The Wall

I’m thinking about Hume’s historical fallacy and Stephen Hawking’s comment that the law of entropy is our experience of time. Over time, everything gradually falls apart–people age, buildings fail, civilizations collapse, mountains erode. That’s how we know time is passing. But Hume correctly points out that our observation of what has happened before is not necessarily related to what will happen. It’s a rough time to be a wall (or a human), but this seems like it leaves room for hope.

When BC was founded in 1863 all of it was in Boston (hence the name), then it moved to its present location (“the heights”), where part of the campus is in Newton’s Chestnut Hill neighborhood. (bit.ly/bc-history-collection). Fun fact: the city line goes right through the southeast corner of ONeill Library. You can also find an old but still accurate city line street sign if you know where to look.

The happiest people I know define success as enjoyment of their lives. Conventional definitions of success are external, and not under your control.

Hard courses are a bummer, but hang in there! It’s going to be okay. You might want to check out the syllabus and ask your professor what is required to pass, and then try your best to meet it. Actively participating in class, completing homework and assignments on time, and studying with one or more of your classmates is always helpful. If you’re still struggling, I highly suggest making a tutoring appointment with the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors).

Most successfully with a therapist you trust. We love our friends at BC Counseling Services (https://bit.ly/BCUCSOptions). I highly recommend checking them out, especially if the painful past is something that affects your sleep, concentration, and general wellbeing.

Yes, from time to time we host events in the Reading Room, which can vary from undergraduate poster sessions to luncheons for new faculty to exam study breaks with snacks, chair massages, and games. Watch our social media channels (esp. instagram.com/oneilllibrary/) for event announcements, book displays, hours, services, and other libraryish things.

Yup.

Answer Wall 2. Being welcoming 4. A nice mahogany. #3 is trickier, but the generally accepted answer is here: https://style.org/unladenswallow/

First day of school and we’re already thinking about purpose or Ikigai. I love to see it! Find something you are good at and passionate about, then apply it to what the world needs.

I wish I knew, I love the look of those waffle fries.

I don’t love integrals…. see ∫sec³(x)dx

Sigh… it’s a tough problem: inflation and a tight job market all at once. For BC students, the Office of Student Outreach and Support is a good first place to visit: bit.ly/bc-stu-support. For a longer term solution you could advocate for, take a look at this senior thesis about food insecurity at BC, which has some good ideas (starting p. 90) about some solutions: bit.ly/bc-food-insecurity.

Being a Euclidean entity, I’ve never been all that handy with calculus, especially integrals with cubed secants. But this YouTube video might help: bit.ly/YT-integral-sec3xdx

My friend the Magic 8-Ball says “without a doubt”. Fair warning: their predictions aren’t always so great. But I’m happy to cheer along. POR-TU-GAL! POR-TU-GAL!

I’m inclined to root for the Red Sox because of where I live, but to be fair, with 35 games left in the season, anything can happen. The Yankees and Red Sox begin a four-game series today, August 21st, which might impact how the race will end.

Model Cafe isn’t too far from campus. But generally, the South End and Southie have a lot of options.

Jalen Brunson had a great play off season! But “best” is subjective. I was impressed by how Nikola Jokić has stepped up into player-coaching at the Denver Nuggets. And, of course, as a Boston Board I have a bias for our Celtics… but it sounds like you’re a Knicks Fan.

Chef & Wetbananas ought to make a food channel show together! No, but seriously, they’re both contenders.

I’m not aware of this one but search and rescue stories can be fun.

So, in general if you’re trying to change a habit it helps to think about what problem it solves for you. If you’re eating chocolate because you’re stressed or anxious, try replacing the chocolate with something else you enjoy that makes you feel less anxious. If that’s hard to do, you might consider talking to a counselor (BC Health Services or Campus Ministry). But be endlessly gentle with yourself about it. Habits are hard to break.

For the record, I don’t recommend any humans stop eating.

My helpers have recommended many favorite books (bit.ly/aw-fav-books) and music (bit.ly/wall-songs), and musicals (bit.ly/aw-musicals). I endorse all of their choices!