Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2005

Los Alamos community blood drive is this week

United Blood Services is hosting a community blood drive beginning today through Friday in the Parish Hall of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3700 Canyon Road.

Blood donations can be given from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 6 p.m., today, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.

No blood will be drawn between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. today because of the Ash Wednesday services at the church.

T-shirts will be given to blood donors.

To make an appointment before the drive begins, go to http://www.unitedbloodservices.org online (sponsor code is Los Alamos).

Employees who volunteer without compensation as blood donors during Laboratory-approved blood drives are excused from work with pay for the time necessary to accomplish this purpose. Time off for the blood donation must not exceed four hours. For accounting purposes, absences for blood donation are reported in quarter-hour increments for nonexempt employees and one-hour increments for exempt employees. The code for blood donation is "BD."

For more information, contact Sharon Hurdle at 672-3779 or Louise Hassman at 662-8923.

Updated 2/9/05

Former CIA officer speaks Thursday at Lab

Former CIA Counterintelligence Chief Paul Redmond is at Los Alamos Thursday to give a secret talk about the Aldrich Ames and Robert Hanssen cases. The briefing is classified at the secret level; only L and Q cleared employees are permitted.

The talk is at 9 a.m., in the Administration Building Auditorium at Technical Area 3.

The underlying theme of Redmond's talk is that no national security institution is immune from penetration.

Redmond is the person who caught Aldrich Ames and was the chief of the Robert Hanssen damage assessment.

The talk is hosted by the Lab's Internal Security (ISEC) Office.

Updated 2/8/05

Tarantino State of the Directorate talk postponed

The talk by Fred Tarantino, principal associate director of the Nuclear Weapons Program (PADNWP), has been postponed. The talk was scheduled for today.

Updated 2/9/05

Volunteer opportunities

1. Cimarron High School's Career Exploration class is having a career week and needs individuals to come in and educate students on their careers. They are focusing on a career cluster that is working with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and are requesting that interested volunteers visit the school and give students a presentation on their careers. Included in the presentation: what training or education it required to obtain your degree; how much people in the same field make money wise; actually what all your jobs consist of everyday; and a demonstration or hands on activity for students. This career cluster will be presenting from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 24. If interested, contact Kayleigh Braunlich at (505) 376-2241 or write to kbraunlich9@cimarronschools.org by electronic mail.
2. The 2005 New Mexico Regional Science Bowl is scheduled for March 5 at the Albuquerque Academy. This year they expect 50-60 teams from 20-25 schools. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided. For more information, contact Ted Wolff of Sandia National Laboratories at (505) 284-5204 or write to tawolff@sandia.gov by electronic mail.
3. Daffodils for Hospice 2005 - supporting the hospice programs of Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service and Los Rios Home Health Care (Española). LAVNS needs volunteers to help deliver fresh cut daffodils from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., March 11 (all shifts available). If interested in volunteering, contact Debbie Weber at 662-2525.
4. The Board of Directors of the YDI Foundation voted to hold a Northern New Mexico Business Community Fundraising lunch or dinner to raise funds to support YDI's Northern New Mexico Programs. This fundraiser is to be held in Española, in late May or early June. In addition to being a fundraiser, this event is intended to educate Northern New Mexico Businesses about the tremendous services YDI provides within their community. Volunteers interested in helping with the coordination and planning of this event should contact Michelle Luna of the YDI Foundation at 242-7306 ext. 18 or write to mluna@ydinm.org by electronic mail.

Employees participating in science and/or math outreach activities may be eligible for Community Service time (paid leave, up to 32 hours per calendar year). For more details and procedures for application (before volunteering), go to http://www-stb-internal.lanl.gov:8080/wosaserver/form?app=comServ online.

The Laboratory Volunteer Program is a Laboratory-approved community relations and support activity. For more information, contact Debbi Wersonick at 7-7870.

Updated 2/8/05

Research Library hosting input session today

The Research Library (STB-RL) is seeking comment on the alignment of its products and services with customer needs in a manner that supports scientists in productively conducting their research at the Laboratory.

The STB-RL external advisory comments is hosting an input session at 8:15 this morning in the Cochiti Room on the second floor of the J. Robert Oppenheimer Study Center at Technical Area 3.

Mike Keller, university librarian, director of Academic Information Resources, and publisher of Highwire Press at Stanford University, will chair the session.

