Richard Carriero
Rich Carriero lives and works in Boulder, Colorado. He is a freelance writer with a passion for local and international travel. To learn more visit www.richcarriero.com
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Exploring the Ecosystems of the National Park SystemThe United States National Park System is home to ecosystems ranging from tundra to desert. This article highlights the biodiversity of a few of my favorite national parks. -
Wildflower Viewing Around Denver, ColoradoColorado is a fascinating junction of prairie, desert and mountains. This list highlights a few of the best destinations for viewing spring flowers in and around Denver. -
Avoiding Texting While Driving Takes DisciplineA personal narrative of my experience using the phone behind the wheel.
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My Take on Abortion in AmericaRed states have taken to essentially nullifying Roe v. Wade. It seems to be a critical juncture in the culture wars.
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First Person: An Expecting Father's View of Chemicals in ProductsSince I was in college I've learned more and more about the toxic compounds and carcinogens that appear in our food and other consumer products. As a first time expecting father, my purpose in this article is to express my point of view.
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Resolutions of an Expectant FatherMy wife and I are expecting our first child. This article details how I hope to improve my life and myself in anticipation of our new arrival.
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Europe for History BuffsAs a travel writer, history is the dominant theme of my wanderings. This article gives a run down of the most significant and memorable places in Europe that I've been lucky enough to visit. -
Doomsday Resolutions for MeWhat I would do if I thought the world was going to end.
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Immediate Reaction to the Connecticut ShootingI've seen too many of these murders in my life. What must be done to stop it.
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Drop Off and Early Voting a Success in BoulderBoulder, Colorado has enjoyed a smooth Election Day thanks to solid organization. -
Election Day in Boulder, ColoradoI stopped by some polling places to check out the scene. -
Observations from Republican Headquarters in Boulder, ColoradoMy observations from stopping in at Republican headquarters. -
The Scene from Democratic Headquarters in Boulder, ColoradoPhotos of Democratic Headquarters on Pearl Street in Boulder, Colorado. -
Election Day Observations from Boulder, ColoradoA quick tour of the party headquarters and downtown Boulder reveals the following. -
President Obama Once Again Has My VoteSpoiler Alert: if you're not interested in a liberal opinion, don't read. -
Rapid Reaction to the Third Presidential DebateHow I viewed the third verbal joust between candidates.
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What I Thought of President Obama's Acceptance SpeechReaction to the President's speech at the DNC
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Camping in South DakotaIn August I drove up from Colorado to South Dakota along with my wife and two friends. We camped in the Badlands, Black Hills National Forest, and Custer State Park. During our trip we encountered buffalo, motorcycles, caves, and shooting stars. -
My Experience with a Parotid TumorThis spring my wife was diagnosed with a mass on her parotid gland. This article details our experience with this potentially scary medical situation that recently claimed the life of Beastie Boys rapper, MCA.
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A Review of the Sun Oven Solar CookerI bought a Sun Oven last month and I've enjoyed harnessing sunlight to cook ever since. -
Under-Visited Winter Destinations Around the WorldWinter tourism offers the opportunity to experience beautiful foreign and domestic locations without the crowds and at a fraction of the expense. -
Historical National Parks Offer Insight on America's PastThe National Park System protects more than natural wonders; a few parks are also priceless pieces of our national historical heritage. -
In Colorado, Obama's Gay-Marriage Backing Could Highlight Stark DifferencesPresident Obama recently came out in support of Gay Marriage. This article details my reaction as a resident of the swing state of Colorado.
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Driving Through New MexicoThis article details our Spring Break road trip through New Mexico from Taos to Carlsbad Caverns and back. -
5 Great Day Trips From New York CityThe New York area is within easy reach of beaches, colonial towns, and fantastic waterfront restaurants. These towns can be reached by boat, train, and car ride. -
A Review of the Gogobot Travel Website and ApplicationGogobot was one of the top 50 websites of 2011. As a travel writer, I decided to check it out.
