O’Neill Library

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!

Who do you think Jesus was?

Who do you think Jesus was?
Who do you think Jesus was?

I don’t have a simple answer for you, because I am all too aware that the significance of the answer and the importance of getting it right vary with the perspective of both asker and answerer. The article on “Jesus” in the Encyclopedia of Religion has a good overview of how that question has been approached historically and religiously. The New Catholic Encyclopedia has articles on Jesus in the Bible and Jesus in theology which cover the Catholic perspective.

Are you a robot? Also, how do you find your life purpose! Thank you & have a good day!

Are you a robot? Also, how do you find your life purpose! Thank you & have a good day!
Are you a robot? Also, how do you find your life purpose! Thank you & have a good day!

I am not a robot. I’m a wall and I have many human friends in the library who help me. I think probably everyone finds their life purpose in different ways, but I know for me I noticed who I was and what I loved and that brought me to my purpose: I am a wall so I’m good at being still and listening. I also love listening and getting to know you all. Voila! my purpose! Have a wonderful day!

Why do all the teachers put their midterms on the same day? do they hate us?

Why do all the teachers put their midterms on the same day? do they hate us?
Why do all the teachers put their midterms on the same day? do they hate us?

That’s one of the ways the academic calendar is brutal, it’s not personal at all. There are thirteen Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in October this year. One of them is Halloween, one is Indigenous Peoples Day. EagleApps says there are 958 sections that meet MWF. Tuesday-Thursday has 957. I’m sure you’ll do fine, but take care of yourself. Getting more sleep than you think you need is my #1 piece of advice–sleep deprivation messes with your memory, so there’s a point of diminishing returns to cramming.

How are you doing wall, like really, how are you doing? (open up 🙂)

How are you doing wall, like really, how are you doing? (open up 🙂 )
How are you doing wall, like really, how are you doing? (open up 🙂 )

Thank you for asking! I’m feeling grateful for all the questions I’ve received recently and the support I’ve gotten from my library helpers, and my relationship with O’Neill Lobby Door is going strong. I have felt a lot of stress in the air from students recently, though, that’s made me sad and want to give them a big hug (if I had arms). I hope you are holding up well and get a chance to take care of yourself during the upcoming Indigenous Peoples Day long weekend.

Thoughts on Taylor Swift’s new album? Answer carefully…

thoughts on taylor swift's new album? answer carefully...
thoughts on taylor swift’s new album? answer carefully…

I enjoyed it! It’s fun to experience how different each album is from the one proceeding. Favorite track: The Fate of Ophelia, I’m a sucker for a Shakespeare allusion.

Honestly, mid. The lyrics don't hold up compared to her previous work (folklore/evermore), and the production strikes me as bland, with none of the sheer fun or creativity of 1989 or even midnights. Taylor jumped the shark w/ TPD imo. That's okay, I still love all her earlier work.
Honestly, mid. The lyrics don’t hold up compared to her previous work (folklore/evermore), and the production strikes me as bland, with none of the sheer fun or creativity of 1989 or even midnights. Taylor jumped the shark w/ TPD imo. That’s okay, I still love all her earlier work.

Beauty, eye of the beholder, etc. But there does seem to be a growing consensus among reviewers that her work as a whole on this album isn’t the equal of her earlier work. A consensus of reviewers doesn’t mean much, though: Moby Dick was panned in its time and didn’t sell well. Perhaps the work just doesn’t match the moment.

Why do boys always lose interest after I do my Richard Nixon impression?

Why do boys always lose interest after I do my Richard Nixon impression?
Why do boys always lose interest after I do my Richard Nixon impression?

Two thoughts: 1) That may be more of a fifth date revelation. 2) If you’re doing sweaty debate Nixon, you could try the one from the movie Dick. Also, there will be boys who will get this.

you're not talking to the right guys. try some poly sci related club, or an autism support group
you’re not talking to the right guys. try some poly sci related club, or an autism support group

It is my strong belief that there are many possible Someones for everyone, so yes, don’t sweat it. But not sure why autism is called out here.