Morning Stories

Those are two separate word parts, aren't they? Uni and Versity struck a deal — and in doing so, made quite a contribution to education. Oh wonder of wonders, this concept too comes straight out of the old Latins' kitchen. “Universitas” stood for “totality” or “community.” Oha — academics are accessible to the totality of citizens? Well, how marvellous.

Brian is full of meaning. Not the man, mind you, but the name itself. When Brian was still a freshly minted Celt having a look around Ireland, his name gained a little extra weight. The Celts and the Irish agreed that nomen est omen. Brian is the noble one, the strong one, or simply the hill, depending on which way you interpret five letters.

"So, Eve, how are you doing?" "Oh, thanks for asking. I think I'm doing well." "Eve — were you even asked?"

It’s astonishing what this group of imaginative teenagers keeps coming up with. Their sole mission each day seems to be driving every authority figure they encounter straight to madness. They’re true pubescent creatures — and will surely go down in human history as The Unruly.

Madame Melan Cholie lived in ancient times — in an age overflowing with philosophers. Especially in Greece … and southern Italy.

The third season of the year has, since the dawn of humankind — and probably a bit before that — been the dull cup among the four outdoor states of being. What, I ask, is not dreary about this ghastly, cold-creeping, fog-drenched time of year?

One of those smoke-filled, gloomy people sitting on barstools in the shadows has always been a magnet for me. People travelling alone or in pairs enjoy themselves at a bar. That’s because there are few barriers to contact with the person next to you on the right or left. Many a conversation would never have taken place without a bar.