Bwog believes in Eli

The New York Giants beat out the Patriots in the last few minutes of this year’s Super Bowl to bring the final score to 21-17. This happened in the world, whether you were watching the game or not. In any event, rest assured that no matter what your affiliation is, there are plenty of commercials to keep you distracted for the rest of your night.

Scant crowd via Wikimedia Commons

Every week the Columbia Bartending Agency does their best to get you crunk. This week, Lauren Alpert does her best to get you to try something new – but don’t blame her if you end up dancing with the devil on a table at Havana’s.

Kovalchuk's favorite drink

Daunted by the endless opportunities presented by a fully-stocked bar, many people opt for their regular beverage rather than experimenting with a new order. To each their own, in imbibement as in lifestyle choices; my own, however, is to strive for adventure. This week’s drink is a prime example of how a shaker set and a few additions to your liquor collection can allow you to transform a simple classic (the Screwdriver, a roughly 1:4 ratio of vodka and orange juice) into an extraordinary libation: the Red Devil. With almost two drinks worth of liquor, this one is devilishly potent, so you might want to save it for the weekend rather than for pre-gaming Senior Night, especially if you have a 9am Thursday class like me!

Red Devil

Ingredients:
1/2 oz each of:
Vodka
Southern Comfort
Sloe Gin
Amaretto
Triple Sec

plus:
a splash of Rose’s Lime Juice
orange juice to fill (5-6 oz; just eyeball it)

Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a shaker filled 2/3 with ice and shake vigorously.
Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with a lime slice and take pride in your adventurousness!

Liqueur lesson of the week: Sloe Gin, confusingly, is not actually related to gin at all, but rather is a sweet red liqueur flavored with berries of the blackthorn (a.k.a. sloe) plant, a relative of the plum.

Look out!

The Columbia Republicans are considering bringing Minuteman founder Jim Gilchrist back to campus to promote free speech. We can’t help but wonder if they learned nothing from last time he was here. Well, it has been a while since we had a nationally-covered protest in this city… (Spec)

Oh wait except for that whole Occupy Wall Street business. Reporters Without Borders released their latest Press Freedom Index – a ranking of countries by how journalism-friendly they are – and the US has dropped 27 places due mainly to the arrests of journalists at Occupy protests. But we still beat North Korea! (Reporters Without Borders, Gothamist)

Following a student field trip to Death Valley led by Nicholas Christie-Blick (Frontiers in action!), a research team at the Columbia University Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory discovered that a volcano in the valley is younger than initially thought and will likely erupt soon-ish. It last erupted in 1200 and has an eruption cycle of 1000 years or less. Ruh-roh. (Daily Mail)

In an attempt to take this year’s title of most controversial frat scene, a tempest is brewing up in Hanover. A former Dartmouth student and SAE brother wrote an article listing some truly horrific things he had to do during rush. Bwog couldn’t read past the first quote, but we’re sure there’s going to be some problems with the administration. (IvyGate)

In lighter news, Scooter Hollis, All-State second team QB from Kentucky, has committed to Columbia. Meanwhile, Chad Ochocinco of the Patriots discovers politics. (Courier Journal, Politico)

Something blue via Wikimedia Commons

While Columbians might not be the most diehard of sports fans, it’s been pretty hard to ignore this year’s playoff hype. After all, we love a good debate. And at the very least, having New York’s very own Giants in the Super Bowl would offer us a rare opportunity for day-drinking. That’s why a tip regarding a blatant show of sports-enthusiasm in a Dodge window didn’t faze us—until we realized that the Dodge in question is the “creative” one.

We can only assume they're referring to Grendel here...

Bwog got a chance to sit down with Mike Mazzullo, CC ’12, three-year soccer captain and star midfielder, to discuss his reaction to the news that he has been drafted to the MLS and his expectations moving forward. Mazzullo will head to Canada this weekend for preseason training with Toronto FC.

Bwog: Congrats on getting drafted to the MLS. What made you decide you wanted to continue your soccer career after college?

Mike Mazzullo: I’ve always had a passion for soccer. I figured, if I’m good enough, why not give pro soccer a shot? To play professionally is a dream, and I’d regret it if I didn’t at least give it a shot.

Bwog: What was your initial reaction to the news? How did you find out?

MM: I was kind of surprised. [Sophomore teammate] David Najem texted me—I was in class—and I immediately checked the draft ticker online. He wasn’t kidding!

Bwog: What are your expectations moving forward?

