Legend has it that a bright young student at Cambridge University had unusual request. During an examination one day he popped up and asked the proctor to bring him Cakes and Ale. The following dialog ensued:

Proctor:
I beg your pardon?
Student:
Sir, I request that you bring me Cakes and Ale.
Proctor:
Sorry, no.
Student:
Sir, I really must insist. I request and require that you bring me Cakes and Ale.

At this point, the student produced a copy of the four hundred year old Laws of Cambridge, written in Latin and still nominally in effect, and pointed to the section which read (rough translation from the Latin): “Gentlemen sitting examinations may request and require Cakes and Ale”.

Pepsi and hamburgers were judged the modern equivalent, and the student sat there, writing his examination and happily slurping away.

Three weeks later Read the full story »