BOOK / MOVIE REVIEW: COULD THIS BE OUR GATSBY?
How to lose friends (and get fired from Vanity Fair) by Voice Reporter Brian Shen
FASHION & SHOPPING
Spotted at Lamont + business dress and best mascaras
the voice
an official harvard college student publication. everything harvard.
ISSUE 7 oct 9th, 2008 www.theHvoice.com
KING LOUIS:
A MUSEUM OR A SHOP? SPECIAL REPORT
Chris Lim Food Columnist
Market in the Square is a great. Especially at 4 am.
INTERNET PORNOGRAPHY:
How much time do we spend on porn sites? VOICE COMMENTARY
Our NYU correspondent and film critic: These numbers are shocking
INSIDE T.I.’s masterpiece, an editoral apology, “Dear Allison”
2 campus buzz harvard in bits NEW LIVE FEATURE
Feeling lonely? Chat with our librarians! Harvard Libraries launched a new IM/Chat service that puts you in touch with a real, live research librarian.
TOPS ROCKEFELLER
The largest donation ever. Again. Entrepreneur Hansjörg Wyss donates $125 million fo a new biological engineering institute at our University.
CLASH OF GRADS
Grad clashes with Obama, has to leave Kenya Harvard alum Jerome Corsi visited Kenya to promote his anti-Obama book, and is forced to leave by the local gov’t officials.
HARVARD - HOGWARTS
Emma Watson visits our campus Harry Potter star was spotted visiting our campus last week. She was seen strolling around the Quincy House. Some students were excited.
GET READY FOR OK
200 street vendors: food, art and beer
Oktoberfest features six stages of various live entertainment, and the world’s longest sofa will be making its U.S. debut
BY KATY MILLER The 29th Annual Oktoberfest will be held this Sunday, October 12 right here in Harvard Square. This year, Oktoberfest features a HONK! Festival Parade. It will leave Davis Square at noon and arrive at Harvard Square at 1 pm to “Reclaim the Streets for Horns, Bikes and Feet.” Still another parade,
Grand Parade Marshals “Click and Clack, the Car Talk Guys,” will feature over 30 marching bands and performance groups in Harvard Square between 1 and 2pm. Oktoberfest features six stages of live entertainment; including a main stage in the Super Crosswalk, Stage at Holyoke Center on Forbes Plaza, Club Passim Stage, a Busker
Stage, and two Honk Band Stages. Food enthusiasts will not be disappointed – there will be over 50 food vendors at Oktoberfest serving everything from popcorn to chowder; falafel to pakoras. Local restaurants such as Sandrine’s, Grendel’s Den Patio, and at the Charlie’s Kitchen Beer Garden (among others) will feature au-
EDITORIAL APOLOGY We made a mistake last week
thentic Oktoberfest dishes. Harvard Square’s Oktoberfest features over 200 street vendors offering vintage items, crafts, art, and sidewalk sales. And if you’re so inclined, you can paint a pumpkin, take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, or glimpse the festivities from the air – Cambridge Common will feature the Re-max hot air balloon,
collecting donations for charity. And for the furniture buffs in the crowd, you’ll be pleased to hear that the World’s Longest Sofa is debuting for the first time in America at Oktoberfest. Weighing in at 2.17 tons, measuring 213 feet, and standing on 68 legs, it’s definitely a force to be reckoned with. The sofa
VOICE READERS Got a free shake last Thu
An apology Huge crowd for b.good to HUPD
The Voice Team like to apologize to HUPD for any issues of misrepresentation that were found in the article about crime, published this past Thursday, in the October 6th issue of The Harvard Voice. The sentence from the article in question, “According to Francis D. Riley, HUPD chief, the 27th of September 2008 was a dark day- and
not just weather wise- for some unlucky residents of Quincy House.” suggests that we received a direct quote from Chief Riley. It is entirely our fault for not making it more clear that we never received any sort of formal statement from HUPD regarding the crimes in question. For a publication that prides itself on neutrality, this was a serious procedural
error. HUPD is an integral part of life at Harvard, and we would never attempt to purposefully alienate or anger those who are here to protect us. The article in no way intended to shed a negative light on HUPD, and again, we apologize for any miscommunication that occurred.
free shakes A huge crowd of students gathered in front of b.good last Thursday night, in order to get their free shake. They all had copies of last week’s Voice in their hands, since the shakes were given out only to those who had a copy of our
paper. The joint action between b.good and The Voice was quite a success, bringing out dozens of students. This week, students bringing this issue and buying a burger at b.good will get another burger - free of charge. See you tonight!
