Today, if there’s something I don’t know, it’s almost certainly because I haven’t cared enough to find out.
I don’t understand molecular biology, the history of Sardinia or much of agronomy–but that’s my choice. Now that information is widely and freely available, our sense of agency around knowledge needs to change.
It pays to acknowledge that this is a choice, and to be responsible for it. What else have we chosen not to know?
]]>The post Professionalism is the Foundation of the Army and We Will Strengthen It appeared first on War on the Rocks.
]]>The post Fortifications, Manpower, and Munitions in Ukraine’s Daunting Year Ahead appeared first on War on the Rocks.
]]>If you’re not open to the tension that is caused by knowing you could do better, it’s unlikely you’re willing to do the work to get better. As you’re doing that work, there’s the satisfaction it brings, but also the knowledge that just a moment ago, you weren’t any good.
]]>Twenty years later, it was obvious.
When I first saw Prodigy in 1986, I saw that the consumer internet would have many possibilities, but I didn’t have the guts to ask what I was missing. “In 40 years, for what purposes will it be useful” would have been a productive way to think about the change that was happening.
AI is as big a change as the internet, perhaps more so. And in just a few years, people will wonder why we weren’t wondering better.
]]>The post Mid-Afternoon Map: Nostalgia for the Non-Existent appeared first on War on the Rocks.
]]>And when it occurs to us that we might be able to make a useful contribution or do something important, perhaps we could do it now.
]]>The post Fearing Their Officers More Than the Enemy: Summary Executions from George Washington to Ukraine appeared first on War on the Rocks.
]]>The post George Shultz and the End of the Cold War appeared first on War on the Rocks.
]]>We need to begin with empathy and a useful story… useful to the people who want to believe it, spread it, and use it to accomplish their goals.
But then, the story needs firm footing and a way to stick with us. Patagonia is a great name because while most people have no idea where the place known as Patagonia is, they’re able to associate it with the story that the company has been telling for a long time. Nike is a great name, even though it’s not obvious how to pronounce it. Genghis Khan had a memorable, unique name–you don’t have to be beloved for the name to be useful.
The industry that’s the current world champ at bad naming is AI.
ChatGPT is a terrible name. And the trademark office in the US just denied them ownership in GPT, so even if they were a pioneer, that’s gone now. It’s hard to tell the story when you don’t know what to call it.
Claude.ai isn’t particularly distinctive (something about the phonemes make me keep forgetting it, and without a bookmark, I’d never find it again), and Gemini walks away from the huge value that Google has invested into the name of their search engine.
Louise wrote the book on it.
]]>Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Chicago Bears are now committed to building a new stadium in Chicago, the team confirmed in a statement on Monday, shifting the development plan from building a new stadium in Arlington Heights to helping fund a new public stadium in the city.
“The Chicago Bears are proud to contribute over $2 billion to build a stadium and improve open spaces for all families, fans and the general public to enjoy in the City of Chicago,” Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren said in the statement. “The future stadium of the Chicago Bears will bring a transformative opportunity to our region — boosting the economy, creating jobs, facilitating mega events and generating millions in tax revenue.
“We look forward to sharing more information when our plans are finalized.”
In 2021 the Chicago Bears agreed to purchase the Arlington International Racecourse, a site for $192.7 million.
The “326-acre piece of land that will easily fit any new stadium design they might have in mind,” CBS Sports reported at the time. “In anticipation of the Bears buying the property, the Arlington Heights village board approved a zoning change in June that will allow a football stadium to be built on the land, which is currently occupied by a horse racing track.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson released a statement about the Bears’ new plan to build in downtown Chicago.
“I have said all along that meaningful private investment and a strong emphasis on public benefit are my requirements for public-private partnerships in our city,” he said. “The Chicago Bears’ plans are a welcome step in that direction and a testament to Chicago’s economic vitality.
An exact building location was not included in the announcement and neither was the future plan for Soldier Field, however it is expected that along with the new stadium, the plan will also feature free and accessible plazas and paths, as well as landscaped and planted areas.
]]>Chicago Construction News staff writer
The University of Chicago and City Colleges of Chicago, have unveiled a joint project to rejuvenate underutilized land on Garfield Boulevard.
“There’s an abundance of talent here in this community, and we want to make sure we meet that talent where they are,” City Colleges chancellor Juan Salgado said at a press conference Tuesday. “These are connected projects that will provide a clear pathway to good paying, upwardly mobile jobs for South Siders.”
UChicago Medicine plans to build a new facility that consolidates its existing clinical labs, modernizes their operations, and maximizes lab test efficiency to ensure best-in-class care. The facility would bring 550 jobs — including approximately 200 new positions — to Washington Park, provide clinical rotations for students, and help the hospital add critical lab capacity to meet the expanded diagnostic needs of a new cancer pavilion, expected to open in 2027.
The new site builds on investments UChicago has made over the past decade to revitalize several vacant spaces along East Garfield Boulevard, bring fresh vibrancy to the Washington Park neighborhood, and promote growth at a critical transit point.
