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Why China is Rising and America is Declining
Why is one country rising and the other declining? "The US system is not designed to take care of you, it's designed to extract from you."
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The Trump Administration's Crackdown on Free Speech
There is no free speech in the US if you cannot raise your voice in opposition to official policies. These students deserve medals of bravery, standing up to oppose the immorality, the inhumanity of the atrocities in Gaza. They are now paying the price, in the former land of free speech.
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Eating Healthy and Saving Money
In the US, along with everything else, food prices have gone through the roof. These days, it makes more sense to cook/prepare your own meals. You will save money, and you will likely be eating much healthier.
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Dark Ages America, We Can't Afford to Live
These are sad and dark times for America. The middle class has been devastated, and we are turning into serfs in a kind of neo-feudal dystopia. All of us poor and struggling to survive. And a group of billionaire elites at the top.
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Earning money from your writing in 2025. Changes at HubPages
Is there any hope to earn money publishing online in 2025? The model of HubPages that many of us have known and loved, has changed. What are your strategies for getting published (and possibly compensated) these days?
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First Sighting of Wild Horses, Daily Walks on the Forest Path
You never know what secrets nature will reveal, what luck you will have when out on a walk in the high desert near the Grand Canyon.
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The Dismantling of Social Security: the One Thing that Might Lead to Mass Revolt in the US
In the US, not even the funding of endless wars brings people into the streets. If social security is dismantled it could be the one catalyst that leads to mass revolt.
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12 Great Perks of a Seasonal Job at the Grand Canyon
There are some awesome perks of a summer seasonal job at the Grand Canyon.The salary could be a little better, but the true value of the summer job lies in all of the great benefits that come with living in a national park.
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The Worst & Most Baffling Trade in NBA History. No Loyalty in the Corporate World
It's one of the most shocking and baffling trades in sports history. Luka Doncic traded from the Dallas Mavericks, to the Los Angeles Lakers. It took the sports world by complete surprise. The result of the trade: they have torn the heart and soul from the team, the fan base, the city.
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Visiting Red Rock Canyon Near Las Vegas
This is a fantastic place for a day hike. The red rocks are stunning, and kind of otherworldly. You get the feeling you are on another planet. The formations, the different colors, are so unusual.
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Quiet Quitting: Is It Really a New Phenomenon? Why You Must Quit For Real
Quiet quitting refers to the phenomenon of people having mentally checked out, their mind far away, dreaming about anything else during the workday. For many people this is their MO, how they operate and get through each work week.
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Embracing the Expat Lifestyle
While moving overseas can seem overwhelming at first, there really are no downsides. The experience is always worth it. Your eyes are opened, you gain a larger perspective, maybe gain a little more wisdom.
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Does a Minimalist Need to Work a Full-time Job? Is a 9-5 Job Necessary
Minimalism is a path to freedom.
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The Things China Didn't Do to the USA. Why Are We So Mad at China?
A recently released poll claimed to show that 4 out of 10 Americans have a negative view of China, and view China as an enemy. Well, wait a minute now. Here’s a list of things (off the top of my head) that China did NOT do to us here in the US, to make us so mad at them!
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$320 Million Pier to Bring Aid to Gaza Breaks Apart
So let's try to wrap our brains around this. We're giving Israel bombs and funds they need to continue the slaughter in Gaza. And then we're asking, please, do you mind if we build a pier, so a few trucks with aid can be brought in?
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Work Half the Year, Take the Other Half Off!
One of the things I love about working a seasonal job: you can set up your year, so that you work for about 6 months or so, and take the other half of the year off. This can be a new way to find great freedom in this life.
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6 Reasons to Go all Elvis and Send Your TV Sailing out the Window
It has been a great 20+ years since I tossed my TV into the dumpster. Come and join me in this new space of liberation and sanity! :)
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Yellen Says China Should Go Back to Riding Bicycles. Completes her Karen-like Mission of Lecturing China (Humor Article)
China must stop bringing so many people out of poverty, it’s really not fair, and creates pressure on other countries of the world to have to do the same. "Stop doing everything so well, you are leaving the rest of us in the dust! It's not a good example for the world."
