Construction GSB

["Harold Fox" <hfox@>]

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I've lately found myself watching
episodes of Project Runway and America's Next Top Model. While the shows
haven't changed my usual outfit of career fair T-shirts, pleated shorts, and
sandals, I do feel I've learned a little about the world of haute couture.
First, there's no more backhanded compliment than saying someone makes
clothes "that ordinary women would want to wear." Second, to be financially
successful, designers must also avoid "overdesign," clothes so intricate and
impractical that they could only be worn on a fashion show catwalk.

I only bring up this point, because I was thinking of the new building soon
to be erected next door. Hopefully you've appreciated the peace and quiet
around Stata following the completion of the Broad Institute. Freed from the
din of jackhammers, pile drivers, excavators, and construction worker wolf
whistles, it's been possible to get some work done. But MIT, like a
malignant tumor, must grow uncontrollably and starve the nearby healthy
cells of the resources they need. Thus, the Koch Institute for Cancer
Research has its groundbreaking ceremony today, soon to be followed by the
digging of a giant hole together with the violent hammering in of a massive
retaining wall.

The new building will look much like the current Biology building, glass
curtain-wall lab space with some pipes and smokestacks at the top to give it
the look of a misplaced ocean liner. As fashion, it misses the bar. As Heidi
Klum would say in her unforgiving German accent, "You'fe failed to show us
somezing original. You're owt." The style perspective has given me a new
appreciation for our own work of art that we toil in. Yes, we're tottering
along in seven-inch heals, our waist is cinched up that we can't breathe,
and we can't sit down anywhere due to the voluminous ruffles floating about
our legs. But we look fierce, and we should make it work <snip> <snap>.

           +-                                                  -+
             girl scout benefit -+-  5:30 pm  -+- 32-G9 lounge
           +-                                                  -+

              For those coming from elsewhere: Building 32 is
               <http://whereis.mit.edu/map-jpg?selection=32>
          Once you are in 32, just take the G-elevator to the 9th
      floor and we will be in the lounge that you will be looking at
                    <http://projects.csail.mit.edu/gsb>

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