Instruction ends soon (May 11!), and that means final exams and papers are coming up. Find a spot in the library, in a coffee shop, under a tree.... in a tree, and get cracking on those books! I know many of us saw that guy in the library who brought his entire desktop to play video games. Some applauded. Others sneered. Everyone took pictures. I professionally don't recommend it. It only commits you to not showering. Whatever you do, do it soon!

Deadline to Withdraw (Semester Out Rule Imposed) - May 11th
Thinking about withdrawing from school? If you're thinking about it, come in and speak to a college adviser during our drop-in advising hours. Let's figure out the best option for your situation.

Last day to add to the Degree List - May 20th
If you want to graduate this semester and have not yet added yourself to the Degree List, visit our Forms & Petitions link on our website or come to 113 Campbell Hall to obtain the Petition to Late Add to the Degree List (after the eighth week of class).

In the 1920's, there was a scientist by the name of Herman Sorgel who published a paper about damming the Mediterranean Sea (several dams). One of the results, among creating new land and universal energy, is increasing the humidity of the Sahara Desert and terra-forming it into a hospitable environment. Although never realized, I am sure that utilizing this barren land could have been a paramount in the movement toward ending global hunger.

Of course, some things are too good to be true. Damming the Mediterranean would have displaced countless African natives, as well as destroying un-discovered wildlife and vegetation. The change in humidity and weather would have also had un-certain and potentially dangerous consequences on the global climate.

More information can be found at http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=965#more-965

Are you interested in the Psych major? Well, if you'd like to hear from seniors sharing their different psych related experiences and backgrounds, you don't want to miss this event. You'll hear everything from favorite classes and internship opportunities to research and applying to graduate schools. Come prepared with your questions.

According to the BBC news, the caffeine in coffee can help protect our brains. There is a blood barrier that surrounds our brain to protect it from the chemicals that run around in the rest of our bodies. Caffeine seems to bolster the protection of the barrier. This study supports previous coffee studies that have indicated that a daily cup of coffee reduces the risks of developing Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. So if you remember the last college update, all we have to worry about now is coffee staining our teeth. Yeesh!

Finals are less than a month away! Some of us may be studying already, some others not. Whether it's a big whopper of a paper or just a module exam, it's always a good idea to start early! So maybe take this weekend and go to the SFZoo or Exploratorium, but starting next week, I'd recommend spending at least 2 hours catching up on everything, and then doing your homework. Yes, I know it's hard. You can use this chance to do something a little crazy, like trying that 5 hour energy drink that seems to be promising, but whatever you do, just get started!

Tele-BEARS Phase 1 appointment times are starting this week. If you have trouble figuring out your classes, you have a number of resources so go take advantage of them. Major advisers are available at your perspective major departments. Peer advisers are in the lobby outside of our office at 113 Campbell Hall. We also have staff advisers and workshops that might help you.

I was browsing around the internet when I came upon this fun fact: "Research in the USA has shown that more than 10,000 marriages a year now begin with romances started during coffee breaks." I usually don't drink coffee, and I am sure some of you don’t. Many of us don't have a significant other either. I think it's time to drink some coffee.

Check out this link for other fun facts. http://www.breakfastandbrunch.com/about.php

For those of you who don't read your emails but read this update, here are two important changes to Tele-BEARS.

1) For Tele-BEARS Phase 1, students will NOT be able to enroll in or waitlist for Physical Education activity classes (PE 1, 2, 3, 4, 5). If you're looking for one of these classes, you'll need to enroll in Phase 2. Check http://pe.berkeley.edu after May 1, 2009 for the final schedule.

2) You must know that there is now a limit to how many units you can enroll in during Phase 2. It's 16 to be exact. You can't enroll in additional classes once you have enrolled in or waitlisted for 16 units. That means, however, you can configure your classes so that you get to 15, and then enroll into a 4 unit class to get up 19. You simply can't add classes after reaching 16 units.

The last day to change your grading option from letter grade to Pass/No Pass is this Friday, April 3rd.

If you are graduating this semester and have not yet added yourself to the degree list, you must now see your major advisor to get a major approval memo. Come into our office (113 Campbell Hall) or go online to get the "Petition to Add to the Degree List (after the eight week of class)" form. Fill that out and submit it to our office along with the major approval memo you get from your major adviser.

Peer Advisor applications will also be due on Friday, April 3rd. I will venture forth to say that this is the best job on campus; if your campus job is better, you're probably Chancellor Robert J. Birgeneau.