Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

More Anti-Nuke Stuff & Some of My Thoughts

cowanann — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 03:06:37 -0400

Below is a collection of selected stuff from websites. It may include repetitious references, as time is limited. but either refs or actual copies are quite useful and include:

dangers of nuclear power, costs, people involved, reasons for opposition or support, alternatives. There is lots of written stuff and many relevant videos.

My conclusion at this point: All forms of energy are supported by proponents who exaggerate benefits and underestimate costs, financial, political and biological. To get a real hold on the overall issue, a lot more detail on specifics of all related issues is necessary. As we are unlikely to get this research done in 2 weeks, we need to note that this is a very large & complex issue an no one interviewee has anywhere near the whole truth. More specifically: read more...

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

We Will All Go Together When We Go--with Orchestra & Pics

cowanann — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:16:58 -0400

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv6mPgtay6E

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Great Tom Lehrer Video!

cowanann — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:34:39 -0400

http://www.archive.org/details/Lehrer_nuclear

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Hansen Again

cowanann — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:42:48 -0400

On causes & solutions to Global Warming: see:

www.columbia.edu/~jeh1/2008/TwentyYearsLater_20080623.pdf

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Hansen Again

cowanann — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:42:40 -0400

On causes & solutions to Global Warming: see:

www.columbia.edu/~jeh1/2008/TwentyYearsLater_20080623.pdf

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Retro fun! 1960 Nuclear Educational Film

kforcier — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:06:12 -0400

Here's a film produced by the US military in 1960 to assuage fears about accidental nuclear explosions (that occur when plane's carrying nuclear bombs crash). It has some great soundbites - that classic 1950's v/o speaking very seriously and ominously, firetrucks racing about, old laboratories, mushroom clouds. I am posting this particular video because at about 06:50 there is an animated sequence about what happens within the nucleus during a nuclear explosion, etc. I thought it might be useful for Lauren's segment.

Enjoy :)

Here is my rather hasty log of the 20 minute clip. I will also post it on our google docs.

http://www.archive.org/details/StaySafe1960

TITLE: Stay Safe, Stay Strong read more...

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Gore's Environmental Advisor: James Hansen of NASA

cowanann — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 23:03:38 -0400

Check out James Hansen of NASA & Columbia University
http://www.charlierose.com/shows/2008/08/12/2/a-conversation-with-james-... Video on line
on Stopping Coal Development and Limiting Nuclear; developing alternative approaches.

'Global Warming 20 years later'

Leader in advice on Global Warming

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Rocky Mountain Institute on Opposition to Nuclear

cowanann — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:55:36 -0400

Check out 'The Nuclear Illusion' at: http://www.rmi.org/sitepages/pid504.php and several articles with names at that site, especially 'The Case Against Nuclear'
Some other Orgs to check out, possibly find an Interviewee:
Citizens Action Network
Citizens for Safe Power
Committee for Nuclear Responsibility
Connectcuit Coalition Against Millstone
Greenpeace
Nuclear Control Institute
Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Institute for Energy & Environmental Research

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Paradise Shoot on Friday

therese — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:38:33 -0400

Hi team,

Thanks to everyone who offered to help out with the Paradise shoot this full mooned Friday night (Aug. 15th).

If you are planning to come on this shoot, we'll meet around 10:30pm. at CCTV and head over to the Paradise. We can aim to start the shoot around 11pm or so. If you're planning to hang out at the club beforehand, great! (Let me know because I might join you.) For those peeps, we'll just meet up at the club. Come out and look for CCTV people a little before 11pm.

Also, get a little dolled up if you're feelin it because people may be warmer to us if we look like we're part of the night life!

