Novel looks at the Rust Belt, composed by an American doctor
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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
10 Social Media Posts in Iambic Pentameter
William Shakespeare uplifted the English language with iambic pentameter. A few centuries later, we Americans have ruined everything. And if
10 Hints You’re Middle-Aged
You could look at your birth certificate. Or you could look in the mirror. But if you’re still not sure,
What Are the Finger Lakes? A Poem
What are the Finger Lakes? It’s time for one man’s take I’ve spent some time around those parts And I
What Is a Fringe Festival? It’s SO Rochester!
I’ve learned that there are benefits to living off the beaten path. Because when the path is finally beaten, the
What Is Identity Anyway?
Immigration has its rewards, not that I would know. That said, as an innocent bystander, I have learned a couple
The Great Gatsby: A Poem
The Great Gatsby—where do I start? Perhaps with author F. Scott Fitzgerald He died at age 44, attack of the
My “Visit” to the Democratic National Convention
It was August 22, 2024, and I was on my way to becoming a part of history. The destination: Chicago,
The City I Love (but Have Never Seen)
There’s something strange about the city I love. It’s not that the town itself is particularly odd, as far as
10 Famous Musicians From Eastern Kentucky
Yes, you read that right. Eastern Kentucky. I first visited the far reaches of the Bluegrass State in 1999, hoping
What the American Hater Needs To Understand
Dear American hater, I’m not here to change your mind. I just need you to start telling the truth.