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KTOBERFEST: Sunday, October 12th
VOICES
this is where you tell the campus what you think
from the blogs Coming Home and Losing My Mural
Celebrating the Fashionably Unstable
Through The Cracks by Morgan Potts
by Steven Duque
I came home this year to a place more different than any experience I’ve ever had of my city, Houston. Perhaps more accurately, things’ve definitely changed. Many of my old friends are now graduated from college; one’s even made the down payment for his first home. I visited my high school alma mater, and discovered that the cafeteria in which I ate many of my meals was
is designed by Anders Nørgaard for BoConcept and was originally created for the Aarhus Festival, Denmark. Stop by Church Street to take a seat. As always, Oktoberfest is free to the public. For more info, please call 617-491-3434 or www. harvardsquare.com. The raindate is Monday, October 13, 2008
ursday
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by Emily Cregg I lost my senses fall of sophomore year and didn’t find them for a long time. For months I was a shattered mess, ground up by anxiety and depression, a loose screw in our university’s whirring gears. When things were at their worst I thought unclear and insane things. I slept in interminable fits or lay awake all night, my mind running obsessively through a
Have your say!
Join the online discussion! gutted – prepared for summer renovations and construction of new, better facilities for the school’s students. And when I came back to the house I grew up in, I found my backyard in chaos. Most surprisingly, the wall on which, as a child, I’d painted a mural of a garden scene for my mother was partially removed...
In the Spring 2008 issue of The New York Times Style Magazine: Women’s Fashion, an article entitled “Certifiably Chic” commented upon the style industry and the American media’s current celebration of mental instability. Characterized as an aesthetic of “Demented Chic,” it applauds unwashed hair, a messy dishabille worthy of
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million colluding fears. Even my own language developed a strange independence. Words came back to me, first in echoes, and then in whispers hissing at me like leaking gas. My body fell away. My blood stood still and all my skin went ashen....
from the EMAILS
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asylum inmates, and pays homage to “women on the verge” like Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton (or Mary-Kate Olsen, if you’re not literarily-inclined). A selfconscious appreciation for all things tragic and pathetic is a necessary accessory...
“The crime features was great and relevant. I’m actually scared of walking around the campus these days.”
“Hilarious comic!”
THE CROWD IN FRONT OF B.GOOD LAST WEEK
“Congratulations on another fine issue. I would point out some of the typos you guys had, but I guess most student publications have them.” “I miss the sports section. Could you start covering sports again?”
Great work, this “Dear Allison is reminds of The my favorite.” London Paper!
4 campus buzz
free porn
12 percent of all sites are pornographic. How often do you visit them? BY CHARLOTTE AUSTIN, RACHEL LIBESKIND AND DANIELLE AYKROYD
A Federal study conducted in 1970 determined the total retail value of all hard-core pornography in the United Sates to be $10 Million ($53 Million in our inflated 2007). Since the days of Dirk Diggler the numbers have skyrocketed, in 2006 the U.S. porn industry was estimated at $13.5 Billion. The world’s sixteen richest countries haul in $100 Billion on average each year from “dirty pictures.” The exponential growth of the industry is inextricably tied to the technological leaps that man has taken in the past forty years. Production of pornography as we know it today began in the Victorian era with the invention
of the printing press. Of course, the personal computer, and more specifically the INTERNET, has further bolstered pornographic indulgence— everything is just much easier, and we do mean everything. Fa m i ly s a f e m e d i a . com cites that every second 372 Internet users type their respective adult terms into search engines. These 372, tapping out their fantasies, are simultaneously accompanied by 28,258 others already getting their virtual groove on. And obviously, these
70
percent of women keep their cyber porn activites secret
40
million adults in U.S. admit to regularly visit porn sites
$27.4 size of Chinese porn industry in billions
grooves are just like records, each playing their own little tune: a young hirsutophile (person with a fetish for armpit hair), or a group of triskaidekaphiles (men and women with a sexual love of the number 13), or even your neighbor with chronophilia (turned on by the passage of time, and thus, the Cyndi Lauper classic Time after Time) can satisfy themselves online. We’re not implying that everyone has such esoteric fantasies; the pendulum does not always swing so far. Many people log on just to check out a pair of, as the ancient Greeks would say, glowing “moonlike breasts.” The origin of the word pornography comes from
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the ancient Greek cognate, meaning, “to record prostitutes.” In ancient Greece, however, pornographic recordings were not bestial moans, but sketches on the bathhouse walls, erotic paintings, or secret sexy strophes. Pornography is currently available in every feasible medium; there are even cell-phone ringers downloadable online to accompany the old stand-bys: paperback porn for tangibility, VHS or DVD formats for an at home movie night, and pin up calendars to keep track o f obliga-
tions. In the near future, we predict virtual sex booths; somewhat like an EEG, carefully placed electrodes will stimulate the sensory areas of the brain to induce a sexual response. In literary circles, pornography is often likened to Voldemort. Said to be evil’s etiology, both have names that seem to coat the walls of every family home with fear. But despite how embarrassing and exploitative the penchant for pornography may be, it cannot be dismissed as merely a villain (naked under that cloak.) The pornography phenomena is deeply revealing on a p s yc h o l o g i cal and cultural level. Attitudes toward sex play a large role in the definition of a culture, and the media’s sexual exploitation
Sarah Palin adult flick? Larry Flynt vs. the people An L.A porn production studio is on the hunt for a sexy Palin look-alike to play the “motherof-five politician” in an adult film. The actress will earn up to $3800 for the role (wow!), according to the advertisement posted on Craig’s List. “Lookof everything, leading pre-teens to behave like pussycat dolls, has blurred the lines of what is and what isn’t pornographic. Not to
COMMENTARY
The Wolf Voice Film Critic
Studies at NYU. He is also wearing zombie make-up.
