Answering questions at Boston College O’Neill Library
Is there a line “between” religious freedom and discrimination? It seems to this Wall that many expressions of religious freedom – such as Dr. King’s – were also expressions *against* discrimination. If you’re referring Hobby Lobby & similar legal cases, then you might be interested in these books in BC Libraries: bit.ly/BC-hobbylobby.
Well, one way is to be a Wall, and invite people to ask questions: my answers are published here daily! But I think you mean you want your books sold at bookstores or articles in magazines. Start by learning the craft of writing: take a writing workshop or journalism course here at BC, or at grubstreet.org. Write. A lot. (Get a job as a stringer at a local newspaper to get lots of practice!) Send pieces to magazines or literary journals (subscribe to writersmarket.com for listings & how-to, &/or browse the Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market at the O’Neill Reference Desk: PN3355 .F47). If you have a plan for a non-fiction book or have finished a novel, get a literary agent (O’Neill PN163 .G853) to try to land a publishing deal. Or just go your own way: self-publish via Amazon, and be ready to do a lot of self-promotion! Best of luck!
I would advise you to meet with the major advisor in your department and make your case for why you want to do this. Best of luck!
I get the impression from this article in the Boston Herald (bit.ly/herald-BoB) that the C.A.B. has justified B.o.B.’s appearance here by drawing a line between his beliefs and his art. The lyrics of “Flatline” reference the holocaust denier David Irving: “Do your research on David Irving/ Stalin was way worse than Hitler”. B.o.B. didn’t do his research with this book: Telling lies about Hitler : the Holocaust, history and the David Irving trial, by Richard Evans, O’Neill Library KD379.5.I78 E95 2002. There are also a few books by Irving in our collection, from an era before he engaged in holocaust denial. BTW, B.o.B. is a flat-earther, too, and though I like flat–I’m a wall, you know–, there aren’t many sources within my walls that support that pre-Copernican view of the cosmos.
Before you ask him out, you should know if he is straight, gay or bi. The best way to determine this is to get to know him first. This is true of any potential partner. Ask him to lunch, or study together, or go to a game. When it feels right, tell him you’re gay (or bi). If he’s into you too, he’ll let you know.
Whether you are out of someone’s league is not something you can know, and it’s really just a variation on whether you’ll get along. Go for it if you want to, it’s the only way to find out.
A wall in St. Mary’s South tells me that the Communication Department is currently in an academic review, which means they have external people who look at their strengths and challenges, a potentially helpful moment to move forward. They are not having any conversations about either moving to Lynch or having a School of Communication, both of which would be surprising major changes; the department anticipates remaining part of the MCAS in future years.
It sounds like you are pretty frustrated right now. Figuring out your sexual orientation can be a lifelong journey. Only you can determine that, and know that it may change over time. Sexuality is complex and has many forms. Also, in addition to sexual orientation there is personal attraction- you may be attracted to one or several different people, and that may help determine your sexuality or it might not. Sometimes it’s not clearly defined. I suggest you talk with your counselor about this, and staff in the Dean of Students Office who provide support to LGBTQ+ students: bit.ly/BCLGBTQ, campus ministry, or faculty: whoever you feel you can trust.
According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s due to the pigment urochrome. They have a lot of interesting info on what other pee pee colors might mean: bit.ly/PeeColors
Cubans are very proud people, and rightfully so in many ways. Many would bristle a bit at the idea of “needing help” from Americans. However, you can always write your Senator or Congress and ask them to support ending the Cuban embargo. Allowing Cubans access to the world economy would provide a lot of benefit for the country as a whole. If you’re interested in learning more about Cuba, you can read about its history (F1776 .G87 2010).
In response to a 2015 student march, a spokesman for the university stated that the endowment exists to serve academics, financial aid, and student formation, not to serve any social justice purpose. More coverage in the Heights: bit.ly/bc-fossil-fuels. This is a perennial question–I got one like this last year around Earth Day, too.
1) Tip O’Neill collected donkey statues throughout his career. You can view some in the Tip O’Neill exhibit room on floor 2. 2) The nickname “Tip” came from a Canadian baseball player named James “Tip” O’Neill. The origin story is murky. 3) He graduated from Boston College in 1936. Read more about Tip in his memoirs, Man of the House: the life and political memoirs of Speaker Tip O’Neill: E840.8.O54 A3 1987.
You are wise to be considering the cost (and responsibility) that comes with pet ownership. Having a dog is obviously very enjoyable and beneficial to some people, but if you are considering it, try coming up with an expected budget first to see whether it seems manageable. Be sure to include both day-to-day costs (food, supplies, check ups, etc.) and periodic costs (medical issues, increased rent or pet deposits, pet sitting costs, etc.). Does that amount seem manageable? If so, you can go into dog adoption with confidence. If it seems like you can’t afford it, consider other options. Can you pet sit or dog walk for friends? How about volunteering at a shelter or rescue organization? No matter the format, I hope you are able to find a rewarding (and affordable!) way to spend lots of times with dogs!
It’s hard, but sometimes you’ve got to do it. If it’s a close friend, you really should talk with them, and be honest but as gentle as you can. Sometimes (only if it is the truth), you can leave the door open for renewing the friendship when things change in your lives; it does happen, even after bad friend breakups. Though “ghosting” or just disappearing from someone’s life is currently in disfavor, you can gradually reduce your contact with less close friends and the friendship often just fades away.
Chance 2020.
How exciting! I hear Tokyo has some great walls! …But I’m going to assume you might want to move beyond just walls. The grounds of the Tokyo Imperial Palace are beautiful and a perfect place for a stroll. The Meiji Shrine is a great option if you are interested in seeing a Shinto shrine. If you are also interested in seeing a Buddhist temple, visit Zōjō-ji, which has buildings dating to the 1600’s. If you’re a sushi lover, you might want to check out the Tsukiji fish market before it is relocated in the fall of 2018. If you like unique and fascinating museums, check out the Ghibli Museum, the Sumo Museum, or the Meguro Parasitological Museum as well! Have a great trip!
You’re not the first to ask this! In fact, I answered this question in February. (http://bit.ly/strawholes) While some might think there are two holes, there are actually 2 openings for one long hole. Think about how many holes you would see if you squished that straw into a 2-dimensional disk!
This is a complicated story that involves more than one overly-large ego. Post-it note version: When Castro came to power, the US government was at the height of anti-communist fever and felt threatened. It enacted an embargo and a failed invasion to topple Castro. Castro didn’t do any favors by forcing a mix of criminals, pro-democracy political prisoners, and former wealthy elites to the US, where they settled in Florida. Florida then became a swing state necessary to winning presidential elections, which made angering the substantial anti-Castro Cuban population there politically impossible, thus making any opening with Cuba (like with Vietnam and China) a non-starter. Here are 400 items on the topic in BC Libraries: bit.ly/bclib-us-cuba.
Wars have been fought in the name of religions, political systems, economic systems, kings and queens who took offense, a beautiful woman… if you can think of a reason, it’s been used for wars. So… yes, but perhaps only to the extent that any other -ism is naturally disposed to violence. Alternative answer: how many people part with their riches without a struggle? You could also read Marx’s Communist Manifesto and come to your own conclusions: O’Neill Library HX39.5 .A5122 1998
Offense has more to do with how the topic is being discussed than the topic itself. People can disagree on a topic and not be offended. Offense happens when people stop listening and insist on only talking.