MM: I don’t really have expectations. I’m just going to put out my best effort at training camp. I anticipate the competition to be tough, and the play at a higher level than I’m used to, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.

Bwog: In preparation for preseason, I’m sure you’re training hard on and off the field. Have you given any thought to trying out a Canadian accent, eh, to help you fit in?

MM: My training regimen has not included Canadian accents. That is all.

Bwog: Good luck in Toronto! We’re all pulling for you. Just remember: it’s aboot, not about.

Image via gocolumbialions.com

Men’s Soccer captain Mike Mazzullo has been selected by Toronto FC in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft. Mazzullo is the first Columbian to be drafted into the MLS. Bwog doesn’t really know much about the MLS or what going as the fourth pick in the fourth round means for future prospects, but best of luck to Mike as he competes for a spot on the lineup in Toronto.

logo via Toronto FC

As the fall season officially came to a close on Saturday, Columbians everywhere were happy to see the Lions triumph over Brown in double overtime and send the seniors off with a memorable final career game. Bwog Sports analyst, Kevin Powers, recaps the exciting, if controversial, ending to the Lion’s season, and brings you news of this week in Columbia athletics. 

Sacked

Football (1-9, 1-6 Ivy League):

Latest Result: The Lions ended their season with a thrilling double overtime victory over Brown 35-28 on Senior Day.

Highlights: In the final game of the season, and the seniors’ final game of their careers, the Lions took on Brown (7-3) at Robert K. Kraft Field looking for some redemption for a disappointing season thus far. After going down 21-7 in the first half, the Lions rallied with a strong defensive effort after the break, holding the Bears scoreless in the second half. In the fourth quarter, quarterback Sean Brackett rushed for a one yard and then two yard touchdown to draw the Lions even with the Bears with just minutes remaining in the game. After Brown missed a 43-yard field goal attempt, Columbia kicker Luke Eddy had a chance to win this game for the Lions, but the attempt was blocked, sending the game into overtime. In the first overtime period, Brown scored on the first play of the game to take the lead 28-21. The Lions, however, responded on their possession as Brackett converted a fourth and one run and then found sophomore Hamilton Garner in the end zone to tie the game and force a second overtime period. Brackett continued his stellar performance in double overtime, breaking numerous tackles in a 16-yard touchdown run to put the Lions on top for the first time all game. Columbia’s come-from-behind victory was threatened when the Bears found themselves on the one-yard line on fourth down, but the Lions defense held strong on the goal line as the Bears fell short of a touchdown. The Lions triumphed in the final game of the season 35-28, sending off their seniors with a thrilling end to their careers.

Special congratulations to seniors who had stand-out performances in the game, including Evan Miller, Ross Morand, A.J. Maddox and Neil Schuster. Miller had a game-high 19 tackles, including three for a loss and a forced fumble, while Morand tallied 10 tackles with a fumble recovery and interception. Maddox had 10 tackles along with a 77-yard interception return, and Schuster had four tackles, a fumble recovery, and an interception.

Men’s Basketball (0-3):

Latest Result: The Lions fell to American on Saturday in third straight loss 58-66

Highlights: The Columbia Men’s Basketball team opened the season against defending NCAA Division I Champs UConn, hanging with the Huskies throughout the game. UConn’s Jeremy Lamb led the game with 30 points, helping the Huskies to a 70-57 win over the Lions. In the home opener against Furman, the Lions led 30-19 at halftime, but the Paladins rallied in the second half, winning 62-58. Late in the second half against Furman, All-Ivy League senior guard Noruwa Agho injured his knee and is out indefinitely, a huge blow to the Lions early in the season. Despite playing without Agho, the Lions started the game strong against American on Saturday, ending the first half tied 26-26. In the second half, the game remained close with frequent lead changes and ties, highlighted by six straight points from Mark Cisco to put the Lions up by four with just six minutes left. American rallied, however, coming back to win by eight. Brian Barbour led the Lions with 18 points, and Mark Cisco tallied a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Upcoming Contest: The Lions look for their first win on the road this week, taking on Stony Brook on Tuesday and Manhattan on Saturday.

More Sports Coverage After the Jump!

A well-deserved congratulations to all the members of Columbia’s Football team as they avoided their first winless season since 1987 yesterday by beating Brown 35-28. Read about the monumental 2OT victory in more detail later in Bwog Sports Sunday.

Yesterday’s celebration probably went a little like this:

UPDATE: Spec reports that the Football team’s head coach, Norries Wilson, will not be retained. Wilson is 17-43 for his career as head coach at Columbia.

