Questions on FTL system change? Click here.

Change is coming to the Fermilab Time and Labor electronic reporting system. Starting Monday, June 15, exempt employees will need to report all hours worked by day on the electronic weekly time card, including hours worked in excess of the standard 40 hours per week.

This applies only to employees who already use the FTL system.

For answers to questions about the system change, visit the new Fermilab Time and Labor Web site. You'll find answers to frequently asked questions and a link to submit questions of your own.

Fermilab and Argonne join to race on Fox River at fest

Members of the DrArgonnes at practice Wednesday night on the Fox River.

A long, thin boat with a mythical head slips through the water propelled by oars slapping the water in time with the beat of a tribal drum. As the rowers heave backwards, the 1,900 lb. craft slithers forward. From the shore comes the chant "E=mc²".

This group doesn't need help to know that they can turn their muscle mass into speed. Several of the scientists in the boat powered their way up the leader board at last year's dragon boat race as members of the Draggin' Runners.

With a new team of six scientists from Fermilab and 14 from Argonne, plus a new name, DrArgonnes, they practiced for a title shot at this weekend's St. Charles Pride of the Fox RiverFest.

"It's exhausting while you're doing it but exhilarating when you cross the finish line," said CDF's Jennifer Pursley.

Pursley joined the team five years ago after seeing oars in the main control room at CDF as a graduate student. Fermilab usually fields at least one team each year, giving scientists a chance to build camaraderie outside the laboratory and connect with their neighbors.

"I love the team camaraderie, it's fun to be out on the water," Pursley said.

This year Argonne staff joined the 20-person DrArgonnes team, which will race at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 14, at Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles.

"We did this because it was fun," said CDF's Rick Tesarek, who has organized the team for years. "We keep doing it because it is an event we really enjoy."

-- Tia Jones

Consulate members from Asian countries visit Fermilab

Consulate members from the People's Republic of China, India, Indonesia and the Philippines visited Fermilab on May 29 in celebration of Asia-Pacific Heritage Month. Fermilab Director Pier Oddone welcomed the consulate members and described particle physics in a nutshell. "The kind of questions that we ask and try to answer are universal. It is very easy for us to bring the world together," he said. "We come together and share. It's a wonderful field for that reason." After the presentation, the consulate members spent the day touring Fermilab and concluded with the Asian tea festival and art display in Wilson Hall.