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What is the best book you’ve read/ would recommend in O’Neill library?

What is the best book you've read/ would recommend in O'Neill library?
What is the best book you’ve read/ would recommend in O’Neill library?

How could I possibly pick just one? Hadrian’s Wall: A Life (O’Neill Library DA146 .H56 2012), by Richard Hingley was one of my recent favorites. A classic, of course, is Peter Wyden’s Wall: The Inside Story of a Divided Berlin (O’Neill Library DD881 .W93 1989). The Great Wall: China Against the World, 1000 BC – AD 2000 (O’Neill Library DS 793 .G67 L584 2006) by Julia Lovell covers an epic span of history. But I’m not a complete monomaniac! I also like art. The artist Andy Goldsworthy is well known for his works in stone and wood, and I’m especially fond of his art book Wall at Storm King (Bapst Library NB198 .G64 2000).

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Why are finals the absolute, freaking WORST?!?!

Why are finals the absolute, freaking WORST?!?!
Why are finals the absolute, freaking WORST?!?!

Students often feel more pressure during finals; after all, this is the last chance to shine and everyone wants to do well. It can become a downward spiral though: staying up all night, not eating well, focusing on failing, being distracted. This online article from Time (ti.me/2I4UL0U) has some simple and good tips for surviving finals week. (A visit with the therapy dogs can be beneficial too.) So while they may be the WORST, the Wall has faith that you will do your best and you will survive finals. And remember, I and my assistants are here to support you!

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What is the worst mental breakdown you’ve ever seen in O’Neill?

What is the worst mental breakdown you've ever seen in O'Neill?
What is the worst mental breakdown you’ve ever seen in O’Neill?

Hanging out here in O’Neill day in, day out, midterms and exam weeks, I’ve seen some serious distress, for sure. There’s no denying college stress can get to you. There are lots of ways we can help to alleviate some of that, with everything from therapy dogs to referrals to the Connors Family Learning Center for academic coaching, or the Counseling Center for guidance. I hope people know they can ask for help, and maybe avoid a breakdown.

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In Being and Time what does Heiddeger mean when he says Dasein is “being-in-the-world” ? Approx 2 pages for a response please

In Being and Time what does Heiddeger mean when he says Dasein is "being-in-the-world" ? Approx 2 pages for a response please
In Being and Time what does Heiddeger mean when he says Dasein is “being-in-the-world” ? Approx 2 pages for a response please

The Wall salutes your entrepreneurial spirit, but doesn’t have that kind of space. For a technical answer, you might try the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: bit.ly/bc-dasein1. You could also look at something like the Cambridge Companion to Heidegger: bit.ly/2ry9wPo. Both will have lots of suggestions for further reading. Ask the humans at the reference desk if these don’t do what you need.

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Why are there cops in O’Neill?

Why are there cops in O'Neill?
Why are there cops in O’Neill?

There has been a recent increase in thefts of personal items in O’Neill Library. Please keep your belongings with you – especially easy-to-grab valuable items like laptops, smartphones, purses & wallets, and costly jackets – even if you’re just getting up for a minute. It makes me sad when someone’s belongings are stolen; I wish I could do more than watch silently. BC Police have increased their presence here to in order to protect your valuables.

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Is putting ketchup on eggs gross/disgusting?

Is putting ketchup on eggs gross/disgusting?
Is putting ketchup on eggs gross/disgusting?

As a wall, unfortunately I don’t have opportunities to try out different food combinations, so I can’t tell you my personal opinion on ketchup on eggs. However, I do find that food tastes vary widely between people and are really just a matter of personal preference. What might seem gross to some is a wonderful treat for others. I recommend being open minded when it comes to trying different foods and, if you find that you don’t like something, don’t judge others for making a different decision for themselves. In fact, being open minded and slow to judge others is pretty good advice outside of food preferences too!

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I don’t know why I constantly worry about having cancer – Ugh sometimes I’m pretty sure “no you don’t” sometimes I’m like “should I go check” or “is this JUST my worry”. This may sounds ridiculous but the worry is SO REAL

I don't know why I constantly worry about having cancer - Ugh sometimes I'm pretty sure "no you don't" sometimes I'm like "should I go check" or "is this JUST my worry". This may sounds ridiculous but the worry is SO REAL </3 PLEASE ADVISE!
I don’t know why I constantly worry about having cancer – Ugh sometimes I’m pretty sure “no you don’t” sometimes I’m like “should I go check” or “is this JUST my worry”. This may sounds ridiculous but the worry is SO REAL </3
PLEASE ADVISE!

