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Why we’re bummed we missed out on bago this year

Tara Lookabaugh — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 15:00:59 +0000

Don’t you just love the smell of stale beer in the morning? Love seeing campers with the words “Your daughter is in here” plastered on the side? Love driving six hours to SoCal in a winnebago full of frat stars, making that traditional stop at In-N-Out? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you probably found yourself at UCLA this weekend. While we’re grateful for the 20+ hours of sleep we got this weekend, we can’t help but feel like we missed out on a great #gameday.

Here’s why we’re bitter.

While you were drinking for Cal at a tailgate in LA, we were busy studying for Berkeley in a cubby at Main Stacks. #stressed

Upset that I can't bago down to ucla for the game bc I have a midterm & 6 page paper on Shakespeare to write

While you were watching the Bears live, we had to deal with literally the most ridiculous commercials. #unimpressed #pooradvertising

Just saw a snowblower commercial on @espn 2 watching @Cal vs @UCLA. Note to ESPN sales — it doesn't snow in Berkeley or LA

— Albert Chi (@albertchi) October 13, 2013

And while you were devouring your animal-style fries in classic Bear fashion, we were eating at Cafe 3 and dreaming about In-N-Out …

Cal drinking song…. In kettle man city..,, at in n out. #gobears #TFM

— Samantha Saravong (@samsaravong) October 11, 2013

So come next October, don’t make the same mistake we did.

Finish your homework early so you can trek down to SoCal and partake in the infamous bago festivities. #priorities

Image Source: Roadsidepictures under Creative Commons
Contact Tara Lookabaugh at tlookabaugh@dailycal.org.

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The process of deciding to get a flu shot in Berkeley

Ava Klein — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 15:00:49 +0000

We at the Clog feel it is fairly safe to say students hate getting the flu. Although temporary sickness allows for catching up on “Homeland” or old “Breaking Bad” episodes, being immobile because of the flu is possibly the worst. When you have the flu, you can’t sit up to finish your reading, do your math homework, walk or function.

All UC Berkeley students should get flu shots immediately. It takes all of one minute for the nurse at a CVS pharmacy or Walgreens to give you the shot, and it is virtually painless. Be an adult, and get the vaccine — it is foolish to think that you will “beat” the flu season, because the flu season will beat you.

If you tell your roommate you refuse to get the flu shot because you are scared of needles, expect him or her to respond like this:

When you decide to get your flu shot, your roommates and floormates will be thrilled at the prospect that they have less of a chance of catching this nasty illness.

If you end up contracting the flu but refused to get the flu shot, never complain. It is your fault.

If you do not get your flu shot, you run the risk looking like this for an entire week:

Image Source: Mark Turnaucka under Creative Commons, gifs for the masses, gifs for the masses, gifs of the masses and gifs for the masses.

Contact Ava Klein at avaklein@dailycal.org.

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The 3 best cars for Berkeley

Sherdil Niyaz — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 15:00:48 +0000

Walking sucks. Sure, you get some exercise, but you’re constantly tired out and never on time. So, for those of you who have decided to take the plunge and bring a car to Cal, we at the Clog would like to recommend some of the best. When it comes to Berkeley, these three are undoubtedly on the honor roll.

1. Honda Fit

Size matters, folks. We like ‘em small.

This spritely little auto has a lot going for it. The cash-strapped college student will not only appreciate how cheap it is to purchase (the Fit is one of the cheapest new cars you can buy), but also how little it costs to run. And not only does the Fit give you stellar mileage, but this is a Honda we’re talking about here. That means that it will never, ever break down — hell, it’ll probably outlast you. And then there’s the Honda Fit’s real calling card: its size. This thing takes the definition of compact car to a whole new level: We’ve seen bikes bigger than this thing. That really pays major dividends when you’re hustling down Telegraph, dodging seemingly blind motorists and obnoxious Cal students left and right (seriously, wait for the goddamn walk symbol). And that tiny parking spot on Bancroft? You can slip in while every compensating jerk in his SUV tries (and fails) to fit. Sometimes in a huge city like Berkeley, it pays to go small.

2. Toyota Prius C

Tree huggers will love you.

