Portside

MIT scientists trace 13 billion years of galaxy evolution, from shortly after the Big Bang to the present day. Their simulation, named Illustris, captures both the massive scale of the Universe and the intriguing variety of galaxies -- something previous modelers have struggled to do. It produces a Universe that looks remarkably similar to what we see through our telescopes, giving us greater confidence in our understanding of the Universe, from the laws of physics to our theories about galaxy formation.

Josh White, Jr. and David Amram at the Clearwater Power of Song Award ceremony and concert premiering the film David Amram: The First 80 Years. Symphony Space, NYC, Nov 9, 2012.

Rhapsody in Blue (George Gershwin, 1924), combines elements of classical music with jazz. Gershwin spoke of the rhapsody as "a musical kaleidoscope of America," but it has often been interpreted as a musical portrait of New York City. This video montage of Manhattan was edited by Gilda Tabarez. Music performed by the Columbia Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Leonard Bernstein.

Chris Hegedus' and D.A. Pennebaker's films include Don't Look Back with Bob Dylan, The War Room chronicling Clinton’s 1992 Presidential campaign, and Startup.com shot during the Internet’s first boom and bust. These are stories about passionate people who took risks that changed history. They believe their new film, Unlocking the Cage, is just such a story. For the past two years they have been following an animal rights lawyer, Steve Wise, who is attempting to break down the legal wall that separates animals from humans. Help crowd-source this film project here.

The Manic Pixie Dream Girl is a cute, bubbly, young (usually white) woman who has recently entered the life of our brooding hero to teach him how to loosen up and enjoy life. Part of a series created for Bitch magazine.

BBC's Policy Editor Chris Cook tells you everything you need to know about Thomas Piketty's landmark book on inequality: Capital in the twenty-first century.

Yes, a TECH demo. Emily IS the demo. Until the 1:30 mark, when the video reverts back to the source (the real actress), her entire face is being simulated by the technology.

The Opera Company of Philadelphia performs "The Toreador Song" from Bizet's Carmen at the city's famed Reading Terminal Market for a crowd of surprised and delighted shoppers who responded with a chorus of cheers and a rousing ovation.

Economist Paul Krugman explains how the United States is becoming an oligarchy - the very system our founders revolted against.