On adjacent land owned by the Chicago Transit Authority and immediately east of the Garfield Green Line station, City Colleges will construct a neighboring Malcolm X College learning center with classrooms, dry labs, offices and street-level retail.
The buildings incorporating new ground-floor retail spaces.
“We at the university and our nearby neighbors know well there is an incredible well of possibility at hand. In advancing this project, I think we will help to counter some population loss and incredible disinvestment and some of the land vacancy that has really faced Washington Park,” said UChicago President Paul Alivisatos.
]]>Chicago Construction News staff writer
Primient says it will spend $400 million over the next five years in infrastructure and operations to improve refining and drying practices and further ensure quality and reliability. The company is the sole corn wet miller to replace coal use at every facility with more sustainable energy sources.
The following projects are included:
“These investments set a new standard for Primient and our industry,” said Jim Stutelberg, Primient CEO. “We are excited by the potential we see in our operations and our communities as we build towards a brighter, more sustainable plant-based future together.”
As part of the expansion, the company received an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit, which stipulates a $40 million minimum investment and creating 50 new full-time jobs and retaining nearly 540 full-time jobs.
]]>By Judy Lamelza
Special to Chicago Construction News
East Peoria commissioners have initiated several infrastructure projects focused on intersection improvements, bridge repair, sidewalk enhancements, and storm water management upgrades. The 2024 budget allocates more than $100 million for capital improvement projects.
Midwest Engineering, Inc. has been selected for the following projects:
Major road projects planned in 2024 in East Peoria include:
Pioneer Parkway and University Street Intersection: $8.5 million for comprehensive reconstruction efforts. This project aims to reconfigure the intersection to improve traffic flow and safety for both motorists and pedestrians. Work will include the addition of turning lanes, upgraded traffic signals, new pedestrian crossings with accessible signals, and improved lighting. The redesign seeks to alleviate congestion and reduce accident rates at one of the city’s busiest intersections.
Depot Street in the Warehouse District: $4.5 million for transformation of Depot Street and the construction of a new parking facility. Street reconstruction will consist of completing the overhaul of Depot Street between Oak and Persimmon Streets. The project will include the replacement of outdated curb and gutter systems, installation of modern storm sewers, and paving to create a more functional and aesthetically pleasing street. .
Wisconsin Avenue: $6.4 million for the redevelopment of Wisconsin Avenue, targeting business growth stimulation. The project covers the complete reconstruction of Wisconsin Avenue from McClure to Nebraska avenues. Enhancements include road resurfacing, new sidewalks, upgraded stormwater management systems, and streetscaping to encourage business investments in the area. The aim is to transform the avenue into a more attractive and business-friendly corridor.
Moss Avenue: $10.6 million allocated for significant improvements on one of Peoria’s most historic roads. Moss Avenue, known for its historical significance and unique architecture, will undergo drainage system upgrades to address longstanding flooding issues. Additional enhancements will include road resurfacing, sidewalk repairs, and the preservation of the avenue’s historic character while ensuring modern functionality.
MacArthur Highway: $10 million from state funding and $2.9 million of city funds. The project envisions a complete overhaul of the MacArthur Highway corridor, including road reconstruction between Jefferson Street and the Cedar Street Bridge. The focus will be on improving road conditions, enhancing pedestrian safety, and creating a more inviting atmosphere for business development. The comprehensive redevelopment aims to spark economic growth along this critical corridor.
There will also be a $48 million project by the Illinois Department of Transportation linking East Peoria with Peoria over the Illinois River. This will be an overhaul of the Cedar Street Bridge and will be a three-phase project focusing on bridge and interchange reconstruction.
Phase one will include resurfacing and rehabilitation, with an estimated cost of $15 million and is expected to impact traffic flow.
Judy Lamelza writes for DataBid.com.
]]>Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will distribute $8.5 million in funding through the Community Solar Energy Sovereignty grant program for organizations and technical service providers in low-income and historically disadvantaged communities to plan, develop and build community solar projects.
Recipients will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. Qualified entities include community-based organizations and technical service providers working in direct partnerships with community-based organizations can apply for grants, with awards ranging from $50,000 to $1 million. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until July 1, 2024, at 5 p.m., or until funds are exhausted.
To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance. To help applicants prepare to apply for funding, DCEO will be holding a technical assistance webinar at 1 p.m. on March 14.
“Illinois is leading the fight against climate change and putting environmental justice front and center, said Governor JB Pritzker. “With this latest investment of $8.5 million to support solar energy projects in marginalized communities, we’ll create well-paying jobs and build healthier communities.”
Grants will provide upfront seed capital funding to overcome barriers to project development caused by lack of capital in historically disadvantaged communities.
Grant funding may be used to support a variety of pre-development activities to benefit historically disadvantaged communities, including early-stage project planning, project team organization, site identification, procurement and contracting, securing financing, customer outreach, site assessments, and more. Funds may also be used to support the development of cooperative or community ownership models that allocate benefits to communities and support long-term governance, management, and maintenance of community solar projects.
The Community Solar Energy Sovereignty is one of several contractor, workforce, and community support programs established by the landmark CEJA legislation intended to move Illinois to a 100 percent carbon-free future.
]]>