November 16, 2005 (Download PDF)

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Volume 50 – Number 9 Wednesday – November 16, 2005 TechTalk S ERVING T HE M I T C OMMUNITY Solar power has shining moment Sarah H. Wright News Office

As the autumn sun set, MIT celebrated the completion of its third and largest solar installation at Hayden Memorial Library on Monday, Nov. 14. President Susan Hockfield seized the moment of natural beauty to affirm the Institute’s commitment to innovations in energy use. Thanks to the MIT Community Solar Power Initiative and to those who installed the 42 solar panels on the library’s roof, much of the sun’s “energy is being cap- PHOTO / DONNA COVENEY tured and converted to electricity to help Cambridge Mayor Michael Sullivan joined power a portion of the essential functions President Susan Hockfield in the ribbon- of this library,” Hockfield said. cutting ceremony for the new installation. The president noted that the installation of the system atop the library represented ect off the ground and for investing in the the successful culmination of a project to Massachusetts innovation economy.” promote sustainable energy on campus The library roof was selected for the and facilitate education and research in solar installation by the Department of solar power as well as to reduce MIT’s Facilities for its southern exposure. The emissions footprint. 12,000-watt system on the library’s roof is Jamie Lewis Keith, senior counsel and comprised of 42 panels, each measuring 2 managing director for MIT Environmen- feet by 5 feet and containing 72 photo vol- tal Programs, noted that Hockfield had taic cells. The system will generate around charged MIT with applying its multidisci- 15,000 kilowatt hours a year — roughly plinary creativity to addressing the world’s equivalent to the energy needed to power enormously complex energy challenges two homes for a year. The production of when she was inaugurated last May. the electricity will result in zero green- Keith’s remarks at Monday’s ribbon house gas emissions and will supplement cutting pointed to MIT’s goals – leadership power provided by MIT’s co-generation in energy and environmental research and plant on Vassar Street. education – and its environmental policies, Solar panels are also installed at the which commit the Institute to environmen- MIT Museum (N52) and at the Student tal stewardship on campus, regionally and Center; those panels generate a combined globally. total of 11,500 kilowatt hours. Keith welcomed Cambridge Mayor The MIT Department of Facilities and Michael Sullivan; Ann Wolpert, director of the Laboratory for Energy and the Envi- the MIT Libraries; and Mitchell Adams, ronment (LFEE) received the initial grants executive director of the Massachusetts to launch 40 solar installations on campus Technology Collaborative (MTC). as well as at schools, homes and business- MTC administers the Renewable es in Cambridge, Watertown, Arlington, Energy Trust, which provided $455,700 in Lexington and Waltham. funding to launch MIT’s Community Solar To learn more about the MIT Commu- PHOTO / DONNA COVENEY Power Initiative in 2002. nity Solar Power Initiative and view pho- Solar panels on top of the Hayden Memorial Library soak up the afternoon sun on Monday, Hockfield thanked Adams and MTC for tos of solar power panel installations go to Nov. 14, the day MIT celebrated the completion of its largest solar installation. the “financial incentives to get this proj- solarpower.mit.edu. Vice President Stowe to retire OCW draws attention at world summit MIT President Susan Hockfield has announced that — which is based on shared val- Barbara G. Stowe, vice president for resource develop- ues and trust.” Jon Paul Potts ment, will retire at the end of the academic year, after 11 Noting that Stowe had post- MIT OpenCourseWare years as vice president and nearly 25 years at MIT. poned her retirement plans for In making the announcement at the annual meeting several months, Hockfield said, of the Corporation Development Committee on Tues- “Barbara very kindly agreed to At the World Summit on the Information Society this day, Nov. 15, Hockfield said, “Barbara’s vision of MIT’s stay on for a longer period than week in Tunis, Tunisia, MIT OpenCourseWare co-hosted fund-raising aspirations has transformed our place in the she had originally intended, to a half-day event with the United Nations University, “Wid- philanthropic universe. She has done so with a deep insti- introduce me to fund raising at Barbara Stowe ening Access to Knowledge Through Open Sharing: The tutional and personal wisdom that has guided senior offi- MIT, including visits with some Growing OpenCourseWare Movement.” cers and the resource development staff in setting strate- of our most generous benefac- More than 100 people attended the Nov. 14 forum, gies and making the best possible case for the Institute. tors. I am extraordinarily grateful for her willingness to which featured presentations by prominent leaders The extraordinary success of the Campaign for MIT is do so, and for her guidance in this and many other facets from the global education community. The proceedings an example of how she helped us raise the bar and then exceed even that goal. Perhaps most importantly, she See STOWE See OCW has kept us true to the underlying spirit of philanthropy Page 2 Page 4

RESEARCH NEWS ARTS

A REALLY COOL TRIP LOW PRICE HIGH TECH INSPIRING CAMPUS A team of MIT researchers visits the Arctic to test The first working Three artists use MIT buildings as the inspiration for technologies that could prove useful in outer space. prototype of the $100 their work, exhibited this week in Cambridge. Page 3 laptop will be unveiled Page 7 COVER STORIES tonight at the World Summit JUST FOLK on the Information Society MIT researchers have been highlighted on the cover in Tunis, Tunisia. Bring an instrument and play along with folk of the prestigious journal Nature four times in recent performer Jeff Warner at a free concert/demonstration months. Page 4 next week. Page 4 Page 7 PAGE 2 November 16, 2005 NEWS MIT Tech Talk

