I spent Monday and Tuesday in DC, mostly at JOI and CORE meetings. Serious discussions are underway about mechanisms to build better links between these two separate representatives of the ocean community in DC - a range of options are being considered, ranging from co-location in shared office space beyond October 2003, all the way to formal amalgamation of the two separate Corporations. Such decisions are burdened by great uncertainties with key controlling factors. For example, because NSF's fiscal 2003 budget has not been approved, NSF cannot issue major new Program Announcements. The multi-million dollar RFP for the new drilling program (IODP) is complete and approved, but until Congress acts on the budget, it cannot be released. Therefore JOI (along with its selected partners Lamont and Texas A & M University) cannot respond, compete (and win, we hope) and assure the Corporations long-term health beyond the end of ODP (this coming fall).

NSF's 2004 budget will be released by the White House on February 3rd - assembly of the FY05 budget will begin soon after that. 04 is a time of great potential change at NSF - Rita Colwell's term as Director expires, Margaret Leinen's term as Assistant Director for Geosciences ends - though I have no idea what her plans are.

Another important unknown is the impact of the Ocean Commission's report which will be released in the next few months. There are many who believe that this report will signal major new funding for Ocean Sciences, perhaps through a major expansion of the National Ocean Partnership Program (NOPP). We should have some clues about the proposed governance structure that Admiral Watkins will suggest for this planned major expansion towards the end of this month.

Friends of the Ocean Drilling Program will be interested to learn that the last meeting of JOIDES Executive Committee, a group that has been the leader of the academic ocean drilling since its inception more than three decades ago, will have its final meeting on July 10th and 11th (in Bermuda, linked to a planned port stop of the drill ship JOIDES Resolution). It will be an historical and somewhat nostalgic event.

I am very sad to have to draw your attention to a notice (included below) from Ray Long, alerting you to a rash of thefts that have occurred on campus recently. It is sad that we have to be reminded occasionally that there is a real world out there - please be aware, and hopefully the problem will be solved quickly.

Have a great weekend,
 

- Mike
 
 

<> THEFTS ON CAMPUS - NOTICE FROM THE LAMONT SECURITY OFFICE

Over the past couple of months there have been several thefts of personal property from the Geoscience building, Geochemistry and both the Tree Ring Lab and parking area of the building.  These thefts consisted of money, a credit card and some personal checks.

In the case of Geoscience a total of $60.00 was taken from a wallet in a backpack on two (2) separate occasions.  In Geochemistry approximately $80.00 and two (2) checks were taken from the offices of two (2) individuals.  One check was removed from an attaché case in an office while the other check and the money were taken from a pocketbook in another area of the building.  The thefts at Tree Ring consisted of a pair of running shoes, a check and cash, while a credit card was lifted from a car in the parking lot, all belonging to the same person.

The Orangetown police department has attempted to arrest two (2) individuals for these thefts, but as of yet they have not been able to locate them.

This office would like to remind all persons that they should not leave valuables lying around unattended.  If you leave anything in your office or workspace you should secure it in your desk or a filing cabinet with a lock.

Finally, please check your bank statements and your checkbooks to see if anything is out of the ordinary. If there is let Ray Long's office know immediately and get in touch with your bank.
 
 

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