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November 14, 2012 The resignation of CIA head David Petraeus after admitting an extramarital affair has Washington tongues wagging. Lee Judge feels too much is being made of a common human failing, while Joe Heller expects there's much, much more to come.

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November 14, 2012 Colm Toibin's latest novel reimagines the life and death of Jesus through the eyes of his mother. Elegantly subversive, The Testament of Mary examines the nature of truth and storytelling from the point of view of the world's most famous virgin.

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November 14, 2012 The Bird Artist, Howard Norman's 1994 novel about the murder of a lighthouse keeper, is set in Witless Bay. Author Da Chen writes that the distinctive setting makes this novel a success. What is your favorite book with an unforgettable setting? Tell us in the comments.

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November 14, 2012 Many sports bosses are tarnishing their achievements by overstaying their welcome, says commentator Frank Deford.

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On Morning EditionPlaylist

November 13, 2012 The world's first essayist, Michel Montaigne, was out riding one day when he got slammed from the rear, was thrown from his horse, crashed to the ground and for a brief time was, as he puts it, "dead." He described exactly what it felt like. Here's what he learned.

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November 13, 2012 Many demographic groups remain underrepresented in high-level government positions, including atheists — at least those out of the theistic closet. Commentator Tania Lombrozo wonders why atheists appear to be distrusted by the electorate.

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November 13, 2012 One week after the 2012 election, many people still aren't clear why Mitt Romney couldn't capture the presidency. Kap thinks the former governor was undone by a gusty performance from President Obama, while Christopher Weyant ascribes Romney's loss to his changing positions on critical issues.

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November 12, 2012 Two authors and former members of the U.S. military tell their stories. Benjamin Busch remembers his grandfather's silence about serving in World War II, while David Abrams reflects on the terrifying beginning of his deployment to Iraq.

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On All Things ConsideredPlaylist

November 12, 2012 This past election may have been about jobs. But there was a more profound question at issue: coming to grips with the collapse of the myth that we all go it alone. Commentator Alva Noë says this myth has distorted our politics and that President Obama was right to take aim at it.

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November 12, 2012 Step 5: Make a list of directors who would make a beautiful, moving, artistic film. Cross them all out. Go to IMDB and rank directors in order of box-office receipts.

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November 12, 2012 World reaction to President Obama's re-election has largely been positive. Chip Bok does not share in the optimism, while Tom Janssen thinks that until everyone can choose their leaders, there's more to be done.

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November 12, 2012 For Alan Shapiro, reading Lawrence Ferlinghetti's poems was like an discovering an alternate universe. A Coney Island of the Mind elevated him out of the staid world of his parents and changed his sense of self forever. Is there a book that shook your convictions? Tell us about it in the comments.

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November 11, 2012 Kindness begets kindness, greed begets suffering and, through it all, redemption ever remains a possibility.

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November 11, 2012 On Veterans Day, we remember those who serve to protect our country — including those in the most recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Commentator Sophie Adelman describes the hardship in honoring fallen soldiers.

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