Paradise Found

Paradise Found

In the Paradise Found series, we are describing what we find upon returning to the United States after 25 years abroad in Switzerland. It is not the same place we left. How has the U.S. changed in the last 25 years? Read on if you want to see the U.S. through fresh eyes.
Mar
03
Word LOVE painted in red on a white wall with red heart underneath

How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Debt

Why America's outsized debt is wonderful
4 min read
Jan
29
Closeup of violet flowers amidst greenery

Paradise Found

In the Paradise Found series, we are describing what we find upon returning to the United States after 25 years
7 min read
Jan
09
Gravel path stretching off into horizon with cornfield on left, wheatfield on right, and sunflowers in distance

Is There Pleasure and Profit in Walking to Places?

Is it because we're pressed for time that we don't want to get out of our cars? Or because we don't want to walk?
5 min read
Dec
02
Screenshot of the top of the US Taxpayer Bill of Rights, also referred to as IRS Publication 1.

Do We Have Any Rights as Taxpayers? (Newsletter 075)

Only one in ten Americans trust themselves to file their tax return without outside help.
6 min read
Nov
25
Brick wall painted black on top of 45-degree diagonal and yellow on bottom. Painted words "shop lokal or else"

I've Got a Tip for You (Newsletter 074)

Tipping in America requires just a few ingredients: a transaction involving at least two individuals and money changing hands, including electronically.
6 min read
Nov
04
Empty airport walkway, with seats in foreground and escalators stretching off in distance

The Scorecard One Year On – Is Anyone Winning? (Newsletter 071)

We can turn America's score around if we want. But first we have to accept that no one else is coming to do it for us.
5 min read
Oct
28
Looking On the Bright Side (Newsletter 070)

Looking On the Bright Side (Newsletter 070)

The more you are willing to look honestly at the ugliness in modern life, the more vital it is you add optimism to your mix.
6 min read
Oct
26
The Downside to Academic Life in the United States

The Downside to Academic Life in the United States

I can either go along and not make waves, or I can be an interesting and honest teacher who challenges students to think and learn. I'm not at all sure I can do both.
4 min read
Oct
21
Slouching Towards Catastrophe (Newsletter 069)

Slouching Towards Catastrophe (Newsletter 069)

Without deprivation, plenty goes unremarked. Without hardship and suffering, ease is little regarded.
6 min read
Oct
19
How Will America Decline?

How Will America Decline?

A history of success in almost any endeavor does not guarantee success forever. In fact, it would be foolish to assume so.
5 min read