Clare Hall is also unusual in that it makes no distinctions between faculty and students. So instead of having the traditional High Table to separate professors from the lowly students, we all sit together at college functions and meals. That means that when I got into a polite argument with someone at dinner about the death of the traditional antisocial, family-less, monastic lifestyle of scholars (he supported that lifestyle, I did not), it just so happened that he turned out to be President of the college. Gulp. Luckily, that kind of open discussion is encouraged here, unlike at the more traditional and old-fashioned colleges.
This is my favorite sign in Cambridge, posted on the front door of my dorm. Translations, please? :)
3 comments:
The Pres?? How cool!! Great story for the blog, see you're totally getting into this =)
And my Harry Potter dictionary tells me that a "snib" is (paraphrasing here): a switch to hold the lock back...and that one activated, it prevents key holders from using the lock.
nice sleuthing AVT!
what an AMAZING story...that is the kind of open discourse the U of C brags about, but doesn't actually support/foster. WOW. look at that holding your own with the prez. he'd better watch his back if he wants to keep his job. no more awkward conversations at a house table! on to the REAL deal... it sounds WONDERFUL. an honest to goodness intellectual community.
I often snib my door....doesn't everyone ? As for the remarks to the President....you've kissed the Blarney Stone which gives you immunity for anything that comes out of your mouth. Cold, windy, and rainy - probably same for you. 8 days til Florida !
Post a Comment