Arts

Campus Chic Report

Hackneyed, slow plot spoils 'Luck'

What is there left to say about HBO productions? That they're gorgeously shot, impeccably acted and ingeniously scripted? That they've got more star power than a $35,800−per−plate Obama fundraiser? At this point, all of this is a given, and HBO's new series, "Luck," certainly adheres to the network's golden standard. How is it cosmically possible, then, for such a perfectly crafted show to be so outrageously boring?

Following strong debut, Sleigh Bells disappoint with unoriginal sophomore album

I'll be the first to admit that after the release of "Treats," Sleigh Bells' debut album from 2010, I was one of the many who immediately deified the noisy duo from Brooklyn, placing them atop my musical pantheon.

James Barasch | Barasch on Books

Following last week's review of Gaddis' biography on George Kennan, one of America's greatest Cold−War era statesmen, this week's review features a book by another great Cold War strategist: President Jimmy Carter's National Security Advisor, ZbgniewBrzezinski. Don't be fooled by its relative brevity, "Strategic Vision" is a little gem of foreign policy analysis and a stirring call to action. It is a thorough, articulate evaluation of the decline of America's influence and the dangers therein. Brzezinski offers an astute, piercing appraisal of the waning of America's "global appeal" and the severe consequences of the shifting of power from West to East.

Richly textured samples, rhythms drive Lapalux EP

Lapalux's latest endeavor into musical manipulation showcases the essence of the creative global beat that is currently captivating producers and audiences alike.

Faculty Show' at Northeastern University disappoints with lack of depth, cohesion

The Northeastern Creates art gallery is featuring recent work done by full− and part−time faculty members of the university's Art and Design Department in the exhibit "Faculty Show."

Air's latest is lacking without accompanying film

In 1902, French writer and director Georges Méliès produced a 14−minute jewel of a silent film, "Le Voyage Dans La Lune," that was sold in both a hand−colored and a black−and−white version.

Taipei Tokyo offers array of fresh fusion dishes

Having a hard time deciding which of the many Japanese restaurants in Davis Square you should visit to satisfy that Friday night sushi or Chinese food craving? Look no further than Taipei Tokyo Cafe, located right across the street from the T stop in the heart of Davis. Taipei Tokyo is a welcoming Asian fusion restaurant that juxtaposes fine Chinese dishes with a Japanese− inspired sushi bar to provide American diners with myriad choices.

Jack Webster and Hannah Furgang | A piece of advice

Dear Jack and Hannah,

The Artsy Jumbo | Jack LeMay

Like many Jumbos, Jack LeMay played instruments in high school: piano and drums. But since moving to campus, Jack "wanted to try something a little different" and has explored a different sort of sound with the help of B.E.A.T.s (Bangin' Everything At Tufts), a group that aims to "wake people from their routine" through musical performance.

Weekender Feature | Photographer David Pendery explores unknown side of Paris

Visitors generally arrive in Paris with a list of must−see attractions: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, etc. The city's covered arcades generally do not end up on these lists, and even some Parisians are unaware of their existence. But these unique and unusual spaces — wide, glass−covered walkways lined with boutiques — are a marvelous relic of centuries past and continue to be an important part of Parisian life.

What's Up This Weekend

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

TV Review | 'Walking Dead' suffers from lifeless plot

It's nice to take a moment during a TV show's current season to look back at how the program has evolved. Sadly, in the case of AMC's "The Walking Dead," this evolution is more devolution. Once pegged as the one of the most innovative shows on television, "The Walking Dead" has been stretched so thin that it now chronically disappoints viewers, leaving almost nothing to praise.

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