Today at Berkeley Lab: May 22, 2006

Monday, May 22, 2006

Today

11 a.m.
Environmental Energy Technologies
The 2010 Shanghai World Expo: The Challenge for Distributed Energy
Weijun Gao, Xi'an Jiaotong U.
Bldg. 90-4133

Noon
Environmental Energy Technologies
A Brief Introduction to Combined Cooling Heating and Power in China
Jianghua Feng, Beijing Energy-Net DE Ltd.
Bldg. 90-4133

Tomorrow

8:30 to 10:15 a.m.
Human Resources
New Employee Orientation
Bldg. 50 Auditorium

9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
EHS
Onsite Chair Massages
Bldg. 26-115

2 p.m.
Advanced Light Source
Magnetic Multilayers on Nanoparticles
M. Albrecht, U. of Konstanz
Bldg. 6-2202

4 p.m.
Life Sciences
Biosciences Distinguished Lecture: Exploring and Exploiting the Diversity of the Microbial University
Claire Fraser, Institute for Genomic Research
Bldg. 66 Auditorium

Morning Editions: Salsa and Sour Cream Omelet with Hash Browns and Toast
Tomorrow's Breakfast: Strawberry Pancakes with 2 Eggs and Bacon
Market Carvery: Vegetable Curry over Rice
The Fresh Grille: Chicken Parmesan Sandwich with Fries
Menutainment: Chicken Teriyaki over Rice

B'fast:	6:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Lunch:	11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Full menu

Filtration Membrane
May Help Desalinization
By Betsy Mason





Grigoropoulos

Microscopic tubes made of carbon could provide a cheaper way to remove salt from seawater and to separate carbon dioxide from power plant emissions — one small step toward curbing global warming. Scientists from Lawrence Livermore and Berkeley Labs — including Costas Grigoropoulos with Environmental Energy Technologies — have created a filtration membrane smaller than a quarter riddled with a billion tiny tubes that are 50,000 times thinner than a human hair. These nanotubes are special molecules made up of carbon atoms in the shape of a hollow tube. Water and other liquids can flow through them while larger molecules such as salt are blocked. Full story.

No Action Taken
On Retirement Plan

Citing the need for more consultation and analysis, as well as the University of California budget process, the UC Regents took no action on a specific schedule to reinstate contributions to the UC Retirement Plan at their meeting last Thursday. The regents continued to review information on how best to ensure the long-term financial health of the retirement plan (UCRP) and heard a presentation by Mercer Human Resource Consulting, which updated projections of the UCRP funded status to take into account investment performance through March 31, 2006, and refinements to the impact of catch-up pay increases in future years. The presentation can be viewed here. The regents at a future meeting will hear specific recommendations as to when contributions will be restarted and how costs will be divided between the university and employees. Visit "The Future of the UC Retirement Plan" website for updates.

Reminder About Rules
For Government Cars

Employees who drive government cars should be aware of the guidelines that govern the operation of these vehicles. For example, drivers are not supposed to use cell phones, transport strangers, or smoke while operating a government-issue vehicle. The guidelines are mandated by the Department of Energy's Personal Property Management Program. Go here for a complete list of guidelines.

Staff Discount Tickets
For Cal Shakes Plays

The California Shakespeare Theater is offering discount ticket prices to Berkeley Lab employees, with special rates for those under the age of 30. Performances are held from May to October at an outdoor theater in Orinda. Call 548-9666 to purchase, using "LBL" as the promotional code (purchase cannot be made online). Go here for performance schedules. For more information, contact Mara Jeffress.

WEATHER

30% chance of rain.
High: 68° (20° C)

Extended Forecast

SECURITY CONDITION

SECON level 3

More Information

INFO