The Lecture Series

After the Lecture (Part 1)

"Well at least one student has, although I'm not surprised Gulf" he said, straight-faced.

He turned on the projection screen and pulled up a video on his attached computer. "We'll watch the video afterwards but for now let's just go over what it is, who was involved, and the consequences it had" he moved around the stage as he expressed his words with his hands. Gulf chuckled softly and hid his hand behind his mouth. The professor was so cute sometimes.

"The first Ponzi scheme was devised by a man named Charles Ponzi in the United States in 1919, he was a bookkeeper and used this scheme, promising high returns for the investors, while taking the money and always recruiting new investors."

"That's incorrect." Gulf spoke aloud, interrupting the professor.

Professor Suppasit turned as their eyes locked and his eyes narrowed on Gulf's confident face.
"And what is incorrect Gulf?" He asked, his voice turning hard.

"It was named after Charles Ponzi, yes, but it was not the first recorded Ponzi Scheme," he answered raising his eyebrow in defiance.

"Carry on..." professor trailed off darkly.

Students behind him shuffled as the tension arose in the lecture hall, the students preparing for the intense debates they had between them. At this point, Gulf was famous for challenging the professor in almost every class, and yet no one was the wiser of the game they played together.

"I believe the first scheme recorded happened in the mid 1800's."

"Hmm... 'I believe' are not the words you use to start a compelling argument Mr. Kanawut but let's say for argument sake that you're right. What else do you know? What is your evidence?" He questioned with gusto as his eyes traveled over Gulf's face.

"The internet..." he replied, embarrassed.

"Ah the internet, I see. Well class lets carry on to who was involved and the consequences that became of this subject," he continued dismissing Gulf and addressing the rest of the class.

"But they were credible sources, professor!" Gulf interrupted yet again.

"Mr. Kanawut," his tone rumbled in warning.

He shivered as that voice ran through his body and he delighted in the effect it had.

"You have a computer right there, fact check me!" His voice rising as he was determined to be right.

"Mr. Kanawut enough interruptions, if you have sources and additions to my lecture you'd like to go over you can make an appointment and see me after lecture hours." His voice final and offering no arguments.

"Then I'd like to make an appointment now please." He said as snickers resounded from the students behind him.

"See. Me. After. Class." The professor gritted out as he returned to the lecture.

Most of their challenges ended like this and he glanced behind him to see the pitying faces of his peers. Turning back in his chair he faced the front for the rest of the class. Outwardly, he sat rigid as if in consternation, but inwardly he was drunk with anticipation. This appointment would definitely go his way today. He loved it when the professor was feisty.

"Alright class, the video presentation is just a reiteration of the lecture today, so if you choose to go, you may, or you can stay and work on your projects, I will leave the decision up to you." He said and played the video before striding towards his desk.