Harvard Today: October 27, 2014

Happy Monday, Harvard! If there’s anything that could cure the season’s unending midterm blues (besides Taylor Swift’s new album), it’s today’s gorgeous weather. The problem with fall days like these is that we always convince ourselves it’s the last one of the season—and end up spending it all outside and neglecting everything else. But let’s be real, is that really a bad thing? The papers and meetings can wait, but the sun definitely isn’t going to—a month from now, it’ll be dark outside by 4 p.m. Why not enjoy it for all the time it’s here? Give yourself a little extra time to walk to class in the morning to soak in some Vitamin D, or be a tourist/freshman during Opening Days and grab a seat on the chairs in the Yard or the steps of Widener as you check your email. Guitars/ukuleles an optional garnish. Live that college brochure dream, guys, today’s the day. Who knows when the next one will be?

By Daniel N. Yue

IN THE ATMOSPHERE

As mentioned above, today’s going to be absolutely gorgeous, with a high of sixty degrees and a forecast of sunshine, with 0% chance of rain all day! No excuse for the Monday blues.

IN THE D-HALLS

Lunch

Chicken Fingers
Shrimp and Monterey Jack Quesadilla with Peppers and Tomato
Chick Pea Tikka Masala with Peas and Potatoes

Dinner

Teriyaki Chicken with Scallions and Garlic
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Vegetable and Multigrain Spaghetti Caponata

ON FLYBY

1) A World Exists Beyond Harvard and Here’s What’s Going on in It: Good to be reminded, sometimes.

2) Kirkland Did What?! - A History of Harvard Presidents: Read all up on the dude your house (or aspirational house) is named after. Spoiler alert: Increase Mather believed in witches.

3) 5 Conflicting Trips for Picking Your Concentration: Sophomores, listen up.

IN THE NEWS

1) Profs. Present Case for Divestment at Climate Event: “Several members of Harvard Faculty for Divestment discussed the science behind climate change on Sunday evening and continued to urge University officials to divest Harvard’s endowment from fossil fuel companies, arguing that doing so would galvanize “political will” needed to change energy production and consumption.”

2) Travel Restrictions Won’t Alter Affiliates’ Ebola Work: “Harvard's travel restrictions to areas of West Africa, announced last weekend, will help ensure safety without stifling the efforts of University affiliates to combat the Ebola epidemic on the ground, those familiar with the subject said late last week.”

3) UC Outlines Elections Procedures: The Undergraduate Council detailed the timeline for presidential elections and the referenda procedure in its general meeting Sunday. Sunday marked the first day in which potential candidates were able to submit declaration forms. Candidates will have until the following Monday to garner the 150 requisite student signatures in order to be placed on the ballot. The campaigning period will begin on Nov. 11, and voting will run from Nov. 17 to Nov. 20 at noon.

EVENTS

Join Carol Rose, executive director of ACLU, Judy Norsigian of Our Bodies Ourselves, and Kate Bicego of Health Care for All at 4 p.m. in the Sherr Room of Fay House (10 Garden St.) for a discussion titled “In Defense of Women: Strategies for Righting the Wrongs of 2014”.

The Graduate School of Education is hosting an AskWith Forum with Berkeley professor Mark G. Yudof titled Higher Education, the Cost Disease, and Systemic Reform. The discussion begins at 5:30 p.m. at Longfellow Hall (13 Appian Way)

Head over to the Carpenter Center at 7 p.m. tonight for a screening of Hearts and Minds, a film about the Vietnam War, on its 40th anniversary. The director of the film, Peter Davis, will be in attendance.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Protesters gather in front of the Massachusetts State House to advocate for single-payer healthcare in the state.