That reminded me that I haven't had a chance to share some of the highlights from @LindaHall_org's latest exhibition: The #Standards That Built America!
For example, some of the #standards featured in this exhibition facilitated the construction of skyscrapers and bridges.
[L: @ASTMIntl Standards (1916);
R: @aashtospeaks, Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges & Incidental Structures (1931)]
(4/8)
Others established safety guidelines for highways and construction sites!
[L: @aashtospeaks, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets & Highways (1935);
R: @ASMEdotorg, Safety Code for Cranes, Derricks, & Hoists (1943)]
(5/8)
The exhibit includes #standards that were central to the growth of the American #auto industry from the earliest spark plugs to the modern #ElectricCar.
A few additional thoughts: The movie makes it very clear that the #CurrentWar was between Edison & Westinghouse.
Yes, Tesla is there too (more on him in a moment), but the system-builders (cf. Hughes) are front and center.
(2/17)
I was also pleasantly surprised to see Mary Stillwell Edison and Marguerite Erskine Walker Westinghouse featured prominently in the film. The latter is actually referred to as George's wife & business partner.
Next Stern points out flaws w/@IAU_org definition of "planet." He notes that the IAU is made up primarily of stellar astronomers, and their definition does not reflect expertise of planetary scientists. (Again: key themes-disciplinary divisions, challenges of forming consensus)
Stern also notes that another rationale for the IAU definition of planet was limiting the number of planets for convenience. Suggests that this is a foolish rationale by pointing out what the IAU's periodic table might look like...
.@AlanStern backs a geophysical definition of "planet" that focuses only on an object's intrinsic attributes rather than their surroundings. Additionally, unlike the IAU definition, it applies to all planetary systems, not just our own solar system.