World AIDS Day event planned DIGITALK: WHERE IT’S AT

In observance of World AIDS Day, the MIT Women’s Visitors to Lobby 10 will be able to see several panels Podcasts at MIT League will be raising funds and awareness in Lobby 10 from the AIDS Memorial Quilt. There will also be tables According to the Oxford Eng- on Thursday, Dec. 1. of information about the Boston Living Center, Cambridge lish Dictionary, a podcast is “a digi- World AIDS Day is an international day of coordinat- Cares About AIDS, the Center for Health Promotion and tal recording of a radio broadcast ed action against AIDS — a day for bringing messages Wellness at MIT Medical, the Children’s Hospital AIDS or similar program, made available of compassion, hope, solidarity and understanding about Program, the Latin American Health Initiative, the LBGT on the Internet for downloading AIDS to every country in the world. The theme for this Issues Group, Massachusetts Asian & Pacific Islanders for to a personal audio player.” IS&T year’s event is “Stop AIDS, keep the promise.” Health, the MIT African Students Association, the Names recently launched a Podcasts at MIT A centerpiece of the event will be the league’s annual Project Boston and the SPARK Center. page (web.mit.edu/ist/podcasts/) to Chocolate Buffet and raffle fund-raiser. Chocolate des- The Women’s League, a social and service organization encourage members of the community to contribute serts donated by local bakeries, hotels, restaurants, open to all women in the MIT community, initiated MIT’s podcasts. Especially relevant are submissions from catering services and members of the MIT community annual observance of World AIDS Day in 1999 and has departments, labs and centers, as well as MIT-spon- will be on sale. Proceeds will benefit the Boston Living coordinated this event for the Institute every year since. sored events such as lectures and forums. Individu- Center, a nonprofit organization that provides support Volunteers are still needed to donate baked goods and als can add informal content directly via the IS&T and services to the HIV/AIDS community of Greater to staff the buffet. If you would like to help, contact Sis de Podcast Wiki at istwiki.mit.edu/istwiki/podcasts. Boston. Bordenave at x3-3656 or [email protected]. All submissions must be free of copyright infringement. IS&T recommends that contribu- tors look into getting a Creative Commons license, which enables copyright holders to grant some of STOWE their rights to the public while retaining others. Continued from Page 1 For details, visit creativecommons.org/. IS&T plans to roll out a more robust podcast of MIT.” indexing service and is working on standards for Stowe joined MIT in 1981 as direc- tagging to make content easily accessible and tor of health sciences development, searchable. after several years of fund-raising work at research universities and Theses in DSpace health-care organizations. In 1986 she became assistant dean for resource The MIT Libraries have added more than 11,000 development in the School of Humani- MIT theses to DSpace — doubling the content of the ties, Arts and Social Sciences. digital archive and providing worldwide exposure to In 1988, she became director of the work of MIT scholars. The MIT thesis collection foundation relations for the Institute, contains the theses of many well-known MIT alumni, during which time she strengthened including several Nobel Prize winners. and enhanced the overall program To find theses in DSpace, go to libraries.mit. of identifying, cultivating and raising edu/mit-theses. Current MIT students, faculty donations from foundations — with a and staff can print PDF files of theses (certificates particular focus on matching MIT’s required). Non-MIT users have access to a readable academic priorities with the strategic copy and the option of purchasing printable files. priorities of foundations. In 1991, she The theses in DSpace represent a small portion became director of foundation rela- of the more than 100,000 theses in the collection. tions and development services, with The full collection of paper theses dating from 1868 primary fund-raising responsibility can be found in the Institute archives. More the- for major gifts from alumni in Europe ses will be added to DSpace as they are scanned and the Middle East. In 1994, then- on demand or submitted electronically. Recent President Charles M. Vest appointed MIT graduates or students about to complete their her vice president for resource devel- degree may submit electronic versions of their the- opment. ses to DSpace at web.mit.edu/etheses. Vest commented, “Barbara Stowe has been amazingly effective as MIT’s Lower international rates vice president for resource develop- MIT staff and students can now take advantage ment. Under her leadership, MIT con- of reduced international cell phone calling rates ducted a highly successful $2 billion PHOTO / DONNA COVENEY through an agreement with MobileSphere. This capital campaign and moved us into prepaid CellularLD service is intended for cell a new league in private support. She Holidays approach phone calls originating in the United States and has combined a strategic and analyti- Jeanne Hogman, pediatric clinic assistant in MIT Medical, shows off placed to an international location. cal approach to fund raising with keen Once you’ve registered for the service, you will insights and appreciation of donors, her handmade dolls at a crafts fair held in the atrium lobby of the Whitaker Building on Wednesday, Nov. 9. be given a local Boston area access number and an faculty and staff. She brought to her extensive list of local access numbers throughout difficult work a gracefulness and spirit the United States that you can use to make inter- of optimism that was infectious. She national calls when you are traveling. An interna- won friends, admirers and volunteers tional call will incur charges against your prepaid for MIT as well as financial donors. She NEWS YOU CAN USE Faculty meeting CellularLD account, as well as local minute charges realized the potential of MIT to receive against your cell phone plan. major support from the international Blood drive To learn more about MobileSphere’s CellularLD community, when many others doubted scheduled service, including rates and how to sign up, go to the potential for doing so. Finally, she A blood drive will be held in La Sala de Puerto Rico on Monday, web.mit.edu/ist/tel/cellularld.html. was one of my closest and most trusted A regular meeting of the faculty Nov. 21, from noon to 6 p.m. and advisors, and I relied heavily on the will take place Wednesday, Nov. 16, at on Tuesday, Nov. 22 from 8 a.m. wisdom, accuracy and candor of her 3:30 p.m. in Room 32-141. The agenda New Media Center to 8 p.m. For more information or advice.” includes: The New Media Center in Room 26-139 pro- to make an appointment, visit web. A key element in the success of the • Vote on changes to the “Rules vides the MIT community with a range of tools for mit.edu/blood-drive/www/. campaign was her transformation of and Regulations of the Faculty,” Sec- producing multimedia. This “do-it-yourself” cluster MIT’s private donor base from its tra- tion 1.73.7 includes Power Macintosh G5s loaded with mul- ditional reliance on corporate and foun- Credit union directors • A report from the Special Com- timedia software, as well as a new analog-to-digital dation giving to an emphasis on gifts The MIT Federal Credit Union mittee to Review the Nominations video converter for digitization of VHS tapes. Many from alumni and friends. During that is seeking members interested in Process and a proposal to change of the machines feature Athena-enabled logins and campaign, MIT raised more dollars per serving on the board of directors. Section 1.51 of the “Rules and Regula- home directories; the entire cluster will offer this alumnus and more dollars per fund-rais- Anyone interested in serving on tions of the Faculty” capability by the end of this year. ing staff than any of the other universi- the credit union’s board may con- • A progress report from the Task When it isn’t being used by a class, the cen- ties with $2 billion campaigns at that tact Edward J. Hartnett III at x8- Force on the Undergraduate Educa- ter is open to the MIT community 24 hours a day, time. 2628 or at ehartnett@draper.com tional Commons seven days a week. The NMC has a keypad lock to An honorary member of the MIT by Dec. 23. • A report from the Task Force allow access to students, faculty and staff. To get Alumni Association, Stowe is member on Medical Care for the MIT Com- the code (the same as the Athena cluster code), of the board of Management Sciences munity type “tellme combo” at an Athena prompt. For for Health, and a member of the Coun- No Tech Talk • Remarks from President Susan more information, including a link to a schedule of cil for the Advancement and Support There will be no Tech Talk pub- Hockfield reserved times, see web.mit.edu/nmc/. of Education and the Association of lished on Nov. 23 due to Thanks- • Topics arising and questions for Digitalk is compiled by Information Services and Development Officers of Urban Uni- giving. The next issue of Tech Talk the president, the provost and the Technology. versities. will appear on Nov. 30. chancellor

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Anne Trafton MIT Tech Talk RESEARCH November 16, 2005 PAGE 3 Neuroscientists break code on sight Cathryn M. Delude labs, appeared in the Nov. 4 issue of Sci- through increasingly higher levels of the ciate each object -- say, a monkey’s face News Office Correspondent ence. visual stream, continuously reformatting -- with a particular pattern of neural sig- “We want to know how the brain works the information until it reaches the high- nals, effectively decoding neural activity. to create intelligence,” said Poggio, the est purely visual level, the inferotemporal Remarkably, the classifier found that just In the sci-fi movie “The Matrix,” a cable Eugene McDermott Professor in Brain (IT) cortex. The IT cortex identifies and a split second’s worth of the neural signal running from a computer into Neo’s brain Sciences and Human Behavior. “Our abil- categorizes the object and sends that infor- contained specific enough information to writes in visual perceptions, and Neo’s ity to recognize objects in the visual world mation to other brain regions. identity and categorize the object, even at brain can manipulate the computer-created is among the most complex problems the To explore how the IT cortex for- positions and sizes the classifier had not world. In reality, scientists cannot interact brain must solve. Computationally, it is mats that output, the researchers trained previously “seen.” directly with the brain because they do not much harder than reasoning.” Yet we monkeys to recognize different objects It was quite surprising that so few IT understand enough about how it encodes take it for granted because it appears to grouped into categories, such as faces, neurons (several hundred out of millions) and decodes information. happen automatically and almost uncon- toys and vehicles. The images appeared in for such a short period of time contained Now, neuroscientists at the McGovern sciously. different sizes and positions in the visual so much precise information. “If we could Institute at MIT have been able to deci- “This work enhances our understand- field. Recording the activity of hundreds of record a larger population of neurons pher a part of the code involved in rec- ing of how the brain encodes visual infor- IT neurons produced a large database of simultaneously, we might find even more ognizing visual objects. Practically speak- mation in a useful format for brain regions IT neural patterns generated in response robust codes hidden in the neural patterns ing, computer algorithms used in artificial involved in action, planning and memory,” to each object under many different condi- and extract even fuller information,” Pog- vision systems might benefit from mimick- said DiCarlo, an assistant professor of neu- tions. gio said. ing these newly uncovered codes. roscience. Then, the researchers used a computer This work was funded by DARPA, the The study, a collaboration between In a fraction of a second, visual input algorithm, called a classifier, to decipher Office of Naval Research and the National James DiCarlo’s and Tomaso Poggio’s about an object runs from the retina the code. The classifier was used to asso- Institutes of Health. Tech Museum honors OCW Jon Paul Potts MIT OpenCourseWare

