Institute Tests New Alert System
The MIT Security and Emergency Management Office initiated a campus-wide emergency test drill in late August that consisted of sending messages via phone, e-mail, and text messaging to members of the MIT community. The office, which was launched on July 1, 2007, serves as a resource center for security-related issues. Approximately 26,000 e-mail messages were sent in under five minutes.
Hockfield, Officials Discuss State of MIT
President Susan Hockfield, along with top MIT officials, presented optimistic remarks to a crowd of about 300 at Tuesday’s State of the Institute forum in Kresge Auditorium, ending a three year hiatus for the event. Also speaking at the forum were Provost L. Rafael Reif, Chancellor Phillip L. Clay PhD ’75, and Executive Vice President and Treasurer Theresa M. Stone.
Lawmakers Consider Bill on Costs Of Textbooks
A month into the fall semester, Nathassia Torchon has already had two tests in her precalculus class and is approaching her first history exam. But the Massachusetts Bay Community College student said she could not afford the $330 price tag for two of the required textbooks until this week.
UA Finance Board Allocations for Summer and Fall 2007
Source: Undergraduate Association Finance Board
‘Egg’ Nobel Awards Play Chicken Last Night
Researchers, Nobel laureates, students, and curious people alike gathered Thursday evening to celebrate the Seventeenth “1st Annual Ig Nobel Prize Ceremony” held in the Sanders Theatre at Harvard University. Created to honor 10 achievements each year that “first make people LAUGH, and then make them THINK,” the ceremony was complete with hysterical antics, odd science demonstrations, a chicken theme, and, of course, improbable research.
Bill Passed: U.S. Contractors In Iraq to Be Under U.S. Law
With the armed security force Blackwater USA and other private contractors in Iraq facing tighter scrutiny, the House of Representatives on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a bill that would bring all U.S. government contractors in the Iraq war zone under the jurisdiction of U.S criminal law. The measure would a require the FBI to investigate any allegations of wrongdoing.
South Africa Closes Mine That Trapped 3,200 Below Ground
One day after a freak accident stranded 3,200 gold miners more than a mile underground, South African officials said Thursday that they had closed the huge Elandsrand mine for up to six weeks to determine the cause of the mishap.
Musharraf-Bhutto Deal Struck In Pakistan as Elections Loom
The government of Gen. Pervez Musharraf announced Thursday an accord that includes amnesty for the opposition leader and former prime minister, Benazir Bhutto, clearing the way for the general to run for re-election as president on Saturday and for Bhutto to return to Pakistan for parliamentary elections at the end of the year.
Congressional Debate Erupts Over Interrogation Techniques of CIA
The disclosure of secret Justice Department legal opinions on interrogation on Thursday set off a bitter round of debate over the treatment of suspected terrorists in American custody and whether Congress has been adequately informed of administration legal policies.
Unseasonably Warm Weather Continues
Boston continues to be treated to unseasonably warm autumn temperatures. In fact, yesterday’s high temperature of 86°F (30°C) at Logan Airport (where official weather measurements for Boston are taken) exceeded the previous record high of 85°F (29°C) set in 1983. The average high temperature for the first week of October is 66°F (19°C). Our warm trend will continue with pleasantly warm temperatures Friday and Saturday. A weak cold front will move through the region on Saturday night, bringing cooler temperatures and a slight chance of showers. No heavy rain is expected at least through the beginning of next week. In terms of precipitation, Boston has been on the dry side the past month, with September seeing only half of its normally measured rainfall.
Shorts (right)
Autopsies on two Boston firefighters who were killed while battling a restaurant blaze in August revealed that one had a blood alcohol content more than three times the legal limit and the other had cocaine in his system, news media outlets here reported Thursday.
Shorts (left)
Sen. Larry E. Craig of Idaho, defying the wishes of many in his own Republican Party, said Thursday that he would remain in the Senate through next year despite a court ruling against him in Minnesota, where he sought to rescind his guilty plea stemming from an undercover sex sting.
BREWERY REVIEW A Beer to Save America
Freshly made beer, mechanical contraptions, and hyperbole are three of my favorite things. On a sunny afternoon, you can find all of these things at a tour of the Sam Adam’s factory in Jamaica Plain. First off, logistics: it’s actually really easy to get there. Just take the Orange Line down to Stony Brook and follow the signs that say “beer this way.” Second, they only ask for a $2 donation for the tour, and the money goes to local charities. Yes, you get to be a Good Samaritan and tour a beer factory on the same day. Lastly, don’t go on Saturdays: it’s crowded beyond belief. Oh, and make sure you’re over 21.
CONCERT REVIEW Esbjörn in the U.S.
I’m already late for the first set. Facing the whitewashed double doors of Scullers Jazz Club, I ease one open and slip inside.
MUSEUM REVIEW Shoe Mania Hits Museum of Fine Arts
If you’ve been avoiding any of Boston’s museums because you can’t tell a Renaissance painting from a Post-Impressionist, your excuse has just been smashed. “Walk This Way,” one of the Museum of Fine Art’s latest exhibits, is a parade of shoes, some new and some old. Everyone can understand shoes — we wear them, don’t we?
CD REVIEW New Animal Collective Is a Sticky Mess
At the end of “The Devil Wears Prada,” fictional fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestley deems her super assistant Andie Sachs “her greatest disappointment.” Taken out of context, that comment fails to convey that Miranda actually has great respect for Andie’s humanity and character. Through the course of the film, she proves herself to be an extraordinary assistant but not in the way Miranda initially hoped.
RESTAURANT REVIEW Mmmm … Sandwiches
Inman Square is about a mile from MIT and home to an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, including the appropriately named All Star Sandwich Bar. This small restaurant on the corner or Cambridge St. and Prospect St. is crammed with tables, and when I went on a Saturday at noon, those tables were filled with a variety of people. From pajama-clad college students to a distinguished older man, everyone loves sandwiches.
Volleyball Wins Tufts Tourney; Rowe Named MVP
The MIT women’s volleyball team was crowned champion of the 2007 Tufts University Invitational this past Saturday. Both the Engineers and Wellesley College finished the two-day tournament with 4-0 records, but MIT was awarded the title because its 12-1 record in games played was stronger than Tufts’ 12-5 ledger. Katherine C. Rowe ’10 was named the Tournament MVP, while Amanda J. Morris ’08 was selected to the All-Tournament Team.
Sailing Triumphs In Regatta And Earns Awards
The MIT sailing team experienced a wealth of good fortune in the past week, winning the Smith Trophy and earning recognition from the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association for two team members.
Ludlum’s Goal Leads MIT to Shutout Win
The MIT women’s soccer team defeated Clark University 1-0 on Tuesday afternoon at Steinbrenner Stadium, scoring its only goal on an Amy S. Ludlum ’08 shot just 31 seconds into the game. Though the statistics sheet credited Jean E. “Liz” Theurer ’10 as providing the only assist, Ludlum also received a boost from a strong wind that fortified her 35-yard shot. What looked to be an easy save for Cougars goalkeeper Joanna Clark turned into an unexpected game-winner.
