Devon R.

Pacific Film Archive

So I've never been one of those cinephiles who put much stock into filmmakers who scratched their film stock by hand, did multiple exposures, or otherwise contaminated their celluloid in the name of art. But whether you are or not, you'll eventually find some program or film worthy of your attention at the PFA, whose resident cinema geeks make sure that the theatre is stocked with the best and oddest that the world has to offer. One of my greatest regrets was missing a showing of Bela Tarr's Satantango; no worry, they'll probably do another retrospective in another ten years...

PROS: Film Selection
CONS: Film Selection

Funky Door Yoga Berkeley

I don't know what exactly to say about Funky Door. Granted, the Bikram style yoga they employ is enough to drive you insane, with its' screaming instructors and hundred degree sauna. But at the same time, Ed Renfro's artwork and the general aura of utter moral certitude are enough to support your spine and legs as you endure the ninety minute gauntlet.

PROS: Cartoons, Staff, Customers
CONS: Yoga

University of California Berkeley

I don't know about you, but I'd really love to get a hold of whoever convinced me that shelling out thousands of dollars in order to be told what to do for six years was a good idea. Granted, if you are an utter automaton and are terrified of the real world, this campus' scenic lustre may be the perfect setting for your narcoticized existence. But those seeking a true path in life might realize that nothing of value offered by the university can't be found in a library, video store, or even the Internet.

PROS: Campus, City, etc.
CONS: Teachers

Acupuncture & Integrative Mdcn

Last time I checked, this school was offering a special for outsiders interested in acupuncture whereby they receive a free acupunture session...given that you have your acupuncture performed and monitored by a class of doctors in training. If you're the least bit shy about your body image, this sort of experience may not be for you, but if you feel that your chi isn't flowing correctly and you happen to be a bit of an extrovert to boot, you can't beat the pleasure of a captive audience to your holistic healing.

Becketts Of Berkeley

Beckett's is your typical Irish pub in most aspects, offering a selection of beers with a particular emphasis on Guiness. Don't expect too much comraderie from the bartenders, however, who often seem like IRA transplants gunning for a fight.

Blondie's Pizza

Blondie's, ideally situated one block from the UC Berkeley campus, has perfectly edible pizza and even better t-shirts, but anyone dining there should be aware of the reputation of the owner, whose tantrums at both Blondie's and Rasputin records are nearly legendary among the Telegraph workers. See if you can strike a deal with the cashier whereby your three dollars and change ends up in the tip jar as opposed to a rich crybaby's pockets.