2 DAYS UNTIL RUNAROUND — FRIDAY, OCT. 10
In The News: Video of ABC 7 News Stories on Lab Energy Research
In advance of a special one-hour broadcast called Energy Innovation — which aired last night after the presidential debate — ABC 7 News on Monday televised interviews with Jay Keasling and Blake Simmons about the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), and Paul Alivsatos (right) about Helios. Watch the JBEI story here, and the Helios story here.
In The News: Economist Hosts Online Debate on Global Water Crisis
The Economist launched an online debate series on the global water crisis on Sept. 30, under the proposition “This house believes that water, as a scarce resource, should be priced according to its market value.” Berkeley Lab’s Ashok Gadgil will serve as a guest participant during debate proceedings tomorrow. The debate winner will be selected on Friday. Go here to access the debate.
Research: Mysterious Object Flares Brightly Then Fades Away
Humans have been stargazing for thousands of years but the surprises keep coming. Berkeley Lab astrophysicists — including Saul Perlmutter (far right) and Kyle Barbary — observed a mysterious object that grew increasingly bright for about 100 days then faded away to nothing over the next 100 days. Astronomers have never reported anything like it before and still don’t know what it was. More>
Correction: Bus Schedule During Runaround
On Friday, there will be not onsite Green bus between 11:40 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Blue bus will run from BART to Building 65 during that time, and the Orange bus will run from BART to 74/83 between 11:38 a.m. and 1:13 p.m. The regular schedule will resume when the roads open after the race.
Special Event: Laser Safety Vendor Fair Today in Perseverance Hall
The Lab’s Environment, Health and Safety group is hosting a laser safety vendor fair today in Perseverance Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Staff who use lasers are invited to stop by and check out eyewear and other safety products, as well as laser simulations. Vendors on hand include Thor Labs, Quantronix Lasers, Sperian, and NOIR Eyewear.
Employee Activities: Feldenkrais Classes at Noon on Wednesdays
The Lab’s Employee Activities Association is sponsoring Awareness Through Movement Feldenkrais classes. Feldenkrais is a verbally directed, precisely structured movement exploration that involves thinking, sensing, moving, and imagining. The lessons attempt to make one aware of their habitual neuromuscular patterns and rigidities and to expand options for new ways of moving while increasing sensitivity and improving efficiency. The classes are free and meet every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. in Building 90-3122. For more information, contact Erika Gasperikova (x4930). More>
Policy: Reminder on Outside Business Activities
When is it permissible to engage in outside business activities? Berkeley Lab’s conflict-of-interest policies provide Laboratory employees with guidelines for participating in outside business opportunities, and apply to all employees, including faculty members, who perform work under the UC/DOE Contract, including work for others, regardless of the percent time employed. Laboratory employees are responsible for familiarizing themselves with Laboratory conflict-of-interest policies. Go here to read the entire policy reminder on outside business activities.