For many college students, reading is an integral part of any curriculum, which means that many a night is spent in the library the day before papers are due sifting through novels. However, new Boston-based technology, Spritz, will allow users to read fast enough to finish a 500 page novel in five hours.
Their footsteps are always a little unsure or hurried, like they’re not quite accustomed to the wonder of kinesiology or even that their bodies can produce any movement they wish. They are composed of excess adipose tissue, a rapidly growing skeleton and hard-working neurons. Sporting paint blotches and cheesy fingers, they are the adventurous ones in this world, the ones that are unabashedly themselves, whether that is in princess form or with the likes of superheroes. They sleep with teeth under their pillow, a worn-out stuffed animal in a chokehold embrace and stardust in their eyes.
The Boston Underground Film Festival will resurface for its 16th year of gore, insanity and mayhem. The festival kicks off with screenings of “All Cheerleaders Die” (2013), which combines satire and horror to tell the story of high school cheerleaders plagued by a supernatural epidemic, and “School of the Holy Beast” (1974), the classic story of a young nun attempting to uncover the secrets of the Sacred Heart Convent. Later, passholders over 21 are invited to the Opening Night Party, which will attempt to recreate the mysterious Red Room from the 1990s TV show Twin Peaks. Individual screenings are $10, or pay $110 for a pass to films, parties and other events throughout the week. The festival may only be five days, but the nightmares will last much longer.
Based on the worldwide best seller by author Veronica Roth, “Divergent,” is among the latest literary franchises to be adapted into a motion picture, directed by Neil Burger. The film follows the roller-coaster adventure of Beatrice Prior, also known as Tris — played by Shailene Woodley —who is forced to decide between staying with her Abnegation family and being true to herself.
Who knew Jason Bateman could spell, let alone direct a film? Well, he probably can’t spell without his cue cards, but Bateman made his directorial debut with “Bad Words,” a dark comedy opening Friday.
Due to its recent surge in popularity, electronic music has become characterized by a certain caste system among its fans. It is a system which firmly segregates the hardcore, musically inclined listeners from the cringe-inducing amateur ravers. Those sitting at the top of the caste have been listening to Daft Punk for years and recently discovered a rare recording of the duo from the early 90s; those at the bottom have been listening to “Get Lucky” on repeat for the last six months.
Join the African Presidential Center (APC) at Boston University as they present Prime Time: A Conversation with Prime Ministers. The University will host Raila Odinga, former prime minister of Kenya, and Frederick Sumaye, former prime minister of Tanzania. The duo will discuss past and current issues in their home countries, and the potential for change. This is one of many events hosted by the APC to open up forums for a dialogue on democratization and free market reform in Africa, as well as a platform for students to benefit from the insights of leaders and experts in the field. Join the conversation and watch the “architects of change” in action.
Picture this: 9,000 condoms, in every color and style, some ribbed, some extra large, some spray painted and all in the name of fashion. FACE AIDS took protection to a whole new level this weekend with its second annual Condom Couture event, which challenged students to design the best dress possible. The catch: designers could only use condoms.
In one of this year’s most out-of-the-box Academy Award nominations, director Spike Jonze presents a futuristic world in which falling in love with your operating system is not only plausible, but also socially acceptable.
Staying in Boston for spring break can be a downer. It’s cold, there’s snow everywhere and friends are off enjoying the sun at their beach houses or on all-inclusive vacations in the Caribbean. But rather than sit around and envy friends who will come back tan and relaxed in 10 days, consider these ideas instead.
There’s a sandwich characteristic to New Jersey called the pork roll egg and cheese and that is what I ate on the last day. On the last day, I let my rumbling stomach lead me on a short walk from my house through a bike trail and skate park to Wilson’s Deli, where $1.99 bought me the last time I would taste this divine creation. The sentiment made it more savory than any of the previous sandwiches. The toasted roll crunched with finality in my mouth and warm cheese blanketed my tongue. I ate it with friends who were also leaving, because eating it with friends who were staying would be a completely different feeling. For them and the hair stylists, construction workers and PTA parents of Middletown, it was simply routine.
Race through the streets of Boston with a team of friends, crazy costumes, shopping carts and much more at the Boston Urban Idiotorama. As a parody of the famous Iditarod dog sled race, the route will take participants to five different bars, where they will complete a variety of silly challenges like pole dancing and a talent contest, in between drinks of course. Teams will also aim to collect the most donations for the Boston Medical Center food pantry, by bringing food with them or having friends meet them with contributions at one of the checkpoints. Each team is encouraged to decorate their shopping cart and themselves according to a theme, and race their hearts out to win Spirit of Idiotorama, Best Team Talent or one of the many other prizes. Finally, a chance to be rewarded for acting like an idiot.