12 percent? I’m shocked! I just heard 12 percent of all internet pages are pornographic. This came as a complete shock to me. It was as if I was suddenly smacked in the face and the perfect dream-world I had been living in exploded into a million tiny pieces. Never to exist again. How the hell is it possible that only 12 percent of the internet is porn? Before this sickening revelation, I was sure that the internet consisted of only Google, the God of pornography, and every imaginable way of copulating with a
person, thing, or alien being. I have spent almost 10 years of my life searching the known internet (at least what was then-known in my perfect world) for the best live streaming of orgies in college dorms or the latest bizarre hentai from my favorite fetish well - Japan. Or what about the sweet S&M movies from Germany, my second favorite country in the world. But now I know there are other things to look at online. I feel lost. And very confused.
ing for a Sarah Palin look-alike for an adult film to be shot in next 10 days… Please send pix, stats, etc.” It was later discover that Larry Flynt, founder of Hustler magazine, was behing the production.
mention that anyone, including Verne Troyer of Austin Powers fame, feels the need to make a sex tape. The historically taboo subject of pornography has fused itself with mass-culture. Sociologists have deemed the normalization of pornography and the sexualization of the mainstream as The Porn Creep. Pornography has sown the seeds for many currently pervasive sexual customs that have worked their way into Western culture. Brazilian waxes and oral sex, for example, were both unpopular in the U.S. until the porn industry declared them fashionable. More obviously, the implant trend in young women has clear roots the pornographic industry’s demand for larger breasts. The porn industry has even weaseled his way where we never thought it would. Our very own Matthew DiPasquale (‘08/’09), boasting near perfect SAT scores and fives on more APs than seasons of The Simpsons, recently pioneered his own one-man porn magazine, Diamond. In doing so, Matt has inadvertently open wide the door to welcome the porn creep into everyday Harvard life. The Ivy League is now tuned in and turned on to the world of pornography.
6 reviews BOOK / MOVIE REVIEW: How To Lose Friends And Alienate People, a successful memoir turned into a film
How to lose friends (and get fired from Vanity Fair) Voice Reporter Brian Shen explores the crazy antics of a former Vanity Fair editor Toby Young BY BRIAN SHEN Knowing I was on a memoirreading frenzy, one of my dear friends suggested that I try How to Lose Friends and Alienate People by Toby Young. The book, she explained, describes Toby Young, a British man who moves from his tabloid position at a London paper to work for Graydon Carter at Vanity Fair. Of additional relevance to my interests was the fact that this character had attended Harvard for a fellowiship. She sold it well, saying “This book made me laugh out loud on numerous occasions, and people would literally look at me while I was reading this and wonder if I was some crazy person,”. But still, why would I want to read a book on how to lose friends and alienate people? Perhaps I was too quick
reviews WRITTEN BY
Alex Doubet Reviews Editor
YouTube Review: Cubs Etch A Sketch
Chicago
“Whoa.” That was my first reaction to this clip. “Why would you spend so much time drawing with an Etch-a-Sketch?” That was my second thought. With those two phrases in mind, watch this video. This guy uses the classic kid’s toy to draw an incredible picture of some Chicago Cubs players. Remember the Etch-a-Sketch? That thing you used to play with and draw little straight lines all over the place for about ten minutes and then get bored? This guy kind of does the same thing except he spends 100
to judge by the title, as I am now convinced that this book is one of the funniest and most entertaining I have encountered thus far. I found it absolutely hysterical to read about all the crazy (and incredibly idiotic) antics of Toby Young. The book gives insight on not only on the deep insecurities that Young has, but also effectively portrays his blazé attitude towards his own utter screw ups. In one episode, he impersonates a friend at the Vanity Fair Academy Awards after-party, offending a few celebrities in the process by misnaming an actor in a random film and by hogging the phone until Diana Ross booted him out of his spot at the payphone.. Another ill-fated attempt was his inadvertent hiring of a stripper for a co-worker on bring-your-daughter-to-work day. It is rather amusing to see someone so lacking in common sense rise to such a high position, only to be left to the dogs in less than a year. Graydon Carter had been nice enough to let him stay, and gave Young multiple chances to show he could pitch a clever idea that readers would like or mainly just to not screw up. After a year, Young was taken of the masthead and fired.. I must admit, I was feel-
