Good morning, class. Today's first posting concerns lawyers and blogs. So close to home that I couldn't resist sharing it with all of you. "lawyers and blogs"

So this morning Emily and I went to the Vatican Museum. It was great to see it, even more impressive the second time. The Sisteen Chapel is really as amazing as its reputation. We haven't had a chance to climb the Dome at St. Peter's yet. I did it last time I came and know it's amazing, I'm just not 100 % sure Ill have a chance to get to it before I leave. This afternoon we relaxed at a cafe around a Piazza and tonight we're making our way to a long dinner and gelato. We've been walking around the city a lot. Everything is very accessible and my friend's apartment is right outside St. Peter's Basilica.

Just like this author, I thought of the brilliant kids who had worked so hard to try to get into places like this and what they must be thinking as they receive their rejection letters this week and next.

"The blindness of higher ed"

Now that Dan is going to India next fall, my attention is directed to items about that area of the world. Here is a piece by Peggy Noonan about a book she is reading concerning India's and Pakistan's independence. I found it interesting. Made me want to get the book and watch "Gandhi" again. Dan, take note. "Peggy Noonan & India"

Can't help myself. Must post link. I have no opinion on this--it just presents another layer to the conflict that I haven't seen addressed anywhere. As for the "facts" that hitchens cites--who ever knows in these editorials if these "facts" are true. we would have to spend a lot more time getting original sources. hopefully historians will be able to gather these facts. Anyway, the perspective that the situation was more Iraqi-driven than US-caused is different.

" christopher hitchens'

Anna and Emily performed Sunday with a beautiful cello and flute duet. They were dressed all in black and were lovely with their beautiful dark hair and magnificent performance on stage alone together in the Glens Falls Theater. TEAM what was the piece they played? Family be sure to ask them to perform it for you when you are together. Join us for Pippen this Friday--tickets at the door of SHS. Emily in the pit; Melissa managing.

When is a George Clooney blog not a George Clooney blog? See attached NY Times article.

It is hot down here. Three-thirty finds us in the library, which is cool. We got up early this morning for a second visit to the Santa Anna National Wildlife Refuge. Our target bird was the hook-billed kite. The refuge was quiet this warm morning except for the buzzing of mosquitoes that were the only ones pleased at the absence of wind.

We enjoyed walking on the somewhat dusty trails through Texas ebony and prickly pear past lagoons that collected ducks and waders. We found one new arrival, a brown-crested flycatcher sitting quietly in a tree. We had to study it carefully from different angles to confirm its identity. It seemed to be resting upon its return to Texas.

" history of spring break"

Hope you are have a good time in Rome this week. Call Isaac and say hi for us. Also Emily's Mom called and she would like to hear from Emily soon. She said she has been trying to call Emily but hasn't been able to get through. Have Fun!!