Last night, Culture Editor Tony Gong went to CCSC's massive multicultural event "Passport to Columbia," and returned a little more appreciative of diverse foods, arts, and Columbia, the nation. His account of the night follows.

Some people (naysayers and cynics, mainly) don't think you need a passport to go to Columbia. "Columbia is a university, not a country," they may argue. Well, last night, the CCSC Campus Life Committee finally showed us that Columbia is actually a country with over twenty smaller countries inside of it. Correspondingly, we've got a pretty kickass flag (see picture to the right). And yes, you do need a passport to enroll, naysayers. More proof and pictures after the jump.

From the throes of summer-class paper-writing, Dominique Jean-Louis reports "weird people" are kissing, dancing, and engaging in other merry-making activities on the roof of Lerner, all with thunder booming in the distance.

How romantic. Just watch out for those skylights.

We're about to start our Senior Wisdom series, and Spec is looking for some cool '07ers too. To wit:

Know someone who's made the most of the last four years?

Spectator is looking for the best, the brightest, the quirkiest students in the class of 2007 (all four undergraduate colleges) to write about in its annual Commencement supplement. If you would like to nominate someone to be profiled, please send an e-mail with your name and phone number to specnews@columbia.edu telling us in 200 words or less why we should profile your candidate. All submissions must be received by May 5.

Also, some video of the premature Cinco de Mayo party that went down on the Plaza today. Find still pictures here.

"If you're wondering why I keep taking off my shirt, it's because it's flammable"

- Todd Spitz, SEAS '08

Those trying to study in Lerner last night didn't have a chance, as the beats of DJ prophecy wafted up from a candlelit Roone Arledge, where over 400 sari-clad students celebrated Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights.

Diwali, a holiday celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains, celebrates the victory of good over evil, which--along with samosas--is something that kids of all faiths can get behind.

After a hilarious skit, the party began with Raas stick-dancing and segued into the North Indian perennial favorite of Bhangra, with plenty of Jay-Z remixes thrown in. Dancing was absolutely out of control, there were plenty of Punjabi "brrraas!", people getting hoisted up on shoulders, saris and sashes flying. All in all, a pretty kick-ass event, making attendees temporarily forget that they were spending a Saturday night in Lerner.

More photos after the jump:

That infectious music on Low Plaza? The red, blue and white balloons? The people playing dominoes?

It's all about the Dominicans, baby.

Those getting busted at the b-ball frat bash probably missed Saturday night's alternative midnight mischief -- Symposium (aka Potluck) House and friends on their frenetic parade around campus. The trill of kazoos (playing the Star Wars theme), accordions, oboes, and the clamor of tambourines, pots and pans, accompanied the shouts of a motley crew of stilt-walking, Welsh-flag carrying, and otherwise costumed merry-makers as they danced through campus at midnight.

They paused on the Low Steps after their tour, where irreverence ensued -- think three tent circus + impromptu improv + capoeira battle.

The impetus for the sponteneity?

Excerpt from the sunny email from Symposium House about their annual disorientation parade after the jump.

You. Shakin' your thang. Three minutes. Butler group study room #407.

Party time: 12:02 AM TONIGHT

Do it.