I set my alarm to wake me up 3-1/2 hours before I'm supposed to be at work and I wake up half an hour before the alarm. By this point, many folks ask "Why 3-1/2 hours early?"...
I like to get up and pour/drink my first quart of coffee, check the news/e-mail, knock out several miles on the treadmill and get ready for work and do so at an "ease into the day" pace.
Oh well, it beats the heck out of yesterday when I woke up one hour before I was supposed to be at work...
Here we go!!!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
No earth-shattering info here. My new sacks are on the way.
I just ordered a Mr. Sandbag Footbag, Mr. Sandbag Facile Footbag and a SandBlaster Footbag. My old Stally® footbags were (and still are) rapidly approaching the great hack circle in the sky...
Well, it's time for sustenance. As an accompaniment to our salmon, we've got this "Artichoke Casserole" from a Justin Wilson recipe:
4 cans artichoke hearts, drained
½ c. dry white wine
¼ c. olive oil
1 c. parmesan cheese
2 c. seasoned bread crumbs
1 t. onion powder
½ t. garlic powder
Cayenne pepper, to taste
Grease casserole dish
Quarter artichoke hearts
Combine everything but bread crumbs
Put in dish and top with bread crumbs
Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees
Well, it's time for sustenance. As an accompaniment to our salmon, we've got this "Artichoke Casserole" from a Justin Wilson recipe:
4 cans artichoke hearts, drained
½ c. dry white wine
¼ c. olive oil
1 c. parmesan cheese
2 c. seasoned bread crumbs
1 t. onion powder
½ t. garlic powder
Cayenne pepper, to taste
Grease casserole dish
Quarter artichoke hearts
Combine everything but bread crumbs
Put in dish and top with bread crumbs
Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees
Monday, April 18, 2011
Weekly top 10 @ thomas.loc.gov & SUCKAGE
First, the weekly top 10 from thomas.loc.gov"
If the cloud cover would cooperate, the International Space Station is supposed to be doing a North Alabama transit tonight (and a few more nights between now and May 2). I think viewing tonight is going to be right out...
Top ten legislative items searched on THOMAS, compiled on 4/17/2011 from weekly usage statistics
- H.R. 1473 - [112th] - Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011
- H.R. 1363 - [112th] - Department of Defense and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011
- H.R. 1 - [112th] - Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011
- H.R. 1380 - [112th] - New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act of 2011
- H.R. 1217 - [112th] - To repeal the Prevention and Public Health Fund
- H.R. 4 - [112th] - Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011
- H.R. 1255 - [112th] - Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2011
- H.R. 25 - [112th] - Fair Tax Act of 2011
- H.R. 1351 - [112th] - United States Postal Service Pension Obligation Recalculation and Restoration Act of 2011
- H.R. 4173 - [111th] - Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
If the cloud cover would cooperate, the International Space Station is supposed to be doing a North Alabama transit tonight (and a few more nights between now and May 2). I think viewing tonight is going to be right out...
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Quickie here....
For all of you Alabama folks, if you're ever looking up the status of Alabama legislation and don't remember who your elected Senator/Representative is, you can use this:
While I'm at it...
Alabama taxpayer money funds the Alabama Virtual Library (AVL). You used to have to get a specific card from your local library. Now, the AVL uses Geographic IP guessing (Geotargeting). Geotargeting is generally pretty good, but if (as an example) you work at a place whose network address originates outside of Alabama, you'll need a username/password (i.e. AVL card). Hence, a card is still useful.
While I'm at it...
Alabama taxpayer money funds the Alabama Virtual Library (AVL). You used to have to get a specific card from your local library. Now, the AVL uses Geographic IP guessing (Geotargeting). Geotargeting is generally pretty good, but if (as an example) you work at a place whose network address originates outside of Alabama, you'll need a username/password (i.e. AVL card). Hence, a card is still useful.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Dang!!!
Between 4/14 and 4/16 (according to preliminary data), there were 217 tornadoes (as of the time of posting this). If you click the image, you'll be taken to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center's storm report page for 4/15/2011. From there, it's easy to click and see the reports for the day before and the day after...
I've posted here about the Yahoo! News Topics pages before. Here are two of interest regarding the Japanese quake and tsunami and the ensuing nuclear plant problems:
Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
Japan Nuclear Crisis
I've posted here about the Yahoo! News Topics pages before. Here are two of interest regarding the Japanese quake and tsunami and the ensuing nuclear plant problems:
Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
Japan Nuclear Crisis
Mo Brooks invokes Socialism (video and Congressional Record) and BFN docs from the NRC 4/9/11 to 4/16/11
Mo Brooks raised a bit of a stir by calling elements of the House "socialist" yesterday.
Video of Mo Brooks invoking the "S" word on the House floor (4/15/11)
The Congressional Record (with the phrase stricken) page (H2867) of the House proceedings at the time (to provide context)
NRC docs for BFN - week of 4/9/11 to 4/16/11
Video of Mo Brooks invoking the "S" word on the House floor (4/15/11)
The Congressional Record (with the phrase stricken) page (H2867) of the House proceedings at the time (to provide context)
NRC docs for BFN - week of 4/9/11 to 4/16/11
- ML110940027 - LER 10-004-01 for Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Unit 1 Regarding Residual Heat Removal System Pump Motor Failure.
- ML111010106 - 04/04/11 Summary Of Meeting With Browns Ferry To Discuss One Preliminary Greater Than Green Finding Associated With One Apparent Violation That Was Documented In NRC Inspection Report 05000259-10-005, 05000260-10-005, And 05000296-10-005.
- ML110950683 - Browns Ferry, Units 1, 2 & 3, Sequoyah, Units 1 & 2, Watts Bar, Unit 1, Submittal of Annual Insurance Status Report.
- ML110960072 - Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Units 1, 2, & 3, Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, Units 1 & 2 & Watts Bar Nuclear Plant, Unit 1, Guarantee of Payment of Deferred Premiums - 2010 Annual Report.
- ML110960073 - Browns Ferry, Units 1, 2 & 3, Sequoyah, Units 1 & 2, and Watts Bar, Unit 1, Submittal of Decommissioning Funding Status Report.
- ML110960589 - LER 10-003-01, for Browns Ferry, Unit 1, Regarding Failure of a Low Pressure Coolant Injection Flow Control Valve.
- ML110960744 - LER 10-005-01, For Browns Ferry, Unit 1, Regarding Safety/Relief Valves As-Found Setpoints Exceeded Technical Specification Lift Pressure Values.
- ML111030547 - Browns Ferry - NRC Generic Fundamentals Examination Results - March 2011.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Sesquicentennial
150 years ago today, the shots that initiated the four years of the American Civil War were fired.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Top ten legislative items searched on THOMAS
Top ten legislative items searched on THOMAS, compiled on 4/10/2011 from weekly usage statistics
- H.R. 1363 - [112th] - Department of Defense and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011
- H.R. 1 - [112th] - Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011
- H.R. 1255 - [112th] - Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2011
- H.R. 4 - [112th] - Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011
- H.R. 910 - [112th] - Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011
- H.R. 658 - [112th] - FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011
- H.R. 1297 - [112th] - Ensuring Pay for Our Military Act of 2011
- H.R. 3590 - [111th] - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
- H.R. 4173 - [111th] - Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
- H.R. 1246 - [112th] - To reduce the amounts otherwise authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Defense for printing and reproduction
Boy Scout nuclear badge tweet and NRC docs for BFN 4/2/11 to 4/9/11
I like this info at usscouts.org: http://tinyurl.com/2evw5dvless than a minute ago via web 
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Art Metcalf
artmetcalf
- ML110840041 - Comment (12) of R. M. Krich, on Behalf of TVA, on Draft Regulatory Issues Summary, "Adequacy of Station Electric Distribution System Voltages," (Docket ID NRC-2011-0013).
