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In this issue:
W.K.H. Panofsky: A Symposium Celebrating Pief
Safety Today: Computer Vision Syndrome
SLAC Sets Guidelines for Laboratory Tours

SLAC Today

Tuesday - March 25, 2008

W.K.H. Panofsky: A Symposium Celebrating Pief

Few would dispute the far-ranging scientific and political impact of W.K.H. "Pief" Panofsky's professional achievements. A renowned particle physicist, founder of SLAC, indefatigable arms-control advocate and advisor to U.S. presidents and world leaders, Pief's achievements over the course of his long life have left a legacy of immeasurable proportions.

The remarkable professional life of Pief Panofsky will be the subject of a day-long symposium, which will comprise a series of speakers who will summarize Pief's achievements as a scientist and humanitarian. The event will take place on Thursday, April 10, 2008. The principal venue will be the Arrillaga Alumni Center on the Stanford campus, which holds 400 people. The presenters, university hosts and outside guests will attend at Arrillaga. The Panofsky Auditorium at SLAC will be the secondary venue to which all presentations and discussion periods will be simultaneously broadcast.

It is very important that the event organizers know how many people will be attending at each venue so that they can avoid an overflow and can plan the logistics of coffee breaks, lunch, and so on. For this reason, please register in advance if you plan to attend any or all of the lectures. When you do register, please indicate whether you will attend at the Panofsky Auditorium or at the Arrillaga Center. In addition, as is usual under such circumstances, SLAC staff will have to obtain permission from their supervisors to take time off to attend. To register for the symposium program, please visit the event website before April 7, 2008.

All registered attendees are welcome at the 5:30 p.m. reception that closes out the day at Arrillaga.

(Column - Safety Today)

Computer Vision Syndrome


Computer Vision Syndrome is defined as the combination of eye and vision problems associated with close-range computer screen work.

When you look into the distance your eyes are relatively relaxed. When you focus on something nearby, your eye muscles get a work out. Although this isn't necessarily a problem, an extended period of close-range focusing can cause eye strain, neck pain, blurry vision, headaches and difficulty changing focus, all elements that may occur with Computer Vision Syndrome. The syndrome may also cause dry eyes, since eyes are open wider during computer work and blinking is reduced.

Studies have shown that eye problems occur in 75 to 90 percent of computer users. Here are some suggestions on ways to avoid Computer Vision Syndrome:

Everything in its place.
Adjust the center of the computer screen so that it is 4-8 inches below eye level and adjust the viewing distance to 20-28 inches. If you use a document holder, place it close to the screen so you don't have to swing your head back and forth or change focus.

Moisten eyes.
Blink more frequently whenever you begin to feel your eyes are dry or irritated. If you are sitting in a draft, move to keep the air flow out of your eyes. Avoid low humidity and contaminated air. Use eye drops ("artificial tears"). Stay hydrated.

Can you see me now?
Adjust the lighting and screen position to minimize glare and reflections. If you wear glasses, ask your optical specialist whether your prescription can be adjusted to accommodate computer work.

Break it up.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away beyond 20 feet and blink for 20 seconds.

SLAC Sets Guidelines for Laboratory Tours

SLAC has temporarily suspended its tour program, allowing organizers the chance to redesign the program to better reflect the laboratory's research focus. The new tour program is expected to launch in 2009.

To enable staff to arrange tours for family and friends or to conduct SLAC business-related visits for colleagues during the suspension period, the laboratory Directorate has approved the following guidelines:

Tours for family and friends should not exceed 4 visitors at any one time. If you are planning tours for family and friends after hours and/or on the weekends, you must request permission and obtain the proper badge prior to the visit during the regular workday. Tour badges will not be distributed after hours or on the weekends.

You will be able to take your visitors to your work site and the public areas that are normally included in our tour. The public areas include the Klystron Gallery's Visitor Alcove and the Research Yard overlook closest to the Sector 30 gate.

Before conducting a tour you must comply with the following guidelines:

- You must have a current SLAC badge.

- You must notify Security to let them know the names of the visitors and the date and approximate time of the tour. Please contact Simon Ovrahim at x2310.

- You must inform the Office of Safety and Security Badge Office of any tours you will be conducting. The Badge Office is located in Building 207. Contact Denise Tomlin at x5345 or Alan Salazar at x3896.

- The Badge Office will determine the type of badge required and appropriate paperwork to be completed.

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