Chances are good there are others feeling lonely in that sea of people, but it never seems that way. Loneliness is self-reinforcing that way.
Why does it seem that the loneliest of times occur in a sea of people?
Why can’t I go home <--same
Thomas Wolfe had some thoughts on this exact question, although his story is a little funny. He wrote actual people from his hometown of Asheville, NC into his first book, Look Homeward, Angel (PS3545.O337 L6 1934). The townsfolk were angry at their depiction, so he left them out of his second book, Of Time and the River (PS3545.O33 O3x 1944). Being left out angered them even further, so he wrote You Can’t Go Home Again (PS3545.O337 Y6). Long story short: you may return to where you grew up, but as you mature and make your own path, you’ll find yourself making a new home.
Did my soul leave my body?
I’m not sure why you think this may be a possibility, but if you are concerned, I would advise seeking out a spiritual advisor; you could contact Campus Ministry: bit.ly/bc-campus-ministry
Why is Spider-Man dead? :( (spoiler alert)
(Spoiler Alert)
Ask Thanos. No idea what his selection criteria were.
Who is that random guy w/ white hair who roams around O’Neill 1 at night w/ a piece of paper like he is counting us?
The “random guy w/ white hair” is far from random. He’s Jeff, and he’s been on the library staff for many years. (He has also bumped into BC students in the San Juan, PR airport and on a mountaintop.) You’ll see him and other staff counting, because the library is currently assessing space usage to help determine space needs, seating preference, and the effectiveness of furniture configurations. To assist with this study, library employees have been conducting head-counts three times per day, every day. This part of the project will end on May 18.
Three part question
1. Do BC dining halls compost?
2. Does BC Dining Services itself (kitchen prep, catering, etc.) Compost?
3. If (2)=no, Who would I talk to to encourage Dining Services to compost?
Thanks
The general answer is mostly yes! 1 – Corcoran and McElroy now have “post consumer food waste” composting for what’s left over after eating. 2 – Yes! All dining halls compost kitchen prep waste. As for Q3, several student groups such as UGBC Environmental Caucasus and EcoPledge have engaged with BC Dining to help bring this all about. BC Dining has several other initiatives regarding sustainability, see: bit.ly/BCDiningSustainability
Why do forced triples exist?
Unfortunately, there are simply more students at BC than there is housing. Forced triples exist for the same reason that housing isn’t guaranteed for all four+ years you’re at BC. BUT there are some advantages: 1) you’re on Upper, which is pretty great; 2) reduced room and board costs makes the bill a bit easier to pay (or loans a bit smaller). The best thing to do is just embrace the minimalist lifestyle and find things to do outside your room. Good luck!
Which coffee drink/roast has the most caffeine?
The roasting process of coffee beans occurs at a high enough temp to destroy some of the caffeine molecules contained within coffee. So, contrary to expectation, light roast coffees have more caffeine than dark roast. Espresso has a high caffeine content (~150 mg) for its volume of liquid (~2 oz.), but less than a normal cup of coffee (~235mg in 12 oz.). Here’s a great list of common coffee drinks and their caffeine content: bit.ly/CaffeineList.
Why can the university afford to plant new grass each year but can’t pay for more space for the orchestra & chamber music programs to practice in?
The grass is grown on a sod farm just for Boston College; this contract gives BC a good price break. Buildings and building spaces are much more expensive and require lots of planning and then ongoing maintenance. That said, I have heard that BC is looking very closely at existing spaces that would be suitable for practice, performance and collaborative study. I think the answer to your question is that BC can afford both grass and student spaces- we just need to see what their final plans are for student spaces.
Who will be the next president of US?
Whoever wins a majority of the Electoral College votes.
Why is Gamora?
The Wall doesn’t have a copy of Strange Tales #180 to consult, but suspects that someone on Zen-Whoberi knows. bit.ly/bc-gamora
What does the fox say?
Perhaps “gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!” or “fraka-kaka-kaka-kaka-kow!”? More probably something like a high pitched dog bark: bit.ly/popsci-fox.
Is it douchey to quote your own book on a date?
You’ve had a book published? That’s fantastic! I have to admit if I were (not a wall and) on a date, and I had written a book – yep, I’d find a way to slip it into the conversation. But lightly, and just once, or save it for the second date. Probably best to focus on your date, and finding out about him or her.
How many people did Jesus feed in the desert?
The consensus of Matthew, Mark, John, and Luke is about five thousand the first time, and four thousand the second. (Mt 14.13–21; Lk 9.10–17; Jn 6.1–13; cf. Mk 8.1–10). Check out Oxford Biblical Studies Online for Bible texts and commentaries, and the answers to questions like this. bit.ly/bc-obso
Where should I go (on campus) if I’m struggling with my gender identity?
I’d recommend starting with the Dean of Students Office: bit.ly/BCLGBTQ. They can refer you to other places on campus as well.
C.A.B are unprincipled losers with bad music taste – Y/N?
The invitation to B.o.B. to perform at BC (reported recently in The Heights: bit.ly/BC-BoB-heights) has created notable controversy, as reported in the Boston Herald (bit.ly/herald-BoB). A group of faculty sent a letter on the morning of 4/30 (bit.ly/BC-faculty-BoB) with 174 faculty signatures to the BC administration requesting that BC issue a response “reinforcing Boston College’s mission to live out the social justice imperatives inherent in its Catholic and Jesuit heritage and disavowing B.o.B.’s conspiracy theories and anti-science and anti-Semitic proclamations.” Clearly, anti-Semitism is not a Jesuit value. C.A.B. has defended its choice by drawing a distinction between his talent and his personal views, and added that they are “happy to meet with and listen to the concerns of those students who may be offended by our selection.” Though I’m always here to listen & respond, I suggest that making concerns known to the C.A.B. directly (bostoncollegecab@gmail.com) has a better chance of creating results than telling me, a mere Wall.
How to organically foster self-love?
Love others. Note down daily what you’re grateful for. Be around other people a lot. When you’re angry or impatient with yourself, ask yourself whether you’d treat someone else so harshly. Give yourself as many second chances as it takes. Be part of something bigger than yourself. Read this short anecdote by Neil Gaiman about how universally human it is to fail to recognize your own successes: bit.ly/neil-gaiman-imposter.
Do you like University of Toronto? Why? or why not?
As a wall at a major university, I am a huge fan of institutions of higher education. Toronto is frequently rated as one of the top universities globally, and it has one of the largest library collections in North America. Also, a dear relative, Living Wall, who is deeply involved in environmental issues, lives and works there . Here’s her picture – isn’t she stunning? bit.ly/MyCousinLivvy
Why do some people think weed is bad?
Marijuana contains a psychoactive chemical that alters how the user perceives the world. Some people may not like how marijuana affects a user’s behavior, or they may fear that use will escalate to more addictive substances. Regardless of how valid or subjective these concerns are, people will always have opinions about any substance that alters the user’s behavior. Scientific research has been difficult due to federal regulations, but now that marijuana is legal in more areas, we should expect to see more facts and fewer opinions on the matter.
Why do we suffer?
That’s a major question in philosophy and religion which the Wall won’t pretend to have a simple answer to. For a philosophical take, you could look at the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy’s article on pain: bit.ly/bc-pain. The Encyclopedia of Religion can talk you through Jewish, Christian, and Islamic responses to that question: bit.ly/bc-suffering, but also take a look at the Buddhist view: bit.ly/bc-four. TLDR: Everybody agrees it seems to come with being human. Some view it is punishment for sin, or a way of testing faith. Others see it as the nature of reality.