Harvard Today: February 24, 2014

Happy Monday! This past week has been full of important events in the news, and here's a quick run-down of what you should know has been happening around the world.

1) Protests and Political Turmoil in Ukraine: Protests have been rocking this European country since last November, with citizens advocating for greater integration with the Europe Union while simultaneously speaking against government corruption, human rights abuses, and President Victor Yanukovych. The protests took a violent turn last week. Since then, over 80 people have been killed, President Yanukovych has been voted out of power, and an interim president has been named. There is sure to be more upheaval in the days to come.

By Matt O. Ricotta

2) Protests and Political Turmoil in Venezuela: That's right—Ukraine isn't the only place facing unrest. Protests have also been taking place against the nation's socialist government, led by Hugo Chavez's chosen successor, Nicolas Maduro. The leader of the opposition has been jailed, but the protests continue on.

3) Protests and Political Turmoil in Sochi: Okay, not really. Although there was minor controversy around the results of the women's figure skating competition, and major tears around the fates of the men's and women's hockey teams, the 2014 Winter Olympics were fairly succesful. Final medal tally: Russia in first with 33, the United States in second with 28, and Norway in third with 26. Freaking Russia.

IN THE ATMOSPHERE

The warmth we've been experiencing the past few days will disappear slightly, with temperatures only getting up to a high of about 33 degrees. Thankfully, there's only a 10 percent chance of precipitation, so at least we'll be staying somewhat dry.

IN THE D-HALLS

Lunch:

BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Pork Sausage Sub with Peppers and Onions

Tortilla Veggie Pie

Dinner:

Herb Crusted Cod

Parmesan Tofu with Nut Pesto

Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage

IN THE NEWS

1) LL Cool J Awarded Artist of the Year at the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relation's annual Cultural Rhythms Festival.

2) Former Australian Prime Minister named Kennedy School, IOP Fellow. Kevin M. Rudd served as Australia's Prime Minister from 2007 to 2010 and again in 2013. His time at Harvard will begin next week.

EVENTS

Laverne Cox speaks at Farkas Hall. The acclaimed star of Netflix original series "Orange is the New Black" will discuss her life and career at an event at 3 p.m. tomorrow. The event is open to the public and does not require tickets—get there early to get a seat!

The Harvard Film Archive will be showing "The Spook Who Sat by the Door" at 7 p.m. at 24 Quincy Street. This powerful political look at race relations in America in the 1970s was scored by Herbie Hancock. He will be attending the screening.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Harvard Foundation Director S. Allen Counter presents the Artist of the Year award to LL Cool J, who remained on stage as various cultural groups from the University performed during Cultural Rhythms.