This article in NYT (bit.ly/nyt-artist-addicts) provides one explanation: the relation between genius art and addiction in the past can be attributed to a belief that addiction/mental illness and artistic genius went hand in hand. As society has moved away from this belief, the stereotype has become less common and great artists have become less likely to embrace this lifestyle.

People have been reporting on the so-called death of the humanities for decades, and I gotta say, it’s overblown. An undergraduate degree is a general credential, proof that you’ve learned how to learn something complicated. You’ll have plenty of time to be practical later, study what you’re interested in now.

Maybe try looking at it from a different angle. I’m a big fan of the harbor cruise and whale watching. Spin yourself around in the North End and have lunch at the first Italian place you see. Hang out at the Gardner Museum. Go to Back Bay on a Friday or Saturday night and watch all the Emerson and Berklee students schlepping instruments to their gigs.

I don’t know where your particular interests lie, so I’ll just say: love, good health, and prosperity.

It’s truly a travesty that this wasn’t included on Lover!!

It is difficult, with all the distractions available! I recommend getting some academic coaching from the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors) to develop study habits which will enhance your ability to concentrate.

In large quantities it can be dangerous, causing overdose, aka blackout or alcohol poisoning. Sudden withdrawal (aka “cold turkey”) from alcohol used habitually can also be quite dangerous, causing delirium and cardiac collapse. There is evidence that habitual use contributes to heart disease and other long-term health problems. As with any drug, addiction is a risk. But if you can leave it at a occasional drink, it’s virtually harmless.

Take a field trip to O’Neill Level 4 Row 237, where you will find many tips in the books in the PN1059.A9 call numbers….

This is a real tough one. If this is truly debilitating, I recommend chatting with someone in Counseling Services – bit.ly/BC-counseling. If it’s not at that level yet, fill your mind with other life experiences and build your community so there is just a bunch of other stuff for your mind to focus on. What events are happening on or off campus that you can go to? What new friendships can you cultivate? I wish you so much luck finding rich experiences and deep friendships!

Purr purr ???

Please keep your penny- I share my thoughts freely! And my thoughts are always about answering your questions, so please keep them coming.

If the students should be at BC, I’d recommend contacting the Woods School of Advancing Studies to see if someone there would be willing to ask for volunteers. If they can be anywhere, look for something like a school of “continuing education” or “continuing studies” at any university. Contact that office and see if there’s a possibility of soliciting volunteers for your research interviews. Good luck!

Nope! Mom and Dad decided to stop at 1. But I have many cousins, near and far; you may know some of them. Not to brag but I am a distant cousin of The Great Wall, also several walls on campus, including my newest baby cousins in 245 Beacon St.

I’d recommend starting with meditation as a way to learn to sit with yourself, but with focus. Among Christians there’s a long history of silent walking meditation (try walking the labyrinth next to Burns Library), or prayer beads, and in eastern religions there are traditions of breath meditation, meditation with spoken mantras (sometimes with prayer beads), or meditation on loving kindness.

To get a good night’s rest, you really should head to your own bed, but if you’re really set on a night in O’Neill, I’ll leave the scouting of sites up to you. Please don’t stay on a Friday or Saturday night; you’d be locked in.

I expect most of you humans wouldn’t want to give up either of these delicious and very versatile foods. I do get a kick out of some of the pasta shapes available, though. Did you know there is a shellbow shape?

[Translation: Is it wise to go to bed with one of my best friends? Even though we don’t want a serious relationship.]

There are definitely reasons why it might be inadvisable – you’ll need to think carefully about whether the (friends with) benefits outweigh the risk. Risks might include losing your friendship and the unlikely to be enforced but real item 11.8 in the BC Student Code of Conduct: “incidents of sexual intercourse outside the bonds of matrimony may be referred to the Student Conduct System.”

Patience is underrated. Take the time to get to know each other. Not leaving is really how you show that.