LADP Home - Los Alamos Daily Post

WIPP To Hold Public Meetings On Permit Modification Request

Submitted by Chris Clark on June 30, 2016 - 3:41 pm

WIPP News:

The U.S. Department of Energy Carlsbad Field Office and Nuclear Waste Partnership LLC (Permittees) will conduct two public meetings Tuesday, June 28, and Thursday, June 30, 2016.

3-5 p.m.

Tuesday, June 28

Courtyard by Marriott

3347 Cerrillos Road

Santa Fe, New Mexico

5-7 p.m.

Thursday, June 30

Skeen-Whitlock Building

4021 National Parks Highway

Carlsbad, New Mexico

The purpose of the meetings is to provide information to the public on a proposed request to modify the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Hazardous Waste Facility

Townsite Cleanup Continues In Los Alamos Canyon

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 30, 2016 - 3:38 pm

EM-LA Manager Doug Hintze

DOE News:

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Environmental Management Los Alamos Field Office (EM-LA) and Los Alamos National Security, LLC (LANS) is moving forward with the removal of contaminated soil along the south-facing slopes of Los Alamos Canyon adjacent to the Los Alamos Townsite.

The contaminated soil is primarily associated with legacy outfalls from the Manhattan Project and early Cold War research activities from 1943–1965.

“Cleaning up historical properties from areas within and around the Los Alamos Townsite is among our top priorities. We are committed Read More

Sharon Stover Completes Term As NMAC President

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 30, 2016 - 3:38 pm

NMAC President Sharon Stover addresses the group during the President’s Luncheon. Seated on the dais from left, Sen. Peter Wirth, NMAC Executive Director Steve Kopelman, Legislative Director Deborah Cox of the National Association of Counties, NMAC Executive Committe member and and Taos County Commissioner Gabe Romero and NM Municipal League President and Cloudcroft Mayor David Venable. Courtesy photo

NMAC Executive Director Steve Kopelman thanks Sharon Stover for her service. Courtesy photo

COMMUNITY News:

Stover praised for logging more than 10,000 miles

McQuiston: What Is Diminished Value?

Submitted by Chris Clark on June 30, 2016 - 2:28 pm

By ALLEN MCQUISTON

The Jemez Agency

What Is Diminished Value?

After any accident, there is often damage. And that damage may include loss – not only physical loss but also inherent loss in value, commonly referred to as diminished value. But what exactly is diminished value?

Diminished value can best be defined as an economic loss in the value of damaged property. In the case of an automobile, a collision can negatively affect the market value of a vehicle. This means that the value of the vehicle prior to the accident has decreased due to the fact that it has been involved in an

‘Granite Mountain’ Movie Prop Heads Down Hill

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 30, 2016 - 2:26 pm

The ambulance used in the recent filming of ‘Granite Mountain’ at the ski hill was spotted Tuesday on Trinity Drive heading out of town. ‘Granite Mountain’ is a motion picture based on the real-life Granite Mountain Hotshots, an elite group of wildland firefighters that courageously battled one of the worst wildfires in history to save an Arizona town. Photo by Ryn Herrmann Read More

Planetarium Film: We Are Stars July 5

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 30, 2016 - 2:21 pm

Courtesy/PEEC

PEEC News:

The community is invited to watch the film, We are Stars, 7-7:45 p.m. Tuesday, July 5 in the planetarium at the Los Alamos Nature Center, 2600 Canyon Road.

From the makers of We are Astronomers, comes this exciting film that explores the secrets of the cosmic chemistry, and explosive origins.

We are Stars, narrated by Andy Serkis, connects life on earth to the evolution of the universe by following the formation of hydrogen atoms to the synthesis of carbon, and the molecules for life. Watch the trailer.

Because there are just 50 seats in the planetarium, visitors Read More

Heinrich Blocks Intelligence Authorization Act Over Provision To Expand Warrantless Surveillance

Submitted by Chris Clark on June 30, 2016 - 2:19 pm

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, placed a hold on the 2017 Intelligence Authorization Act over a provision in the bill that seeks a massive expansion of government surveillance into Americans’ email, web browser history, and communication through social media platforms without judicial approval.

“This represents a massive expansion of government surveillance and gives the FBI access to law-abiding Americans’

NJROTC Cadets Meet U.S Naval Academy Midshipmen At LANL

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 30, 2016 - 2:13 pm

LAHS NJROTC Cadets C/Senior Chief Kwei, C/Ensign Vigil, C/Lieutenant Commander Nielsen, C/Lieutenant Junior Grade Estrada, and C/Lieutenant Torrez. Midshipmen pictured are: MIDN Scigliano, MIDN Keegan, MIDN Allen, MIDN Skirpan, MIDN Pannick and MIDN Martinez. Photo by Sandra Valdez/LANL

EDUCATION News:

Five Los Alamos High School NJROTC cadets had the honor June 21 of talking to six midshipmen from the U.S Naval Academy at the Otowi Cafeteria at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

The Midshipmen talked to the NJROTC cadets about naval life. The meeting was helpful

DOE Awards Cooperative Agreement To NMEMNRD

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 30, 2016 - 2:07 pm

DOE News:

CARLSBAD — The Department of Energy’s Carlsbad Field Office today awarded a $6.8 million, five-year cooperative agreement to the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (NMEMNRD) for the coordination of activities with participating state agencies that ensure the safe transportation of transuranic waste to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).

