Editorial
Well, so it hasn't been a great week for Magdalen, but at least their Junior Dean and one of their students can't be accused of being complacent. The punishment handed out to Ronan Hanna by Andrew Hobson shows innovation and self-awareness. The fact that the student concerned has taken to it so well is largely to his credit. Students are often accused of taking things for granted and of causing unnecessary damage and disturbance. It therefore seems fitting that students who behave in this sort of way should experience what it is like to have to clear up the consequences. The Oxford Student has been assured that the punishment in no way was meant to diminish the role of the scout, but intended to make students more aware of their damaging behaviour. In this respect, the Junior Dean should be praised for his introduction of more innovative and constructive measures to combat student boorishness. Maybe, with these kind of measures being introduced, Magdalen students will feel so guilty about their actions that they'll all sit in their rooms swotting up for their college's appearance on University Challenge. Then again...
Will The Ban Play On?
On Friday, Union members will once again have the opportunity to vote on whether or not smoking should be allowed in the bar. The arguments for a ban on smoking are well known - a healthier bar atmosphere, a more inclusive bar free of 'loons'. The arguments against a ban on smoking are also widely disseminated - the 'dead' atmosphere due to a drop in the numbers using the bar, and a consequent rise in bar prices . However, aside from these points isn't it of slight concern that the rooms in which smoking is now allowed are upstairs rooms containing old books? Shouldn't the Union be concerned about the possible damage to these old books by cigarette smoke? Wouldn't it be a better compromise to allow smoking in the downstairs bar, but have an enforced no-smoking area upstairs, where non-smokers could breathe freely, safe in the knowledge that the quaint old books on the shelf weren't being harmed by cigarette smoke? The room could even be called the 'Mackerras Room' in honour of the Union's anti-smoking crusader.
Do They Know It's Xmas?
So the end of term is almost upon us, and the Oxford Student would like to take this opportunity to to wish all of you lucky people a very enjoyable (and very well deserved) holiday. Have mad, crazy, although slightly less momentous New Year's than last year. But, as you while away the hours of December trying hard to think what to do with your lives when you don't have essays to write, spare a thought for all the thousands of people who will be nervously taking interviews in December. The Oxford Student would like to leave all of you, students, interview candidates reading this newspaper two weeks after it comes out, tutors, and scouts, with a single message:
In the words of George W. Bush: "Don't Misunderestimate Yourselves." After all, complete fools can become President...
23rd Nov 2000