Letter to the Editor: Discussion About Vaccines Isn’t A Simple One
By EVAN ROSESolo Traveler: Passports And Money
Sherry Hardage with her safety first purse with zippers and a cut-proof strap. Courtesy photo 
Solo TravelerMy friend Monica recently wrote to me about her upcoming trip to England. It will be her first trip overseas. I couldn’t help her with suggestions about things to see or do in England since I’ve only been to Scotland. But I was able to give some advice on security.
With travel apps, travel sites, bloggers rambling on about their adventures, guide books, and a plethora of travel related magazines, it seems like any needed answer would be forthcoming Read More
Letter to the Editor: It’s Not Just About You
By ED SANTIAGOFor years I sneered at getting a flu shot. I’m healthy, I’m strong, why should I? Even if I do get the flu, so what? I will come out stronger afterward.
I am forever grateful to a friend who put it into perspective: you don’t get a vaccine just for yourself, you get it for the ones you love. Some of those are elderly; some very young; some have weakened immune systems.
The bug that I’m incubating when I shake hands with Alice will spread to her infant son Bob. Suffering ensues. By vaccinating I’ve removed that link in the chain.
Perhaps, though, Read More
‘Snowball Bush’ Spotted On 48th Street
This ‘snowball bush’ was spotted this morning in the yard of a home on 48th Street. Photo by Donna Reil Read More
Letter to the Editor: Some People Are Medically Unable To Be Vaccinated
I have to respond to Erica Wissinger’s letter concerning vaccinations. Perhaps she doesn’t realize that a number of those who are not vaccinated for measles are medically unable to be vaccinated – they are infants, cancer patients on chemo, or those who have otherwise compromised immune systems. So the concern is for those folks – not for those who refuse to vaccinated. No one is panicking that the rest of us, who were duly vaccinated in the past, will catch measles.
“Herd immunity”, as you say was invented by the “health authorities”, is actually a term taken from nature
Legislation To Expand State’s Voyeurism Law Clears Safety And Civil Affairs Committee Vote
Rep. Sharon Clahchischilliage
STATE News:
- Bi-partisan Vote Passes Committee – Bill Heads To House Floor
SANTA FE – Legislation that would crack down on sexual predators attempting to secretly view or record a person’s intimate areas has passed the House Safety And Civil Affairs Committee with a bi-partisan vote.
The legislation sponsored by Rep. Sharon Clahchischilliage, R-San Juan County, is headed to the House floor for a vote. Current law fails to bring justice to predators who, despite their best effort to view or record the victim, fail to do so.
“We have the right to our privacy Read More
LAHS Swimmers Earn Several Wins At APS Year End Invitational Saturday
Sophomore Jake Hollis wins the 100 meter breaststroke in 1:06.33, qualifying for his first-ever state meet swim. Courtesy photo
SPORTS News:
The Los Alamos High School swimming teams earned top scores at the APS Year End Invitational Saturday at West Mesa High School in Albuquerque.
The Hilltoppers won the boys team title over Albuquerque High by a 525 to 435 count, while the girls got second to the state champ Eldorado Eagles, 641-508.
The meet was a last tune-up before the Hilltoppers host the District I Swimming and Diving Championships at the Larry R. Walkup Aquatic Center Friday and Saturday. Read More
Letter to the Editor: ‘Immunity ShiMOOnitee’ … Moo The Cattle
By ERICA WISSINGERThose of us with at least two firing neurons reason that, if a vaccine really does confer immunity, then the only persons at risk would be those who had not been vaccinated.
If someone who had not been vaccinated were to get sick, then he could pose no danger to those who had been vaccinated, because they would be immune. Even if everyone who had not been vaccinated were to get sick, then they could pose no danger to those who had been vaccinated.
To counter the above reasoning, “the health authorities” invented the term “herd immunity”… in that… Read More
DOE Launches New Office Of Technology Transitions
Acting Director Jetta Wong of the Office of Technology Transitions. Courtesy/DOE
DOE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz announced the launch of the Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) to help expand the commercial impact of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) research.
The office will work closely with the national laboratories and engage with industry to commercialize technology and strengthen the global competitiveness of U.S. industries based on scientific and technological innovations.
“Through technology transfer, commercialization, and deployment Read More
Light Rain And Snow Falls On Los Alamos
Light rain is coming down this morning as seen in this yard on Walnut Street and reports have been coming in of light rain and snow falling in other areas of town. Photo By Robert Beberniss Read More
A Different Big Bang Theory: Los Alamos Unveils Explosives Detection Expertise
Instructors discuss the production of aluminum based explosives, part of an advanced course in worldwide threats from homemade explosives created by the Los Alamos Collaboration for Explosives Detection (LACED). Courtesy/LANL
LANL News:
- Collaboration project defeats explosives threats through enhanced detection technologies
Having long kept details of its explosives capabilities under wraps, a team of Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists is now rolling out a collaborative project to defeat explosives threats through enhanced detection technologies.
