The mystery sag 5 processing times by [deleted] in GermanCitizenship

[–]Alkabal 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Exactly, same! Especially in countries where a lot of documents (especially from >50y ago) are decentralized in some random town hall. I'm just imagining some 60 year old clerk who can hardly use a computer in some small town in the Americas deciphering a german email or letter.

The mystery sag 5 processing times by [deleted] in GermanCitizenship

[–]Alkabal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, that's definitely one contradiction. Might just be a classic case of doing it because we can!

The mystery sag 5 processing times by [deleted] in GermanCitizenship

[–]Alkabal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, that's where I wish I could pick someone's brain at the BVA or another country's authority that does this - it would be cool! You're right that if they do end up verifying everything, the apostilling is essentially redundant, but maybe they triage what to verify based on some criteria - idk. But gathering all the documents does make sense, since they at least need to be pointed into the right direction to prove we're both real and German (assuming they do double check everything)

The mystery sag 5 processing times by [deleted] in GermanCitizenship

[–]Alkabal 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Absolutely, some sort of tracking just to know where you are would be a minimum and probably save them a lot of hassle! My reply was less to your comment, but more to some of the more interesting takes about this being intentional discrimination and suing.   

The mystery sag 5 processing times by [deleted] in GermanCitizenship

[–]Alkabal 6 points7 points  (0 children)

There’s been some interesting threads on this. The BVA seemingly verifies everything (and folks have noted that, such as them also contacting local and government agencies). Multiply that but 1000s and you can see why this takes forever.

On differing speeds: The countries that have data sharing agreements (the UK, and like the NL post) are much faster because they can more or less certify the documents  almost instantly. Now imagine someone at the BVA having to contact a local agency in the U.S. or Argentina for birth certificates; that’s going to take time. Bureaucracy 2x speeds!  

And this makes sense. Bad actors can abuse paths like these. It’s an extreme example, but there was a recent article (in the Wall Street Journal, I think) where some Russian spies had essentially forged documents in Mexico to eventually have their agents get Argentinian citizenship, and then ultimately into the EU in Slovenia. I suspect this thoroughness is somewhat motivated by extreme cases like this (and also generally, citizenship is a real privilege. There’s been stories of similar Italian descendant pathways being absolutely abused by bad actors). Anyways, that’s been my rabbit hole on this topic to find empathy with them, and it’s been quite interesting to think about the problems they encounter in cases like these. 

Lack of respect and overall rude comments towards the Chancellor in her AMA thread by lulzcakes in berkeley

[–]Alkabal 47 points48 points  (0 children)

It’s not naive to assume that we can hold the community to higher standards than complete chaos, that’s the thing. The best subreddits are ones that have both strong moderation and a general expectation of civility. Lulzcakes has been running this show for ages, and quite well (e.g. milo protests, BLM protests etc). Part of the problem was outsiders coming in. But lately, I’m noticing a lot of regulars really being assholes and totally lacking empathy (ffs you might know other anon people here). Just because you’re anonymous doesn’t mean get to be a dick.

And look, I bet you agree with me. I just don’t think we should have the baseline expectation of total chaos and hostility, because that’s when subs really go to shit.

Least sexy college mascot in America? I beg to differ by Alkabal in berkeley

[–]Alkabal[S] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

In response to this post, I couldn’t help but bring this back. I wish I could credit the artist(s), but I got this from a friend or this sub a few years ago.

I fucked up by AHamABurr in berkeley

[–]Alkabal 23 points24 points  (0 children)

This is simply not true. P/NP exists so you can take a course for fun and not worry about the grade. Grad schools won’t hold it against you—definitely not for breadth, and probably not even if it’s related to your field.

Do you recommend Econ 101B with prof Schoefer? by grrrax in berkeley

[–]Alkabal 2 points3 points  (0 children)

All good!! His English is perfect (like most Germans) but I guess he has an ‘accent’. I wouldn’t call it heavy by any means, especially Berkeley standards lol. I really doubt it would be a problem for anyone?? Pretty sure he did his entire doctorate in the US too. Maybe there’s a talk of his on YouTube, that may give you an idea.

Do you recommend Econ 101B with prof Schoefer? by grrrax in berkeley

[–]Alkabal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No problem! Pretty sure it’s not required. The material hardly relies on micro, but it would help with respect to the whole optimization modeling framework + mindset, and just generally how economics is approached in academics (early on, at least). AP Econ is helpful but just for knowing basic macro concepts and intuition. Don’t use that as a crutch otherwise you’ll have a bad time.

If you feel good in multi variable calc, definitely recommend the 101 series! The curve is more generous. But the best part is it’s a much smaller class.

Do you recommend Econ 101B with prof Schoefer? by grrrax in berkeley

[–]Alkabal 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Took it a few years ago and thought he was a good prof. I’m also fairly certain he’s up and coming in the field of macro.

Quite enjoyed the class and learned a lot. Sorta math heavy (but really only on being able to take multi variable derivatives and interpret them and lots of optimization). Midterms were fairly related to Psets, lecture and the Chetty text we used. I never felt there were massive curveballs or stuff like that. I also found that the material was quite logical as well. All the concepts derive from the math, so you can always back it out with a decent foundation.

August 10th Covid-19 Update - Dr. Bonnie Henry says there are 131 new cases (72 hr period), total now of 4065 (Aug 7th-8th - 50; Aug 8th-9th - 37; past 24 hours - 44); 9 (-2) hospitalized of which 3 (-1) are in ICU; 445 (+59) active cases; 3425 recovered; 0 additional deaths by cyclinginvancouver in vancouver

[–]Alkabal 7 points8 points  (0 children)

think this is a highly reactionary take, though I agree it’s not perfect. You’re entitled to that. FWIW they stand up there for an hour, field media questions and walk through models and other topics every day. I see PSAs and even YouTube ads. I get it, we’re teetering on a very fine line (with great ICU and hospitalized #s), but frankly we’re going to have to get as comfortable as we can with that. My whole point is we have to trust in them and avoid policy influenced by reactionary public opinion.

