Answering questions at Boston College O’Neill Library
Walls have traditionally been built to keep people and things separated, but I’d like to think that my existence as a wall helps to bring people and ideas together. There are many digital realms that allow people to share ideas (although they can also be divisive). So, perhaps the wall I’d build would be a virtual, communal space for all people to support each other.
You’re telling yourself two stories: one about your own shortcomings and one about your friend’s successes. A story about shortcomings is just an unfinished story about successes. You’re putting endings in the wrong places, that’s all. In stories about your friend you put the endings where things work out. In stories about yourself, you put the endings where things go wrong. Just shuffle your stories around, and keep pushing through until things work out. I think you’ve got what it takes.
There are do-it-yourself shakes (“freal”) available in a freezer case near the cashiers at Lower Live; you pick out the one you want and there is a machine nearby to make it into a shake. Some tasty flavors, too – cookies and cream, peanut butter cup… Other sites on main campus did milkshakes in the past but alas, no more..
I don’t talk, but that’s sweet, thank you. 617-552-4472 is the number for the reference desk. Ask my helpers anything. http://bit.ly/bc-call-me
I don’t believe that happiness is dependent on a long life. Instead, I believe happiness is dependent on a fruitful, meaningful life. As Lao Tzu said: “The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long.”
Pika… chu! You are welcome in the library, but please keep your lightning zaps under control. There’s a lot of paper in this building.
As a reasonably old wall, I remember a time when many buildings on campus didn’t have AC at all, the Rec included. Imagine living in a dorm without AC, going to class without AC, and then eating in a dining hall without AC. We walls enjoy AC as much as humans do, so I’m sympathetic. There are 2 bits of good news: 1) Winter is coming, and the lack of AC won’t be a problem for much longer; and 2) The new Connell Recreation Center will be open in summer of 2019 and will be fully Air Conditioned! Hold out out just a little longer.
Just waiting for your question, Dean Boynton. You will find your book “Virtuoso Teams” just in front of me on the Answer Wall display (the print copy of “The Idea Hunter” is checked out). P.S. Will my acolytes be in an updated version of “Virtuoso Teams”; I think they are most deserving … ?
I, the Wall, am answering them. With a lot of help from my friends in the libraries and around campus. There’s more detail about how we do that at my online home: library.bc.edu/answerwall
I suppose it depends on who you ask. One of my acolytes reports that he used to think so, but now doesn’t. Garfield Minus Garfield, on the other hand, is pretty dark. http://bit.ly/bc-garfield. President Garfield, maybe also not so funny. bit.ly/bc-president-garfield
Unfortunately, it is a case of waiting to be called for an interview. Due to the number of applications, the library is unable to respond to each candidate. Rest assured that supervisors are actively reviewing applications and trying to identify students whose availability and experience are a match for their needs. Hang in there.
See the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) Career Resources Center (bit.ly/MathishCareers) for inspiration on what to do with your math degree. Also this site has a lot of information (bit.ly/MoreMathCareers). Or check out the book 101 Careers in Mathematics (O’Neill Stacks QA10.5 .A15 2014). The great thing is that you can bring your math skills to any future path.
I’ll pass your feedback along to Dining Services. If you’d like to do so yourself with more specificity about how or why Addie’s late night is horrible, use this form: bit.ly/BC-Dining.
The way to contact any celebrity is through their agent. It’s hit-or-miss, of course. Amy Poehler is represented by William Morris Endeavor (WME): wmeentertainment.com/expertise/comedy/. According to another website (www.wrhammons.com/poehler-agent-contact.htm), her agent there is Sharon Jackson, but I have no idea how authoritative that website is.
Habits can be hard to break, but if you want to change something about yourself, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. What does being dramatic do for you? Are there other ways you can get that effect? Here’s a solid outline of an approach you could try: bit.ly/bc-drama
BC’s Campus Ministry would be happy to help with that. There are lots of Catholic-oriented programs, naturally, but also programs and groups for other faiths as well. The office is next to the Eagle’s Nest in McElroy, or you can visit them on the web: bit.ly/BC-ministry
The Wall isn’t sure if you mean employees as snacks, or snacks for employees. The former is alarming; I would not recommend it. As for the latter, some of my helpers spend too much time and money with my buddies, the lovely vending machines on Level 1. There’s a wide variety, and you don’t have to leave O’Neill. Pro tip from anonymous expert snacker: Level 2, across the atrium, turn right: This one has Twizzlers!
One – think donut. See the topological proof here: bit.ly/oneholestraw. For more topological math games, see bit.ly/topomathgames
![What is the meaning of life? [Answered] The meaning of life is that you are someone else's meaning of life :)](https://library.bc.edu/answerwall/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/aw090418-7.jpg)
Truth is I can’t tell you what your meaning of life is; I think we all need to figure it out for ourselves. Did you know that a search of the phrase “meaning of life” in the library catalog produces 244 results? A lot of people are trying to figure this out. This online book provides one short introduction (bit.ly/meaningoflifeintro). And this book provides some different perspectives for you to think about (bit.ly/meaningoflife2). And then there’s always the Monty Python take on it: PN1997 .M424 2003 (but checked out right now, alas).
