Is astrology real?

Is astrology real? (I'm a Leo)
Is astrology real? (I’m a Leo)

Astrology is a real thing: there are more than 3K results in our catalog for a subject search for “astrology”. As a topic it’s gone through many phases over the centuries: This article in the Encyclopedia of Religious and Spiritual Development has a brief history: http://bit.ly/astrology2. Should we believe those daily horoscopes in the paper? Well, it may be better to look on them as fun more than accurate. But many academics, e.g., in history and psychology, address this topic and its influence both in the past and today. Here’s an article just for you: “Good day for Leos: Horoscope’s influence on perception, cognitive performances, and creativity” (http://bit.ly/astrology3).

I’m so happy to be trying to paint like an Impressionist!

I am so happy to be trying to paint like an Impressionist! It's so fun and so liberating and different from the rigorous training I had before. But I'm scared I'm not actually improving in ^technical skill. Some say it's irrelevant as long as I'm having fun, but I'm having doubts.
I am so happy to be trying to paint like an Impressionist! It’s so fun and so liberating and different from the rigorous training I had before. But I’m scared I’m not actually improving in ^technical skill. Some say it’s irrelevant as long as I’m having fun, but I’m having doubts.

How wonderful that painting in the Impressionist style is giving you so much joy! I’m not exactly a painting expert (just look at me–I’m very bland looking, aren’t I?) but I’m sure there are technical skills involved in Impressionism; just maybe different technical skills than you have used before … or technical skills you know but used in a different way. I understand one way to develop skills is to do small studies of the same image. Since they are small you can practice and compare different techniques and skills in a fairly short period of time and further develop that way. The important thing is to keep painting and learning and enjoying.

How do I know if my significant other is right for me?

How do I know if my significant other is right for me?
How do I know if my significant other is right for me?

It can be hard not to overthink this, but resist the urge. Do you want to be with them? Do they want to be with you? If so, see where it leads and don’t worry about it. Being in a relationship is ultimately about choosing to be in it, which can feel weird after the initial period of magic fades. But that’s what you’re doing. Choosing. It’s OK to stay or go whenever you like.

Why use more words

Why use more words
Why use more words

I wasn’t sure you had finished your thought, but I can certainly say this: you might as well use more words. They’re free! Although if you use too many, the cost might be that someone stops listening.

Could someone effectively use a swordfish as a weapon?

Could someone effectively use a swordfish as a weapon?
Could someone effectively use a swordfish as a weapon?

While it may be difficult to use a whole swordfish as a weapon, people have used the swordfish sword or bill effectively as a weapon. See a recent academic article about penetrating chest injuries using a swordfish sword (http://bit.ly/swordfishweapon). Also, in 2010, a couple of Australian men had a drunken fight in which one used a swordfish bill as a weapon (http://bit.ly/swordfishbillweapon).

A piece of advice regarding a famous american novel I could read? Thanks

A piece of advice regarding a famous american novel I could read? Thanks
A piece of advice regarding a famous american novel I could read? Thanks

The best piece of advice would be to read more than one! There are many lists of best American novels available online. Some favorites that seem to show up on most of the lists are “To Kill a Mockingbird” (PS3562 .E353 T6 1960), “The Great Gatsby” (PS3511 .I9 G74 1980Z), “The Grapes of Wrath” (PS3537 T3234 G8 1989), “Beloved” (available online), and “Invisible Man” (PS3555 .L625 .I5 1995). Happy reading!

How do I learn to be more confident?!

How do I learn to be more confident?!
How do I learn to be more confident?!

“Confidence” derives from the Latin fidere, to trust, so self-confidence = to trust and have faith in yourself. First make sure you take care of yourself: eat right, get enough sleep, get some exercise, comb your hair in the morning. Think about your strengths and what you have achieved in the past. Then think about how you can use your strengths to accomplish some of your goals. To get yourself going, start with smaller goals (take a yoga class; throw a small party; talk to that cute person who sits next to you in class). The more you succeed, the more self-confident you will become. If something doesn’t work out, learn from it and try a different strategy. If you’re ever at the point where it’s all too much though, Counseling Services (bit.ly/BC-counseling) can be of help. I know I have faith in you (and you should too)! <3 <3 <3