Why cry over ‘Someone’?Stephan Pennington, an assistant professor of music at Tufts University, says songs most likely to make people cry combine emotional lyrics with music that amplifies those feelings. “Music can do that any number of ways,’’ he said, “from using instruments we associate with sadness, like swelling string sections, to crafting music with dark minor harmonies.’’ One of the things that makes “Someone Like You’’ so heartbreaking, he explained, is that Adele insists that she will move on and everything will get better, but the music tells you that isn’t true. “It circles around the same notes never resolving, never finding peace.’’
Meals served with a side of celebrityWe live in the era of the celebrity chef. What does fame mean for someone who cooks for a living? It creates an automatic level of interest in his or her restaurants. It also creates an automatic level of expectation - and anticipation, when the restaurant specializes in a beloved American classic like barbecue or burgers. Tiffani Faison, known for her appearance on “Top Chef,’’ succeeds with Sweet Cheeks, but the Wahlberg-owned Wahlburgers is more for fans.
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Super Bowl draws record 111.3M viewers on NBCFor the third consecutive year, the Super Bowl set a record as the most-watched television show in U.S. history.
Madonna's first tour since '09 to start in IsraelMadonna's not finished with stadiums. Live Nation Entertainment announced Tuesday that the Material Girl's first tour since 2009 will include a Sept. 6 show at Yankee Stadium.
Dr. House hangs up his Fox TV stethoscopeFox's medical drama "House" is ending its eight-year run this season. The show's producers, including Emmy-nominated star Hugh Laurie, said it was a "painful" decision but that the time had come to bring "House" to a close.
Katy Perry, Russell Brand finalize divorceA judge has granted Katy Perry and Russell Brand a divorce, although the pair won't be legally split up until July.
Prince Harry qualifies as Apache helicopter pilotBritain's defense ministry says Prince Harry has qualified as an Apache attack helicopter pilot, graduating as the best co-pilot gunner in his class after 18 months of training.
McCartney to debut new songs live on iTunes streamPaul McCartney will debut the songs from his new album "Kisses on the Bottom" in a free live streaming performance on iTunes.
Reality TV producer sent to Mexico in wife's deathA reality television producer charged with killing his wife while on vacation in Mexico has been extradited from the U.S. to await trial, the next step in a legal saga that has played out on both sides of the border.
Mrs. Obama beats Fallon in WH fitness challengeMichelle Obama and "Late Night" host Jimmy Fallon turned the White House into a playground to promote the first lady's "Let's Move!" fitness campaign.
‘Smash’ offers backstage pass to Broadway musical“Smash’’ is not a single TV show, but two. And one of them has got to go.
Staging a 'Smash'For years, Steven Spielberg had kicked around the idea of a television show that shone a spotlight on the backstage drama involved in mounting a Broadway musical. “The competition, the creativity, the fights, the arguments, the dreams, the egos, disappointments, the energy. I thought it would make a compelling story on a weekly basis,’’ Spielberg recently said. On Monday at 9 p.m., Spielberg’s dream becomes a reality when NBC lifts the curtain on its ambitious new musical drama “Smash.’’
Bruno Mars heads back to Grammys with SmeezingtonsA whiteboard hangs on the wall of the tiny Hollywood studio used by the Smeezingtons, Bruno Mars' production and songwriting team. It's filled with doodles, including a picture of Alf and a joking note that producer-engineer Ari Levine "hangs out with Jamaican drug lords on the reg."
Chris Brown set to take the stage at the GrammysChris Brown will perform at this year's Grammy Awards, the event where his career almost ended three years ago.
Chronicle **1/2 Chronicle A found-footage superhero movie about three high-schoolers who videotape the aftermath of their encounter with a glowing space-rock. Pieces of this are downright brilliant, including the let’s-destroy-downtown-Seattle climax, but the filmmakers can’t decide whether they’re making fun of the genre or just going overboard with it. Paging John Hughes or Gus Van Sant. (84 min., PG-13) (Ty Burr)
Good sushi arrives in Union SquareAfter the well-liked Wuchon House closed last year in Union Square, Somerville, locals wondered what would fill the large space. What emerged is Ebi Sushi, a friendly, moderately priced sushi restaurant serving fresh fish and good Japanese cooking.
A menu loud in superlativesHaving gotten the nod from Storyville’s bouncers, we are lounging on black leather couches. “We are actually serving food tonight,’’ a server informs us. Is this unusual? Maybe it’s unusual. No one else is eating. Then, there aren’t many people here. But when the food comes, it’s dynamite. Storyville is a nightclub with a serious chef, Louis DiBiccari. He’s put together a succinct menu of small plates that riff on retro fare like duck a l’orange and green bean casserole.
Review: `Mirage' is alternative history of 9/11"The Mirage" (Harper), by Matt Ruff: An alternate history of the events surrounding 9/11 creates a unique and compelling read in Matt Ruff's "The Mirage."
Massachusetts governor has two-book dealMassachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has a two-book deal, including a budget-priced e-book and a second work that will build on responses to the first.