Lab staff not able to attend the input session can send comments to Keller at makeller@stanford.edu by electronic mail.

For more information, go to http://library.lanl.gov/mt/pages/news/archives/000108.html online, or contact Rebecca Johnson of STB-RL at 7-3597 or rebecca_j@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

Updated 2/9/05

Bodman talk rebroadcast on LABNET Channel 10

LABNET Channel 10 plans to rebroadcast the talk by new Department of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman.

Bodman spoke to DOE employees last Thursday and the talk was shown live on LABNET Channel 10.

Check the LABNET Channel 10 schedule for rebroadcast times of the 28-minute talk.

To read a transcript of Bodman's remarks, click here (Adobe Acrobat Reader required).

Updated 2/8/05

Weather delays Trinity Drive drainage project

The recent rain and snow has brought much-needed moisture to Los Alamos, but it has caused some delays in completing a drainage improvement project on Trinity Drive.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation is now looking at completing the project later this month. The state agency is replacing three drainage drop inlets on Trinity Drive in front of the Mountain Village complex. The drop inlets have been installed on the westbound lanes of Trinity Drive; work has now moved to the eastbound lanes.

Dry conditions are needed to complete some of the final portions of the project, according to Miguel Gabaldon of the Department of Transportation.

Motorists may wish to seek alternate routes, especially during the noon hour and evening commute. Signs and other traffic control devices will be in place alerting motorists to the work. Signs and other traffic control devices are in place alerting motorists to the work.

For more information, contact Gabaldon at 827-9527 or see the Jan. 13 Daily Newsbulletin.

Updated 2/4/05

Cookie sales

Many Laboratory personnel have children or friends in schools or organizations that sell cookies, candy or other low-cost items as fund-raisers. Low-key, local participation (within a co-located team or group) in charitable events or school fund-raisers is permissible at the Laboratory during work hours as part of the social fabric of our workplace. However, selling commercial products (such as cosmetics or candles) is not allowed (see AM 701.03, Government Resources).

Here are some common-sense guidelines to assist employees:

• Informally taking orders from co-workers for Girl Scout cookies or school candy is permissible.
• Setting up a table at the Otowi Building Cafeteria to sell Cub Scout popcorn is not permissible.
• Setting up a tray or booth at an employee's desk to sell candy in support of a sports team is not permissible.
• Soliciting donations or selling club candy in a reception area or an area typically frequented by employees or guests from outside the co-located group is not permissible.
• Systematically "working" an office building or organization by asking every resident to purchase school or club items is not considered "low-key," and thus is not permissible.
• Spending substantial amounts of office time on informally soliciting cookie sales is not "incidental," thus is not permissible.
• Selling raffle tickets is not permitted under AM 705, Gambling.
• Managers or others in a position of authority must refrain from any fund-raising activity that might present the appearance of coercion.

Lab employees who have concerns about the propriety of any internal solicitation should contact either their manager or Staff Relations (HR-SR) at 7-8730.

Updated 2/3/05

Records managment classes

• The Point of Contacts mandatory training has been scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m., Feb. 16, at Canyon School, Room 164. This session is for those POCs who have not taken the prior POC training. The two POC classes offered last year have been combined into one. This class will concentrate on the POC responsibilities as listed in LIR 308-00-02.0, Laboratory Records Management and also will expand into some records management topics. This class is a mandatory requirement for all POCs. The session will provide interested employees with the basic tools needed to continue to implement this LIR and answers to questions regarding its requirements.
• In response to the issuance of LIR-308-00-02.0, Laboratory Records Management, the Information and Records Management Group is offering a half day course on Basic Records and Information Management from 1 to 5 p.m., Feb. 25. The course will be held at Canyon School, Room 164. Other course dates will be scheduled as needed.This course will be presented in four short modules: Overview of Records Management and What is a Record; Records Management Drivers; What Are Retention Schedules; and Records Disposition--Transfer and Destruction. The course will provide interested employees with the basic tools needed to continue to implement this LIR and to answer questions regarding its requirements. Certificates will be awarded to those who complete the course.

