Novel looks at the Rust Belt, composed by an American doctor
Get my free weekly newsletter, The Friday Mix
Latest Articles
NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Teams: The Master List!
Before embarking on the project of compiling a list of NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams, I had some deep
The Compelling Paradox That Is Oklahoma City
Can an American city confirm and shatter preconceived notions, all at the same time? That’s the question I found myself
The Essence of Our Cities: A New Series!
I’ve learned that if you spin your wheels long enough, you’ll eventually move forward or end up in a ditch.
Three Men and a City
I was crushed. No, not because I was the least important of the three men. I was fine with the
The Only Drake I Actually Care About
The cutting edge of pop culture can be a mind-numbing place. And when it involves two 30-something men, it’s even
10 Hints You Suck at Adulting
Adulting, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is the act or practice of attending to the ordinary tasks required of a responsible
How Buffalo Made Presidential History
I’ve always embraced my role as father, particularly the part about boring the hell out of the kids. Presidential history,
The Best Hot Dog Ever
I’m not certain what’s in the best hot dog ever. And to be honest, it doesn’t matter. I mean, no
How Kendrick Lamar Proved I’m Biased
They say we’re all biased. In my case, Kendrick Lamar proved it. But don’t judge me yet—you can do that
Who Is Chappell Roan Anyway?!
As I downed the Molson Canadian—not my first—I looked around in disbelief. Who is Chappell Roan anyway?! I asked myself.
Why Lebron James Chose Syracuse
Lebron James, by text, is a very candid man. The following thread has been abridged for the sake of brevity.*
What Parenting Taught Me About the Rust Belt
I’m no parenting guru. In fact, about a decade from now, I’ll find out how I f****d it up royally.
I Hate You IKEA—but Thank You
Nostalgia, they say, comes with rose-colored glasses. But in the case of IKEA, it can also come with nausea—and not
How The Odyssey Saved Rochester, NY
You know The Odyssey—that Christopher Nolan film with Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway. And you know Rochester, NY—that rusty town
Why Spain Is Actually Playing Italy
Don’t fall for the hype about Spain playing Argentina. (Or, if you’re reading this after July 19, 2026, I hope
Confessions of a Rust Belt Addict
The Rust Belt addict, mercifully, is not always found with a needle in his arm. The addicted, I’ve learned, get
How Being a Writer Ruined the World Cup
Being a writer, as you must know by now, is a dream. By that, I mean it’s a nightmare, something
Thank You, European, for Being So Damn Smart
Dear European, I know you’re smarter than me. How do I know? Because you tell me. Anyway, I’ve come across
These World Cup Population Numbers Will Blow Your Mind
World Cup population numbers are for the worldly—and the weirdly obsessive. Without formally committing to either category, I’ve created this
I’m Officially an Idiot
On June 26, 2026, it became official—I’m an idiot. I’d like to thank my fellow human beings—without you, I would