To get into the prestigious Oxford University Department of Philosophy this year applicants in their live interview will be asked "Are you cool?"

Not only do I think this is a great question, it is one that I have used in an interview. Back in 1992 we were putting together an ensemble drama group for a summer camp and the final question of the interview was "Are you any cool?" The best answer, by the way, was from Liz who said, "No!"

As Liz is now living in Buffalo, which was hit by a freak October snow storm this week, I expect she is very cool now.

Potential Oxford philosophers take note.