“I want a house in the 50s.” It’s a phrase you hear constantly today, usually accompanied by wistful sighs about simpler times. But what exactly made certain decades in American history so appealing? And more importantly, is there a path back to that kind of broad-based prosperity and freedom in the modern era? The Tale […]
My Journey to a Crohn’s Diagnosis: Part 2
Content Warning: This post contains detailed descriptions of gastrointestinal symptoms, medical procedures, and graphic health experiences. After the abscess was lanced in late May, I thought I was on the road to recovery. The relief was real, the drainage was healing, and I was managing the discomfort. I genuinely believed this was just an unfortunate […]
My Journey to a Crohn’s Diagnosis: Part 1
Content Warning: This post contains detailed descriptions of gastrointestinal symptoms, medical procedures, and graphic health experiences. For the longest time, I’ve had trouble with my gut. I experienced higher frequency of bowel movements and more prevalent urgency. I would get intestinal pain in the lower gut with excess gas and loose stool. For years, I […]
Why Your Political Neighbor Isn’t Crazy: Understanding America’s Political Divide Through History
Every election cycle, we hear the same refrain: “How can people vote for that?” Whether it’s your uncle at Thanksgiving dinner or your coworker at the water cooler, it seems like half the country has lost its mind. But what if I told you that your political opponents aren’t crazy—they’re just drawing from completely different […]
Under God Since 1954: The Cold War Origins of America’s Religious Nationalism
The United States today grapples with a fundamental contradiction: a nation founded on secular principles that has deeply embedded religious nationalism into its civic identity. Most Americans believe references to God in the Pledge of Allegiance, on currency, and in public ceremonies represent timeless traditions dating to the founding era. This belief is not only […]
Smart Grocery Shopping: Gaming the System at Your Local Supermarket
Let me share how I’ve cracked the code on grocery savings while shopping for three households – ours, my elderly mother’s, and a close friend who doesn’t get out much. This strategy works whether you’re dealing with Shaw’s, Kroger, Publix, Safeway, or any major supermarket chain. The App Advantage Download your local supermarket’s app – […]