- ML110840035 - Browns Ferry, Unit 1 - Letter re Licensee Event Report which Occurred on December 22, 2010, Concerning Low Pressure Coolant Injection Operability, TVA expects to Submit a revised LER by April 15, 2011.
- ML110871250 - BWR Vessel and Internals Inspection Summaries for Spring 2010 Outages.
- ML11095A073 - Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Unit 1 - Request for Additional Information Regarding a Request to Transition to Areva Fuel.
- ML110940423 - ER 05000259-11-301, 05000260-11-301, and 05000296-11-301; 02/07/2011 - 02/16/2011; Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Units 1, 2, and 3 Operator License Examinations.
- ML110950195 - Browns Ferry, Units 2 & 3, Acceptance of Requested Licensing Action re: Deletion of Low Pressure Coolant Injection Motor-Generator Sets (TAC Nos. ME5796 and ME5797).
- ML110960332 - NRC Response to TVA concerning disputed NOV in NRC Inspection Report 2010005.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
I first discovered Front Line Assembly in 1990 while listening to Iceolate on MTV. Yes, they played music...
This version of Iceolate was on the Live Wired box set video from '96:
Front Line Assembly (and other projects)
Front Line Assembly (and other projects)
Local weather from a web-enabled personal weather station right around the corner from my house...
It's a GORGEOUS morning!
Saturday, April 09, 2011
Excellent day!!!
It all started with a bit of running this morning. Not too long after that, we went to check out our best friends' boy playing Prep Division ball in Madison. That's always entertaining. Plus, I was able to get in some hacky time...
After that, I had to prepare for something I'd never done before. I successfully used a smoker to make what turned out to be an AWESOME pork shoulder. The prep involved stopping at the store for a few things on the way home. I got the charcoal burning and when it was ready, I let the meat sit there for six hours. Given how much I love pulled pork, I can't believe I'd never done this before.
While this meat was cooking, I had a chance to soak up the rays and hang out in my cul-de-sac listening to loud music and kicking the olde sack again. Seeing that we got into the mid-80s today, I was fairly rank after close to an hour.
I had time to shower and schlep around for a bit before dinner. Mmmmmm, DINNER! If gluttony is truly one of the seven deadly sins, Hades is in line for a management change. Perhaps four sandwiches (and some slaw) was a little excessive, but they tasted SO GOOD.
Just chillin' the rest of the night and tomorrow's supposed to be a beautiful day as well...
After that, I had to prepare for something I'd never done before. I successfully used a smoker to make what turned out to be an AWESOME pork shoulder. The prep involved stopping at the store for a few things on the way home. I got the charcoal burning and when it was ready, I let the meat sit there for six hours. Given how much I love pulled pork, I can't believe I'd never done this before.
While this meat was cooking, I had a chance to soak up the rays and hang out in my cul-de-sac listening to loud music and kicking the olde sack again. Seeing that we got into the mid-80s today, I was fairly rank after close to an hour.
I had time to shower and schlep around for a bit before dinner. Mmmmmm, DINNER! If gluttony is truly one of the seven deadly sins, Hades is in line for a management change. Perhaps four sandwiches (and some slaw) was a little excessive, but they tasted SO GOOD.
Just chillin' the rest of the night and tomorrow's supposed to be a beautiful day as well...
When I stepped out to run at 6:40 AM.... (with a little added political rant at the end)
It was partly cloudy and 66F. Beautiful morning!!!
FWIW, and I don't mean to get too political here, Congress and the White House need a serious wake-up call. Obama's already announced his 2012 campaign. Both sides of the political spectrum have had a role in selling out parts of the American dream and ideal. Both sides appear to be using the American people as pawns. I've been tired of this for years (my voting record is a testament to that). Next election, please don't forget that there are alternatives to Republicans and Democrats. There are the Green, Libertarian, and Constitution parties. And there are others. The status quo just ain't cuttin' it!
FWIW, and I don't mean to get too political here, Congress and the White House need a serious wake-up call. Obama's already announced his 2012 campaign. Both sides of the political spectrum have had a role in selling out parts of the American dream and ideal. Both sides appear to be using the American people as pawns. I've been tired of this for years (my voting record is a testament to that). Next election, please don't forget that there are alternatives to Republicans and Democrats. There are the Green, Libertarian, and Constitution parties. And there are others. The status quo just ain't cuttin' it!
Friday, April 08, 2011
Several Federal government shutdown reports from CRS
bit.ly Bundles - Federal government shutdown reports from CRS - http://bit.ly/gZiWoW
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
'cept for the small tear in its wing...
This luna moth I found flitting about the side of my house was a fine looking specimen.
 |
| From 2011-04-06 |
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
High-res images of Fukushima Daiichi & CRS reports regarding the Japanese nuclear incident
A friend from work posted a link to some higher quality images of the Fukushima Daiichi plant on Facebook. Wow!!!
At the bottom of the "NO-FLY ZONES: CONSIDERATIONS FOR CONGRESS" section of the March 24, 2011 Secrecy News newsletter, you can find the first released CRS report regarding Fukushima Daiichi.
An additional report (and a related report regarding US plants and seismic zones) can be found in this section of the April 4th newsletter.
In closing, the MIT department of nuclear science and engineering recently held a forum about the nuclear plant side of the Japanese disaster. See the story with embedded 1-1/2 hour video...
At the bottom of the "NO-FLY ZONES: CONSIDERATIONS FOR CONGRESS" section of the March 24, 2011 Secrecy News newsletter, you can find the first released CRS report regarding Fukushima Daiichi.
An additional report (and a related report regarding US plants and seismic zones) can be found in this section of the April 4th newsletter.
In closing, the MIT department of nuclear science and engineering recently held a forum about the nuclear plant side of the Japanese disaster. See the story with embedded 1-1/2 hour video...
Monday, April 04, 2011
Top 10 in THOMAS, politics vs. NIMBY, Zzaj on twitter.com
Top ten legislative items searched on THOMAS, compiled on 4/3/2011 from weekly usage statistics
- H.R. 1 - [112th] - Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011
- H.R. 1255 - [112th] - Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2011
- H.R. 658 - [112th] - FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011
- H.R. 3590 - [111th] - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
- H.R. 4173 - [111th] - Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
- H.R. 839 - [112th] - HAMP Termination Act of 2011
- H.R. 872 - [112th] - Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011
- H.R. 471 - [112th] - Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act
- H.R. 3 - [112th] - No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act
- H.R. 861 - [112th] - NSP Termination Act
I recently overheard someone lamenting how those evil Democrats have killed Yucca Mountain. To be perfectly clear, I don't prefer either of the two big parties. Yucca had been in scoping and planning (and the requisite fees to the nuclear industry) since 1982. And yes, it has been generally under the leadership of Democrats that the plans for Yucca have met a highly likely demise. The "lamenter" specifically named John Reid (D-NV). Yes, Reid had a part to play, but as I heard the individual talk, I thought to myself, "What about John Ensign and Yucca?"
This seemed to me to be more of a NIMBY thing than a political line thing. I'm willing to bet that, given a similar situation, many other Congressional delegations (both Republicans and Democrats) would fight against a project like Yucca in their own states.
Zzaj on twitter.com
Sunday, April 03, 2011
Browns Ferry NRC docs for the week,
- ML110831042 - Texas Transportation Institute, "DOS K12 Crash Test and Evaluation of the HESCO C-3315 Flood Barrier," April 2005, Enclosure 3.