Activities under the cooperative agreement focus on required preparations for transuranic waste shipments and continued assurance of safe and uneventful transportation of radioactive waste through the Read More

White Rock Artist Market Returns Saturday

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 30, 2016 - 1:48 pm

White Rock Visitor Center at 115 N.M. 4. Courtesy/LACDC

LACDC News:

Kick off the 4th of July weekend this Saturday with the second White Rock Artist Market, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the lawn of the White Rock Visitor Center at 115 N.M. 4.

This month the Artist Market will feature local and regional artists and artisans featuring New Mexico gemstones and jewelry, natural body products, handmade pine needle baskets, hand sewn children’s items, personalized housewares, repurposed antique and vintage china pieces, pottery, paintings, jewelry, knitted items and so much more. Read More

Pet Of The Week: Frank The Tank

Submitted by Chris Clark on June 30, 2016 - 1:33 pm

Frank the Tank seeks a new home. Courtesy/Paulina Gwaltney Photography

SHELTER News:

Frank (affectionately known as Frank the Tank) is a 4-year-old Labrador retriever mix who came into the shelter as a stray.

Repeated attempts to track down his owner using the contact information in his microchip proved futile, so now he’s ready for a new home.

Frank is a sweet boy who is house trained and knows some basic obedience commands.

Shelter hours are noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays and noon to 3 p.m., Sundays.

Planetarium Feature Film: Exoplanets July 2

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 30, 2016 - 1:25 pm

Courtesy/PEEC

PEEC News:

The Feature Film: Exoplanets, is showing at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 2 in the planetarium at the Los Alamos Nature Center, 2600 Canyon Road.

This film opens by describing how scientists and astronomers find exoplanets and then takes the audience past the solar system to see which exoplanets may harbor life. This is an exciting time when it is no longer a question of if there is life on other planets, but a question of where and when life on other planets, exoplanets, is found. Watch the Exoplanets Trailer.

This full-dome film was developed by Casper Planetarium.

Because Read More

Letter To The Editor: Response To Jody Benson And Message To The New Mexico Delegation

Submitted by Chris Clark on June 30, 2016 - 1:22 pm

By DAN OLIVER

Los Alamos

Yes, it’s a no-brainer that it’s a bad thing when terrorists or mentally unstable people get their hands on guns and we should try to prevent that where possible. However, I am quite shocked at the praise that many Democrats in the legislature are receiving over their recent actions in the name of “preventing terrorism.”

Sure, the proposed laws have catchy buzz-phrases and could sound appealing if you look no deeper than the surface, but in fact, there are two major problems.

First, the legislation proposed would have done nothing to prevent

NMED Issues 2nd Emergency Order To Morningstar Water Supply System

Submitted by Chris Clark on June 30, 2016 - 1:20 pm

NMED News:

SANTA FE ― A top priority for the New Mexico Environment Department is water system oversight, as all New Mexicans deserve access to clean, safe drinking water. In a priority action June 24, the Environment Department issues another Emergency Order to the Morningstar Water Supply System.

This Order will ensure that the water system’s pace of operations in this situation improves. With the Environment Department’s issuance of the Order, $1,000 per day penalties are imposed for each directive in the Order that is not accomplished timely.

Los Alamos ScienceFest Brings Science, History To Life

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 30, 2016 - 1:06 pm

A participant in ScienceFest 2015 prepares his drone for flight. File photo

ScienceFest News:

Now in its ninth year, the Los Alamos ScienceFest is unlocking the mysteries behind the enigmatic Manhattan Project with three days of spy themed tours and activities, fascinating STEM exhibits, live music and entertainment, drone competitions, a rare hike on LANL property and much more July 14-17 in Los Alamos.

The once “secret city” of Los Alamos will unleash the mystery surrounding the Manhattan Project of World War II, beginning at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 14 with the guided New Mexico True Atomic Read More

How The Hen House Turns: Is Cat Psychology Easily Categorized?

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 30, 2016 - 12:34 pm

By Carolyn A. (Cary) Neeper, Ph. D

Longtime Los Alamos Resident

Now residing in California

First the good news: no difference in personality could be found in a study of indoor and outdoor cats. At least, not in Australia. More studies are scheduled to be done on American cats by the Cat Teacher Program run by North Carolina’s State University and Museum of Natural Science.

An article in the News Observer May 17, 2016 reported that 2,800 Australian and New Zealand cats have “…five broad feline personality dimensions,” three of which “…correspond Read More

Daily Postcard: Flowers Bloom In Water Canyon

Submitted by Chris Clark on June 30, 2016 - 12:32 pm

Daily Postcard: Flowers bloom in Water Canyon. Photo by Robert Beberniss Read More

It’s A Bird, It’s A Plane, It’s Sky Divers!

Submitted by Chris Clark on June 29, 2016 - 10:34 pm

File photo

COMMUNITY News:

Roger Handrahan, who heads the Habañero Ski Diving Team, has had a lot of experience floating down from the clouds—but he says it’s still great fun.

“I started jumping out of airplanes in February of 1968,” he said in a recent telephone interview. He was in the military and served first in Europe. He took “airborne training” prior to going to Vietnam, he said.

Things were different then. People used round parachutes, he recalled, and, “You had very little control.” Today, the parachutes are square, and, “You can