Archive for July, 2010
Vampire Weekend just got served (with legal papers)
Columbia’s favorite band is getting sued! Kirsten Kennis, the model pictured on the cover of Vampire Weekend’s Contra, is seeking over $2 million, claiming that the band didn’t have her permission to use the 1983 photo. Whoops.
But wait! Vampire Weekend has her signature on the photographic release form. That’s not stopping Kennis from taking Ezra and co. to court, though. She’s claiming that the signature was forged and holding the band responsible for not checking its validity. Oh snap! [TMZ]
What’s going on with 999?
Change may be afoot in Morningside! Or, at the very least, confusion!
As a part of our regular local storefront checks, we noticed that the awning of campus bar 999, which inhabits the space once occupied by the divey La Negrita, now sports the name “NoCo” (North Columbus, maybe?) and, in smaller letters below it, “La Negrita.” A sign in the window still reads “999,” so it’s not certain if there’s a new name or makeover headed 999′s way or if the place just has a misleading new awning.
We’re still trying to get in contact with the bar’s owners, so check back for updates on the bar as the plot thickens, and be sure to put any tips in comments or send them to spectrum@columbiaspectator.com.
There go Lee Bollinger and Debora Spar, making (and writing) headlines
Wondering what Presidents Bollinger and Spar have been up to lately? Yeah, us, too. But wonder no longer! Yesterday brought us news items about both of our fearless leaders on both sides of Broadway. One penned a controversial op-ed, while the other is on a panel about sperm donors. Guess who’s who… More »
Columbia professor’s research could help cure… lesbianism?
Columbia students with a penchant for outrage, fire your engines! Maria New is an endocrinologist whose work could ensure that your little girl isn’t trynna mack on other little girls, and Heino Meyer-Bahlburg, a professor at the Medical Center, is helping her out! The science involved is very complicated, but what the hell, let’s get mad and talk about gender roles! More »
Bob Sheppard, Columbia alum, passes away at 99
Sheppard, the longtime public address announcer for both the Yankees and the Giants, passed away over the weekend at the age of 99. Known as the voice of Yankee Stadium, Sheppard received his master’s in speech from Columbia in 1933. Before debuting at Yankee Stadium in 1951, Sheppard worked as a speech teacher at John Adams High School and as a professor at St. John’s University. More »
Win tickets to ‘The Daily Show’ standup special in Central Park
Social media is the gift that just keeps giving! CUArts just launched a new giveaway of three VIP passes to next week’s Central Park SummerStage standup performance of “The Daily Show” and Friends, featuring comedians Lewis Black, Rob Riggle, John Oliver, and Rory Albanese.
All you have to do is tweet @CUArts with your name, your school and year, and a link to a video of “one of your favorite Daily Show moments” (a host can be found on “The Daily Show“‘s website) before the contest ends on July 15. More information over at the CUArts blog.
High schoolers wreak havoc in Carman
Earlier this evening, the fire department showed up in force outside Carman. The reason? Some high schooler living there accidentally hit the fire alarm. In and out in under five minutes, according to a Public Safety officer, the firefighters left a group of kids giggling on the sidewalk. If this had happened at 4 a.m. in the middle of winter, we are quite sure they wouldn’t be giggling. Photos by News reporter Leah Greenbaum after the jump. More »
Donald Trump calls Prezbo a ‘dummy,’ thinks M’ville expansion was a stupid idea
Much has been written about President Bollinger, but none of it has been by Donald Trump. Until now. Back in April, graduating seniors and former Spectator campus news editors Joy Resmovits and Jacob Schneider wrote a lengthy profile of President Bollinger for The Eye. In it, they mentioned Bollinger’s decision to pursue land in Manhattanville rather than midtown property owned by Trump. After the article came out, Trump wrote the pair a letter demeaning Bollinger’s cunning and capacity. What for? Why, for refusing to buy Trump’s property, of course! More »