Ask Eric | Studying and favorite colors

Editor's Note: Ask Eric is an advice column published every Tuesday. Anonymous questions are taken from this Google form. Questions are also taken both from The Collegian's Instagram, @thecollegianur, and via email, collegianaskeric@gmail.com.

Hello all,

I am back again to regale you with wondrous and well-thought-out advice. In all honesty, this week will probably be another weird one as I have had a very busy schedule. For starters, I greatly overestimated my skill with Excel so I took far too long to do a lab report. Like the rest of you I also take tests, so that’s fun. And I think I have looked at my history thesis more this week than I have even seen myself in a mirror. 

All of this is to say that I am in quite the state. To release some of this pent-up stress, I have come here to think about your burning questions instead of mine. So I thank you all for giving me this opportunity, and with that, let’s get to the questions. 

What is THE BEST color?

In my opinion, black is by far the best color. It is just so versatile -- no one has “yellow tie” events. You can wear black for formal events, casual events, while going clubbing, while going to a funeral and to most things in between. Also, black looks good with most other colors so I do not need to think about how I look in it -- I know I look good. I can't speak for how black is for drawing or painting, though, since I do not do any sort of arts and crafts. Perhaps it says a lot about me that my favorite color is based strongly on its utility. Regardless, black is my favorite color and therefore it is the best color.

Got a study playlist?

Honestly, I do not have one study playlist that I listen to. I should probably make one as I have an idea of what I would put on it. Recently I have been listening to a lot of Hozier so that would probably feature heavily. I am also a pretty big fan of rock music so things like the Eagles, The Rolling Stones and Ozzy Osbourne might be on that list as well. I also would put some Ed Sheeran and X Ambassadors on there as I like them a lot. Finally, my girlfriend has gotten me into Harry Styles recently so I would probably have him in my study playlist. I do not listen to rap music when I study because I get too distracted with it, so sorry to all the rap fans out there. 

In general, when I study I just listen to songs that I like and have heard a lot so that I don't get distracted trying to listen to it. Oh, also classical music -- that stuff is really good to study to. If I make a playlist I will get back to you all with what I put on it.

Why is your girlfriend so cute?

I asked my girlfriend if she sent in this question and she says she did not so I do not know who is asking this but I will take any chance I can get to brag about my girlfriend. First of all, my girlfriend is super smart which I think is very attractive. I am always intellectually challenged when we talk. Second, my girlfriend is extremely passionate about the things she cares about. I love to be dating someone who actually shows that they like things. Too many people go for the stoic look and that is boring. Third, my girlfriend is also my best friend so we have a lot of fun together. When we are together we are always laughing and making jokes with each other. As to why she is cute, though, I think you might just have good taste.

Good morning, Eric! The juice in d-hall can be very hit or miss. Do you prefer one of the juice machines, or is there a specific juice flavor that is watery less of the time?

I will be honest with you, my friend: You are probably not going to get good juice from the dining hall most days. I personally suggest the machines by the third room, but that is probably more due to my habits than any actual difference in quality. 

In terms of watered-down juices, I think your best bet is to go for apple juice or cranberry juice. I find apple juice to be a bit too sweet for me most of the time, so it being watered down does not bother me. Cranberry juice is usually pretty strong so you will not lose too much flavor if it is watered down a little bit. I think orange juice is by far the best breakfast juice but I would not recommend it most days at D-hall unless you are really craving it. 

Well, that is all for me this week. I am off to make the editors scavenger hunt for all of the swear words I put in here to keep them on their toes. Remember, if you are having a serious problem, I recommend that you contact CAPS. Spring break is just around the corner, y’all. One final push and we can take a short break. Have fun out there and remember that there is a fine line between bravery and stupidity, so don’t do anything stupid over break!

Rock on,

Eric Bossert

Contact columnist Eric Bossert at eric.bossert@richmond.edu.