Neighborhood squirrels have rendered these gourds decisively less decorative.

Three pumpkins displayed on front porch steps. Two of the three pumpkins have been decimated. The top one is just the bottom husk with the traditional curvy stem lying in a pool of pumpkin juice and seeds. The second is 2/3rds consumed with an even juicy-er substance oozing from its shriveled husk. The bottom pumpkin has warts all over it, so the squirrels never touched it.

Today, I was able to attend a special exhibit at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum: The Artist Who Captured Eichmann.

This compelling exhibition tells the exciting exploits of Peter Malkin, an artist and Mossad agent who played a pivotal role in apprehending Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1960. During his three-week mission, Malkin sketched and painted on the pages of a South American travel guide, creating a unique artistic chronicle of his experiences.

This was an episode of history not on my radar until now. The art was vibrant and engaging, a stark contrast to the evil encountered by the artist.

A silkscreen print of two images from Malkin's Eichmann related art. &10;&10;On the left, "Fear" -- an orange-yellow background with a mother. Her eyes are wide open and her jaw dropped in horror. Her daughter looks the other way, unaware of imminent death, but sensing something wrong. &10;&10;On the right, "Portrait of Eichmann" -- a map of Argentina with a line drawn portrait of A. Eichmann.

Finished reading: Dred Scott and the Dangers of a Political Court by Ethan Greenberg 📚

After reading this article by Jamelle Bouie–“John Roberts Makes His Bid for Infamy”–I quickly found a copy of Greenberg’s book. (That’s a #GiftLink.)

It is definitely worth your time to read. While some of the legal analysis was outside of my comfort zone, I found the historical and social information fascinating. The parallels between this antebellum court case and today are too real. I am afraid SCOTUS has made the same type of mistake again.

"The Dred Scott decision was a terrible mistake for many reasons. But, for those who wish to draw a valuable lesson from history, the real importance of the Dred Scott case is that it exemplifies the dangers of a political court."&10;&10;- Ethan Greenberg

Dilexit nos

New papal enciclical [sic] just dropped.

Screen shot of vatican.va:&10;&10;ENCICLICAL LETTER&10;DILEXIT NOS&10;OF THE HOLY FATHER&10;FRANCIS&10;ON THE HUMAN AND DIVINE LOVE&10;OF THE HEART OF JESUS CHRIST&10;&10;(Yes, "encyclical" is spelled wrong.)

Have I Got News For You

I’m enjoying this show. 🤣

A promo photo for "Have I Got News For You":&10;&10;Roy Wood Jr., Amber Ruffin, and Michael Ian Black are breaking through a screen that is the color of robin's egg blue.&10;&10;Perhaps this is a play on "breaking news"?&10;&10;Either way, these are 3 delightful comedians. I'm a big fan.

Trump declares himself ‘father of IVF’

Anakin & Padme meme: &10;Panel 1 (Anakin): Trump is the father of IFV&10;Panel 2 (Padme): Catholic will denounce him now, right?&10;Panel 3 (Anakin): Knowing blank stare&10;Panel 4 (Padme): Right?

This man is dangerous. He cannot be trusted to tell the truth or treat people with the dignity they deserve.

The people of the United States would be foolish to give him any sort of power.

#2024Election

www.nytimes.com/2024/10/1…

We’re fixin’ to make some red beans & rice.

12 1-pound packages of Camellia Brand®️ Red Kidney Beans

Technology for Good: The Poopcopter

This is undoubtedly the best use of drone technology I’ve seen.

By Caleb Olsen, via the Weekly Thing.

One of my favorite things about academic conferences: getting to meet people I’ve admired through their scholarship.