The Edge of the American West

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The Snake-Fighting Portion of the Dissertation Defense

By David Silbey July 6, 2012

An old one, but still funny:

Q: Do I have to kill the snake? A: University guidelines state that you have to “defeat” the snake. There are many ways to accomplish this. Lots of students choose to wrestle the snake. Some construct decoys and elaborate traps to confuse and then ensnare the snake. One student brought a flute and played a song to lull the snake to sleep. Then he threw the snake out a window.

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