ing for him by the end of the book. I was on Toby Young’s side. We see and admire his later struggle to revitalize his career and his self-esteem. To me, he so clearly represented the American Dream – clamoring for fame, fortune, and love. Perhaps this idiot is our new Gatsby? Then again, perhaps not. So, for deeper insight into the workings and the hierarchy of mysterious and already notorious Condé Nast, or even a schooling in British journalism, this is a worthwhile and entertaining read. Surprisingly, Young rose from the dust of his ruined writing career, especially after publishing this memoir which severed many already dying relationships with the media industry once and for all. Instead of melting away into dreary alcoholism as expected, he his memoir has been turned into a movie, re-launching his career in the media world. This past weekend, the feature length movie of How to Lose Friends and Alienate People opened to terrible ratings. But what do you expect of a memoir-turned-movie that attempted to offend everyone, a goal stated clearly both in the foreward and confirmed sporadically throughout the book. The producers could not have made
the movie true to the actual book save for a few key scenes. What’s more, the movie would have to very obviously be a parody of the story—meaning outrageous slapstick comedy à là Scary Movie—or else the producers, the actors, the writers, and even the production company who made the film about Condé Nast would be ruined. Condé Nast would not appreciate such terrible publicity, just as they did not appreciate the publicity the memoir produced. I urge you to go into the movie with this backstory in mind, which ought to remove any expectation of a brilliant documentary-esque film about the inner workings of Condé Nast. Of course the acting, agreed, is horrendous and overly exaggerated. But for me, the film is all about the premise. We see the basic themes of the Toby Young’s memoir peek through and the essence of his writing is still there, though masked by the slapstick comedy. Don’t get me wrong: this is no Devil Wears Prada masterpiece, but it is worth seeing if you’ve read the memoir. Who knows? Maybe it will bring some nostalgic laughs of the memoir or even confirm some ideas about the media world.
Offensive, rude snowman and a sketch of Chicago Cubs players hours drawing a picture that I wouldn’t have a prayer drawing in a million years with a pencil in my hand. This video’s a glimpse into the life of a savant (or maybe an idiot-savant?), who can work miracles with two little knobs. Impressive.
Link
http://www. youtube.com/ watch?v=UyCe3RNT7pw
Yo u T u b e Review: Snowy the Frostman Episode 1: Here’s Snowy I can’t believe that people make videos this unfunny. Not only that, this one’s just p l a i n nasty. I didn’t even
think about smiling for the entire duration of the video. The clip takes the idea of Frosty the Snowman and makes him homicidal, and exponentially less charming. But look on the bright side, at least you don’t have to waste four minutes of your life watching this garbage. I’ve done it for you. Rude. Offensive. Sick. Not Funny. Need I say more?
Link
h t t p : / / w w w. yo u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=UyCe3RNT7pw
7 Voice Reviews Editor Alex Doubet digs his soul out while discovering a masterful paper trail by T.I.
An epic masterpiece + a very good rock album
Paper Trail
Dig Out Your Soul
T.I.
By the time I got to “Live Your Life,” the fifth track on T.I.’s Paper Trail, I knew I was listening to genius. It starts with a sample of the Numa Numa song (yes, that song with the YouTube video of the dude singing) and moves into Rihanna doing another awesome, Umbrella-esque vocal performance. “Live Your Life” is an AWESOME party song, but there’s a flavor for everyone on this album from blistering raps to real dance hall cuts and party tracks. Other guest artists include Usher, Swizz Beatz, John Legend, and a young man
Oasis you may have heard about named Justin Timberlake. They all make strong showings with Usher’s turn in “My Life Your Entertainment” being especially awesome (Though Mr. Timberlake is very far from shabby on “Dead and Gone). “Porn Star,” the ninth track on the album, is the weak point on the disk, largely because it falls back on the same ol’ clichés and doesn’t have a strong enough beat to make them palatable. Still, it’s an epic album, and one I can’t recommend enough.
Listen!
Your Study Playlist 1. 2. 3.
Mandolin Concerto in C – Antonio Vivaldi Grim to the Brim – Leo Kottke One and the Same (Instrumental) – Rob Dougan
The music’s like the album cover: quirky, fun, and pretty cool. Every song on Oasis’ Dig Out Your Soul got my foot bobbing up and down like a concert-goer’s head. The first third of the album is definitely the most upbeat, and it includes the album’s first single, “The Shock of the Lightening.” It’s a good single, to be sure, but it’s not a great one. I don’t remember a single word of the song. Come to think of it, I don’t really remember a single word of any song on the album (except the endlessly
repeated chorus of “Soldier On”). It’s not a hook-filled album by any stretch of the imagination, and there aren’t any songs that get to the arena-filling ecstasy of “Champagne Supernova” or “Wonderwall.” But does it really take a hook to make a song good? No. Does it take a hook to make a song great? Yes. This album’s chock-full of good songs; some might even be really good. But there’s not one song in the bunch that’s great.
