Novel looks at the Rust Belt, composed by an American doctor
Get my free weekly newsletter, The Friday Mix
Latest Articles
2024 Olympic Medal Count: An Analysis
When it comes to the 2024 Olympic medal count, we could just look at the numbers and call it a
4 Olympic Sports I Could Play
When I say could play, I mean exactly that. Because when it comes to Olympic sports, most would be a
10 English Words of French Origin You Didn’t Know
When William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066, he wreaked havoc on the English language. How else can you explain
France in 10 Numbers
I visited France once—Paris to be exact. It was 1999, and I remember spending a night in a cheap hostel
How To Read the Bible for Beginners
During a recent trip to the Buckle of the Bible Belt (aka Nashville), I realized I knew very little about
Flyover Country, My Ass!
I drove through flyover country the other day. Surprisingly, I saw more than nothing. 1 I started somewhere I
Nashville’s Nicknames: A Critique
Nashville, Tennessee. The place has a brand, pet names and all. But as a first-time visitor, I was able to
Who Is Sohan Shrikhande?
It’s good to have options, or so they say. But how good is it exactly? And are there really options?
Savannah: A Crappy Poem
Savannah, the one in Georgia I always have to check if there’s an h It was a pleasure to get
Florida: I Finally Get You
Dear Florida, I’ve never wanted to like you. And admirably, you’ve made that goal rather easy. To me, you’ve
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