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Achtor's Monologue |
Employee News Upgrade
You undoubtedly noticed last month a significant change to the SSEC employee newsletter’s design and content. Now called - From Orbit – Mark has changed the look and, with the help of a larger group of contributors, expanded our internal newsletter to provide a better picture of what’s going on in the Center. Mark’s excellent “In the News” is still there, as is the Director’s message, albeit in a new layout, but we have asked several of our technical and professional groups to provide news happenings in their areas. We are also looking for your feedback, so if you have a suggestion to improve - From Orbit – let Mark know. Thanks should go to the SSEC Equity and Diversity Committee who provided several good suggestions on improvements.
Touch Screen adds to CAVE appeal
The recent winter storms brought record crowds of “weather weenies” to the CAVE (CIMSS Audio-Visual Environment) to attend the weather briefings. Jordan Gerth and others present a detailed summary of weather around North America and on the best weather days there is lively discussion about the current situation or the forecast. Since the briefing information presented on the CAVE’s large computer screens often contains a lot of detail, we recently purchased and installed a touch screen on one of the monitors. The weather briefer can now use his/her finger like a mouse and change the screen content or move things around, improving control. If you haven’t stopped in to attend a weather briefing, please do so. The weather briefings in the CAVE are held this semester on Monday and Wednesday at 1 pm. There are also special briefings held on those “special weather days”.
Poster table
For poster presenters, the Center has purchased an adjustable table that sturdily holds a laptop that you can use to expand and improve the delivery of your presentation. The table’s legs collapse into a small area and with the table top, fit into a small suitcase (provided). You can take it along as checked baggage or a carry on, or we can ship it to your destination. I used it at a meeting in December and felt it did a great job allowing me to add information on my laptop about my poster topic (McIDAS-V). Maria Vasys holds the schedule and can help you with arrangements.
Professional development
There are a few Center policies and procedures that over the course of time will be restated in this column to help you with your work and so you can take advantage of specific opportunities. One of these “opportunities” is professional development. In most cases, the Center will support opportunities for you to expand or improve your workplace skills. There are some guidelines, but these requests are approved on a case by case basis. You can request this through your work supervisor, or you can see John, Fred or myself directly.
Airport Exhibit
Finally, try and get out to see the airport exhibit on Satellites See Wisconsin. A large group of Center staff provided time and effort to suggest and create images, put together displays and, a few days ago, assemble those displays at the airport. The ribbon cutting is Friday, 11 February 2011, at 5 pm, and the exhibit will be on display through the spring and summer.
