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Most Recent 15 Questions Answered

Question 1:

How to satisfy others?

Answer :

Dear Questioner: QB was delighted to receive your question and immediately began searching the Undergraduate Library’s reference collection, fervently pouring over the tomes, seeking the wisdom of ancient philosophers to answer your most pressing question. While immersed in such fascinating research, it was delicately suggested to QB by a dear acquaintance that your question might in fact be of a more licentious nature. QB was distraught to think that she might have misinterpreted your question. After long reflection, QB resolved that no indeed, she had not misinterpreted your question. After all, QB knows that undergraduate students regularly submit their burning philosophical questions to QB, looking to her to resolve all of their existentialist woes. And besides, QB is far too much of a lady to ever address such an earthy issue in so public a forum; her reputation would never survive the scandal. Thus, let us move on to the answer of your most intriguing question. The word “satisfy” comes to us from the Latin, statisfacere, which is composed of two words, statis, enough, and facere, to do. According to the OED, in the modern day we use “satisfy” in two ways. The first is in “reference to debt or obligation” such as to satisfy your bill. The second is in “reference to feelings or needs” to “meet or fulfill the wish or desire of.” To satisfy others then can occur in one of two ways, depending on what the need is. To satisfy your landlord, you pay your monthly rent. To satisfy your mother, you dutifully call her each Sunday and inquire after her health.

Sources :

“Satisfy.” The Oxford English Dictionary. Online. Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Ed. D. Borchert. Detroit : Macmillan Reference USA, 2006.

Call Number :

Q. 103 En1922006

Location :

Undergraduate Library

Date Answered :

7/22/2008

Question 2:

Why do adults have affairs?

Answer :

Dear Questioner: The reasons why an individual engages in an affair are varied and complex. Often there is no single reason for why someone has an affair, but instead the affair is a result of numerous problems in the relationship. The answer to your question in part depends on what school of psychology you follow. QB researched a variety of journal articles, and decided to approach this difficult question from the Freudian point of view. Psychologists seem to be in general agreement that if an individual who is a committed relationship becomes involved in an affair, it is pretty clear that there are some serious troubles in the relationship. “People cheat to fulfill something lacking in their relationship, when people are content in their relationships they are less likely to look outside the relationship” (Orzack Lung 275). However, problems in a relationship are not always evident to both parties. It is not uncommon for the husband/wife to be unhappy in the relationship and for his/her partner to be unaware of that unhappiness. The discovery of an affair is an extremely painful event because it represents not only a transgression of trust, but also the presence significant problems in the relationship. In his article “Understanding and Treating Marital Infidelity” Dennis Bagarozzi discusses seven different types of affairs, ranging from one-nights stands (“brief encounters”) to long-term affairs. Bagarozzi discusses evaluating the reason for an affair on four factors: (a) sexual justifications, such as excitement and sexual satisfaction, (b) extrinsic motivations, such as career advancement, (c) emotional gratification, and (d) love and romantic motives and involvements. (Bagarozzi 9). Thus, an individual can become involved in an affair for many different reasons. However, as psychologist Don-David Lusterman explains, an individual who becomes involved in an affair often does not recognize the impact the discovery of the affair will have on his/her marriage or on his/her children (Lusterman 1440). Regardless of age, the discovery of a parent’s infidelity is extremely difficult for a child. The key elements for understanding and beginning to recover from an affair is first to identify what kind of affair it was, and second to identify what motivated the person to engage in the affair. However, this is much easier said than done. So QB has put together a brief list of suggested readings for you for further insight on understanding and recovering from an affair. Good luck to you. -QB Title: Not “just friends” : rebuilding trust and recovering your sanity after infidelity. Author: Shirley P. Glass Call Number: 306.7 G463n 2003 Location: Residence Halls Gregory Drive Self-Help Title: Affairs : a guide to working through the repercussions of infidelity Author: Emily M. Brown Call Number: 306.736 B812 Location: Undergraduate Library Title: Anatomy of love : the natural history of monogamy, adultery, and divorce Author: Helen E. Fisher Call Number: 306.7 F533A Location: Undergraduate Library

Sources :

Lusterman, Don-David. “Helping Children and Adults Cope with Parental Infidelity. Journal of Clinical Psychology/In Session. 61.11 (2005): 1439–1451. Bagarozzi, Dennis A. “Understanding and Treating Marital Infidelity: A Multidimensional Model.” The American Journal of Family Therapy, 36.3 (2008): 1-17.

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Date Answered :

7/12/2008

Question 3:

My Mom and Dad went to the University of Illinois. I’m 10 years old and I want to come here for college. What can I do?

Answer :

Dear Precocious Learner, QB applauds your foresight and determination. You have certainly picked an excellent university. Founded in 1867, the university has a long and prestigious history. It is a top-notch school and is ranked as one of the top ten best public universities of the country by U.S. News and World Report. With over 150 possible majors, and over a thousand registered student organizations, the university has something for every student. In addition, the university has a vibrant campus life, with many cultural opportunities at the Krannert Center and Spurlock museum, and with combined total of 22 men’s and women’s NCAA teams there are lots of opportunities to view sporting events. However, in QB’s opinion, the best part of the University of Illinois is the libraries. With 37 libraries on campus, over 10 million volumes, and with some of the friendliest most helpful librarians you will find anywhere, the libraries are the true treasure of the university. A good place to learn about the application process is at the U of I Admissions website, www.oar.uiuc.edu.html. This site has a lot of great information for you and your parents about the application process, academic opportunities at the university as well as cost of attendance. Under the “Early Planning” tab, there are Yearly Action Plans, which suggest different ways to prepare yourself for the college application process starting with your freshman year and continuing through your senior year of high school. QB suggests checking out to the blogs on the admissions page. The blogs are written by students in a variety of disciplines as well as admission counselors, and they provide a wealth of information about campus life and the application process. The admissions website states that “We place special emphasis upon your class rank, test scores, courses taken in high school, and application essays; but we also pay attention to non-academic aspects of your life, such as extracurricular activities, work and volunteer experience, and honors and awards received. We try to look at the complete picture of who you are and how you will contribute to the talented, bright and diverse student body at Illinois.” Taking challenging classes, getting good grades and doing well on standardized tests are all important components of a successful application to the U of I. But, taking part in extracurricular activities, such as working for the school newspaper, or playing on the tennis team or participating in the school band are important too. Volunteer work, such as helping out at your local nature conservancy and work experience are also elements the university looks at when considering your application for admission. In QB’s most humble opinion, the best thing for you to do right now is to relax and have some fun. Maybe try out a musical instrument, or join a recreational sports team. Explore different activities and see what you like to do, but most of all have fun. Getting into college is important, but you’ve got a few years yet before you need to start working on your application essay. QB will leave you with a few words of wisdom from one smart turtle: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” –Oogway of Kung Fu Panda

Sources :

http://www.publicaffairs.uiuc.edu/facts/facts.html http://www.oar.uiuc.edu/future/apply/tips_freshman.html http://www.publicaffairs.uiuc.edu/resources/talkingpoints/top.html http://www.oar.uiuc.edu/future/early/prepare/actionplans.html http://www.collegeboard.com/student/index.html?student http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0441773/quotes

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Date Answered :

6/15/2008

Question 4:

Why is life with tons of tests? Can't we just chill in kickbacks and be happily ever after? Huh?

Answer :

Dear Huh? In troubling times such as these, I always find it helpful to seek answers from the great thinkers of society, the philosophers. In order to answer your question of why life is filled with tons of tests, we must look deeper, for what purpose were these tests created other than to cause students great anxiety? Tests are of course a natural outgrowth of the educational system. In short, tests are a way of ensuring the information has actually become lodged in your brain, if only for the 24 hours surrounding your test. Foucoult’s certainly shares your disenchantment with tests, thinking that they are “the normalizing judgment of the powerful.” Mill on the other hand has a more sanguine approach to the idea of tests believing tests “can be used to increase the happiness of the individual” (Fulcher and Davidson 407). Mill goes on to argue that individual happiness can be obtained through education. When a person is educated he or she has the mental capabilities to reason and become a contributing member to society, all good things in Mill’s and QB’s opinion. Mill (through the interpretation of Fulcher and Davidson) further argues that “If happiness is increased through personal growth, the State has an obligation to require (emphasis in original) the provision of education that produces citizens who have the skills and abilities to participate in society, and solve problems for themselves” (410). Thus, we must have tests in order to accurately determine the skills and abilities of individuals. Thus, tests and schooling should not actually stand in the way of your kicking back and being happy, they in fact should give you the means to do just that. Interestingly, the word “school” is derived from the Greek for leisure, “schole” (“Leisure” 350).

Sources :

Fulcher, Glenn and Fred Davidson. “Tests in Life and Learning: A Deathly Dialogue” Educational Philosophy and Theory. 40.3 (2008):407-417. “Leisure.” Philosophy of Education: An Encyclopedia. Ed. J.J. Chambliss. New York: Garland Publishing Inc. 1996.

Call Number :

370.1 P5491

Location :

Undergrad

Date Answered :

6/2/2008

Question 5:

Answer :

Dear Inquisitive, You've asked an excellent question, to which QB is afraid there is only a paltry answer, and even that is mostly composed of questions. Are you asking as a philosopher? An historicist? Physicist? Religious leader? You see, Inquisitive, the lenses through which you view your question will necessarily change the answer. QB, much like the narrator of the critically acclaimed show "Little Britain," is a non-corporeal entity who is not affiliated with any of these specific vocations. Rather than attempting to provide you with a specific answer, QB will highlight key items in the Undergraduate Library's collection that might help you come to your own conclusions. Good searching, QB Encyclopedia of Islam in the United States 297.097303En195 A Concise Encyclopedia of the Baha'i Faith 297.9303Sm63c Dictionary of World Philosophy 103 Ia6d cop.2 A Dictionary of Philosophy 103M449d cop.2 Science of Everyday Things 500K745s The Social Science Encyclopedia 300.3So131999 A Dictionary of Creation Myths 291.2403L517e1995 The Encyclopedia of Unbelief 210.321En19 World Religions 200On24w World Christian Encyclopedia Q.270.W892001 World Factbook 909 L986w 2003 Dictionary of Music 780.3 S154b cop.2 The Gregg Reference Manual 808.02 Sa1g 2001 The Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology 422 On4o cop. 5 Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia Q. 503 V338 2002 v. 1 cop. 3

Sources :

See answer

Call Number :

See answer

Location :

Undergrad reference

Date Answered :

5/28/2008

Question 6:

Why doesn’t Question Board have an RSS feed? It’s 2008, y’all! Why do I have to come back to your site to check for new answers?

Answer :

Dear QB-enthusiast: Great idea. The Undergraduate Library welcomes your comments and suggestions. QB is pleased to inform you that based on your recommendation the library has created an RSS feed for Question Board! You can subscribe to the Question Board RSS feed from the homepage of the Undergraduate Library website (http://www.library.uiuc.edu/ugl/) under ABOUT THE LIBRARY.

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Date Answered :

5/28/2008

Question 7:

Why do you choose to answer questions asked by illiterate people and you won’t answer mine?!?

Answer :

Dear Yearning for Answers: QB apologizes for the delay in answers. Just to clarify QB is not only answering "questions asked by illiterate people," as this would be quite impossible. All the questions are written to QB and according to the Oxford Dictionary of English, to be illiterate means to be unable to read or write. QB again apologizes for the delay, some of the questions have taken QB around the world to find resources in different libraries like the Bodleian library at Oxford University and St. Petersburg State Polytechnical University Library in St. Petersburg, Russia. Thank you for your continued patience as QB tries to answer your questions.

Sources :

1. "illiterate adjective" The Oxford Dictionary of English (revised edition). Ed. Catherine Soanes and Angus Stevenson. Oxford University Press, 2005. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign. 10 April 2008 http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t140.e37365 2. Bodleian Library 3. University Fundamental Library

Call Number :

Location :

1. UIUC Online Reference Collection Dictionaries - http://www.library.uiuc.edu/rex/erefs/dictionaries.htm 2. http://www.ouls.ox.ac.uk/bodley 3. http://www.unilib.neva.ru/lib/

Date Answered :

4/24/2008

Question 8:

What is the record for the person with the most advanced degrees? A friend in engineering was telling me about the head of NASA, who has about six master's degrees according to his biography on Wikipedia. But does anyone hae more advanced degrees than him? I don't mean honorary degrees, but honest-to-God "I sat there in class and earned those degrees."

Answer :

Dear Academic Inquisitor, QB had to really stretch his brain on this one and has been inspired to perhaps go back to add some masters degrees to his resume. According to NASA’s website, the current NASA administrator is Michael Griffin. He does in fact have 5 Master’s degrees and a PhD. He started out with a Bachelor’s in Physics at Johns Hopkins University. He has a master's degree in aerospace science from Catholic University of America; a master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California; a master's degree in applied physics from Johns Hopkins University; a master's degree in business administration from Loyola College; and a master's degree in Civil Engineering from George Washington University; and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland. He also is a certified flight instructor with instrument and multiengine ratings! As far as QB could tell the next most educated person at NASA is the Director of Applied Technology Directorate at the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Dr. David E. Bartine. He has Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla, M.S. degree in Science Teaching from the University of Pennsylvania, and B.S. degree in Chemistry from the Eastern Baptist College. While Tanja Popovic, the Center for Disease Control’s chief science officer, does not hold more total advanced degrees than the NASA administrator, she does hold more doctorate degrees. She possesses a medical degree, masters in clinical pharmacology, doctorate in microbiology, and completed residency in clinical microbiology. University of Illinois' own Associate University Librarian for Services and Associate Dean of Libraries, Scott Walters, has four Master's degrees and a doctorate. His Master's degrees are in Russian Area Studies, Education, Library Science, and History and Philosophy of Education. His Ph.D. is in Higher Education Administration. QB found on someone’s blog that there is man in India who holds 34 advanced degrees. QB could not find any reliable sources that backed this source up! So it looks like Michael Griffin may in fact be the most educated man! While QB was scouring through resources to find the answer to this question QB stumbled across several interesting facts involving advanced degrees. -Stephen Hawking has 12 honorary degrees. -The oldest person to receive a master’s degree was Phyllis Turner at age 94; it was in medical science and was from University of Adelaide (Australia). -The most educated clown is Adam G. Gertsacov. He attended a one month workshop at Ctibor Turba, Studio Kaple, Nectiny, CSFR. He is a graduate of the DellArte School of Physical Theatre (1991), Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Clown College (1989), and Trinity Rep Conservatory (1988) Focus On Directing and Acting. He has a Bachelor's in Theoretical Communications from the University of Pennsylvania (1986) and a Master’s in Theatre & Group Communications from Rhode Island College (1990). QB has been inspired and hopes that you are too!

