Construction
Minneapolis Council to Decide on George Floyd Square's Construction
2024-12-05
The Minneapolis City Council is on the verge of a crucial decision as Thursday's vote approaches regarding whether to rebuild the streets surrounding George Floyd Square. This square holds significant historical and emotional value, as it was where city police took the life of George Floyd in 2020. The construction proposal drafted by city staff, based on community input, aims to rebuild the blocks of 38th Street South and Chicago Avenue that touch the intersection. The new roads will accommodate cars and buses while adding bike lanes, along with widened sidewalks, designated green spaces, and room for art and memorials.

Why Reimagine George Floyd Square?

Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Minneapolis operations officer, emphasizes the need to update the square's infrastructure. Feedback from some residents and business owners indicates a desire for change. "George Floyd Square needs to be re-envisioned … both to honor the memory of George Floyd and to really have the area that people live in be vibrant and also respectful of the events of the murder of George Floyd," she said.However, not everyone is in favor of the construction. Some residents push back, arguing that it will erase the community-run memorial and the ongoing chapter of protest history. Jeanelle Austin, executive director of Rise and Remember, highlights the significance of how people use the space. "George Floyd Square matters because of the way in which the people use the space, and the city is trying to systematically erase that," she said. She has collected thousands of items left by people, each carrying a piece of their love and heart.

Business Perspectives

Dwight Alexander, owner of Smoke in the Pit, a barbecue restaurant in the square, has noticed a slowdown in business since Floyd's murder. Old customers are unaware that the streets and businesses are open, and foot traffic has decreased. He hopes that new streets will attract more people and bring life back to the square. "We want the best for this neighborhood. We want to see the new development. Anytime you get something new in the city, everybody will come see it," he said.

Community Alternatives

Austin is part of a community group pushing for an alternative plan. They ask the city to give residents a year to come up with their own plan for road construction and street design. This alternative plan gained some traction in earlier council discussions. Council Member Jason Chavez agreed with protesters' calls to hold off on construction and invest in the neighborhood through housing or other local needs. "We're talking about tearing up a street without talking about the investments that 38th Street deserves and needs. I think there is a way to address the concerns that community members have," he said.

Long-Term Vision

Council member Andrea Jenkins has been advocating for more investment along the 38th Street corridor even before Floyd's death. She believes that road construction is a long-overdue need. "It's really important that we invest in this community to demonstrate that we do recognize the disinvestments that created the conditions that led to that murder, but also to lay a foundation so that we can create a place of social justice," she said at a council meeting last month.If the vote passes, city staff will draw up final plans, and construction is expected to start in the summer of 2025 and likely end in 2026. They will wait to break ground until after May 25, marking five years since Floyd's murder. If the proposal fails, construction will be delayed for at least a year, along with the later work on a memorial and the People's Way site.
US's West Henderson Hospital Construction Finishes on Schedule
2024-12-05
The General contractor SR Construction has achieved a remarkable feat by delivering the $230m seven-storey West Henderson Hospital project in Nevada on time and within budget. This facility, which broke ground in March 2022, is now set to welcome patients this month. Bret Loughridge, the president of SR Construction, emphasizes the significance of this project. He states, "Beyond bringing a much-needed hospital to the community, this $230m project was significant for multiple reasons. Our team was presented with a desired budget and a project completion deadline. The plans had yet to be completed. We used our unique process, The ‘SR Built’ Process, to provide the owner with certainty in time and budget. We worked collaboratively with the design teams and the owner to develop a project solution that would accommodate the desired goals and the hospital was ultimately completed on time, and approximately 4% under budget." With a focus on efficiency and collaboration, the project utilized The SR Built Process to ensure a smooth construction journey and adherence to timelines. This approach promoted unity among all team members and trade partners, who participated as equal contributors in an interactive environment.

Unique Features and Benefits of the Hospital

The newly completed West Henderson Hospital is equipped with an extensive range of medical services. It features an emergency room with 36 bays, providing immediate care for patients in critical situations. The cardiology services offered ensure comprehensive heart care, with state-of-the-art equipment and expert medical staff. The radiology lab is equipped with the latest technology, enabling accurate diagnoses. The pharmacy is well-stocked to meet the medication needs of patients. Inpatient dialysis facilities are available for those with kidney-related conditions. Additionally, the hospital is equipped with the latest Da Vinci V advanced robotic surgery system, which offers precise and minimally invasive surgical procedures.The hospital has been designed with future growth in mind. The master plan allows for the expansion of up to 450 beds, ensuring that it can meet the increasing healthcare demands of the community. The initial phase of the hospital features 150 inpatient beds, comprising 30 intensive care units and 120 surgical beds. This provides a solid foundation for the hospital's operations. The overarching design also accommodates the potential addition of further operating rooms and radiology spaces to meet the growing needs of the community.

