The Alumni Magazine for Worcester Polytechnic Institute. (WPI)
Issue link: http://wpialumnimag.epubxp.com/i/456562
Winter 2015 61 uBookshelf The FBI CIA UFO Connection BRUCE MACCABEE '64 | Richard Dolan Press Maccabee's latest work on UFOs presents examples of sightings and reports, along with an exploration of how evidence of "interplanetary" craft is covered up by government agencies. Maccabee's detailed investigations include formerly secret FBI, CIA, and Air Force documents dating back to the 1940s that have been released under the Freedom of Information Act. "This is a riveting page-turner, packed with information," says the publisher. "It tells the real story of why America's leading intelligence agencies have been genuinely concerned about UFOs, and why the 'problem of UFOs' is unlikely to go away any time soon." Illuminating Disease: An Introduction to Green Fluorescent Proteins MARC ZIMMER '98 | Oxford University Press Green fuorescent proteins (GFPs) have been called a "guiding star" for biochemistry research. Scientists are beginning to discover the potential of these glowing proteins to illuminate the previously invisible processes that occur within cells, offering a powerful tool for the detection and a fuller understanding of diseases. GFPs are used in more than three million experiments a year and have been successful in tracking HIV, breeding bird fu-resistant chickens, and confrming the existence of cancerous stem cells. Zimmer's book introduces this new feld, chronicling the early researchers and their discoveries, and exploring the wide scope of experiments performed with GFPs. The colorful illustrations include award-winning micrographic scans. Zimmer, a chemistry professor at Connecticut College, is the author of Glowing Genes (2005) and numerous articles. John Boynton: Farmer to Founder CHARLES GAMMAL III '08 | Contact boyntonbook@gmail.com to order From his humanities suffciency Gammal has created the frst comprehensive biography of WPI founder John Boynton, bringing to light "lost" knowledge of Boynton's life that lay buried in historical records. Gammal painstakingly combed through primary sources, including the offcial journal of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, town voting records, and the Worcester County Registry of Deeds and the Probate Court, to compile information on Boynton's personal life, business dealings, and political service, as well as details of his estate. "How did a mere 'tin peddler' in the mid-1800s accumulate hundreds of thousands of dollars to launch a university?" Gammal asks, noting that this would make him a millionaire in today's terms. "John Boynton's primary occupation was not selling tinware, as most believe," Gammal says. "The book is unique in documenting his activities as a real estate investor as well as a one-man bank." Gammal's hands-on research took him to Boston and to town libraries and historical societies. An especially rewarding visit was to "The Manse," the Templeton residence that Boynton built, to see frsthand the second-foor "door to nowhere" that opens onto empty space. "He did what he wanted," says Gammal. "He didn't care much about what other people thought. I look at Boynton Hall very differently now. This knowledge changes the way you see the school and the way it was founded." the piano at the 25th anniversary of the Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree in October. I continued playing and taking lessons after leaving WPI—although the fngers are no longer nimble!" 1958 Stan Graveline hosts an annual event along with classmate Norm Taupeka. "Our guests are mostly WPI types," he writes. Sherman Poultney writes, "Still able to travel; recently in Dolomites, Rome, Pompeii, Pisa, Florence, Verona, and Venice. Keep exercising!" Bill Rabinovitch shares numerous stories and images on Facebook, including "my present & past involvement with NASA including the current Rosetta Spacecraft & Comet — my experiences flming Roy Lichtenstein, my reinvigora- tion of superstar artist Yayoi Kusama, my congratulations to WPI on its new woman president (pictured in the last issue of WPI Journal ), a dramatic story about Steinbeck's Cannery Row, where I had my studio extending over Monterey Bay during the frst manned moon landing, and more." 1959 Bob Lynn admits, "I can't believe that I'm 77 years young. I look into my mirror and ask, 'Who is this man?' I've given up on doctors and now use rotor rooter as needed, an electrician to become re-wired, a plumber, and a heating expert to get my body through these New England winters. My wife, my three very adult children, and my four grandchildren are well and all have very busy schedules. I'm retired but don't play golf, sky dive, or bungee jump like other retirees. We have lived in Framingham for 45 years, many of which I've traveled in and out of the country for civil and structural engineering projects. I would welcome hearing from anyone who would like to reminisce (like paying $800 for a year of tuition!)." 1960 Raymond Abraham writes, "I have moved to Florida pertinently. My address is 1706 SE 8th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33990. I'm enjoying the great weather and playing golf as much as I am able." Dick Loring sends this update. "Pat Pierce and I have been married for 53 years and have two children and one grandchild. We moved to Duxbury, Mass., while in our 50s, class notes notes class