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A polymer network fractures by breaking covalent bonds, but the experimentally measured strength of the polymer network is orders of magnitude lower than the strength of covalent bonds. We investigate the effect of statistical variation of the number of links in polymer chains on strength using a parallel chain model. Each polymer chain is represented by a freely-jointed chain, with a characteristic J-shaped force–extension curve. The chain carries entropic forces for most of the extension and carries covalent forces only for a narrow range of extension. The entropic forces are orders of magnitude lower than the covalent forces. Chains with a statistical distribution of the number of links per chain are pulled between two rigid parallel plates. Chains with fewer links attain covalent forces and rupture at smaller extensions, while chains with more links still carry entropic forces. We compute the applied force on the rigid plates as a function of extension and define the strength of the parallel chain model by the maximum force divided by the total number of chains. With the J-shaped force–extension curve of each chain, even a small scatter in the number of links per chain greatly reduces the strength of the parallel chain model. We further show that the strength of the parallel chain model relates to the scatter in the number of links per chain according to a power law.

Comments on Wisconsin State Representative Pedro Colon's allegation of political apathy against the Hispanic American community in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Colon's attack against the integrity of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin.

Responds to criticisms made by the Madison, Wisconsin-based Citizens Utility Board and Madison Gas & Electric against the Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based Wisconsin Electric Power Co. (WEPCO). Amount invested by WEPCO in Wisconsin in the ten years prior to 1999; Contributions made by WEPCO to local civic projects.

Presents pro and con arguments concerning the proposed building of a stadium for the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team in Wisconsin. Features of the financing package for the proposal; Importance of the Brewers to the city; Benefits of the plan.