Flop to the future

Cambridge University Library has launched ‘Future Nostalgia’, a year-long project to recover data trapped on ageing floppy disks before they vanish. The initiative began on 09/10 with a “Copy that Floppy” session inviting members of the public to uncover files. Archivists hope to preserve information from the Library’s collections, including material from Stephen Hawking’s archive. Led by the Library’s digital preservation team, the project uses specialised tools to recover data from obsolete formats and create suitable methods for disk restoration. Future Nostalgia aims to share its findings with other institutions facing the loss of digital history.

Rugby blues over “thick” comments

Cambridge University Rugby Union Football Club has criticised Dame Mary Beard’s claim that the University is “smarter” without “thick, white” rugby players. Speaking at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, the classicist said Cambridge had been “transformed for the better” since it was no longer a “posh, male enclave”. She suggested academic results had improved after these students were “excluded”. In a statement to alumni, the Club called the comments “disappointing”, highlighting that Cambridge’s admissions process is fair and based on academic potential. It cited a 2019 University report showing that student athletes performed as well as, or better than, other undergraduates, adding that sport remains a “vital part” of Cambridge life.

String theory

Dr Paul Wingfield, a composer and Director of Studies in Music at Trinity College, Cambridge, has authenticated a violin once owned by Albert Einstein. Wingfield, 63, began researching Einstein’s musical life whilst writing Einstein’s Violin, a drama inspired by his late brother-in-law, Joseph Schwartz, co-author of Einstein for Beginners. After the play showcased in April, an auctioneer contacted him for help verifying a violin believed to have belonged to the physicist. He confirmed its authenticity by matching an inscription, “Lina,” to Einstein’s handwriting, as well as comparing hand X-rays. The 1894 Zunterer violin sold last week for £860,000, nearly triple its estimate.

Freshers’ bosh

British foodie, boxer, and social media personality “Big John” Fisher visited Cambridge on 07/10, starting at Smashburger on Hills Road before heading to Cambridge University’s Freshers’ Fair. Videos showed students and locals queuing around Cambridge Place, across from Hills Road Co-Op, as he handed out “House Smash” burgers and promoted the store’s 50% student discount that ran through the week. The visit formed part of his October world tour, which also includes stops in York, Birmingham, Sydney, and Perth. Posting afterwards (08/10), Big John said it was “a great day in Cambridge meeting the freshers” and “so many respectful young people”.