For its work using technology to improve the lives of people around the world, MIT OpenCourseWare was honored with a Tech Museum Award on Nov. 9. In recognizing MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) and four other $50,000 cash prize recipients, the Tech Museum of Innova- tion spotlighted technology solutions that are changing the lives of countless indi- viduals from all backgrounds. Each of the five prize laureates is encouraged to reinvest the winnings in additional innovative programs that utilize technology to improve people’s lives. “We are honored that MIT OCW has PHOTO / MATTHEW R. SILVER been recognized by the Tech Museum, In this aerial view of the Haughton-Mars Base, near the North Pole, the six core structures (including the MIT tent) can be seen on and the fact that we were nominated for the left. this by two MIT alumni, Derry and Char- lene Chiaki Kabcenell, makes this award that much more meaningful,” said Anne H. Margulies, the executive director of MIT MIT researchers visit Mars on Earth OCW, who accepted the Tech Museum’s Microsoft Education Award on behalf of MIT. Matthew R. Silver “This award recognizes the very sim- News Office Correspondent ple, yet very big idea, that came from the MIT faculty — that the best way to advance education is to share knowledge At 75 degrees north latitude, Devon openly and freely,” she said. Island lies high above the Arctic Circle, Derry Kabcenell (S.B. 1975) and his a few hundred miles from the magnetic wife, Charlene Chiaki (Nohara) Kabcenell North Pole. A true polar desert, it is (S.B. 1979), MIT alumni from Northern also the largest uninhabited island on California, nominated OCW for the Tech Earth. But the reach of MIT extends Museum Award in January. even here. “From the beginning, I’ve felt that This past summer, a research team OCW is a bold initiative that deserves from MIT’s Department of Aeronautics broad exposure,” Derry Kabcenell said. and Astronautics established a semi- “I enjoy thinking about the students in permanent shelter at the NASA Haugh- remote parts of the world who are, at this ton-Mars Base. Supported by a NASA moment, deciding to become scientists grant on interplanetary supply chain and engineers because of OCW. When management, the team went to Devon I read the stories about how it is being Island because the existing base infra- used, I’m even more proud to be an MIT structure, combined with the remote alumnus.” and barren location, makes it ideal for The other 2005 Tech Museum studying logistics strategies that could Awards cash prize recipients are: Enviro be used in planning exploration strate- Options, which received the Intel Envi- gies to the moon and Mars. The prin- ronment Award for its waterless dehy- cipal investigators for the project are dration/evaporation toilet; SELCO Solar Professors Olivier de Weck and David PHOTO / JESSICA MARQUEZ Light, which received the Accenture Simchi-Levi. Economic Development Award for its “Haughton-Mars Base provides an MIT Professor Jeffrey Hoffman tests a Hamiliton Sundstrand concept spacesuit while at the Haughton-Mars Base on Devon Island last summer. work supplying power to rural India; the excellent analogy to lunar and Mars Hib Vaccine Team, which received the exploration,” said de Weck. “This is pri- Agilent Technologies Foundation Health marily due to its remoteness, the time- rain, the site also serves as an analogue The MIT team compiled a complete Award for creating an affordable, syn- varying nature of the transportation or “mock” exploration base, where an inventory of materials at the base, thetic vaccine against the bacteria that links and its thin supply line.” The MIT array of exploration-related engineer- including such key items as food and can cause meningitis and pneumonia; team also included former NASA astro- ing and technology experiments are fuel. It also experimented with modern and the Center for the Improvement of naut and MIT Professor Jeffrey Hoff- tested. logistics technologies, such as radio Working Conditions & Environment, man and seven students. Another expedition goal was to frequency identification, that autono- which received the Knight Ridder Equal- The Haughton-Mars Project is an establish an MIT presence at the mously manage and track assets, with ity Award for its efforts to improve work- international, interdisciplinary field Haughton base for future educational the ultimate goal of creating a “smart ing conditions for adults in the carpet research project sponsored by NASA and research activities. exploration base” that could increase weaving industry. and the Canadian Space Agency, “The Haughton-Mars Project Devon safety and save astronauts and explor- The Silicon Valley awards gala, attend- focused on the scientific study of the Island base gives us a unique oppor- ers precious time. ed by more than 1,100 global technology Haughton Crater — a 40-kilometer- tunity to conduct experimental tests Results from the MIT expedition are leaders, philanthropists and guests, hon- wide geological structure formed more of some of the ideas we’ve been devel- now being processed. These findings ored 25 laureates (five of whom are the than 38 million years ago by the impact oping for lunar and Martian explora- will form the basis for continued work prize laureates) in the categories of envi- of a large meteor. Chosen in part for its tion,” Hoffman said. “We’re hoping this on interplanetary logistics through this ronment, economic development, educa- remoteness and similarity to Mars ter- becomes a permanent MIT facility.” fall. tion, equality and health. PAGE 4 November 16, 2005 NEWS MIT Tech Talk Jacks to share cancer research prize Women’s MIT Professor Tyler E. Jacks will share Wrana, for his work analyzing the impact research,” said Friedman. “Each has made the 2005 Paul Marks Prize for Cancer of cell-cell communication on tumor devel- significant contributions to our understand- Union set Research awarded by Memorial Sloan-Ket- opment. ing of the genes, signaling pathways and tering Cancer Center. The prize, named after Paul A. Marks, processes that regulate cell proliferation Jacks, who is the director of the Cen- president emeritus of Sloan-Kettering, and lead to the formation of tumors, their ter for Cancer Research and a Howard recognizes significant contributions to the spread and their response to treatment. to honor Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) inves- basic understanding and treatment of can- The selection committee is confident that tigator, will share the $150,000 award with cer by scientists no more than 45 years these three young scientists will continue Scott W. Lowe of Cold Spring Harbor Lab- old at the time they are nominated. The to play key roles in cancer research in the Hockfield oratory and the HHMI; and Jeff Wrana of winners were selected by a committee future.” the University of Toronto and the Samuel chaired by Jeffrey M. Friedman, a profes- This year’s winners of the Paul Marks President Susan Hockfield is slated to Lunenfeld Research Institute. sor at Rockefeller University and an HHMI Prizes will be honored at a luncheon on receive the Amelia Earhart Award from Jacks was cited for advancing the investigator. Dec. 1 and will speak about their work at a the Women’s Union on Monday, Nov. 21, understanding of the pathogenesis of can- “While still in relatively early stages of public symposium held after the luncheon at a luncheon at the Boston Marriott Cop- cer; Lowe, for studying how genes influ- their careers, the three winners already at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Cen- ley Place. ence the response to chemotherapy; and are leaders in their respective fields of ter in New York. The Amelia Earhart Award was established in 1983 by the Women’s Union to recognize women who continue Earhart’s pioneering spirit. The award honors a woman who has significantly contributed to the expansion Nature-al of opportunities for women. Doris Kearns Goodwin was honored last selection year; other recent recipients include Research by MIT scientists and col- Ruth Simmons, Liz leagues has graced the cover of Nature Walker, Gwen Ifill four times over the last month and a half. and Julia Child. On Sept. 29 the weekly, one of the On its web site, world’s premier science journals, featured the Women’s Union Susan Hockfield work led by Professor John Bush of math- describes Hockfield ematics on how certain insects navigate as “a strong advocate of the vital role that the surface of water (visit web.mit.edu/ science, technology and the research uni- newsoffice/2005/insects.html). The Oct. versity play in the world.” It adds that “she 6 cover focused on the origin of short brings to the MIT presidency an excep- gamma-ray bursts, violent cosmic events tional record of achievement in serving marking the collision of two compact stars faculty and student interests.” Sept. 29 (visit web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2005/ Oct. 20 The Women’s Union works to address gamma-ray.html). George Ricker, a senior the educational and economic barriers research scientist at the MIT Kavli Insti- confronting women and their families. tute for Astrophysics and Space Research, In 1926, Amelia Earhart came to the led the MIT team involved in that work. Women’s Union for employment assis- On Oct. 20, the journal ran an image of tance and was placed as a social worker at Z-DNA, an unexpected left-handed form Denison House in Boston. While working of DNA discovered by Alexander Rich, with immigrant children at the settlement William Thompson Sedgwick Professor of house, she pursued her interest in flying Biophysics, and colleagues more than 20 and, in 1928, she became the first woman years ago. Now Rich and his team have to cross the Atlantic in an airplane. determined the crystal structure of the junction between Z-DNA and “normal,” right-handed DNA (B-DNA). MEMORIAL The following week, Nature focused A memorial service will be held Nov. on the completion of the HapMap proj- 29 for Institute Professor Emeritus Morris ect, a comprehensive catalog of the Cohen, who died May 27 at the age of 93. genetic diversity in the human genome Morris, a world-renowned metallurgist, sequence across human populations. Sev- was a founding father of the integrated eral researchers from the Broad Institute field of materials science and engineering. of MIT and Harvard were co-authors of a The service will begin at 4 p.m. in the MIT paper on the work (web.mit.edu/newsof- Chapel. For more information, call x3-6936 fice/2005/hapmap.html). or e-mail [email protected]. For Oct. 6 — Elizabeth Thomson Oct. 27 his full obituary, visit web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2005/obit-cohen.html. Annan to present prototype $100 laptop OCW at World Summit on Information Society Continued from Page 1 focused on the burgeoning OCW movement — which U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan will unveil the first redefine how we ‘learn learning.’” now includes participating universities on five continents working prototype of the $100 laptop tonight at the World OLPC is a Delaware-based, nonprofit organization — and how to best to leverage OCW resources to improve Summit on the Information Society in Tunis, Tunisia. created by faculty members from the MIT Media Lab to education around the globe. Annan will be joined by his wife, Nane Annan, and Nicho- design, manufacture and distribute laptops that are suf- “I am surprised by all the OpenCourseWares, open las Negroponte, chairman and co-founder of the Media ficiently inexpensive to provide every child in the world educational resources and other ‘open movements’ Lab at MIT, in presenting the laptop to the 200-nation gath- access to knowledge and modern forms of education. around the world. It is truly a global movement, and MIT ering. The laptops will be sold to governments and issued to started it all with OCW,” said Professor Shigeru Miya- The $100 laptop, first announced by Negro- children by schools on a basis of one gawa, the MIT Kochi-Manjiro Professor of Japanese Lan- ponte at the World Economic Forum in Janu- laptop per child. These machines guage and Culture, who represented OpenCourseWare. ary 2005, is an ultra-low-cost, full-featured will be rugged, Linux-based, “A UNESCO official told me that MIT is a ‘trailblazer.’ We computer designed to dramatically enhance and so energy-efficient that set the world in motion with this OpenCourseWare Move- children’s primary and secondary education hand-cranking alone will gener- ment, and as the UNESCO official said, ‘Nothing can stop worldwide. It is a joint project of the Media ate sufficient power for opera- it now.’” Lab and the nonprofit One Laptop per Child tion. Mesh networking will The keynote address at Monday’s event was given (OLPC) association, which aims to equip give many machines Internet by G.M. Reed, director of the U.N. University’s Interna- the world’s schoolchildren and their access from one connection. tional Institute for Software Technology. Featured speak- teachers with a personal, portable, con- The pricing goal is to ers included leading educators from the University of the nected computer. start at approximately Western Cape in South Africa, Keio University in Japan, “Children are the great- $100 and then steadily the Université Paris 3-Sorbonne in France, the African Vir- est natural resource of decrease. tual University, the UNESCO Information Society Division any country, and The World Summit and MIT, among others. educating these on the Information Soci- “I’m also gratified that so many people around the children is at the ety is the culmination of three world know about MIT’s OpenCourseWare, and the root of solving years of planning, turning the respect that they have for MIT and our faculty because our largest and most global spotlight to developing strat- of it,” Miyagawa said. “I chaired the panel on ‘The Grow- complex problems,” said egies to bridge the digital divide and har- ing International OpenCourseWare Movement,’ and Negroponte. “Yet the best edu- ness the power of information and communication it was truly amazing to hear about OpenCourseWares cation may not come from sitting in a technologies to spur progress towards the U.N.’s Mil- being launched in Japan, France and other American traditional classroom, but rather through lennium Development Goals. Forty-five heads of state and schools such as Tufts. Everyone who attended our dis- independent interaction and exploration. The delegations from more than 120 nations are among the cussion ‘got it’ — OCW is about sharing educational development of a $100 laptop will now make this possible 10,000 attendees. For more on the summit, visit www.itu. content freely and openly with anyone who wants to use for all kids — especially those in developing nations. It will int/wsis/index.html. it.” MIT Tech Talk NEWS November 16, 2005 PAGE 5 Women’s Week embraces feminine diversity Sasha Brown weeklong series of events was designed “to Zhou, who said she hopes that next year’s The campaign included seven well- News Office promote a model of femininity that incorpo- conference will be expanded to include known campus figures wearing the T-shirt rates and embraces the properties of intel- graduate students. “It was very helpful to on posters distributed around campus. ligence, competence and ambition.” all who participated.” Women’s Week also included work- Courses in self-defense, kickboxing, Rather than focusing primarily on phys- Although the faculty and administra- shops in diversity, money management manners and much more made this year’s ical beauty, this year’s events focused on tors who attended the conference included and safety. On Wednesday evening, female Women’s Week, which ran from Nov. 5-10, physical fitness, diversity and life skills — men and women, Zhou said the all-women MIT faculty members joined female stu- far more comprehensive than ever before. such as tax preparation and etiquette train- format worked well for the student attend- dents in a discussion about the challenges “We tried to elevate it a bit this year ing. Zhou organized a four-hour leadership ees. “The qualities we were trying to pro- faced by women around the world. to make it appealing to many different conference to kick off the week’s activities. mote were well served,” said Zhou. The week culminated in “The Double women,” said senior Janet Zhou, one of The 100 participants broke into groups and Throughout the week, there was a Dare Ultimate Sex Challenge” — a compe- the organizers. formed improvement plans around such photo booth in Lobby 10 sponsored by tition that featured men and women build- Sponsored by MIT Medical, Student issues as mentoring and advising, politi- Apple Computer. Participants had their ing models of the other gender’s repro- Life, MIT Society of Women Engineers, cal/social awareness in the classroom and photos taken with a digitally created T- ductive system and questions about safer MIT Pan-Hellenic Society, MIT Leadership, creating more campus unity. shirt stating, “I am a feminist.” More than sexual activity. The men won two rounds the Association of Student Activities, Arcade Later in the day, the group had lunch 150 people, half of them men, got their and the women won one, Zhou said. (Assisting Recurring Cultural and Diver- with 50 faculty members and administra- pictures taken. “The idea is that feminism “The program itself was a lot of fun,” sity Events) and the Baker Foundation, the tive officials. “It went really well,” said doesn’t have just one face,” Zhou said. she said. Links wanted for chain reaction This holiday season, embrace the feel- ing that it’s just one thing after another. Participate in the MIT Museum’s annual Friday After Thanksgiving Mega Chain Reaction. Participants create their own chain reactions. It can be as simple as books fall- ing against one another or as complicated as a Rube Goldberg invention. Then, artist/inventor Arthur Ganson masterminds the choreography of a “mega-machine,” created by linking participants’ creations. The giant chain reaction that results is set off at the end of the program. Bring your own chain reaction, or just come and watch. The MIT Museum’s F.A.T. Mega Chain Reaction will take place Friday, Nov. 25, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Rock- well Cage in MIT’s Zesiger Sports and Fit- ness Center. Participants must register by Saturday, Nov. 19. The fee is $10 per four-person team; $5 for each additional team member. The spectator fee is $10 for adults; $2 for students, seniors and youth under 18; free for children under 5 and those with MIT ID. The spectator fee includes admis- PHOTO / DONNA COVENEY sion to the MIT Museum, which will be Fall for New England foliage open until 6 p.m. that day. For more information, visit web.mit. Wind and rain are starting to take down the leaves across campus, but this beautiful tree outside the Whitaker Building was still edu/museum/programs/fat.html or call awash in red last week. (617) 452-2111 during business hours. Technology will save TV, student says Professor sees static in future Sarah H. Wright cast programming rather than replace it,” Sarah H. Wright tent, indexing and meta-tagging key News Office he writes. News Office moments in the series so that new viewers Askwith’s new age of television is a can get up to speed to central plot develop- democratic one, with the “enticing possi- ments,” Jenkins predicts in “Geek.” Network TV is dead! Long live network bility that on-demand television will allow Fans now generate more public- But, Jenkins points out, “Social, cul- TV! audiences to take an active role in pro- ity for new TV shows than big corporate tural, economic and legal factors also help Since Apple announced on Oct. 12 gramming the networks,” he writes. Fans campaigns, and their growing influence determine what kinds of media change that certain TV programs would be sold will soar up the entertainment food chain, promises to create new alliances between actually occur.” through iTunes, the same source that fills determining the financial health, longevity citizen-viewers and producers — but net- For example, not all networks want to iPods with music, iTunes customers have and vitality of shows. works are not necessarily embracing share power with the fans. Jenkins cites purchased more than 1 million videos of “Direct downloads will give fans of these changes, according to Henry Jen- the case of “Global Frequency,” (GF) a their favorite ABC-Disney shows. endangered shows the chance to vote with kins, director of MIT’s Comparative Media science fiction/action/adventure series With Google, Microsoft and Yahoo! their wallets while a show is still on the air. Studies Program and the Peter de Florez whose pilot episode, though hugely suc- set to dance to the iTunes tune — selling And when a program does go off the air, Professor of Humanities. cessful among fans, was cast into the outer television content online, on demand — it direct payments from fans might provide In an essay titled “I Want My Geek darkness by network execs. seems the era of recliners, remote controls enough revenue to keep it in production TV,” Jenkins outlines how fans, producers Based on a comic book series by War- and ratings is coming to an end. as an online-only venture,” Askwith notes. and television networks currently tug at ren Ellis, GF features a secret transna- But maybe not, says Ivan Askwith, a The math looks good, too, he writes. the global entertainment fabric when new tional organization of ordinary people who graduate student in literature and a media “If we assume that the average hour- shows are introduced, extended or can- respond to crises caused by the collapse of analyst with MIT’s Convergence Culture long drama costs $1.5 million per episode celed. nation states and the emergence of global Consortium. and downloads will cost around $2 per In his article, published Nov. 1 in capitalism. In an essay appearing online in Slate on viewer, shows would only need a few mil- “Flow,” an online forum on television and “The show created industry buzz when Nov. 1, Askwith suggests that what is com- lion viewers to turn a small profit. Would a media