Mike Pilewski writes about life, politics and culture in the United States
Have you noticed? Nearly all of the big movies coming out of Hollywood seem to be sequels based on cartoon characters, animated figures, toys, video games or superheroes. This summer has seen Iron Man 3, Despicable Me 2, Star Trek: Into Darkness, and Fast & Furious 6. A new Superman movie is out, and it’s never long between Batman films. … >>
In the world of commerce, Wal-Mart is a phenomenon unto itself. In 15 countries, it attracts 200 million customers a week to more than 8,700 stores, where they can buy practically everything. Its sales volume — more than $400 billion — is bigger than the GDP of Austria. Since its first store opened in 1962, Wal-Mart has followed the philosophy … >>
It was my first real encounter with the Chinese. Sure, I’d known a few Chinese people; I’d learned some Chinese history in college; I’d read a lot about China in the news; and Chinese food had always been my favorite. But it was a different experience altogether to go to the Chinese embassy with my visa application in hand — … >>
Poland, 1990: Ten years after demonstrations by the Solidarity trade union, political reform had arrived. Poland was finally a democracy. But my friend from Gdańsk wasn’t happy — and it was my fault. “You had the chance,” Tadeusz said. “Solidarity was gaining power. The food shortages frightened Prime Minister Jaruzelski. Public pressure would have forced him to resign. But instead, … >>