Novel looks at the Rust Belt, composed by an American doctor
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What Is Kombucha? Your Quick Overview
A key part of the modern urban experience involves obsessing about beverages—overanalyzing them, overpaying for them, and then discussing how
The Japanese Language: 10 Tidbits You Should Know
Few things are more intimidating in the sphere of language than unfamiliar scripts. For those used to working with the
10 Facts About Japan to Get You Rolling
Everyone knows something about Japan. Sushi. Sumo wrestling. Origami. Samurai. Manga. Anime. Cars. World War II. As far as Asian
10 Facts About Detroit: The Optimistic Kind
Collapse. Bankruptcy. Crime. Poverty. That’s Detroit. Take a moment to feel sorry for the city. Then grab your stuff and
The North American Great Lakes in 10 Numbers
When you live in the Rust Belt, as I do, you get used to people feeling sorry for you when
Summer Olympics History in 15 Numbers
Everyone loves the Summer Olympics. Yes, whenever humans are involved, bad things can happen—lethal protests, hostage crises, bombings, doping scandals,
What Is Craft Beer You Ask? It’s Beer
Along with artisanal and small-batch, craft is an adjective that is clearly effective from a marketing standpoint, as it has
The Malay Language: A Quick Introduction in 10 Facts
We’re a bit nervous about this one, because people sometimes get upset when we call things that they want to
Facts About Indonesia: The Essential 10
Brazil. Nigeria. Russia. Mexico. Japan. These are some big names as far as countries go. But what if I told
What Happened with Kodak? It’s Not a Great Moment
This one really stings. As I’m based in Rochester, New York, having to file a blurb about Kodak under History
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