Listen!
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Vistas - Yo-Yo Ma, Mark O’Connor, Edgar Meyer Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity – Gustav Holst El Salón México – Aaron Copland Nessun Dorma! – Luciano Pavarotti Rhapsody in Blue – George Gershwin Eine Kleine Nachtmusik – Frans Liszt Cuzco – E.S. Posthumous
What are your fav study songs?
8 partners
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fashion & shopping
Business Dress 101
As most seniors, some juniors, and a sprinkling of sophomores and freshmen are well aware of, recruiting season has begun and th under way. With all the time spent perfecting resumes and crafting cover letters, the seemingly less important details of your busin priority. However, in actuality, what you wear to an interview and what you wear to company events—ranging from casual coffees t formal dinners—are just as pivotal to making a good impression and getting an offer. Here are some basic terms and suggestions fo
Business Casual: Men: Ties are usually not required, but dark-colored dress pants, collared and button-d sweaters are the standard for more high-level business casual events. For other more r times, khakis or chinos are fine. Never wear sandals or sneakers; leather shoes and bel Women: Basically, think tailored separates—you can make use of your business suit’s or nice, fitted sweater. Mix and match your skirts and slacks with different tops or jack top and bottom is not necessary. A tailored, businesslike dress is fine too. For shoes, w professional flats (never sandals, wedges, athletic shoes).
BUSINESS CASUAL: (above) HUGO by Hugo Boss shirt & pants: shirt $125 (left) Theory shirt & skirt: shirt $215, skirt $126
Business Formal: Men: conservative business suit, tie, and leather shoes. Navy, black, or dark gray pinst suits seem the most formal. Some experts also say that silk ties and solid white or blue the most business formal. Women: full business suit—skirt or pant is fine, although you should definitely wear h your skirtsuit. I’ve heard that some people think a skirtsuit is more formal than a pantsuit, but the general consensus seems to be that either is fine. Always wear closed-tie, low-heeled pumps: avoid stilettos or flats (the official standard seems to favor 1.5-2.5 inch high heels).
General Rules--Men: Shave, obviously. Keep jewelry to a minimum. Belts need to match or closely coordinate with your shoes. Don’t drench yourself with cologne. General Rules--Women: Skirts should be knee-length. Don’t wear blouses or shirts that are too revealing. Make sure your hosiery is the same color as your skin. Keep make-up natural looking (i.e. no bright red lipstick, blue eyeshadow, etc.) and wear minimal jewelry. Pearl or diamond studs for earrings are best. I had a friend who wore long, dangly earrings during an interview and afterwards the interviewer told her he kept getting distracted by the moving back and forth of her earrings (a.k.a. he couldn’t focus on her performance). —Irene Yuan
ATTENTION READERS: Do you have a good friend or roommate who is gorgeous but desperately needs fashion help? Then nominate her for the
VOICE FASHION MAKEOVER! E-mail iyuan@fas.harvard.edu with nominations
BUSINESS FORMAL: (above) J. Crew Everyday Leather Pumps, $165
EDITORS’ PRODUCT REVIEW: Best for going out: Christian Dior DiorShow ($24) For those times you need to up the everything factor a little bit.
Best for everyday: Blinc Kiss Me ($24) Their motto is “STOP painting your lashes…TUBE them!”. This mascara forms tiny tubes around the lashes, which slip off easily with warm water and gentle pressure. I used to lose my lashes when taking off my makeup, but not with this mascara.
BE MA
Best overall: Waterproof M
After spending hu Sephora’s $26-atried this drugsto proof, holds curl,
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spotted...
1
he stressful job search is well ness wardrobe may take last to informal receptions to or business dressing:
down dress shirts or fine knit relaxed yet still business casual lts are still a must. skirt or pants, with a blouse kets; a uniform material for wear high-heel pumps or leather
...in the Yard It wasn’t hard to spot senior Pippa Eccless on her way back from class: her mostlyred ensemble really stood out. Eccles says that as long as she can remember, she has always loved colors and patterns. “Colors wake me up and put me in a good mood,” she says. Her love of bright things extends into academia: the History of Art and Architecture concentrator is writing a thesis on quilts. We say: in a sea of blah-colored winter coats, how refreshing. —Anna Tong
tripe or solid e shirts are
1. Sweater: Banana Republic, $80 “This is one of the only pieces of neutral clothing I have.”
hosiery with
2. Black shirt with flowers: Anthropologie, $60 “I am a big fan of patterns.” BUSINESS FORMAL: (above) Banana Repulic suit: blazer $178, skirt $79 (left) Ben Sherman three-piece suit $465
3. Scarf, self-made. “It’s my comfort blanket. It took forever to make!” 4. Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $350. “It reminds me of the pattern you see in quilts.”
