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How many lives were lost under socialist regimes during the 20th century?

How many lives were lost under socialite regimes during the 20th century?
How many lives were lost under socialist regimes during the 20th century?
Is this really a question, or are you trying to make a point to people who read these?
Is this really a question, or are you trying to make a point to people who read these?

That number would be markedly different depending on what you mean. If you mean deaths of citizens directly attributable to their socialist governments (i.e., what one might call state-sponsored murder, or “democide,”) it’s one number. If you mean deaths of citizens *indirectly* (i.e. owing to military campaigns or resource management) that’s a quite different number. Also, is your definition of socialism narrow (only including totalitarian socialist states) or broad (also including countries briefly governed by democratically elected socialists, such as Allende in Chile?) I recommend searching “democide” in the Historical Abstracts database.

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Why is B.C. housing such a pain?

Why is B.C. housing such a pain? I have 6 friends but we need one more to make an 8-man! what do we do?
Why is B.C. housing such a pain? I have 6 friends but we need one more to make an 8-man! what do we do?

BC housing… sigh… . Res Life knows, believe me. They do what they can to alleviate the pain. (Imagine having to find rooms for 8000 students in such a short period! Non-trivial problem, as engineers would say.) Solutions: Have all of your friends talk to their friends? Put up signs? Put the word out on insta/snap/fb/twitter? I’m sure you’ll find another likeminded person to join your group of friends. Make contingency plans for smaller groups, though, just in case the 8-man doesn’t work out.

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Why do I exist?

Why do I exist? [response: (you're wanted + loved ❤️)]
Why do I exist? [response: (you’re wanted + loved ❤️)]

I think the response is lovely, and gets most of the way there. Here’s the other part: you also love in return.

According to Aristotle, Human being is in between Animal and God. The existence of Human being is to avoid the nature of animal and pursuing the God, so your existence is necessary
According to Aristotle, Human being is in between Animal and God. The existence of Human being is to avoid the nature of animal and pursuing the God, so your existence is necessary

Yes! That, too. So, you see, there are many, many possible reasons for you to exist.

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I fall in love with my TA What should I do?

I fall in love with my TA What should I do?
I fall in love with my TA What should I do?

I think this is going to have to be “the one that got away.” BC policy states”the policy prohibits any faculty member, employee, graduate assistant, or undergraduate teaching assistant from engaging in a romantic or sexual relationship, or in any romantic or sexual conduct, with any individual whom they supervise, teach, advise, evaluate, counsel, or coach” http://bit.ly/BCRevConsent

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Why do I keep falling for the same type of guy?

Why do I keep falling for the same type of guy?
Why do I keep falling for the same type of guy?

I gather that this type of guy is not the right type of guy for you. You can start by making an appointment with University Counseling, or find a private therapist to help you work through this pattern. And write down a list of the most important qualities in a good partner/friend for you. Also think about that boy from your younger days who you really liked in a platonic way — what was he like? Would someone like him appeal to you today, romantically? Consider mixing up your BC social life a bit. You may encounter some new faces that will surprise you.  It’s a tough process, but good to face if you know you’re on the wrong path.

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Please share tips!!

Please share tips!!
Please share tips!! <3

Tip: Ask a Librarian. They’re at the reference desk (the one facing the main doors) 9am-9pm M-Th, 9-5 F, and 11-7 Sat/Sun. The library website (library.bc.edu) is full of information about resources. Just follow the “Research Guides” link (library.bc.edu/research_guides) or the “Get Help” link on the menu.There are library tip cards just to my right (your left). Health & wellness tip cards from the Office of Health Promotion are on the display rack next to the reference desk.

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How to stay healthy?

How to stay healthy? I keep getting sick :(
How to stay healthy? I keep getting sick 🙁

Sometimes you can’t help getting sick, but you probably know the basics of how best to maintain a healthy body: enough sleep, healthy foods, exercise, frequent hand-washing, etc. Why not schedule a coaching session with the Ofc. of Health Promotion (bit.ly/BC-health-promo) to fine tune your prevention?

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How do I counteract suicidal thoughts?

How do I counteract suicidal thoughts?
How do I counteract suicidal thoughts?

I’m sorry you’re having those thoughts. Please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8355) right away, and/or immediately call Counseling Services (617-552-3310) or visit them in Gasson 001 and ask to speak to with the Psychological Emergency Clinician (PEC). Tell them you are having suicidal thoughts. If it’s not during work hours, call BC Police (617-552-4444) if you’re on campus or 911 if not. I and many, many people want you to get past this bad moment, and are ready to help.

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Snail today

Snail today (Drawing of a snail)
Snail today (Drawing of a snail)

Slow down, you move to fast. Got to make the morning last.

^ Is this a ... ?
^ Is this a … ?

Yes. It is. It’s a snail. It’s not a pigeon. Or a butterfly. It ‘s also not a snail, if you follow the example set by Rene Magritte about his painting of a pipe. Or were you talking about my response? In that case, it’s a meme’s ancester, aka an allusion, in this case via a quotation, from Simon and Garfunkel’s “59th St. Bridge Song.” It’s a roundabout compliment about the happiness evoked by the drawing.

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When was this Wall idea created / your birthday?

When was this Wall idea created / your birthday?
When was this Wall idea created / your birthday?

I’ve been around a while, but I found my true calling answering questions in O’Neill in early 2017. I celebrate my “birthday” on February 1. Whiteboards aren’t actually born, they’re – oh never mind, I’ll let your folks tell you about that stuff…

I’ve heard a rumor that my assistants are going to try to surprise me with a birthday celebration on February 3 at Noon. (Do me a favor and don’t tell them I know. I’ll pretend to be surprised.)

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Will doing outside activitys take too much of my time?

Will doing outside activitys take too much of my time?
Will doing outside activitys take too much of my time?

You need to give your studies the attention they deserve, but it’s important to make other activities a part of your life. Your years here are an opportunity to learn, grow, and try out new things, and that doesn’t happen just in the classroom or the lab. The solution might be developing your time management skills. Why not try Academic Coaching at the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors)?

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comm elective recs? <3

comm elective recs?
comm elective recs? <3

The buzz is that they are all awesome! From the course listings, however,  it appears that many are already closed.  But take a closer look at New Media and Society (COMM227201) and Advanced Public Speaking (COMM 229301).

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I hardly feel creative anymore…

I hardly feel creative anymore. :( I'm in an upper level creative writing class where I feel immense stress and feel like I don't belong. Other students have a lot more writing experience. TAT wonder if I should drop.
I hardly feel creative anymore. 🙁 I’m in an upper level creative writing class where I feel immense stress and feel like I don’t belong. Other students have a lot more writing experience. TAT wonder if I should drop.

Yeah, some writers are pretty good at telling stories to make themselves sound bigger than they are. Also, all the writing experience in the world just makes for decent craft: the story itself is more important. Craft comes with diligent work. If this is your passion, fight for it. Show up, and keep showing up. Whatever you decide, I, The Answer Wall, believe in you.

Try drugs?
Try drugs?

That works for some. Some think it works for them. It’s not really related to whether you’re filling the page with words, though.