Scandal is one of the hottest shows this season, and with heart-stopping plot twists and gritty, compelling characters; its no wonder why the series avid fans are hooked.
When sophomore Brian Aronow started playing saxophone in third grade, he had no idea that it was going to become a lifelong passion. Today, Brian is a dual degree student studying cognitive and brain science at Tufts and jazz at the New England Conservatory of Music , and his band Bad and Blue has a gained a significant following on campus.
Children all over America will have their photos taken on Oct. 31, trapped in stuffy pumpkin outfits while adults attend parties posing as pirates or witches for Halloween. While most of these costumes will be boxed away on the morning of Nov. 1 not to be seen again for another 12 months for Tufts cosplayers, dressing up is much more than an annual holiday tradition.For those who may not be familiar with cosplay a term derived from the union of costume and play that originated in Japan Tufts Anime Brigade Chief Officer Katherine Labella explains that people who cosplay (also called cosplayers), dress up as a particular character from anime, television, books or other areas [of fictional popular culture]. For many cosplayers, the coming weeks will likely be an exciting and busy time.Halloween festivities and other fast-approaching events, including the Rhode Island Comic Con convention set to take place the first weekend of November, present Tufts cosplayers with much-anticipated opportunities to premiere new cosplays (the common term for a cosplayers outfit, or costume) or revive old favorites. Halloween events, in particular, provide a fun way for cosplayers to test-drive new ideas, props or partially completed cosplays before introducing them in the more formal setting of a convention, where they may be subject to regulations and the high expectations of other convention attendees.However, while Halloween may be an eventful time for cosplayers, it is important to understand the difference between a cosplayers finalized product and a typical Halloween costume. Labella, a senior, notes that specificity is a defining characteristic or perhaps the most important element of cosplay. Specificity of character is emphasized, and often though not always a single individual is selected instead of a general category. Its the difference between making a costume for Daisy Buchanan of The Great Gatsby versus a vague flapper-type figure.Once a character is selected, the cosplayer will work diligently to reproduce that characters iconic look as precisely as possible. Junior Leonna Hill exemplifies this exactness. Hill is in the process of creating a cosplay of Mikasa Ackerman from the manga series Attack on Titan, which requires Mikasas mahogany colored scarf. For Hill, neither dark red nor plain brown will do.Im a detail-oriented person, and if Im going to do a cosplay, I want to do it right, she said.Cosplayers also frequently seek to incorporate the personality and traits of the character into the cosplay, combining appearance with behavior to achieve something akin to role-play. Intense attention to detail and a high regard for character set cosplay apart from average Halloween apparel. In addition, of course, cosplay events are not simply restricted to Halloween weekend but occur year-round.Cosplayers often invest a great deal in the creation of a cosplay. Labella admits that cosplay is an expensive hobby. Though closet cosplay when cosplayers construct an outfit entirely from items they already own, such as the contents of their wardrobes is popular, it is not surprising that larger projects requiring everything from an elaborate helmet to a set of fairys wings may quickly dry up college budgets.An experienced cosplayer, Labella stresses that time management is also critical to produce a quality cosplay. The creative aspects of cosplay can consist of time-consuming processes. From the general design stage to more tedious tasks, such as learning to style and maintain a wig, cosplay requires both planning and effort. Luckily, cosplayers are generous about sharing the methods of their magic, and online message boards and manuals can often assist with even the most complicated challenges.Nevertheless, a complicated cosplay may take anywhere from months to years to construct a sustained time commitment which can be challenging for teens and young adults, groups which have traditionally formed the core of the cosplay community. As Hill points out, young peoples continuing enthusiasm for cosplay, in spite of its challenges, is telling of the dedication that so many cosplayers possess.Unfortunately, there are a few individuals in the greater cosplay community who go too far in their quest for accuracy.Theres a lot of flack in the anime community, Hill said. People [getting] offended if youre not racially in line with the characters race is the biggest thing, and after that, [its] body type.Because many popular cosplays come from anime, which tends to feature white or light-skinned characters, people of color are left with few options for portraying characters with similar skin tones. As a result, they are forced to either confine themselves to a relatively small range of characters or potentially face criticism for having the wrong look for the role.As a black woman, Hill had hesitated to do cosplay in the past for this reason. However, according to Hill, the Tufts cosplay community is very open and accepting, and with the support of other Tufts Anime Brigade members, she has recently begun work on her first two cosplays. The fact that she plans to premiere Mikasa as part of a group cosplay, in which another participant will also cosplay a character of a different race, has given her confidence.If I didnt have these people to help me?I wouldnt be doing it, she said.Despite occasional biting criticism, other marginalized groups are finding ways to break into the greater cosplay community by adapting their cosplays to fit individual, cultural and physical needs. Though women who wear hijabs have been (and, in some cases, still are) criticized for not accurately portraying the hairstyles of their chosen characters, many others appreciate creative attempts to incorporate the head scarf into the cosplay itself. While cosplaying Hatsune Miku, an anime character with long, bright blue hair, a Muslim girl named Deanty M. Muchtiarsyah wore a teal head scarf that perfectly matched the color of Mikus long locks. Her example, along with others on websites like the Tumblr blog, The Hijab Closet, provides inspiration for those who want to cosplay with the hijab.12
The Paradise Rock Club hosted some of hip-hops finest lyricists this past Friday, delighting the crowd with music from The Underachievers, Ab-Soul and Joey Bada$$ and his Pro Era crew. Situated close to the Boston University campus, Paradise Rock Club was packed with countless college students and provided a lively atmosphere for both dedicated fans and casual listeners.