Check out the full press release after the jump

Bwog Sports analyst, Kevin Powers, recaps Fall athletics, and interviews junior volleyballer Megan Gaughn.

For all but the Football team, the 2011 fall regular season has come to a close. Congrats to all the fall athletes, many of whom have already earned All-Ivy League honors with more announcements from the league to come in the upcoming weeks. Field Hockey and Women’s Soccer ended their seasons last weekend, finishing 3rd and 4th, respectively in the Ivy League. Men’s Soccer and Volleyball entered the weekend with Ivy League Championship hopes still alive, but both teams fell just short, finishing 3rd in the league. The Men’s Soccer Team, however, still has a slim shot at an NCAA tournament bid with a strong regular season record and impressive performance in the Ivy League. An NCAA tournament bid is slightly less likely for the 0-9 Football team, but the squad has one more game to redeem themselves, somewhat, before the offseason. And regardless, the football game next weekend means yet another fall sports tradition: Brown out. Although its name may have more to do with the post-game state of mind than the fact that we’re actually playing Brown, what’s Columbia without a little clever word play?

Men’s Soccer (8-7-2, 4-2-1 Ivy League):

Latest Result: The Lions fall short of Ivy League title, drawing 1-1 with Cornell

Highlights: Last week, the Lions took down Harvard 2-1 with a pair of goals from senior Ronnie Shaban. Shaban has been a standout star the past week for the Lions, tallying three goals in two matches, earning him Ivy League Player of the Week honors. On Senior Day last Saturday, he scored both goals against Harvard in the first half to finish his stellar career at Columbia Soccer Stadium. The Lions faced Cornell yesterday in the final match of the season, with a chance to secure the Ivy League Championship. In order to have any shot at the title, the Men’s Soccer Team needed Dartmouth and Brown to tie. Before kickoff last night, the Lions got word that the Big Green and the Bears had remained scoreless through two overtime periods—their hopes for a title were still alive. Amped up from the news, the Lions came out strong in the first half, scoring first in the 17th minute when sophomore David Najem chipped the Cornell keeper to put the Lions on the board. Despite dominating play in the first half, the Lions entered the break tied 1-1 after Cornell equalized with just four minutes left in the half. The game remained tied at 1-1 through the second half and two overtime periods, leaving the Lions just short of the first Ivy League title since 1993. With the tie, the Men’s Soccer Team finished the season in third place in the Ivy League, the team’s best performance in the league since 2002.

More Sports Coverage After the Break

Soak it up guys, this is what fame feels like.

Do yourself a favor, and go peruse National Geographic’s Photo Contest 2011. (The Atlantic)

You’ve always known that New York real estate was expensive, and that Columbia didn’t exactly cut you a deal with dorms, but these kids in California have taken off-campus living to another level. (NY Times)

Columbia’s basketball team got a ton of press the other day when Jeremy Lamb (UConn’s sophomore pre-season All-American) posterized some unlucky Columbia player. (The Smoking Section)

Ever the frugal business man, Jay-Z sold Occupy Wall Street T-shirts, but didn’t share the profits with the protestors. The protestors made super dick comments to the press, and Jay-Z took down the shirts. (THR, TMZ)

blurry poster via HuffPo

It was a winter wonderland in October this weekend as the Lions took on Ivy League rivals at home and across the northeast. In sports, harsh weather conditions can become an important factor in a game, match, or race—testing an athlete’s resolve. As the weather turns colder late in the fall sports season, we can only hope that the Lions are doing this kind of trainingto prepare to face the elements in the coming weeks.

CU diehards made the local news, in Kansas

Volleyball (13-7):

Latest Result: The Lions had mixed results this weekend, falling to Yale 3-1 on Friday before dominating Brown on Saturday 3-0

Highlights: After a disappointing four set loss against Yale on Friday, the Lions bounced back to take down Brown in straight sets on Saturday 25-15, 25-17, 25-23. After a comfortable first set, the Lions fell behind in the second 12-15 before rallying to score six straight points. From there, the Lions coasted through the remainder of the set, allowing only two more points from the Bulldogs. The third set was a back and forth battle from the start, but the Lions ran away with it in the end 25-23. Junior Megan Gaughn led the Lions with 11 kills, 13 digs, and 2 aces. The split decisions over the weekend move the Lions to third in the Ivy League with a 7-3 conference record.

