Category — News

A completely sketchy sign hanging outside the Ratty today claimed the four acts were coming to Brown this April.

Sadly, we won’t actually be graced with the musical and coiffure-related stylings of a certain Providence DJ this Spring Weekend. But wouldn’t it be…awesome? Confusing? Terrifying?

At least the hipsters, the chilled out electronica fans and the 50 Cent- haters would all be happy.

oh hell yes.

So in case you haven’t noticed, it’s no longer bone-chillingly, soul-crushingly freezing up in this piece anymore; yippee! The Main Green has already been swarmed for the past few days, and the Weather Channel is now saying that it should be just as perfect for at least the next few days, so seriously, if you’re in the library you should probably just leave right now.

A Rhode Island philanthropist is under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission. A federal grand jury and some insurance companies are also getting involved with the man, who the fear is “preying upon the terminally ill.”

A wind farm has been proposed to be built off the coast of Block Island, but some residents there aren’t so sure they want it—they’re afraid the wind turbines will obstruct the view for island dwellers and tourists. The project is intended to give islanders cheaper electricity.

Rhode Island’s history with the slave trade got you down? Head on over to One Depot Square, where the Providence & Worcester station used to be, and cleanse the palate with an exhibit of the state’s abolitionist history!

We don’t know if Damian Kulash ’98 spent a lot of time in Barus and Holley in between MCM classes, but the new OK Go video sure is impressive. The group’s new song “This Too Shall Pass” features various Rube Goldberg machines. Kulash was so concerned about mass Web distribution of the video that he took to the New York Times for help. Apparently, Bono isn’t the only rockstar who can write op-eds about global concerns.

When you’re angry, leave a note.

Marco Beltrami ‘88 and co-composer Buck Sanders received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Score for the film “The Hurt Locker,” but Michael Giacchino took the trophy for his soundtrack to the animated feature “Up.”

“The Hurt Locker” certainly didn’t leave the ceremony without recognition, though, and “Crazy Heart,” another film with connections to L’il Rhody, took awards for Best Actor and Best Song.

This weekend, Brown students got a little taste of the coming springtime. Making sure to catch every bit of sunshine and warmth possible, people took to every patch of green. The warm(er) weather is wonderful, although it does make walking into the Rock that much more difficult!

Sheldon Whitehouse got a dose of small screen stardom when he appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in a segment about Sen. Bunning’s single-handed filibuster of a jobs bill.  In the clip, Stewart pokes fun at Whitehouse’s theatrical speech about an unemployed Rhode Island woman.

“Operation Deception,” the State Police investigation of officers who may have dealt drugs while on duty, has expanded.  So far, the four officers implicated in the sting have been consigned to desk duty, but now investigators are looking into whether the actions of the accused officers have threatened the safety of other on-duty cops.

Christopher Mensel, a movie buff who teaches at the University of Rhode Island, walked away with $25,000 after appearing on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” last Friday.  The show featured movie-themed questions in honor of the Oscars this weekend.

IMPROVidence “Cuteness Show”

9:00 p.m. Lower Salomon, $1

Perhaps Brown and RISD’s oldest comedy improvisation troupe will entertain us with an explanation why this performance’s advertisements feature clothed puppies in awkward positions and information presented in instant message (non)grammar.

Africa for Haiti Benefit Concert

8:30 p.m. Sayles Hall, $10 Brown / $15 public

West African music and dance troupe Komee Josee and New Works/World Traditions Dance Ensemble will perform to raise money for disaster relief.

Pulse with it

7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Alumnae Hall, $5 at post office / $7 at door

ImPulse Dance Company is sharing the stage with Brown’s Unnatural Selection, HellooHi and URI’s Aesthetic Flo for a hip-hop dance extravaganza. A free after party in South Wayland Lounge will follow at 10:00 p.m. for those who care to listen to ImPulse’s Remyx Album or just can’t get enough of them.

BCA Speakeasy Sessions

10:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. Grad Center Lounge, free

The Brown Concert Agency is throwing a party that showcases four new student bands and six DJs with a wide range of musical styles. The night’s line-up is, in order, Behaviors, Kid Chocolate, The Unintentions, Release, Redscare and Spoletto.  Discover the potential rock stars and hip-hop artists of the future!

Speaking of futures, make sure your teeth are in for a good one on National Dentist Day.

The Mechanics of the Spirit: A Multimedia Liturgy

12:00 a.m. PW Upspace, TF Green Hall

This performative exploration of the texts of philosopher Dezsoe Halmi is what it sounds like, which doesn’t really tell you much . . . probably one of those things you have to experience for yourself.

One Night Only

7:30 p.m. Pembroke Field House

Join the Black Student Union for free music, games and chicken with waffles.

Contra and Folk Dance

8:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m. Sayles Hall

Learn traditional American contra dance with authentic live music, and see why this joyful mode of celebration and socializing has lasted for so long. No partner or experience is necessary — just come open to having fun and possibly making a fool of yourself.

Picturing Palestine exhibit opening

7:00-9:00 p.m. List 2nd floor

“Picturing Palestine: Images of an Occupation,” sponsored by Common Ground, is a collection of photographs from students and members of Activestills, an organization working in Israel/Palestine to create more understanding, less violent and racist public imagery of the region’s current events and politics.  This display lasts only a week, so stop by when you have the time and inclination.

And Multiple Personality Day won’t come for another year, so make the most of it . . . no, don’t . . . no, do . . . .