Mike Pilewski writes about life, politics and culture in the United States
In our part of the world, the past two centuries have been, among other things, a story of social progress. It started with the abolition of slavery, continued with the women’s-rights and labor movements, and culminated in the civil-rights movement of the 1960s. Campaigns since then have focused on the environment, equal access for the “differently abled”, and respect for … >>
One of the best things about waking up early is the lack of activity around you. The world is yours. Lie in bed and just listen to the silence; it’s so relaxing! Nothing but an occasional gust of wind caressing the trees outside, a lone bird calling to his friends, or the gentle sound of rain on the patio. This … >>
One of the biggest trends of recent years has been almost completely off the radar. At the events for the German and American exchange students I advise, the number of vegetarians has been increasing steadily over the years. Back in the 1990s, there was, on average, only one at each event. In the last decade, there were two, then four, … >>
My grandmother was the healthiest person alive. This came, she said, from living in the countryside, breathing clean air, and cooking her own food, which was fresh from nearby farms or her own garden. She kept noise and stress out of her life. Her career was her home, and she was the queen of her castle — an image reinforced … >>
Where do you go first to get medical advice? To your doctor? Your pharmacist? Or do you do what many Americans do and go straight to the Internet? Describe to a search engine any health problem in English, and you’ll see that health advice is some of the most sought-after information there is. Mixed in among the writings of established … >>
New York City is often considered the most liberal part of the United States, but you wouldn’t know it from the way it’s run. Signs tell you “Don’t even think of parking here”. Police issue tickets for jaywalking. Smoking in parks is forbidden. Now New Yorkers may be forced to consume less sugar. Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s plan is to get … >>
It’s the last week of the Oktoberfest, and Munich is full of partygoers. Same procedure as every year, but with two differences: 1. Nearly all the German tourists are dressed up, which gives the whole thing more dignity; and 2. They are younger than ever. Most of the visitors I’ve seen are between the ages of 16 and 18. Young … >>
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’s been said that every American trend arrives in Germany about five years later. But there’s at least one that’s gone in the opposite direction: digital television. While Europeans are already used to its advantages and disadvantages, Americans are still coming to terms with them. Analog reception didn’t end until June 12, 2009. TV is not important, you say? Try … >>
The 1950s were a great time for conspiracy theories. Communists had infiltrated the Senate, aliens were watching us from space, and a mysterious chemical was being added to our drinking water. The first two theories were false. The third has given three generations of Americans their famously healthy teeth. The chemical was fluoride, but to skeptics who felt it was … >>