pBeseda.com

The structural engineer is a very complex combination of leadership, service, creativity, and technical knowledge. In many ways they are one of the most important engineers in society today. It is their work that is responsible for the constructed world we live in.

The structural engineer must take on a leadership role within their industry and in society. Leading by example, the engineer can offer safer design practices, more sustainable solutions, more aesthetic structures, and more efficient designs. They can be the instigators of positive change in they ways that they work. Simultaneously, the engineer must remember it is the public they serve that is most important. First and foremost the safety and welfare of the people is the engineer’s concern. Every time they sign or stamp a document the engineer takes the lives of the public in their hands. Choosing to design buildings using sustainable materials, efficient structures and easily constructible designs an engineer can lead the way for a more environmentally conscience society. The structural engineer can often be cast into the role of architect in considering the aesthetics of the structure being designed. It is the role of the engineer to determine an appropriate solution that reflects the intent of the architect and the context of the structure.

In conclusion, the role of the structural engineer is varied and complex. Integral in the practice of structural engineering is the blend of creativity and engineering knowledge. They must be reliable, and dilligent in their work, and solid in their engineering acumen, making them the keystone in the creation of the constructed world.

This is just another rant about people and their privacy.

Listen. To those who are concerned (freaking out) about the new Google Buzz and the countless other applications on the internet being a violation of their privacy and personal space:

You are not being tricked, you are not being fooled and your personal information is not being stolen and no one is spying on you. One, you are not important enough to have any kind of privacy or security that actually matters. Two, just lock down your account (in Google, Twitter, Facebook, and yeah, every other application on the internet).

And while you’re at it, say no to befriending and/or following your coworkers/bosses/family members etc. Then reconsider your lifestyle that you so desperately want to have on the internet, yet be completely private about. What are you doing in a social setting in which you desire(demand) total privacy? If you don’t want your personal information all over the internet, don’t put it there in the first place.

Yeah, maybe you were “opted-in” by default and without a choice(Google Buzz, Facebook). Here’s what you need to do. Take a few seconds, click on the settings menu, and investigate the application you are using. You may be surprised at the kind of privacy settings you are offered.

Do not complain, do not scream to the internets, do not symbolically delete all of your accounts in an act of protest against your rights being violated. Actually, never mind, do that. Please.