Archive for March, 2010
Class of 2014: enjoy your meals at Ferris, alone
I found out on Spectrum earlier today that next year’s first-year class will have the new option of using their required meals at Ferris Booth and JJ’s. I was pretty surprised to read this for two reasons. First, I couldn’t believe I actually read an entire Spectrum post that wasn’t my own. I guess I had to get over myself sooner or later. Second, I was surprised that the Columbia administration actually responded positively to our complaints about the freshman meal plan’s inflexibility.
But I don’t think this flexibility will be a good thing for the class of 2014′s freshman Columbia experience. More »
Film crew spotted at 1020
Earlier today, some film crew-type people were hanging around 1020, which was sporting a huge plastic box around its entrance. (Maybe so that the filmmakers could add fake scenery behind the windows, or control the lighting or something? We don’t know—we’re not film majors.) Anyway, signs near the area say that the movie being filmed is called “Homework,” and actress Emma Roberts, who was walking around the set, told a Speccie that “it’s going to be a ’500 Days of Summer’ kind of movie. That’s all I can tell you. We’re trying to keep this on the down low.” Sounds like a good time! Pics after the jump. More »
Subway victim not Columbia student
The News desk has confirmed with authorities that the 18-year-old man killed by a subway this morning was not a Columbia student. The victim’s exact identity remains unknown, and although several officers at the site reported that the death was a suicide, the NYPD has not officially confirmed that. We’ll continue posting details as they come in. Full story here.
UPDATE (6:34): The NYPD has confirmed with the News desk that there was no criminal activity involved in the incident.
Really Reilly? Not cool
After Cornell fell to Kentucky 62-45, ESPN columnist Rick Reilly posted this column on ESPN.com. Reilly does what you are not supposed to do: go after the underdog. He belittles and mocks the Cornell men’s basketball team, and its cheerleaders, for being smart. Really Reilly? More »
Come see Andrew DeVigal, multimedia editor of the NYT
Spectator’s multimedia team is hosting Andrew DeVigal of the New York Times tonight from 8 to 9 p.m. in Barnard’s Held Auditorium (304 Barnard). If you’re interested in journalism, new media, the Internet, or the Times, you might want to stop by.
Oh, and if you’re interested in helping Spec out with our multimedia efforts, feel free to talk to a Spec editor at the event, or email editor [at] columbiaspectator.com.
Counseling services available
In light of this morning’s events, we’d like to remind you that help is never far.
Columbia Psychological Services is open to all students and has offices open from 8 a.m. to at least 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays.
To speak to someone after hours, CPS always has a clinician on call who can be reached at 212-854-9797, and Nightline, a separate Barnard-Columbia peer counseling group, is also available at 212-854-7777.
Barnard’s Furman Counseling Services can be reached at 212-854-2092 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
New York’s “Nine Line” hotline is always available at 1-800-999-9999, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255.
Start panicking: Housing is here, for real
It’s Monday, March 29, and lottery numbers are up. Check back throughout the week for a full breakdown of what kind of number you’ll need this year to land in your chosen dorm. If you’re anxious, you can check out our preliminary Shaft posts from before break, and our kick-off feature from today’s print edition. For now, head back to the infamous portal in search of elation, but prepared for devastation–once logged in, click “Registration Summary” to see your fate.
Appointment times due out Thursday, and the lottery starts next Wednesday.
UPDATE: You’ll also find the PDFs listing numbers by priority and UNI. Pore over them if you like–as we said, we’ll have the breakdown for you in due course.
UPDATE (12:35): The Shaft congratulates Jessica Schinazi (30/13) as this year’s lottery champ, and sends its condolences to ie2139 for a 10/2986 misfortune.
Young man killed by train at 116th station
Bwog reports that someone has died by jumping in front of a train at the 116th station. The News desk has sent a reporter to the scene. Details to come.
UPDATE: NYPD cannot confirm it was a suicide, but says that it was an older man. However, an MTA official says that a pedestrian reported that it was a younger man.
UPDATE (12:46): An anonymous MTA employee reports that the victim was a student.
UPDATE (1:07): An anonymous NYPD detective claims it was not a Columbia student, though the ID on the victim shows a birth date of 1991. The News desk reports here.
UPDATE (1:24): An investigator at the scene reports that the victim was a white male.
LIVE: Sarkozy devotees defy rain, wind
As you crawl out of bed this morning, many of your classmates have braved the weather to get a chance to hear French President Sarkozy speak in Low. It seems however, that Columbia has over-registered the event and people who have been standing out in the rain are being sent home, and some people are none-too-happy.
The News desk reports in full here. Updates and pictures after the jump. More »
Today’s paper: learn to live with what you are
There’s nothing like a rainy gray Monday to encourage you out of bed toward that 10:35 lecture, huh? But as I pack my things and prepare for my trek across campus, I’m happy to remember: if Columbia can make due, so can I. More »