Blog

  • Urban Exploring in Detroit

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    Stopping by the old, abandoned Packard Automotive Plant in Detroit, Michigan. (Source: https://www.youtube.com/)

  • Anthony Bourdain’s 14 Rules For Life

    Anthony Bourdain’s 14 Rules For Life* (or being a chef, more precisely, but they work just as well): 1. Be fully committed. 2. Learn Spanish! 3. Don’t steal 4. Always be on time. 5. Never make excuses or blame others. 6. Never call in sick. 7. Lazy, sloppy and slow are bad 8. Be prepared…

  • Happy Victory in Europe Day!

    Happy Victory in Europe Day! In Vienna, the end of WWII in Europe is commemorated by this street near the University of Vienna (one of my alma mater). (at Vienna, Austria)

  • What will be the legacy of the New South?

    Once again, the eyes of the nation, and indeed the world, are transfixed on the tale of the American south. The dust of the violent and deadly clashes in the streets of the college town of Charlottesville between right-wing and left-wing fascists has settled and self-reflection has begun. For many around the world, the American…

  • Schevchenko, Lviv, and the Glory of Ukraine

    During the course of the stupendous weekend in Lviv, Ukraine to celebrate the birthday of Frederik Cyrus Roeder, which he hosted with the lovely Maria Semykoz, we embarked on a historical tour of the downtown. For one hour, over 60 curious humans representing a plethora of national flags sauntered at will, between narrow alleys, and…

  • The Battles of the Sinclairs and the Real Socialist and Fascist Strive for Power

    At present, I’m making my way through Sinclair Lewis’ It Can’t Happen Here. It’s a rather dated novel, detailing the rise of a fascist American leader who employs typical patriotic tropes, slogans, and attitude during the election of 1936. Many today would like to make the obvious connection to the rise of President-Elect Donald Trump.…

  • Technological literacy is doomed

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    My debut fiddling with computers was about 20 years ago, in 1996. My dad bought us a Compaq Presario running DOS. My brothers and I were able to learn a few pivotal lines of code, allowing us to boot from the disk and play games like The Incredible Machine, Wolfenstein 3D, and Duke Nukem.  After…

  • Austria is leagues beyond its past: So stop invoking it

    A modern visitor to the vibrant Alpine Republic of Austria can be forgiven for succumbing to its charm, beauty, and permanent sense of order.  From the stunning Alps in the west to the cobblestoned streets of the Imperial City of Vienna in the east, it’s a majestic country which boasts great pride from its 8.5…

  • On the Prospect of Living and Working Multiple Lives

    The first time I really came to understand that my mind was operating on multiple levels was in early days of elementary school. I brought a friend over to my house to enjoy some snacks and video games. Typical fun time. Though we entered quickly and I headed up the stairs after giving my mom…

  • Germany’s Recognition of Bitcoin Gives Young People a True Monetary Alternative

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    By Yaël Ossowski | Young Voices If everyday consumers and young people are craving positive economic indicators, they can no doubt turn to the de-facto legislation of an alternative digital currency in Europe’s most powerful country for inspiration. In an unprecedented move, the German Federal Ministry of Finance declared in a statement earlier this month…