Harvard Today: October 28, 2014

Happy Tuesday, Harvard! One week out from Election Day, we hope that all you U.S. citizens have figured out how to get an absentee ballot from your home state, and/or are planning on voting here in Massachusetts in seven days! Even if you're feeling a little disenchanted with politics, just know that the elections next week will determine:

Whether your state is solid blue, solid red, or somewhere in between, we hope you take the time to read up on what’s going on and try to vote, if you haven’t already. As Lil Jon says, turn out for what!

By Daniel N. Yue

IN THE ATMOSPHERE
Soooo we were excited about yesterday’s weather, but today’s is even better! A high of of 70 degrees, with only a ten percent chance of rain. Honestly, at this point, maybe we’re just not going to have a winter. We can dream, at least.

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

Dinner
Cider Steamed Mussels
Meat Lasagna
Mushroom Basil Potato Au Gratin w/ Cashews (intriguing)

ON FLYBY
1) The Secret Life of Anthro 1130: Wondering what’s happening with the dig in front of Matthews? Flyby’s got the answers.

2) Frightening Films for a Spooky Night In: A few Halloween classics to help you embrace the spirit of the season...and procrastinate while studying.

IN THE NEWS

1) Currier Dean Takes BU Job, Will Depart at Year’s End: Currier House Dean Laura K. Johnson will leave her position at the end of the semester to assume the role of associate dean of student affairs at Boston University, Currier House Masters Richard W. Wrangham and Elizabeth A. Ross wrote to the House community Monday evening.

2) Journalists Predict Close Mass. Gubernatorial Race: Steve Poftak, director of the Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston, asked two journalists to discuss the Massachusetts gubernatorial election at an event at the Kennedy School yesterday. Gurley answered immediately, saying she thought that the election for governor between Republican Charlie D. Baker ’79 and Democrat Martha M. Coakley would be closely contested. “It is going to be a close race, and will go down to election day, if not late election evening,” Gurley said.

3) Fellows Assist College on Diversity Initiative: The fellows, Kimberly A. Truong and Alicia Williams, were each hired through the Office of the Assistant to the President for Institutional Diversity and Equity, which offers a one-year fellowship program for professionals in higher education leadership. Brittany Vine, a graduate student at Merrimack College, is serving a joint fellowship with the OSL and Merrimack.

EVENTS

Today is the last Farmer’s Market of the season! Head over to the Science Center Plaza from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. for your last chance to stock up on fresh produce, local bread and pastries, or even crafts to decorate the dorm.

Head over to the Thompson Room in the Barker Center at 7:30 p.m. for a discussion with Marc Abrahams, the founder of the Ig Nobel Prizes, which annually honor unusual and hilarious scientific achievements.

Join QSA for a conversation with activist CeCe McDonald about her experiences with gender identity, race, and the criminal justice system, at 7:30 p.m. in Yenching Auditorium. This event will be a Q&A and there will be an opportunity for questions from the audience.

Professor Caroline Light, the Director of the WGS (Studies of Women, Gender, and Sexuality) Department will be leading a discussion on cultural appropriation tonight from 8 p.m. 9 p.m. in the Lowell JCR. Refreshments will be served!

PHOTO OF THE DAY
Veteran reporters Gabrielle Gurley and Jim O'Sullivan discuss the upcoming Massachusetts elections and referenda. The pair spoke Monday at the HKS.