UC, Bechtel To Partner;
Lab Praised for Contract

On the day UC announced its intent to partner with Bechtel National to prepare a bid for the competition to manage Los Alamos, UC President Robert Dynes praised Berkeley Lab in a letter to employees. “It is your hard work, under the leadership of Director Steve Chu, which I believe the Department of Energy recognized in awarding UC continued management of LBNL. Thank you for your commitment to the work that E. O. Lawrence set us on a course to do some 60 years ago.” In the letter Dynes also discussed the goals of the partnership between UC and Bechtel. The full letter can be read here. For the UC press release announcing the Bechtel partnership, go here.

Discounts for Staff
At Water World USA

With summer just around the corner, Water World USA in Concord is offering Lab employees a day in the sun on May 28, 29, and 30, and June 18, 19, 25, and 26. For only $10, participants will receive a one-day pass with a free voucher for tube rental. Tickets will be on sale in the cafeteria lobby today from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, contact Anytra Henderson or the Employee Activities Association.

Sushi Specialist Visits
Cafeteria Tomorrow

A reminder that a professional sushi chef from Miyaki Foods will prepare made-to-order dishes in the cafeteria tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Prices will range, depending on selections. Come see how fresh sushi is made.

Outage Last Tuesday
Affected Bldgs. 937, 941

A PG&E outage in downtown Berkeley on Tuesday affected Lab buildings 937 and 941. The outage lasted for over four hours from approximately 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., plus an additional recovery period until 4 p.m. It affected part of Life Sciences, administration, financial services, the Help Desk and the Information Systems and Services (ISS) department in 937, which runs 50 servers used by various development and production services at the Lab. If you have any questions, call the Help Desk at X4357.

Bomb Pioneer
Pushed Peace
By Paula Schleis

Seaborg

Glenn Seaborg helped create the most destructive man-made force ever known, then spent a lifetime advocating its peaceful applications. He was a 28-year-old chemist when he isolated plutonium—the element that makes atomic bombs explode. Seaborg's find launched him on such a remarkable scientific and political odyssey, he would come to be recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the longest entry in Who's Who in America. Full story.

Ergonomics Specialist
At Lab Monday

Jerome Congleton, Texas A&M professor in the Occupational Environmental Health Program, and inventor of the Neutral Posture ergonomic chair, is visiting Berkeley Lab on Monday, May 16 to discuss the latest research findings in the field of ergonomics and their practical applications to minimize workplace injuries. The talk, which is titled, “New Findings in Office & Industrial Ergonomics,” will take place at 2 p.m. in the Building 66 Auditorium. For further information contact Jeffrey Chung (x5818). RSVP to Edith Perry (x7170) or [email protected].

DOE Seeks Feedback
On Gas Pricing

The Department of Energy has set up a special online “Gas Price Watch” reporting form, where consumers can input the cost of gasoline purchased in their local driving area. It is part of the department’s efforts to “make sure American families are not being price-gouged at the pump and being treated fairly.” The site also features links to a primer on gasoline price and frequently asked questions on gasoline consumption. Go here to access the form and links.