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.

Finished reading: The Unaccountability Machine by Dan Davies 📚

This book was my introduction to cybernetics and Stafford Beer. It offered a few laugh out loud moments and gave me some new insight into both corporate decision-making and the recent rise in populist political movements. Also, the “Further Reading” section at the end of the book was probably the best annotated bibliography I’ve encountered.

John Legend in concert with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra!

An outdoor stage, sunset in the background, with an orchestra assembling. A big sign in the middle reads: An Evening With John Legend