Thanks!
Therese

Here's my cell: 617-386-3008

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Hillary Clinton discussing Yucca Mountain

Lauren — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:23:56 -0400

Lots more vids of Yucca on YouTube

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Links from Tyler Ellis

Lauren — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:17:48 -0400

Here are some links to things we discussed with Tyler on the tour:

First, Dr. Patrick Moore (one of the founders of Greenpeace who quit the
organization because of its increasingly radical positions) founded his own
coalition called the Clean and Safe Energy Coalition or CASEnergy Coalition
which actually speaks for nuclear energy. Their website is here:
http://www.casenergy.org/

Second, here are links to short 1 page fact sheets which describe security
upgrades to nuclear facilities, current state of nuclear safety at existing
facilities, non-proliferation, used-fuel transportation, used-fuel management,
economics and finance:
http://web.mit.edu/tyler9/www/BowmanANSseminar/

Third, as I mentioned on the tour, Amory Lovins newest paper "The Nuclear
Illusion" contains numerous falsehoods and misrepresentations. This link goes
to a weblog which dissects Lovins incorrect analyses. Lovins is given the read more...

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

MIT Reactor & Nuclear Fuel Development

cowanann — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 20:38:38 -0400

The MITR is a 5-megawatt research reactor owned and operated by MIT. The MITR has carried out interdisciplinary research in advanced materials and fuel testing for next-generation nuclear systems. One of the many capabilities of the MITR involves the use of in-core loops and the ability to reach temperatures of up to 1,600 degrees centigrade. This allows researchers to replicate nuclear power reactor conditions to study the behavior of advanced materials and fuel designs for next-generation nuclear reactors. The MITR contains a wide range of irradiation facilities that are utilized for various nuclear applications such as neutron transmutation doping, neutron science and neutron capture therapy.

See: http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2008/inl-mit-0708.html

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Role of Red Cross

cowanann — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:32:38 -0400

Be good if we contact Red Cross for their role, as well a number of people at the Reactor, in Nuclear Engineering Dept., and our representatives.

From Red Cross site: http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_319_,00.html

Each year, the American Red Cross responds immediately to more than 70,000 disasters, including house or apartment fires (the majority of disaster responses), hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hazardous materials spills, transportation accidents, explosions, and other natural and man-made disasters.
spotlight

The Good News Is That We Can Help read more...

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Check Out Amory Lovins, Leading Researcher & Advocate for Soft Power.

cowanann — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:17:52 -0400

Amory Bloch Lovins (born November 13, 1947 in Washington, DC) is Chairman and Chief Scientist of the Rocky Mountain Institute, a MacArthur Fellowship recipient (1993), and author and co-author of many books on renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Soft energy technologies are those based on solar, wind, biofuels, geothermal, etc. For Lovins, large-scale electricity production facilities had an important place, but it was a place that they were already filling; in general, more would not be needed. One of his main concerns, was the danger of committing to nuclear energy to meet a society's energy needs.[3] read more...

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Depository Might Open 2017

cowanann — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:04:21 -0400

Yucca Mt. was designated in 1987, was to have opened in 1998, now may open in 2017.
Much research and construction has been done at the site at considerable expense, but there are many problems and considerable opposition from: Native Americans, Nevada, environmentalists and Obama, etc.

Lacking an operating repository, however, the federal government owes to the utilities somewhere between $300 and $500 million per year in compensation for failing to comply with the contract it signed to take the spent nuclear fuel by 1998.[6]

For history of disposal and problems with this chosen site, see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yucca_Mountain#Impacts

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Shoot at the Paradise Bar (Albany Street)

therese — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:35:55 -0400

UPDATE (as of 8/10):
This shoot is possibly canceled. I'll post final word after class tomorrow.

Thanks,
Therese

-------------------------

Dear Project Documentary,

I am interested in doing a shoot this week (or next) at the Paradise Bar on Albany Street. (I'd prefer a Thursday or Friday night.)

I am wondering if I could get a small crew together for either this Friday night, August 8th, or next Friday, August 15th. Would anyone be able to join? I am particularly in need of a camera wiz.

If you're down, please let me know which night works best for you. My email is tccondit@gmail.com.