Construction Process and Team Collaboration

The construction of the West Henderson Hospital was a collaborative effort that focused on efficiency. The SR Built Process was implemented to ensure a smooth construction journey and adherence to timelines. This approach promoted unity among all team members and trade partners, who worked together as equal contributors in an interactive environment. The team faced the challenge of having the plans completed while working within a desired budget and a tight project completion deadline. However, through effective communication and collaboration, they were able to overcome these challenges and deliver the project on time and within budget.The General contractor, SR Construction, played a crucial role in coordinating the various aspects of the construction project. Their expertise and experience in the construction industry ensured that the project was completed to the highest standards. The design teams and the owner also worked closely together, sharing their ideas and expertise to develop a project solution that would meet the desired goals. This collaborative approach not only ensured the successful completion of the project but also laid the foundation for future growth and development.

Medical Services and Patient Care

The medical services offered at the West Henderson Hospital are designed to provide comprehensive care to patients. The emergency room with 36 bays is staffed by a team of highly trained emergency medical professionals who are equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies. The cardiology services include advanced diagnostic tests and treatment options for heart diseases. The radiology lab uses the latest imaging technology to provide accurate diagnoses and monitor the progress of patients. The pharmacy ensures that patients receive the right medications at the right time. Inpatient dialysis facilities provide a comfortable and safe environment for patients undergoing dialysis treatment.The latest Da Vinci V advanced robotic surgery system at the hospital allows for minimally invasive surgeries, which result in faster recovery times and less pain for patients. The hospital's design also takes into account the comfort and well-being of patients. The waiting areas are spacious and comfortable, providing a relaxing environment for patients and their families. The rooms are equipped with modern amenities to ensure the comfort of patients during their stay.
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Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: The Budget Phone Winner Revealed
2024-12-05
When it comes to finding a low-cost midrange phone, the Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy A35 often find themselves in a heated battle. Both Google and Samsung are renowned Android device makers, and their midrange models offer a great balance between affordability and key features. Let's dive deep into the details and find out which phone comes out on top.

Uncover the Truth - Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35

Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Specs

The Pixel 8a starts at $499/£499/AU$849 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. It features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. On the other hand, the Galaxy A35 begins at $399/£399/AU$549 and comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. Its display is a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate. In terms of processors, the Pixel 8a uses the Tensor G3, while the Galaxy A35 has the Exynos 1380. The Pixel 8a also has a 4,492 mAh battery with 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging, while the Galaxy A35 boasts a 5,000 mAh battery with 25W wired charging. In terms of size, the Pixel 8a is 6 x 2.9 x 0.4 inches (152.4 x 73.7 x 10.1mm) and weighs 6.8 ounces (192 grams). The Galaxy A35 is 6.4 x 3.1 x 0.32 inches (161.7 x 78 x 8.2mm) and weighs 7.4 ounces (209 grams). It comes in colors like Navy, Lilac, Iceblue Lemon for the Galaxy A35 and Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe for the Pixel 8a.

When it comes to specs, both phones have their own strengths. The Pixel 8a's use of the same silicon as last year's flagships gives it some advantages in terms of AI features and photo processing. However, the Galaxy A35's larger battery and slightly larger display make it a tempting option for those who value those aspects.

Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Price

As mentioned earlier, the Pixel 8a starts at $499 with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. Upgrading to 256GB of storage raises the price to $559 for the Obsidian model. The Galaxy A35 costs $399 with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. There is no 256GB version available in the US. Cell phone deals can sometimes bring down the prices of both phones, but generally, the Galaxy A35 is cheaper.

Price is a significant factor for many consumers, and the Galaxy A35 definitely has an edge in this regard. However, it's important to consider the overall value and features offered by each phone.

Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Design

Although they are midrange phones, both the Galaxy A35 and Pixel 8a take design cues from their flagship counterparts. The Galaxy A35 has a descending row of rear camera lenses, while the Pixel 8a features a horizontal camera bar. In terms of aesthetics, it's a matter of personal preference. I personally prefer the look of the Pixel 8a, but the raised edge on the side of the Galaxy A35 that houses the power button and volume toggles is a nice touch. The glossy back of the Galaxy A35 is more prone to fingerprints and smudges compared to the matte back of the Pixel 8a. Both phones have an IP67 water and dust resistance rating and do not have a headphone jack. The Galaxy A35 is taller and wider due to its larger screen, which may not be preferred by those who like more compact phones. The Pixel 8a's more compact size gives it an edge in this regard.