There is no cost for this session and registration should be done through Virtual Training on the Lab's homepage. For more information regarding this session, contact Dolores Salazar at dolores@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

Updated 2/3/05

Wellness Center class

A Craving for Chocolate! This annual class - just in time for Valentine's Day - will explore the lore and allure of chocolate, health claims for cocoa, and tips for recognizing and dealing with food cravings. Includes a food tasting. 12:05 to 12:50 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11, Wellness Center Room 106.

Health promotion classes are open to the entire Laboratory work force. Register at http://www.wellness.lanl.gov/svc/classes/hp/hp_sch.htm online or call 7-7166.

Updated 2/3/05

Lab has new telephone exchange

The Laboratory now has 606 telephone exchanges to go with its 664, 665 and 667 numbers.

Like its other numbers, Laboratory employees only have to dial the last five digits when calling a 606 number from inside the Lab. For example, when responding to a page from 606-0055, dial 6-0055.

Updated 2/1/05

Skolnik training classes

Skolnik Technical Training Institute will host the following classes:

• “IPC-A-610 Re-Certification” class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., February 14 - 15, at Skolnik's soldering training facility in Albuquerque, and a two-day “IPC/EIA J-STD-001 Re-Certification” class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 16 - 17, at Skolnik's soldering training facility in Albuquerque. The tuition fee for the “IPC-A-610 Re-Certification” class is $599, and for the “IPC/EIA J-STD-001 Re-Certification” class is $799.
• "Basics of Electricity (DC Circuits)" training class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 15 - 17, at the Howard Johnson Conference Center in Albuquerque. The seminar is designed for technicians, assemblers, engineers, managers and anyone who would like to learn about electricity and electrical components. The training tuition is $1,150.
• "Solder, Hands-On" training class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 23 - 24, at Skolnik Solder Training Center in Albuquerque. This class is designed for anyone who would like to learn how to solder or to obtain a refresher in soldering. The tuition fee is $699.
• “Special Four-Day Advanced Electronics” training class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 1 - 4, at the Howard Johnson Conference Center in Albuquerque. This training class is designed for engineers, technicians, managers and anyone who would like to learn about the realistic, practical, real-world industrial applications of electronic components and circuits that were not taught in school. They will discuss and study in depth the different electronic components and their complete, detailed operations and applications. The tuition is $1,999. 
• "Enhanced IPC-A-610 CERTIFICATION, Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies": a four-day "IPC-A-610 Certification" training class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 1 - 4, at Skolnik’s soldering training facility in Albuquerque. This IPC-A-610 class is designed to provide soldering certification to assemblers, technicians and/or engineers, for end-product acceptance criteria of high reliability electronic assemblies. The tuition is $945.
• IPC/EIA J-STD-001 CERTIFICATION, Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies": a five-day "IPC/EIA J-STD-001 Certification" training class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 7 - 11, at Skolnik’s soldering training facility in Albuquerque. This IPC/EIA J-STD-001 class is designed to provide soldering certification to assemblers, technicians and/or engineers, for end-product acceptance criteria of high reliability electronic assemblies. The tuition is $1,149.
• “Introduction to RF” and “Advanced General RF & µWave Measurement, Theory and Practice” training classes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 7 - 11, at the Howard Johnson Conference Center in Albuquerque. The “RF, Introduction” class (March 7 and 8) will cover the theory and practical aspects of RF components, design, test and measurement, whereas the “Advanced RF” class (March 9 - 11) is designed to provide the practical RF design and troubleshooting skills for engineers and technicians. The fee for the “RF, Introduction” class is $1,150 and is $1,599 for the “RF, Advanced” class.
• If interested in utilizing external auditors in the ESD audit procedures to ensure an unbiased report, Skolnik Technical has the expertise to assist with this process. The audit will be performed by a qualified Electrostatic Discharge Control consultant, certified by the National Association of Radio and Telecommunications Engineers, Inc., with vast experience and knowledge in electrostatic discharge and technical excellence in training, know-how and job performance. Skolnik will verify all facets of the program to ensure that they are in compliance with defined company procedures and will record and report all discrepancies related to the ESD control program. Upon audit completion, Skolnik will compile and review the report with the organization and recommend the appropriate corrective suggestions. Our goal is to effectively help you to continually improve, manage, and sustain a well-organized and successful ESD Control Program.

For more information, go to http://www.skolnik-tech.com/ online or call the registration department at (505) 299-1157.

