Governor, D.C. Delegates
Praise UC-Lab Contract

Yesterday's announcement that the Department of Energy awarded the Berkeley Lab management contract to the University of California for another five years brought congratulations and support from California Governor Schwarzenegger, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, and Congressional Representative Barbara Lee (D-Oakland). The Governor called it "a great victory for the people of California and the University of California." Feinstein characterized the DOE-UC partnership as "among the most successful government-scientific collaborations in our country's history." And Lee called Berkeley Lab "an integral part of the economic and scientific well-being of California and the nation." The statements can be read in their entirety here.

Celebrate! New Contract
Reception on May 17

To honor the awarding of a new five-year management contract for Berkeley Lab to the University of California, Director Steve Chu will host an all-hands celebration on Tuesday, May 17, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria. Refreshments will be served.

Limited Cafeteria
Parking on Thursday

Because of the Environmental Fair taking place on Thursday, all the spaces in the cafeteria parking lot will be unavailable until after the event, which ends at 2 p.m. Those who normally use this lot should seek spaces in other lots, or use alternative transportation to reach the Lab. Go here to view the schedule of the Lab's shuttle service.

Clarification on Fume
Hood Energy Savings

Questions have arisen from the article on energy conservation measures and laboratory fume hoods that appeared in Monday's edition of TABL. While lowering the sash position on a fume hood will reduce energy use, closing it completely can shut off all flow through the hood creating a health and safety hazard. To save energy yet maintain air flow through the hood, users should maintain at least a six inch opening at the bottom of the sash when it is not in use. Other exhaust fan devices used to control hazardous materials should not be turned off without prior consultation with your EHS Liaison.

New Twist in Wrangle
Over Physical Constant
By Maggie McKee

A new study of distant galaxies — conducted by Berkeley Lab guest cosmologist Jeffrey Newman — is adding a fresh perspective to the debate over whether a fundamental physical constant has actually changed over time. The work suggests the number has not varied in the last 7 billion years, but more observations are still needed to settle the issue. The controversy centers on the fine-structure constant, also called alpha, which governs how electrons and light interact. Alpha is an amalgam of other constants, including the speed of light. Full story.

Meal Deal, Mugs, Cups
Available at Eco-Fair

The Lab's 50th anniversary mugs will be handed out free at the Earth Fair.

Attendees at tomorrow's Environmental Fair on the Cafeteria lawn will find loads of energy-saving tips and ecology practices from Berkeley Lab experts, plus some special deals on food, drink and clothing. The Cafeteria catering staff has put together a special barbecue lunch package that includes a hamburger or hot dog, chips, beverage, and a cookie for $3.99 per person. They will also sell refillable Berkeley Lab drink mugs for $1.50, a 50 percent savings and an environmentally friendly alternative to paper cups. The Lab Store will have clothing items on sale for 30 percent off. And the Public Affairs Office will be handing out (free) ceramic cups that were produced to celebrate the Lab's 50th anniversary in 1981 — limited edition collector's items. The Fair will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday.

Lab to Host August
Computing Workshop

Researchers interested in learning about proven tools for improving high-performance computing are invited to attend a four-day workshop introducing the DOE Advanced CompuTational Software (ACTS) Collection. The workshop will provide hands-on instruction in building robust scientific and engineering high-end computing applications. The workshop will be held August 23-26 at the Lab. Go here for more information.