Do bees have thoughts? Asking for a friend.

Do bees have thoughts? Asking for a friend.
Do bees have thoughts? Asking for a friend.

It depends on how you define “thought”. Bees have demonstrated behavior that goes beyond instinct. They can solve experimental problems never encountered in nature. They make decisions based on an effort/reward calculation. They communicate what they learn to each other. But has a bee ever wondered whether to be or not to be? That is a very good question.

Is a hotdog a sandwich?

Is a hotdog a sandwich?
Is a hotdog a sandwich?

Humans seem to be fascinated by ambiguous classifications, especially about hot dogs. Here are other answers: bit.ly/AW-hotdog, bit.ly/AW-hotdog2, bit.ly/AW-hotdog3. The Oxford English Dictionary definitions of sandwich (bit.ly/OED-sandwich) imply that common usage permits broader definitions when those are accompanied by a modifier: e.g., submarine sandwich, open-faced sandwich. Maybe a hot dog is a sandwich when you say, “hot dog sandwich.” While you ponder, listen to this 1949 Louis Prima Band recording of “Yes, We Have no Bananas”; at the 2:40 mark you’ll hear how they said it in New Yawk. bit.ly/YesNoBananas

How to avoid seasonal depression?

How to avoid seasonal depression?
How to avoid seasonal depression?

Great that you’re taking a proactive approach. I’d recommend talking to University Counseling Services (bit.ly/BC-counseling). They can probably give you ideas on how to ward it off and stay happy and healthy this winter.

Why is BC Dining so awful!?!?

Why is BC Dining so awful!?!? [response: Agreed.]
Why is BC Dining so awful!?!? [response: Agreed.]

Ponder what you find awful, and send them feedback about it: bit.ly/BCDiningComment. Maybe they’ll make some changes. My own answer: is it? I’ve had a number of people write about stuff they really like at various dining halls. Maybe it’s a matter of finding the options you like. Or maybe you just needed to vent? At times like these, I’m reminded that I’m glad I don’t eat anything but post-its. It must be so hard finding agreeable food!

I’m going to audition for Hamlet in less than two weeks. Do you think the Queen Mab speech is a good choice?

I'm going to audition for Hamlet in less than two weeks. Do you think the Queen Mab speech is a good choice? (I'm a girl tho) I don't know if it's an appropriate monologue for auditioning for a tragedy and I dunno if I'll be able to portray Mercutio. But I like it.
I’m going to audition for Hamlet in less than two weeks. Do you think the Queen Mab speech is a good choice? (I’m a girl tho) I don’t know if it’s an appropriate monologue for auditioning for a tragedy and I dunno if I’ll be able to portray Mercutio. But I like it.

There’s a pretty good Reddit thread with advice on auditioning for Shakespeare, and you’ve already avoided pitfall #1–doing something from the play you’re auditioning for. bit.ly/bc-mab. We’ve also got a few books on auditioning for Shakespeare that look good, with some collections of scenes for auditions: bit.ly/bc-shakes. The Reddit advice is to pick something similar to your age and gender, but I’d think some gender fluidity would not be amiss. Break a leg!

How do I raise $10,000 for the Boston Marathon plz help (and how do I run 26.2 miles?)

How do I raise $10,000 for the Boston Marathon plz help (and how do I run 26.2 miles?)
How do I raise $10,000 for the Boston Marathon plz help (and how do I run 26.2 miles?)

According to the BAA website, the minimum requirement is $5000 to run for one of the official charities. You need to contact the charity directly for details and more info; here’s the page that lists all of them: bit.ly/marathoncharities. As to your own physical training, make a plan and stick to it. Here’s one from the BAA website: bit.ly/train4marathon2. And one from Runner’s World: bit.ly/train4marathon. A worthy endeavor–all the best!

My boyfriend of two days cheated on me with my ex-friend. How petty should I be? — As petty as u can & beat her ass. — Petty as hell — Girl they can f off.

My boyfriend of two days cheated on me with my ex-friend. How petty should I be? -- As petty as u can & beat her ass. -- Petty as hell -- Girl they can f off.
My boyfriend of two days cheated on me with my ex-friend. How petty should I be? — As petty as u can & beat her ass. — Petty as hell — Girl they can f off.

Oh dear! Run, don’t walk and don’t let the cheater take up any more of your time and emotional energy. There is someone out there who will treat you with the respect you deserve.

What’s going on with the vending machines man?

What's going on with the vending machines man?
What’s going on with the vending machines man?

One of my assistants has contacted Auxiliary Services, the department that oversees the vending machines on campus. They are sending someone over to check the two [Coke] drink machines in the library and will contact Coke. The two Coke vending machines by the CTE are currently not working, due to mechanical problems. That too is being addressed. So for another day or so (hopefully), it’s bring money or bring a drink from outside!

Any leads on the Post-It dispenser thief?

Any leads on the Post-It dispenser thief? --I stole it, you'll never catch me
Any leads on the Post-It dispenser thief?
–I stole it, you’ll never catch me

Ah, it appears the person who ‘borrowed’ the dispenser is speaking up. I have faith that this person will return the dispenser as it is the right thing to do. If not, then this person should know that karma will get you at some point!