Make Them Laugh!

In the classic musical Singin’ in the Rain, Donald O'Connor as Cosmo performs the unforgettable number, “Make them Laugh.” I have begun to believe that this is the personal motto of our new professor Dr. Sheldon. In addition to being a brilliant mind, he has a laugh that is so contagious that we often find it hard to not join along! So when we muster the strength to not laugh, we are being introduced to the British understanding of a constitution which is quite different from the American understanding of a constitution.

First day of class with Dr. Sheldon.

While yesterday proved very insightful as our first class with Dr. Sheldon, today we heard from guest lecturer Vernon Bogdanor. A professor at Oxford University, Bogdanor is one of the world’s leading scholars on the British Constitution. I believe we all walked away from his lecture with an immensely deeper understanding of the current state of British politics. It is an amazing opportunity to learn from such men as Dr. Sheldon and Professor Bogdanor.

Being an unusually bright and clear day yesterday, a group of us made our way over to The Church of the Virgin Mary to climb the tower. As one of the highest point in Oxford, the tower provides an amazing view of the city. After climbing a steep and nearly medieval staircase all while squeezing by other visitors trying to go down the stairs, we were met by a hand painted horizon and the city of Oxford below. It was a beautiful sight.

Beautiful Oxford below.

From the top of the tower.