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Hiking the Grand Canyon on Opening Day of the Bright Angel Trail
It's a beautiful day to hike the Bright Angel Trail—calm, with just a gentle breeze. Occasionally, a raven careens overhead, riding the wind drafts. A mountain bluebird flits between tree branches, clinging to the side of the South Rim. Care to join me?
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The Demonization of China by U.S. Media
I don't think I've ever seen one positive article about China from the U.S. media. They are always doing their best to slander China, to manipulate the American mind into accepting China as an enemy. So, as someone who has spent a few years in China, how about discussing a few positives today?
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The Downsides of Teaching English Online: Why it’s Not Ideal for Digital Nomads
If you are looking for online work, and something you can do based in any location, teaching ESL can be an OK option. However, like anything, it's far from perfect, and there are some huge downsides. I recommend finding other kinds of remote work.
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Shut it Down! Looking Forward to a Government Shutdown
This is a chance for all of us to see that the Congress, Senate, the President, are not needed. We will be just fine without them. Go away, take a long vacation! Ba-bye! "No man’s life, liberty, or property are safe while the congress is in session" - Mark Twain (Note: This is a humor article).
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You Don't Need to Be a Conspiracy Theorist to See That Our “Leaders” are Indeed Lizard People
Starting a new political humor series here. If you are a fan of The Onion, Gerald Celente, Jimmy Dore, Morris Berman, you might enjoy these. An episode of the Lizard Chronicles. No offense to lizards, who are amazing creatures and who are not destroying the country and the planet.
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8 Reasons to Spend a Season Living and Working in Zion National Park
People have told me Zion is their favorite national park. It might be my favorite too, and it's in the running to be the most beautiful. Here are eight reasons why I recommend you spend a season working and living in the park.
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5 Tips to Get Your Youtube Channel to 1000 Subs: What I've Learned from my Youtube Journey
It has been a journey of about 2 and a half years for me, growing a walking tour (and sometimes wildlife clips) channel. I will share here what I've learned, and the keys to growing your Youtube channel.
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5 Best Things to Do When Visiting Juneau, Alaska
Humpback whales, black bears, glaciers, snowy peaks, moss-covered forests, king crab, salmon, and native Alaskan art are just a few of the things you can experience in Juneau that make the place a one-of-a-kind destination.
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Malatang: The Best Chinese Dish You've Never Heard Of
Malatang is an absolute must-try dish if you are visiting China.
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5 Ways the U.S. Must Improve to Become a Better Country
The problems of the United States are self-inflicted. The country is in sad shape in many areas. Most current leaders keep ignoring these important issues that determine a country's quality of life.
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Keep Monthly Rent Under $400 and Begin to Escape the Matrix
The rising cost of living has made life unaffordable for many people in the U.S. More than 50% of Americans do not have $1000 saved for an emergency. Many people are deep in debt, and living off credit cards. Is there a way to escape this debt trap cycle? And still have a great life in the process?
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The Mysterious Rabbits of Valdez, Alaska
How the rabbits came to live in the far northern town of Valdez is a mystery. There are stories people tell, but there doesn't seem to be a definitive answer.
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Top 8 Things to Do at Yellowstone National Park
Here's what I would recommend as the top things to do and see at Yellowstone National Park. If you have visited the park and have other recommendations, let me know!
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Are more people checking out of the traditional 9-5 work world?
Where have all the employees gone? As the current trends of high cost of living and unaffordable housing continue, are more people simply opting out of the traditional 9-5 system?
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Wildlife Sightings When Living Around the Grand Canyon
Living in northern Arizona and working at the Grand Canyon allowed me several unique wildlife sightings, like walking out of my home one morning to wild horses grazing.
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Worry Is a Hallucination: How to Calm Feelings of Worry and Stress
We know a high stress level has negative consequences for our health. Yet we keep allowing ourselves to worry, to nourish and feed those runaway thoughts. Perhaps we can counter with a different approach. Here's how to change how we react to these amped-up feelings of pressure and stress.
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Book Review: "Death in Zion National Park"
Why is it so fascinating to hear about death in a beautiful place that attracts nature lovers worldwide?