Fun fact: did you know the Prius actually isn’t just one car anymore? It’s evolved into a line of cars from Toyota that includes the Prius C, the baby Prius. This small and cheap (noticing a theme?) hybrid is great for a lot of the reasons that the Fit stands out, but it excels even more than the Honda in fuel economy. Driving around Berkeley is a decidedly slow affair, and cars burn a lot more fuel at lower speeds than at higher ones (especially when you factor in the fuel wasted waiting at one of Berkeley’s infamous red lights). The Prius C, however, skips around this by being a hybrid. So what does this mean to you? Less money spent on gas, and more for books! Or booze. Let’s be honest, you’re probably going to spend it on booze.

3. Subaru Impreza

Just don’t get this color, and you’ll be fine.

Sure, this Subaru is a bit chunky and more expensive compared to the last two cars. But there’s a reason for this: This car places a priority on safety. It’s aced nearly every crash test it’s been put through, and it has a bunch of technologies on board that keep you out of an accident in the first place (like all-wheel-drive). When you wrap your shiny new car around a tree, you’ll certainly feel embarrassed. But at least you might have a shot at walking away with only your car and pride in pieces. Safety first, folks. Especially with a bunch of aggravated, sleep-deprived Berkeley kids.

Photo credit: Aidan-Sally, timomcd mariordo59 and Lewaedd-Q under Creative Commons

Contact Sherdil Niyaz at sniyaz@dailycal.org.

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Calstrology: your weekly horoscope

Holly Secon — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 15:00:41 +0000

Want to know what your week has in store for you? Look no further! The Daily Clog is here with your weekly horoscope.

Aries — You might be a little bit stressed as your schoolwork piles up, but do not fret. You know how to manage your schedule well, and if you can give up an hour or two of sleep a night, you will find the time to study. Treat yourself to a nice coffee in the morning. You deserve it.

Taurus — You are probably feeling a little nostalgic as this semester seems to rush past. You miss the ease of talking to new people, taking simple intro classes or eating at Crossroads. But instead of dwelling on your freshman year, you should be proud of your accomplishments so far.

Gemini — You’re going to have a great week. You have been indecisive recently, unsure of whether you want to switch your major, commit to a new relationship or buy that new, expensive piece of clothing. Go for it.

Cancer — Your luck is about to change. You are about to find a new lucky charm, be it a rabbit’s foot, a helpful GSI or a new friend. Capitalize on this new opportunity.

Leo — You will miss the 51B by two minutes on Thursday. Make sure you have on your sneakers so you can make it to class.

Virgo — Watch out! You are about to fall ill. All those late nights (studying, obviously) are about to catch up with you as you catch your first cold of the season. Stock up on some Emergen-C and grab some extra honey for your tea, because you are going to need it.

Libra — Take the path less traveled to class on Tuesday. Turn on a different street or walk around Sproul in the other direction — even if you get lost, it will be worth it. You are about to make a new discovery that you would have otherwise missed.

Scorpio — You should call an old high school friend. There are some funny stories and some surprising news you have missed!

Sagittarius — You need a break. Take some time for yourself: Go for a walk on Northside, take BART into the city or nap on Memorial Glade. Do something to change up your routine, because you need some invigoration.

Capricorn — You might want to consider doing that extra assignment for class. That reading you never do is for sure going to turn up on your quiz this week. You’re welcome.

Aquarius — You are about to come upon some money. Save it for a rainy day.

Pisces — Wear pants on Thursday. Seriously. We can’t tell you why, but you will thank us later.

Image Sources: Remko van Dokkum under Creative Commons

Contact Holly Secon at hsecon@dailcal.org.

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Need candy in your life before Halloween? There’s a holiday for that.

Julia Higgins — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 15:00:29 +0000

Midterm season is upon us, and so any excuse to celebrate is 100 percentnecessary. Although it may not get you out of an 8 a.m. exam, this month has more than one holiday that gives you excuse to exploit your sweet tooth. That’s right, Oct. 14 is National Dessert Day, and the Clog is here to help you to celebrate it the right way.

For those of you looking to expand your confectionery horizons beyond the predictability of Berkeley’s go-to sweet shops (we’re looking at you, C.R.E.A.M. and Ici), check out these five lesser known but equally delicious dessert places.

Masse’s Pastries – 1469 Shattuck Ave.

Arguably the classiest pastry supplier in Berkeley, Masse’s menu is complete with everything from Passion Fruit White Chocolate Cake to Key Lime Meringue Tart and beyond. Although splurging on any of the menu items would be an appropriate way to celebrate National Dessert Day, Masse’s is famous for its macarons, so don’t miss your chance to grub on these tasty, trendy French pastries.

Macaron is French for ‘delicious,’ right?

Cinnaholic – 2132 Oxford St.

