Brandeis

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Scientists: Parrots Groove to the Beat

(Newser) - Yes, it's an actual study: Parrots can dance. Really and truly dance. A painstaking review of lab video—and YouTube—revealed that the birds have rhythm, the Boston Globe reports. Frame-by-frame analysis of birds’ motion to music shows that they bob and weave in perfect sync to a beat, a...

Nonprofits Look to Change Rules on Endowments

Meltdown forces tough choice: present survival or future value?

(Newser) - Nonprofits reeling from the market meltdown's impact on their investments are pushing to be allowed to tap endowment funds, many of which are off-limits because they've lost value, reports the Wall Street Journal. At issue is the balance between surviving the current crisis and spending funds that can never be...

Now Brandeis May Close Museum, Keep Art

But university president insists that museum will have to close

(Newser) - In the face of universal shock and disapproval, Brandeis University has backpedaled on its plan to sell 6,000 works of modern art—but it will go ahead with its plan to close its museum. At a meeting with about 200 students, the university's president said that a sharp drop...

Mass. AG Will Probe Brandeis Museum Sale

Art world condemns decision to close gallery, sell collection

(Newser) - The Massachusetts attorney general announced a probe into Brandeis University's shock decision to shut its modern art museum and sell off the entire 6,000-work collection. Brandeis did not consult the AG's office or even the museum's board, and wills and agreements between the Rose Art Museum and its donors...

Brandeis Shuts Museum, Will Sell 6,000 Works

Art world shocked as university closes renowned institution

(Newser) - Facing severe budget shortfalls, Brandeis University will close its well-regarded modern art museum and sell off the entire 6,000-work collection, reports the Boston Globe. The move has shocked the art world and drawn heavy criticism from museum and university professionals. "This is not a happy day in the...

Madoff Sought Cash to Keep Scheme Afloat

Disgraced financier given $250 million by friend to stave off collapse of business

(Newser) - As the feds closed in and Bernard Madoff scrambled to shore up his crumbling firm, a longtime friend gave the disgraced financier $250 million, reports the Wall Street Journal. With investors seeking to redeem $7 billion from the fund, Madoff turned to 95-year-old Carl Shapiro for help, promising a quick...

World's Smartest Parrot Is No More
World's Smartest Parrot Is No More
Sep 11, 2007 3:27 PM CDT

World's Smartest Parrot Is No More

Alex was no bird brain: He amused millions, aided science

(Newser) - Brandeis researchers feel as though they’ve lost a colleague: Alex, the African gray parrot they studied for 30 years, died Friday. He helped them reach surprising new conclusions about the avian brain and “was extraordinary in breaking the perceptions of birds as not being intelligent,” according to...

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