“The art world” is somewhat of an abstract phrase. It evokes a vision of downtown artists surrounded by their trendy entourages. Jonathan Neil—a doctoral candidate in art history in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) and co-founder of the private curatorial firm Boyd Level—noted quite correctly that the art world is “sexy and romantic from the outside.” However, he was eager to discuss the complicated world lying behind the alluring image.

Most people assume that the creation of a college band is as simple as the nonchalant suggestion to a friend, “Let’s jam.” But considering how many craigslist ads call for musicians (for example: “Bassist wanted for original hard rock power pop band ... no drugs”), it seems a bit romantic to believe that people—especially goal-oriented Columbians—would opt to form bands in such a casual fashion.

Columbia baseball (2-15) has already endured a challenging series of opponents including three nationally ranked squads. After playing their first 17 games on the road, the Lions will host St. John’s University (11-7) at Robertson Field at 3:30 p.m. A win today would provide some positive momentum for this upcoming weekend when Ivy League play kicks off.

“Some writers base their entire career around these ecosystems,” Tony Gilroy, writer and director of the Oscar-winning film Michael Clayton and the new film Duplicity explained. “And here it’s like a feudal kingdom—there’s a leader, court, knights, serfs, but no moats.”

Although the Columbia fencing team finished in fourth place at the NCAA Championships this past weekend, the Light Blue’s final win count represents possibly the best performances for Columbia fencers in recent memory.

After a season in which she led the country in rebounding, the league in field goal percentage, and her team in scoring, it was obvious that Judie Lomax would be earning some postseason awards in her first year at Columbia. The only question was if the Oregon State transfer could cap things with an MVP award.

John Jay Dining Hall may have seen the salad lines dwindle Monday night as health-conscious students crowded into Low Library to see America’s food sweetheart Michael Pollan.

The Columbia College Class of 2013 will increase by 50 students, in what Kevin Shollenberger, dean of student affairs and associate vice president for undergraduate life, called an effort to “address our budgetary concerns.”

Updated: 4:17am March 24, 2009

While students returned to their families during spring break, a team of Barnard faculty and administrators trekked to Philadelphia, Pa. and participated in the Global Learning Forum to share strategies concerning the incorporation of global learning into higher education.

Whitney Green, SEAS ’10 and Engineering Student Council secretary, won the race for ESC president on Monday evening.

Columbia’s full name—“Columbia University in the City of New York”—signifies the University’s pride in the global importance of its urban home. But even this title may soon sell the University short.

George Galloway, a member of the British Parliament, spoke out against Israeli action in the Gaza Strip.

We asked a few Columbia and Barnard students to describe their experiences with University Housing.

A Barnard College student was a victim of public lewdness in Riverside Park on Sunday afternoon.

For three years, Jason Miller waited for his opportunity. For three straight seasons, Miller, a high school all-star from Ohio, sat on the end of the bench, playing sparingly while Columbia’s established frontcourt duo of John Baumann and Ben Nwachukwu never missed a beat. In his fourth and final year, the six-foot eight-inch forward finally got his chance after Baumann and Nwachukwu graduated. In his first and only year as a starter, it would be hard to argue that Miller didn’t make the most of his opportunity.

Updated: 10:00am March 24, 2009

I began to recognize that my interest in a moldy catastrophe was the same impulse that drives paparazzi toward mourners, and I was repulsed. That horrified curiosity is an ugly part of human nature. I didn’t want it inside of me anymore.

Updated: 10:00am March 24, 2009

Early childhood programs must be included in any education budget not only to benefit the children but also to support any economic stimulus and any healthy economy in the long term.

Updated: 10:00am March 24, 2009

Throughout their history, independent booksellers have been an important force in the development of literature and counterculture, cultivating the works of independent authors and poets.

After hearing a couple of weeks ago that Chris Wroblewski—a six-foot point guard from Cornell—had won the Ivy League Rookie of the Year award, I was not surprised. The Big Red had won the Ivy League title for the second year in a row, dominating the conference from start to finish. Wroblewski did shine as a starter and a quality sixth man toward the end of the season, and his performance was particularly noteworthy considering the absence of teammate Louis Dale, reigning Ivy League Player of the Year.