Thanks!
Therese

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Cask testing video (nuclear fuel transport vessels)

therese — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:30:32 -0400

Last night at the MITR tour, Tyler explained a few procedures for testing the casks that transport nuclear fuel to reactor sites, etc. They are made of lead and steel and are so heavy that they can only be handled by cranes. Testing may be done by burning the cask in jet fuel, dropping it from hundreds of feet onto a pointed surface or flying planes into them! This clip is of one such test.

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

A Few More Nuclear Sites

cowanann — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 01:38:49 -0400

More Nuclear Sites 8/3/08
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_reactor
Hi vs Lo enriched uranium use in research reactors around the world.

http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf61.html
Very good article on research reactors around the world: variety, methods & uses.

http://www.iaea.org/worldatom/rrdb/
Has list of all research reactor around the world.

http://www.etsu.edu/writing/3120f99/zctb3/nuclear2.htm
On Waste disposal; a little old, though progress in this field is very slow. Also not mentioned in ‘Safety’ articles.

http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/brochures/br0216/
Fed.Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Waste; Controls MIT & Research reactors.

http://www.thebulletin.org/web-edition/reports/nuclear-waste-repository-...
Bulletin of Atomic Scientists--Dutch reactors, Args. against recycling of fuel.

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Some Nuclear History: Hanford Site, 1943-present

cowanann — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:26:47 -0400

Very interesting article @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanford_Site
eg: Established in 1943 as part of the Manhattan Project, it was home to the B-Reactor, the first full-scale plutonium production reactor in the world.[1] Plutonium manufactured at the site was used in the first nuclear bomb, tested at the Trinity site, and in Fat Man, the bomb detonated over Nagasaki, Japan.... read more...

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Energy Club Contacts

cowanann — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:07:22 -0400

Wrote to Lynette Cheah, a Grad Student in the Energy Systems Division of the School of Engineering. She did not know anything about the reactor & referred me to the American Nuclear society.

Wrote & Spoke to Else Olivetti, Post-Doc Associate for the MIT Energy Initiative. She does not know about the reactor either, but says to call back for further contacts after the tour, if needed. Wanted to know more about topics of interest to us.

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

American Nuclear Society Officers & Activities

cowanann — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 02:27:31 -0400

Website & Info: Potential contacts
We are in touch with some, eg. Tyler Ellis

http://web.mit.edu/ans/www/officers.html

We need to follow up on reactor role in MIT's work on developing nuclear power approaches.
I'll try, but all are welcome to use this site for info.
This is last year's info, but probably of some use. Referred to me by an energy Club member.

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Nuclear Reactor Tour

Lauren — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:04:06 -0400

I spoke with Tom Newton the Associate Director of Reactor Engineering and Operations about the possibility of taking the tour of the Reactor. He said we can certainly take the tour and he is checking to see when times are available. So my question is to everyone: who would like to go on the tour? I will have more info shortly.

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

For Interview- Hearing back Problems

karma79 — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 08:40:47 -0400

Hey Everyone,
It seems most of us have problem of hearing back from the person whom we emailed. Julie and i tried to contact Ralph Lopez and fortunately she could talk to him through phone and he is willing to give an interview but that is possible only after 3 weeks as he has to travel somewhere. Beside these two guys, it is quite hard to find another person who is against of the MIT-location.
Usually, when you make any documentary film, one has to have some kind of legitimate paper work or any brief notice from the production house is required to show when you approach people for interviews. I think just emailing people is not enough to convince. Anyway, that's what think. Yours views might be different.

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Nuclear Reactor contacts

sarah — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 21:22:06 -0400

I have emailed Tyler Ellis and Ed Lau again tonight.
I am not having any luck hearing back. I will
try phoning them tomorrow.

