Hot Takes and Tough Questions

Hot Takes and Tough Questions

The well humoured and friendly Michael Raby is a well known figure in Craibstone campus. More than his important work at SRUC he's a student too, and just like you he's a fervent reader of whatever features on here.

Knowing everything to know about making your journey as sustainable as possible, everything about exam stress and the innerworkings of SRUC Michael naturally makes for a good interviewee. But how well will the good natured Craibstonian cope when some of the toughest head-scratchers of all time are tossed at him in a fire round of questions?  

Mike, what’s your favourite cheese?
A very mature cheddar

If you ever got stuck on a remote island, how long do you think you would survive?

Until I died from natural causes.

How long, do you think, would your unrefrigerated favourite cheese survive?

Not long – its too good to resist.

A bit of a hot take, but you previously mentioned that Craibstone is the better campus, the other ones just pale in comparison. Why did you say this?

Mmm, trying to back me into a corner, eh? Because its closest to where I live!

Interesting answer, but what, then, is true of your critique of cyclists wearing helmets?

It’s an individual’s choice. As a veteran of several cycling incidents including running over a paperboy, coming off a road and going over a wall and once attempting to fell a tree by launching myself at it (I definitely came off worse) I always wear one, you never know when it might come in handy!

Ah, not so much a critique but a ringing endorsement then. Got away well there. Okay, moving on: a sheep, cow and horse walk into a bar - in what order?

Alphabetically.

Don't believe a word of it. What would you like to do when you graduate?

Start a new course!

What type of tie would you wear on your first day in your new job?

I wouldn’t. It would set a precedent I would inevitably break on my second day!

I once got off the phone to my partner whilst simultaneously getting off the bus and accidentally said ‘’thank you bus driver’’ to my partner before blowing a kiss and saying “I love you” to the bus driver. How would you work yourself out of such a terrible faux pass?

I am unsure, perhaps if you could share your experience of the event I could learn from your misfortune?

Not happening, I'm here to quiz not share trauma. Who would win a bloody gladiator contest between particle physicist Brian Cox, a duck sized Teletubby, and Willy Wonka?

The Teletubby. I suspect the Noo-Noo is a viscous wee beastie and would quickly eliminate Cox and Wonka.

That's La-la, let's not enrage our Teletubbies watching readership. What would you say to students to encourage them to participate in active traveling?

You can save on a gym membership and fuel costs at the same time by active travel and its not just for getting to college or work. Even cutting out use of the car for short trips can save a fortune and the planet at the same time.

Lastly, do you have any wisdoms, proverbs, segacities, or jokes you’d like to bestow on other students?

I am not sure advice is by strong point based on the above 😉But don’t underestimate, or take for granted, the transformative power of your time at SRUC.

Thank you Mike! That was excellent. Do you have any questions for Sustainable Travel Officer Michael Raby about making your journey nicer, send him an email. And, do you think you have it in you to survive our next fireround inteview, contact us. 

Interviewed by Jeroen