Oscar-winning science

We're certainly going to be hearing about Natalie Portman's Intel-competing, Harvard-attending verve, talent, brains and determination for a long time. The "Black Swan" star deserves the notice.

VU exec says criticism of Harvard finance unfair

Vanderbilt Associate Controller Kevin Walker reportedly told the Harvard Crimson that criticism of Harvard's investment and debt-management performance is unfair, given the unforeseeable nature of the recession and derivatives spiral. Vanderbilt, itself, has thus far outperformed many of its peers, through the recessionary period.

Purcell's Harvard group finds political youth-engagement high

Former Metro/Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell (at left) is director of Harvard University's Institute of Politics, which today released its 15th survey of youth opinion on public service, and in addition to presidential preferences, it shows some heartening trends, concluding that the efficacy of political engagement is at a highwater mark. Among numerous interesting findings: 86 percent of youth respondents age 18-24 have a Facebook page and more than a third have used it for activism. The summary is here.