culture, Jenkins envisions a future the pilot was being developed; the WB ing is a “new age of television in which few million viewers pay $2 a week to down- in which the global TV market is powered Network grabbed the rights; but, due to a fans have the power to keep their favorite load an hour of television? It’s certainly not by fans. shift in management, it got dumped,” Jen- series in production, and producers have impossible,” he says. The fans’ efforts to influence networks kins writes. the opportunity to create more elaborate, Direct download TV might also resus- break down the “walls between program Next came the network execs’ acid controversial and innovative programs.” citate interest in long-running, complex producers and consumers as they make reflux: An unauthorized copy of the GF Fans are gaining power from their wal- series, Askwith writes. common cause against the networks,” Jen- pilot was leaked from WB and began circu- lets. Purchasing episodes of favorite shows “While DVDs now give viewers the kins writes. lating; it became the focus of a grassroots provides production funds. This, in turns, chance to catch up between seasons, on- Jenkins describes a world of subscrip- effort to get the series back into produc- fuels more creativity, he says. “The iTunes demand television will allow anyone to tion TV, in which “viewers commit to pay a tion. distribution model gives the networks a catch up at any time, quickly and legally. monthly fee to watch a season of episodes “Global Frequency” had a cult follow- huge opportunity to reinvent themselves,” This would be especially critical for plot- delivered into their homes via broadband,” ing — i.e. profitability — before it even he writes in his essay, titled, “TV You’ll intensive shows like ‘Alias,’ which has bonding producers’ interests to theirs. reached the air, but WB chose the “same Want to Pay For.” been forced to ‘reboot’ its plot several The BBC is already offering a version saber-rattling they have been doing ever “As iTunes and its inevitable competi- times to make it accessible to new view- of subscription TV: all BBC-aired pro- since they woke up one morning and tors offer more broadcast-television con- ers,” Askwith writes. grams are available for download off the found Napster on their kids’ computers,” tent, producers won’t have to compromise It’s a win-win for viewers and networks, web for up to a week after their broadcast Jenkins writes. Citing copyright issues, their programs to meet broadcast require- he writes. For fans, more power. For net- date. Online, fans determine a show’s WB retrenched, and “Global Frequency” ments. Episode lengths can vary as need- works, more profit. global fate. never aired on TV. ed, content can be darker, more topical The full text of Askwith’s column was Fans’ power will grow; they will soon To read the full text of Jenkins’ essay, and more explicit. If the networks are clev- posted on Slate on Tuesday, Nov. 1. Visit become “niche marketers, helping to visit jot.communication.utexas.edu/flow/ er, these changes can supplement broad- www.slate.com/id/2129003/. spread word about compelling new con- ?jot=view&id=936. PAGE 6 November 16, 2005 NEWS MIT Tech Talk ‘Turnaround artist’ gives Sloan talk Sarah Foote Dance Theatre Foundation and the Kan- tabloids in London were not kind to him cut staff. In MIT Sloan School of Management sas City Ballet, to name just a few. He is … at first anyway. In just two years, he was his first week, currently the president of the John F. Ken- able to erase a $30 million deficit, raise he laid off 300 nedy Center for the Performing Arts in enough money to complete renovations to of the 1,100 Michael Kaiser, known as the “turn- Washington, D.C. the Opera House, and create a $30 million employees, around artist” who led the revitalization The Kennedy Center was not in a dollar endowment. noting that of the Kennedy Center for the Performing financial crisis when Kaiser arrived there, He began by addressing the program- it was one Arts, gave a capacity crowd some insight so instead he looked into making it the ming that was offered by the Opera House of the hard- into his business practices at a talk held national center for the arts. He wanted to and working to create a social life around est things he Thursday, Nov. 3, in Room E51-345. turn the Kennedy Center into a “destina- the organization. The Opera House devel- has ever had “You can’t just address costs. You must tion,” and one of the first things he did to oped events that people wanted to go to, to do. After Michael Kaiser address revenue,” said Kaiser, a 1977 achieve that goal was to create artistic and and not only did he have people buy tick- two years in graduate of MIT Sloan School of Manage- educational programs. ets, but he had them donate at the same London he had completed his turnaround ment. Kaiser was the final fall speaker in The key to success in turning around time. “You can scrimp on everything but mission and today the Opera House is still the Dean’s Innovative Leader Series. an arts center is similar to that of turn- what goes on stage,” said Kaiser. “Most running strong. Introduced by William Pounds, former ing around a business, Kaiser said. “If you people would cut back on the art or on Kaiser finished his talk by admitting MIT Sloan dean from 1966 to 1980, Kai- have a good product, that will help turn marketing and those are the two things that he got into the arts because he had ser opted for an interview format; students things around. All the techniques I learned that produce revenue. So I didn’t cut back once aspired to be an opera singer. He took turns with Pounds asking questions. here [at MIT Sloan] can transfer to the on those. It would have made the situation told students to find something that they Kaiser, who has spent the last 20 years business world. But success is the hardest worse. The more programs you have, the like, that they have a passion for, and to of his career turning around arts organiza- thing to measure in the nonprofit world.” more marketing you need and the more pursue that for a career. “You have to like tions, is one of the best-known arts admin- Kaiser admitted that it took him nearly money you will make. It’s the same for any the product that you are going to work istrators in the world. He has worked for eight months to land the job at the Royal nonprofit.” with,” he said. “Like others, I found that the Royal Opera House in London, the Opera House in London, saying he was Although he did not cut the program- art is more interesting as a product than American Ballet Theatre, the Alvin Ailey “the only dope who wanted the job.” The ming function of the Opera House, he did money.” MIT takes AWARDS & HONORS Joseph P. Carroll, a graduate of the MIT Sloan School of Management (S.M. classes to 1966), was named an officer of the Nation- al Order of the Legion of Honor by Presi- dent Jacques Chirac of France in July. The National Order of the Legion of Honor is corporate France’s oldest and highest military and civilian decoration, and it recognizes continued “eminent service” to France. Car- roll was honored as “a great philanthropist America whose donations enrich the collections of the Museum Guimet with exceptional works of art,” according to the citation Lauren Clark from Chirac. School of Engineering Alfred Denny Ellerman, executive director of MIT’s Center for Energy and Environmental Policy, has been awarded When a group of engineers explor- a Fulbright Scholar grant to do research ing new vehicle and fuel technologies at at the University of Paris (Pantheon-Sor- the National Renewable Energy Labora- bonne), France, during the spring 2006 tory (NREL) in Colorado wanted instruc- semester. Ellerman, who will research tion in engines, they turned to MIT. But emissions trading with the European they didn’t have to travel to Cambridge. Union Affairs Research Program, is one Thanks to MIT’s Professional Education of about 850 U.S. faculty and profession- Programs (PEP), the internal combustion als who will travel abroad during the 2005- engines course came to them. The cur- 2006 academic year through the Fulbright PHOTO / STUART DARSCH riculum was customized to their needs by Scholar Program. widely known experts in engine technol- Professor Robert Morris of electrical engineering and computer science teaches a custom ogy, Professors John Heywood and Wai course through MIT’s Professional Education Programs. Cheng. “The rapid change in today’s technolo- the company’s needs. If needed, the pro- from similar programs at other universities MIT senior and graduate student gies, industries and organizations creates grams can also be developed around new because they are developed and taught by inventors and innovators are eligible. an unprecedented need, an opportunity, topics and can combine management and professors, rather than adjunct instructors for high-quality, customized professional technology fields. Courses last from a few or graduate students. Clients thus bene- education,” said Thomas L. Magnanti, days to several weeks and can be taught fit from the expert, in-depth teaching for $30,000 dean of engineering. “PEP responds to this at the company, offsite or at MIT. Continu- which MIT is renowned. demand by creating custom programs that ing education units are awarded to partici- “Part of the credibility of the [internal LEMELSON-MIT can quickly bring entire groups of employ- pants upon completion. combustion engine] course was Dr. Hey- ees anywhere in the country up to speed “The pace of development of new tools wood’s name. For years, I’ve heard his STUDENT PRIZE in new or evolving areas of knowledge and and methods is ever-accelerating, and name associated with that course. Every- help them apply what they learn to their industry employees need to be in a per- body recognizes him as an expert,” said This is your chance to receive work.” petual mode of learning — otherwise they Barbara Goodman, director of NREL’sLS national recognition and exposure Geared toward engineers, scientists and become obsolete fast,” said chemical engi- Center for Transportation Technologies to the investment community. managers in groups of 25 or more, cus- neering Professor Greg Stephanopolous, and Systems. tom programs are adapted from courses at who taught bioinformatics last summer at This month, PEP launched a new web Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 11, 2006 MIT’s Professional Institute, part of PEP. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals site with a unified design and additional Please visit These courses cover such areas as applied Inc. in Connecticut. “Courses like this are information on all PEP programs. For http://mit.edu/invent/a-student.html nanotechnology, biotechnology and phar- one mechanism of keeping up with such more information, visit mitpep.mit.edu/. or contact Ingrid Dudek maceuticals, data modeling and analysis, developments.” PEP is part of the MIT School of Engi- (617) 253-3490 ~ [email protected] to name a few, and are customized to meet MIT’s custom programs stand apart neering. CLASSIFIED ADS