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Living in a Snow Globe - An Ode to Minnesota Winter
The winters have changed since I was a kid. I remember we used to get heavy snowfalls regularly. These days, the snowfalls seem much less frequent. We still have long stretches of bitter cold here in Minnesota, as the blast of arctic air sweeps down from Canada.
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The Best Italian Food Near the Grand Canyon
If you are looking for good Italian food near the Grand Canyon, check out We Cook Pizza and Pasta, in Tusayan, Arizona.
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The Strange Future of Hotels
It's coming soon to a hotel near you. Maybe in a few years down the road, maybe sooner. The final frontier, the brave new world of hospitality. You cross the entrance and the doors slide open. You enter the lobby, and stroll to the front desk to check in. Perhaps you are greeted, but not by a human
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Going Minimalist: More Freedom & Less Stress
How can we arrive at the goal of personal freedom? One way is to have lots of money. But many of us get caught on the hamster wheel of a wage job. This takes a toll on our mental and physical health. There is another way, and this is much more easily obtainable. It is to have less.
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The Wildlife of Yellowstone
If you love the outdoors, fascinating geographical phenomena, and lots of wildlife, you must visit Yellowstone. The variety of animals you'll see in their native habitat is likely unmatched anywhere else.
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Exploring the North Shore of Minnesota in Autumn
It is great to visit the North Shore any time of year, and each season offers something unique, but without a doubt there is something magical about Autumn in the far north.
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Now Is the Best Time for That Epic Trip to the Grand Canyon
If you would like to visit the Grand Canyon, but want to avoid the huge summer crowds, there is no better time to go. Visitors to the park are way down compared to previous years, and the busy season has ended.
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Meteor Crater in Northern Arizona: Outer Space Phenomena, NASA, and Aliens
In northern Arizona, there is a massive crater left by a meteor about 50,000 years ago. It is a must-see place if you are traveling through the region.
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Puerto Vallarta - Can You Love A Place You Have Never Been To?
Are there cities/places you fell in love with before ever traveling to? Places that you just had a gut feeling were right for you?
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Walking Every Day for Health and Inspiration
Walking every day is a great way to stay fit, active, and to feel inspired. It has positive benefits for your physical and mental health. It is a time-out to refresh your mind and spirit, and perhaps mull over ideas and projects.
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Exploring La Crosse, Wisconsin: A Hidden Gem in the Midwest
If you want to discover hidden gems in Wisconsin, then visit La Crosse. The relaxed vibe, historic charm, and access to nature make this a great place to visit.
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12 Benefits of Being Your Own Boss
What could be better than having your own business/being your own boss?
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How Much Money Can You Save Teaching English in Asia?
Teaching English in South Korea and China is a great way to save money and have healthcare and a nice apartment provided. The surplus money and benefits will allow you to truly enjoy your experience and adventure.
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Seasonal Jobs With Single-Occupancy Housing Under $400/Month
The cost of living, and rent, in particular, has gotten absurd. Seasonal work offers an alternative to these soaring, unaffordable costs.
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Wild and Free: Wild Horses at the Grand Canyon
In the Kaibab Forest, near Grand Canyon National Park, there are wild horses roaming free once again. Where did they come from? Have they always been here?
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Visiting Zion National Park: A Few Lesser Known Hikes
Zion is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parks in the country. To really see the park in all its glory, you have to go hiking since some of the most scenic and majestic places are tucked away, and can only be reached by trail.
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How to Make a Mandala and Reclaim Your Joy
Drawing mandalas is a great way to relax and de-stress. If you're thinking of taking up sketching again, creating mandalas can be a fun and low-pressure way to get back into it. Reclaim the joy of creating that you possessed as a kid.
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The Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon and Features of the National Park
Many people come to the park on the spur of the moment. They drive here just having the day to see as much as possible or even just a few hours. The structure of the park is such that you can really see a lot in a day.
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Saguaro National Park: Walking in the Land of Giant Cacti
In the strange, enchanting desert landscape of Southern Arizona, giant cacti rise from the ground, cover hills and valleys, and mix with red rock canyons to create an otherworldly ambiance.
