My Top 10 places to eat in Berkeley (in no paticular order)
1. Smart Alec
2. Café Intermezzo
3. Tako Sushi
4. Tai Basil
5. Gypsies
6. Zachary’s Pizza
7. Las Palmas
8. Tuk Tuk Tai
9. Café de la Paz
10. Yogurt Park
(images retrieved from google.com)
Last semester was my last fall semester of my undergraduate career and i took some really interesting classes. My favorite class of last semester was Economics 181: International Trade taught by Professor Ann Harrison (in the fall at least). This class is available to Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors and it is only taught in the fall. This class is a four unit class with prerequisites of Econ 100A-100B or 101A-101B. Here is the class website if anyone would like to check it out: http://emlab.berkeley.edu/users/webfac/harrison/e181_f06/e181.shtml. I am also providing the class description from the course sillabus. All this information is coming the course website listed above.
"This course covers the microeconomics of international trade, and related issues of US trade policy, developing country trade policies, foreign direction investment and multinational corporations. We begin with a brief introduction and then develop a theoretical framework to help us understand (1) why countries trade with each other and what determines trade patterns (2) whether trade is beneficial for a country and (3) how trade affects the distribution of income within a country. We then analyze the effects of commercial policy (ie tariffs) on trade and economic welfare. We conclude with a discussion of recent issues, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), regional trade agreements such as NAFTA, the impact of trade policy on growth, and other current concerns. Since I feel that there is not enough data analysis conducted in most classes, I will supplement the readings and the text with handouts whenever possible. I will expect you to become proficient in reading tables, graphs, and figures. An understanding of basic regression analysis, although helpful, is not required." (Harrison, class website).
I recommend all students who are interested in these issues to take the class. The class is only three hours of lecture and an hour of discussion every week but it doesnt feel like three hours at all. At least for me it didnt. The Professor is really nice and approachable and really knows her stuff. He has had a lot of experience in the field and is always will to talk about in office hours. She also does a really good job of applying the material to what is happenning in the world today.
The next two weeks, three for some, seem to be hardest weeks of the semester. What keeps me going is knowing that soon enough, i will be able to relax and sleep all day if i decide to. I love school and im sadden that this is my last fall semester at Cal, but its really time for a break. I have no major plans for this winter break but spend time with my family and friends. Oh and eat delicious home cooked meals....i really miss those considering i cant cook for the life of myself....My goal is to read at least two "good" books and work out. We'll see how that goes :)
The only thing that i am not looking forward to is doing all my Christmas shopping in four days. I wont be home until the 20th of December so that means my first three days at home will be dedicated to shopping and gift wrapping. Of course my parents don't wrap the gifts they buy, they wait for me to get home and wrap it for them. Arent they nice? They really are. The good thing about that is that i know what they bought me ahead of time. It wont be a surprise anymore on Christmas day but I will pretend like it is. After that, its relaxing time!! Im ready for Winter Break to start!!!
So i know there are alot of places on campus that people dont really know about and i have made it my goal to inform people of these places. So what did i do you may ask? well i borrowed a camera and went out to take pictures of these places. These are places that i enjoy being at either to study or just to relax in between classes. The Student Resource Center in 260 Mulford hall was on my list. Not only do they have the most comfortable couches but its also really quite. Its a good place to take a nap in between classes..or so i have heard...i dont speak by experience...
Plus, the resource has computers and free printing if you decide to do homework! what more can you ask for.
Another of my favorite places to be at is the North Reading Room in Doe Library. This room is so peaceful and quiet good for you just to sit and relax. When i have time i just go up there (to the 2nd floor of doe) and read my favorite magazines. Most people only visit this room during midterms and finals but everyone should visit the north reading room as much as possible. It truly relaxes me plus using the library is free of charge so why not use it.
Just look at the light coming into the room. Doesnt it inspire you to go?
If you dont want to be inside i say you vist the 8th floor of Barrows Hall. The view of city is amazing. It is said to have the second best view after The Campanille. Also, If you like Evans Hall, go up to the tenth floor adn go into the Student Lounge and look a the view it offers...you wll be surprised!!
I cant believe its almost going to be a month since classes started. Some some reason the week goes by so quickly and i have so much to do. I dont know how many people feel the same way but i sure do. With my crazy schedule, i sometimes forget to the most important thing which is take care of myself. For that reason, i have decided to give myself some time everyday just to relax. Going to the gym has helped me a lot. With membership only being ten dollars, i knew i had to take advantage of it.
I really like the classes that i am in and i am learning so much so far. I do realize that midterms are just around the corner and that can be a scary thought but i figure as long as i dedicate the time to study and go to my professors and/or gsi's office hours i will be fine. After three years of midterms i shouldnt be that worried. During midterm time, i like going to the library or to different cafes because it helps me in being more productive and focused. Today should be a long day but im excited because i get to spend time with my friends/sorority sisters before hitting the books.
August 28, 2006. For some, this day might be the worst day of their lives since it means summer is over and school is starting. For others, like the many freshmen that I know, this day is one of the most exciting days of their lives. Today they start their first day of their college adventure. Meeting new friends, waking up early, going to class or not going to class, are things that we all have to worry about now. You might be wondering why i am so excited for the fall semester to begin.
