Songs to welcome the spring
We might not want to admit it, but there is certainly a gender bias when it comes to music tastes. It is quite rare to hear someone label music as “too manly”, but it is not so uncommon to hear it called “too girly” in one way or another. For example, the singer might be too showy, the video’s choreography might be too bombastic, the song might be too cheesy, or it might just have “too much pop” to handle.
Olympus: Disappointing to its genre
With spring break around the corner, many of you may be wondering whether there are any good movies to catch. Featured prominently in recent advertisements is Olympus Has Fallen, so you may be tempted to give it a try.
History of a fascination
Be it pre-WWI and flapper gowns in Downton Abbey, or the green halter dress that Keira Knightley donned in Atonement, costume drama (post-Victorian costume drama, in particular) continually draws us in. Last month, Jacqueline Durran won the Oscar for Best Costume for her work in Anna Karenina — a strikingly modern production not just because Keira Knightley practically drips vintage-style Chanel jewelry, but also because the story, set in the late 19th century, was purposefully presented with a good measure of 1950s couture tailoring. What is it about 20th century fashion that fascinates us so much?
Oz the Meh
Oz The Great and Powerful is a prequel to Victor Fleming’s 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, starring Judy Garland as Dorothy. In keeping with this, Oz The Great and Powerful begins in gray scale and transitions to color, and the plot involves the Wizard making a medley of new friends. Like the musical Wicked, the film imagines the origins of an important but secondary character, in this case the Wizard of Oz. This version of events, too, explains how the Wicked Witch of the West became so wicked, and sets the scene for L. Frank Baum’s story in the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
CAFÉ REVIEW: Like a cozy corner in Europe
If Atomic Bean Café is equivalent to hipsterland, going to Tatte is an escape to relaxed yuppiedom. With its rickety little wooden chairs and the warm light of its collage of light fixtures, it feels distinctly European.
A tale of two SimCities
When I was 10 years old, my favorite game in the world was SimCity 2000. I was fanatical about it — I spent whole weekends planning out city blocks on sheets of graphing paper and testing them to see which was the most efficient. I spent so many hours on the simulation that it’s possible it sowed the seeds of my political leanings.
Glimpse of the divine
Boston Ballet’s spring season began last week with All Kylián, a compilation of three pieces by the prestigious Czech choreographer Jirí Kylián.
Refreshing to the ears
Starting precisely together, the basses and cellos began the concert with vibrant depth in their tones. Immediately after, the soloist Vadim Repin began his violin entrance with his eyes closed and a serene face.
A jazzy story
MIT is unquestionably known for science and technology — many of the world’s cutting-edge research projects and ideas have either been developed here or are at least somehow connected to the Institute.
A new take on arts and entrepreneurship at MIT
Startup companies competing in the MIT $100K Launch Contest now have a chance to win $10K for incorporating art or design into their business. The $10K Creative Arts Competition, sponsored by Arts at MIT, will be awarded annually starting this year. To be eligible, a $100K entrant must have art or design at the core of its business model. The goal of the prize is to promote art-focused startups and put MIT at the forefront of art and design competitions.
Contemporary classical celebrity
Seventeen years ago, my grandmother presented me with my first violin, and introduced me to the world of classical music. That same year, at the age of sixteen, violinist prodigy Hilary Hahn made her debut recording.
Best vegan bites
If only this truck parked in front of Building 1, instead of behind MIT Medical, I would eat at Momogoose every day. I usually order a tofu and rice/noodle entrée, which comes in a variety of flavors, including Korean Barbecue, Thai peanut, and a daily special. The servings are generous, and the staff is quick and efficient. If you see a long line, don’t worry, you’ll get through it faster than you think. The only downside is they only take cash, so plan ahead (although I forgot cash one time, and the server said I could just pay for it next time!). If you have class on the east side of campus and want a generous and economic ($5–6) lunch, my vote is for Momogoose.
Puritanical about food
Puritan and Co. excites me. It is not in Harvard Sq., and it is not in Central Sq. It is not in the Back Bay or the South End.
HIPSTER COFFEE CAFÉ Where to go when you need a break
When I need a thoroughly non-MIT place to escape to, Atomic Bean Café is one of my favorite places ever. Tooling may be a way of life but I too, need my regular dose of free WiFi, delicious espresso, and even ridiculous pastries made with kale.
The 2013 Oscars
I have not missed a single Oscars award ceremony since 2002, and as a devoted viewer, it’s no surprise that I watched them again this year. Feb. 24, 2013, marked the 85th presentation of the annual Academy Awards to highlight cinematic achievements. The red carpet leading into the Dolby Theatre (formerly the Kodak Theater) held the attention of the public as celebrities sauntered down its length adorned in luxurious evening gowns and smartly tailored suits. My favorite dresses this year was one worn by Amanda Seyfried, designed by Alexander McQueen, and another worn by Jennifer Lawrence, designed by Dior. Both of these gowns were white, and decorated with subtle, intricate floral patterns. The Dior dress resembled a huge layered cake, carefully iced around the edges.
Older and better — the Batman is back
A massive tank roars through a waterfall into a dark cavern. A criminal pleads with his interrogator as he dangles over the roof of a building. A costumed figure emerges from the shadows to fight for the heart of his city…
In vegan heaven
Omelets stuffed to bursting with every topping under the sun.
Do you wanna dance?
The ArchiTEKS are something of a present day legend in the hip-hop scene. The members of this Houston-based crew were finalists of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew competition, have collectively garnered millions of YouTube views, and are easily recognized by their unique, controlled movement style. They travel around the world to teach aspiring dancers, and came last weekend to MIT to perform and hold workshops as part of the Chinese Students’ Club Lunar New Year celebrations.