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If You Had the Choice, Would You Prefer a Four-Day Workweek?
True wellness, good health, and work-life balance cannot really co-exist with a 40-plus-hour workweek.
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Why Is Cleaning up the Pacific Garbage Patch Not a Campaign Issue? A Speech by an Imaginary Presidential Candidate
A Speech by an Imaginary Presidential Candidate
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Road Trip Disaster: Driving Endlessly in the Rings of Hell
When things go south…Disasters can happen spontaneously, and can unfold within moments. What truly matters is the recovery. A few tips to keep your trip from becoming FUBAR, like mine.
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Korean Food in Flagstaff, AZ: Two Restaurant Reviews
If you find yourself in Flagstaff, AZ, and are craving Korean food, I recommend going to either KoKiYo or Na D Li BBQ. There is no doubt you will leave happy.
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Visiting La Casa Azul: Frida Kahlo’s House in Mexico City
Having been a fan and loving her artwork for many years, I was thrilled to visit La Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo's house in Mexico City.
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Blueprint for Freedom: Quitting the 9-5 World
Today I thought I would share my plans for this year. I'm excited as this is the year I'm taking the ultimate leap, scheduling a huge chunk of time off to work on being self-employed. Sharing these thoughts in the hopes that it might inspire someone else as well.
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The Astronomical Cost of Rent, and a Comparison of Apartments in the U.S., Mexico, and Thailand
Many people agree the U.S rental market is overinflated. More and more, as rent increases, people can't afford to live. If you are considering living abroad for a period of time, the amenities offered when renting an apartment really open up, and you will save money.
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Being an Introvert and Craving Solitude
Are you an introvert as well who loves solitude? Many of our jobs require us to be extroverts, to keep society functioning. The time that we do have for solitude is to be treasured!
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Teaching English Online: A Flexible and Fun Way to Make Extra Income and Start Working Remotely
Teaching English online is a flexible and fun way to make extra income, or shift into working remotely full-time from home.
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Hiking in Kaibab National Forest (in Grand Canyon National Park)
Are you looking for the perfect place to get out and do some walking/hiking this year? Look no further than the Kaibab National Forest in Grand Canyon National Park. This is a fun and relaxing hike, a great place to escape the crowds and lose yourself among the majestic ponderosa pines.
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3 Seasonal Jobs With Non-Shared and Affordable Housing
With the pressure of high rents these days, it might be time to consider other options. Many people are downsizing, building tiny homes, etc. Seasonal work offers another option to avoid the trap of high rent, and have more money and time to build the kind of life you truly want to be living.
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Being Nomadic, Being Rooted
Are you more of a nomad, or a stay-in-one-place-for-the-long-haul kind of person? I've always loved travel and consider myself more of a nomad. But there is always a push and pull of these opposing forces within each of us as well.
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Learning How to Meditate in these Strange Times
Too much stress is a poison for the body – and our society specializes in creating an overload of stress for many of us. It could be the perfect time to try meditation, to help calm the sense of anxiety and find some balance in these strange and uncertain times.
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Walking as a Way of Life
Walking is something you can always do, almost anywhere you are. The fresh air and exercise will always do you good. I walk year-round, in below zero temps and in snowstorms, in the rain as well as the hot summer sun. In all seasons of the year, walking is a constant wellspring of inspiration.
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Hiking Yellow Mountain (Ascending Into the Clouds)
Hiking Huang Shan (Yellow Mountain) in Eastern China in August 2019, we were enveloped in fog and mist during the entire trip. Though we missed the wide-open vistas the mountain is famous for, it was made up for by the special ambiance created by the ever-shifting fog.
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The Power of Turning Off the TV: “Throw Your TV Out the Window”
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Steeped in Earth’s Mysteries: Bike Trip in Valdez, Alaska
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The Mythical “Work-Life Balance,” and Living off $1000 per Month
Could you live off $1000/month or less? Perhaps you would only need to work a part-time job to pay all of your bills. Just think of the freedom this would create. With this treasure trove of new time you will have, you can begin doing more of the things you love.
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Window on the World: My First Experience Teaching Overseas