Answering questions at Boston College O’Neill Library
It’s possible to have too much milk from both the supply and consumption angles. For the former, I found this recent open access review article on PubMed: bit.ly/MilkOversupply; and while this systematic review of “Daily milk consumption and all-cause mortality” (bit.ly/MilkRisk) found no clear evidence of increased risk, there are certainly individuals for whom excess consumption of milk is a hazard.
That can be difficult. When I feel myself getting impatient or angry or frustrated, I try to stop, step back, and breathe (as much as a Wall is able to do those things). Sometimes I need to focus on something else–something nice, like the trees outside the doorway, or something I am grateful for, like all the people who pass by and ask me questions. And sometimes I don’t succeed and am impatient with someone. (Not even the Wall is perfect.)
My friends say the more they can stay stress free and relaxed the less likely they are to become impatient. They recommend regular breathing–usually attached to some meditation or yoga. And staying healthy by eating and sleeping well and getting some exercise (maybe a nice walk around the reservoir). Listening to music–classical or whatever works best for you–can help in situations where you need to wait. Good luck; I think just by asking you are already on the way to being more mindful of yourself and your reactions.
Unfortunately, it is all too common to see a loved one make a romantic choice that you may not agree with. There isn’t a lot you can do in this situation, but my advise is that you continue to be there for your friend. This does not mean you have to lie about how you feel about the guy your friend is dating or spend time with him, but just be there for your friend. Talk about other things and try to spend time together away from the guy they are dating. And, if you think that the guy is toxic in a dangerous way, know that there are support structures available for you on campus, including Counseling Services (bit.ly/BC-counseling).
I’m not sure if you mean the weather or your health, but in either case you have my sympathy. This year has been a very bad one for respiratory infections, and March has been a doozy when it comes to wintry misery. IAAWNAD, so here is the wisdom from the CDC on how to deal with colds (and when to see a doctor): bit.ly/cdccolds. Looking at he NWS long range forecast (bit.ly/NWSBOSWarm) there is a 44%chance that Apr-Jun will be above normal temps, and only a 24% chance they will be below normal – so take heart!
I have reached out to our friends at BC Facilities to get an answer. I’ll let you know as soon as I have one.
The TML is old enough that it is not legally required to meet modern accessibility standards. However, because of your question, BC is going to look at the doors to see if they can be improved.
I sincerely hope studying and researching in O’Neill at night is less harrowing than the mad world of animatronics at Freddie Fazbear’s Pizza! Though I have to admit, humans have told me that the automated lights in the stacks going on and off can be a little creepy at night, and once the library empties out after 2am, the lively sounds of a building are more audible. But don’t worry, that’s just me and my friends keeping the building dry and cozy for you and the books. If you find the feeling of being in a harrowing video game IRL doesn’t dissipate, you might want to talk to someone about it. The folks at the counseling office are there for exactly this kind of conversation: bit.ly/BC-counseling
Sometimes the best thing you can do for a friend is just to be there for them. Let them know that you are there to talk, help, offer support, etc. And, try to do so in a supportive and non-judgmental way. However, if you think that their problem is a more serious one with which they need professional help, do know that there are services on campus that are available to both of you. You may want to talk to Counseling Services (bit.ly/BC-counseling) yourself or you may want to encourage your friend to do so.
Wow, we just acquired newly-published book on this (but I feel like I’ve seen it before….!) The cognitive neuropsychology of déjà vu, QP360.5 .M68 2018. It has a chapter on “Theories of déjà vu formation” which will probably answer your questions.
![can you please find whoever bought the ultra fine toilet paper for campus and ask them to stop being so cheap? its inhumane, i'm cutting my hands trying to get TP out of the holder because it rips when you pull it. [Reply 1]: I second this. The paper is so thin that I need to get a lot of it and fold everytime. And also it rips easily. [Reply 2]: Yes!!!](http://library.bc.edu/answerwall/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/aw022618-10.jpg)
Facilities Management says they have received a few other complaints as well, and are meeting with the vendor to look at better options.