- ML110831038 - ERDC TR-07-3, "Flood-Fighting Structures Demonstration and Evaluation Program: Laboratory and Field Testing in Vicksburg, Mississippi," Pages 127 through 192, Enclosure 1.
- ML110831046 - ERDC TR-07-3, "Flood-Fighting Structures Demonstration and Evaluation Program: Laboratory and Field Testing in Vicksburg, Mississippi," Cover Page through 61, Enclosure 1.
- ML110831040 - ERDC TR-07-3, "Flood-Fighting Structures Demonstration and Evaluation Program: Laboratory and Field Testing in Vicksburg, Mississippi," Page 193 through End of Report, Enclosure 1.
- ML110831036 - ERDC TR-07-3, "Flood-Fighting Structures Demonstration and Evaluation Program: Laboratory and Field Testing in Vicksburg, Mississippi," Pages 62 through 126, Enclosure 1.
- ML110831043 - HESCO Bastion USA, HESCO Concertainer Brochure, February 2009, Enclosure 4.
- ML110831041 - Engineering Evaluation of Hesco Barriers Performance at Fargo, ND 2009, Wenck File 2283-01, Enclosure 2.
- ML110830037 - Browns Ferry, Unit 3 - American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section XI, Inservice Inspection Program, Third Ten-Year Inspection Interval, Request for Relief 3-ISI-26.
- ML110831044 - Tennessee Valley Authority - Re-submittal of Attachments for Responses to Hydrology Action Items.
- ML110820353 - Browns Ferry Unit 2 - Request for Additional Information Regarding 2-ISI-1, Updated Risk-Informed Inservice Inspection Program (TAC No. ME3720).
- ML110880671 - Press Release-II-11-012: NRC Schedules Conference With TVA to Discuss Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant Issues.
- ML110240474 - Browns Ferry, Unit 2 - Safety Evaluation For Relief Request 2-PDI-40, For The Fourth 10-Year Inservice Inspection Interval.
- ML110680394 - Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Unit 2 - Relief From The Requirements Of The Asme Code; 2-ISI-40.
- ML110110051 - Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Unit 2 - Safety Evaluation for Relief Request 2-Isi-41, for the Third 10-Year Inservice Inspection Interval (TAC No. ME3717).
I was reading some of my RSS feeds and noticed a page from about.com about Alabama state symbols. I didn't know that many of these things were Alabama symbols...
On a closing note (kind of like a dessert closes out a meal), you might notice that Google's daily image is an ice cream sundae. Today is the 119th anniversary of the first documented ice cream sundae. Mmmmmmm, ice cream sundae!!!
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Awesome day!
As long as there's no significant difference between the time that read on the clock when I finished and the actual time I took from the start, I finished the Oak Barrel Half Marathon in about 1:58:00. I'm happy with that for now. It was under two hours and about nine minutes quicker than my first half back in February.
As far as the use of that GU Roctane, I feel it made a difference. My muscles didn't feel as shredded this time. I'm certainly sore after the run and the accompanying 75-80 minute drive home, but I can move right now. Last time, I soaked in a hot bath for at least 45 minutes and was still stiff and sore the next day. Additionally, my right calf got very sore around mile 9 last time. I didn't have any particular focal point of soreness this time. An added benefit? The caffeine. I didn't have my usual half gallon of coffee by race time this morning, so the caffeine was good. Disclaimers? Last time, I probably didn't stretch as much as I should have and the race started off when the temperature outside was colder. Therefore, it's possible that this isn't an apples to apples comparison...
As far as the use of that GU Roctane, I feel it made a difference. My muscles didn't feel as shredded this time. I'm certainly sore after the run and the accompanying 75-80 minute drive home, but I can move right now. Last time, I soaked in a hot bath for at least 45 minutes and was still stiff and sore the next day. Additionally, my right calf got very sore around mile 9 last time. I didn't have any particular focal point of soreness this time. An added benefit? The caffeine. I didn't have my usual half gallon of coffee by race time this morning, so the caffeine was good. Disclaimers? Last time, I probably didn't stretch as much as I should have and the race started off when the temperature outside was colder. Therefore, it's possible that this isn't an apples to apples comparison...
Friday, April 01, 2011
Lest I forget (a little plug here)...
After picking up my other stuff, I just HAD to go get some GU Roctane from Fleet Feet Huntsville.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
NASA's Space Rock
NASA's Space Rock lets the public choose Shuttle Endeavor wake-up song...
An excellent writeup of the Fukushima Daiichi accident can be found at this page under the heading of "Part IX Nuclear Safety".
An excellent writeup of the Fukushima Daiichi accident can be found at this page under the heading of "Part IX Nuclear Safety".
Poll: (6) Coheed and Cambria vs. (9) Disturbed
Poll: (6) Coheed and Cambria vs. (9) Disturbed
I voted. My preference? Both are good, but I prefer Disturbed...
I voted. My preference? Both are good, but I prefer Disturbed...
Monday, March 28, 2011
32 years ago today...
The Three Mile Island nuclear accident was unfolding. Following TMI, substantive change began in the nuclear industry. A lot of that change began within the framework of the recommendations of the Report of The President's Commission on the Accident at Three Mile Island (aka The Kemeny Commission Report). I'd love to be able to say that we're perfect by now, but we are not. I will say that, from everything I have seen, the operators and all other workers at nuclear plants are held to high standards...
Nuclear failures indeed have the potential to cause more widespread problems than some other means of power production. However, in almost every case, these failures do not have a single cause. Most large scale problems come about from multiple equipment and human deficiencies. The sensational nature of the Fukushima coverage and the ability for a lot of information (some correct, some not so much) to travel THE ENTIRE WORLD quickly have, at times, seemed to overshadow the underlying issues in Japan. There was a KILLER earthquake that generated a KILLER tsunami. Yes, the nuclear plant issues compound the problem. However, thousands of people were killed and thousands are still missing. And for those who are still alive, many lost friends and/or family members. Of course, the people can't be replaced by any amount of help that the Japanese people are receiving. Less importantly, but still painful, the material possessions gathered over the courses of the lives involved can only be replaced slowly, if at all. And yet, the most pressing issues are basics. Food, water, shelter...
Keeping that in mind, I've placed a Red Cross banner on the upper right hand side of this page. Just click it if you would like to donate...
Nuclear failures indeed have the potential to cause more widespread problems than some other means of power production. However, in almost every case, these failures do not have a single cause. Most large scale problems come about from multiple equipment and human deficiencies. The sensational nature of the Fukushima coverage and the ability for a lot of information (some correct, some not so much) to travel THE ENTIRE WORLD quickly have, at times, seemed to overshadow the underlying issues in Japan. There was a KILLER earthquake that generated a KILLER tsunami. Yes, the nuclear plant issues compound the problem. However, thousands of people were killed and thousands are still missing. And for those who are still alive, many lost friends and/or family members. Of course, the people can't be replaced by any amount of help that the Japanese people are receiving. Less importantly, but still painful, the material possessions gathered over the courses of the lives involved can only be replaced slowly, if at all. And yet, the most pressing issues are basics. Food, water, shelter...
Keeping that in mind, I've placed a Red Cross banner on the upper right hand side of this page. Just click it if you would like to donate...
How it Works: White Paper on Mark I Containment
In the wake of the events at Fukushima Daiichi, there has been a lot of discussion regarding GE's Mark I containment system. This design is in use at 16 US nuclear plant sites for a total of 23 units. The link below is a "white paper" from the Nuclear Energy Institute discussing the basics of the design.
