Harvard Today: September 30, 2014

Happy Tuesday, Harvard! And happy last day of September! (insert lame Green Day joke here). Although the random spurt of warm weather this past weekend was nice, we're ready for fall and almost all that it brings: colorful leaves, pumpkin carving, HUDS’ winter menu, apple picking... in short, everything but midterms. So. Many. Midterms. Whether you battled orgo yesterday, or have a slew of papers due next week (or both), we’re sure you could use a little motivation to help you through it. Here are some of our picks for best inspirational songs in these troubled times. Good luck!

1. The Climb: Ain’t nothing like vintage Miley. I can almost see it, that dream I’m dreaming, of being done with midterms and getting Chipotle and sleeping for 12 hours…
2. I Will Survive: Substitute every reference to a man with something about that class that has multiple midterms. Go on go, walk out the door, just turn around now, cause you’re not welcome anymore, Ec1010.
3. Survivor: If Gloria Gaynor wasn’t enough for you (if so, what’s wrong with you), we’re positive Kelly, Michelle, and Beyoncé will do the trick. I’M A SURVIVOR, I’M GONNA MAKE IT.
4. Don’t Worry Be Happy: The only healthy thing to think right before you take your exam. How much does this exam really mean in the grand scheme of your life?
5. We are the Champions: The only healthy thing to think right after you take your exam. Because no matter how it felt, you’re done. Nothing better than that!

By Daniel N. Yue

IN THE ATMOSPHERE
No more sunshine and 80 degree days, everyone, time to deal with fall for real. Complete with rain. Today’s high is a crisp 62 degrees with a low of 57. There’s a 40% chance of showers all day, so don’t forget your umbrella!

IN THE D-HALLS
Lunch
Multigrain Penne Bolognese
Swai Baked with Lime, Cilantro, and Jalapeno
Falafel Sandwich

Dinner
Cider Steamed Mussels
Meat Lasagna
Mushroom Basil Potato Au Gratin with Cashews (which doesn’t belong? answer: all of the above)

ON FLYBY
1. Trending: Aretha Franklin Covers ‘Rolling in the Deep’, World Cries: Check out Flyby’s latest series, Trending, which “will give you the material to impress your friends at the one meal a week that you don't spend complaining about how much work you have to do”. Perfect also for small talk at punch events. This week’s edition: Aretha Franklin + Adele. Need we say more?

IN THE NEWS
1. Cambridge City Council Discusses Assaults and Playground Renovation: In a short meeting Monday night, the Cambridge City Council discussed resolutions regarding an information system for incidents of assault in the area, a decrepit playground, and traffic safety regulations.

2. Students Host ‘Dead In’ to Commemorate Gaza Victims: “It’s not about religion, it’s about humanity,” read a poster held up by a student at the Science Center Plaza Monday. The student was one of fifteen or so participants in Monday’s “dead-in,” an event hosted by the Palestine Solidarity Committee to raise awareness of the approximately 2,100 people who were killed in Gaza this summer.

3. Students Make Beds in Support of Doubletree Workers: The demonstration built upon a campaign that began after a majority of workers at the hotel signed a petition in March 2013 to launch the process of deciding whether to join UNITE HERE! Local 26, a Massachusetts-based union that represents Harvard’s dining hall employees.

EVENTS
Today is the weekly Farmer’s Market! Stop by the science center plaza to stock up on fresh goods and chat with local producers between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. today.

The Hutchins Center for African and African-American Research is hosting the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal Ceremony today at 4 p.m. in Sanders Theatre. This year’s awardees include John Lewis, Shonda Rhimes, Oprah Winfrey, Harvey Weinstein, Harry Belafonte, and Maya Angelou. Tickets are free but must be picked up from the Harvard Box Office in advance.

Today is also the second session of former Governor of Washington Christine Gregoire’s IOP study group at 4 p.m. in L166 at the Institute of Politics. She will be hosting a guest Governor Jim Doyle of Wisconsin. Stop by to spend your afternoon with two governors!

PHOTO OF THE DAY
A string sculpture by renowned artist Janet Echelman.