Yes. The concept that one needs a perfect body (whatever that is) to wear a swimsuit baffles me, but then again, I don’t fret the clothing issue much. Wear what pleases you! How do you like mine?
Luckily, both Spring Break and the Easter long weekend are coming up soon. Can you schedule a trip home during one of those breaks? In the meantime, try calling, FaceTiming, Skyping, or emailing your friends and family back home or putting up pictures from home to help bring a piece of home to the BC campus. Homesickness is a natural part of many people’s college experience, so whatever you decide to do, know that many people are struggling with this same feeling. If the struggle is getting you down and none of these suggestions help, you might want to talk to Counseling Services (bit.ly/BC-counseling) as well.
It’s not unusual that the idea of death should cross our minds on occasion. There is much to alarm us in the news (deaths from flu; school shootings, etc.) Or perhaps someone we love or know is ill or has recently passed. Or perhaps we’re just in an existential frame of mind. The Libraries has a range of material that might be useful in grappling with this issue, including “Nothing to be frightened of,” a memoir by Julian Barnes (O’Neill PR6052 A6657 Z46 2008); or perhaps “Treating health anxiety and fear of death: A practitioner’s guide,” which is more of a toolset for clinicians and counselors (Social Work Library RC531 F87 2007); or “Be Not Afraid: Overcoming the Fear of Death (Theology & Ministry Library BT825 A69 2002), a compilation of stories of people who did just that. If you find that your fear is persistent and/or interfering with your daily life, please contact Counseling Services at bit.ly/BC-counseling for help.
If you’re wondering why people don’t care about their appearance, IDK. Probably many reasons, one of which might be that they’re concerned about more important things than how they look to other people; however, sometimes those “more important” things are depression & anxiety. If you’re concerned about someone in particular, if the opportunity presents itself, ask them how they’re doing. Sometimes, just an expression of concern can really brighten someone’s day. (I hope I’ve understood your question correctly!)
Starting with Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, Western psychologists have had a lot to say about dreams. (The Interpretation of Dreams, by Freud: O’Neill BF1078 .F748 1999, Dreams by Carl Jung: online at bit.ly/jstor-jung-dreams). Of course, humans have been interpreting dreams for millennia. For a very different perspective, you might also be interested in Ancestral power: the Dreaming, consciousness and aboriginal Australians, by Lynne Hume (O’Neill BL2610 .H86 2002) Neurologists generally take a more functional view: the brain reshuffles neural connections from the recent past to cement memories. The brain also uses certain sleep cycles to rinse toxins out of the brain (bit.ly/science-brainwash) that otherwise might lead to conditions like Huntington’s Disease or Alzheimer’s. IOW your dreams are for brainwashing.
Thank you! 新年快乐！Happy Lunar New Year to you, too! Wishing all good health and happiness in the Year of the Dog!
Thanks! Happy Lunar New Year to you, too! Please enjoy our collection of Year of the Dog photos.
Thanks! Happy Lunar New Year to you, too! I hope you enjoy the photos of BC Libraries staff canine friends.
Chinese New Year officially begins in two days on Feb 16th. But I’ll celebrate with you now anyway- Happy Early Chinese New Year!!
Either one would be a terrible idea! I’m not going to issue a comparative statement on them, but here are links to safety data sheets on ether (bit.ly/etherSDS) and acetone (bit.ly/acetoneSDS), which can let you form your own conclusion. Let’s all wear appropriate lab protection and keep the chemicals in the beakers, flasks and pipettes, OK?
Plenty of options! Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Coming to our senses : healing ourselves and the world through mindfulness (BL627 .K33 2004, 5th Floor, shelf 58), as well as many other books right near by in the BL627s. Also, Chris Germer’s Mindful Path to Self-Compassion, which is available online (bit.ly/GermerMindful).
