Physical and emotional purging after Homecoming disappointment

It was a heartbreaking Homecoming weekend for the Lions as team after team fell to Dartmouth by the slimmest of margins, often watching leads disappear. For those 11,127  fans that survived their pre-games and made it into Wein Stadium (not just to the tailgate), probably covered in beer and runny face paint, it was a crushing and frustrating experience to watch the Lions lose yet another fourth quarter lead after coming so close to breaking the Homecoming dry spell. It wasn’t all bad news this weekend, though. Senior Volleyball star Meghan Gaughn made history by becoming to first Columbia volleyball player to tally 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs in her career. Do you think she can throw a football? 

Get caught up on this week’s CU sports news and results below, including an exciting 5-set volleyball victory over Cornell. 

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This, minus the grass

It’s that time of the year again. For a brief 48 hours, you go to a fantasy college where Butler is a football rival and not a cavernous den of midterm doom and “tailgating” is a thing. That’s right, it’s Homecoming weekend! And what better way to celebrate than with a special edition of DWB dedicated to alcohol consumption in the blissful daylight hours? In honor of this annual adventure up north to Baker (this is the only home game, right?), Bwog has put together a list of possible pre-games to get the school spirit juices flowing, and help you forget that Columbia hasn’t won a Homecoming game since 2000. 

The Bro Pre-game

Drink of Choice: Beer

Activities:

• Playing every known variation of beer pong
• Calling Homecoming, “Christmas” and your mixer, a “darty”
• Handing out tank tops with Greek letters in English words (GΘ TΣAM!)

Price: Fraternity/Sorority Dues ($500)  + Tank ($20) + Time spent at the gym so you look “swoll” in said tank

The Crammers Pre-game

Drink of Choice: Franzia

Activities:

• Printing out the lyrics to “Roar, Lion, Roar”
• Quizzing each other on the rules to football
• Finding Baker on a map

Price: Franzia ($18) + Getting closer to hitting your printing quota

The Classy Pre-game

Drink of Choice: Mimosa

Activities:

• Drunching at il Cibreo
• Reveling at cups that are actually glass
• Complaining about how “unlimited” really isn’t unlimited

Price: il Cibreo Unlimited* Mimosa Brunch ($11.90) + Uncomfortable shoes

*”Unlimited” apparently means five

The Not-So-Classy Pre-game

Drink/Food of Choice: Beer/Wings

Activities:

• Pounding beers and wings at Lion’s Head
• Watching real college football
• Realizing you consistently pay too much for beer and food

Price: [Beer ($1) + Wings ($0.25)] x ?? + Not making it to the game

The Thrifty Pre-game

Drink of Choice: Whatever you can find

Activities:

• Passing around a roadie on the fan bus,
• Being first in line for free beers at Baker
• Offering to finish that half of your hot dog

Price: Miscellaneous alcohol ($??) + Potentially looking homeless

Pumpkinification is not to be taken lightly

Despite the relatively large number of agenda items, last night’s CCSC meeting was a bit like running on a treadmill: a lot of exerted effort, but little net accomplishment.

Updates:

• Not much by way of Class Councils, though 2016 is off to a rather impressive start, tackling an SGO revamp, planning a DJ-battle-type party, and improving first-year inter-dorm relations (if you know what I mean *wink*). Also, 2013 is designing class sweaters, which is the best idea ever. And if the ridiculous pumpkinification of literally everything is any indication: it’s October! So look forward to a myriad of Halloween-themed events in the coming weeks.
• Academic Affairs Extraordinaire Steven Castellaños, in addition to continuing work on Academic Integrity, is now working with admin towards creating a policy that would allow freshmen to take multiple courses Pass/Fail.
• Student Project Grants will be starting up again soon, so if you’re a student or group of students with an idea (preferably a good one) keep an eye out for that. Also, Capital Fund applications are now open.
• This week is… HOMECOMING WEEK! Woo! Yeah! Community! Sports! Everything Columbia students totally care about all in one jam-packed week! But in all seriousness, VP Campus Life Yanyi Luo described an awesome, fun-filled week including performances by the marching band, dancing, collaboration with Barnard for Founders Day (Tuesday), a carnival (Wednesday), finger painting (Thursday), and free Koronet tonight 6-7. Students are encouraged to show up in their usual Koronet-consuming state, which means, in the words of one 2015 Council Member, “an excuse to day drink [!!!!!!]”