Even though everyone might not react enthusiastically to the idea of a vegan dessert, the concept of creating your own customizable cinnamon roll is one every Berkeley citizen can appreciate. If you aren’t up to the challenge of crafting your personal masterpiece, you can always opt for one of the specialty rolls, which include options such as Lemon Ginger S’more and Butterscotch Bananas Foster.

Cookie doughn’t touch my cinnamon roll!!!

Love at First Bite – 1510 Walnut St.

Everyone loves a good, old-fashioned cupcake, not to mention a solid bakery pun. Baked goods are the perfect expression of love, which isn’t a hard statement to get behind after trying L.A.F.B.’s Matcha Green Tea cupcake (a delicate green tea cake made with ceremonial matcha tea, topped with matcha-infused whipped cream).

Pretty in pink!

The Xocolate Bar – 1709 Solano Ave.

Nothing goes better together than post-midterm sadness and chocolate, which is exactly why you should make a trip to The Xocolate Bar. Specializing in artisanal chocolates, this store makes delicious squares of happiness that are edible works of art. Don’t miss their Lavendar-Walnut and Dulce de Leche bon bons!

Chocolate buddhas? This takes meditation to a whole new level.

Honeyberry – 2380 Telegraph Ave.

Obviously, a Clog post about Berkeley desserts wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of a place that serves boba … Honeyberry is known for its delicious tea bases and an array of dessert types, including pastries (try the roti buns!), shaved ice and frozen yogurt. It might be the most efficient location to celebrate National Dessert Day, because its menu includes so many different types of sweet treats!

Beat that, Yogurtland.

Image Source: Foodspotting,Cinnaholic , LoveAtFirstBite TheXocolateBar and Yelp under Creative Commons.

Contact Julia Higgins at jhiggins@dailycal.org.

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7 low-key things to do in San Francisco

Tara Lookabaugh — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 15:00:06 +0000

As adventurous as we Golden Bears are, trekking to San Francisco can sometimes seem daunting. With our hectic weeks and midterm frenzy, weekend hibernation time is essential.

Besides, we’ve seen Fisherman’s Wharf, we’ve “aw-ed” at the sea lions, we’ve treated ourselves to free chocolate at Ghirardelli Square and we can see the Golden Gate from our dorm room window. What more do we need to do?

The answer is: a lot! San Francisco is a big city, and we’ve only got four (or five …) years to explore it. So, if you’re already planning your weekend sleep-fest, we have a few suggestions that will get you out of bed and on your way before you can say “BART strike.”

1. If you’re bored of the typical museum scene …

The Exploratorium is a great alternative. Instead of silence, it’s filled with clicking gadgets and ringing bells, and instead of “Do Not Touch” signs, the Exploratorium encourages hands-on engagement. Huge plus: It just moved from the middle of nowhere to a more convenient location at Pier 15.

2. If you’re ready for some exercise …

Check out the mosaic on the 16th Avenue Titled Steps. This San Francisco secret is a hike of 163 steps to the top, but it’s well worth the view.

3. If you’re actually a pinball wizard …

Take your spare laundry quarters (as if) and spend the day at the Musee Mecanique at Fisherman’s Wharf. This antique arcade has games dating back to the late 1800s, and they still work!

4. If you’re a history buff…

Take a trip to 1906, and visit the “Golden Hydrant.” This (now golden) fire hydrant is responsible for the Mission’s survival of a seven-hour blaze that came after the April 18, 1906, earthquake.

5. If you love the Berkeley hippie scene …

Make your way to Haight and Ashbury, where SF’s hippie culture was born. During the “Summer of Love,” psychedelic music and cheap rent brought big names such as Jefferson Airplane and Janis Joplin to the area. The bohemian culture and bright-painted houses created a new world. We hear it hasn’t changed much.

6. If you’re sick of Cafe 3 …

Hit up the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market on Saturdays for some fresh food. With top chefs and local farmers, you’re bound to leave with your bags (and your stomach) full.

7. If you’ve been living under a rock …

You probably haven’t heard that the house used in the TV show “Full House” is located in SF. Although it’s a real house, with real people living in it, it’s still cool to say: “I’ve been to the ‘Full House’ house.”

Image sources: idleformat, sapphiresierramist, crossroads-vashta-nerada-yo, ganesha.isis, grant_loy, sflovestory, bgreenlee, Alaskan Dude, schrierc, LipBomb

Contact Tara Lookabaugh at tlookabaugh@dailycal.org.

