Archive for ‘December, 2006’

New BPD chief to draw upon UMass ties

Friends and colleagues of newly appointed Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis have painted him as an experienced relationship-builder who has worked closely with university communities in the past, experience they say will help him partner effectively with the diverse college campuses in the Hub.

Scientist rebukes theory of optics use in Renaissance art

The masters of Renaissance art did not “cheat” by using optical devices like convex mirrors hundreds of years ago, Ricoh Innovations chief scientist David Stork said at Boston University’s cognitive and neural systems department building Friday afternoon. Stork defended Renaissance painters like Giotto di Bondone and Jan van Eyck, countering allegations that artists “cheated” with optics to create realistic works, to 20 community members at the final chapter of BU’s Colloquium and Science of Learning Seminar.

Schools set to reshape the Boston skyline

Boston University isn’t the only local school with blueprints for new buildings. A major construction boom fueled by local colleges could change the Boston skyline over the next few years as institutions such as Berklee College of Music and Northeastern University move ahead with plans for a slew of new dormitories and administrative buildings.

Conservative Jews OK gay rabbis, marriage

Gays and lesbians may now be ordained as rabbis if their synagogues permit, a prominent Conservative Jewish body voted last Wednesday, highlighting divides within the Jewish community that threaten to alienate more conservative members of the religion. The Conservative Movement Rabbinical Assembly’s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards, a 25-member council, also voted to allow synagogues to perform same-sex commitment ceremonies, if they choose.

Despite snafus, MBTA patrons optimistic about CharlieCard

While the MBTA works out the kinks in its new automated fare system, riders anticipate that CharlieCards will improve T travel once they catch on. A week ago, the MBTA began to distribute the reusable fare cards, which it hopes will speed up fare payment on subways and buses.