Invent a New Particle
For Symmetry Magazine

Berkeley Lab employees are invited to join a fun contest to invent a new particle. The contest is being hosted by Symmetry Magazine, which is jointly published by the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center and Fermilab. The contest is inspired by cartoons drawn by Roz Chast for the cover of the next issue of Symmetry. Contestants should describe what their "particle" does in 30 words or less, and are encouraged to submit a drawing, though it is not mandatory. Send entries here, with subject line "Contest." The winner will receive a copy of Symmetry autographed by Chast and a place of honor in an upcoming issue.

Continuous Evaluation Improves Modeling

McKone

Although the computer-model results behind many U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations will always be constrained by computational limitations, assumptions, and data gaps, models can be improved through continuous evaluation, says a new National Research Council report. Peer review should be considered at each stage of a model's life, uncertainties communicated clearly, and access to information about the models should be ensured , the report adds. The report was co-authored by Thomas McKone of Berkeley Lab's Environmental Energy Technologies Division.Go here to read the report.

Issues Management
Courses Offered

The Office of Contract Assurance at Berkeley Lab is developing an Issues Management Program (IMP). IMP will enhance the identification, documentation, and management of program and performance deficiencies and their respective corrective actions to help Berkeley Lab meet the missions and goals set forth by the Department of Energy. The Berkeley Lab Institute is offering an IMP training courses on Lessons Learned and Best Practices (BLI 2003). The course will be held in Building 70A-3377 next Tuesday, from 10 to 11 a.m., and Thursday, from 3 to 4 p.m. Go here to enroll.

Discounts on Amusement Park, Football Tickets

Discount tickets are available for Universal Studios, Waterworld and Discovery Kingdom, as well as SaberCats arena football playoff games. Upper sideline tickets for the SaberCats are only $5, while lower-level seats are $13. To purchase amusement park tickets, contact Valerie Espinoza-Ross. For SaberCats tickets, call (408) 573-5577 and mention your Berkeley Lab affiliation.

Detour to Lab Entrance
Via Hearst On Monday

Employees who use the Lab's Blackberry Gate entrance should be aware that a portion of Hearst Ave., between Gayley Road and Highland St., will be closed from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday. Drivers and buses in this area will access Cyclotron Road via Highland St. Hearst Ave. may also be restricted to one-way traffic for some periods on June 30 and July 1. Contact Laura Chen with questions.

Heat Watch Warning
System Launched

The National Weather Service has announced the implementation of a new Heat/Health Watch Warning System in the cities of San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, as well as surrounding communities, including Alameda, Berkeley, Richmond, and El Cerrito. They join 18 other metropolitan areas in the United States using this system as guidance for issuing excessive heat watches, excessive heat warnings and heat advisories. Full story.