A note from one of my favorite critics

"Parson Weems Fable" by Grant Wood

Dear Mr. Westover,

Pierson Yecke will feel at home down in Crackerstan. But she should know she was not Jeb's first choice. Turns out Parson Weems is deceased.

Update: For those not suprised that Parson Weems has passed, Cheri Yecke will be making one of her last Minnesota appearances signing copies of her book, The War Against Excellence: The Rising Tide of Mediocrity in America's Middle Schools. Monday (today), September 12 from 7:00-9:00 p.m at Barnes and Noble inMaple Grove (8040 Wedgewood Lane -- 763-420-4517).