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Barnard’s Student Government Association meets every week, and every week we send our best Barnard bear Renée Kraiem to bear witness. This is her report:

Last night’s Rep Council meeting, which occurred sans administrative guest and a sizable portion of representatives celebrating the most recent Jewish holiday to fall on a Monday. These factors opened the door for an efficient meeting (that ended before 10! BEFORE 10!), and a productive series of internal announcements discussions.

President JungHee Hyun reported that, though she had initiated a discussion with Student Life regarding the recent changes in the campus posting policy, they had reached “no conclusion” and “no resolution.” “We’ll keep fighting,” promised Hyun, who reported that Student Life indeed recognized the faults in the stamping requirement, but remained concerned about the motivations behind the policy change: posting inside campus by individuals not associated with the University, the accountability for student life in the case of a bias-motivated incident, and maintenance of campus grounds.

VP of SGA Julia Kennedy also announced the agenda of the Policy Committee, which plans to address a broad range of issues this semester, including the changes made in library hours, the use of space in the Diana Center, the institution of a Good Samaritan Policy, a green fund, and how SGA interacts with students. If there’s an issue that students feel isn’t being addressed, said Kennedy, this is the place to bring it to.

Senior Representative to the Board of Trustees Mica Spicka reported on last week’s Board meeting. Spicka reported presenting, along with Junior Representative Ayelet Pearl, a report on campus life that focused on the recent policy changes on campus and how students perceived the changes as one general issue regarding student feedback on administrative decisions. Spicka also reported on the meeting’s agenda, which included reports from individual students on their summer activities, a conversation about career development and how grants might be offered to students taking nonprofit internships and those starting their own startups. The Board is also working on a “Barnard Firsts” project, working to uncover and promote Barnard alumnae who represent some type of larger “first.” First what, you ask? We’ll let you do your own thing with that one.

More SGA meeting shenanigans after the break…

Thanksgiving means getting out of the city while literally a bajillion other people are trying to do the same thing! It’s not as bad as the zombie apocalypse, but still. It’s gonna suck. Fortunately, old man Bwog has been flying the friendly skies/riding the rails/cruising down the open road to get outta here for many a holiday season. Find out how to skip town like a pro, below. And don’t forget to charge your gadgets.

Unfortunately, this airline doesn't offer online check-in.

Planes

• Before you leave, check if your airline offers online check-in. This service allows you to check in to your flight before you even arrive at the airport. Most major airlines, including  United,  Continental,  Jetblue, US Airways, Southwest, Delta, American Airlines, Air Canada, and British Airways offer this useful service.
• Early morning flight? Bring your own snack, because Au Bon Pain won’t be open yet.
• To get to the LGA by bus, you can take the M60 for only $2.25—but expect lots of humans and travel time, so bring a book and leave at least an hour-and-a-half before your flight time. Bonus: there are luggage racks!
• You can swiftly reach JFK by taking the E to AirTrain, a monorail that drops you off right at your terminal. Be sure your MetroCard has $7.25, though, cause AirTrain is $5. Supply and demand, you know how it is.
• If you want to travel by cab but don’t want to take too big a hit to your wallet, use ESC’s service Carsplit. You share a cab with other Columbians headed to LGA, JFK, or EWR who need to arrive at the same time. And maybe you’ll make a friend!
• If you’re flying out of Newark, shun the GWB, and take NJ Transit from Penn Station to Newark AirTrain.
• To avoid being that pesky person who takes forever at security, wear comfy moccasins or other shoes you can slip right on and off.

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Fingers crossed that this is what the new SGO looks like

CCSC battled it out in the Satow Room. Maren Killackey lived to tell the tale.

• VP Funding Kevin Zhai solicited proposals from the Council for changes to the Lerner SGO (Student Government Office) space. Among the top suggestions were “bright colors,” “fish tank,” “really fun couches,” “nothing,” and “get rid of that weird computer bay.” It wasn’t long, however, before the discussion of renovation ideas turned towards a series of complaints about a certain student group never officially booking the space for its Sunday meetings… but then it was back to “bucket full of Legos.”
• Director of Sports Marketing Danny Spiegel stopped by to talk about Basketball Mania—which is happening this Thursday at 9:30 pm in Levien Gym (show up early to get free CU swag!)—and congratulate Council members on the record-shattering attendance at Homecoming (2,400 this year, up from 1,600 two years ago). When Mr. Spiegel offered to answer questions, class of 2014 President Conan Cassidy asked why CU Atletics rejected the 2014 Council’s proposed t-shirt design, which featured a lion, but apparently not the lion. Analogies abounded: “It’s like if McDonald’s had five different M’s.”