How it Works: White Paper on Mark I Containment
How it Works: White Paper on Mark I Containment
Saturday, March 26, 2011
BFN documents from the NRC and my own silly thoughts...
Just five Browns Ferry documents from the NRC on ADAMS this week:
Understandably, there's been a great deal of media interest in US nuclear power. To that end, TVA has been getting out their word via executives and an unusually deep tour of Browns Ferry yesterday. I see/hear words like "our safety is assured" and "no way" regarding eventes like those in Japan. While this is probably technically very true (a magnitude 9.0 quake followed by a multi-story wall of water), I would NEVER BE BOLD ENOUGH to make guarantees. Mother Nature can be very surprising.
The analyses regarding our safety are based on probability. I believe that the analyses and engineering that were performed to address potential problems were sound. I also know that some of these analyses undergo periodic re-evaluation (e.g. Earthquake Risk in the Central and Eastern United States). Occasionally, new issues come to light. These are then evaluated and addressed according to the potential impact they have on safe operation. Though the possibility of a beyond design earthquake and/or a large flooding event (particularly in conjunction with each other) is HIGHLY UNLIKELY in our next twenty years of operation, we (and the rest of the industry) are looking into such events. When combined with post-9/11 evaluations/actions/modifications and the amazing level of training (this is the Knowledge and Abilities Catalog for Licensed BWR operators) for both licensed AND non-licensed operators, I believe that we would be able to deal with most issues (even beyond our design). Hopefully, we won't be challenged with anything approaching that level of destructive capacity...
- ML082320531 - Advises that util 881209 response adequately addresses items requested in Generic Ltr 88-11, "NRC Position of Radiation Embrittlement of Reactor Vessel Matls & Impact on Plant Operations."
- ML110740225 - Browns Ferry, Unit 3, Reply to a Notice of Violation; EA-11-012.
- ML110760012 - Browns Ferry, Units 1, 2, and 3, Reply to Request for Regulatory Conference.
- ML110810568 - 04/04/11 Notice of Meeting with Tennessee Valley Authority to Discuss Safety Significance of One Preliminary Greater Than Green Finding Associated with One Apparent Violation that was Documented in NRC Inspection Report 05000259-01-005, 05000260-10-005.
- ML110310453
Document Title: Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Unit 2 - Safety Evaluation for Relief Request 2-ISI-43, For The Fourth 10-Year Inservice Inspection Interval (TAC NO. ME3721).
Understandably, there's been a great deal of media interest in US nuclear power. To that end, TVA has been getting out their word via executives and an unusually deep tour of Browns Ferry yesterday. I see/hear words like "our safety is assured" and "no way" regarding eventes like those in Japan. While this is probably technically very true (a magnitude 9.0 quake followed by a multi-story wall of water), I would NEVER BE BOLD ENOUGH to make guarantees. Mother Nature can be very surprising.
The analyses regarding our safety are based on probability. I believe that the analyses and engineering that were performed to address potential problems were sound. I also know that some of these analyses undergo periodic re-evaluation (e.g. Earthquake Risk in the Central and Eastern United States). Occasionally, new issues come to light. These are then evaluated and addressed according to the potential impact they have on safe operation. Though the possibility of a beyond design earthquake and/or a large flooding event (particularly in conjunction with each other) is HIGHLY UNLIKELY in our next twenty years of operation, we (and the rest of the industry) are looking into such events. When combined with post-9/11 evaluations/actions/modifications and the amazing level of training (this is the Knowledge and Abilities Catalog for Licensed BWR operators) for both licensed AND non-licensed operators, I believe that we would be able to deal with most issues (even beyond our design). Hopefully, we won't be challenged with anything approaching that level of destructive capacity...
Since I didn't have the chance to be anywhere near the plant on Friday, I didn't know that CNN was there...
I have to thank a co-worker for pointing out this video from CNN. Pretty cool...
Friday, March 25, 2011
New Citizens Against Government Waste ad campaign...
OK, this might be slightly steeped in hyperbole and fear-mongering, but perhaps one possible outcome of unprecedented overspending...
Citizens Against Government Waste
Citizens Against Government Waste
Thursday, March 24, 2011
NRC response to Japanese nuclear power plant issues post earthquake/tsunami continues...
Here's a list of all pertinent documents that the NRC has placed into their ADAMS system regarding the Japanese nuclear power plants and NRC/US nuclear industry response:
Of particular note, press release 11-055 discusses a short term and long term program. The short term program is scoped out three months with monthly updates to the Commission. The longer term program will begin after the three month window and the NRC aims to have a task force report within six months of the start of the long term response. Additionally, public meetings will be held on the following dates:
April 14, Aptil 28, May 3, June 16
More info about these public meetings can be found here (as I was typing this, the meeting schedule page was failing to load).
- ML110710003 - Press Release-11-044: NRC in Communication with Japanese Regulators.
- ML110710004 - Press Release-11-045: NRC Experts Deploy to Japan as Part of U.S. Government Response.
- ML110720002 - Press Release-11-046: NRC Sees No Radiation at Harmful Levels Reaching U.S. From Damaged Japanese Nuclear Power Plants.
- ML110740833 - Press Release-11-047: Japanese Government Asks for Assistance With Reactor Events; U.S. Government and NRC Preparing Response.
- ML110740834 - Press Release-11-048: (Revised) NRC Sends Additional Experts to Assist Japan.
- ML110740628 - Press Release-11-049: NRC Analysis Continues to Support Japan’s Protective Actions.
- ML110760432 - NRC Information Notice 2011-05: Tohoku-Taiheiyou-Oki Earthquake Effects on Japanese Nuclear Power Plants.
- ML110800151 - Press Release-11-052: NRC Informs U.S. Nuclear Power Plants on Japan Earthquake s Effects.
- ML110810254 - M110321 - Briefing on NRC Response to Recent Nuclear Events in Japan
- ML110810804 - M110321 - Briefing on NRC Response to Recent Nuclear Events in Japan - SLIDES.
- ML110800456 - COMGBJ-11-0002 - NRC Actions Following the Events in Japan
- ML110800155 - Press Release-11-054: Opening Remarks of NRC Chairman Gregory B. Jaczko at Today s Commission Meeting on the Events in Japan
- ML110821154 - VR-COMGBJ-11-0002 - NRC Actions Following the Events in Japan.
- ML110821123 - Press Release-11-055: Nuclear Regulatory Commission Directs Staff on Continuing Agency Response to Japan Events; Adjusts Commission Schedule.
Of particular note, press release 11-055 discusses a short term and long term program. The short term program is scoped out three months with monthly updates to the Commission. The longer term program will begin after the three month window and the NRC aims to have a task force report within six months of the start of the long term response. Additionally, public meetings will be held on the following dates:
April 14, Aptil 28, May 3, June 16
More info about these public meetings can be found here (as I was typing this, the meeting schedule page was failing to load).
Monday, March 21, 2011
For some understanding of how the NRC conducts regulation of nuclear power plants...
A portion of their website is dedicated to risk assesment. Following major events such as those in Japan, Chernobyl, Three Mile Island and the Browns Ferry fire in 1975, risks are studied and re-evaluated to determine the need for changes in regulation. As an example, the fire in 1975 played a role in the development of Appendix R to 10 CFR 50. Other examples (some ongoing, others closed) of changes to regulations based on risk changes/identification can be seen in the Generic Issues section of the NRC site. Somewhat ironically, seismic issues affecting nuclear plants in the central and eastern United States have been on the scope for over five years (see GI-199 at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/generic-issues/gis-in-implementation/). Given the nature of the topics being considered, this information includes some fairly significant discussions of probability (with the accompanying math).
