Novel looks at the Rust Belt, composed by an American doctor
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20 Fun Facts About Finland (for the Non-Finn)
This country is one of those places that, despite having a smaller population than 22 US states, ends up in
How Does Botox Work? A Surprising Wrinkle
Okay, there’s no surprising wrinkle (aside from the fact that a toxin that can kill humans is used to treat
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 101
I think that’s an acceptable name, but to be honest, I’m not totally sure. Thankfully, this isn’t NPR, so it
When’s the Kentucky Derby? (And a Bonus Q&A)
When’s the Kentucky Derby? Let’s jump right in. Timing The event takes place on the first Saturday in May, which
The History of Cinco de Mayo in 5 Margaritas
I learned from my piece on St. Patrick’s Day that no one really cares why they’re partying. Does it really
The 15 Greatest Canadian Songs (According to Americans)
As mentioned previously, Americans don’t know much about Canada (or, as the stereotype goes, anything). To make amends, I’ve compiled
The American Revolution in 10 Numbers
All wars are important, but the American Revolution has to be up there in terms of impact on global history.
How Electric Vehicles Work (For the Gas User)
You can throw this topic in with things like 5G, Bitcoin, and NFTs—the stuff you should probably know more about
When’s Earth Day? Every Day!
Okay, that was cheesy. And I know if you searched for when’s Earth Day, you just want the date. So
What Is Easter About? 10 Things You Didn’t Know
I’ll start by saying a couple things. First, my knowledge of Easter was, until recently, limited to hard-boiled eggs and
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