Lamont Weekly Report – February 24, 2006

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
P.O. Box 1000, 61 Route 9W Palisades, New York 10964

<> REPORT SUMMARY <>

- Letter from the Director

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<>LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR


Yesterday morning our research vessel Marcus G. Langseth sailed out
of Narragansett Bay, bound for Shelburn, Nova Scotia to spend several
months in a shipyard undergoing a major refit that will turn her into
the most capable research vessel for academic seismic research in the
world. After months of difficult and slow contract negotiations it
was great to finally be able to move forward - even if it does mean
steaming across Georges Bank in February (30-40 knots forecast
for this afternoon and tonight).

A group of us spent most of Wednesday evening at a meeting of the
Planning Board for Orangeburg town. Our goal was to receive
preliminary planning approval for our new Geochemistry Laboratory
building. I am very pleased to report that this approval was promptly
provided, so we are on track to start construction towards the end of
this year. Lots more approval steps to go through of course, but we
have begun with a great start.

With Robin Robertson's departure from Lamont to take up a faculty
position in Australia, we have had to make a new appointment for the
representative of the Junior Staff on the Observatory's Executive
Committee. I am pleased to report that Andy Juhl has agreed to take
on this important role and will be attending his first meeting one
week today.

The NSF supported ADVANCE program at the Earth Institute has
sponsored an assessment of the work environment of Earth institute
scientists on the Lamont Campus. The resulting report is available
in its entirety on the LDEO web page. However, next Friday afternoon
(March 3rd) at 2:30pm in the Monell Auditorium I will host an
important presentation of the major findings in this assessment by
the CU sociologists Dr Mary Clare Lennon and Dr Peter Messeri (the
folks who actually did all the work). There will also be opportunity
for questions and discussion about the major recommendations. This
is very important to all of us - please attend.

Another important date further into the future is Friday March 10th
- at 1pm Jeff Sachs will be in the Monell Auditorium recognizing the
tenth anniversary of the Earth Institute, and providing an overview
of plans and accomplishments - and there will also be time for
questions and discussion - so please plan on taking advantage of this
special opportunity to meet with Jeff directly.

In case you wondered why there is a bunch of white roses the size
of Texas in my office this week, it is because it was my birthday.
'Twas celebrated this year with a dinner consisting of Smoked Salmon,
Beef Wellington, Apple Dumplings and Remy Martin VSOP. In
consequence, my life expectancy has been reduced substantially, but
it was oh, so good.

Have a great weekend,



- Mike
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