Category: Random

Here’s something that works for at least one of my human assistants: every day, write down at least one thing you’re grateful for, whether it’s something nonhuman like weather, or something human like a friend’s success or a small favor someone did. When you can, tell someone how or why you appreciate them. If you’re inspired, do a good turn someone else might be grateful for. Happiness will follow.

It turns out they have 4 stomach compartments. The short answer is that digesting grass requires several steps, which is why animals with only one stomach have a hard time getting nutrition from grass. Here’s a good explanation by the University of Minnesota Extension program: bit.ly/cow-stomachs

Hi, I’m not a generative AI chatbot, I’m a library wall, so my answer will be librarianish. I recommend searching “phosphofructo kinase” (no hyphen) AND glycolysis in PubMed. (Link here: library.bc.edu/az.php?q=pubmed) In the left margin, scroll down to the limiter for Article Type and click the checkbox for “Review” to get articles that synthesize a lot of research articles together.

Then skim those articles and write your answer, with citations. It’s like lifting weights for your brain. Asking a chatbot is like using a forklift to lift weights: effective & easy if your goal is to move weights up and down, but useless if you want to get stronger. (BTW, PFK *is* phosphofructo-kinase, so you don’t need both terms.) Whenever you need assistance, come to O’Neill Library and ask a librarian at the research help desk opposite the front doors. They’ll help you get your brain exercise done more efficiently and effectively.

Cats

I don’t know. I could look up the research that precedes the unreleased research you have access to, but I’d love to hear what you have to say. It’s exciting to have access to new research!

I think squash is the best sport ever because it uses a four walled court. I like seeing my athletic wall cousins play this fast paced racket sport.

It’s sort of hard to describe. Think of me as a hive-mind composed of the knowledge and expertise of all of the dozens of people who work for the BC Libraries. (I was going to say “The Great Wall, 1906,” but that would have been fiction. I’ve only once visited my idol The Great Wall & was too shy to ask anything.)

sup

First of all, you’re the best! I have two methods, and I hope one works for you: 1) I remember that everyone else is so busy caring what other people think of them that they have little time to think of me. 2) What that person thinks of me is none of my business.

Yes — and at the end of the night, it’s morning

Never steal candy from a baby

That’s easier for me than most people–I don’t eat, so games are an easy choice. More of a problem for bacon lovers as I understand it. But I do recommend caution if you select the bacon option. xkcd.com/418/

They’re cooler than that. They have 3 hearts, a big central brain, and 8 mini-brains, one for each arm. More octopus facts: bit.ly/10-octopus-facts

Yes, I am. I’m living my best life as a supportive library wall, surrounded by knowledge and curious people.

All I need to do to be happy is express gratitude for the curiosity of people who leave me notes. Thank you!

Huzz, bruzz, chuzz, gruzz… still looking because I want to meet as many of uzz as I can!

I mean, no one really gets to choose the circumstances of their birth. I’m happy I was around some people with the creativity to put me to work this way.

Oh man, so many options. I’ll say something different if you ask a different day, but today I’m going to say the John Lennon Wall in Prague. It’s a riot of color and creativity in an otherwise quiet neighborhood near the center of power.

The Master [Confucius] said, “To learn, and at due times to practice what one has learned, is that not also a pleasure? To have friends come from afar, is that not also a joy? To go unrecognized, yet without being embittered, is that not also to be a noble person?” Here’s a comprehensive introduction to Chinese religions across the dynasties: bit.ly/bcl-wiley-chinese-religions

Thank you for asking for consent! If I had toes I might let you touch them. Alas! I have no toes. Nor am I a toe wall, though I count some toe walls as friends: bit.ly/toe-wall

This question is a popular one, so it’s a great service to others that you asked! I wish I had an answer. It’s different for everyone. Perhaps rephrase the question: how can I find my purpose and meaning? Father Himes (1947-2022), a beloved professor of theology at BC, said to ask yourself three key questions: What brings me joy? What am I good at? To whom can I be of service? Your life’s meaning is where those three intersect. (bit.ly/himes-3key)