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SW Breezes Editor's Ramblings
Like many of you (probably), I am constantly amused by the language used in some specs that I am called upon to edit. There is what I call the "Dick, Jane, and Sally" approach - short, choppy sentences - but I can deal with that as specs are supposed to be written rather simply. Ambiguous and incomprehensive sentences and are a no-no, of course, and it can take a lot of time to sort out the mess. My favorite, though, is what I refer to as "Yoda-speak," where the adjective, adverb, or other part of the sentence are kept from the reader until the very end. For example: "Install joints in conjunction with flashing assemblies and anchors indicated." Send me your favorite examples, and include them here I will.
"Powerful you have become, the dark side I sense in you."
- Mater Yoda
Dave Furry, PE, CSI, CCS
dfurry@arcomnet.com |
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HOW DOES SPEC WRITING WORK?
What's with all these questions? I need answers! (or is it the other way around?)
David A. Bishton, RA, CSI, CCS, CCCA
President CSI Southwest Region
One of a series of periodic articles about the tricks and perils of modern specification writing and construction documentation. For more articles see
From the Editor's Desk at the Southwest Region website.
The life of a specifier, technical consultant, and manufacturer's representative is consumed with the need to ask and answer many questions. Most of the time we enjoy being challenged to figure out something new or to work with the exception to the rule instead of the norm. As long as we have enough time to fully understand the issues and get our questions answered. Yes, I can hear you laughing. It's a rare specification completed or call made to a manufacturer's rep that wasn't at the last desperate hour (or minute). Every manufacturer's rep and specifier already knows the answer when they ask, "When did you need that information?" Altogether now...YESTERDAY.
If there was an accurate way to track it, manufacturer's reps and specifiers could have a monthly award contest based on who gets asked and solves the most problems during the week before the bid documents are to be turned in on Friday. Winner gets to write the first addendum. Maybe that's not a good incentive. Everyone knows they are supposed to be done on Friday, but everyone also knows...
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click here to continue
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SAVE THE DATE!
2014 SOUTHWEST REGION CONFERENCE
MAY 15-17, 2014
RADISSON HOTEL - EL PASO AIRPORT
CSI SOUTHWEST REGION'S ANNUAL LEADERSHIP & LEARNING EVENT
HELP US CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF CSI IN EL PASO!
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What Else is CSI Doing in the Southwest?
Tucson Chapter is turning 50 with a special event on November 18!
Old Pueblo Grill
5:30 p.m. Networking
6:00 p.m. Dinner and Presentation: Historical Perspective of McKale Memorial Center, Then and Now
Denver Chapter is going holiday bowling on December 3:
Fund Raiser and Holiday Social.
Albuquerque Chapter had a great Continuing Education Conference in November! Joy Davis reviews Real World Applications - AKA Yes, These Things Really Happen!
Las Vegas Chapter had their annual volunteer event on November 12 for Three Square Food Bank LV Chapter on Facebook.
Pikes Peak Chapter hosts another Howard C. Dutzi Photographic Tour on December 18 - enjoy the artistry and live sketching of a noted Colorado engineer!
Phoenix Chapter holds the Procrastinator's Ball - a joint event with the Building Envelope Design Center. A full day of education and learning units on December 6.
Salt Lake City Chapter hosts Construction Projects Gone Bad on November 20 - panel discussion with attorney, architect, contractor, subcontractor, and owner.
CSI: Building Knowledge, Improving Project Delivery
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SOUTHWEST
REGION OFFICERS
FY2014
PRESIDENT
David Bishton, RA, CSI, CCS, CCCA
VICE-PRESIDENT 1
Jori Smith, CSI, CCCA, LEED AP
VICE-PRESIDENT 2
Dean Leschak, CSI, CDT
Robin Snyder, CSI, CCS, SCIP
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LOOKING FORWARD!
Vice Pres. Dean Leschak and Albuquerque's Chuck Lowery are participating in a task force to plan a 2015 Tri-Region Conference in San Diego. This will be an event held jointly with the West and Northwest Regions of CSI. Please contact Dean Leschak for additional information.
YOU COULD DO THIS!
Opportunity to bring out your creativity in promoting the mission of CSI in the great Southwest: Be part of the award winning Southwest Breezes team. Contact Dave Bishton to find out how you can help!
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Arizona City Builds Fast-Track Field of Dreams for Chicago Cubs
By Brian Bujdos
Spring training ballparks are great places to take in the national pastime in sunny Arizona. Until recently, these parks have been relatively straightforward to design and construct-most with seating for less than 10,000 fans.
But a new ballpark under construction in Mesa, Ariz., for the Chicago Cubs, is not only larger than other Arizona spring training facilities-with a 15,000-seat stadium, practice fields, locker rooms, offices and integration of a public park and lake-but it was built within a challenging fast-track schedule.
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SOUTHWEST BREEZES
Archive of past issues of
Southwest Breezes
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