Saturday, October 27, 2007

Schizophrenic Economics


This week was designated for a neat unconventional course in labor economics with Dr. Freeman (NBER, Harvards, LSE etc) which has proven to be also one of the best ones so far. The structure is still unclear but the topics and examples were very interesting between classical labor stuff and new behavioral/experimental/neuro economic approaches. The exam:)..remains to be assessed..next Tue.

Coming down with the flu


After some of my colleagues experienced really bad cases of influenza, I think I got it also...which makes it especially unpleasant in the bigger context of a coming-up exam on Monday or the Rome trip next Sunday. However, I am hoping for a milder and shorter recovery period (by the symptoms). Still, it's better without any..perhaps I should try other options as well:))

Hot Fuzz

Hot Fuzz is a brilliant British comedy about a London police officer that has to draw back in the country side and where he still fights crime (even more fearcefully). Excellent...I have just seen it yesterday and I felt quite pleased (which is rare in the case of comedies). Check out the trailer (link above).
Cheers.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Check out what kind of artist you are



Which Famous Artist I Am..results:

You are part Ansel Adams. Your artistic tool of choice is the camera, but you've got lots of other skills as well. Spoiled when you were young, you grew up to be a loving person and you have a deep affinity for nature and all things black and white.
You are part Vincent van Gogh. You were troubled at an early age and your art showed it. You're still in a growing stage and much of your brilliance and bottled up expression has yet to be revealed. Keep at it and you have the potential to become one of the greats.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Finally...we did it

Romania manages finally not to screw up a qualifying campaign to a major soccer tournament (that being either the World Cup or the European Championship). After two such events missed by the national team, today they managed to secure (almost) a seat for the Euro2008 in Austria and Swizerland by beating Netherlands in Constanta (1-0, goal by Goian). An awful weather, a though fought game and a lucky win taking into account the Dutch chances. But, again, who cares?? They are the pragmatic ones usually (score the winner with Albania in min 90+3) so it is a good change to see the roles inverted sometimes. Nice game & congrats! Maybe we can do it like Greece:)))(pics from prosport.ro)

Friday, October 12, 2007

Last But Not Least - Nobel Prize in Economics - Place your bets!

Although was not originally encompassed in the original vision of Mr. Nobel, Economics gets the last of the Nobel prizes, making someone rich and famous already an super-star sort of speak, usually a perfect way to retirement, speeches and generally mutual recognition. But , again, let's not be awfully mean, money and success are also a good proxy for excellence (hopefully, in most cases)and these Norwegians are pretty damn good in covering any "risks" (incidentally economists go often in "pairs"). Personally, I would like to see an excentric person like Sala-i-Martin wining but that is very unlikely, also considering his latest evolution publication wise. Then, perhaps Barro, Romer or Krugman. But again, nobody can successfully predict. We'll just have to wait and see.

** Friday the 12th **

Pavarotti died today at 5 am at the age of 71, fighting a pancreatic cancer since 2004. A great lost for humanity..


Al Gore (and the panel of scientists analyzing climate change jointly) won the Nobel Price for Peace. The question now remains if he will candidate again or not..

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Experimental stuff from Ninja Tune to Warp Records


I just came across (not incidentally though) across the l'integrale of releases of Antipop Consortium...experimental hip hop suggested by Freddy, which again is not a fan of the style excepting a few songs. So far, pretty interesting. Arab singing on beats sounds different indeed..For more either visit their warp site or follow wikipedia's links.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Need 4 a BrEAk


Indeed I feel more often that I really need a break. After only(?) 8 weeks of ASP, I am very tired and in need of time for my own stuff, aka my proposed paper..
Just ten more (slow) days to go...:)

Sunday, October 07, 2007

Season Two: New Heroes, new begginings

Current Study Schedule


Between EU Monetarism and Political Economy
Last week we had the exam for the European Monetary Policy course (Charles Wyplosz, Geneve) while the next one another interesting topic is starting (Political economy) with James Robison (Harvard). No time to waste (or relax for that matter):).

3 and 1/2 Days In Berlin - part 1-

After a couple of hardworking weeks and neverending one week courses an exquisite opportunity for a break came along. which was perfect for a medium getaway in the biggest GErman city, the lively Berlin.
It was a good experience, although not a cheap or surprising one. Berlin has proven to be just as I imagined. Still, I enjoyed a lot the time spent there. There are a lot of things to do & see and that 's part of every big city charm (compared to Kiel). Still much broken into the Western and Eastern part and quite rustic in many ways (subway stations are the best example) is quite interesting even for people not so fascinated by Eastern European architecture, facts and behaviors.

Ombladon's latest


The latest (Ombladon) release of the half of Parazitii stays on the same track of heavy beats and lyrics that are a custom for its two components. STill, not as good as the previous one, Prostu din curtea scolii, keeps the flag up & going..
*** funny only if you understand romanian slang:))***