I just received my annual TCP-1 letter from LLNS and a summary of the LLNS Pension Plan. Looked in pretty good shape in 2013. About 35% overfunded (funding target attainment percentage = 134.92%). This was a decrease from 2012 where it was 51% overfunded (funding target attainment percentage = 151.59%). They did note that the 2012 change in the law on how liabilities are calculated using interest rates improved the plan's position. Without the change the funding target attainment percentages would have been 118% (2012) and 105% (2013). 2013 assets = $2,057,866,902 2013 liabilities = $1,525,162,784 vs 2012 assets = $1,844,924,947 2012 liabilities = $1,217,043,150 It was also noted that a slightly different calculation method ("fair market value") designed to show a clearer picture of the plan' status as December 31, 2013 had; Assets = $2,403,098,433 Liabilities = $2,068,984,256 Funding ratio = 116.15% Its a closed plan with 3,781 participants. Of that number, 3,151 wer...
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Now a days we have to sell our science, don’t upset DOE/NNSA, complete all the safety paperwork and meet all the safety requirements even on the simplest of tasks, and do it all for less while cost continue to climb.
We pull out all the stops to celebrate the near completion of NIF, as if that was our goal; but the real success it creating fusion within the target chamber. Why; for all we know, all we have created is the world largest laser. Don’t get me wrong, I hope NIF does succeed and if it doesn’t it is still a good tool for science, an expensive tool, but a good tool. Is our celebration a bold move driven by our confidence of being able to create fusion with lasers, is this how we encourage the troops, increase moral; or is this how we sell our science. It is not hard to build the world biggest something; it happens all the time.
I would have rather seen NIF and the laboratory use funding to correct problems, enhance the science, and solve the many problems that still exist at NIF and throughout the Lab. I am afraid that our days of rewarding science that stand on its own merits have given away to animated shows and glitter.
I will wait to show my prided until I have something to be proud of…
I wish you luck but for me its just a job that allows me to make the mortgage payments until such time I no longer need them to survive from day to day. You're correct. LLNL was a nice place but I saw it start to decline about 10 years before the LLNS take over. Once LLNS got it and we were no longer part of UC LLNL went down the crap shut and there's really no hope of it ever being the same again.
Now its just a place to work from pay day tp pay day in hopes you make it until 65 to get SS. the current workforce with the present ecomony will have no choice to work until they are 65 or die on the job. The US of A dream is gone for good. They've now taken us back at least 70 years in time and it'll take anohter 70 - 100 years if ever to have a good life once again. Thanks socialist.