Lamont Weekly Report, August 1, 2008

This has been a jumbled week of random activity, interspersed with sleepless nights worrying about the ongoing 3D cruise on Langseth - all is going well out there right now, they have completed their first grid - but there always seems to be an infinitesimally small divide between success and some new and complex setback.

Dean of Engineering Jerry Navratil visited on Wednesday and EVP for Research David Hirsh visited on Thursday. With the migration of Geochemists into the Comer building we need to face some difficult space decisions and I spent some time on Monday with Roger Buck and Pat O'Reilly, walking around, looking at ways to make better use of our available square footage.

There was a 'less-well-attended' Research Life Panel event this afternoon - maybe it was because of the topic: PI Responsibilities. As dry and difficult as some of the topics that we discussed are, they are becoming more important parts of our lives - there is no sign that the present trend in DC - of increased accountability for those who spend federal dollars - is going to change (no matter who wins the election) - so we have to figure out how to survive in this new world.

My plan is to take some days off next week - go sailing - no where adventurous - just up the Sound - just hope the weather is kind.

Have a great weekend,

- Mike