Good use of Student Life fees via Wikimedia Commons

0-5

Homecoming, fondly referred to as Christmas in some circles, is an intoxicating occasion in which students, parents, and alumni alike play out their state school fantasies by engaging in heavy drinking and casual spectating. This year was no exception. Columbia fans didn’t let the construction at Baker Athletic Complex tarnish their school (read: drinking) spirit. They showed up in full force with one of the biggest crowds in years, decked out in Columbia gear; sporting blue face, body paint, and bearing signs, banners, and the occasional vomit stain. Though Penn ran away with the game in the end, Homecoming is always a reminder that Columbia has competitive and entertaining athletic teams, or something like that. Bwog Sports Savant, Kevin Powers, recaps the week.

Football (0-5):

Latest Result: The Lions drop Homecoming game 27-20 in fourth quarter to Ivy League rival Penn (3-2).

Highlights: In the much-anticipated Homecoming game, Columbia got on the board first with a field goal from sophomore kicker Luke Eddy at the end of the first quarter. The Lions widened the gap early in the second with a two-yard touchdown run from Marcorus Garrett after a Quaker running back was stripped and defensive back Kalasi Huggins recovered the football to put the Lions in scoring position. Despite the early lead, the Quakers came back to tie up the game going into halftime. The Lions came back fired up after the break, scoring on the opening drive to take lead again 17-10 when sophomore quarterback Sean Brackett found Hamilton Garner off a play action fake. The Quakers soon rallied, however, tallying a field goal followed by an 82 yard touchdown drive to take their first lead over the Lions 17-20. Columbia’s final drive of the game stalled at the Penn 4 when the Lions committed three penalties and threw two incomplete passes. Sophomore kicker Luke Eddy tied the game at 20-20 with a 35-yard field goal against the wind with just 1:31 left in the fourth quarter, but Penn made use of the time remaining, winning the game with a 56 yard touchdown drive with 25 seconds left on the clock.

Upcoming Contest: The Lions take on Dartmouth (1-4) on the road next weekend.

Catch up on other sports after the break

A tipster sent in this somewhat Monet-esque picture of the Man himself carb-ing up in the snack tent before the big game.

We're really hoping PrezBo goes for the body paint next year

UPDATE: Thanks to Kylie Rogers, also spotted was Ke$ho snacking on some popcorn while posing for pictures with students.

Some toothy lion grins. adorbs.

UPDATE: Mailing Wu snapped a picture of PrezBo posing with some students in a less impressionistic manner.

PrezBo doesn't look at cameras.

UPDATE: After a worthy fight full of game changers and moments that had us on the edges of our seats, the Columbia Lions lost 20-27 to the Penn Quakers. Don’t let that put a damper on your night though! In the wise words of Michael Jordan, “Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game”.

PrezBo: finally bringing some win to the football field

Spreading the celebratory spirit

UPDATE: More pics of meh PrezBo.

Unbury that school spirit and come out to support Columbia football take on Penn at Homecoming. The pre-game picnic starts at 12:30pm and the game kicks off at 3:30. But the festivities last all day: there’s a carnival from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., where kids can get their faces painted while adults remember the good ‘ol days and guzzle Natty. Homecoming is like overheard central, so remember to tip photos. Bwog spirit award to whomever snaps a pic of the illustrious PrezBo.

Football Siesta via Wikimedia Commons

We're hoping the picnic area will be more substantial than this

Planning to make your annual trip up to the Robert K. Kraft Field at Lawrence A. Wien Stadium at Baker Athletics Complex (seriously, that’s its official name) tomorrow? Must be Homecoming! This year we’re hosting Penn and in case you were under the impression that there will be no tailgating this year, Class of 2012 President Sarah Chai reminded us last night that this is not the case. There will be tailgating tomorrow—you just won’t get smashed in your familiar parking lot. Due to construction, tailgating will take place in the “pre-game picnic area,” which is open to everyone (2 IDs to drink) and contains a special section for seniors, where the first 500 2012ers that arrive will receive free shirts, food, and drinks. The event starts at 1:30 PM, and the shuttles uptown start at noon.

