[Quote of the Month] When I Lose Focus…
…when I lose focus, I come here to remind myself of the importance of life…the importance of endurance in this life…and the unwillingness to bend…to other people’s destinies… — at … Continue reading
11 Things You Experience as a New Immigrant
There are some moments and situations to which many immigrants can relate to, especially the new ones. I would also limit this category to the people who immigrate alone, without … Continue reading
Why Are We Talking About Birth Control?
A friend of mine, Peta Jinnath Andersen, has created a blog called Hey Boys, I Am Not A Whore, devoted to women’s reproductive rights. It’s a fresh powerful project that … Continue reading
4 Things Most Americans Agree On
According to a recent NPR article (“A Nation Divided: Can We Agree On Anything?” by Linton Weeks), the American nation is torn between opposite views on absolutely everything: political parties, … Continue reading
[Quote of the Month] Achievements by Leon Tuam
Achievements Some folks walk to achievements while They are under a shower of encouragements. Others become historical after They’ve been deeply belittled. From the day I heard some tongues say … Continue reading
Time Perception in American Culture
In a world where time cannot be measured, there are no clocks, no calendars, no definite appointments. Events are triggered by other events, not by time. A house is begun … Continue reading
[Thoughts] The Office. The Worst Diversity Day Ever
Enjoy the highlights!
Why do American Soldiers Wear the Flag “Backwards”?
Have you ever wondered why American soldiers wear the flag patch reversed on just the right side of their arm? As it turns out, this phenomenon has a very patriotic … Continue reading
ABC’s of Assimilation in the USA. Not that Simple
Person A has been living in the US for 16 years. His English is perfect; he has a good job and has long ago figured out how to succeed in … Continue reading
Is Love Colorblind?
There was an article published in the Economist (Oct 15th) called “Down or out”. It was about the rising number of black unmarried women in America and possible explanations of … Continue reading
The Opportunity Cost of Assimilation
In a perfect world people can adapt to a new culture remaining true to their original cultural values. They maintain that perfect balance between old and new, and, in a … Continue reading
10 Reasons Why Micromanagement Doesn’t Work in The USA
Micromanagement has gained a really bad reputation over the past ten years. In business management, micromanagement is a management style where a manager closely observes or controls the work of … Continue reading
[Book Review] Girl in Translation. Jean Kwok.
What is it about? The story is about a young girl, Kimberly Chang, who emigrates from Hong Kong to New York City. She and her mother (who doesn’t speak any … Continue reading
The Curse of a Foreign Accent
Having an accent has always been an issue for non-native speakers. That’s the detail that gives you away even if you are fluent and flawless in terms of grammar and … Continue reading
[Thoughts] Does My Dog Speak English?
I have a question. It’s not a question in the full sense of the word but rather some loud thinking. My roommates are American and so are their pets. So, … Continue reading
Jose Antonio Vargas. A Hero or a Villain of Illegal Immigration?
In a June 2011 New York Times Magazine essay Jose Antonio Vargas, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, came out as an undocumented immigrant. He revealed coming to the US at the … Continue reading
Can’t Stop Blogging. American Culture Rocks Blog Demographics.
Your blog is what you say when there is nobody standing over your shoulder telling you what to do. Lorelle V Fossen In … Continue reading
[Video Review] Is American Culture Full of Stereotypes?
Instead of being presented with stereotypes by age, sex, color, class, or religion, children must have the opportunity to learn that within each range, some people are loathsome and some … Continue reading
[Difference of the Week] United Backpacks of America
Backpacks are no longer school/sports accessories and Americans are on top of the trend. No sarcasm implied. Backpacks are great and absolutely indispensable. An average backpack contains: water bottle workout … Continue reading
[Book Review] The Culture Code by Clotaire Rapaille. Enjoy Responsibly.
In a nutshell Clotaire Rapaille wrote a fascinating book about understanding cultures in the context of marketing. Claimed as a guide to people’s mindsets The Culture Code explains why we … Continue reading
[Thoughts] How to Handle Homesickness
I am not homesick. I am not homesick. I am not homesick. Sounds like a mantra and maybe it works like one sometimes. Surprisingly enough , I don’t miss being … Continue reading
[Difference of the Week] America Runs on Diet or Why Do Americans Drink Diet Soda?
This difference of the week article is going to be a little more than just a short note. I’m going to talk about diet coke and this topic is serious, … Continue reading
[Interview] Successful Cultural Assimilation in America
Cultural assimilation is a mysterious process. You think that you know everything there is to know but now and then you still feel foreign. No matter how many books you’ve … Continue reading
[Difference of the Week] Drinking Games in America
Drinking games are extremely popular in America. The variety of paper and online resources à la “best American drinking games”, etc. is the best proof to it. Let us take … Continue reading
Why Do Americans Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
St. Patrick’s Day is over and I hope everyone had a lot of fun! It’s curious though that the holiday is so popular in America. What is that about St. … Continue reading
[Difference of the Week] Acronyms in American Vocabulary
I bet acronyms and abbreviations represent the fastest-growing segment of American vocabulary. They are everywhere, from professional jargon to slang, and there seems to be no no end to it. … Continue reading
[Guest Story] Pleasures and Pitfalls of Dating an American Guy
Time to get really excited because I have a wonderful person to introduce! Sveta Bazhenova is a linguist, an experienced traveler and a really smart girl eager to share her … Continue reading
[Difference of the Week] What Shoes to Wear in Winter?
You can wear any kind of footwear. Don’t even bother to check the temperature outside. Nobody does. Seriously, I’ve seen it all: flip-flops, sneakers, construction boots, uggs, flats, knee high … Continue reading
[Difference of the Week] Door Holding Etiquette
Holding doors for fellow commuters is such a nice habit! I can’t stop admiring it!
How to Behave in an American Restaurant
Everyone agrees that eating out is an essential part of American culture and, of course, there are some unofficial rules to follow. This list is applicable to all restaurant goers … Continue reading
[Difference of the Week] Best American Hangover Cure
Why do people drink Bloody Mary on Saturday and Sunday mornings? Oh! It’s considered the best hangover cure… I didn’t know that!
3 Reasons to Mind Your Language
America is a melting pot and people are generally comfortable about foreigners and other languages. It’s important, however, not to forget about some kind of verbal etiquette. Here is why: … Continue reading
[Difference of the Week] What’s up with American Butter?
Yes, every cuisine (I guess) is familiar with butter. No, not every stick of butter in the world has a measuring scale printed already on it. Thank you, America:)
7 Tips: How to Use Public Transport
Be polite. Never underestimate the magical power of such phrases as “Excuse me” and “Sorry”. It costs nothing but helps to avoid most of potential misunderstandings or conflicts. Respect personal … Continue reading
Forget Your Privacy
I once heard a mother telling her kid “Enjoy your privacy!” when she was leaving the house. Believe it or not but this is a phrase never to be heard … Continue reading
