Best character on Mad Men?

Best character on Mad Men?
Best character on Mad Men?

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.

Trump Train or Win with Warren? or …. Communism?

Trump Train or Win with Warren? or .... Communism?
Trump Train or Win with Warren? or …. Communism?

If you’re asking about my own leanings, I’m a Wall, so it’s not in my nature to lean. If you’re asking about the outcomes, just remember that the remarkable thing about a democracy is that everyone who takes part helps write the outcomes. All of these (and many more) are possibilities. I guess you could call me a possibilitarian. I have to just stand here, so please, all of you, be active on my behalf!

Why do farts give me pink eye?

Why do farts give me pink eye?
Why do farts give me pink eye?

A search on PubMed bit.ly/BCPubMed (the major database of the biomedical sciences) for the subject terms “conjunctivitis” and “flatulence” brings up no results. Equally the National Library of Medicine’s medical information for laymen, MedlinePlus, has no notes about farts in the entry on pinkeye bit.ly/PinkEyeMedlinePlus, but it does say causes include “substances that cause irritation.” I can only assume your farting is quite irritating…

Any tips for coming out to my parents?

Any tips for coming out to my parents?
Any tips for coming out to my parents?

That can be really tough. This guide from the Human Right’s Council may help you: bit.ly/OutHRCGuide. BC also has some resources for you: bit.ly/LBGTQBC. I sincerely hope your declaration is met with acceptance and love.

How do I stop suppressing my feelings/emotional needs in a romantic relationship? :(

How do I stop suppressing my feelings/emotional needs in a romantic relationship? :(
How do I stop suppressing my feelings/emotional needs in a romantic relationship? 🙁

Ask yourself the question, “What conditions would need to be met for me to be open about my feelings & needs?” If you don’t think those conditions can be met, then either a) you need to work on trust and courage or b) your partner is creating conditions hostile to trust. Or both. Brene Brown has some really great wisdom on courage & vulnerability: bit.ly/BC-brene-brown. Unfortunately, she’s so popular that all the books at BC Libraries are currently checked out. She’s also got some TedTalks and a recent Netflix special worth watching.

What college should we go to?

What college should we go to?
What college should we go to?

There are probably many colleges where you will be happy and will be able to study the subjects that interest you. Your high school guidance office should be able to give you advice and perhaps some tools for decision-making. The College Board (the folks that bring us the SAT) also have a tool you could try: bit.ly/WhatCollege4Me. I’d be thrilled if you joined me here, but only if you determine BC would be the right choice for you!

What dream should I have?

What dream should I have?
What dream should I have?

You should have one of the dreams that’s sprouting within you, that perhaps you haven’t yet noticed. But not everyone lives their dreams, and perhaps we aren’t all meant to: some people live their comfort or their pastimes, and that’s fine. Others – unfortunately most in the world – don’t really get a chance to consider their dreams; with luck, they may get to create opportunities for others, such as their children, to dream. That you’re wondering suggests you’ve got an opportunity: may you do with it something that brings you and others joy, peace, and security, or even justice.

Library should be open 24/5 over the summer still! Please?

Library should be open 24/5 over the summer still! Please?
Library should be open 24/5 over the summer still! Please?

My library associates tend to make decisions about when to be open based on when there are people here. If the main floor looked like it does during exam week at all hours during the summer we’d be open all the time. But it doesn’t. We’re glad you’re here, though.

Is water wet?

Is water wet?
Is water wet?

Yes. Probably. Apparently if you have less than 6 molecules of water, it doesn’t behave like water. At 6 or more. the volume of water begins to take on a 3D structure and exhibit the properties that we think of when we think of water and wetness (see bit.ly/WaterDipole). Whether water can be wet is more of a definitional argument that has no answer. If you believe this dictionary definition of Wetness (http://bit.ly/WetnessDef), then water does in fact consist of liquid and is therefore wet. If you don’t believe it, then that’s fine, you just have to justify your answer. This is a case of language breaking down when it comes to actually describing our world and sensations.

How do I stop observing/hanging around (not stalking… I’d say) someone?

How do I stop observing/hanging around (not stalking... I'd say) someone? Any idea besides talking to a therapist? What if that person is a therapist? or do I have to stop? I think the prevalance rate of situation isn't low ~
How do I stop observing/hanging around (not stalking… I’d say) someone? Any idea besides talking to a therapist? What if that person is a therapist? or do I have to stop? I think the prevalance rate of situation isn’t low ~

Determination of stalking is not for the beholder but for the beheld. However, regardless of whether you or the other would consider your behavior “stalking”, you expressed that you want to stop. If you are having trouble doing that, talking to a therapist is the best option. And don’t worry if the stalkee is a therapist; those people should have procedures to handle stalkers and can refer you to another therapist if necessary.

However I can say that Fr. leahy sj is a guy that no cares about BC

However I can say that Fr. leahy sj is a guy that no cares about BC, nor he does care about helping others ? [redacted text]
However I can say that Fr. leahy sj is a guy that no cares about BC, nor he does care about helping others ? [redacted text]

I understand why you might feel this way, but remember that people show care and affection in different ways. While Fr. Leahy may not display his care for BC and others in the way you want, his years of service and his work to grow BC in terms of reputation, endowment and improved infrastructure are evidence that he does care. Also, regarding the blacked out text, please see my policy (above) regarding posts: “Derogatory or potentially hurtful language … will be removed.”