The dreadful summer hiatus without Supernatural is finally over. With I Think Im Gonna Like It Here, one of the shows best season openers to date, the ninth season has immediately established itself as a must-watch. Though each of the characters central conflicts is recognized, the episode still leaves room for unexpected twists and great action. From its gorgeous new title card to excellent performances from the main cast and guest stars alike, Supernatural is definitely going to be one of this years best shows.
Two new versions of Romeo and Juliet debuted this fall one on the Broadway stage and the other on the big screen. The theater edition attempts to insert some superficial novelty by casting the star-crossed lovers as an interracial couple (played by Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad). The film interpretation, on the other hand, is almost entirely lacking in originality.
The Paradise Rock Club hosted some of hip-hop's finest lyricists this past Friday, delighting the crowd with music from The Underachievers, Ab-Soul and Joey Bada$$ and his Pro Era crew. Situated close to the Boston University campus, Paradise Rock Club was packed with countless college students and provided a lively atmosphere for both dedicated fans and casual listeners.
Its the moment everyone has been waiting for: the release of Miley Cyrus new album, Bangerz. Regardless of her crazy antics, fans and critics alike have been anxiously anticipating the arrival of Cyrus new album especially because her recent single, Wrecking Ball, surprised listeners with its catchiness and deeper meaning (despite the nonsensical music video that followed). Unfortunately, for the Miley haters, there is bad news: Bangerz is actually good.
Bo Burnham was 16 years old when he started putting comedic rap and music videos on YouTube to amuse
In anticipation of his latest book Egghead: Or, You Cant Survive on Ideas Alone, Bo Burnham spoke with the Daily about his career, comedy, the book and everything in between.
Tom Hanks is easily one of Americas most beloved actors, but the past several years of his career with the exception of Toy Story 3 (2010) and Charlie Wilsons War (2007) have been marked by a series of middling films and mediocre roles. Its hard to believe that Hanks last won an Oscar nearly 20 years ago for Forrest Gump (1994) and has seen a mind-boggling 12 years pass since his last Academy Award nomination. With Captain Phillips, however, Hanks is back in fine form and with any luck, hell get some Oscar recognition for his masterful work.
The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) opened its doors on Oct. 4 to visitors ages 21 and over for its second "First Friday" event of the year. This month's "First Friday" - which featured a "Fashion Forward" theme - included a fashion presentation with pieces from Louis Boston, a preeminent Boston-based boutique, as well as an introduction to this season's fall trends from Boston Globe style writer Christopher Muther.
Following its American premiere in Pittsburgh on Oct. 2, the cast and crew of Kiss & Cry did a wonderful job bringing a moving performance to Boston from Oct. 10-12. Directed by acclaimed Belgian film director Jaco Van Dormael, Kiss & Cry follows an elderly womans memories of the five loves she has had throughout her life. The title refers to the bench where ice skaters wait to hear their score the area where television audiences can watch the elation or despair of the athletes on a small stage with an elaborate background. A poignant and emotional piece, Kiss & Cry is aptly named.
Fans and followers of the classic Alices Adventures in Wonderland story have never had a shortage of new material to feed their fantasy cravings. Lewis Carrolls 19th century novel has spawned countless movie, book and television adaptations that only seem to multiply as time goes on. The long-awaited Oct. 10 premiere of ABCs Once Upon a Time in Wonderland presented viewers with yet another Alice-rework, this time shaking up the classic tale with a hodgepodge of CGI-fueled action and unrelated Disney characters. Faced with Wonderlands overstuffed plot, fans may find themselves reluctant to travel down this new rabbit hole.
With big-name stars such as Ben Affleck and Justin Timberlake, how could Runner Runner not generate intense anticipation? Despite the hype, the film fails to deliver and leaves audience members disappointed on many fronts.
CBS crime drama Elementary has returned with a spectacular start to its second season, complete with explosions, secrets and even an estranged brother. A modern New York version of Sherlock Holmes, Elementary is a fresh take on the detective persona, showcasing Holmes uncanny knack for details against the background of todays technology-dependent society.
