Our friends with A/C (left) versus us (right)

Despite the weather imprisoning us all in our own sweat, today is the first day of classes – meaning it’s also the first day of Bwoglines! First-years: it’s okay if you don’t have your schedule figured out yet. Shopping period exists for a reason. And upperclassmen: welcome back to campus! We’re sorry it’s so gross.

Happening in the World: The National Museum of Brazil was destroyed by a fire yesterday. The museum held 20 million books, pieces of art, and artifacts, and was considered the most important such institution in Latin America. (CNN)

Happening in the US: Tropical Storm Gordon, the newest contender in this year’s hurricane season, is moving into the Gulf of Mexico and “dumping rain on” Florida. The storm may expand into a hurricane and land in Mississippi tomorrow, bringing rain from Florida to eastern Texas (but nowhere near New York.) (Business Insider)

Happening in NYC: The NYC Metro paid a tribute to Aretha Franklin earlier this week by installing signs reading, “Respect” at two Franklin Avenue stops: one on the A/C line in Brooklyn, and one on the 1 train in Tribeca. (WENY)

Happening on Campus: Back@Barnard, a series of events and workshops to help Barnard students start their new school year strong, begins today! Most notably, today will be the Barnard Block Party, Student Life’s yearly barbecue held in the quad from 5 to 7:30 pm. Auditions for numerous performing arts groups also begin today – keep an eye out for a post on those this afternoon.

Overheard: Bwogger on the phone to her sister: “Is it cold where you are? I need to live vicariously through you.”

Way to stay cool: Jump in one of the penis fountains. It might be embarrassing at the time, but it’ll make for a great story later.

We’re melting! via Wikimedia Commons