29
October
2007
“I don’t know that there are any shortcuts to doing a good job.” -Justice O’Connor
What do these two have in common?
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
Dr. Stephen T. Colbert, D.F.A.
1. Have friends pictured (with or without clothes) in John Stewart’s America.
2. Received prestigious honorary doctoral degrees (Doctor of Laws and Doctor of Fine Arts, respectively).
3. Hung out with Cornell students this past week.
If you answered yes to all of the above, you have my permission to buy yourself a Dairy Bar ice cream.
Justice O’Connor spoke to a full audience at Bailey Hall last Tuesday about the process of oral argumentation at the Supreme Court. She discussed some famous personalities to appear before the Court and noted the most impressive lawyer she had heard during her tenure on the bench was (now Chief Justice) John Roberts.
After working at the Court last fall, I found a new appreciation for the often underestimated branch of government; its rich stories are less told or simply not featured in the headlines. Hearing Justice O’Connor speak sustained my affection for the Court’s history and made me miss it (after all, there is a poster in my room of the USSC- ok that probably just makes me a nerd).
Friday, Colbert sold out two shows in Barton Hall (added to above list of commonalities – people who pack the house). Colbert stuck to his typical political genre, with a few Cornell and college tidbits thrown in to bring down the house – check out the other blogs for more information. He also harassed the ever so innocent interpreters for the hearing impaired all night, saying nonsensical phrases that necessitated signs even the most mature MBA student would find amusing.
Both Justice O’Connor and Colbert answered questions from the audience, which I think says a lot about these speakers. No matter the inquiry, Justice O’Connor showed her spark and wits when answering questions about the controversial 2000 election or the decision she most regrets (one you’ve probably never heard of, but that dictates how judges are elected – she sees the ruling as having a potentially detrimental influence upon the justice system). Colbert was quizzed about his upcoming presidential run in South Carolina and what really happened at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner – apparently, even the First Lady can let one slip at the supper table.
Posted: A Day in the Life of, Cornellia
23
October
2007
“I have on my steel-toed boots and you have on Mary Janes” -President Skorton, noting my friend Sarah’s shoes
No, we’re not talking about W or Mike Mullen.
Recognize these two men?
That is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Peter C. Meinig on the left and President David J. Skorton on the right.
Who knew they could square dance in Levi’s?
Last week, I attended a hoedown with the Meinig Family in the livestock pavilion. Every few years, they meet with the Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars (MFCNS) to get to know the students they generously supply with funding for books, study and summer internships a little better. MFCNS is under the umbrella organization known as the Cornell Commitment. Most students are selected prior to their freshman year, but a few upperclassmen can apply, which is how I became involved in the program. Without MFCNS, it would have been nearly impossible for me to spend my summer in Northern Ireland working as a (gloriously wonderful, but unpaid) intern at the U.S. Consulate.
But back to the hoedown. The Meinig family flew in BBQ and all the trimmings from their hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Guests included the Meinig Scholars, who range from freshman to seniors, and a number of university officials, including President Skorton, his wife Robin Davisson and Dean of Students Kent Hubbell. Cornell’s 12th president seemed to enjoy the casual atmosphere, as he pointed out my friend Sarah’s unnecessary dressy footwear (see above quotation).
And for anyone who puts university leaders in the stiff and snotty category, think again. From what I could tell across the square dance circle, Peter Meinig’s docey doe wasn’t half bad.
Posted: A Day in the Life of, Cornellia, Senior Shenanigans
21
October
2007
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – the Dalai Lama
Even though he came over a week ago, Cornell is still very much abuzz about the visit of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama – and if you’ve picked up a paper in the last few days, the Nobel laureate has been making headlines throughout the country too.
After 5:30 am wakeup call and several hours of waiting and sitting, this little man did what what few others could – keep an audience of over 5,000 on the edge of their seats laughing, smiling, intrigued and inspired to make their own lives and the world a better place.
I found many of the Dalai Lama’s messages surprisingly simple. Inner peace leads to external peace, which promotes greater peace around our globe. Kindness. Happiness. Be gracious and grateful. Love your Mom.
And even if you couldn’t hear a thing he said in the acoustically unfortunate Barton Hall, just look at the guy – isn’t he about the cutest world leader you’ve ever seen?
As a person, I’m always impressed by the speakers and visitors we tend to welcome to our campus (except for commencement, which has been notoriously lame of late). As a Cornellian, I’m not so surprised though. Few days go past during which I’m not inspired or intrigued by activities, research or peers all associated with Cornell. Some may call me a mouthpiece for the university when saying this, but if you look at the events calendar on any given day, I’m pretty sure you would feel the same way.
Posted: A Day in the Life of, Cornellia
20
October
2007
“I feel so gratified about having finished college. I learned how to articulate myself. It gave my confidence more than anything.” -Maggie Gyllenhaal
Next weekend, Stephen Colbert will be heading up to Cornell for two shows. He must be preparing for his Ithaca stint, as Cornell was mentioned on his program by Paul Gastris, editor and chief of Washington Monthly Magazine. Cornell is the only Ivy League school in the top ten of their rankings that professe to evaluate,” . . . not what colleges can do for you, but what colleges are doing for the country.”
Posted: Cornellia
16
October
2007
“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” -John Lennon
Applications, interviews and prelims have taken over my life. Don’t worry, I’m still here; since this blog is supposed to be about student life at Cornell, you should know Cornell students can get pretty busy and bogged down.
But at 4:50 yesterday afternoon, I emerged from my last prelim for a little while, ready to return to an existence that doesn’t consist of more time at the library than in my bed. I’m coming back.
Posted: A Day in the Life of
6
October
2007
“Baseball is a game where a curve is an optical illusion, a screwball can be a pitch or a person, stealing is legal and you can spit anywhere you like except in the umpire’s eye or on the ball.” -Jim Murray
I chide many of my greater New York City area cohorts at Cornell that rooting for the Yankees is like cheering for the house. I’m not trying to be whiny, but the Yanks have tons of cash and connections that seem a bit unfair. Hailing from Ohio, I’m in the minority as far as geographical roots are concerned at Cornell, but also with my preference for the Jake and status as a Witness. So when anything Ohio makes it onto the national scene, proud (the Cavs – we’ve got it this year boys) or not so much (the river catching on fire – hey, it was before my time) I have to comment.
Yesterday, as I drove back to the Midwest for fall break with an assortment of people – my Dad, who rode his bike 350 plus miles to Cornell “for fun,” my roommate Alex, visiting Ohio for the first time, my Brother and one of his friends – we were all floored by the strange Cleveland baseball saga playing out on the radio. In case you missed it, insects attacked NYY pitcher Joba Chamberlain, and with a turn of fate, the Indians clenched a victory.
See all of the little silver shiny spots? Multiply that by a bazillion and then imagine those little guys crawling up your neck. Gross sums it up in a word. The sheer number of little flying menaces – and the havoc they caused – made many reference the Biblical nature of the scene. So sorry Yanks – you may have the dollar $ign$ on your side, but apparently, nobody can mess with the big guy upstairs when it comes to baseball.
Posted: A Day in the Life of
