM REAWAKENED
And within that long journey, there was held the dream that was cast from the very essence of his noble being, which theorized from the hope, wisdom, understanding, desire & knowledge of a better internationally defined future world to be awakened, acknowledged, realized & lived, for ourselves in today's times & for future generations to come.
Once again I would like to thank Kenneth W. Freelain for
his courageous noble journey & his sacred dream awakening. Thus unto a better internationally defined future world, in which all the earth's diverse peoples can thus reawaken to...
Once again I would like to thank Kenneth W. Freelain for
his courageous noble journey & his sacred dream awakening. Thus unto a better internationally defined future world, in which all the earth's diverse peoples can thus reawaken to...
Mr. Freelain's long journey after many years of
research & study has thus been finally realized and achieved. Culminating along with the new scientific academic discipline known as...
For like many other noble souls before him, Kenneth W. Freelain is also a person who dreams things that never were and asks why not.
Thus the meeting with Kenneth W. Freelain was truly a marvelous & inspiring destined event awakening along both of our fated future event horizons.
(Tribute written by Filippo Biondo: December 17, 2001)
Thus as 'One man" Kenneth W. Freelain P.E. sought to bring to the world's peoples a new innovative way of thinking and dealing by bringing forth the science of "International Definition".
& so to present to one & all just as before...
A New Founded Universal Definition Guiding Light...
In Which To Guide Future Star Trek Generations
With Across A "New Internationally Defined Universe"...
SO INTERNATIONAL DEFINITION THUS
PRESENTS TO ONE & ALL..
A NEW FOUNDED UNIVERSAL DEFINITION
In Which To Guide Future Star Trek
Generations With Across The Universe...
So we here at "International Definition" we represent
a new and innovative reasoning "to believe in excellence"
& an open invitation to join us in exploring new, innovative,
enhanced ways of thinking, defining, behaving and reasoning.
Thus we strive to excel, to achieve and to solemnly believe in...
(IN WHATEVER TIME ZONE YOUR LIVING
UNDER UPON OUR SHARED "PLANET EARTH")
a new and innovative reasoning "to believe in excellence"
& an open invitation to join us in exploring new, innovative,
enhanced ways of thinking, defining, behaving and reasoning.
Thus we strive to excel, to achieve and to solemnly believe in...
(IN WHATEVER TIME ZONE YOUR LIVING
UNDER UPON OUR SHARED "PLANET EARTH")
& so in conclusion
perhaps we here at " International Definition "
perhaps we here at " International Definition "
will hear also back from you ???
& by chance also with your help make a
brighter & better "Internationally Defined"
future for our children & grand-children ?
future for our children & grand-children ?
Thus we now can begin to see the...
" International Definition "awakening finally
thus begin to develop further on into the
future & beyond, & thus as the song goes...
"Till I Hear It From You" as well as see it ???
Thus Mr. Kenneth W. Freelain P.E. & all his fellow staff
would like to see a better standard by which mankind can exist,
evolve & inter-react together in a more peaceful, better
defined & harmonious world, thus helping in enhancing
our shared beautiful blue planet "Earth".