Tyler S Ellis
toSarah Brett

cceslau@mit.edu,
kadak@mit.edu,
kazimi@mit.edu,
todreas@mit.edu

dateThu, Jun 26, 2008 at 4:56 PM
subjectRe: Tour of Nuclear Reactor
mailed-bymit.edu

hide details Jun 26 Reply

Hello Sarah,
Thanks for your email. The main point of contact for the Nuclear Reactor
Laboratory is the Reactor Superintendent Ed Lau (eslau@mit.edu). He will be
able to speak with you more in depth about what can be filmed and what can't.
I also CCed this email to three different Professors in the Department of
Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT, Professor Andrew Kadak, Professor Mujid
Kazimi and Professor Neil Todreas. Hopefully a few of them will have some time
to meet with you. Since I'm both a supervisor at the reactor as well as a read more...

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Interesting voicemail from Lou DiBerardinis, MIT Environmental Health Office Director

jmelczer — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:23:55 -0400

No emails from:

Officer Frank Pasquarello (PIO, Public Information Officer for the Cambridge Police).

So I called and left a message.
----------------------------------------------
No emails from:

Deputy Chief James Burns (PIO for Cambridge Fire).

So I called and found out that for on-air interviews I need to speak with John Gelinas, Chief of Operations.

He was in. I called, but he did not pick up. I left a message.
--------------------------------------------------

However, I did receive a voicemail from Lou DiBerardinis, MIT Environmental Health Office.
He said that Cambridge Fire contacted him about my inquiry. And that he wanted to know what the project was all about, since they have not been contacted. His last sentence was: "so I can let the fire department know whether it was ok to talk to you guys".

Let me get this straight: MIT is telling the Fire Department whether the Fire Department can talk to us?

What's that all about?

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

City gov., police and fire contacts

jmelczer — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:43:46 -0400

I have spoken with David O'Connor, Emergency Management Director for Cambridge. He needs to get an "ok" from the City Manager Bob Healy to do an on-air interview. But on the phone he seemed amenable to the idea. He will get back to me in 1-2 business days.

Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer, passed me along to Susan Feinberg who gave me police and fire public information officers' contacts:

Officer Frank Pasquarello (police) and Deputy Chief James Burns.

I have emailed both of them, and have yet to hear back.

So possibly one interview with the city's pov.

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Selected Nuclear Web Sites

cowanann — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:21:10 -0400

Nuclear Article sites:
1. University reactors & terrorism 2/08
# Story Highlights
# Congressional report: University-based nuclear reactors at risk for terrorism
# Nuclear Regulatory Commission: Report is flawed, attack scenarios highly unlikely
# There are 37 research reactors in the United States
# Report identifies potential shortcomings at some of the reactors investigators visited
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/12/congress.nuclear/index.html

http://www.ekonoiz.com/Eko_Noiz_Eco_Facts/Nuclear_Facts.htm

newsfromchernobyl.blogspot.com/2008/01/reactor-cited-for-minor-violations-by.html
on MIT error 1/08
http://www-tech.mit.edu/V127/N62/nrc.html

http://www-tech.mit.edu/V127/N62/nrc.html

Palo Verde: http://phoenix.about.com/cs/utilities/a/paloverde.htm
30.4 million megawatts of power, largest in country, serves 4 Mill. with elect. since ’88 read more...

Project Documentary: MIT Nuclear Reactor

Email to Mr. Ralph Lopez

karma79 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:44:51 -0400

Hello everyone and mainly to the instructors,
I was talking about attorney David Hoicka who is one of the initiator to move the MIT-Nuclear Reactor from densely populated area of cambridge. His co-founder for that step is Mr. Ralph Lopez. I was trying to email them but i found only Ralph Lopez email and i email him about our project and the interview. However, i found David's phone number but i feel comfortable by emailing them. Anyway, here is their information or biographies. Both of them tried to run for State Senator and State Representative in 1998. However, they couldnt make it. You can also check the following email that i wrote. If you have any suggestion about the email, please let me know sooner. I might also need help if i have to talk to them through phone.
thanks guys.
PS: The picture is Mr. Ralph Lopez.

Ralph Lopez for State Senator

(Cambridge, East Boston, North End, Winthrop and Revere, Massachusetts)

· Writer read more...