Updated 2/9/05

CDS training classes in Albuquerque

Commercial Data Systems is providing Sun, Oracle, Veritas and Linux training classes in Albuquerque. The classes are held at the CDS office, located at 4828 Hardware Drive NE.

For a list of classes, click here (Adobe Acrobat Reader required). For more information, contact Renato Taralli at (505) 314-4017 or write to renato@cdsinc.com by electronic mail.

Updated 1/25/05

National Instruments LabVIEW classes

The following LabVIEW classes are being offered by National Instruments, in New Mexico, during January and March, 2005.

The LabVIEW Basics I course shows attendees how to develop test and measurement, data acquisition, instrument control, datalogging and measurement analysis applications using LabVIEW. The LabVIEW Basics II course is a logical extension of Basics I and shows how to design complete, stand-alone applications in LabVIEW.

The LabVIEW Intermediate I course teaches structured practices to design, develop, test and deploy LabVIEW applications. The Intermediate II course builds on skills developed in LabVIEW Intermediate I by doing in-depth examination of memory management/performance techniques to extend your ability to develop LabVIEW code to maximizes application efficiency. This training is suggested for LabVIEW users pursuing Certified LabVIEW Developer certification.

LabVIEW users who have not yet attended this LabVIEW training can register for these classes at www.ni.com/training online or by calling toll-free (888) 484-4436. For more information or for a quote, write to Hank.Buterbaugh@ni.com by electronic mail or call (800) 433-3488 ext. 30218.

Updated 2/3/05

Employees leaving Lab must attend termination presentation

Employees who are leaving the Laboratory or changing to casual status must attend a benefits termination presentation held by Benefits (HR-B).

The termination presentations are held every Laboratory pay day for University of California Lab employees. Employees who are retiring aren't required to attend a presentation, but rather, they should schedule a meeting with their designated benefits specialist.

The presentations begin at 8:30 a.m. in room P280 on the second floor of the Otowi Building at Technical Area 3. Pre-registration is required. Employees should register on line at http://hrcluster.lanl.gov/TIOCourses/TIOAha.asp?CourseNumber=21013 one to two weeks prior to their last scheduled work day to sign up for a benefits termination presentation.

Employees also must obtain a departure processing form from Staffing (HR-S) before the presentation. This form is available at http://www.hr.lanl.gov/hrstaffing/Terminations/index.stm online.

At the presentation, employees will receive a packet of information about their benefits and savings balances. They will learn about options to continue or convert insurance plans and distribution options for savings funds.

Employees who require a sign language interpreter should write to benefits@lanl.gov by e-mail three days in advance of the presentation they plan to attend. Or call the benefits office at 5-3842 (TDD).

Because of limited parking, employees should plan to arrive early and/or make alternative transportation arrangements, such as using Johnson Controls Northern New Mexico's ride service.

Updated 10/25/02

Lost and found

Found: a onyx necklace with a bear pendant in the HOV parking lot between the Ad Building and CMR. To claim the necklace, call 7-9774.

Found: one key on green holder marked BWXT #5. Found outside Motorola building on Jan. 24. Please contact Lou at 663-5555 to claim.

Lost: rhinestone pendant, inch wide with chains/rhinestones attached around the Otowi Building at Technical Area 3 on Jan. 19. If found, please contact Belinda Valdez at 5-1364.

Lost: pair of ladies black leather gloves. Hole in the right thumb liner. Perhaps at Canyon Complex, Research Park or in parking lot off Truck route and Pajarito. Contact Veronica at vencinas@lanl.gov if found. They were a gift from my husband.

Lost: Nissan thermal travel mug, stainless steel, on Jan. 13 near entrance to commuter bus lot off of Truck Route. If found, call Chris at 5-6228.

Found: pair of black ear warmers for headphones outside Administration Building (TA-3, SM-43) southwest door. Call Bill at 5-3398 to claim.

Found: four keys at Occupational Medicine, Bldg. 1411. To claim, call Di at 7-7890.

Found: cell phone on Pajarito Road, near intersection of Pajarito Road and Diamond Drive. Call 5-2977 to claim.

Found: gold colored french wire earring near Physics Building. To claim, call Wendee at 7-5724.

Lost: three keys in vicinity of S Compound and CMR parking lot. If found, contact Judy Bell at 7-5886.

Commuter's Corner

To run an ad, contact the Newsbulletin at newsbulletin@lanl.gov or 7-6103.

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