Crooked Timber - citizens' assemblies in Michigan and beyond; Earthbound Misfit - the Russians are buying European politics; Vagabond Scholar - Banned Books Week! (a bit late); The Field Negro - twenty-nine days! The Rude Pundit - three things that matter from the VP debate. Send tips, requests, and suggestions to mbru@crooksandliars.com (with 'for MBRU' in the subject line). read more