The Tufts Drama Departments first production of the semester, Welcome to Arroyos, is debuting tonight in the Balch Arena Theater. Not only will the play showcase the acting and stage work of the student cast and crew, but it also promises to be a highly interactive and engaging performance for audience members.
If one had to guess which song would receive one of the strongest reactions at a Bruce Springsteen show in Europe, it probably would not be a haunting ballad about a working-class narrator struggling with a failing economy. Yet, whether it was in a plaza in Naples, a soccer stadium in Hannover or the famed San Siro stadium in Milan, the first chilling harmonica notes of Springsteens The River (1980) would, without fail, elicit some of the loudest cries of the night. Each crowd sang along word-by-word at times, the sound of cheering drowned out the band during the songs instrumental intro. Initially, the reason why this song which is arguably one of Springsteens most direct takes on the disillusionment of the American dream is such a hit overseas seems quite puzzling.But, in fact, the answer might not actually be so complicated. Many European fans attest that The River was Springsteens first big hit single in Europe, and for many of them, it represents their first interaction with his music (the subsequent tour was the first time Springsteen played in many Western European countries). Yet The River is not the only Springsteen song with strong American ties that often garners a warm welcome in Europe, which begs the question: How does American imagery and references in his songs translate across cultures? And to what extent do Springsteens political views play a role in his popularity in Europe? While last weeks Weekender explored the concept of what it means to be a diehard fan, particularly by looking at the fan community around Springsteens music, this weeks article will examine how his American themes and ideas are received across the Atlantic.For many European fans, their first introduction to Springsteen and his music came from the massive hype surrounding Born in the U.S.A. (1984). After its release, he achieved a level of popularity that laid the foundation for the large following he has overseas today. Despite its immense popularity, the albums overwhelming use of patriotic imagery such as the American flag stripes on the cover may have confused some foreign listeners about Springsteens intentions. Because of this blatant American iconography, it could be easy to misinterpret the music as having a jingoistic or excessively nationalistic connotation a notion that sharply contrasted the title tracks lyrical content. As Dutch fan Rachel Schoneveld noted, with many European fans speaking English as a second language, the subtext in the lyrics may have gone unnoticed.While 1984 established Springsteen as a formidable commercial presence abroad, his later albums, particularly 1995s The Ghost of Tom Joad, increased his credibility among critics who were skeptical that he had nothing left to say after U.S.A. Numerous European fans have cited Tom Joad a sparse, acoustic record portraying a somber take on life in America as a turning point for Springsteen, a moment when he began to amass a critical consensus comparable to his commercial success.Despite the increasingly political nature of his lyrics, one constant throughout Springsteens career has been the songs he pens about the surroundings of his life, with early albums name-dropping many New Jersey and New York area landmarks. But for many European fans, these images reference places most have never visited. How, then, can they relate to these American locales?Schoneveld said that when she listens to a song like Jungleland (1975), which frequently mentions the urban scenery near New York, she thinks of similar locations from her own experience instead to help her identify with the song.Its not only location in terms of physical location. ... Every location he sings about has an emotional level, she said.French fan Fabrice Szabo, who now resides in Canada, attributes the ability of Europeans to connect so easily with Springsteens American imagery to the prevalence of American culture overseas. Because of the popularity of American television and cinema abroad, Szabo argues that Europeans have already been exposed to various American settings and themes, giving them a framework through which to understand Springsteens work.[This] makes it easy for someone like Springsteen. ... Hes American but most of his songs are universal, Szabo said. It can work in both contexts. ... It articulates both local and global. You can listen to The River [(1980)] if youre from Pittsburgh, and if youre somewhere in Germany, ... you can have the same emotions.Dona Velluti, an Italian fan living in the United Kingdom, believes that Springsteens work can be interpreted through a variety of contexts, each illustrating different aspects of a song.I listen to Bruces songs in the context of the album, in the context of his development, in the context of America and with the kinds of things its been through. ... Things take their meaning from the context, and you cant take them in isolation, she said.When it comes to Springsteens political views, most foreign fans agree that this is a much bigger issue with his American fan base. After Springsteen delivered his first official presidential endorsement for John Kerry in 2004 and played a major role in the subsequent Vote for Change tour, he became an increasingly divisive figure in the United States, igniting controversy among fans. Most European fans agree, however, that the general political spectrum in Europe is so much to the left of that in the United States that none of Springsteens political stances are truly considered as controversial there. In fact, Springsteens increased tackling of political issues over the past decade seems to be embraced by certain fans.I think this has given new life and new points of interest to many fans of his here, Italian fan Paolo Ferraresi, who resides in Spain, said. Now, whether this has gained new fans, I dont know. I think its rather the [lifelong] fans who have found a confirmation of what they were seeing in his writing.12
