An African-American associate professor began a hunger strike yesterday outside of the provost’s office, protesting what he claims were racist motives behind the denial of his tenure. Biological Engineering Associate Professor James L. Sherley first threatened the strike on Dec. 19, 2006 in a letter he titled, “A plea to end racism at MIT.” The letter prompted Provost L. Rafael Reif to announce plans to create a committee investigating minority hiring practices.

MIT’s Charm School is a sight to behold. Students sit around tables set with plates and wine glasses, laying napkins in their laps, and clusters of young men (and some women) cram around a small mirror, untying and retying bow ties. Charm School students have a variety of classes to choose from and have the option of graduating with a BCh (bachelors in charm), MCh (masters in charm), or even a ChD (doctorate in charm); all graduates will be well-equipped to deal with most common social situations.

The excitement was palpable but the action was strictly virtual in Kresge Auditorium, the scene of this year’s final tournament for 6.370, MIT’s artificial intelligence programming contest. A large and diverse crowd turned out Saturday night to cheer on their favorite programmers as the programs ­— virtual autonomous robot armies ­­— battled against each other on-screen.

Team Purple Dragon roared into the final rounds of this year’s 6.270 competition, taking first place before a large audience of local residents, students, and faculty last Thursday, Feb. 1 in room 26-100.