Saturday, March 19, 2011
NRC info from the past two weeks related to Browns Ferry, Fleet Feet Huntsville 2011 race calendar, Some recent CRS reports via the Federation of American Scientists
Browns Ferry related NRC docs from the past two weeks
Fleet Feet Huntsville 2011 race calendar
Here's a link to the most recent collection of CRS reports posted by the Federation of American Scientists in their Secrecy News newsletter...
- ML110700157 - E-mail from M. Vaaler, NRR to A. Howe, NRR et al. on Plants Submitting Fire Protection OMA Exemption Requests to Extend Enforcement Discretion.
- ML110700158 - E-mail from M. Vaaler, NRR to T. Boyce, NRR on DRAFT E-mail to Management Regarding OMA Exemptions.
- ML110691285 - E-mail from D. Frumkin, NRR to B. Metzger, NRR FW: Support for Manual Action Exemption Reviews.
- ML110691142 - E-mail from P. Lain, NRR to A. Boatright, NRR RE: DRA Action List.
- ML110590054 - Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Unit 1 - Response to NRC Request for Additional Information Regarding Amendment Request to Transition to AREVA Fuel.
- ML110610339 - LER 10-004-00 for Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant Unit 3, re Manual Reactor Scram Due to High Vibration on the Generator Exciter Inboard and Outboard Journal Bearings.
- ML110610739 - Browns Ferry, Units 1, 2 and 3, Information Related to the Safety Significance of the Apparent Violation Concerning Failure of Unit 1 Residual Heat Removal System Low Pressure Injection Valve.
- ML110600408 - Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Units 2 & 3 - Technical Specification Change TS-429 - Deletion of Low Pressure Coolant Injection Motor-Generator Sets.
- ML110610738 - Browns Ferry, Units 1, 2, and 3, Sequoyah, Units 1 and 2, Watts Bar, Units 1 & 2, Submittal Of Report In Accordance With 10 CFR 26.719(c)(1) for Drug And Alcohol Testing Errors.
- ML110590055 - ANP-2988NP, Revision 0, "Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Unit 1, AREVA Fuel Transition Input to TVA for RAIs," Enclosure 3.
- ML110610737 - Tennessee Valley Authority - Fitness for Duty Annual Program Performance Data, January through December 2010.
- ML110670225 - Browns Ferry, Unit 2 - Core Operating Limits Report for Cycle 17 Operation.
- ML110630441 - Browns Ferry, Inspection/Activity Plan 03/01/2011 - 06/30/2012.
- ML110540131 - Browns Ferry, Units 1 & 2, Sequoyah, 1 & 2, Watts Bar, Units 1 & 2, Request for Additional Information Regarding Cyber Security Plans Based on Nuclear Energy Institute 08-09, Revision 6.
- ML110730703 - Brownsferry Nuclear Plant, NRC Emergency Preparedness Annual Inspection Report 05000259-10-502, 05000260-10-502 and 05000296-10-502.
- ML110660349 - Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Units 1, 2 and 3 - Request For Additional Information Regarding Technical Specification Change TS-474 (TAC Nos. ME4668, ME4669, and ME4670).
- ML110630427 - Annual Assessment Letter for the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant Unit 1 (IR 05000259,260,296-11-001).
Fleet Feet Huntsville 2011 race calendar
Here's a link to the most recent collection of CRS reports posted by the Federation of American Scientists in their Secrecy News newsletter...
ScienceCasts: Super Moon
Tonight. The forecast at NWS Huntsville currently says mostly cloudy, so this might be hit or miss...
Friday, March 18, 2011
NRC, INPO, NEI, ANS.....
This information notice was sent out to all operators of nuclear power plants today. The purpose section is the most concise statement of the document:
One might presume that this is meaningless since it specifically mentions that "no specific action or written response is required." That's kind of where INPO comes in. While the NRC verifies that nuclear plants comply with the law, INPO (a utility-sponsored entity) is there to measure and improve plant performance to above the minimum requirements of law. Earlier this week, INPO (the link provided only gives very generic information about INPO) sent out guidelines for actions to be taken by all plant operators to be as certain as possible that nuclear plants can deal with postulated disasters. Speaking only from my immediate realm of experience, TVA had already started (prior to INPO's guidance) to form teams to evaluate and improve safety margins from disasters at their nuclear plants. I'm sure that TVA is not alone...
Purpose
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing this information notice (IN) to inform addressees of effects of the Tohoku-Taiheiyou-Oki Earthquake on nuclear power plants in Japan. The NRC expects that recipients will review the information for applicability to their facilities and consider actions, as appropriate, to avoid similar problems. Suggestions contained in this IN are not NRC requirements; therefore, no specific action or written response is required.One might presume that this is meaningless since it specifically mentions that "no specific action or written response is required." That's kind of where INPO comes in. While the NRC verifies that nuclear plants comply with the law, INPO (a utility-sponsored entity) is there to measure and improve plant performance to above the minimum requirements of law. Earlier this week, INPO (the link provided only gives very generic information about INPO) sent out guidelines for actions to be taken by all plant operators to be as certain as possible that nuclear plants can deal with postulated disasters. Speaking only from my immediate realm of experience, TVA had already started (prior to INPO's guidance) to form teams to evaluate and improve safety margins from disasters at their nuclear plants. I'm sure that TVA is not alone...
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Update from about 45 minutes ago from the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum and...
Reactor Status Update 11 - NPPs in Fukushima as of 10:00 March 18 - http://www.jaif.or.jp/english/news_images/pdf/ENGNEWS01_1300411879P.pdf
Beagán agus a rá go maith.
I'm hoisting a Guinness!
Beagán agus a rá go maith.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I'm hoisting a Guinness!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
On things nuclear...
I have been affiliated with nuclear power in some form or fashion since 1992. I will say right now that I DO NOT CONSIDER MYSELF AN EXPERT. I DO consider myself to be a highly trained professional. In the course of the nearly twenty years of training and operation of nuclear plants, I can say that I have worked and currently work with some of the most intelligent and genuinely concerned for the public safety folks I have ever met. I thoroughly believe that the operators and plant staff in Japan have identical attributes.
Regarding nuclear plants and their susceptibility to natural disasters, Japan has been presented with a situation that has far exceeded the worst expectations. Even in light of that fact, the consequences of this situation will be nowhere near the consequences of Chernobyl. The three units that have had accidents at Fukushima Daiichi will not operate as they were constructed ever again (if at all). However, as a testament to the courage and ability of the operators in Japan, the damage and contamination (as things stand right now) will very likely be limited to a highly localized area.
A number of human endeavors are fraught with some amount of hazard. There is a risk while driving your vehicle to and from work on a daily basis. Granted, the risk is small and if something goes wrong, the reach of the problem will be extremely limited. A very few examples of industries that have definite human benefits but larger risks follow:
Nuclear power
Natural gas (and associated pipelines, etc.)
Pesticide and other chemical manufacturing
Molasses (I include this in jest, but molasses can kill - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Molasses_Disaster)
In 1984, several thousand lives were lost in Bhopal, India due to a major leak of methyl isocyanate. The long-term effects of Bhopal are still being documented. As with Chernobyl, there were SERIOUS design flaws and human faults that led to people dying. This is emphatically not the case in Japan.