Members of the MIT community may submit maintenance papers, original operating manual, Charming 2-family 1850 brick townhouse, 1.6 one classified ad each issue. Ads can be resub- parts list & extra parts, recently tuned, runs per- mi from MIT in historic Charlestown. Central AC, STUDENT EMPLOYMENT mitted, but not two weeks in a row. Ads should fectly, $950/bst. 781-334-3443. 3BR/2.5 baths/2 firpl, roofdeck, city vws. $699K. Positions for students with work-study eligibility be 30 words maximum; they will be edited. Contact Chris at 253-8716 or [email protected] Submit by e-mail to [email protected] or mail Solid maple roll top desk, matching chair $350. for pics. Like to work with teens? Want an easy, fun way to Classifieds, Rm 11-400. Deadline is noon Call 781-861-9472. to make a few dollars? Come hang out with Wednesday the week before publication. teens at the Common Ground Teen Center. 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Call Balloons for holiday office parties available on puter skills. Send cover letter w/ resume & at Pat at 781-395-7265. campus. Experienced (10 years), creative bal- Desirable Acton Center location, 9 room colonial least 2 references to Alejandra St. Guillen, 978- on 2 acres, 4BR, 2.5 bath. Finished basement loon artist. Centerpieces, arches, balloon Gravely walking tractor w/ snowblower, heavy trees. Contact Jennifer Field at 252-3522 or 402-2320, citybridgejobs@concordacademy. play room and 4 season sunroom, attached 2 org. $16/hr. duty, excel. cond., variable speed forward & car garage, 3/4 mi. to commuter rail. Call 978- [email protected]. reverse, new 12v battery for starting motor, 263-4643. MIT Tech Talk ARTS November 16, 2005 PAGE 7 Artists’ dreamscape builds on MIT Amanda Smyth they push a button, one of the “stars” (another tiny LED) Office of the Arts “shoots down” from the sky. Korean artist Jin Soo Kim took a more functional approach to her artwork. Her piece, “Here and There, Three artists recently asked to dream up public art- Now and Then” envisions huge wire cubbies outside work for the city of Cambridge chose MIT for their fantasy MIT’s Simmons Hall dormitory. projects. “Student living space is very limited,” said Kim. The cub- Former MIT artist-in-residence Mary Sherman asked bies, she said, would be “a site of exchange.” Students could 19 international and local artists to imagine that money was place in them things that they no longer wanted or needed no object and the rules of physics did not apply. The result- — “clothes, cups, ideas, books, anything” — and anyone ing exhibit, “Dimensions Variable, Site Fixed,” features who needed those things could come and take them. “It models of what the artworks might be like. The exhibit makes for a living, ever-changing sculpture and reduces opened this week at the Cambridge Arts Council Gallery. landfill waste. This sculpture will become a point of connec- The show is a dreamscape of creativity, aesthetic beau- tion for others,” she said. “It is a way to simplify your life.” ty and functionality — with some fascinating reconstruc- The cubbies would be lined with ancient Confucian tions of unbuildable possibilities. writings to inspire students with philosophy from the past, One of the only guidelines was that the pieces had to Kim said, hence bringing the past to the present. make use of existing Cambridge landmarks and architec- Taiwanese artist Pan Ping-Yu imagined a meditation tural sites. Three of the artists — Sherman (both the cura- garden for MIT’s Stata Center. Pan proposed placing the tor of the show and a contributing artist), Jin Soo Kim and Tree of Life inside the garden to help balance the ele- Pan Ping-Yu — chose to center works on MIT buildings. ments of mind, body, nature and the environment. The Sherman, artist-in-residence at MIT from 2002 to 2003 green of the tree in the garden, she said, would provide in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, chose the spirituality to all who enter. MIT Chapel for her work. She proposed installing remote- Other pieces in the show include a sidewalk that opens controlled shooting stars above the chapel at night. up to a bandstand for street musicians (Peter Lindenmuth) “This would allow us to play gods by rearranging the and a gold lamé sweater that conceals Harvard Universi- heavens and, by extension, our destinies,” Sherman said. ty’s Science Center (Mary Elizabeth van der Cross). Simmons Hall inspired Jin Soo Kim’s wire cubby creation. When viewers look into her model, a tall black Plexiglas The exhibit, which runs through Dec. 29, is located at Kim is one of three artists who chose to focus their work box with a slit running down the side, they see a model the CAC Gallery, 334 Broadway, Cambridge. For more on MIT locations for the exhibit “Dimensions Variable, Site of the chapel and small LED “stars” at the top. When information, contact Mary Sherman at (617) 464-4086. Fixed,” on display at the Cambridge Arts Council Gallery. ART NEWS

