Earth, Wind & Doctor

When I open my e-mail each morning, most of the stuff goes straight into the trash. The subject line for this one -- "Earth, Wind and Fire to Receive Honorary Doctorate from Columbia College Chicago" -- made me open it.

Sure enough, members of the venerable rhythm-and-blues group now will be known as Dr. Maurice White, Dr. Ralph Johnson, Dr. Philip Bailey and Dr. Verdine White.

"Columbia College Chicago has a long standing tradition of quality education and a rich history of supporting the arts," the future Dr. White is quoted as saying. "We are honored to accept this very prestigious honorary doctoral degree from the renowned institution."

The ceremony is taking place Sunday, May 18. So get ready to Celebrate. Each of these guys is a Shining Star.

I'll stop with the puns now.