Arts

Niki Krieg | The Queen of Cibo

Continuing with the party theme from last week, let's kindly take a minute to consider a Saturday night: a whirlwind of homework done in the afternoon with people furiously typing away on their laptops at Tisch to finish an assignment so that going out later seems all the more rewarding, then getting dressed up in party shirts and mini−skirts, slurping down … concoctions … in red Solo cups all in anticipation of "the big night."

The Artsy Jumbo | Robert Truglia uncovers undiscovered artists

What's Up This Weekend

Looking to make your weekend artsy? Check out these events!

Modern Family' starts to slip

"Modern Family" takes a satirical look at a strain of trivial problems that plague several intensely comedic families. The show's structure is unique among serial TV shows. Instead of centering on one nuclear family, "Modern Family" focuses on three chaotic households that play equally major roles in the various plots. Despite the fact that these three households have virtually nothing in common, the members are related by blood or through marriage; thus, all the characters are a part of one big, dysfunctional family.

Cambridge's Mary Chung offers array of cheap, authentic Chinese food

For the uninitiated, a trip to an authentic Chinese restaurant is an exercise in both adventure and educated guessing. Enumerated dishes lack descriptions and crowd the menu. If that wasn't hard enough, many menus are printed in Hanzi, with only an ambiguous translation.

Peppy variety defines Fun's sophomore album

These days, it's rare to find a band that can be deemed truly and utterly original. Bands tend to fit into neat little genres, singing the same sort of generic tunes sung countless times before. Thankfully, a brilliant Brooklyn−based band by the name of Fun has stepped onto the music scene, bringing with them a fresh musical vibe much needed among the dub−step and sampling that defines the current trends. With Fun, true originality finally presents itself.

James Barasch | Barasch on Books

This week we turn from the world of the Cold War to the world of classical Greece with "Socrates: A Man for Our Times," by acclaimed historian and biographer Paul Johnson, who produces a brief celebration of the life and influence of the well-known Athenian philosopher. This little treasure of a biography succinctly explores the life of Socrates in classical Athens and the great philosopher's essential ideas, written in Johnson's famed accessible and engaging style.

Physical humor, comedic timing justify 'This Means War'

If purposely over-the-top action scenes, a plethora of humorous interactions and attractive lead actors aren't enough to balance out a mindless plot or the ethically questionable usage of spy equipment, then "This Means War" (2012) should probably be avoided at all costs.

Time Stands Still' creates poignant snapshot of post-war life in New York

Sometime between the commands "please turn off your cell phones" and "enjoy the show," the director of the Lyric Stage Company said something very important: "No one has heard of this before," he said. "This is a new play."

Greek Corner serves up classics on the cheap

The food at Greek Corner Restaurant is just like its decor — bright, plentiful and unpretentious. Everything from the waiters to the wonderfully aromatic, freshly made trays of baklava speaks to the cozy familiarity that makes this restaurant a great place for a relatively inexpensive meal. There were no surprises at Greek Corner, but that's no insult — the simple presentation, quick service and friendly staff delivering the flavorful Greek food one would expect from such a family-style restaurant combined for a memorable meal.

Jacob Passy and Alex Kaufman | Sassy Cinema

Tufts exhibit fills sculpture court with diverse artworks

The Tufts Art Gallery is hosting "Perspective: A Selection of Projects in Print and Handmade Paper from the Brodsky Center for Innovative Editions" at the Remis Sculpture Court until May 20. The artists featured are world−renowned and come from diverse backgrounds, with 12 works that demonstrate the prestige of the Brodsky Center at Rutgers University. The pieces in the exhibition at Tufts confront a wide range of international social issues and are well worth seeing for their creativity and craftsmanship.

Restaurant Review | Inman Square's Tupelo strikes perfect balance between comfort, sophistication

Winter may still cling to the Tufts campus, but Tupelo is serving up delicious food with a Southern flare just ten−minutes outside of Central Square. Located in Inman Square, Tupelo prides itself on serving Southern comfort food and adds nuance by pairing its main dishes with sides that bring out a more complex take on these classics.

Triple Play' visually, musically stimulates audience

Niki Krieg | Queen of Cibo

I think it's an understatement when I say that I love February. The Super Bowl comes and goes −− never mind that I'm still waiting for a Gang Green win after 43 years; Valentine's Day means cute date nights, mushy Hallmark cards and all that discounted candy come Feb. 15; and I turn the big 2−2 in February, which this year also happens to be the night of the Academy Awards (Jonah Hill, represent!). In all seriousness, February is a great month because of one thing: lots and lots of parties.

Weekender Feature | And the Oscar goes to...

This Sunday at 7 p.m. on ABC, Billy Crystal will host the 84th Annual Academy Awards, doling out those illustrious gilded men to the most deserving players in Hollywood from the past year. To preview the ceremony, the Daily will take you through the six main categories (Best Supporting Actress and Actor, Best Actress and Actor, Best Director and Best Picture), enumerating the favorite frontrunners and the reprehensible snubs along the way. So, grab some popcorn and get prepared for the drawn out speeches and, if we're lucky, some wild waterworks. It's Oscar time! Best Supporting Actress

TV Review | 'Alcatraz' tempers ambitious plot with genre cliches

"On March 21st, 1963, Alcatraz officially closed. All the prisoners were transferred off the island. Only that's not what happened. Not at all."

Concert Review | Bonobo brings groove to Paradise Rock Club

Can you dance to downtempo? Simon Green sure can. Bonobo, the moniker of the British electronic musician, played a packed show at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston last Thursday, proving that even the most whimsical electronic music can groove when the right artist is at the helm.

The Artsy Jumbo | Emily Weinrebe

For junior Emily Weinrebe, a cappella has been the perfect introduction to life on the Hill. Weinrebe transferred to Tufts at the beginning of this year and joined the co−ed group sQ! shortly thereafter.

Oringer's Toro brings zesty Spanish flair to Boston

In the core of Boston's South End, Toro sits proudly, just like the prized Spanish bulls after which it was named. Heralded as the vanguard Spanish culinary destination in Boston, Toro doles out award−winning tapas seven days a week.