Arts

Concert Review | Guest conductor van Zweden leads BSO in terrific concert

Emanuel Ax has gained a reputation as one of the world's finest pianists for good reason. His performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Concerto #2 in B-flat Major, Op. 19 this past weekend with the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) was light, remarkably clear and effortless. Joining the BSO this week as a guest conductor was Jaap van Zweden, Music Director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Zweden led the orchestra in a tasteful accompaniment to the Beethoven and followed it with a powerful rendition of Sergei Rachmaninoff's Symphony #2 in E minor, Op. 27.

Top Ten | Less Offensive but Just as Lackluster Performer Choices not Chris Brown

If you remorselessly beat your girlfriend,

Niki Krieg | Queen of Cibo

First it was the rat infestation. Then it was the email that greeted us with news of the norovirus. Let's face it: Tufts, in some way or another, is undergoing a plague of sorts.

Anna's provides tasty, fast fare to students

As anyone can tell you, Boston does not understand a number of West−Coast staples. More than anything, though, Mexican food remains an unfathomable mystery to many New England eateries.

Clever writing sets 'White Collar' apart

With the endless deluge of crime and police dramas on television today, it's almost impossible to choose which, if any, to watch. The key is to locate the most original, well−scripted and eye−catching show of the genre, which just might be USA's "White Collar."

Family Guy' has lost its comedic spark

The Woman in Black' thrills but never scares

Van Halen release reunion album after 14-year hiatus

Strong cast of characters keeps 'Parks and Recreation' successful into fourth season

"Parks and Recreation" is one of those rare shows that is unceasingly cheerful. It seldom attempts to deal with the serious plotlines that have become so prevalent in medical or teen−oriented dramas such as "Grey's Anatomy" or "Gossip Girl." The show is currently in its fourth season and, in spite of the digressive romances between characters, it has not lost the charming, character−driven subplots that make it such a successful show.

The Fray return to their original sound, rebound from weak sophomore album

After nearly two years of inactivity, The Fray have returned to the music scene with their third album, "Scars & Stories" — a major relief for fans that held on after their sophomore slump, the self-titled "The Fray" (2009). Mixing an agreeable number of upbeat tunes and melodic ballads with just enough of lead singer Isaac Slade's falsetto vocals, the new record is an enjoyable experience despite the few flaws that mar the surface.

From the raw bar to the dessert cart: The collegiate guide to dining on Valentine's Day

Love is in the air, and for couples, the big day should be filled with joy, flowers and a decent place to eat. Let the Daily suggest places to suit every budget — but make your reservations early! For more suggestions, check out last year's list on www.tuftsdaily.com.

Cambridge's Sofra offers cheap, savory Mediterranean fare

The Singles' paints a lopsided portrait of Goldfrapp

The Artsy Jumbo | Girltalk influenced, Andrew Dempsey makes fresh music mashups

Earlier this week, Tufts University Freshman Andrew Dempsey released his debut EP online under his pseudonym, Kimbo Slice. Dempsey works with mash ups and his six-track release shows his impressive talent and ear for unique mixes.

Del Rey's debut album 'Born to Die' fails to live up to hype

To enjoy Lana Del Rey's new album, "Born to Die," the listener really needs to buy into her 1950s Hollywood glamour persona. That becomes increasingly difficult, especially as this image has recently become the talk of Internet blogs that are criticizing her for being fake and completely constructed.

Top Ten | Creative ways to offend people at the Super Bowl

As recent years have shown, it's not too difficult to anger the family-friendly mobs that inevitably gather for the Super Bowl. Public nudity and now M.I.A.'s middle finger have both taken center stage in offending sports fanatics all across Amurrica. But how else could one, you know, annoy a crowd?

Niki Krieg | The Queen of Cibo

Cibo: [CHEE-bo] A noun. Any substance that provides nourishment and energy when eaten or drunk. A source of sustenance, nutrition and a variety of tastes. Chews, gulps and "mmm's." Clinks of glasses and plates.

Aristocratic life gets a new treatment in Masterpiece Theatre's 'Downton Abbey'

If you are convinced of nothing else by Masterpiece Theatre's"Downton Abbey," let that one thing be Maggie Smith's amazing acting abilities.

Boston University Art Gallery chronicles century of performance art history

The Boston University Art Gallery is hosting a traveling exhibit until late March, titled "100 Years (version #4 Boston, 2012)." The exhibit reveals the evolution of performance art and is intended as an archive of information about the medium for students of the fine arts. The gallery boasts reproducible texts along with photographic, film and audio materials. All are in loose chronological order in a timeline. Many of the pieces are unsettling but undeniably fascinating.

The Office' fails to deliver laughs after seven seasons

Quit while you're ahead. That sound advice is rarely heeded by the television world. In the case of NBC's "The Office," such words of wisdom were thoroughly ignored after the show's star, Steve Carell, left last season. Instead, the series has plodded onward without its iconic lead. The result has been the steep, steady decline of a once brilliant comedy series into a sad, painful half hour of television.