If you just can’t let go of that Homecoming spirit, we stumbled upon a current Groupon deal that may be just for you. This deal gets you two tickets to the Yale game on October 29th for $10 (originally $20), and at the time of writing, the deal is boasting “over 82 bought,” so these puppies are certifiably hot. Just over a day remains to purchase the deal! Get one before they’re all gone only a few left.

Tailgating via Wikimedia Commons

This is how it feels to be two Columbia Prides deep

So you’re tired of toying around with the Bocce Ball and after “exorcizing” the Green Demon on the porcelain confessional last friday you’re not too eager to for a second taste. Pride of the The Columbia Bartending Agency Elliott Grieco mixes up something topical for this installment of Drinking with Bwog.

For homecoming week, we wanted to show a bit of school pride for the ol’ blue and white. So we decided to take that quite literally with a titular spin on a famous, classic (and potent!) drink. The result is basically a more colorful take on the Long Island Ice Tea. But of course, you want to be more classy than that, so we call it the Columbian Pride.

Ingredients:
0.5 oz. Vodka
0.5 oz. Gin
0.5 oz. Rum
0.5 oz. Tequilla
0.5 oz. Blue Curacao
Sour mix
Splash of 7-Up

Directions:
Pour the alcohol over ice in a highball-style glass. Fill the cup with the sour mix, then pour a small splash of 7-Up on top for a slightly fizzy sensation. Sour mix will give the drink a turquoise color, but if you’d like your drink to be a more festive Columbia blue, a colorless mixture of simple syrup and 7-up is an effective replacement for the green sour mix.

Do homecoming night right, but remember that this drink is as strong as 2.5 beers. Don’t swallow too much of your pride and  make sure you get home safe!

Silly cat via wikimedia.

It’s as easy as that! So easy that we feel you’ll even be able to understand if we give you directions in the form of a poorly written poem. Without further ado:

Have midterms got you feeling blue?
Then perhaps a small cupped cake will do.
It may not help you pass,
And might add some fat to your ass,
But it is hard to beat
A yummy baked treat.

To Lerner ramps you must scurry
From noon till one-thirty
And if you want food for free,
Sporting blue you best be.
So come on, for Pete’s sake,
Go get a sweet cuppin’ cake!

Or in prose: In honor of Homecoming Week, the student councils will be giving out free cupcakes on the Lerner ramps from 12:00-1:30 to anyone wearing blue.

Update: There is a BBQ on Lehman Lawn from 11:30-1:30 to celebrate Founder’s Day at Barnard. It’s free for BC, but Columbia students have to swipe a meal to get in.

Expect to see lots of this guy

CCSC and ESC have a hefty week planned to keep Columbia’s spirit high as we take on UPenn.

Monday: Homecoming Week Kick-off
College Walk 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Free pizza and t-shirts with the CU Marching Band, Cheerleaders and CU Dance teams.

Tuesday: CU BLUES – Wear BLUE
All day 
Free cupcakes on Lerner Ramps from 12:00  to 1:30 pm to anyone wearing blue!

Thursday: CU Arts & Crafts
College Walk 12:00 – 1:30 pm
Free snacks on College Walk (or Lerner Ramps if it rains), free T-shirts and posters you can design to take to the Homecoming game on Saturday. Supplies Provided.

Friday: Spirit Day
Low Plaza 6:00-7:30 pm
More free food, giveaways and festivities of school spirity ilk.

SATURDAY: COLUMBIA vs. UPENN
Baker Field 3:30 pm

Mildly threatening feline via Flickr

Fear of the ugly truth

Slovenian Philosopher Slavoj Žižek taught “Radicalism 101“, in Zuccotti Park yesterday. (He’ll be at Columbia this Wednesday). Meanwhile, the protest has spread to 25 cities. (The Observer/CBS News)

Barnard Political Science professor Sheri Berman writes a scathing review of a book about conservatism that claims the ideology is about subjugating society’s lowest. (NY Times)

Giuliani is set to champion the safety of a nuclear power plant close to the city in the company’s ads, beginning this week. (WSJ)

A Columbia University researcher has created revelatory a mathematical formula to show that everyone wants a rich and attractive partner. (NY Post)

It’s homecoming week! Will we finally win the biggest football game of the season, or repeat our performance against Penn two years ago? Here’s a roundup of the most memorable homecoming moments as you try not to think about that. Watch this space for news about homecoming week on campus. (HuffPo)

Terror via Wikimedia

Little kid with parents on College Walk:

“I don’t like the Lions because they lost today… Have they ever won?”