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How will the government shutdown affect you as a college student?

Holly Secon — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 15:00:06 +0000

The government has shut down, but the world hasn’t ended. Yet. So what has changed? How will the government shutdown make a difference in your life?

Handouts

What does government shutdown mean?

A government shutdown is the name of the process the federal government must enter when Congress fails to pass legislation funding government operations and agencies. On Oct. 1, the U.S. government entered this shutdown after Congress failed to enact regular appropriations (a sum of money devoted to a special purpose) for the fiscal year 2014.

How could it affect me?

1. Your grants and research funding could be stalled: With federal programs being defunded, government subsidies for scientific research — like that at public universities such as ours — just might become inaccessible. Already granted awards are to be honored, but the government does not have the money or the initiative to provide new funds. With the Department of Education having neither a budget nor a full staff, ongoing and proposed scientific research are not a priority.

2. All research funding could be stalled: We may not always think about it, but government research, such as that at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has a profound impact on our lives. Not only has the annual surveillance of the flu virus has been halted, but food inspection facilities have been closed as well, leading to outbreaks in salmonella and hepatitis.

3. Academic resources will not be updated: Speaking of research, if you’re looking for federal data and information for a research paper, you might have to keep looking. The websites for the U.S. Census, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Education Resources Information Center, the National Archives and more have not been kept up to date since.

Going somewhere?

4. You might have to change your travel plans: Oh, you need a passport to study abroad next semester? Might want to get started on that application. No last-minute passports are being granted, and, in fact, you can expect delays in the process. You might be delayed at the airport, too, as the TSA has furloughed its “nonessential” employees. But even if you were thinking about driving down to Yosemite to go camping for the weekend, you’re going to have to change your plans. Many attractions run by the National Park Service have been closed. You’ll just have to wait until the government starts working again.

5. And what’s the deal with financial aid? Thankfully, federal student aid should go largely unaffected, at least for the time being. There is supposed to be a limited impact on both the administration of FAFSA and student loan repayment abilities, while direct loans, Pell Grants and other financial aid dollars will continue to be distributed. In the long term, however, a shutdown lasting awhile might curb funding to public universities, such as us here at UC Berkeley.

Has the government ever shut down before?

Yes. Technically, this is the 18th time since 1976 that the government has shut down. But only two other shutdowns have lasted longer than two weeks, as this year’s has — when Bill Clinton and congressional Republicans wrangled over budget matters from Dec. 16, 1995, to Jan. 5, 1996 (21 days), and during Jimmy Carter’s administration from Sept. 30, 1978, to Oct. 18, 1978 (18 days).

When does it end?

It will end when Congress passes the bill(s) to fund the government and the president signs them.

A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that a government shutdown during President Jimmy Carter’s tenure lasted from Sept. 20, 1978, to Oct. 18, 1978. In fact, that shutdown lasted from Sept. 30, 1978, to Oct. 18, 1978.

Image Sources: NPCA Photos, wanderingnebulaandadog, 401(K) 2013, Claus Rebler, Hash Milhan, Sean MacEntee, John-Morgan, sleeping-on-the-clouds, and motionlmags

Contact Holly Secon and Sujin Shin at blog@dailycal.org.

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Peet’s napkins, coupons and other ways to save money in Berkeley

Jessica Rogness — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 15:00:56 +0000

College — a time when penny-pinching means eating Chipotle only four days a week instead of five. We know the saving methods instilled by your parents tend to go by the wayside after you leave home. But seriously, remembering some of these lessons could save you some serious burrito money.

1. Collect napkins … from Peet’s, from Crossroads, from every place that thinks it’s important you learn to wipe your mouth. You never think about how much you would miss the comfort of Costco packs of paper products until you’re living on your own.

