Part of academic life is the wearing of gowns and funny hats. It might not look obvious to some, but this is a brace of Professors in Winchester Cathedral (one of whom is also a Bishop). Whilst the clothing and Cathedral, the pomp and ceremony of our academic life, suggest a certain conservatism, both of us have strong socialist leanings too, even though we come from very different walks of life. Education is like that, ultimately its not about dress, and degrees and pomp and ceremony (much as I love it - and I really do) its about helping people to think from an informed position. That's what I truly believe and what we try to instil in those young people that are our students. I can honestly say, without any fear of contradiction, I really, really love my job and University life - its no perfect mind... but hey, I was talking to Dan last night and he is in Tanzania before he goes to University, and what a lesson he is already learning. He has always had a soft, caring attitude to life and this is being reinforced now. Good on him, its a mirror in a mirror and the perfect music for a calm Sunday morning; and it allows me to think quietly about my good friend Michael who will be undergoing surgery in Brisbane:
