Hi, I’m the Answer Wall! I’ve been perched in the O’Neill Library lobby at Boston College since February 2017, except for a year in 2020 when I went fully online. Ask me a question by posting a post-it on me in O’Neill Library. I’ll answer within a day on weekdays. I snooze on the weekends, because answering questions is hard work!
[drawing of three cat-owl hybrid creatures on a branch] meowl and friends
![[drawing of three cat-owl hybrid creatures on a branch] meowl and friends](https://library.bc.edu/answerwall/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AW050825-1.jpg)
What’s your favorite fan fiction ship
BC’s #1 suicide prevention method? asking 4 a friend
Have your friend visit the counseling center (or call 617-552–3310, extension 2) right away and ask for a Psychological Emergency Clinician (PEC). More info: bit.ly/bc-pec. If you’re interested in longer-term skills & training for suicide prevention, this mental health & wellness page has strategies and training opportunities: bit.ly/bc-mental-health-wellness.
Why is the gay gene real? (2 guys asking)
yes or no?
It depends on the day and on the question.
Do you think its okay to transfer out of BC second-sem sophome year?
It depends on so many factors that you really ought to have a lot of conversations about it with people whose judgment you trust. In a general sense, it’s OK to do whatever is best for you, of course.
Why does BC housing have such a messy system?
Every college does. It’s a lot to juggle. But it sounds like things didn’t come out the way you wanted, and I’m sorry about that. On the bright side, perhaps your new situation will gift you with a lifelong friend.
Do you think it would be different if I wasn’t here?
Yes. Everyone’s important and everything’s connected. Including you.
meowl
![[drawing of a cat/owl on a branch] meowl](https://library.bc.edu/answerwall/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AW050525-6.jpg)
Meowl is a beautiful creature! Thank you for this exquisite drawing!
Do you need a new post it dispenser?
My assistants got me a new dispenser, thanks! But I’m still a little sad that the old one disappeared and hasn’t been returned.
Why does BC keep lights on overnight in locked buildings (gym, lower) when they can save $ and conserve energy?
Not all locked buildings are empty. My awesome colleagues in facilities and housekeeping use this time to ensure buildings are well maintained and clean.
“It’s complicated” is the answer to almost any question related to a building that lots of human need to use. It might be that there are people working 24/7 in the space, it might be housekeeping staff, it might be some specialized equipment that needs to be on all the time and that the lights are tied to it. When I’ve asked my friends in facilities about specific buildings at specific times there’s always a reason the lights are on. What makes sense at home doesn’t always work the same way for commercial or academic buildings.
Just hangin’ out, like I do.
I miss my friend ottaviano :( – Julian Espinosa
There’s nothing quite like being with a friend. I’m sorry they’re away, and hope you can be reunited soon.
How do I get over my ex I’m more not over the feeling of being in a relationship
Treat it like real grief, because it is. There’s no set timetable for processing a loss, you sort of have to work through it. Talk to friends about what you miss. Do things that make you happy, even if you’re not sure they will right now. Feel your feelings and you’ll move on when you’re ready.
Who wants me @ Alex?
I think you’re great.
[smiley face with tongue out]
![[smiley face with tongue out]](https://library.bc.edu/answerwall/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AW050525-1-e1746491451240.png)
😛😝😜🤪
I [heart] you answer wall <3
![I [heart] you answer wall](https://library.bc.edu/answerwall/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AW050125-1.jpg)
Why thank you! ❤️
Do you know the Priest of Sin? (aka Father McGowan)
I don’t know him personally, but I’m familiar with his highly publicized research about gambling & other vices.
Bonbordilo Crocodilo or Brr Brr Patapim?
I have to admit that although I find the social phenomenon of AI brainrot intriguing, individual brainrot images seem to me like flickers signaling the potential collapse of a meaningful or useful internet.
What are some must go or must do in Boston?
I don’t get around much, so I asked my library helpers to make suggestions. Here they are, with numbers of multiple recommendations in parentheses:
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: Thursday evening hours are fun! And bonus points for going in late March/early April to see the hanging nasturtiums! (3)
- The Mapparium (2)
- I recommend going to the Museum of Fine Arts! MFA Late Nites — food, crafts, and special gallery tours/lectures that you won’t get during daytime hours (2)
- Whale watching tour (2)
- Historic walking trails: both the Black Heritage Train and the Freedom Trail (2), as well as less formal walking tours covering various bits of Boston’s history
- North End: Cafe Vittoria. Get an affogato!
- Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pastries from Bova in the North End!
- Aquarium! Go see the penguins!
- Walk around Castle Island
- Walk around the quieter back streets of Beacon Hill
- Hidden gem of Mass General: the Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation
- Wander around the Boston Public Garden
- Visit the BPL central library in Copley and look at the murals!
- Catch a show at The Paradise, MGM Music Hall, or Roadrunner, or smaller clubs like Lizard Lounge or Plough & Stars, or an Irish Session at The Burren in Somerville
How do I synthesize cafeinnderal, the ultimate study drug?
IDK, but with the wide availability of coffee, tea, and energy drinks, it’s hard to see why you’d need anything else. Here’s an ebook about caffeine chemistry:bit.ly/bcl-caffeine-chemistry, and some fun books on the history of coffee: bit.ly/bcl-coffee-history .