Are there such a thing as “universals”, and do they exist outside of our minds?

Are there such a thing as "universals", and do they exist outside of our minds?
Are there such a thing as “universals”, and do they exist outside of our minds?

I’d sort of like to believe that there is a concept Wall that exists separately from all the numberless walls that exist, but I’ve always been a Platonist. It’s a hard question, and there are lots of possible answers and arguments to be made. Here are a few from a good source: bit.ly/bc-universals. If you’d like more suggestions, turn around and ask the humans at the desk to your right.

Will BC make the NCAA tournament for mens basketball next year?

Will BC make the NCAA tournament for men basketball next year?
Will BC make the NCAA tournament for mens basketball next year?

It’s way too early in the NBA process to know. Bowman and Robinson both declared for the draft, but didn’t hire agents. If they return for next season, then I think we’re almost a lock for the tourney. I don’t think Robinson is coming back, but Bowman might. Still, there’s a lot to be excited about. A lot of great players are returning (Mitchell, Kraljevic) and the freshman class looks strong. I think there’s a very good chance BC MBB makes it next year. At the very least, the team shouldn’t set their sights lower than that.

Dear Wall, I’m the girl who’s discussed by my gf as being like a 3 yr old kid. ->quick response. I think this is just a form of atta-chment behaviour. no need for her to act like my mom. Thx for your response though.

Dear Wall, I'm the girl who's discussed by my gf as being like a yr old kid. ->quick response. I think this is just a form of atta-chment behaviour. no need for her to act like my mom. Thx for your response though.
Dear Wall, I’m the girl who’s discussed by my gf as being like a 3 yr old kid. ->quick response. I think this is just a form of atta-chment behaviour. no need for her to act like my mom. Thx for your response though.

If you know you are the GF in the earlier question, then you and your partner must be discussing the behavior mentioned. I am very relieved to know that you and your GF are being thoughtful and open about how your relationship is going. As long as that is the case, you will need very little advice from me or others.

Can we get chicken dumpling soup in the Rat please?

Can we get chicken dumping soup in the Rat please?
Can we get chicken dumpling soup in the Rat please?

One of the walls on the lower level of Lyons is a great friend of mine, and she will be forwarding your suggestion to the appropriate people at BC Dining. Chicken Dumpling soup sounds delicious and very warming on these crazy cold April days we’ve been having.

thank you so much ily & its so good
thank you so much ily & its so good

You’re quite welcome! It is my ergon to be supportive.

Do real Gs move in silence like lasagna?

Do real Gs move in silence like lasagna?
Do real Gs move in silence like lasagna?

I want to avoid sounding cheesy, but this is an answer with many layers. (I had to get special parmesan just to answer this question.) This lyric (From Lil Wayne’s “6’7”) has spawned a pedantic discussion as to whether or not the ‘g’ in lasagna is actually silent, since it does actually change the pronunciation of the word. Regardless, I think we can all agree that the line is saucy. Further discussion here: bit.ly/LasagnaSound

Perche’ il mio amico Matteo non si fa i cazzi suoi? [Why doesn’t my friend Matteo mind his own business?]

Perche' il mio amico Matteo non si fa i cazzi suoi? [Why doesn’t my friend Matteo mind his own business?]
Perche’ il mio amico Matteo non si fa i cazzi suoi? [Why doesn’t my friend Matteo mind his own business?]

I don’t think I’ve ever met Matteo, so it’s hard to say why he won’t mind his own business. Maybe he’s just more interested in your business than his own? And wouldn’t that be kind of flattering? To a point? It sounds like he crosses a line, though. If he’s interested in everybody’s business (an incurable gossip), I recommend discretion and careful listening. (And *never* reveal his sources, or else the well will dry up.) This eagle understands you, though.

"Bald eagle wondering what this camera is doing up in his business."
“Bald eagle wondering what this camera is doing up in his business.” (from https://www.reddit.com/r/photoshopbattles/comments/2t3obx/psbattle_bald_eagle_wondering_what_this_camera_is/)

How can I face a bad time?

How can I face a bad time?
How can I face a bad time?

