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You will never see an ad here. If you want or need something, we trust you will be able to want or need it without us planting the urge or ache. You certainly do not need our help finding what your heart desires on the internet.- “When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race.”—H.G. Wells
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Category Archives: Agora
Sundries
The year is rapidly drawing to a close, and activity here has dwindled to a trickle. The world outside continues to undergo sundry shocks and transformations, while life in the basement has become more inward. After all the excitement and … Continue reading
Anticipation
For someone who keeps asserting that the presidential contest is proceeding pretty much as expected, and who spends much of his time trying to calm the nervous Nellies, I have been spending an awful lot of time lately at FiveThirtyEight.com, … Continue reading
Bespoken
And now for a quick roundup of bicycling news. The city of Washington, DC, finally launched its long-heralded bike-sharing program. It proved to be a smash hit, and plans are afoot to expand it. Within days, an attempt was made … Continue reading
Apostasy
Last week two prominent Republicans spoke at the Democratic National Convention, eloquently explaining why they will be supporting the Democratic ticket this fall. Former US congressman Jim Leach of Iowa said “it is clear to all Americans that something is … Continue reading
Bioduress
Just as a neighbor and I began talking seriously about putting up a bat house to attract these amazing mosquito-eating creatures to our mosquito-infested backyards, we learn that, like the honey bee, the bat is in trouble. It may not … Continue reading
Covered
Many folks were bothered by the recent New Yorker cover depicting Barack and Michelle Obama in the Oval Office. Presumably he had been elected president (!), but he’s wearing Muslim garb (?). And his wife looks a lot like Angela … Continue reading
Guns
When you’re caught between apoplexy and despair, your writing might get a little disjointed. You’re prone to ask too many rhetorical questions. Like this: For hundreds of years, we have understood in this country that “keeping and bearing arms” is … Continue reading
Ticket
Russians may be great chess players, but they don’t seem to get the hang of American politics. Commenting on press reports that Hillary Clinton is open to the idea of being Barack Obama’s running mate, a reporter for Moskovskii Komsomolets … Continue reading
Surnames
Seen on the rump of a car last week: O’BAMA 2008 ♣ Vote Irish ♣ And today: Jeff Greenfield on the American preference for presidents with unchallenging (i.e., bland, preferably mono- or bisyllabic Anglo-Saxon) last names. Could a George W. … Continue reading
Liberation
Happy Birthday, Miss Ion Accomplished! Five years old today. You’ve gotten so big I hardly recognize you. Freedom is on the march everywhere. In my town, starting today you can look just about anywhere and smile into the camera. A … Continue reading
