In ancient Rome, the Forum (forum Romanum magnum) was a center of discourse, an arena of exchange, a place where (to paraphrase the TV producer twit in Annie Hall) a notion, with a bit of backing could turn into a concept, and then an idea.
Much in the way that the colossal dinosaurs (sauropsida dinosauria) evolved into today’s comparatively diminutive birds (archosauria aves), the forum likewise grew smaller, sleeker and eventually acquired the ability to dispense drinking water. This is evident in its current form – the modern office water-cooler (forum minimus aqua) – where the tradition of discourse and exchange persists. This is not to be confused with a “quorum,” which is “the minimum number of members of a deliberative body necessary to conduct the business of that group,” though the water-cooler types often think they are. I know I do. Now can someone help me put a new jug on this thing?