FJE flexes jazz muscles MIT’s Festival Jazz Ensemble (FJE) will flex its musical muscles in “Flexology,” an evening of diverse music for small and large jazz ensembles on Friday, Nov. 18, at 8 p.m. in Kresge Auditorium. The program will feature “Flex” (2000), a piece by MIT lecturer and guest conductor Mark Harvey that blends complex structural design with improvisation. The title refers in part to the flexible nature of the piece itself, which is never performed the same way twice, Har- vey said. It also refers to the conductor’s flexibility in making choices, the flexibility demanded of the players — who must be conversant with many styles and open to many musical possibilities — and to what Harvey calls a “kind of post-modern consciousness.” FJE will also perform Harvey’s “De-Evolution Blues,” a new work recently premiered by Harvey’s own Boston- based Aardvark Jazz Orchestra; Duke Ellington’s “The Shepherd,” with Harvey on trumpet; as well as Ellington’s “Oclupaca”; Magali Souriau’s “Petite Promenade”; Charles Mingus’ “Haitian Fight Song”; and two nonets by Tad Dameron. Admission costs $5 at the door. For more information, call x3-2826. Help make ‘Splash’ Volunteers are needed to help high school students write, rehearse and perform a theatrical production at MIT as part of “Splash,” a two-day (Nov. 19 and 20) program of PHOTOS / HAYDEN TAYLOR enrichment classes led by MIT alumni Catherine Havasi (S.B. 2003) and Dan Zaharopol (S.B. 2004). “Splash” is Leocadia organized by the MIT Educational Studies Program, a vol- unteer student group that Zaharopol helped to direct while At left, the Head Waiter (Yuri Podpaly ’07) checks out Amanda (Helen McCreery ’06) as she takes on the persona he was at MIT. The high school students in the theater sub- of Leocadia in the Dramashop production of Jean Anouilh’s ‘Leocadia,’ which plays Nov. 17-18 at 8 p.m. in Kresge program will be led through classes on writing, acting and Little Theater. At right, Shuo Zhang ’06, performing as the Duchess, implores Amanda to impersonate the late technical theater; they will then write a script, rehearse and Leocadia. Tickets cost $8, $6 for students. perform it for an audience of their peers on Sunday at 6 p.m. “Our goal is to get high school students excited about theater,” Havasi said. “A concentrated program like this will let them quickly build a sense of community and will give them a sense of accomplishment.” Classes will take place on Saturday, but Havasi stresses that help will be needed Folk performer offers musical view of America throughout the weekend. To participate, e-mail Havasi at Folk performer Jeff Warner will bring his repertoire instruments and play along, we would love it,” she said. “If [email protected] or Zaharopol at [email protected]. of Revolutionary War songs, African-American banjo dit- it turns out to be a hootenanny, that would be fantastic.” ties, Irish-American concertina tunes and more to MIT on Touring throughout the nation for the Smithsonian Hear composer Schuller Monday, Nov. 21, in a free concert/demonstration. Institution’s National Associate Program, Warner incorpo- On Monday, Nov. 21, the MIT community will have a Warner is the fifth performer in a series of folk singers rates hands-on accessible rhythm instruments like bones rare opportunity to see and hear Pulitzer Prize-winning and musicians brought to campus this fall in and spoons as he performs everything from composer, conductor, teacher and scholar Gunther Schul- conjunction with a class called Folk Music of the work songs sung aboard wooden ships to ler — and wish him a happy birthday. Students, faculty North America and the British Isles. The class the ballads of old New Hampshire. and staff are invited to attend a free rehearsal of the MIT is co-taught by George Ruckert, lecturer in Warner has worked to preserve the work Wind Ensemble (MITWE) in preparation for the group’s the music and theater arts section and Profes- of his parents, whom he accompanied on Dec. 2 concert celebrating Schuller’s life, achievements sor Ruth Perry of the literature section. musical research trips when he was a child and 80th birthday (Nov. 22). Schuller’s “Blue Dawn Into Something of an American folk tradition in the 1950s. He helped his mother produce White Heat,” his 1955 arrangement of “Blue Moon,” and himself, Warner performs traditional Ameri- her 1984 book, “Traditional American Folk Scott Joplin ragtime works are among the pieces on tap can folk music connecting 21st century audi- Songs: From the Anne and Frank Warner for the rehearsal and concert. Schuller will also speak. ences with the music and everyday lives of Collection,” and created a two-volume collec- “[Schuller] always has a lot to say ... about the music, and 19th century people. His parents, Anne and tion of his parents’ recordings that features how we are playing it,” said MITWE conductor Frederick Frank Warner, were pioneer collectors of the actual voices of singers born between Harris. To attend, e-mail [email protected]. songs from rural America from 1938 to 1969. 1860 and 1900, recorded on early disc record- “Warner is a great folk musician and his ers. concert/demonstration will be a mix of sing- Warner’s 1995 recording “Two Little Boys: Reviewer loves Harbison ing and playing folk music and talking about Jeff Warner More Old Time Songs for Kids,” received a Institute Professor John Harbison’s “Motteti di Mon- its collection and notation and the relation of Parents’ Choice Award. tale,” (Collage New Music), received a rave review from ‘revival’ singers to ‘source’ singers,” Perry said. “This is a man who can sing and play wonderfully and Anthony Tommasini of The New York Times. “Harbison’s According to Briony Keith, administrative assistant in also can talk about the music knowledgeably from a num- music teems with astringent modernist harmonies, frac- the literature section, Warner will perform, teach and dem- ber of different angles,” said Perry. tured counterpoint and mercurial shifts of mood,” Tom- onstrate in his presentation. “If people want to bring their The event begins at 7:30 p.m. in Killian Hall. masini wrote. PAGE 8 November 16, 2005 CALENDAR MIT Tech Talk

