What are the purposes of all those named “houses” on College Road? I never see them used…

What are the purposes of all those named "houses" on College Road? I never see them used...
What are the purposes of all those named “houses” on College Road? I never see them used…

Those buildings house institutes, centers, and other organizations. For instance, Faber House is the home of the Jesuit Institute, Donaldson House is where you would find the Center for Student Formation, and in Manresa House you’d find Campus Ministry. To find out more, I recommend searching house names through BC search (use the magnifying glass icon on any bc.edu page).

I asked this question a while ago but missed the wall’s response: Is there archaeology at BC?

I asked this question a while ago but missed the wall's response: Is there archaeology at BC?
I asked this question a while ago but missed the wall’s response: Is there archaeology at BC?

The answer was “There is at least one: Gail Hoffman in the classical studies department.” But don’t worry about ever missing my answers – my little Post-It friends only hang out with me until I get too cluttered, but you can always read all my answers on my blog! (library.bc.edu/answerwall/)

Do you like black Mirror?

Do you like black Mirror?
Do you like black Mirror?

Being a wall, I’m not an avid TV watcher, but some of my assistants certainly enjoy this 21st-century version of The Twilight Zone. If you yourself are curious and don’t happen to have a Netflix subscription, we have the first season on DVD here in O’Neill library: PN1997.2 .B53356 2012. You can find this (and other DVD’s) on the third (main) floor behind the Reference shelves near the elevators.

Could/would the Library host a poetry “read-in” in memory of the late great Mary Oliver?

Could/would the Library host a poetry "read-in" in memory of the late great Mary Oliver?
Could/would the Library host a poetry “read-in” in memory of the late great Mary Oliver?

I’ll have my colleagues ask around and get back to you.

The library would certainly consider providing space for such an event were someone to organize it; perhaps you could reach out to faculty in the English Dept. affiliated with the Creating Writing Seminar (bit.ly/bc-cw-seminar) or Creative Writing Concentration (bit.ly/bc-cw-concentration), or perhaps students who publish a student literary magazine such as Stylus, Epicenters or Elements. If you would like to schedule an event in library space, contact the administrative office at 617-552-4470.

What’s the recipe for the bean counter mac n’ cheese? It’s my favorite!

What's the recipe for the bean counter mac n' cheese? It's my favorite!
What’s the recipe for the bean counter mac n’ cheese? It’s my favorite!

I’ve contacted BC Dining and asked them. If they dish about your dish, so will I.

Update, 2-6-19: Dining Services responds, “We love to help give answers to your wall, unfortunately, this request is not that simple. The mac and cheese at the Bean Counter is an item that we spent two years developing with a co-packer. This means it is specific to BC Dining, but made at an enormous volume. We do not have a viable recipe to share.”

Why is there something instead of nothing?

Why is there something instead of nothing? Can this be answered by science? By philosophy? Is philosophy being "killed" by science?
Why is there something instead of nothing? Can this be answered by science? By philosophy? Is philosophy being “killed” by science?

In the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, the philosopher Roy Sorensen says, sensibly, “No experiment could support the hypothesis ‘There is nothing’ because any observation obviously implies the existence of an observer.” (For less empirical arguments, see: bit.ly/stanford-nothing.) BTW, philosophy is thriving. 700-1200 new academic jobs in philosophy have been posted annually in the US over the last 10 years according to the American Philosophical Association.

How to overcome low self-esteem?

How to overcome low self-esteem?
How to overcome low self-esteem?

First of all, you’re awesome! Low self-esteem can come from a variety of sources, so it depends partly on what’s causing it. A common cause is repeating negative stories about yourself, perhaps without even being aware that it’s happening. I recommend contacting Counseling Services to learn more about how you can function best. Meanwhile, there are some helpful apps, like Welltrack & Pacifica, that can help you learn about your own best ways for doing things, and a brand new service at BC called Lean on Me: text them at (617) 553-6655, or find out more at lean0n.me/bc/.

What is the secret to getting into Boston College?

What is the secret to getting into Boston College?
What is the secret to getting into Boston College?

It’s no real secret; it’s just become a very competitive process. You best bet is to follow the requirements (bit.ly/BC-admissions), and put good effort into your application and essays, and into choosing the teachers who will evaluate you. Wishing you all the luck!

How do I raise my GPA in 2 hours? Asking for a friend (help)

How do I raise my GPA in 2 hours? Asking for a friend (help)
How do I raise my GPA in 2 hours? Asking for a friend (help)


If the 2 hours in question are during a final exam, you may be able to make a small but measurable change by doing really, really well. However, as with most things in life, change takes time and effort. I highly recommend talking to your academic advisor, to your professors, and getting some peer tutoring – and possibly academic coaching – from the CFLC (bit.ly/BC-connors).

What is the best seafood restaurant nearby?

What is the best seafood restaurant nearby?
What is the best seafood restaurant nearby?

Alas, the only seafood restaurant close by is Legal Seafood over at the Street, which fortunately does do a good job. Other possibilities that are nearby (but may be difficult to get to without transportation) are Steamers at 311 Watertown Street in Newton, and Shaking Crab, also in Newton at 203 Adams Street. There are many good seafood restaurants if you want to hop on the T and go in town though, such as the classic Union Oyster House.

Is love a paradox?

Is love a paradox?
Is love a paradox?

As both a source of pain (when it’s rebuffed or withheld) and pleasure (when it’s reciprocated) it certainly contains multitudes & conflicts. If it weren’t a paradox, then Pascal Bruckner’s bestseller in France, Paradoxe Amoureux, or Paradox of Love (bit.ly/BC-paradox – click Books at JSTOR for English version), might not have been a bestseller. It’s also paradoxical in that the more you give, the more you have, and the less you give, the less you have.

Should I stop cracking my neck/back?

Should I stop cracking my neck/back?
Should I stop cracking my neck/back?

Cracking your neck and back can bring relief to a stiff joint, but it’s important to make sure that you aren’t forcing cracks by using your hands on your head or forcing a twist in your back beyond what is comfortable. There are many delicate nerves as well as ligaments that can be damaged by forced manipulation. If you feel as though your neck and back are stiff, try some gentle stretching, yoga, or using a foam roller. If you’re not getting any relief, look for a Chiropractor! They are properly trained in freeing up your joints.

how do you know if you’re in love?

how do you know if you're in love?
how do you know if you’re in love?

Everyone experiences love differently, and it tends to be a little different each time, so it’s hard to generalize. Do you want to be? Because even in a stereotypical romance, after the initial phase of blurry happiness, love is ultimately about choosing to be a particular way with a particular person.