Even more valuable than the burritos, if that’s possible.
Reuse containers from groceries so you don’t have to buy more Tupperware. Now it looks like you’re stockpiling yogurt, because you’ve saved all those plastic tubs to put away leftovers. Maybe they’re not the sturdiest, but we suppose they get the job done.
Stock up on probiotics.
Take home whatever food is left from club meetings. Remember when it was “embarrassing” for your parents’ friends to heap leftovers on you after parties? That attitude is no more. You have no shame and will proudly tote home the leftover pizza, sandwich rolls and Diet Coke if no one else wants to walk down Telegraph with such a bounty.
Dinner for tomorrow … and the next day … and the next.
Learn what coupons are, and you’ll learn to love them. Fifty cents off almond milk? Ten percent off that brand of frozen dinners you never buy? You used to roll your eyes when your mom riffled through coupons in the checkout line, but now, those babies are gold. Go ahead and nickel-and-dime it. Obviously, you’ve got a good deal on your hands.
The spirit animal of thriftiness?
Buy store brands. When you were a kid, you might have whined to your mom because couldn’t have the brand-name cereal with the toucan on it. Now you probably realize it was a total ploy to get your money for a colorful advertisement. So whether it’s Market Pantry at Target or “Trader Joe San” (from — guess where? — Trader Joe’s), you’re willing to save those few cents.
The spiders had better not be thrown in there for free.
And finally, you’ve become a thrifter. It was sort of destined to happen, with so many thrift stores near student housing. Sure, Urban Outfitters and American Apparel are positioned strategically across from campus, but how many times have you really had enough money to go in there? You used to hate hand-me-downs, but now, it’s (kind of) cool to think that you’re recycling someone else’s gently used clothes and shoes. Plus, you know you love the discounts.
Remember, you’ll be ‘unique’ if you shop here.

Image sources: Caitlin Regan, Denise Allen, Christina Kessler, Michael Saechang, Julie & Heidi, theimpulsivebuy and Fan of Retail under Creative Commons

Contact Jessica Rogness at jrogness@dailycal.org and follow her on Twitter @jessarogness.

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3 trips to take to escape Berkeley this weekend

Julia Higgins — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 15:00:28 +0000

We all feel it — it usually hits at the end of a long day of lecture, or after an all-night study sesh in the library, or sometimes just when you look up in the sky and see the Campanile staring back at you … all Cal students can relate to the the pressures of attending the No. 1 public university in the world. We at the Clog can provide some suggestions for escaping the so-called “Berkeley bubble.”

1. Go to the beach!

At first, when you realize that such a thing exists in NorCal …

Then you start imaging yourself at the beach …

But this is what will really happen when you step into the sun after months of Berkeley weather.

2. Another option for breaking the Berkeley bubble: Escape to the city!

At first, this is what you automatically think of when you hear “the city” …

But then you remember that “the city” could also mean this …

3. Taking a trip to a quaint NorCal town also provides a welcome escape:

Tiburon

Petaluma

Carmel

Once you realize that places such as these towns are just a drive away and that you can get away from the hustle and bustle of Berkeley and your mountains of history reading:

Image Sources: adrielhampton, weheartit, fyeahreactions, hbtanning, californiasecuritypro, commons.wikimedia, californiatraveldreams, travelrinserepeat and mashable

Contact Julia Higgins at jhiggins@dailycal.org.

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We Spy: A poem sensation on Sproul nation

Alex Mabanta — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 15:00:10 +0000

Alex Mabanta/Staff

Sproul: home of clambering clubbers, a cappella groups, horchata vendors and mantra-chanting Tibetan independence protesters.

Enter Felix Santos — the new face on the block. With a cardboard cutout, a clipboard and plenty of free time, Santos is making his passion for poetry a contagious disease. Witness the train of students passing beneath Sather Gate. Exactly what kind of poet does it take to stop a Golden Bear’s Moffitt migration?

Last Thursday, we at the Daily Clog chatted with the 21-year-old stanza extravaganza to find out.

The Daily Clog: Explain to us what you are doing.

Santos: I write free poems on the spot. Any topic of the audience’s choice. Then I recite it to them and give it to them.

DC: What happens if you get the same topic?

Santos: Everything I write is original. Even if I get the same topic, I never write the same poem. I try my best to go deeper than people expect.

DC: Why do you recite your poetry?

Santos: I think there is something very intimate in spoken poetry. I wrote it and know how it’s supposed to sound. Oh, and my handwriting is terrible, so that’s probably the only time they will understand the whole thing (laughs).

DC: And money?

Santos: I want to detach money from this entirely. I believe that when you have a skill to give that to people, if you ask for tips, people feel obligated. But then it’s not a gift. And I like the idea of giving my poetry to help people.

DC: So why are you here at UC Berkeley?

Santos: (smiles) Because of the way the sun hits the trees here.

DC: And when and where can readers expect to find you?

Santos: Usually on Sproul once a week for four to five hours. It does depend on how I feel, because these are my days off. I work five days a week as a cook for Haven in Oakland, and I don’t have any set days. But I’ve been doing this since March, and I’m going to do this for as long as I can.

Contact Alex Mabanta at amabanta@dailycal.org.

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