Novel looks at the Rust Belt, composed by an American doctor
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The Bible in Public Schools: 5 Great Alternatives
I don’t live in Oklahoma, but I have heard that the state superintendent who mandated that public schools teach the
The Week I Got the Last Laugh
I say last laugh. But I have a feeling it’s the first of many. You see, it wasn’t easy choosing
Country Music Vocabulary for Teetotalers
Country music has a healthy (unhealthy?) relationship with alcohol. References abound, and moderation is optional. To get the most out
Diversity and Inclusivity: Less Talk, More Action
Diversity and inclusivity. On June 23, 2024, I was schooled in it. *** It was partly sunny, comfortable, and windy
Thank God I Have a Brother
I don’t actually believe in God, but I do have a brother. And to whatever there is to thank for
10 Tips for the Perfect Dad Bod
Dad bod. There’s no exact definition, but you know it when you see it—limited muscular definition up top and a
20 Haikus About Upstate New York
Those who’ve followed this blog closely have suggested that it’s time for some larger projects, i.e. the types that are
The Coolest Record Store in the World
On June 8, 2024, I had no idea I was going to meet somebody famous. In retrospect, at that record
How the Food Truck Saved the Hospital
“Thank God for the food truck,” said the charge nurse to no one in particular. It hadn’t been a great
My Personal Apology to West Virginia
Dear West Virginia, 1 You became a state in 1863. 2 A little late to the party, yes,
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