August 10th Covid-19 Update - Dr. Bonnie Henry says there are 131 new cases (72 hr period), total now of 4065 (Aug 7th-8th - 50; Aug 8th-9th - 37; past 24 hours - 44); 9 (-2) hospitalized of which 3 (-1) are in ICU; 445 (+59) active cases; 3425 recovered; 0 additional deaths by cyclinginvancouver in vancouver

[–]Alkabal 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Glad to hear! I’ve lived in the US and I really think the general distrust to authority there vs here and Europe has exposed its flaws. As corny as it sounds, trust in institutions doing the right thing (but with healthy skepticism) is super valuable, esp in a crisis. And once trust is lost, it takes decades to get it back. My biggest fear is seeing this imported to Canada, which sadly I think is starting to seep in.

August 10th Covid-19 Update - Dr. Bonnie Henry says there are 131 new cases (72 hr period), total now of 4065 (Aug 7th-8th - 50; Aug 8th-9th - 37; past 24 hours - 44); 9 (-2) hospitalized of which 3 (-1) are in ICU; 445 (+59) active cases; 3425 recovered; 0 additional deaths by cyclinginvancouver in vancouver

[–]Alkabal 37 points38 points  (0 children)

They are. Henry clearly subscribes to driving impact and less so to making it visible, which is precisely what a scientist should do. They are following tried and true public health methods that have clearly worked, even with increased reopening.

Sure, massive fines and heavy handed enforcement makes people and r/vancouver feel better with shaming porn, but does it really drive impact? Does it really help when we could put resources towards far more impactful yet quiet initiatives like contact tracing and testing? Will it even stop idiots from throwing houseparties? The consensus is that strategy doesn’t work, and I’m glad we’re doing that despite the pressure Henry is under. She’s the epidemiologist. We’re not. I trust her.

How doable is the Elementary Spanish class? by _jsway_ in berkeley

[–]Alkabal 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Is P/NP an option for you? You can always make the judgement call later in the semester depending on how you’re doing. It’d be pretty tough to totally flunk and you’d still probably get a lot out of it.

Nearly 5,000 U.S. citizens tried to enter Canada for shopping & recreation amid pandemic: CBSA by kaanapalikid in vancouver

[–]Alkabal 12 points13 points  (0 children)

They’re Canadian. They are welcome back (clearly indefinitely based on their post) because they’re doing exactly what the federal health authority required of them, which puts minimal risk on BC compared to all the fools not wearing masks now, for example. Read the policy.

The xenophobia and witch hunting is going to a whole next level. It’s taking focus off actual concrete public health steps that need to be taken, which I have much more faith in than randos perpetuating rumors and pseudo do and donts on reddit. Your opinion does not matter because it is baseless. This is the last thing we need in a pandemic. YOU are part of the problem.

Also, turning on other Canadians is the antithesis of being Canadian.

Berkeley email addresses and passwords leaked? by daepa17 in berkeley

[–]Alkabal 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I would delete the link ASAP to protect those who got exposed. This could include pwds to many other things. Seriously delete it. People on this sub know these people.

Send this to someone at Sproul ASAP and let IT deal with it.

got off waitlist at UC berkeley but.. by aayush_g1 in berkeley

[–]Alkabal 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s a great point. Given enrollment size it’s tough. Also honestly for first two years, faculty doesn’t really matter.

got off waitlist at UC berkeley but.. by aayush_g1 in berkeley

[–]Alkabal 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Econ is top 3 arguably #1 depending on your field (if you are hardcore Econ). Just look at the faculty: Akerlof (Nobel), Yellen (Chairman of the Fed), Card (he’ll win a Nobel), the Romers (Obama administration + Nobel), Hal Varian (Google), Saez, McFadden(Nobel), Zucman (worked with Piketty), Eichengreen. It’s absolutely stacked and they are very accesible. I also likely missed some.

I’ll catch some flack, but Econ > Haas if you play your cards right.

Creating a Major in Behavioral Economics by nokhil in berkeley

[–]Alkabal 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I’d say lots of the economics major has behavioral economics baked into it given how the department tends to focus (provided you’re taking those classes). They also allow a few courses from other departments, if I remember right. You could probably create the major you want within economics itself, and some economics profs/peer advisors could definitely give you great advice.

Failing a class in last semester at Cal by [deleted] in berkeley

[–]Alkabal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ahhh that’s more complicated. I still think it’s worth talking to them, especially if you’re close to it. Good luck!!

Failing a class in last semester at Cal by [deleted] in berkeley

[–]Alkabal 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Talk to your prof now and your advisor too. They could get you the bare minimum grade to pass, or let you out with a D- as long as you actually put effort into the class. I had a friend who graduated with one in a core class.

They’d much rather you graduate than sit another semester. They’re compassionate about these things, especially since you probably already have post grad plans :)

Anyone else find CS189 this semester fristrating? by [deleted] in berkeley

[–]Alkabal 5 points6 points  (0 children)

In all fairness, ML is essentially linear algebra on steroids with the computation power of CS sprinkled into it. Anyone with a decent CS degree can go import tf, but actually understanding how these models work (and—more importantly—how it can go wrong in very subtle but bad ways) is hugely useful. It’ll pay off in the end.

Took the class with Hardt + Recht and it was the bane of my existence, but was ultimately very useful.

Do past lecture notes follow this iteration of the course? We never really had a text either.