Dr. Sir Paul McCartney Graduates From Yale, Pictures

You may have seen a link to this story in yesterday’s Daily Links, but there are new pictures. SI Campus Clicks said it best, “As if being a member of The Beatles wasn’t enough, Sir Paul McCartney is now Dr. Sir Paul McCartney after receiving an honorary doctor of music degree from Yale University on Monday.”

At the ripe old age of 65, Paul “the cute one” McCartney, still drives the girls bonkers. Good chance the girl in the back never washes her hand again. [SI Campus Clicks]

Harvard Law Prof Argues Marijuana Trial

Most marijuana users who get caught smoking a joint summarily pay a fine, but when an undercover police officer detained Richard E. Cusick and R. Keith Stroup, the two chose instead to challenge the constitutionality of Massachusetts laws banning marijuana for the first time in 30 years.

Arrested for sharing a marijuana cigarette at the annual Boston Freedom Rally in September, Cusick and Stroup turned to Harvard Law School professor Charles R. Nesson (class of 1960) for legal counsel. Nesson and his clients acknowledged that they had used the illegal drug, and decided upon an unusual defense: they argued that the statute outlawing marijuana in Massachusetts has no “rational basis,” and that the jury has the power of jury nullification, or ruling a defendant innocent while recognizing that he or she had violated a law. [The Harvard Crimson]

Students Fail — and Professor Loses Job

Who is to blame when students fail? If many students fail—a majority even—does that demonstrate faculty incompetence, or could it point to a problem with standards?

These are the questions at the center of a dispute that cost Steven D. Aird his job teaching biology at Norfolk State University. Today is his last day of work, but on his way out, he has started to tell his story — one that he suggests points to large educational problems at the university and in society. [Inside Highered]

Or at least that’s what one professor in particular thinks.A recent essay in The New York Times written by Joanne Ciulla, a University of Richmond professor, discusses the modern work ethic and how college students today have a somewhat warped view of the world.

It struck me as interesting, and I must admit, it is hard not to be offended by the characteristics she describes college students of today having:

ENTITLED TO A DO-OVER
“It has become common for students to ask to retake tests or to rewrite papers in order to get a better grade…While the apparent desire for self-improvement is admirable, usually the higher grade is what really matters. Sometimes a student’s second try is not much better than the first, but he or she still expects a better grade for the effort. This attitude leads to the second problem.â€?

So, we want to work hard to do the best we possibly can on an assignment and now professors are pissed about this? (more…)

You thought picking a prom date was hard? Try picking a college. It is no easy task. The decision you make will not only affect the next four (or five) years of your life, but will also decide the next 80 or 90! Where you go to college plays a part in determining who your friends will be, what your career will be and maybe even who your husband or wife will be. Where you end up and what kind of person you become may also be chosen based on what college you go to.

Whoa. That’s a lot of pressure.

How do you choose!?

Take a deep breath, grab some soda and relax. Really, it’s easy; you just have to do your work:

1. Ask around: No one knows the college scene better than college students and graduates. So, ask them. They really are the best resource. Find out why they went to a school (Was it sports or social life? Academics or ass?), what they liked and disliked about their school, and tips they may have for you while you spend the next few months deciding. Students and graduates will give you the most honest answers ‘ the stuff you won’t find in a college guide book. (more…)