Harnessing Wind
Energy in Eritrea

Van Buskirk

At the southern tip of the Red Sea, a constriction formed between two mountain ranges funnels wind onto the shores of Eritrea, a small African nation between the sea and Ethiopia. The country has endured its share of hardships over the years, having won its independence from Ethiopia in 1991 after decades of struggle. But it can count among its blessings that relentless breeze. Earlier this summer, Robert Van Buskirk, with Berkeley Lab's Environmental Energy Technology Division, helped the nation embark on a $3.8 million pilot project to determine whether a large portion of its energy can be derived from wind-powered turbines. Full story.

Lab, QB3 Establish Data
Management Core

Markowitz

To help researchers turn the growing mountains of biological data into scientific knowledge, the California Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Research (QB3) and Berkeley Lab have agreed to turn the Lab's Biological Data Management and Technology Center into a joint Biological Data Management Core Facility. The main goal of the core facility will be to provide data management support for academic groups affiliated with QB3 and Berkeley Lab and help these groups to share data management experience, expertise, and technology. The new facility will be led by Victor Markowitz, of the Lab's Computational Research Division. Full story.

Representative Needed
For UC Staff Assembly

A Berkeley Lab representative is needed to fill a position on the Council of UC Staff Assemblies, or CUCSA. Delegates provide a local perspective on matters of importance to UC employees, and present information on pertinent issues to the UC Board of Regents. Delegates serve a two-year term. Candidates must have five years of experience as UC employees, a satisfactory performance record, and work full-time in a non-represented position. Go here for more information on applying for this position. The deadline is Monday, Aug. 15.

Talk, Demo Reveals
Secrets of Special Effects

Hollywood special effects coordinator Steve Wolf will explain how mechanics, kinetics, heat, electronics, optics, chemistry, engineering, math, and computers are used to create stunts and special effects for movies and television during a talk and demonstration tonight. The event takes place at the Lawrence Hall of Science at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and employees are encouraged to bring their children. Wolf's visit is sponsored by the Physics Division in conjunction with the "World Year of Physics." Go here for more information.

New On-Site Dental
Service Debuts

The Lab's Health Care Facilitator Program has announced the establishment of an onsite dental service for employees, students, and guests, starting Wednesday, Aug. 31. A full range of general and cosmetic services will be provided in this mobile trailer, which will be located near the ATM machine in the cafeteria parking lot during visits. Major PPO insurance plans, including UC's Delta Dental DPO (not PMI), will be accepted. A 15 percent discount will be offered for those without insurance. A representative from Onsite Dental will be in the cafeteria lobby from noon to 1 p.m. to answer questions and book appointments. For more information, call 650-759-6087 or visit their website.

Correction: New
Security at Bldg. 939

Yesterday's edition of Today at Berkeley Lab listed the incorrect building number in reference to heightened security measures for visitors. The new measures are in place at Building 939, the Power Bar Building in downtown Berkeley, located at Center and Shattuck Ave.