All of this gets me to my main point. I am STILL pro-nuclear power. I want to see the nuclear industry grow and evolve. My current sense of the environment of pro-nuclear entities is that they are wanting to drive ahead with construction and licensing/operation while giving the APPEARANCE of not taking a pause to understand the implications of the disaster in Japan. I know that this is not the case. The lessons of what has happened in Japan already and what will happen until this emergency is over are being considered even as I type this. There will be a lot more to be learned from what has happened. In general, the industry is hesitant to allow for too much delay for further study and evaluation and regulation evolution in small part due to cost and in large part because these are some of the tactics that have been used by anti-nuclear entities to stifle and hold the nuclear power industry in check since Three Mile Island. As an industry, we can't afford to give the appearance of plowing ahead without thinking. As any folks who work in my industry can repeat like a mantra - "Nuclear technology is recognized as special and unique". As an industry that I hope to see continue, we need to be straightforward with the public about what actions we are currently taking to prevent similar situations from happening in the United States and the results of the actions we take from the lessons learned from Japan.
Regarding nuclear plants and their susceptibility to natural disasters, Japan has been presented with a situation that has far exceeded the worst expectations. Even in light of that fact, the consequences of this situation will be nowhere near the consequences of Chernobyl. The three units that have had accidents at Fukushima Daiichi will not operate as they were constructed ever again (if at all). However, as a testament to the courage and ability of the operators in Japan, the damage and contamination (as things stand right now) will very likely be limited to a highly localized area.
A number of human endeavors are fraught with some amount of hazard. There is a risk while driving your vehicle to and from work on a daily basis. Granted, the risk is small and if something goes wrong, the reach of the problem will be extremely limited. A very few examples of industries that have definite human benefits but larger risks follow:
Nuclear power
Natural gas (and associated pipelines, etc.)
Pesticide and other chemical manufacturing
Molasses (I include this in jest, but molasses can kill - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Molasses_Disaster)
In 1984, several thousand lives were lost in Bhopal, India due to a major leak of methyl isocyanate. The long-term effects of Bhopal are still being documented. As with Chernobyl, there were SERIOUS design flaws and human faults that led to people dying. This is emphatically not the case in Japan.
All of this gets me to my main point. I am STILL pro-nuclear power. I want to see the nuclear industry grow and evolve. My current sense of the environment of pro-nuclear entities is that they are wanting to drive ahead with construction and licensing/operation while giving the APPEARANCE of not taking a pause to understand the implications of the disaster in Japan. I know that this is not the case. The lessons of what has happened in Japan already and what will happen until this emergency is over are being considered even as I type this. There will be a lot more to be learned from what has happened. In general, the industry is hesitant to allow for too much delay for further study and evaluation and regulation evolution in small part due to cost and in large part because these are some of the tactics that have been used by anti-nuclear entities to stifle and hold the nuclear power industry in check since Three Mile Island. As an industry, we can't afford to give the appearance of plowing ahead without thinking. As any folks who work in my industry can repeat like a mantra - "Nuclear technology is recognized as special and unique". As an industry that I hope to see continue, we need to be straightforward with the public about what actions we are currently taking to prevent similar situations from happening in the United States and the results of the actions we take from the lessons learned from Japan.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
IAEA Director General's Update on Tsunami and Earthquake Emergency Response
12 March 2011, 2000 CET IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano provided a video statement on the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan. Director General Amano expressed his sincerest condolences for the lives and homes lost, and said "My heart goes out to the people of my home country as they rise to the challenge of this immense tragedy."
Director General Amano notes the current effort to prevent further damage to Unit 1 reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
In response to the situation, Director General Amano also explained the IAEA's dual role to use emergency communication channels to exchange verified, official information between Japan and other IAEA Member States, as well as to coordinate the delivery of international assistance, should Japan or other affected countries request it.
Friday, March 11, 2011
VNV Nation - Frika
I love the pounding beat and high tension in this song. I've found that I enjoy running while listening to it (among several other high energy VNV tunes). As an aside, I've never experienced true rage, but if I did, this song would be part of the soundtrack to said rage...
Lyrics:
Over time desire shall fall and lie and fade
Await unequaled thought and virtuosity
Desire lies in wait, a precious cup, a stone or some such
Absent moments, ones which raised the heart to stand so great
Cannot choose not to deny
Blame falls easy silently
Darkness preferable, comfort found again
In solitude, a door into an empty room
A door to familiar desolation
The spoils of past years lost for reason
Lost for some notions of new days
Inside there is gentleness
Calm preceding tears
Oh, cry again, cry again
Moment of toil, moment of toil
Call the Gods to answer me
Hear me say, 'Oh, hear my pain!'
Call the Gods to answer me
Frika come! Frika come!
Promise and enlightenment abounded
Felled like trees and pillars that held me high
Running blind, running blind
On stony ground I stumble and vow return
Inside there is gentleness
Calm preceding tears
Oh, cry again, cry again
Moment of toil, moment of toil
Call the Gods to answer me
Hear me say, 'Oh, hear my pain!'
Call the Gods to answer me.
Frika come! Frika come!
Inside there is anger now
Calm precedes the rage
Cry again, oh, cry again
Moment of toil, moment of toil
Call the Gods to answer me
Hear me say, 'Hear my pain!'
All the Gods to answer me
Frika come! Oh, Frika come!
Lyrics:
Over time desire shall fall and lie and fade
Await unequaled thought and virtuosity
Desire lies in wait, a precious cup, a stone or some such
Absent moments, ones which raised the heart to stand so great
Cannot choose not to deny
Blame falls easy silently
Darkness preferable, comfort found again
In solitude, a door into an empty room
A door to familiar desolation
The spoils of past years lost for reason
Lost for some notions of new days
Inside there is gentleness
Calm preceding tears
Oh, cry again, cry again
Moment of toil, moment of toil
Call the Gods to answer me
Hear me say, 'Oh, hear my pain!'
Call the Gods to answer me
Frika come! Frika come!
Promise and enlightenment abounded
Felled like trees and pillars that held me high
Running blind, running blind
On stony ground I stumble and vow return
Inside there is gentleness
Calm preceding tears
Oh, cry again, cry again
Moment of toil, moment of toil
Call the Gods to answer me
Hear me say, 'Oh, hear my pain!'
Call the Gods to answer me.
Frika come! Frika come!
Inside there is anger now
Calm precedes the rage
Cry again, oh, cry again
Moment of toil, moment of toil
Call the Gods to answer me
Hear me say, 'Hear my pain!'
All the Gods to answer me
Frika come! Oh, Frika come!
No matter what you believe (or don't believe)....
The people of Japan need your prayers (or best wishes) and more than likely in the next days, weeks and months, will require help.
Closely tied to this, but more up my alley regarding work, the newswires and twitterverse are blazing with stories about Japanese nuke plants. In particular, the worst affected plant appears to be Fukushima Daiichi. The latest news (as I'm typing this) is that the plant might release "radioactive vapor".
To be clear, this is a well-established (and highly monitored/controlled) strategy to minimize the effects following an emergency situation at a nuclear power plant. As always, I would rather hear the info from the horse's mouth than twitter or most news outlets because there are plenty of people who have an agenda or are slightly (or grossly) misinformed. You might say that the "horse's mouth" might tell lies. I tend to believe that the operators of these plants want to be truthful because if it comes out that they withheld the truth, there will be heck to pay in the end.
Regarding the horse's mouth...
If you can read Japanese:
http://www.tepco.co.jp/tepconews/index-j.html
http://www.nisa.meti.go.jp/
http://kinkyu.nisa.go.jp/
Translated:
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tepco.co.jp%2Ftepconews%2Findex-j.html
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nisa.meti.go.jp%2F
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fkinkyu.nisa.go.jp%2F
Closely tied to this, but more up my alley regarding work, the newswires and twitterverse are blazing with stories about Japanese nuke plants. In particular, the worst affected plant appears to be Fukushima Daiichi. The latest news (as I'm typing this) is that the plant might release "radioactive vapor".
