Program Helps Prep For
Toxic Threats, Attacks

Thatcher

A team of Lab researchers has developed an interactive computer program that building managers and owners can use to assess their vulnerability to — and prepare for — chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) weapons attacks or accidental toxic releases. The Building Vulnerability Assessment and Mitigation Program, available online here, provides advice on CBR responses for buildings. "Protecting buildings against CBR agents is an unfamiliar area for many building managers," says Tracy Thatcher, a scientist in Environmental Energy Technologies. "Building managers already face conflicting demands for increased occupant comfort, building safety, operating efficiency, and cost reduction." Full story.

Crunch Time For
FY 2005 Bills

As predicted by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Bill Young earlier this summer, many must-pass appropriations bills remain uncompleted with just two weeks until the new fiscal year. And they face many obstacles to passage. For instance, last week, Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Pete Domenici cancelled plans to mark up his DOE Office of Science funding bill, due to lack of money. In this case, there is a $750 million gap between what the House approved for the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository and the amount that the Bush Administration requested. Efforts to find a deal acceptable to the House, Senate, Bush Administration and the utility industry have failed. Full story.

In addition to being a Nobel prize-winning scientist, presidential advisor, and associate director of the Lab, Glenn Seaborg, who died in 1999, was an open space and hiking advocate. He was an East Bay Regional Park District board member, and made substantial contributions to the park system during his lifetime. To honor his work, Briones Regional Park will rename one of its hiking paths "Seaborg Trail." The dedication takes place on Saturday, Oct. 2 at 11 a.m., followed at noon by a one-hour hike along the trail. The entire Lab community is invited to attend the event, which takes place at the Bear Creek Staging Area. For more information, e-mail Brenda Montano.

Lab Tennis Tourney
Today, Tomorrow

Tennis buffs across the Hill are invited to attend the Berkeley Lab Tennis Club annual fall tournament, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., today and tomorrow. Players of all levels are welcome. The event takes place at the Hearst Courts, located on campus, near Bancroft Ave. and Bowditch St. For more information, e-mail Simon Clark.

Next Weight Watchers
Meeting Tomorrow

Those who missed last week's initial meeting can still join the Berkeley Lab Weight Watchers group by attending tomorrow's session at 1:15 p.m. in Building 26-109. Attendees will learn how the Weight Watchers system works and get to know others at the Lab who are learning to embrace a healthier lifestyle. For more information, call x5334.

'Today...' Delayed Monday

Due to technical difficulties, yesterday's issue of "Today at Berkeley Lab" was not distributed to the Laboratory community until mid-afternoon. The staff of "Today..." apologizes for the inconvenience.