EST ASCARAS
Maybelline Define-A-Lash Mascara ($7)
undreds of dollars falling for all of -tube gimmicks, I was sad when I ore mascara—it’s virtually smudge, and defines eyelashes perfectly.
5. Red skirt: H&M, price unknown “It’s one of those cheap pieces that looks good and you can wear it during the day and dress it up at night.” 6. Shoes: Gucci, $500. “They were a treat to myself.”
—Anna Tong
Pippa Eccles senior Quincy house
12 a deeper look
A DIFFERENT KIND OF SHOPPING: This is one of the best-curated stores in the country
WRITTEN BY: Elizabeth Wheaton Nicholas
Buyes beware: Louis Boston is very expensive
Voice Reporter What do a gold, lizard embossed diary, a diamond encrusted pinecone statue, a bespoke suit, a mix from the DJ of the Hotel Costes, and a Dries van Noten aquamarine fur stole have in common? Other than their provenance at Back Bay’s Louis Boston, the eclectic cinqtupla of goods all have the distinction of having gone gloriously and exuberantly further than their pure function requires. Louis Boston sits on the corner of Berkley and Newbury in Boston’s Back Bay, and in its consistent ability to find objects that elicit shots of happiness; it is without question one of the best-curated stores in the country.
If it seems strange to think a store can be curated in the way a museum or gallery can be, consider the diversity of sources, price points, store sections and objects Louis offers— Marni boots, one of the only Mrs. John L. Strong sta-
i
Have your say!
What’s your favorite Boston shop? tionary boutiques in the country, a bespoke men’s suit atelier on the mezzanine, an indie
u p c o m i n g designer dress corner (nothing you buy in this corner will be without major cache and a doubled price at every high-end department store three seasons later) and
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a bookcase including everything from coffee table books on the house of Lanvin to LUXE city guides to a “This is
Israel” illustrated book for children. Significantly, Laura, who works with clients on personalized stationary within the Mrs. John L. Strong boutique, stresses that Louis’ buyers make a point not to have the same merchandise Saks, Neimans or Bergdorfs will be carrying that season. When a buyer from Saks considers what to buy for their department, primary consideration has to be paid to the opinion of a fickle and wildly diverse clientele, even within a city. Louis’ buyers have the opposite
freedom to buy what they please for a clientele that by and large trusts their taste. For this reason, you will never, ever see any sort of velour or any
KING LOUIS: A store that feels like a museum. Or an art gallery.
sort of jumpsuit in Louis Boston, never mind seeing them together in the same garment. Louis’ DJ, Paul, who researches what to stock in Louis’ Music Bar, said the “trust factor” gives him license to dig up everything from his current favorite—Groove Salad—to a compilation of the best runway tracks from each Fashion Week, to what he guesses to be the best-selling album Louis has ever sold, Costes’ eleventh mix. What official research he does draws from sources as divergent as Mix magazine and fashion shows from Milan to L.A. This season, buyers at Louis have done well once again. But buyers, beware- Louis is an expensive place. The Dries van Noten fur will cost you several thousand dollars, the pinecone several hundred (and as great as it would look on your desk in Lowell, I’d call it more of a post-graduate buy) and even the Turkish, hand painted and carved pepper mills check out at just over three hundred dollars. The difference between these price tags and those at comparable stores, like Saks, is that there is nothing I have ever seen in Louis, affordable or not, that I haven’t thought would be worth it (pinecone included.) There’s something about a diary that’s gilt-edged and stamped with a gold faux snakeskin print across the cover that makes you want to write interesting things i n side,
objects that deliver something intangible and that speak of an appreciation for and utter refusal to lose what is beautisomeful, what is uncommon, what thing about a bespoke suit is unexpected, and in this rethat I would imagine creating spect, it’s almost as good a a separate world from the one place to wander as it is a place you inhabit wearto shop. ing something off And ranging the rack, something from twenty to about a jet black sixty dollars, Louis Porcellian pig that the CD is withtakes looks better than out a doubt chances on just about anything worth a visit. lesser-known else you could ever Paul is awedesigners imagine jamming some, moonin the entrance to lights by spinyour coat room as ning in Boston a door stop, someclubs at night, thing about wearand almost asing an aquamarine suredly can find fur from a quayou something you haven’t si-obscure Eastern Euro- heard before that will be your pean design house that new favorite. Some of the demakes you feel different signers on the women’s floor enough to do something up on the fourth floor have different. What Louis around the same price point as Boston always has are Mint Julep might- but instead
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of the typical boutique designers, Louis takes chances on a huge range of lesser-known designers who mesh with their aesthetic (if you would like to buy me a gift, a grey Annelore minidress with a high collar and French schoolgirl sleeves would be a good choice.) Louis also stocks candles, imported food, dog toys (really, really cute dog toys) photo frames and books that can make it a student friendly destination to actually buy something. And Laura had a bit of advice for seniors embarking on e-recruiting. “Our thank you notes,” she said, “You will be remembered for sending one.” If the spirit of Louis Boston could be summed up in a sentence, remembrance of the exceptional would be it. So next time you’re near Newbury, make the trip to 234 Berkley, and tell me if anyone’s bought the pinecone yet.
