You probably read last week that our own Lee Bollinger was named chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for next year. Spec news editor Alix Pianin had the chance to chat briefly with him about the appointment, which Bollinger says comes at a “time of transition” for an “evolving” organization.

On Thursday, Representative Charles B. Rangel faced several violations brought forth by a House ethics committee. Rangel is still running for reelection this fall, though he stepped down (temporarily, he said) from his chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee in March. Spec news deputy Kim Kirschenbaum was in Washington reporting, and has the full story here.

Oh, students admitted to Columbia for the upcoming academic year. You few! You happy few! You 9 percent of the 26,178 who applied! Although, according to the New York Times’ 2010 Admissions Tally, only 58 percent of you enrolled. The data ran on “The Choice Blog,” under the subheading “Demystifying College Admissions and Aid.” Further demystification after the jump. More »

Thanks for bringing us into this debate, Newt!

It’s been a long three months since the last Shaft entry, but a question in the comments of that very post has prompted an investigation into the infamous Summer Waitlist. More »

Recent Harvard graduate Jeremy Lin is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Golden State Warriors, according to ESPN, making him the first Ivy League player in the NBA since 2002. Lin wasn’t picked in the draft, but he impressed during his time on the Dallas Mavericks’ summer league team, even going toe-to-toe with No. 1 overall pick John Wall. Lin hasn’t been the only Ivy player featured in this year’s summer league, though. More »

So according to Craigslist, Mel’s Burger Bar is hiring! And if you want to channel your inner Kel Mitchell or are just unemployed, you can apply for one of the following positions: “Managers, Line Cooks, Bar backs, Prep Cooks, Servers, Pastry Cooks, Bussers, Receiver Runners, Hosts, Dishwashers, Cocktail Servers, Steward Bartenders, Sous Chef.”

Sous chef? Man. Is it too early to add Mel’s to the List of Deceivingly Expensive Diner-like Places in Morningside? (Mel’s is said to be opening Aug. 10). [Grub Street]

This is a promotion for President Bollinger, who’s been a deputy chairman since last August.