MIT EVENT HIGHLIGHTS NOVEMBER 16-20

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY November 16 November 17 November 18 November 19 November 20

Science/ Performance Architecture/ Humanities Object Lesson: MIT Chapel Organization Interactive Chantey Sing Technology Planning “Slide Rules” Concert Studies Group Storytelling for Come sing One of a series Jean Rife plays Seminar Series Children sea music and of gallery talks the works of Talk by 9:15–10:15 chanteys with by MIT Museum cura- Froberger and Bach on Devah Pager of a.m. Mother Goose for a room full of maritime tors that focus on items the harpsichord. Noon. Princeton University, ages 1-3. 10:15-11:15 enthusiasts, professional Music Exhibit Reading Special from the museum’s MIT Chapel. 253-2826. “Discrimination in Low a.m. Cinderella for ages and amateur singers. 1-4 Interest collections. Noon. MIT Wage Labor Markets.” 3-6. $2. Room E55-PH. p.m. MIT Museum. Museum. 253-4444. “The Gender 1–2:30 p.m. Room E52- of Citizenship: 598. Tech Model Gallery Talk “Big Picture Bodies, Railroad Club Talk by Hiroko Strategy - Subjects and “City of God Open House Kikuchi in con- Business/ Film Sports Featured Reflections on Publics in Weimar (Cidade de Annual fall junction with Money Event Uncertainties Germany” Deus)” open house. 7–10 p.m. “Christian Jankowski: Attendant to an Talk by Kathleen Canning 2002 Brazilian Room N52-118. 253- Everything Fell Together.” Emerging China” of the University of movie about growing up 3269. 2 p.m. List Visual Arts Talk by David Finkelstein. Michigan. 4:30–6 p.m. in Rio’s infamous hous- Center. 253-4680. Noon. Room E38-615. Room E51-275. 253- ing project. 6 p.m. Room MIT Chamber 253-7529. 4965. 3-133. 258-8438. Chorus Emerson Seasonal Affiliate Recital Cambridge- Autism and “Ong-Bak (The music featuring Works by MIT Exchange Developmental Thai Warrior)” Schuetz’s “Deutsches Beethoven, (CME) Disorders LSC Fall 2005 Magnificat, 1671,” Brahms and Strauss. 4 Information Colloquium Film Series. $3. Pinkham’s “Christmas p.m. Killian Hall. 253- Session Series 7 p.m. Room 26-100. Cantata (Sinfonia 2826. 4–6 p.m. Building W20. Talk by Professor Helen 253-3791. Sacra),” Harbison’s “O 253-6057. Tager-Flusberg of B.U. Magnum Mysterium,” MITHAS 6–7:15 p.m. Room 46- Festival Jazz premiere of a carol by Concert WMBR Hip 3002. 253-7626. Ensemble: MIT graduate student Ganesh- Hop DJ Nite “Flexology” David Foxe. 8 p.m. Kumaresh, at Massive “Emerging Evening of Kresge Auditorium. 253- Carnatic violin duo. Records Muslim diverse music for small 2826. Presented by MIT IMAGE COURTESY / LIST VISUAL ARTS CENTER DJs Jimizz, EmmDee and Identities in and large jazz ensembles Heritage of South Asia Nomadik spin a blend of Diasporic featuring “Flex” by (MITHAS) in coopera- Drawing on the past hip-hop and R&B. Third Communities” Mark Harvey. $5. 8 p.m. tion with Sangam. $18, Sculptor Theodore Roszak’s first major architectural Wednesday of every Film “Head On” (Fatih Kresge Auditorium. 253- $14 MITHAS members, commission was the bell tower for Eero Saarinen’s month. 7–10 p.m. 1105 Akin, Germany, 2003). 2826. $10 students, MIT stu- MIT Chapel. His preparatory sketches, on view Mass Ave. 253-4000. German with English dents free. 4 p.m. Wong subtitles. Sponsored by Auditorium. 258-7971. through Dec. 16 in the Dean’s Gallery, show the the Center for Bilingual/ many variations the artist developed before com- Bicultural Studies and posing his final work — three smooth vertical thrusts Foreign Languages and rising from the arches of the base, a symbol of what Literatures at MIT. 7 p.m. the artist believed at the time to be the three major Room 56-114. 253-4771. religions, Judaism, Catholicism and Protestantism. Go Online! For complete events listings, see the MIT Events Calendar at: http://events.mit.edu. Go Online! Ofﬁce of the Arts website at: http://web.mit.edu/arts/ofﬁce.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

“STAR WARS COMMUNICATIONS BLOOD DRIVE TRILOGY” MUSICAL Nov. 16 FORUM Nov. 17 Nov. 21 Nov. 16-20. $12, $9 students, Cell phone culture talk by Noon to 6 p.m. Nov 21 and 8 seniors and MIT faculty/ La Sala James Katz of Rutgers and Bartos Theater, a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 22. La Sala staff, $6 MIT students. Most de Puerto Rico Jing Wang of MIT. Media Lab de Puerto Rico performances 8 p.m., 2 p.m. 8 p.m., 2 p.m. 5-7 p.m. Nov. 20.

MIT EVENT HIGHLIGHTS NOVEMBER 21-27

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY November 21 November 22 November 23 November 24 November 25 November 26 November 27 “Atmospheric Biological “Deep Thanksgiving Day F.A.T. Varsity Men’s “Mind & Hand: Aerosols: Chemistry Frontiers: MIT Holiday (Friday After Basketball The Making of Formation, Seminar Ocean Thanksgiving) vs. Suffolk MIT Scientists Aging, and Talk by Nicola Engineering at Chain Reaction University & Engineers” Interaction with Cloud- Pohl of Iowa State MIT” Participants link self-cre- 2 p.m. Rockwell Cage. MIT Museum exhibit. Climate” University on “Proteomics 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Hart ated, mini chain reac- 258-5265. Noon-5 p.m. MIT MIT Atmospheric Science and Synthetic Strategies Nautical Gallery. 253- tions together to form Museum. 253-4444. Seminars series with talk to Decipher the 5942. one giant chain reaction, hiLaRiUm @ by Renyi Zhang of Texas Glycocode.” 4 p.m. set off at the end of the Thirsty Ear Pub International A & M University. Noon. Room 56-114. 253-1803. “Now Playing: program. $10 per team Featuring the Folk Dancing Room 54-915. 253-0136. Photographs of four participants. comedy duo Every Sunday. 8- Astrophysics by Joe Additional team mem- The Walsh Brothers 11 p.m. Lobdell “Conceptual Colloquium Seaward” bers, $5 each. Spectators (of ImprovBoston and Dining Hall, Student Neutronic Core 4 p.m. Room 24 hours a day. Wiesner pay $10 for adults, $5 Comedy Studio). 21+ Center. 253-FOLK. Design of the 37-252. Student Art Gallery. 253- for children, students only. ID required. 8 p.m. Advanced 7019. and seniors. 1-4 p.m. Thirsty Ear Pub. 258- CANDU Reactor” “Promoting Rockwell Cage. 452- 9754. Talk by Julian R. ‘Sustainable’ Israeli Dancing 2111. Lebenhaft of Atomic Return” Every Introduction to Energy of Canada, Ltd. Talk by Wednesday. 8– “The Promise Self Defense 3:30–4:30 p.m. Room Professor Richard Black 11 p.m. Lobby (La Promesse)” Jiu-Jitsu class NW14-1112. 253-3720. of the University of 13. 484-3267. Belgium film will cover basic Sussex, U.K. 4:30–6 p.m. from 1996, part self-defense skills. 3–5 Biology Room E38-714. of the Suburbia Goes p.m. DuPont Wrestling Colloquium Global film series. 6 p.m. Room. - Sackler “Limud: Room 3-133. 258-8438. Lecture Four Dates Weekly lecture series of Jewish MIT Anime featuring a talk by Renato Destiny” Club Weekly Paro. 4–5 p.m. Room Examine four pivotal Showing 32-123. moments in Jewish his- MIT Anime tory in a talk by Rabbi Club shows the best of American Ben Lanckton. 6–7 p.m. both recent and clas- Folk Song W11-Board Room. 253- sic Japanese animation. Workshop 2982. Every Friday. 7 p.m. Guitarist Jeff Room 6-120. Warner performs traditional American folk music. 7:30 p.m. Killian Hall. 258-5629.