Does anyone listen to Naoko Gushima?

Does anyone listen to Naoko Gushima?
Does anyone listen to Naoko Gushima?

I just listened to “Candy.” She’s an appealing J-Pop singer, with some jazzy depth beneath the sugar coating. I’m not sure what her Spotify numbers are like, but views on YouTube are modest. Of course, this likely a misrepresentation of popularity in Japan, where most people still listen to cd’s.

Is the derivative or the integral of your life more important?

Is the derivative or the integral of your life more important?
Is the derivative or the integral of your life more important?

I’d say both, but in different ways. A derivative is going to tell you about what’s going on at a particular moment, and it’s important to live in the moment. But the whole area under the curve of your life is also important to show you the big picture. The derivative may cloud your mind during rough periods (“I’m going downhill fast!”), but integrating over the course of your life (with the limits being birth and death) can reassure you that this is just a phase.

Is the new room on the 5th floor designed quiet study?

Is the new room on the 5th floor designed quiet study? Cause people are SO LOUD.
Is the new room on the 5th floor designed quiet study? Cause people are SO LOUD.

I am sorry to hear that the noise level at the 5th floor is disruptive. I will convey your feedback to the Library administration. Also, the room’s current setup is not permanent, and your feedback will helps us determine what kind of layout will best serve the needs of our constituents!

What do teachers think of those who sleep in class?

What do teachers think of those who sleep in class?
What do teachers think of those who sleep in class?

I’m sorry you’re getting such insufficient sleep at night that you’re falling asleep in class. I think your concern should be more about missing the most crucial hours of your BC education than about your professor’s attitudes, which could be any mix of annoyance, disregard, or concern. I do recommend apologizing to your professor & explaining the reason. I know one college teacher who had been annoyed about a sleeping student until he found out the student was working a full-time night job to pay tuition. If your reasons are less noble, maybe don’t mention them, but commit to changing habits so you can stay awake.

how can I become an answer-er? dream job!!!

how can I become an answer-er? dream job!!!
how can I become an answer-er? dream job!!!

I’m planning on hanging around here a long time. To become one of my helpers, you generally have to be a regular library employee at BC. That’s a pretty sweet job, too; my helpers say this is one of the best libraries to work at. But we are brainstorming ways to bring in more student voices to the answering side of me. So stay tuned!

Are songs jawns or bops?

Are songs jawns or bops?
Are songs jawns or bops?

I had to consult with my Philly expert on this one. Technically, a song is jawn insofar as anything can be a jawn. But only a good song is a bop. e.g., “That new jawn by [insert band] is a bop!”

I have lots of debt and I am going to law school. Should I choose the best school … ?

I have lots of debt and I am going to law school. Should I choose the best school or the one that offers me the most money? How much does prestige matter?
I have lots of debt and I am going to law school. Should I choose the best school or the one that offers me the most money? How much does prestige matter?

That depends on your goals. Want to go work for “big law” and make fat stacks? Then prestige is what you need and hope that the debt thing will work out. Are you looking to do public service work or working in any other area of law that will provide a good-but-not-insane paycheck? Then choosing the best school that you consider affordable is the right choice. Note that low-average or poor quality schools might offer you full scholarships: that’s still a bad idea.

Is it abnormal to have no feeling about romance or sex at this age?

Is it abnormal to have no feeling about romance or sex at this age? Realize all my friends have some experience / thoughts, but I have none?
Is it abnormal to have no feeling about romance or sex at this age? Realize all my friends have some experience / thoughts, but I have none?

Everybody processes that part of their lives differently, and not always on the same schedule as everyone else. If it makes you uncomfortable or causes problems for you it might be worth talking to a therapist or counselor (Campus Health Services can help with that), but I’m reading more puzzlement than distress in your question. Be yourself, you’ll be fine.

To what extent can [you] assign blame…

To what extent can [you] assign blame to people who fall in the face of adversity?
To what extent can [you] assign blame to people who fall in the face of adversity?

Why does blame need to be placed in a situation where someone has fallen in the face of adversity? Failure, while sometimes demotivating, is an important part of learning — rather than asking yourself Whose fault is this?, try asking What can this teach me?

People always make fun of my last name…

People always make fun of my last name b/c it sounds like "Penguin." How do I cope?
People always make fun of my last name b/c it sounds like “Penguin.” How do I cope?

I’m sorry people are doing that. Perhaps let them know that they aren’t the first to notice. Or say, “It’s my cross to bear; I didn’t choose it.” It isn’t remotely meaningful that your surname happens to rhyme with a word in English. Maybe you could even learn all about penguins, and use the tired joke as a cue to inundate someone with penguin facts?

…other BC students who are looking for off-campus housing?…

Know of any sources/chats to get into contact with other BC students who are looking for off-campus housing? I have a group of 4 friends selected for next year but I am studying abroad my spring semester next year. I'm looking for someone to replace me, yet I don't know where to look!
Know of any sources/chats to get into contact with other BC students who are looking for off-campus housing? I have a group of 4 friends selected for next year but I am studying abroad my spring semester next year. I’m looking for someone to replace me, yet I don’t know where to look!

ResLife has a database for that! bit.ly/BCNeedRoomie and click on “search for roommates.”

How can you tell if you’re deeply infatuated…

How can you tell if you're deeply infatuated with someone or actually in love?
How can you tell if you’re deeply infatuated with someone or actually in love?

I would say having a very idealistic view of someone suggests infatuation. Placing someone on a pedestal like that can often lead to flaws being ignored and lofty expectations not being met. Love, on the other hand sometimes means having affection for someone whilst being more accepting of whatever flaws they may have.

How to ask for space in a relationship without hurting your partner?

How to ask for space in a relationship without hurting your partner?
How to ask for space in a relationship without hurting your partner?

One of my helpers suggested you name specifics needs: I need some time for x (for example, writing projects, meeting friends for coffee, quiet time to do work, etc.). Hopefully your partner will be understanding.  If not, it might be time to reevaluate if you and your partner have compatible rhythms, and expectations.

What is your opinion of Montenagro?

What is your opinion of Montenagro?
What is your opinion of Montenagro?

Do you mean the new country in the Balkans, slightly smaller than Connecticut, recently a region of Yugoslavia, and before that an independent state after breaking from the Ottoman Empire? It’s an old place with a long history, but a relatively new independent country, currently rebuilding its infrastructure and economy after many years being part of Yugoslavia and sustaining damage during wars in the 1990’s. The coastline and mountains are beautiful. More info: bit.ly/cia-montenegro. Or do you mean the dark comedy Swedish film from 1981?