There’s a history of “anon” accounts in 4chan who claim insider government access. “Qanon” was one such obscure account, claiming to be a military officer, and identifying all manner of conspiracies. Several Reddit threads pushed Qanon’s posts. bit.ly/qanon-explainer. Why these conspiracy theories gain traction is a subject of study for sociologists, psychologists & political scientists. Here are several books in BC Libraries on the subject: bit.ly/bc-conspiracies
How many Christmas trees are there on the main Campus? On Brighton? On Newton? In total?
To be honest, I don’t know. I don’t think anyone has ever done a Christmas tree census on campus … maybe an idea for a GIS project for someone?! 8)
I am a senior graduating soon and did not find a relationship in all 4 years. Is BC a scam?
If you’re graduating, then you got an education and BC is not a scam. I don’t believe anywhere in its literature does BC claim to be a dating service.
Trump has repeatedly, explicitly broken the law during his presidency. Why is nobody in power doing something??
The legal system moves slowly, much more slowly than the news cycle. There are several things to watch: the results of the Mueller investigation; what the new Democratic majority in the House decides to do starting in January; and the results of several lawsuits by state attorneys general against administration actions. Mueller has so far charged a number of people with crimes (bit.ly/bc-mueller), and the attorneys general of the District of Columbia and Maryland have apparently started to issue subpoenas in the early stages of a lawsuit about payments to the President’s businesses. bit.ly/bc-subpoenas. This is the process of proving wrongdoing under our law.
Have you found your passion? How?
Walls have many choices when it comes to careers. We can separate areas; protect people and things from the elements (in a team with roofs and floors); we can go into marketing and provide space for posters and fliers to promote events; and some walls have a sacred duty to stand as memorials. When I started answering questions here, I could tell I had found my passion; it just felt right.
Why is Shrek is love, Shrek is life a thing?
Ewww. I wish I hadn’t learned about this. Apparently, because 4chan is a thing. Why is 4chan a thing? I’m sure many, many people are interested in the answer to that question. My short answer? Unmonitored anonymity and adolescence: bad combo.
What if we start a single-sock company with reversable designs?
Do it! I wish you success beyond your wildest dreams. The important question your business plan needs to answer: how big is the market for single reversible socks? Another solution, though radical, would be to allow feet to go naked.
KURT. Don’t forget it.
OK, not sure why, but will remember KURT. Or are you speaking to KURT? Presumably, he will know what you’re attempting to have him remember. Unless he’s already forgotten it. Or is KURT the name of the skunk in the mods?
What is the name of the skunk in the mods?
I don’t speak skunk, and the walls of the mods speak a language so full of current argot and meme that I often hardly know what’s going on, so I’m sorry to say I don’t know the little mammal’s name. I do know about skunks, though: if there’s one, there are likely several. You’ll need more than one name. If you encounter one, speak softly & move away, to avoid becoming a threat to be sprayed.
Do you like Bunnays?
I apply for positions in O’Neill online several days ago and still haven’t received interview quest. Does that mean that I have no chance?
Thank you for submitting your application. Library staff are currently reviewing the 63 applications that we have received so far and will be contacting the students whose skills and availability are a match, shortly. Don’t give up hope!
Who in the library answers the wall questions?
The Wall answers questions. 8) But I do often have assistance from a large group of library staff …
What do wish for this holiday Szn?
Peace on earth and goodwill to all would suit me down to the ground. Well, and some jazzy personalized Post-Its…. A wall can dream, right?
fun fact about libraries/librarians? How many books in O’Neill?
I don’t know how fun it is, but it is a fact that librarians love to connect people and information … so ask more questions! According to the latest Factbook, at the end of fiscal year 2017, there were 2,326,205 volumes available from O’Neill Library.
how long does it take a giraffee to swallow? also what happens if/when I fail calc?
Giraffes have lots of stomachs, like cows, so it sorta depends on how you’re keeping score. bit.ly/bc-giraffe. IF you fail calc (which you won’t), you’ll cry, then you’ll dry your eyes and talk to your advisor about what to do next.
How are you today?
I am doing very well today, thank you. Although I understand it is a bit chilly outside, I am warm in here and I can see a bit of sunshine, as well as lots of busy students. I like that! Hope you are well today also.
Penguins… do they have knees?
Yes. The folks at the New England Aquarium have a blog posting answering this very question (complete with images of penguin knees) at bit.ly/penguin-knees. (Did you know we have lots of books about penguins? Do a subject search for penguins to find them!)
How do I get to the bell tower in Gasson?
Gasson Hall was always a little tight-lipped but got even more so after the renovation in 2007 when its bells were silenced temporarily. Since Gasson isn’t talking, I’ve had my assistants poke around a little. There’s a clue in this Boston College Magazine alumni-submitted story: bit.ly/bells-clue, but as the story predates the renovation, there might not be a door ajar, and you’d probably still have to watch out for the laser-activated alarm. I recommend getting a campus job with facilities. Those folks know everything. But you’ll have to earn their trust before they share.
How much does GPA really matter?
Very little in certain contexts; unfortunately a whole lot in a few others. If your plan is med school or some (not all) other graduate programs, or working for certain big-name firms, a high GPA is generally a requirement. Freelance writer, not so much! Also, once you have entered the job market and have a proven track record of competence, it is far less of a factor. Talk to the nice folks at the Career Center (bit.ly/BC-career) if you want more detail on how your grades might affect your career.
How can I be the Wall?
First, sit very very still. I have the advantage of not having to breathe, eat, drink, or go anywhere, but you can certainly be wall-like for short periods. Then listen very carefully. When there is a question, don’t be hasty in answering. Understand the question from many perspectives and in many contexts. Do this with compassion and empathy. Seek input from many people living and dead. (By “dead,” I mean books and articles.) Then compose your answer, attentive to the humanity behind the question. #ohwait, did you mean you want to answer questions here, with me? Hm… what do people think about a be-the-wall competition?