This is an excellent topic to discuss with medical professionals. Openly discuss your fears with your primary care doctor, particularly if you have specific symptoms that you are concerned about or if these thoughts were prompted by a family history of cancer. And, if anxiety about this topic is recurring frequently and/or interfering with other aspects of your life, consider visiting counseling services: bit.ly/BC-counseling. They will be able to help you to come up with strategies for dealing with this recurring worry.

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Do we pay to have therapy dogs come or do they volunteer their time in exchange for pets alone?

Do we pay to have therapy dogs come or do they volunteer their time in exchange for pets alone?
Do we pay to have therapy dogs come or do they volunteer their time in exchange for pets alone?

BC Libraries does not pay to have the therapy dogs here at the library, although we do provide their owners with a parking pass. The dogs and their owners all volunteer their time, either through Therapy Dogs International or through Dog B.O.N.E.S. They are the best, aren’t they?!

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Now I see why people drop out of college

NOW I SE WHY PEOPLE DROP OUT OF COLLEGE
Now I see why people drop out of college

Did you write this because you are feeling stressed about end-of-semester assignments and exams? This time can feel very overwhelming, but there are many people available to help you through this (instructors, friends, advisors, and Univ. Counseling) Just remember that while a few people drop out of BC, the vast majority do eventually finish their programs, and I suspect that vast majority felt stressed and overwhelmed at times too.

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Paineori neomu sireoyo. eotteokajyo? (I really hate final exams. What do I do?)

Korean: Paineori neomu sireoyo. eotteokajyo? [I really hate final exams. What do I do?]
Korean: Paineori neomu sireoyo. eotteokajyo? [I really hate final exams. What do I do?]

You’re not alone; being evaluated causes anxiety for most people. Here are a few things to remember or do that might make the process a little less anxiety-producing: 1. *You* aren’t being evaluated as a good or bad person; what’s being evaluated is just your skill, memory, and understanding regarding a few processes &/or concepts. 2. You’ve been preparing for a whole semester, and professors really try to make sure exams test what’s been taught. As much as it might seem like they’re trying to catch or trick you, they’re not. 3. Think of it like the olympics: what good is all that practice if you don’t get to perform? 4. Visualize success. 5. Study in short bursts with lots of breaks & plenty of rewards. 6. Study with other people & do what you can to make it fun. 7. Remember, no matter how your exams go, they’ll be over soon. If the anxiety is overwhelming, contact counseling services: bit.ly/BC-counseling. I know you can do this! Best of luck!

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How can I ask a cute guy in one of my classes if he’s into fisting without coming across as too forward?

How can I ask a cute guy in one of my classes if he's into fisting without coming across as too forward?
How can I ask a cute guy in one of my classes if he’s into fisting without coming across as too forward?

I don’t think there is a reserved way to ask a stranger if they’re into fisting. You could (and probably should) get to know him VERY well before you ask him. Alternatively, you could start with a conversation about more typical sexual interests and then see where his limits are. Whatever approach you take, please respect any indication that he is uncomfortable with the conversation and stop before you cross a line.

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Women don’t have balls. Where do they store their pee?

Women don't have balls. Where do they store their pee?
Women don’t have balls. Where do they store their pee?

It’s not entirely clear to this Wall why or how this particular misconstrued notion of anatomy became a popular meme, but perhaps this is where Walls–especially Library Walls–differ from humans. If you’d genuinely like to know more about human anatomy, the classic, of course is Gray’s Anatomy of the Human Body, O’Neill Library QM23.2 .G73 1985.

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What advice would you give to a freshman who feels out of place in their social circle?

What advice would you give to a freshman who feels out of place in their social circle?
What advice would you give to a freshman who feels out of place in their social circle?

At BC it seems that people branch out every year & meet new people to add to their social circle, even in senior year! So, don’t feel like it’s too late. One of the best ways to meet new people is to join clubs. Next year go to the Club Fair. Stop by a lot of tables & start going to events. Get involved in Campus Ministry and if you have a faith tradition start attending campus services. You’ll be meeting other people with similar interests and friendships will follow. : )