Review: American Sphinx

Amazon

From American Sphinx, by Joseph J. Ellis:

Soon after his death in 1826 Jefferson became a touchstone for wildly divergent political movements that continued to compete for his name and the claim on his legacy. Southern secessionists cited him on behalf of states' rights; northern abolitionists quoted his words in the Declaration of Independence against slavery."

Thomas Jefferson has always been my favorite of the Founding Fathers. But after reading this twenty year old biography by Joseph J. Ellis, I have to concede, no more.

After the jump, my review.

A Family Celebration

We visited family in Appleton the week before the Fourth of July. A good time was had by all.

More photos after the jump.

Repeat Tweets: Karma is a Bitch

Repeat tweets from June, 2016:

• Jun 1 2016: Headline: "Ken Starr has resigned." Made name investigating sex in Oval Office. Failed to investigate rapes at Baylor. Karma is a bitch.
• Jun 3 2016: RT @SenTedCruz: "@CFPB's proposed rule will put added strain on low-income families and workers struggling to access loans." @SenTedCruz defends payday lenders and their predatory lending practices.
• Jun 3 2016: RT @roddreher: "The Left has played its part in the rise of Trump and his identity politics." Passive Trump supporter @roddreher edges closer to a public endorsement.
• Jun 6 2016: Headline: "NFL player Aqib Talib reportedly shot at Dallas strip club." Berkner grad. It's a sad time to be a Ram.

After the jump, more repeat tweets.

POTD: Mehrangarh Fort

From 2016 02 11 Jodhpur

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Jodhpur, India. Rajasthan has more forts, palaces, mosques, temples, tombs, and cenotaphs than a tourist can keep track of, but to me the one with the most imposing presence is Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. Built beginning about 1460, its stout walls sit about 125 meters above the city.

I Am Love (2009)

IMDB

I Am Love (2009): Wealthy Milan family and their complex relationships, more than one movie can do justice. Money can't buy happiness. B-

POTD: Blow Horn

From 2016 02 11 Jodhpur

Today's photo-of-the-day is a random street scene from Rajasthan, India, where honking your car horn is not only considered to be acceptable, it's asked for by the vehicles getting honked at. Near as I can tell, it's an excuse for slow-moving drivers to ignore traffic behind them until you get close enough to let the slow drivers know you are there and want to pass. After which, the slow drivers still won't get out of your way, but at least they'll know you're passing them anyway.

Bonus photo after the jump.

Falling STAAR - cont.

Recently, I asked, "Can standardized testing in schools fall any lower?" That was a rhetorical question. It appears that standardized testing is in retreat in Texas and across the nation. Some argue we don't need testing. Some argue the tests don't test the right things.

POTD: Street Bounty

From 2016 02 09 Jaipur

Today's photo-of-the-day is a random street scene from Jaipur, India. Food vendors of all kinds are a common sight in India. It's like a farmer's market on every corner.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

IMDB

Star Wars VII (2015): Felt like a scene-by-scene remake of original. Like a greatest hits collection covered by a new band. No freshness. C+

POTD: Stairway to Heaven

From 2016 02 09 Jaipur

Today's photo-of-the-day is from the Jantar Mantar monument of Jaipur, India, which is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments built almost 300 years ago.

Really, today's photo-of-the-day is just an excuse for me to talk about Led Zeppelin's 1971 song Stairway to Heaven, the subject of a 2016 plagiarism lawsuit. It's sad how one of the greatest rock songs of all time has been reduced to an ugly spat over money.