Upcoming Contest: The Lions look to continue Ivy League success at home next weekend, first facing Harvard on Friday at 7pm in Levien Gymnasium and then Dartmouth at 5pm.

Cross Country:

Latest Result: Both the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams took second at the 2011 Ivy League Heptagonal Championships over the weekend

Hightlights: The Lions battled through heavy snow, high winds, and blistering cold at Princeton on Saturday, but their efforts paid off as both teams placed second overall, with the women placing three runners in the top 10 and the men placing four in the top 15. Senior Kyle Merber and freshman Waverly Neer both took second place in their respective races, both earning first team All-Ivy honors on the day.

Find out more about your teams below

2-2 sounds a lot better than 0-37

This weekend, the football and soccer teams made the trek up to Hanover, NH to take on the Big Green, while the field hockey team faced Dartmouth at home. After all four games were said and done, the Lions ended the weekend in dead heat with Dartmouth 2-2. Bwog Sports Commentator and Expert Tie-Breaker Kevin Powers gives his weekly recap of sports at Columbia.

In sports, there is nothing more unsatisfying than a draw. So when the score is tied at 2-2 and heading into overtime, we demand a winner and a loser. Here are four general reasons why Columbia wins in this head-to-head match up against Dartmouth.

1. Lions > Grass. Big Green? Really? No matter how “big” that field of green grass in the middle of your campus is, it’s still a field of grass. Lions defecate on grass. And then kill things and eat them.
2. New York City vs. Hanover. This is sort of like comparing the Pablo Escobar drug bust to Operation Ivy League or Occupy Wall Street to that homeless guy with a sign about the world ending. They’re just not in the same league.
3. You say scoreboard, we say rankings.
4. But really, have you ever been to Hanover?

Women’s Soccer (5-9):

Latest Result: The Lions pull off last-minute 2-1 victory against Dartmouth (3-11)

Highlights: Senior Liz Wicks tallied both goals in the Lions’ win on Saturday night over Ivy League rival Dartmouth. The final game-winning goal came with just 17 seconds left on the clock when sophomore Chelsea Ryan’s long throw found Wicks in the box. With the win, the Lions move into a tie for third place with Yale in the Ivy League with a 3-2 conference record.

Upcoming Contest: The Lions return home for the remainder of their regular season games, facing Manhattan first on Monday at 7pm and then Ivy League rival Yale on Saturday at 7pm.

Bwog had a chance to catch up with sophomore sensation Chelsea Ryan after the game:

Bwog: Congrats on the big win! Word is that your throw-ins set up both of the goals. What’s the secret to having the biggest throw-in in the league?

Chelsea Ryan: I like to listen to the fans in the stands who reason as to how I can throw the ball so far. Some say it’s the legs, others say it’s the core, but honestly, I have no idea. If only I knew the answer to that question, I’d be a millionaire by now.

Bwog: And how far can you actually throw a soccer ball?

CR: I have never actually measured how far I can throw, but from a general consensus from my team, they’d guess anywhere between 30-35 yards.

Read more…

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

Bwog recommends giant flags to make visiting teams really feel the Baker Field pressure

Sports Sunday returns for another edition of athletic journalism. This week featured a number of Ivy League match-ups. A choice stat from the week: all the home teams won, while CU’s away teams all lost at least one of their road games. Home court advantage… Could it be?

Women’s Soccer (4-5):

Latest Result: Lions hold on in second half to beat Brown (6-3-1) 2-1

Overview: The Lions advanced to 2-0 in the Ivy League on Saturday after a pair of first half goals from freshman Alex Yow. Dominating the field from the opening whistle, the Lions tallied their first goal just ten minutes in as Yow beat her defender at the top of the box and placed a shot nicely in the far corner of the Bears’ net. Nine minutes later Yow struck again, this time off a cross from senior Ashlin Yahr. Yow’s header flick finish put the Lions up 2-0 midway through the first half. In the second half, the Bears gained traction and put pressure on the Lions, scoring a looping shot over the from a long cross in the 72nd minute. Strong defense from junior Isabel King and solid goalkeeping from senior captain Lillian Kathryn kept the Lions alive through regulation.

Highlights: Freshman Alex Yow was a breakout star in the Ivy League match-up, leading the Lions in goals and shots. Bwog predicts Ivy League Rookie of the Week honors for the little freshie.

Upcoming Contest: The Lions travel to Lehigh (3-5-1) on Monday and return home for an Ivy League match-up against Penn (7-2-0) on Friday at 7pm

More coverage after the break…