To be clear, this is a well-established (and highly monitored/controlled) strategy to minimize the effects following an emergency situation at a nuclear power plant. As always, I would rather hear the info from the horse's mouth than twitter or most news outlets because there are plenty of people who have an agenda or are slightly (or grossly) misinformed. You might say that the "horse's mouth" might tell lies. I tend to believe that the operators of these plants want to be truthful because if it comes out that they withheld the truth, there will be heck to pay in the end.
Regarding the horse's mouth...
If you can read Japanese:
http://www.tepco.co.jp/tepconews/index-j.html
http://www.nisa.meti.go.jp/
http://kinkyu.nisa.go.jp/
Translated:
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tepco.co.jp%2Ftepconews%2Findex-j.html
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nisa.meti.go.jp%2F
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fkinkyu.nisa.go.jp%2F
Thursday, March 10, 2011
"Creating The United States" & "Thomas Jefferson's Library" exhibitions via the Library of Congress...
Creating The United States
Thomas Jefferson's Library
Thomas Jefferson's Library
I was just getting ready to do some running..
I figured I'd download some MORE up-tempo beat driven music. Example:
Enjoy!!!!
Monday, March 07, 2011
Browns Ferry docs, Crack and the McBeast, Top 10 THOMAS items
NRC documents for Browns Ferry from 2/26/2011-3/5/2011:
So, the wife unit, one each, was part of a craft show this weekend. I had hoped that I would get called to work some OT (daytime) on Saturday, but that just wasn't to be. Anyway, I learned two things. I probably learned more than that, but two things stuck out prominently in my mind.
First thing...
I LOVE THIS STUFF. I just made two batches (one for home and one for work). It's called cracker candy, but it's more like crack...
Second...
After I dropped Suzanne off on Saturday, I figured I'd give McDonald's new oatmeal a try. I was eating my tasty oatmeal fairly close to the order counter. Dude's order came out to be $6.66. Neither he nor the cashier would have that. The cashier suggested another item to change the total from the mark of the McBeast. The additional item order was on the tip of the customer's tongue right before the cashier made her suggestion. I'm sorry, but I am NOT concerned if there are thirteen folks at a table or a transaction comes out to a certain amount. My humble opinion: Such fears are extraordinarily IRRATIONAL.
I DO realize why people say they do such things.
- ML110550646 - Browns Ferry, Unit 1 - American Society of Mechanical Engineers Section Xl, Inservice Inspection, System Pressure Test, Containment Inservice Inspection, and Repair and Replacement Programs - Owner's Activity Report for Cycle 8 Operation.
- ML110460496 - Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Unit 1 - Safety Evaluation For Relief Request 1-ISI-26, "Risk-Informed Inservice Inspection Program."
- ML110610641 - NRC Report 0 5000259/2010005, 05000260/2010005, and 05000296/2010005; Preliminary Greater Than Green Finding Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant.
So, the wife unit, one each, was part of a craft show this weekend. I had hoped that I would get called to work some OT (daytime) on Saturday, but that just wasn't to be. Anyway, I learned two things. I probably learned more than that, but two things stuck out prominently in my mind.
First thing...
I LOVE THIS STUFF. I just made two batches (one for home and one for work). It's called cracker candy, but it's more like crack...
Second...
After I dropped Suzanne off on Saturday, I figured I'd give McDonald's new oatmeal a try. I was eating my tasty oatmeal fairly close to the order counter. Dude's order came out to be $6.66. Neither he nor the cashier would have that. The cashier suggested another item to change the total from the mark of the McBeast. The additional item order was on the tip of the customer's tongue right before the cashier made her suggestion. I'm sorry, but I am NOT concerned if there are thirteen folks at a table or a transaction comes out to a certain amount. My humble opinion: Such fears are extraordinarily IRRATIONAL.
I DO realize why people say they do such things.
Top ten legislative items searched on THOMAS, compiled on 3/6/2011 from weekly usage statistics
- H.R. 1 - [112th] - Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011
- H.R. 662 - [112th] - Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011
- H.R. 3 - [112th] - No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act
- H.R. 4 - [112th] - Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011
- H.R. 3590 - [111th] - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
- H.R. 3082 - [111th] - Continuing Appropriations and Surface Transportation Extensions Act, 2011
- H.R. 514 - [112th] - FISA Sunsets Extension Act of 2011
- H.R. 4173 - [111th] - Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
- H.R. 4709 - [111th] - E 2 for Innovation Act
- H.R. 1 - [111th] - American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Jennifer Lopez - On The Floor ft. Pitbull (Main Version)
I just heard this and thought "Wow, how BEP!" However, it's not a far stretch to liken this song to early 90s dance club stuff. Biggest difference is the addition of a bit of rap and updated electronics. All in all, I REALLY liked this song. If nothing else, it mentally took me back to places like The Edge and JJ Whispers in Orlando, FL. Those were the days...
Beautiful day for a run...
I'm still slower than I would like, but my 10K pace on this was 51:30. A couple of weeks ago, that pace was 54:19. Keep running!
I just signed up! - 05/30/11 Mercedes Benz Cotton Row Runs 10K, 5K, and 1 mile | Huntsville, Alabama 35801 | Monday, May 30, 2011 @ 7:00 AM
05/30/11 Mercedes Benz Cotton Row Runs 10K, 5K, and 1 mile | Huntsville, Alabama 35801 | Monday, May 30, 2011 @ 7:00 AM
Here's the course map/elevation profile...
Here's the course map/elevation profile...
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
New REM album coming out next week....
I wouldn't normally make mention of album releases, but I noticed via NPR's FB page that you can give the entire album a test drive at http://www.npr.org/2011/03/01/133998085/first-listen-r-e-m-collapse-into-now. Besides, I listened to these guys a fair amount back in the day...
Dichotomy...
I'll start with the virtue...
Now for the vice...
I enjoy doughnuts! Me and my best friend (and several hundred other folks) ran the Krispy Kreme run in Huntsville this past November. I like the local doughnut shop in Athens. While watching TV last night (Unique Eats on Cooking Channel), they featured a doughnut joint in Portland, OR.
Now for the vice...
I enjoy doughnuts! Me and my best friend (and several hundred other folks) ran the Krispy Kreme run in Huntsville this past November. I like the local doughnut shop in Athens. While watching TV last night (Unique Eats on Cooking Channel), they featured a doughnut joint in Portland, OR.
***WARNING! Not for the easily offended***
Voodoo DoughnutMonday, February 28, 2011
Frank Buckles, Top 10 in THOMAS, Another semi-pseudonymous Sarah profile
An era of American history has partially come to an end. Frank Buckles, the last known surviving US veteran of WWI, passed away yesterday.
