Where are gender-neutral bathrooms on campus?

Where are gender-neutral bathrooms on campus?
Where are gender-neutral bathrooms on campus?

It’s not a complete inventory, but this list for baby changing stations (bit.ly/BC-baby), does include some gender neutral (“unisex”) restrooms. Additionally, there are two in O’Neill (1st and 3rd floors), and at least one in Maloney (5th). I will have my assistants contact facilities to see if there is a master list.

and Gasson all floors, Campion all floors, 1st floor of dorms on Newton
and Gasson all floors, Campion all floors, 1st floor of dorms on Newton

Thanks for the additional information!

Are unions rackets?

Are unions rackets?
Are unions rackets?

There really aren’t any large organizations involving humans that are free from corruption. It’s also relevant in reading things about unions that there are people with money and influence (usually business owners) who would see them as evil whatever they did. Pope Francis sees them as an important safeguard for the human dignity of workers. http://bit.ly/bc-labor2. A scholarly source like this Companion to the American Labor Movement can give you some context on why unions formed: http://bit.ly/bc-labor1

Following up on Union question. If the pope loves unions bc they safeguard the human dignity of workers, why is BC fighting the grad worker union?
Following up on Union question. If the pope loves unions bc they safeguard the human dignity of workers, why is BC fighting the grad worker union?

The grad student union cites a variety of Catholic social teaching in its own support: bit.ly/bc-cst. BC’s stated position is that “graduate student unionization in any form undermines the collegial, mentoring relationship among students and faculty that is a cornerstone of this academic community” That’s a quote from a longer statement by Provost David Quigley. bc.edu/bc-web/sites/unionization

Why do British people have a more American accent when they sing?

Why do British people have a more American accent when they sing?
Why do British people have a more American accent when they sing?

Do they? I hadn’t noticed. Certainly not the case in old recordings of Cole Porter tunes. Perhaps American pop music has been dominant long enough to establish an “authentic” accent. (For a humorous adaptation of an American accent, look for “Far Away Eyes,” the Rolling Stones’ affectionate satire of country & western from their 1978 album Some Girls.

I am a lonely graduate student :'(

I am a lonely graduate student :'(
I am a lonely graduate student :'(

Grad school can be a lonely time, but there are ways to make it better. Try some events held by The Office of Graduate Student Life (bit.ly/BC-graduate-life) – Waffle Wednesdays sound very appealing! Also, you could talk to the staff at Murray House, who have creating community among grad students at BC as part of their mission.

How to get rid of rats?

How to get rid of rats?
How to get rid of rats?

The CDC has some good advice (bit.ly/RidRat): seal up any holes in your home; remove food sources like spilled foods, pet foods, bird seed; keep your garbage tightly closed; and set up traps.

Is it okay for an undergrad to date a grad student?

Is it okay for an undergrad to date a grad student?
Is it okay for an undergrad to date a grad student?

Maybe. BC’s Consensual Relationships Policy states, “the University prohibits any […] employee from engaging in a romantic or sexual relationship or in any romantic or sexual conduct with any student currently enrolled as an undergraduate at Boston College.” So if the graduate student is employed by the University in any way, the relationship would be forbidden. However, if the graduate student is not employed by the University, then there would be no prohibition on the relationship by the University.

Hello Wall

Hello Wall (Oh great wall) What is your middle name? (And are you free tonight?)
Hello Wall (Oh great wall) What is your middle name? (And are you free tonight?)

I am flattered that you called me “great.” The Great Wall is one of my heroes. My middle initial is A, but like the friend of one of my assistants, it’s just “A.” (He had an Aunt named Myrtle E. He asked once what the E was for, and she, being from the South, said, “Nothing, sugar, just E.”) I am *always* free, if you don’t mind that I am stationary.

Y am I sad?

Y am I sad?
Y am I sad?

Everyone gets sad now and then. If it doesn’t go away in a few days, try doing something you usually like (food, activity, time with friends, etc.) If that still doesn’t get you out of your funk, you may want to make an appointment with Counseling Services (don’t wait until you’re super-sad before seeing someone).

First Date ideas?

First Date ideas? [Not Wwall themed please]
First Date ideas? [Not Wall themed please]

Well, what would you like to do on a first date? Selecting a restaurant/location/event that interests you would be a great way to see if your date is a good fit. For instance, if they scoff at your suggestion to go to your favorite record store/indie bookstore/quaint cafe, do you really want to date them anyway? If you’re clear out of ideas, the North End is always full of surprises. I recommend getting a sandwich, salad, or pizza to-go at Monica’s, then having a low-key picnic at Long Wharf. If the weather’s bad, there are tons of dine-in restaurants, too! If you run out of conversation, visit I AM Books to talk about your favorite reads or the aquarium to visit some super-cute otters. Everyone’s gotta love sea otters, right?

If she classy, take her to a restaurant & pay!
If she classy, take her to a restaurant & pay!

I’m not sure what “classy” means: everyone deserves some pampering.

+ La Morra @ Brookline ($$$)
+ La Morra @ Brookline ($$$)

La Morra is an excellent idea! The head chef brings experience from cooking and living in Italy for years, as well as from working in a noted Italian eatery before branching out on his own. It might be a little tough to get to from BC without access to a car, however. If you’re thinking that dinner is your first date of choice, I suggest looking at https://boston.eater.com/ where you can search for places to go by neighborhood.

Last Date ideas?

Last Date ideas? [Wall themed please]
Last Date ideas? [Wall themed please]

I suppose if the decision was reached mutually and you both want to establish a new mode of “just friends,” I’d say do something that just friends commonly do. Sports, for instance, keep you occupied without demanding much emotional engagement. Maybe take lessons at a climbing wall? But if you’re talking about a breakup date, it’s going to suck no matter where you’ve gone, so why sweat the location, other than making sure there are enough walls to provide some privacy. There will be tears.

Abandoned BU Bridge
Abandoned BU Bridge

For a breakup? Huh. Sounds creepy. If you’re gonna break up, at least do it somewhere warm with sugary treats.

What to do if I don’t like my friends anymore?

What to do if I don't like my friends anymore?
What to do if I don’t like my friends anymore?

We grow, we change. It’s ok to move on and make new friends. I would give it some time, though, to make sure that you’re just not in a mood where everything is annoying you. And not burn bridges or ghost people. Old friends turn up later on, and that can be a beautful thing.

Is cereal soup?

Is cereal soup?
Is cereal soup?
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Is water wet?
Is water wet?

The Unpopular Diner has a soup and sandwich special today: waterlogged Life cereal and a hot dog! Epistemology is fun but maybe not the best way to make menu or life choices?

Is there any good translations of Chinese poems?

Is there any good translations of Chinese poems?
Is there any good translations of Chinese poems?

Here’s what we have at BC Libraries: bit.ly/BC-chinese-poetry. You’ll note that the call numbers are all similar: PL2250–PL3208 (on O’Neill level 4) is Chinese literature. One of my assistants recommends The New Directions Anthology of Classical Chinese Poetry, with translations by many well-known American poets (O’Neill Library PL2658.E3 N46 2003) so you can see a variety of translation styles and decide for yourself.