Novel looks at the Rust Belt, composed by an American doctor
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When Western New York Finally Gave Downstate the Finger
It’s about time that Western New York went on the offensive. Decades (or is it centuries?) of bullying have to
Confessions of a Rochester Obsessive
As a Rochester obsessive, you’re guaranteed that at least 99.7% of the country won’t give a sh*t about what you
The Day I Pretended I Was Canadian
On the day I pretended I was Canadian—October 19, 2025, to be exact—I took no chances. Canadians don’t hate all
My Favorite Bible Verse
Thanks to politics, social media, and a son in Christian school, I now officially know how the world works. The
No, We Won’t Ruin Rochester
I’ve been questioned, at least a few times, why I want to ruin Rochester (NY). The obvious response, of course,
Nashville for Geeky People
Are geeky people also broody? That stereotype may be passé—unless, of course, you’re talking about Nashville. I found this out
WTH Is Up With Salt Lake City?!
As Olivia Rodrigo once said, probably not in reference to Salt Lake City, co-comparison is killin’ me slowly…my jealousy, jealousy
A Dad’s Guide to Parents Weekend
I had no idea, son, that when I bought that $86-round-trip flight, we were about to dominate parents weekend. Sure,
The 12 Best Comments I’ve Ever Received
The best comments, when Google Analytics shows a barely perceptible signal, are any comments. But it’s the ones with honest
The Death and Life of Great American Cities
The Death and Life of Great American Cities has always caught my eye, because as my geographical biography will tell
How Being a Nephrologist Jaded Me
Being a nephrologist, I reminded myself, was my choice. It’s just that, as I looked into her eyes, I couldn’t
The 2026 Great Lakes NFL Preview
Who would come to a random blog by a part-time doctor about the Rust Belt for an NFL preview? No
The Other Guy Who Hates Free Trade Agreements
Where others see an apocalypse, I prefer to look for logic. And that which drives Trump 2.0, as chaotic as
My Favorite Song From Rochester (NY)
Some nepo babies get a real estate empire or worldwide fame. Others get a blog post about a favorite song
Indian Man Found Wandering Along Lake America
In a shocking turn of events, on August 30, 2026, authorities in Rochester, New York, reported having seen what looked
When Dolly Parton Held My Hand
Dolly Parton, the legend, was there for everybody. That includes me, the wannabe coastal elite with the superiority complex. It
I’m a Hipster in Dad Shorts
Sometime around 2012, the hipster thing reared its ugly head. Two years earlier, I had moved with the family to
How New York’s Data Center Ban Kills Upstate (Again)
Yeah, yeah—I know it’s not really a data center ban. It’s a moratorium barring state approvals of hyperscale data centers
How New York State Is Digging Its Own Grave
The beauty of New York State, if one sticks around long enough, generally results in anger. In Upstate New York, it’s
Dear Tennessee: Who Are You Anyway?
Dear Tennessee: I know what it’s like to be misunderstood. I am from the Rust Belt, after all. But