Long Live Dr. M!

This morning, I was informed that Michael Moody (aka Dr. M), Dean of the Faculty of Olin College, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and professor par excellence, died last night at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. He was one of the luminaries of Olin College, he played a crucial role as a founder and did the equivalent of two or three full-time jobs without ever seeming tired. I often joked that Dr. M was the Olin professor "most likely to actually be a genetically-engineered cyborg".

A few days ago, President Miller informed the Olin Community that Dr. M's treatment had not gone as well as might be hoped, that despite doctors' best efforts, his condition was serious. (From the message, I realized that Dr. M might die, but even after reading that, I had not expected that he might die tomorrow.) As suggested, I sent Dr. M a note, saying that I'd very much enjoyed working with him, and that I remained determinedly optimistic that a great many Oliners might yet enjoy the same opportunity.

While it saddens me that future Oliners will not have the opportunity of working with Dr. M personally, I know that their lives will still be positively affected by his work. Dr. M will live on in the memories of those who knew him, in his contributions to academia, and in the institution of Olin College, which would not exist in its present form without his extraordinary skill and dedication. He will be missed.

Far, Far Too Much News

Too much to talk about, so I'm going to do my best to get it all out there.

CrisisCamp Boston:

My company is hosting an unconference this Saturday. Interested in technology (especially information technology) used in disaster response? You should go!

Citizens United vs. Federal Election Comission:

In a 5-4 ruling today, the Supreme Court overturned limits on corporations spending money on political campaigns. Full text of the opinion here. Disclosure requirements were upheld, businesses still can't deduct money spent on politics as a business expense.

The Guantanamo Suicides:

Harper's Magazine has an investigative piece about how the Bush administration covered-up (and the Obama administration continues to cover up) the murders of three Guantanamo Bay prisoners who were tortured to death at a secret site just outside the prison perimeter. This story has not become widespread in the US media, for some reason. I realize Obama doesn't want to be focused on the past, but actively carrying on a cover-up is an entirely different matter.

An Unexpected Development:

Interesting:

Hamas has accepted Israel's right to exist and would be prepared to nullify its charter, which calls for the destruction of Israel, Aziz Dwaik, Hamas's most senior representative in the West Bank, said on Wednesday.

The MA Senate Special Election:

( Length Disproportionate to Importance )