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17 Chris Lim Voice Columnist
food column
IN-DEPTH REVIEW:
Market in the Square is a great addition to the Square. Especially at 4 am. Last November, The HarvarCrimson ran an editorial anticipating the arrival of the much-needed Market in the Square. They described it as “a grocery store that will cater specifically to students.” An example of the “businesses that give the Square its offbeat ambience.” Perhaps the staff of the Crimson was expecting a different kind of Market. Part Whole Foods, part New York deli, Market in the Square is a mostly upscale eatery that sells a little bit of everything, from sushi rolls and hot sesame chicken to Haribo gummies, avocados, and Pringles. In many ways, the Market caters quite well to students. The fact it’s open 24 hours a day is probably its most attractive feature. On the other hand, there are also reasons for which it probably won’t be the first place you go grocery shopping, mostly having to do with prices and the kinds of items sold. But one feature that does distinguish the Market from its competitors is its deli set-up. Since it is always open, you can order a sandwich to go at any hour of the day (or night) and it will be prepared for you on the spot. That’s something nowhere else in the Square can offer. A tasty panini goes for $6.75, which is quite reasonable. There is also an area with self-serve prepared food, consisting of salads and a large variety of hot dishes, for $7.49 a pound. Though this type of
$6.75 $7.49 for a tasty panini sandwich
for a pound of hot dishes
buffet arrangement is uncommon in the Square, I wouldn’t recommend it. If it’s during the day you can probably find better food for better deals elsewhere, and if it’s nighttime the food is no longer fresh or has been taken away. The packaged goods are certainly worth checking out. A lot of items are organic or otherwise salubrious, and are
i
Have your say!
Where do you eat at night? therefore good matches for green and health-conscious Harvard students. Such goods include a large stock of organic foods from Kashi and Cascadian Farms, microwavable vegetarian and vegan meals from Amy’s Kitchen, Dirty’s All-Natural Potato Chips, and biodegradable organic tea
bags from Two Leaves and a Bud. The hot food containers are also biodegradable. And there are other “good Samaritan” items—like Peace Cereals, which are named as such because “10% of Profits [are] Donated to Peace.” The Market offers plenty of other less common and higher-quality items, like cookies from Tate’s Bake Shop, Lorina sparkling drinks, Pocky snacks, and Toscanini’s ice cream. And, along the lines of student-oriented goods, it also sells bowls of instant noodles from a variety of brands, including Cup Noodles, Annie Chun’s, and several Asian labels. Containers of microwavable white rice—convenient for late nights—are sold as well. But is the average Harvard student really interested in specialty items? On a regular basis, in particular? They
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don’t come cheap, and they’re generally packaged in small quantities. In fact, you can also find the more generic items at CVS for lower prices. A package of eight Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars costs $5.39 at the Market but only $4.19 at CVS. A 20-liter bottle of Vitamin Water goes for $1.99 at the Market,
Cheaper than Cardullo’s, more expensive than CVS
compared to $1.59 at CVS. A regular-sized bag of M&M’s is $1.00 at the Market but is just 79¢ at CVS. A pint of HaagenDazs costs $5.99 at the Market and only $4.49 at CVS. But between the Market and specialty store Cardullo’s, prices are comparable, if not slightly lower at the Market. Cardullo’s offers a selection of slightly more sophisticated items, though with less variety. As a final factor to consider, the Market’s location on Church Street makes it just a bit far from the Houses. With so many inexpensive fast food places open late in the Square, CVS open 24-7, and other competitors like 7-11 and Broadway Market, Market in the Square may not be the first place one would or should consider going for food. But for those who find themselves famished at 4:00am, or for those looking up to stock up on Harney & Sons Teas, Anna’s Swedish Cookies, and Hi-Chew Fruit Chews—or for those just interested in trying one such item—Market is worth the visit.
18 weekend fun Voice reporters share their selection of most interesting upcoming events in Boston: check it out!