Design is an important aspect of a phone, and both the Galaxy A35 and Pixel 8a have their own unique designs. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Display

The Galaxy A35 offers a larger 6.6-inch AMOLED panel compared to the Pixel 8a's 6.1-inch OLED screen. This extra screen space is handy for streaming videos and playing games. Both phones have a 120Hz refresh rate for more immersive scrolling. In terms of brightness, the Pixel 8a can get slightly brighter at 1,329 nits compared to the Galaxy A35's 1,317 nits. However, in outdoor sunlight, both screens are easily visible. In terms of color accuracy, the Galaxy A35 offers more colorful screens in both the sRGB and DCI-P3 color spectrums in its default settings. While the colors are equally accurate in the Natural setting, the Galaxy A35 still offers slightly more accurate colors.

The display is an important aspect of a phone, and both the Galaxy A35 and Pixel 8a have their own strengths. The larger screen of the Galaxy A35 is great for certain activities, while the Pixel 8a's slightly better brightness and color accuracy in some settings make it a worthy contender.

Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Cameras

Both phones have similar camera setups with a main and ultrawide lens on the back. The Pixel 8a has a 64MP main lens and a 13MP ultrawide camera, while the Galaxy A35 has a 50MP main lens and an 8MP ultrawide camera. The Pixel 8a also has a 13MP selfie camera, while the Galaxy A35 has a 13MP selfie camera as well. In a 200-photo face-off, the Pixel 8a came out on top. It handles dynamic range better and performs well in low light. The Galaxy A35 favors brighter colors but can sometimes be over-saturated. For example, in a shot of a Blue Hawaii cocktail, the Galaxy A35 showed off a glint of citrus juice better, but in other shots, the Pixel 8a's color balance was more consistent. In night shots, the Pixel 8a clearly outperformed the Galaxy A35, with more details emerging from the darkness. However, the Galaxy A35 has a better time with skin tones and presents a more true-to-life portrait.

The cameras on both phones have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Pixel 8a's overall performance in various lighting conditions is better, but the Galaxy A35 has its moments with certain types of shots.

Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Performance

In benchmark tests, the Pixel 8a with its Tensor G3 chip performed better than the Galaxy A35 with the Exynos 1380 chip. In Geekbench 6, the Pixel 8a scored 1,581 in single-core and 4,093 in multicore tests, which was 55% and 39% faster than the Galaxy A35 respectively. In 3DMark's Wild Life Unlimited graphics test, the Pixel 8a posted a 53.8 fps result compared to the Galaxy A35's 16.8 fps. When it comes to app switching and gaming, the Galaxy A35 performed seamlessly enough, but the Pixel 8a was undeniably faster. For example, when transcoding a video using Adobe Premiere Rush, the Pixel 8a needed 56 seconds while the Galaxy A35 took 1 minute and 9 seconds.

Performance is an important factor, and the Pixel 8a's Tensor-powered chip gives it an edge in this regard. However, the Galaxy A35 is still a capable phone and performs well in most situations.

Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Battery life and charging

The Galaxy A35 has a larger 5,000 mAh battery compared to the Pixel 8a's 4,492 mAh battery. However, in our battery test, the Pixel 8a lasted 11 hours and 22 minutes, which is a little bit longer than the Galaxy A35's 11 hours and 9 minutes. In terms of charging speed, the Galaxy A35 has a 25W wired charging speed compared to the Pixel 8a's 18W. Although there is not a huge difference, the Galaxy A35 does charge faster. One area where the Pixel 8a has an advantage is wireless charging. The Galaxy A35 does not support wireless charging, while the Pixel 8a does.

Battery life and charging are important considerations, and both phones have their own pros and cons. The Pixel 8a's slightly longer battery life and wireless charging capability give it an edge.

Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Software

The Galaxy A35 offers a few AI-powered features like Circle to Search, which allows you to circle or tap on a picture in any app and launch an online search. However, it doesn't compare to the depth of AI capabilities on the Pixel 8a. Due to the Tensor G3 chip, the Pixel 8a can do almost anything the previous year's Pixel 8 flagship could, including photo retouching features like Magic Editor and Best Take. It also supports productivity-boosting features like Live Translate and Call Assist. The Pixel 8a gets Android updates right away and can already run Android 15, while the Galaxy A35 is awaiting the One Ui 7 release. Google promises seven years of software and security updates to Pixel 8a owners, while Galaxy A35 owners get four years of software updates and an additional year of security support.

Software is an important aspect of a phone, and the Pixel 8a's extensive AI capabilities and timely software updates give it a significant advantage.

Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Verdict

Despite its higher price tag, the Pixel 8a clearly offers more value than the Galaxy A35. In most categories, the Pixel 8a is better - it captures better photos, offers more AI features, and promises more extensive software support. The Galaxy A35 may have a better screen, but it's not enough to overcome the Pixel 8a's other advantages. For those especially sensitive to price, the Galaxy A35 still delivers a lot for a smaller outlay. It has a bright, colorful screen, a durable design, better than average battery life, and more AI-powered features than expected. However, if you can afford the extra $100, the Pixel 8a more than justifies its higher price tag with its excellent camera performance and Tensor-powered features.

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