Universal Hub - Cambridge

Marathon explosions make Harvard Law student realize Boston is not worthy of her hate

adamg — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 15:55:24 +0000

So this woman comes up to Cambridge from Atlanta by way of New York for law school, spends much of her off time developing an active hatred for all of Boston because we're too cold and uncaring and claustrophobic and totally not fun for her - and, yeah, all while she's making absolutely no effort to explore the area beyond a roughly five-block stretch bounded by her apartment, Harvard Law and a couple of bars - and then, after she sees how we reacted in the aftermath of the explosions, realizes we're not so bad after all, but she'll still never fit in here. Would Gawker have even run this if she didn't have the magical "Harvard" attached to her name?

Three-alarm fire near Harvard Square

adamg — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 17:17:28 +0000

Cambridge firefighters are on Harvard Street between Ellery and Trowbridge, battling a blaze.

Court rules Boston can withhold gun permit from school principal and ordained minister because he got caught with a gun as a teen

adamg — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 17:17:08 +0000

The Supreme Judicial Court ruled today that a man who outgrew his violent neighborhood to become a respectable member of society still cannot legally own a concealed weapon in Boston for self protection, even though he sometimes carries large amounts of cash.

The state's highest court said state gun laws do not violate Mirko Chardin's Second Amendment rights because even the US Supreme Court has held the right to own a gun is not absolute and that states can enact laws to keep guns out of the hands of people convicted of felonies - including minors.

The court recounted Chardin's history: At age 14, in 1995, he got a gun for protection after his friend was murdered over some sneakers. He was standing in front of a plainclothes police officer when the gun fell out of his pocket and he was arrested. He has changed since then, however, the court noted:

Back Bay, Beacon Hill and some Cambridge Democrats to pick state-rep candidate next week

adamg — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:13:43 +0000

Wicked Local Cambridge reports on the race between Jay Livingstone and Josh Dawson to replace current state Rep. Marty Walz.

The primary is next Tuesday.

Software company offers $30,000 bounties for developer referrals

adamg — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:26:50 +0000

HubSpot, which offers online marketing software from its offices in Kendall Square, today launched a referral program: Refer a software developer to them, and if they hire him or her, you get $30,000.

Excavator hits gas main in Kendall Square, buildings evacuated, roads shut, Red Line halted

adamg — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:32:52 +0000

Move it!

Happened around 11:10 a.m. at 5 Cambridge Center, AlertNewEngland reports.

Robert Love, who took the photo, reports:

Leak so big, it sounded like a fire hose.

UPDATES: NStar got the gas turned off around 11:40 a.m. Robert Love reported at 12:40 that the streets were re-opened and that people were being let back into their offices - except 3-5 Cambridge Center.

The excavator that caused the commotion. Photo by Robert Love.

Moving umbrella art

adamg — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:51:29 +0000

Greg Hum reports that last night, he took part in the Umbrella Project, a collaboration between MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab and the Pilobolus dance troupe, in which participants were given umbrellas outfitted with LEDs and then directed by Pilobolus members in a large outdoor "display of live art."

MBTA map contest submissions

BostonUrbEx — Sat, 18 May 2013 02:05:12 +0000

Last month, the MBTA announced a contest in which anyone could design what could be the next MBTA map.

Transit Maps has not one, but two contest submissions posted for our viewing pleasure. While no submissions have been officially heralded by the MBTA at this time, it is clear that some very talented cartographers are partaking in the festivities.

The MBTA had previously announced a deadline of April 30, 2013, however no mention of the contest has been made since the original announcement of the contest.

MassDOT recommends grounding McGrath

BostonUrbEx — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:08:05 +0000

At a public meeting, MassDOT released some opinions on the McGrath Highway.

MassDOT has recommended that the McCarthy Overpass portion of McGrath Highway be grounded and the roadway developed into a Boulevard that reconnects East Somerville, Union Square and Brickbottom.

The recommended plan preserves continuity at Washington Street, while enhancing pedestrian and bicycle connections. The removal of the overpass will allow for wider sidewalks, bicycle paths, added green space that will help spur redevelopment and enhance existing uses along the corridor.

Now, if only we can figure out why there is an extensive McGrath rehab in progress when MassDOT intends to remove it.

Science marches on: MIT builds a three-armed robot bartender

adamg — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:21:03 +0000

GigaOm introduces us to the Makr Shakr, a joint venture between MIT, Coca Cola and Bacardi to ~~put bartenders out of work~~ let you customize drinks via your smartphone (with as few vowels as possible).

MIT boasts that Makr Shakr can not only mix drinks, but can also monitor alcohol consumption and blood alcohol levels. So while it may not wipe down glasses while listening to your troubles, the Makr Shakr has a lot going for it should anyone decide to turn it into a production robot.

Via Boston Eater.