Sources :

1. NASA Administrator Michael Griffin Biography 2. Kennedy Biographies – David E. Bartine 3. CDC Leaders- Popovic 4. Stephen Hawking website- About Stephen 5. “A Degree At 94 Years Old” Associated Press, ABC News. Friday, August 03, 2007. 6. Acme Clown Resume - Adam G. Gertsacov 7. Scott Walters' homepage and CV

Call Number :

Location :

1. http://www.nasa.gov/about/highlights/griffin_bio.html 2. http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/biographies/bartine.html 3. http://www.cdc.gov/about/leadership/leaders/popovic.htm 4. http://www.hawking.org.uk/about/aindex.html 5. http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/bizarre&id=5536945 6. http://www.acmeclown.com/aresume.html 7. https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/swalter/www/index.html

Date Answered :

4/24/2008

Question 9:

Where on campus can a non-music major get some piano practice done? Are there any grande or baby grande pianos that I can use? I’m not a fan of uprights.

Answer :

Dear Ivory Tickler, Fortunately, pianos are not spread too thinly across the University of Illinois campus if you’re willing not to be too picky about facilities that are available to non-music majors. However, there are some things you’ll need to consider before you hunker down in a cozy practice space with those eight-eight keys at your fingertips. The Music Building located at 1114 W. Nevada street in Urbana is home to some 25-30 pianos that are located on the 3rd and 4th floors. QB discovered that they tend to get a lot of play during daytime hours, so it is recommended that you practice in the evening hours. The majority of these pianos are indeed Uprights, but are reportedly in excellent shape. Smith Music hall houses the Grand Pianos, to which only music majors or students taking piano lessons have access. If you would be interested in taking private piano lessons on campus, by chance, you can audition for Music 180 which enables you to earn college credit. You must pay a fee of $150 dollars per semester as a non-music major. In addition, Allen Residence Hall, a living-learning community on campus, also provides access to pianos and practice spaces. Because Allen Hall is a living-learning community, however, students who live at that residence are given first choice for facilities. Depending upon with whom you speak, Allen Hall is keyed access, so you’ll need to contact the Residence Director if you need more information. Finally, if you are affiliated with a church or community center, you may try your luck there as well. Unfortunately, it seems the Grands and Baby Grands are definitely harder to come by if you are looking specifically for free facilities and practice spaces on campus. If you are not opposed to plugging in, some keyboards have “Concert Hall” or “Grand Piano” settings that nearly convince you that somewhere in there, a hammer is hitting a string. Visit the School of Music homepage and explore some of the facilities and resources available to you at http://www.music.uiuc.edu/home.php.

Sources :

Allen Residence Hall: http://www.housing.uiuc.edu/options/under/allen.htm Staff and Faculty at the School of Music: http://www.music.uiuc.edu/home.php

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Date Answered :

3/15/2008

Question 10:

Is the portrait on a Sam Adams beer actually of Sam Adams or is it of Paul Revere?

Answer :

Dear Beer Lover: The short answer to your question is no, the portrait of the man on the Sam Adam's beer bottles is indeed the man himself. This vicious rumor that Sam is not actually Sam, but in fact Paul appears to have at first been generated from snopes.com and has no factual grounding, other than someone’s fanciful idea that the portrait of Sam on the Sam Adams bottles looks more akin to Paul Revere than the original Sam Adams. You may have noticed that Sam Adams recently updated the portrait of their namesake, and he now jaunty lifts his tankard of Boston Lager in good cheer, as opposed to the rather dour Sam that used to grace the bottles. So next time you sample a glass of Sam Adams, be assured that the man himself is on the bottle of ale you are imbibing.

Sources :

Khermouch, Gerry. “Sam-spiration.” Brandweek. 39.14 (2006): 1-2. http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2007/10/25/trademark-dispute-of-the-day-sam-adams-v-sam-adams/ http://archives.cnn.com/2001/CAREER/jobenvy/03/16/koch/

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Location :

Date Answered :

3/12/2008

Question 11:

I have heard several times on CNN & BBC that the average relationship only lasts, ten to 12 months (including marriage). I, a man of the world, am curious on how the entire world has gone so . . . slutty? If it is possible can we fix the problem? This is a dilemma I carry on my back everyday. I have nobody else to turn to . . . I am scared.

