Mike Pilewski writes about life, politics and culture in the United States
Last summer, the University of Düsseldorf invited me to give a talk about careers to students at its English department. One of them wanted to know how I had found my career. In Yakov Smirnoff style, I explained that my career had found me. Specific circumstances had led to me being hired as a writer and editor, I said, in … >>
I almost didn’t go inside. From what I could see, every table in the restaurant was taken. This was bad news for someone about to catch an international flight. This place in the departures area was my only chance to eat real food, but it was packed like a suitcase. I’d be lucky even to sit at the bar, I … >>
Imagine that the basic needs of everyone on Earth were taken care of. What would society be like? American futurist Jacque Fresco, who turned 98 last week, has spent his life thinking about this. Needs are at the root of capitalism. You have something that somebody else needs; that person has something that you need; you trade these things directly … >>
Recently, the American and German exchange students I advise were privileged to enjoy the company of Vice-Admiral Charles Martoglio, the deputy commander of United States European Command. Martoglio and his boss are in charge of 100,000 military and civilian personnel who operate across this entire continent. Our group often meets with ambassadors, consuls, army generals, air-force colonels and important politicians, … >>
This column was meant for September, but as fate would have it, a few other things got in the way — the presidential election, various school shootings, the demise of Twinkies — that deserved some commentary. However, the start of a new year is just as good a time to talk about this subject: the future. What was special about … >>
“That’s such an American attitude!” my friend said, giving me a hostile look. For a moment I wondered if our cozy rendezvous in an Erfurt café was coming to a sudden end. All I’d done was offer a friendly suggestion, but it was one that clearly went against everything she believed in. Nadine (not her real name) had been talking … >>
My house has disappeared. It’s invisible. You can’t see it. It’s gone from view. Poof! All you see now in Google Street View is a six-story blur. I think one of my neighbors is responsible. The building we live in, and the building down the street where he works, are the only houses in the area that have been censored. … >>
Each month in Spotlight magazine, I write about the anniversary of a historical event, such as the birth or death of an important person. Lately, though, I’ve been thinking about an anniversary that came and went this year. The important person was my grandfather. Next Wednesday, two days after Halloween, is All Souls’ Day. The occasion is hardly celebrated now, … >>
I’ve lost count of the number of people here in Germany who’ve asked me if I’ve been on vacation recently. When I tell them I’ve shown up to work faithfully every day in August, they give me a strange look. Going to work at the hottest time of year is just not what you’re expected to do here. In the … >>
Last Sunday, March 14, a friend called me from Boston. It was Pi Day. David happily reported that the local bakeries and pizza parlors were openly celebrating the occasion — something the two of us had started after math class 30 years ago as a kind of joke. Our phone call, which we’d scheduled for 3:14 p.m., almost didn’t happen, … >>