“We’re aiming to Read More
Celebrate The Seasons At Fire And Ice Restoration Festival
SW Jemez Mnts Landscape Restoration Project. Courtesy/SFNF
SFNF News:
SANTA FE – The Santa Fe National Forest’s Jemez Ranger District and the Village of Jemez Springs will host the Fire and Ice Restoration Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 28 at the Father Fitzgerald Park in Jemez Springs.
This free community event will feature educational booths and presentations that highlight the 210,000-acre Southwest Jemez Mountains Landscape Restoration Project. Special guests include Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl.
Activities scheduled throughout the day include a chain saw carving Read More
Help Recognize Those Who Strive For Student Achievement
LAPS News:
The Los Alamos Public Schools Board invites the community to nominate a deserving person for the “Excellence For Student Achievement Award.”
Los Alamos Public Schools will choose a recipient through an open nomination process. The nominee should be a person in the Los Alamos School District who has made a significant difference to student achievement during 2014.
Nomination applications are available on the school district website or contact a school board member or the district office at 505.663.2230.
To be considered for this award, the nomination must be returned to Read More
Los Alamos Engineering Council Engineer Week Dinner
Prof. Cleve Moler
LAEC News:
This year’s Los Alamos Engineering Council dinner will feature Prof. Cleve Moler, chief mathematician, chairman and cofounder of MathWorks, which got its start in New Mexico.
The event is Wednesday, Feb. 25 at the Betty Ehart Senior Center and includes:
- Social Time: 5:30 p.m.;
- Dinner: 6 p.m.; and
- Lecture: 6:40-7:30 p.m.
Abstract: MATLAB is a high-level language and interactive environment used by millions of engineers and scientists worldwide, including many at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The University of New Mexico and Los Alamos National Read More
Pegg: Beginning Weight Training
By Kent PeggWhether you’re trying to rehabilitate an injury, build your bone density, lose weight, or increase your functional strength, weight training should be an essential component of your exercise routine. If you’re just starting out, consider checking with your physician, especially if you have any medical concerns, and then get started.
You’ll want to start slow. Begin performing one or two exercises for each body part and start with two sets of 12 repetitions for each exercise. Once you’ve gotten the feel for the different exercises for various body parts, and after developing Read More
USDA Announces Funding For Renewable Energy Projects
Geothermal heating and cooling equipment being installed by the Central Valley Electric Cooperative in Artesia. The equipment was partially paid for by the REAP program. Courtesy/USDA
USDA News:
- REAP Program Reduces Energy Costs for 47 Ag Producers and Small Rural Businesses in NM Since 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that rural agricultural producers and small business owners can now apply for resources to purchase and install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements.
These efforts help farmers, ranchers and other Read More
‘Bathtub Row Brewing’ In Los Alamos Becomes Fourth Beer Co-op In United States
LABC News:
After a six-month process, the Los Alamos Beer Coop (LABC) announced today that it has received its brewer’s license from the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, officially making Los Alamos’ first and only brewery the fourth cooperative-owned brewery in the United States.
The LABC’s brewery will be called “Bathtub Row Brewing” – a reference to the city’s historic Bathtub Row, named during the Manhattan Project era since the buildings on that street were the only ones that contained bathtubs.
“The state licensing employees were incredibly helpful with guidance and Read More
Los Alamos Historical Society Offering Overnight Tour To Trinity Site
Trinity Site tour. Courtesy/LAHS
LA HISTORICAL SOCIETY News:
On July 16, 1945, the first man-made nuclear explosion was detonated in the pre-dawn darkness in the high desert ranchland about 30 miles southeast of Socorro. This year marks the 70th anniversary of that event, and the Los Alamos Historical Society is offering a special guided tour to the site.
For the first time, the Trinity Tour includes an expanded two-day, one night experience via the Alamogordo southern approach through the seldom seen interior of White Sands Missile Range. Departure from Trinity Site will be out of Read More
OBITUARY: Robert D. Hamblet Feb. 6, 2015
ROBERT D. HAMBLET Feb. 6, 2015
Robert D. Hamblet, 81, a resident of White Rock, suddenly passed away on Friday, February 6, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Frances Hamblet.
Robert was a loving son and brother. His main passion was a participant for the Shrine Club, Lions Club, NRA, Air Force Veterans Society. When Robert wasn’t extremely busy with all the meetings for the various clubs he had to attend, he enjoyed the outdoors on his 4-wheeler. Robert also loved hunting and fishing. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Robert is Read More
Prescribed Burn Planned On Santa Fe National Forest
SFNF News:
SANTA FE – Fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest plan to continue the Gallinas Watershed prescribed burns on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District this week.
The burns are planned through March 31, if conditions, including fuel moisture levels, air quality and weather forecasts, are favorable.
The Gallinas Watershed prescribed burn is 1,000 acres, 20 miles northwest of Las Vegas.
Prescribed fires are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-dependent ecosystems. These fires mimic natural fires by reducing forest Read More