Answer :

Dear Wounded In Love: QB is saddened by your question. Being "a man of the world," you must know that CNN and BBC have lenses for news, but they have none for understanding relationships. After months of research, QB has concluded that monogamy is like a "deep fried twinkie"- none of it is good for your soul. Like communism, monogamy is great in theory, but a nightmare in practice. If it were a government institution, then it would resemble FEMA and the Internal Revenue System. If it were a service organization, then it would be the department of motor vehicles. Lately, it does seem like "the whole world has gone slutty." Too many self-help guides to digest, not to mention dating services, therapists, evangelicals, mullahs, Dr. Phil, and Delilah. Perhaps, we have dissected too much, that there is nothing magical about the idea. Has there ever been a cure for promiscuity? In their work, The Myth of Monogamy, David P. Barash and Judith Eve Lipton explore the very same things you are struggling with. They state, "monogamy among animals is a matter of biology," but among human beings, it is more than biology. It involves: psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, law, ethics, theology, literature, history, philosophy, and most of the remaining humanities and social sciences as well. Not to mention love, trust, hope, disillusionment, fear, anger, frustration, disappointment, delight, despair, amusement, irritation, expectation, tolerance, intolerance, loyalty, betrayal, lust, boredom, excitement, confidence, anxiety, money, poverty, children, barrenness, engagement, disengagement, sickness, health, life, and death[191-192]. QB believes that there is no end in sight for the madness of monogamy, relationships, and marriages. In order to be objective, QB will not leave you with a negative thought. I hope the story of Boshko Brkic and Admira Ismic, "Romeo and Juliet in Sarajevo," will lift your spirits. During the height of the Bosnian Civil War, Boshko, a Serb and Admira, Muslim, died in each other’s arms. Some people do live entirely for each other. QB is ambivalent.

Sources :

David P. Barash and Judith Eve Lipton, The Myth of Monogamy, 2001. Aurel Kolnai, Sexual Ethics, 2005

Call Number :

591.562 B231m 176 K834s

Location :

Education Library Main Stacks

Date Answered :

2/27/2008

Question 12:

How can I convince my borther to NROTC? I tried making fun of his hair - didn't work. Do you have any advice? - A concerned sister

Answer :

Dear Concerned Sister: You ask a difficult question, for which there is no clear cut answer. Unfortunately, not knowing the circumstances behind your brother’s involvement with NROTC (Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps) makes it is somewhat difficult for QB to answer your question. Depending on how far along your brother is in his college career he may have already made a commitment to the NROTC, which would not allow him to leave the service. In addition, if your brother is currently attending college on an NROTC scholarship, he will not be able to leave the service. However, if your brother is young enough and has not made any lasting commitments to the Naval Reserve or Marine Corps Reserve QB does have a few suggestions for how to approach this topic of conversation with him. QB would start by strongly encouraging you not to make derogatory comments about your brother’s appearance as a way of persuading your brother to leave the NROTC. When a person feels that he is being attacked, a natural instinct is to become defensive and that rarely leads to a productive conversation. First QB would suggest that you have a conversation with your brother about why he decided to join NROTC. QB imagines that this may be a difficult conversation for you to have with your brother, since you may disagree with his reasons for deciding to join NROTC. QB suggests that before you have this conversation, you read Difficult Conversations : how to discuss what matters most, written by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen. (Unfortunately the Undergrad’s copy is on reserve at the law library, but you can always request a copy of the book through I-Share, just ask at the reference desk and someone will show you how to make this request). Another book you may want to take a look at is Army 101: inside ROTC in a time of war written by David Axe, and available here on campus at the Education Arms control. This is a short book that is gives the reader a glimpse into ROTC culture on campuses in addition to what it is like to be in ROTC while the country is at war. QB does want to caution that this book is a case study and does not speak for all ROTC divisions across the nation, but QB feels that you might find this book helpful in understanding your brother’s commitment to ROTC. In conclusion Sister, QB can’t tell you how to change your brother’s mind. QB can only counsel you to try and open up a dialogue with your brother about ROTC. It is important to listen to what your brother is saying and to also to respectfully express your feelings and concerns about his involvement with ROTC. QB hopes that through these conversations, you and your brother will if not come to a meeting of minds, will at least agree on a détente.

