Lab Hits Big Time:
A 'Jeopardy' Question

Lawrence

Thanks to sharp-eyed employee Michelle Flynn of the Directorate, Berkeley Lab's place in game-show lore is now established. The popular TV program "Jeopardy" gave this "answer" to its three contestants on the Feb. 26 program, to which they were required to pose a question — "the first director of the Radiation Lab at Berkeley, his name will live forevermore on an element." None of the participants knew the "question," which would have been worth $2,000. One player guessed, "Who is Fermi?" Host Alex Trebek had to reveal the obvious — Who is Ernest Orlando Lawrence? Go here to see the archived questions for that episode (scroll to "Double Jeopardy Round," look under "Tough Science" category).

Helios Lecture Series
Begins Tonight at Rep

Lab Director Steve Chu will kickoff the Helios lecture series at the Berkeley Rep with his 5:30 p.m. talk tonight on "The Energy Problem: What the Helios Project Can Do About It." Associate Lab Director Paul Alivisatos will speak on "Nanoscience at Work: Creating Energy From Sunlight" on May 14, and Jay Keasling, Physical Biosciences Division director, will talk about "Renewable Energy From Synthetic Biology" on June 4, same time and location. Admission is free.

Hi-Performance Computing Workshop on Campus

Researchers who want to learn more about the latest in high performance computing (HPC), are invited to attend a campus-hosted HPC workshop on Wednesday in 60 Barrows Hall from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hosted by Dell, the workshop highlights AMD and Intel processor technology, high speed interconnect, hardware, compliers and development software, and tips for programming in a parallel environment. To register, e-mail UC Berkeley’s Ann Dobson. For details, go here.

On the occasion of the 2007 Administrative Professionals Week, and on behalf of the entire Lab community, I would like to extend a formal “thank you” to the staff for whom this annual tribute was established in 1952. I consider the many women and men who support our science and our operations – administrative assistants, office coordinators, administrative specialists, executive assistants, and office managers – to be one of the cornerstones of our enterprise.

This week appropriately calls attention to the value and contributions of administrative professionals in the workplace and reminds us of the importance of giving them our respect and appreciation throughout the year. The theme for this year’s international celebration is “Shaping the Future,” and in the spirit of that theme, I would like to encourage all Laboratory supervisors and managers to work with your administrative professionals in identifying opportunities for their professional development and training. It is the most meaningful way that we can recognize their value to our organization.

Biofuels Rating Would Aid Consumers, Market

The debate over whether biofuels like ethanol are better for the environment than fossil fuels has left many consumers confused and unsure where to fill their gas tanks. Much of this confusion could be eliminated with a biofuels rating system that would reflect the positive or negative environmental impacts of a particular fuel, according to UC Berkeley researchers. Full story.

Skin Safety Info Tomorrow, Screening at Lab in May

The Lab's Health Services department will conduct a free skin cancer screening on Wednesday May 9, from 8 a.m. to noon in Building 26. Participants who bring in their favorite sun hats for evaluation will receive a prize. Call x6266 to book an appointment. Health Services staff be in the cafeteria tomorrow and on Tuesday, May 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. to hand out samples of sun screen and information on skin protection.