http://www.intheagora.com current events, culture, faith, science and more Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:40:49 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Is Indianapolis a modern urban success story? A writer at NewGeography.com argues that several Midwestern cities, including Indy, are well positioned for the future, mostly by smart urban planning and avoiding the real estate bubble of the last decade. What about it Hoosiers? Indianapolis is another standout, with ... http://www.intheagora.com/archives/2010/03/midwest-rising/?source=rss How do I know? Well, how can it not be, now that Princess Leia has been ousted as Prime Minister? http://www.intheagora.com/archives/2010/03/the-ukraine-is-weak/?source=rss Long time readers of ITA know that we have several recurring posts which reappear on holidays and notable anniversaries. One such annual post is the explanation for wearing orange on St. Patrick's Day. I've published this, or some variation of it, every year since 2005. Last year it also ran ... http://www.intheagora.com/archives/2010/03/an-orange-st-patricks-day-2/?source=rss Democrats think this woman, who is trying to gain weight and become the largest woman ever, deserves free health care funded by taxpayers. She should be the poster child for the bill currently before Congress. http://www.intheagora.com/archives/2010/03/why-not/?source=rss Brant Hansen, a morning show host on Christian radio, has posted an account on his blog of a meeting he had several years ago with a Christian gay man. I think their conversation sets a remarkable example of being able to disagree on a controversial and very personal topic ... http://www.intheagora.com/archives/2010/03/sin-humility-and-compassion/?source=rss Today is the 100th birthday of Samuel Barber, an American composer best known for the Adagio for Strings. The Adagio, while profoundly beautiful, is also extremely well known, so here's an equally good sample of Barber's work - the 2nd movement of his marvelous Violin Concerto. Enjoy! http://www.intheagora.com/archives/2010/03/samuel-barber/?source=rss Facing budget shortfalls due to the weak economy, some governments are proposing new taxes on sweetened beverages. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter has proposed a 2 cent per ounce tax on drinks, which would include not only soda pop, but also energy drinks, iced tea, and chocolate milk. New ... http://www.intheagora.com/archives/2010/03/big-nanny-lurches-forward/?source=rss In this TED talk, Mythbusters' Adam Savage talks about two of his obsessions: dodo bird skeletons and the Maltese Falcon. Savage is a wonderful example of what happens when a genius creative mind is given the freedom to explore its passions (obsessions) to their end. The talk is about 15 ... http://www.intheagora.com/archives/2010/03/the-stuff-that-obessions-are-made-of/?source=rss Any politician who prides himself on being honest with the people—and I mean actually honest, not just "honest" as a pose, reputation, or image ("Straight Talk Express")—needs to read or watch this speech by new New Jersey Republican Governor Chris Christie on the state's fiscal woes. It's about 25 ... http://www.intheagora.com/archives/2010/03/christie-2016/?source=rss Senator Barack Obama of Illinois speaking on the filibuster and reconciliation during remarks at the National Press Club on 4/26/05: “You know, the Founders designed this system, as frustrating [as] it is, to make sure that there's a broad consensus before the country moves forward. . . . And what we ... http://www.intheagora.com/archives/2010/03/the-ghost-of-chirstmas-past/?source=rss