MIT plans expansion of University Park
MIT will work with Forest City Boston to build a new building at 298–334 Massachusetts Avenue, in the area just north of Random Hall, expanding research and retail opportunities along the block. Construction could start as soon as a year from now.
CAC, Walker groups to talk
This morning, several design and construction firms will be taking a tour of Walker Memorial to evaluate the building’s potential to support MIT’s Music and Theater Arts programs. Although Campus Activities Complex Director Phillip J. Walsh has said “no decisions have been made and cannot be adequately addressed until the feasibility and assessment reviews are conducted” in regards to the project, the action of the Facilities department in hiring these architects and contractors comes as an alarm to several student groups housed in Walker.
Docks honor 75th, will double in size
Changes are coming to the MIT Sailing Pavilion next year for its 75th anniversary: the pavilion will more than double in size, some boats will be gone, and new boats will come. The costliest of these changes is the $1.6 million dock renewal project planned by the MIT Nautical Association (MITNA) for the pavilion.
20 attend dining protest
For the first week in what seems like all semester, few public words have been spoken about dining. No new petitions have been sent out, no Undergraduate Association resolutions have been passed, and no new tweaks to the plan have been made. It’s been a week since the last dining protest. Perhaps students have finally accepted the administration’s word that it is committed to moving ahead with the most recent version of the plan, perhaps they’re even mostly satisfied with it, or maybe they’re just busy studying for finals.
Anna Tang acquitted in stabbing
Anna L. Tang was deemed not criminally responsible for the attempted murder of Wolfe B. Styke.
The Cheney Room: MIT’s hidden gem
On any given day, the Margaret Cheney Room, a lounge designated exclusively for female students at MIT, is peacefully quiet. In this hidden campus gem, flyers are plastered on the walls, with topics ranging from UROPs to body image. Posters proclaim Martha Stewart-esque guidelines: “Exercise every day.” “Learn to Prioritize.” “Avoid people who are complainers or who stress you out.” “Relax.” Beds, puzzles, a piano, showers — the room has everything for the exhausted female student to relax.
Taking a new legal direction: Genes are not patentable
The legality of patents on genes is in jeopardy after a judge ruled that genes were ineligible for patents because they involved “laws of nature.” Twenty percent of the human genome is currently patented.
Electronic RFPs so far a success
The Student Activities Finance Office reports that their new electronic system of student group reimbursements is working well, and they are not backlogged at the end of term for the first time in several years.
‘Control group’ in NYC homeless study denied aid
NEW YORK — It has long been the standard practice in medical testing: Give drug treatment to one group while another, the control group, goes without.
Corrections
An article on published on Tuesday, December 7, about the 2.009 final presentations incorrectly stated the projected cost of the Blue Team’s egg washer was $100,000 per unit. Their initial legal and patent costs are expected to be $100,000, but their projected production costs are between $600 and $1,000 per unit.
Drug-trafficking cop, Joe D’Amelio trial set for March
Former MIT Campus Police officer Joseph D’Amelio, arrested for drug trafficking in March 2009, remains at liberty after posting bail. His trial is scheduled for March 22, 2011, though these dates routinely slip.
Gaggle cops 131st Tech Managing Board elections
Gaggle cops 131st Tech Managing Board elections
Harvard Corp. to nearly double size
On Monday, Harvard announced a doubling of the size of its board of directors, “the President and Fellows of Harvard College”, from seven to thirteen.
Corrections
A photoillustration on Friday’s front page misspelled the surname of Anna L. Tang’s psychopharmacologist. His name is Michael J. Mufson, not Muson.
Food-themed projects take Kresge
As a large clock counted down from two minutes, the excitement of the crowd in the nearly packed Kresge Auditorium reached fever pitch. Students, faculty, and friends gathered to see the results of months of labor from the students of 2.009 (Product Engineering Processes), who were tasked with designing a food-themed product.
Tang lawyers question Fife’s judgment
Yesterday, the Anna L. Tang trial entered its 5th day, and the entire day was spent on the testimony of one witness — arguably the most pivotal yet confusing witness of the entire trial — the prosecution’s Court-appointed forensic psychologist, Dr. Alison Fife. Under cross-examination, Fife’s credibility took several large hits.
Koch Cafe to replace Bio Cafe
Set to begin operations by early January, the Koch Cafe (Bldg. 76) will replace the currently operating Bio Cafe (Bldg. 68). The Bio Cafe will discontinue its service on Friday, December 17.
Police log
The following incidents were reported to the Campus Police between May 7 and June 19. The dates below reflect the dates the incidents occurred. This information is compiled from the Campus Police’s crime log. The report does not include alarms, general service calls, or incidents not reported to the dispatcher.