Sources :

Difficult Conversations : how to discuss what matters most, by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen. Army 101: inside ROTC in a time of war by David Axe

Call Number :

158.2 St71d

Location :

Law reserves

Date Answered :

2/11/2008

Question 13:

does working as a lawyer involve weekends?

Answer :

Dear (Potential) Future Legal Eagle, Yes. QB was sorely tempted to let that stand as the answer to your question, but QB decided that although QB is an oracle of truth, perhaps you might want a more detailed response to your question. QB should note that it does depend on what sort of law you are planning on practicing, as some areas of law tend to demand longer hours than others. QB can firmly state from personal experience that if you’re planning a career in corporate law, start planning on a minimum of 60 hour work weeks, and if you want to make partner, then plan on not having a life. For a detailed explanation of a career in law, QB suggests looking at the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics at http://bls.gov/oco/pdf/ocos053.pdf QB also consulted with two practicing lawyers, one corporate and one non-profit, in addition to one third-year law school student. In typical cagey-lawyer fashion, all requested that their names be withheld, so as not to publicly besmirch the profession. The corporate attorney said that what contributes to the long hours is not only a high work load, but also a demand that attorneys bill a certain number of hours per week. However, it is impossible to bill every hour you work to the client (travel for instance in this attorney’s office is not considered billable). Thus, in order to meet the weekly quota of billable hours, it is necessary to work beyond that number. The non-profit attorney agreed that weekend hours are par for the course in the legal field, especially when in trial. It was impossible to get an answer out of the third-year law student who continued to laugh hysterically at the question. A career in the field of law is an honorable profession, and one which requires a great deal of time and effort. QB applauds your quest to gain a better understanding of this field before entering into it. This website, which QB found off the UIUC career center, has an overview of what it is like to be an attorney, as well as individual interviews with practicing attorneys, http://jobstar.org/tools/career/spec-car.php#Law which you may find helpful. (note: you must register for this site, and only the first 24 hours are free, so make sure you have some time to look through the website before registering). For a rather frightening view of law school, check out the book The Paper Chase by John Jay Osbofrn Jr. (813 OS14P in the Undergraduate library) and for a more lighthearted look on the profession the movie, My Cousin Vinnie is always good.

Sources :

US Department of Labor Bureau Statistics. Lawyers. 13 November 2007. http://bls.gov/oco/pdf/ocos053.pdf Jobstar Central. Law. 13 November 2007. http://jobstar.org/tools/career/spec-car.php#Law

Call Number :

813 OS14P

Location :

Undergraduate

Date Answered :

2/11/2008

Question 14:

Does working as a lawyer involve weekends?

Answer :

Sources :

US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Lawyers. 13 November 2007. http://www.bls.gov/oco/pdf/ocos053.pdf Jobstar Central. Law. 13 November 2007. http://jobstar.org/tools/career/spec-car.php#Law

Call Number :

813 OS14P

Location :

Undergraduate

Date Answered :

2/11/2008

Question 15:

How can I convince my rother to quit NROTC? I tried making fun of his hair - didn't work. Do you have any advice? -A concerned sister

Answer :

Sources :

Axe, David. Army 101: inside ROTC in a time of war. Columbia : University of South Carolina Press, 2007. Stone, Douglas, Bruce Patton and Sheila Heen. Difficult Conversations : how to discuss what matters most. New York : Viking, 1999. Nail, Susan. Personal Interview. 20 January 2008.

Call Number :

Location :

Date Answered :

2/11/2008

Miscellaneous Questions

Most Recent 15 Questions Answered