Commentary

Straight talk about air conditioning in France

Whether you rent or own, getting A/C needn't be a big deal

6 hrs ago •

On military parades, past and present

I attended a military parade in East Berlin in 1985; it shaped how I viewed the recent parade in Washington, D.C.

Jun 17 •

Inequality, identity and American emigration in a changing European landscape

Social concerns that American emigrés to Europe inevitably face

Jun 13 •

What happens when your best-laid plans for life abroad suddenly go awry?

Some reflections on a fellow-Substack author's post about the unexpected and the need for backup plans

Jun 6 •

God, human folly and laughter

A bit of JFK's wisdom engraved on a silver tankard inspires some personal reflections

Apr 25 •

The Pervasive Vulnerability of Life in America (updated 20 April 2025)

Approaching tipping points in a system that fails the citizenry

Apr 20 •

University study in Europe (Updated 2 April 2025)

With higher ed under attack in the US, Europe offers excellent alternatives

Apr 2 •

The Federal Student Aid Program in a post-Department of Education world (updated 2 April 2025)

Ramifications and risks of the Executive Order to close the DOE

Apr 2 •

The Best Job in Higher Education

But not because it's the easiest or best paid - can you guess what it is?

Apr 1 •

Reflections on Bureaucracy and Daily Life in France

Whether French bureaucracy is truly onerous might depend on where you're coming from

Mar 20 •

University study in Europe, Update 1

With higher ed under attack in the US, Europe offers excellent alternatives

Mar 16 •

More about university study in Europe

Attitudes and expectations of Americans versus Europeans

Feb 21 •

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