Bwog loves celebrating multi-culturalism almost as much as eating free food. But really, what Bwog loves best is Thai food, especially pad thai with those little pieces of tofu and crunchy peanuts.

Bwog is not sure why the people at the Columbia Thai Student Association are being so generous this afternoon but it might be because they are co-chairing the event with the hospitable folks at the Tourism Authority of Thailand. So please share the bounty with us at 3:30 in the Lerner Party Space,

Registration for the Columbia housing lottery doesn't begin until March 11 (or March 3, if you're an LLC weirdo), but to warm up for the event Housing Services will be giving room information sessions and building tours today and tomorrow that will start in the John Jay Lounge. They will be leaving on the half hour from 4 to 8 today and from noon to 4 tomorrow.

You've probably all stumbled into Club EC during a weekend bender, but now's your change to see less-frequented dorms: Claremont, Watt, River. Seize the opportunity to covet the rooms you probably won't be getting when lottery time rolls around.

Bwog coffeeshop reviewer Downing Bray took a break from caffeine this week in the Caribbean, and made it home to tell the tale. Her hazy memories follow.

Jamaica, it seems, was the place to be this spring break. On this sunny island of white beaches and clear blue water, of abundant Red Stripe and weed, many a Columbian could be spotted sunning, perhaps with a beer or joint in hand, showing off their bathing attire and nascent tans . . . or more likely their lack thereof (got neither? No problem mon!). In Negril, on the very western tip of the island, pale New Yorkers mingled with hordes of other college spring breakers (and high schoolers—they only tell you their age after the hook-up). Days disappeared while we sprawled on the beach, sloshing in the ocean while sloshed, or tripping over the sand munching on a special cake. Nights were basically the same, minus the sun and plus much more sloshing and tripping. Adorned with multiple fluorescent wristbands, Columbians jumped from bar to open bar while and experiencing the joys of easily accessible weed (check out the back pocket of the guy in the yellow shirt). Along with pot, throngs of locals sold fruit and souvenirs, lobsters and patties, parasail adventures and booze cruises—other than tourism, all the Jamaican economy has going for it is something called bauxite, so we're walking meal tickets.

Hot spots included Rick's Bar, the site of cliff-jumping and endless drunken pick-up lines; Margaritaville, the pivotal gathering point of trashy spring breakers, equipped with a water trampoline, cheesy decoration and a live stage featuring horrible music; and The Jungle, the nightclub where Grammy-nominee Beenie-Man reggaed the night away. Suffice it to say, midterm stress faded away, whether through enjoying the jerk chicken or taking advantage of . . . other things. Coming from the land where every little thing is gonna be alright to the snow-covered sidewalks of Columbia has been rough—blurry Negril memories, plus sand still stuck in my suitcase, will have to see me through till summer.

Bwog�s Mac has been acting up lately, necessitating a trip to the Apple Store at 58th and Fifth. Luckily, the wonderland of glass and white plastic is open 24/7, which can lead to some odd experiences. Bwog contributor Kate Redburn spent some time at the Genius Bar in the wee hours of the morning, and has this report.

Gentle, non-fluorescent lighting in the Apple Store creates the illusion of permanent day, making a recent 2:00 AM visit to the store much the same as a visit during normal business hours. Shoppers, mostly men, stroll through geometric displays, and employees diligently man on-floor positions. After a few minutes, the cast of characters starts to repeat itself.

Stalker Employee

Profile: Possibly the most dangerous and easily the most annoying person you will encounter at the Apple Store, Stalker Employee will not answer any questions for �confidentiality reasons.� Beware. He will follow you around the sparsely populated store, quickly jumping into casual poses when you glance in his direction.

Reason for being there: It�s his job.

Post-bar Buddy: Profile: Bleary eyed bar hoppers also have a strong showing late at night. These guys hobble from spotless display to spotless display, and are prone to random bouts of laughter. In between turning dials on iPod speakers, they stop to marvel at the cylindrical elevator in the center of the store.

Reason for being there: They need new nanos.