If one had to guess which song would receive one of the strongest reactions at a Bruce Springsteen show in Europe, it probably would not be a haunting ballad about a working-class narrator struggling with a failing economy. Yet, whether it was in a plaza in Naples, a soccer stadium in Hannover or the famed San Siro stadium in Milan, the first chilling harmonica notes of Springsteen's "The River" (1980) would, without fail, elicit some of the loudest cries of the night. Each crowd sang along word-by-word - at times, the sound of cheering drowned out the band during the song's instrumental intro. Initially, the reason why this song - which is arguably one of Springsteen's most direct takes on the disillusionment of the American dream - is such a hit overseas seems quite puzzling.But, in fact, the answer might not actually be so complicated. Many European fans attest that "The River" was Springsteen's first big hit single in Europe, and for many of them, it represents their first interaction with his music (the subsequent tour was the first time Springsteen played in many Western European countries). Yet "The River" is not the only Springsteen song with strong American ties that often garners a warm welcome in Europe, which begs the question: How does American imagery and references in his songs translate across cultures? And to what extent do Springsteen's political views play a role in his popularity in Europe? While last week's Weekender explored the concept of what it means to be a diehard fan, particularly by looking at the fan community around Springsteen's music, this week's article will examine how his American themes and ideas are received across the Atlantic.For many European fans, their first introduction to Springsteen and his music came from the massive hype surrounding "Born in the U.S.A." (1984). After its release, he achieved a level of popularity that laid the foundation for the large following he has overseas today. Despite its immense popularity, the album's overwhelming use of patriotic imagery - such as the American flag stripes on the cover - may have confused some foreign listeners about Springsteen's intentions. Because of this blatant American iconography, it could be easy to misinterpret the music as having a jingoistic or excessively nationalistic connotation - a notion that sharply contrasted the title track's lyrical content. As Dutch fan Rachel Schoneveld noted, with many European fans speaking English as a second language, the subtext in the lyrics may have gone unnoticed.While 1984 established Springsteen as a formidable commercial presence abroad, his later albums, particularly 1995's "The Ghost of Tom Joad," increased his credibility among critics who were skeptical that he had nothing left to say after "U.S.A." Numerous European fans have cited "Tom Joad" - a sparse, acoustic record portraying a somber take on life in America - as a turning point for Springsteen, a moment when he began to amass a critical consensus comparable to his commercial success.Despite the increasingly political nature of his lyrics, one constant throughout Springsteen's career has been the songs he pens about the surroundings of his life, with early albums name-dropping many New Jersey and New York area landmarks. But for many European fans, these images reference places most have never visited. How, then, can they relate to these American locales?Schoneveld said that when she listens to a song like "Jungleland" (1975), which frequently mentions the urban scenery near New York, she thinks of similar locations from her own experience instead to help her identify with the song."It's not only location in terms of physical location. ... Every location he sings about has an emotional level," she said.French fan Fabrice Szabo, who now resides in Canada, attributes the ability of Europeans to connect so easily with Springsteen's American imagery to the prevalence of American culture overseas. Because of the popularity of American television and cinema abroad, Szabo argues that Europeans have already been exposed to various American settings and themes, giving them a framework through which to understand Springsteen's work."[This] makes it easy for someone like Springsteen. ... He's American but most of his songs are universal," Szabo said. "It can work in both contexts. ... It articulates both local and global. You can listen to 'The River' [(1980)] if you're from Pittsburgh, and if you're somewhere in Germany, ... you can have the same emotions."Dona Velluti, an Italian fan living in the United Kingdom, believes that Springsteen's work can be interpreted through a variety of contexts, each illustrating different aspects of a song."I listen to Bruce's songs in the context of the album, in the context of his development, in the context of America and with the kinds of things it's been through. ... Things take their meaning from the context, and you can't take them in isolation," she said.When it comes to Springsteen's political views, most foreign fans agree that this is a much bigger issue with his American fan base. After Springsteen delivered his first official presidential endorsement - for John Kerry in 2004 - and played a major role in the subsequent "Vote for Change" tour, he became an increasingly divisive figure in the United States, igniting controversy among fans. Most European fans agree, however, that the general political spectrum in Europe is so much to the left of that in the United States that none of Springsteen's political stances are truly considered as controversial there. In fact, Springsteen's increased tackling of political issues over the past decade seems to be embraced by certain fans."I think this has given new life and new points of interest to many fans of his here," Italian fan Paolo Ferraresi, who resides in Spain, said. "Now, whether this has gained new fans, I don't know. I think it's rather the [lifelong] fans who have found a confirmation of what they were seeing in his writing."12
The legendary Yo-Yo Ma paid a visit to Boston last week, performing as a soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO). Its hard to imagine another musician who that has so fluidly bridged the worlds of classical and popular music, and few empty seats were seen in Symphony Hall proof of Mas superb reputation.
