Novel looks at the Rust Belt, composed by an American doctor
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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
Why Does India Suck at Soccer?
Why does India suck at soccer? Shall we call it the (Asian) elephant in the room? No, I’m not being
Why I Love the FIFA 15
The stereotype—let’s just say it’s having a moment. Have you heard of the FIFA 15? Allow me to explain. Experience,
Who the Hell Should I Root For?!
Who the hell should I root for? I asked rhetorically. Because deep down, I didn’t want an answer. I didn’t
The US Is Worldly As Hell
The US is worldly as hell Te estoy hablando a ti Toi, qui penses que nous sommes stupides Here
Why the World Cup Gave the Great Lakes the Shaft
There are two responses to why the World Cup gave the Great Lakes the shaft. First, it didn’t. And second,
Stop Blaming the Dumb American for “Soccer”
Soccer and the US—what can I say? It’s complicated. It’s the sport for everyone, except here, where it’s for wealthy
This Is One of the World’s Most Beautiful Cities?!
I know the truth. You don’t listen to me when it comes to finding the world’s most beautiful cities. How
My Daydream From Hell
Please don’t tell my wife about my daydream from hell. I was supposed to be working—or doing the dishes. For
The Devil Wears Prada—and Old Navy
The Devil Wears Prada—you know the story. First came the 2003 novel courtesy Lauren Weisberger, inspired by her stint working
Your Mandatory Great Lakes Reading List
You can blame The Wall Street Journal for this Great Lakes reading list. After all, it was the New York
This Census Data Will Make You Cry
By you, I mean me. Because it takes someone special to cry over Census data. And by special, I mean