Why are there so few free parking spots on campus?

Why are there so few free parking spots on campus?
Why are there so few free parking spots on campus?

I’m so grateful I never have to leave campus and come back and find a spot. This summer, the parking situation is tighter than usual because of construction issues. One of my helpers tells me it is easy to find parking before 8 AM, if you can make that work into your schedule.

4 deaths in 4 months… wrong?

4 deaths in 4 months... wrong? [drawings of hearts & stars obscure text]
4 deaths in 4 months… wrong? [drawings of hearts & stars obscure text]

It’s sad and disheartening. All the walls at BC will miss them. I like the drawings of hearts and stars, though. Thanks for those, whoever added them. If I had arms I’d offer you a hug. Please know that the walls of the library and all the other campus buildings are here to support you, and there are many humans, too, who can do the same: friends, family, BC’s professors and staff. We all want the same thing: that everyone here will thrive. Counseling (bit.ly/BC-counseling) and pastoral counseling (bit.ly/bc-pastoral-counseling) are always available.

Can BC Libraries please acquire “Flights” by Olga Tokarczuk?

Can BC Libraries please acquire "Flights" by Olga Tokarczuk? She's probably one of the most important contemp Polish authors and this book won the Man Booker prize...
Can BC Libraries please acquire “Flights” by Olga Tokarczuk? She’s probably one of the most important contemp Polish authors and this book won the Man Booker prize…

Thanks very much for the suggestion. Sounds like something we should acquire! I have forwarded it to our librarian for Slavic and Eastern Languages and Literatures, Nina Bogdanovsky, who immediately ordered it.

Can you help me get a date with a girl on uprising?

Can you help me get a date with a girl on uprising? (redacted name?)
Can you help me get a date with a girl on uprising? (redacted name?)

Can I help in a direct way, like intervene on your behalf, perhaps write eloquent love poems for you? No. My advice is the same for starting any relationship. Start small: coffee, locally. Be friendly, be direct & honest, respect boundaries, and be yourself. If it works, it works, if it doesn’t, move on. (BTW, I’ve got a policy of no names, which is why it’s crossed out.)

I want to donate money to some institutions to help their goals. Which ones do you recommend?

I want to donate money to some institutions to help their goals. Which ones do you recommend?
I want to donate money to some institutions to help their goals. Which ones do you recommend?

It’s wonderful to hear that you want to share with others! What are some of your passions or concerns? The Libraries subscribe to a resource called GuideStar (BC access only: bit.ly/bc-guidestar) where you can find key information about thousands of non profit organizations. Included in the database are important details such as key organizational players and financial data. Have fun exploring!

Is North Dakota an actual state?

Is North Dakota an actual state?
Is North Dakota an actual state?

Yes, North Dakota is an actual state. A conflict between the U.S. and ND constitutions had many believing that ND was not a state. However, the issue was resolved during the 2012 election. In 1989 Rand McNally left both Dakotas and Oklahoma out of a road atlas to save space, but I don’t think that’s directly related. bit.ly/bc-rand

When will the democrats get it together for the presidential race.

When will the democrats get it together for the presidential race. Its like watching Game of Thrones but in real life.
When will the democrats get it together for the presidential race. Its like watching Game of Thrones but in real life.

As my distant cousin the Magic 8-Ball often says, “Cannot predict now.” There are certainly many contestants. If by “get it together,” you mean have a single consistent message, the late great Will Rogers said it best: “I am not a member of any organized political party. I am a Democrat.”

How many people answer these questions?

How many people answer these questions?

Many. My helpers had a meeting recently and it filled a conference room. They also reach out to experts in the library and on campus for lots of questions, and I have other helpers who do the printing and such. No Wall is an island, but I absolutely couldn’t do what I do without lots of help.

Will I become the future secretary general of the United Nations?

Will I become the future secretary general of the United Nations?

My cousin the magic 8-ball is better at predictions. I’m good at support. My recommendation would be to take a look at the biographies of past secretaries general (bit.ly/un-secretaries) to understand some pathways to that position (e.g., diplomatic service, university professor, foreign affairs ministry, UN Committees, UN employment), and get to work. I fully support you in this endeavor, and look forward to having a friend in high places!

I’m going to graduate but still can’t find a job. What should I do T^T it seems like many firms don’t prefer international students……

I'm going to graduate but still can't find a job. What should I do T^T it seems like many firms don't prefer international students......
I’m going to graduate but still can’t find a job. What should I do T^T it seems like many firms don’t prefer international students……

I’m sorry you’re having a hard time finding work. I strongly recommend setting up a consultation the BC Career Center. Here is there information specifically directed at international students seeking work in the US: bit.ly/BCCareerIS. And congratulations on your graduation!

My question was left unanswered and discarded… WHO is the best character on MadMen???

My question was left unanswered and discarded... WHO is the best character on MadMen???
My question was left unanswered and discarded… WHO is the best character on MadMen???

I’m sorry it was removed before you got a chance to see the answer! You can always see an answer on my blog: library.bc.edu/answerwall. But here’s the answer again, for your convenience: Joan Harris’s rise from secretarial pool to starting her own production company, and the struggle that kind of rise took for a woman in the 60’s, makes for a really compelling storyline. Don Draper is interesting, of course, but also… who really relates to someone who literally invented an entire past? Everyone carries around secrets and lies, but to that degree? He was always too far from upstanding for this wall to relate to.

Why do people double park in the Comm Ave parking lot.

Why do people double park in the Comm Ave parking lot. Also why do they drive opposite of the one way. Almost had so many collisions.
Why do people double park in the Comm Ave parking lot. Also why do they drive opposite of the one way. Almost had so many collisions.

I can’t see double parking in that garage as being anything other than a selfish and discourteous act (except in extreme emergencies, perhaps, and by that I don’t mean running late for an exam.) But the wrong way driving, which my helpers have seen from time to time, is clearly due to people getting confused or being unfamiliar with the roads on campus. Still scary, though.

Why does that banner in the lobby say “help to keep ‘Bill’s’ products safe”?

Why does that banner in the lobby say "help to keep 'Bill's' products safe"?
Why does that banner in the lobby say “help to keep ‘Bill’s’ products safe”?

The literal meaning is products from Microsoft, the company Bill Gates founded. Why it’s phrased that way on the banner is anybody’s guess. Light humor? Good security practices are really about keeping yourself – your identity and access to your private information – safe. Bill’s products will be just fine.

How do I graduate early?

How do I graduate early?
How do I graduate early?

According to the University Catalog, there are 2 ways to graduate in <4 years; Advanced Standing through AP exams, and Acceleration by taking summer courses at BC and more than 15 credits per semester. More info is here (see “Graduation”): bit.ly/BCAcadPols, but in any case, talking to your Academic Advisor is the first step.