It probably won't be up much longer, but it seems that a certain ex-Alaska governor has a need for a semi-pseudonymous profile on twitter.com. Earth-shattering? Not really. Slightly odd? If truly created by her (this profile was discovered by searching twitter.com for her personal Gmail address), then it is indeed:
a) Hopefully not supposed to borrow its name from Mount McKinley (vice mckinely)
b) Yes, very strange
Top ten legislative items searched on THOMAS, compiled on 2/13/2011 from weekly usage statistics
- H.R. 1 - [112th] - Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011
- H.R. 514 - [112th] - FISA Sunsets Extension Act of 2011
- H.R. 3590 - [111th] - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
- H.R. 3 - [112th] - No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act
- H.R. 3082 - [111th] - Continuing Appropriations and Surface Transportation Extensions Act, 2011
- H.R. 1 - [111th] - American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
- H.R. 4173 - [111th] - Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
- H.R. 2 - [112th] - Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act
- H.R. 658 - [112th] - FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011
- H.R. 3200 - [111th] - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009
It probably won't be up much longer, but it seems that a certain ex-Alaska governor has a need for a semi-pseudonymous profile on twitter.com. Earth-shattering? Not really. Slightly odd? If truly created by her (this profile was discovered by searching twitter.com for her personal Gmail address), then it is indeed:
a) Hopefully not supposed to borrow its name from Mount McKinley (vice mckinely)
b) Yes, very strange
Sunday, February 27, 2011
A couple of videos and the weekly NRC thing....
In honor of this week's final flight of Discovery, let's look back at some video of the very FIRST launch of Discovery in August 1984:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STS-41-D
While watching UFC® 127 last night, someone was talking about BJ Penn performing an impressive feat of a three foot vertical jump out of a pool. I had to see the video for myself. I'd love to have the strength to do this. Here's the video:
Not much of interest for my plant from the NRC over the past week, but here it is:
AND
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STS-41-D
While watching UFC® 127 last night, someone was talking about BJ Penn performing an impressive feat of a three foot vertical jump out of a pool. I had to see the video for myself. I'd love to have the strength to do this. Here's the video:
Not much of interest for my plant from the NRC over the past week, but here it is:
Saturday, February 26, 2011
For all you runners...
The Huntsville Track Club's page for the 2011 Cotton Row Run is up. Online registration begins March 1! Plus, don't forget the beginning of May and the Run Through The Roses 10K (and 5K this year) in Madison. Registration has been ongoing for Run Through The Roses...
Friday, February 25, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
NGC 2841
Source: Hubblesite.org
For an idea of the amount of work that goes into making a spectacular color image like the one above, here's a video from Hubble's YouTube channel:
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Former NRC chairman suggests reprocessing spent nuclear fuel might be a good idea....
At the American Association for the Advancement of Science's annual meeting.
Speaking of the NRC, here are the Browns Ferry documents placed in ADAMS for the past week. Two of the items (concerning control rod blade cracking) have been covered in the news recently. They are ML110460487 and ML110480054. I can't say much beyond what these documents say because I'm not an official spokesman, but I will say that TVA and Browns Ferry have specific plans/contingencies and maintain appropriate communication with the applicable vendor. That said, here are last week's docs:
Speaking of the NRC, here are the Browns Ferry documents placed in ADAMS for the past week. Two of the items (concerning control rod blade cracking) have been covered in the news recently. They are ML110460487 and ML110480054. I can't say much beyond what these documents say because I'm not an official spokesman, but I will say that TVA and Browns Ferry have specific plans/contingencies and maintain appropriate communication with the applicable vendor. That said, here are last week's docs:
- ML110380129 - Browns Ferry, Unit 2, Response to Request for Additional Information Regarding American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section XI, Inservice Inspection Program for the 4th Ten-Year Inspection Interval.
- ML110410388 - LER 10-005-00 for Browns Ferry, Unit 1, Regarding Main Steam Relief Valves As-Found Setpoints Exceeded Technical Specification Lift Pressure Values.
- ML110460487 - Notification of Potential Part 21 Reportable Condition re Design Life of D and S Lattice Marathon Control Blades.
- ML110460455 - Browns Ferry, Unit 2 - Notification of Inspection and Request for Information.
- ML110480054 - Notification of Potential Part 21 Reportable Condition: Crack Indications in Marathon Control Rod Blades.
- ML110480551 - Browns Ferry, Unit 3, Acceptance Review Results for Relief Request 3-ISI-25.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Alvin Frame-Grabber : Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Alvin Frame-Grabber : Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Alvin is a research DSV owned by the US Navy and operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The frame-grabber has dives listed (many with pictures) as far back as 1988. Alvin's been operating in the Gulf of Mexico within the past couple of months. I put this up here after reading a story discussing the recovery of the undersea environment/oil degradation after BP's blowout in the Gulf last year. Seems that the oil didn't get consumed by microbes as much as expected/reported...
Here's the Gulf Oil Blog. It's maintained by the University of Georgia marine science team that was researching the oil plumes from the failed well.
Alvin is a research DSV owned by the US Navy and operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The frame-grabber has dives listed (many with pictures) as far back as 1988. Alvin's been operating in the Gulf of Mexico within the past couple of months. I put this up here after reading a story discussing the recovery of the undersea environment/oil degradation after BP's blowout in the Gulf last year. Seems that the oil didn't get consumed by microbes as much as expected/reported...
Here's the Gulf Oil Blog. It's maintained by the University of Georgia marine science team that was researching the oil plumes from the failed well.
About 5K - 2/19/2011 + Yoga X this morning
Friday, February 18, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Fear and politics - Watson - Government secrecy related sites - Belle Chevre
The use of fear as a campaign tactic/political tool is not limited to one party nor is it a new thing. via archive.org
Go Watson.
Much debate has been given to secrecy and secrecy policy in the wake of WikiLeaks in the past several months. Lest we forget, there are some other great sites out there:
The National Security Archive - The FAS Project on Government Secrecy - Cryptome
In closing, here's a shameless plug. Check out Belle Chevre. In and around Huntsville, a selection of their products can be found at Publix, Earth Fare and Costco. There might be other places, but these are the ones I know for sure...
Go Watson.
Much debate has been given to secrecy and secrecy policy in the wake of WikiLeaks in the past several months. Lest we forget, there are some other great sites out there:
The National Security Archive - The FAS Project on Government Secrecy - Cryptome
In closing, here's a shameless plug. Check out Belle Chevre. In and around Huntsville, a selection of their products can be found at Publix, Earth Fare and Costco. There might be other places, but these are the ones I know for sure...
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Top 10 searches on THOMAS, NRC items of interest for BFN, Tempel 1 flyby
Top ten legislative items searched on THOMAS, compiled on 2/6/2011 from weekly usage statistics
- H.R. 3 - [112th] - No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act
- H.R. 3590 - [111th] - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
- H.R. 2 - [112th] - Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act
- H.R. 3200 - [111th] - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009
- H.R. 3082 - [111th] - Continuing Appropriations and Surface Transportation Extensions Act, 2011
- H.R. 4853 - [111th] - Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010
- S.Amdt. 13 - [112th] - To repeal the job-killing health care law and health care-related provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010
- H.R. 4173 - [111th] - Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
- S. 1435 - [111th] - Human-Animal Hybrid Prohibition Act of 2009
- H.R. 359 - [112th] - To reduce Federal spending and the deficit by terminating taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns and party conventions
4 NRC docs for Browns Ferry between 2/6/11 and 2/13/11:
- ML103400346 - IR 05000259-10-201, 05000260-10-201, and 05000296-10-201, 12/17/2010, Brows Ferry Nuclear Plant; Security Inspection (Cover Letter).
- ML110400431 - Browns Ferry Inspection Report 2010-005 and Notice of Violation.
- ML110420172 - Browns Ferry Nuclear Station - Notification of Licensed Operator Initial Examination.
- ML110190410 - December 15, 2010, Browns Ferry, Units 1, 2 & 3, Summary of Meeting with Tennessee Valley Authority Extended Power Uprate Plans (TAC NOS. MD5262, MD5263 & MD5264).
Image Gallery for comet Tempel 1 Valentine's Day flyby
Monday, February 14, 2011
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