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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The loss of expertise under the demoralizing control of the construction company Bechtel has been staggering.
Also, there is this: "But decades have passed since the end of the Cold War, and nuclear weapons no longer hold the high status they once did..." Really?? How about "danger" as a substitute for the incomprehensible "status"? Do the Iranians think nuclear weapons give "status"??
This article is intellectually and historically lacking, and is unworthy of the Bulletin. Do your own homework, and understand why the AEA refused control of nuclear weapons design, development and testing to the military. And why it's still a good idea.
It emphasizes oversight by looky-loos like the Bulletin, without describing the overarching dysfunction hindering employee efforts, as well as the low morale brought about by the contract mandated employee compensation changes, and also the backbreaking overheads required to respond to the ongoing oversight and the paralysis that fear of the absurd punishments that occur when minor transgressions are discovered.
The labs accomplished the national mission much better under the AEC, when general guidance was given and the labs together and in competition created the nuclear weapons complex.
Much more effective leadership and efficient accomplishment of the missions. Much happier employees for a loooooot less money.
hear him, hear him.
Hume's "Dialogues", presents controversial points of view side-by-side (dialogic) in a fair insightful manner, carefully presenting all sides, and then, respectfully allowing the reader to decide.
Augustine used a similar even sympathetic approach to persuade pagan Rome that Christianity was by Roman standards of humanity, valor, and justice, a better choice for them.
A well informed audience will value an author that respects them.