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Former poker pro Christina Lindley explains why prediction markets can feel more analytical than gambling—and why that can be deceptive. From market pricing to motivated reasoning, she shows how to tell a genuine edge from a costly hunch.
By Christina Lindley
A personal reflection on Dolly Parton, feminism and American womanhood, tracing her influence across generations—from West Richland, Washington, to one grandmother’s late-life independence and the enduring question of what women might have become.
Anthony Rogers
Scott Wiener’s AI caricature of Connie Chan shows why political AI doesn’t need to fool voters to influence them. Cory Alpert examines how campaigns in San Francisco, Brazil and beyond are using synthetic media—and why deepfake rules may be missing the real threat.
Cory Alpert
Gen Z and young adults are drinking less, but queer nightlife still runs on alcohol. From two-drink minimums to ginger ale at drag shows, this essay asks what happens when the cost of drinking—financial, physical, and emotional—starts to outweigh the belonging it once bought.
The Almanor
A bigger language once meant a bigger audience. But in Ukraine, Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, and beyond, people are questioning whether global connection should require surrendering the language that made them who they are.
Cory Alpert
When the Pentagon briefly separated the LDS Church from Christianity, many Mormon conservatives were outraged. But the controversy exposed a deeper reality: political loyalty to MAGA will never guarantee acceptance from a movement built on defining who belongs—and who doesn't.
Jenica Jessen
In Kyiv, air raid sirens eventually become background noise. After another night sheltering from Russian drones and missiles, Cory Alpert reflects on adaptation, survival, and why life in a war zone is often misunderstood.
Cory AlpertEvery month, Almanor editors will choose two essays available to everyone.
In Kyiv, air raid sirens eventually become background noise. After another night sheltering from Russian drones and missiles, Cory Alpert reflects on adaptation, survival, and why life in a war zone is often misunderstood.
Cory Alpert
What does it look like when an influencer dies?
Kristian Mercado