Greatest battle of the bands, and David Sedaris More than 20 bands will battle it out at The Greatest Bar in Boston Celebrity Series of Boston: David Sedaris Sunday, Oct 12 7:00pm Boston Symphony Hall Slicing social critique and piercing wit are David Sedaris’ hallmarks. Come see him speak this Sunday at Boston Symphony Hall. Sedaris is the author of the bestsellers Barrel Fever and Holidays on Ice, as well as collections of bestselling personal essays entitled Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. Anthem’s All Day Battle of the Bands The Greatest Bar 262 Friend Street Boston Sun, Oct 12 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm Featuring 20+ acts battling it out for great prizes, the bands will compete on multiple floors simultaneously throughout the day to narrow it down to the “Final Four.” 18+ March and Rally Against the War Saturday, October 11th Boston Common 11am Anti-war? Do you want to see a protest? Then head over to to Great Boston’s Stop the War Coalition March and Rally Against the War on Saturday, October 11th. There will be live music, and multiple speakers in attendance, including Former Staff Sergeant Gabriel Payan.
the voice PUBLISHER STEVEN R. DUQUE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MIRAN PAVIC
WEB DIRECTOR OGNJEN ILIC
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EDITORIAL TEAM EXECUTIVE EDITOR KATY MILLER REVIEWS EDITOR ALEX DOUBET FASHION EDITOR ANNA TONG CAMPUS BUZZ EDITOR JEFF BENGEL PHOTO EDITOR RACHEL LIBESKIND VIDEO EDITOR ALEXA WEST
COMIC BY JAMES KOHL PRINTED BY TURLEY PUBLICATIONS
BUSINESS TEAM DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS NICHOLAS PAPAMICHAEL MAN. OF STRAT. ADVERTISEMENT CARMEN COLLYNS MAN. OF DISTRIBUTION ZACH FRANKEL MAN. OF FINANCE MATTHEW LEE DIR. OF COMMUNICATIONS THOMAS WIONZEK MAN. OF EVENTS DEREK FLANZRAICH MAN. OF COMM. RELATIONS CATHERINE CHUTER STRAT. ADVERT. CONSULTANT MAJLA CUSTO STRAT. ADVERT. CONSULTANT MZIKO LAPIASHVILI
REPORTERS ELIZABETH NICHOLAS CHARLOTTE AUSTIN IRENE YUAN ANDY LIVINGSTON PROF. JASON KAUFMAN ADAM GOLDENBERG MICHAEL GLADSTONE WOLF RADIC DOMINIC DENUNZIO ALLISON BAUM LAUREL TAINSH LINGBO LI BRIAN SHEN CRISTOPHER LIM JOSHUA FEBLOWITZ PAIGE HOLTZMAN
19
DEAR
ALLISON
Allison Baum Voice Columnist
Friends found my poetry blog and now think I’m a sappy loser Dear Allison, In my first section, my TF requested that we friend her on Facebook to facilitate class communications. I thought it was kind of weird but relatively harmless. It probably could be, but I was messing around on Facebook the other day, and I accidentally poked her! Now I’m too embarrassed to show my face in section. What should I do?
didn’t mean to!” or else it’s going to be to be one hell of an awkward semester.
Sincerely, An Embarrassed Emo
“I accidentaly poked my TF!”
Sincerely, Unintentionally Creepy Dear Creepy, Facebook has privacy settings for a reason. Friend requests that should be politely ignored include parents, work associates, significant others’ siblings, and most importantly, TFs and professors. That said, in order to minimize the humiliation factor, it is important to acknowledge your accidental poke with some confidence. You can clear the air by sending a quick message saying “I’m so sorry, I think I might have just poked you,
developed into incessant mocking. Now I’m ashamed that my friends think I’m a sappy loser. How can I redeem myself?
Dear Allison, In spite of my rugged good looks, I like to think of myself as the sensitive and creative type. I feel inspired by simple things and am compelled to write poetry about life, love, etc. I thought it would be fun to keep a blog of my various existential musings, and some of my friends recently found out about it. I recently realized that what I originally took as complimentary comments have
Dear Emo, Wow, a poetry blog. Congratulations on your unprecedented originality. First, you need to think about your reasons for blogging in the first place. If you do it just to create a certain sensitive image of yourself, then your friends are absolutely right to mock you and you will just have to suck it up and be embarrassed for awhile. If you really do feel overwhelmed with emotion and still feel the
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need to publish it online, take ownership of your writing and stand up to your friends. Let them know it’s something you really care about and they should stop making fun of you. Good friends should at least have the decency to mock you behind your back, and not to your face. Dear Allison, I like to think of myself as a healthy individual, and I make it a priority to go to the gym nearly everyday. Unfortunately, my equally fit TF had the same brilliant idea, and apparently we have identical schedules because I see her at the gym every time I am there. Is it awkward to say hi?
Have your say!
Send your own problems to Allison!
Sincerely, Working it out Dear Working. As long as you’re honestly not stalking your TF, there’s no harm in acknowledging that great minds thinks alike. , It definitely would be awkward to go out of your way to say hello, but if you find yourself a victim of unexpected eye contact, smile and keep going along your merry way. Try to casually mention it in section, so that it’s no longer the elephant in the room, and then you can continue to politely avoid the machine next to your TF at the gym in the future.
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