With help and support from your friends, family, and community! It is important to know that when you are going through a tough time, you don’t have to go through it alone. Perhaps you can turn to your family for support. If they are far away, consider FaceTime or Skype to get a chance to see them as you get their advice and support. Be sure to also lean on your friends too. Many of them are probably closer to your age and their perspective (and knowing what a large support network you have), can be helpful. Finally, don’t discount the value in getting professional help. If you are feeling down or even just struggling, there are resources at BC for you. Contact Counseling Services (http://bit.ly/BC-counseling) for information about the support they can offer. And of course, you can always come to me for advice or support along the way!

New graphic novels on the first floor. Any recommendations?

New graphic novels on the first floor. Any recommendations?
New graphic novels on the first floor. Any recommendations?

There are so many great options, it is hard to choose just one! If you’re a science fiction fan, check out Y, The Last Man (PN6728 .Y2 V38 2003). They recently announced that it is being turned into a TV show, so you can be ahead of the curve. Plus, it is a great read! If superheroes are more your speed, check out Planet Hulk (PN6728.I47 P35 2008) to check back in with the Hulk before the upcoming Avengers movie. Or, if you like a good memoir, how about Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley (TX715 .K6985 2013)? It is a great read (though warning, it may make you hungry!). If you want us to get any other comics for the collection, just let us know!

My friend/roomate will never go out w/me and spends all his time in the room. What do I do?

My friend/roomate will never go out w/me and spends all his time in the room. What do I do?
My friend/roomate will never go out w/me and spends all his time in the room. What do I do?

Ask him how he’s doing. If he says he’s fine and he’d really rather just be in the room, that’s up to him. If you want to do something with him, consider doing something together without going out – multiplayer video, board games, cards, stream a film through movies.bc.edu or check out a dvd from the library. If you’re concerned about his well-being, check in with counseling to hear what they recommend: bit.ly/BC-counseling.

Which is the best man hairdresser in Boston?

Which is the best man hairdresser in Boston?
Which is the best man hairdresser in Boston?

According to Boston Magazine, Pini Swissa is the best of the best for men’s hair in Boston, although getting your hair done by Pini yourself might be somewhat expensive. Similarly, Sandy Poirier, the owner of Shag Salon, is always in the conversation and regularly wins awards. He, too, might be a bit expensive for a regular cut and wash. Other stylists at both of these slaons (Pini Swissa and Shag) are generally excellent and can be significantly cheaper. Opther good options are Tweed, Sly’s, and Ball and Buck. For more options, check out bit.ly/MensHairBoston.

favorite question you’ve been asked?

favorite question you've been asked?
favorite question you’ve been asked?

At risk of sounding a bit self-absorbed, I am rather fond of the occasional questions I get that include marriage proposals and requests for dates (everyone loves to be loved <3 <3 <3). A question that I liked a lot was “How do I leave a better world for my children?” It was thoughtful and made me feel hope for the future and all warm and fuzzy inside.

What should I do if I keep being rejected from student organizations?

What ;should I do if I keep being rejected from student organizations? This year, I go into [?] I wanted to. Recently, I was rejected from 2 SOs that I dedicated a lot of time to. Help.
What should I do if I keep being rejected from student organizations? This year, I go into [?] I wanted to. Recently, I was rejected from 2 SOs that I dedicated a lot of time to. Help.
It must be frustrating and discouraging to put a lot of time into something and feel like your efforts weren’t valued. When you say “rejected,” do you mean you weren’t offered leadership positions? These things can take time, and aren’t always a measure of your worth to the organization. I recommend patience and resilience. I also recommend talking to the Office of Student Involvement about your experiences: www.bc.edu/osi. They may be able to offer new strategies or perspectives.

Do the Celtics still have a chance without Kyrie?

Do the Celtics still have a chance without Kyrie? [reply 1: I don't know, reply 2: The Celtics will not win the Eastern Conference finals w/0 Kyrie.]
Do the Celtics still have a chance without Kyrie? [reply 1: I don’t know, reply 2: The Celtics will not win the Eastern Conference finals w/0 Kyrie.]

🙁 No. The wall isn’t a bandwagon fan – I got cousins and friends doing all sorts of wall-things to keep the Garden standing. But the Celts had a tough path even with Kyrie healthy. And now…just watch the Toronto game for yourself. But here’s the good news: Hayward AND Kyrie will be healthy next season. Our bench and our bench’s bench are going to get some good experience. So our starters will be ready to play and we’ll have plenty of depth to grind through the end of the season. I, for one, am looking forward to a LeBron James/Kyrie Irving showdown in next year’s EC finals.