What to Look For When
Buying Green Power

How do you buy power from renewable energy providers, make the case for its business benefits, or establish on-site renewable energy generation? A new document, incorporating technical advice from researchers at Berkeley Lab and other institutions, can show the way. The Guide to Purchasing Green Power is a joint product of four government agencies and nonprofit organizations, including the DOE. Berkeley Lab researchers in the Environmental Energy Technologies Division coordinated the preparation of the document. Full story.

Flu Vaccine Shortage
May Affect Lab

Berkeley Lab's traditional fall flu shot clinics may be affected by the recent announcement of vaccine shortages in the United States. Individuals over 65 years old or with a chronic illness are advised to contact their personal physician for vaccination. Health Services will issue an update in "Today at Berkeley Lab" when more is known about our on-site flu clinics.

Laser Accidents
On Rise Within DOE

A recent rash of laser accidents within the Department of Energy indicate that such occurrences are on the rise. Incidents in research labs at UC Berkeley, Brookhaven, Los Alamos and Argonne have all resulted in eye injuries. The consequences of the last three have been stand-downs of laser use. The incident at Los Alamos even resulted in severe disciplinary actions. Injury could have been avoided in all these instances if the victims had been wearing their protective laser goggles. Berkeley Lab has clarified its laser protective eyewear policy - high-power class IIIb and class IV laser beams are to be enclosed, and goggles are required whenever it is necessary to use unenclosed beams. Laser users can register online here for the Lab's monthly Laser Safety class - EHS 280. Lab Laser Safety Officer Ted de Castro can provide details of the above incidents.

Lace up those tennis shoes, throw on your lucky t-shirt, slather on some sunscreen, grab a friend and head on down to the Firehouse at noon tomorrow to participate in one of the Lab's longest-running and most beloved events: the annual Runaround. While most prefer traditional jogging or walking attire, participants are encouraged to get a little wild and crazy by dressing up in costume. And when the hard work is done, racers can enjoy refreshments and entertainment in the cafeteria parking lot and lawn. Go here for more information.

Women, Science Focus
Of Upcoming Forum

The Lab will be hosting the 2004 Laboratory Women's Forum on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 26 and 27. The forum will focus on "New Directions: Women of Influence in the National Laboratories." The event targets the issues facing women in science and technology. Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher, Lab Director Steven Chu, and Dick Nolan, DOE Berkeley Site Office manager, are among the scheduled speakers. University of California representatives, including President Robert Dynes and Vice Presidents Bruce Darling and MRC Greenwood are among the guests scheduled to attend. Interested employees can go here to download a pre-registration screening form. Seating is limited.  Go here for more information on the event.

'Friends' Lecture Series
Begins This Month

Celata

The Lab's "Friends of Science" organization (managed by the Office of Community Relations) is once again hosting a series of lectures by prominent scientists at the Lab. The lectures offer a chance for members of the general public to hear more about the research that takes place here. Lab employees are also encouraged to attend. The first lecture (Monday, Oct. 25) features Christine Celata, with the Accelerator and Fusion Research Division. She'll discuss "Fusion as an Alternative Energy Source" at 5:30 p.m. in Perseverance Hall. Reservations are required. Go here to save a spot.