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What to See in London for First Time VisitorsLondon is one of the world's largest and most historic cities. This travel guide offers options for site-seeing, shopping and dining for first time visitors.
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Taking a Unique Spring Vacation in EuropeCapital cities like Paris and Rome in the spring time can still be overrun by tourists. This article highlights a few beautiful but still sparsely visited regions.
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What Foods to Eat in ColoradoColorado, at the junction of the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains and Southwest, enjoys a unique and varied cuisine. This article details a few local favorites.
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How to Keep Track of Your Team's Super Bowl Run While TravellingI'm a New York Giants fan but having lived away from New York for 5 years, I've become adept at following my team's trials and tribulations remotely.
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Ten Years SoberThis article represents a five year sequel to "Experiences of a Young Alcoholic: Reflections on Five Years of Sobriety."
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Historic Villages of the Colorado FoothillsColorado is flush with tiny, adorable towns of wooden framed buildings and dirt roads. With some ingenuity and a full tank of gas you can easily explore these towns.
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Remembering ChristmasThis article discusses how I've celebrated Christmas throughout the years.
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The Best Unknown Ruins in Europe for TravelersEurope is awash in historic buildings. Unlike the temples of Rome and Athens, these sites are off the beaten path and lightly visited.
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Favorite Spots at Rocky Mountain National ParkThis article details a few of the best spots to take in Rocky Mountain National Park throughout the year.
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Unique Travel Spots in the US for ThanksgivingThis article offers insight on the best regions and cities in America to enjoy an unusual Thanksgiving vacation.
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How to Enjoy Thanksgiving in Another CountryThis article blends advice with experience to help you make the most of your Thanksgiving abroad.
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What to See in Istanbul in a Few DaysIstanbul is a massive city with so much to take in. This brief travel guide offers a number of recommendations to enjoy a varied and authentic trip to the city.
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The Best US Cities for a Great Fall VacationCities like Savannah, Portland and Boulder have convenient access to nature and jumping nightlife.
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How to Have an Authentic Overseas Travel Experience And Avoid Feeling like a TouristGlobalization has made many tourist destinations feel like they're all the same. By following a few simple tips, however, you can pierce the wall separating you from another culture.
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The Ghost Town of Ironton, ColoradoIronton is located three miles south of the tourist town of Ouray. You can easily visit this fascinating historic relic along the Million Dollar Highway.
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Camping Out at Mesa VerdeMesa Verde was the first national park designated to protect a man made site. I camped out for a night to check out the natural and man made wonders.
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Our Honeymoon was Almost RuinedMy wife and I experienced a bizarre streak of bad luck in the days preceding our wedding and honeymoon in Savannah, Georgia.
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My First Experiences of LondonI've been to London four times. My first two trips, ten years apart, were radically different glimpses of the city.
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Running a Flexible Small BusinessIt wasn't my idea to go into business for myself but it fit my career path and a poor job market forced me to become a small business owner.
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What One Liberal Really BelievesWhy has liberal become a curse word? This article attempts to lay out honestly what one self-proclaimed liberal really believes.
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Attending a Wedding During Hurricane IreneMy wife and I attended a beautiful wedding in Maryland in the teeth of Hurricane Irene. We are now stuck on the East Coast in the wake of the mammoth storm.Also published on:
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Ouray, ColoradoSurrounded on three sides by the cliffs of the San Juan mountains, Ouray is a perfectly preserved gem of history nestled in a crown of natural beauty.
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Visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National ParkBlack Canyon, with 2,000 foot walls, is a marvel of geology and well worth a short visit.
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A Road Trip Through the Parks of Southwestern ColoradoColorado and Utah enjoy the greatest concentration of national parks in the United States. This three day trip connects visits to Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Mesa Verde and the Great Sand Dunes with one night in the beautiful mountain hamlet of Ouray.
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Manageable Day Trips from IstanbulIstanbul can be a frustrating city. These escape options will help you cool off and take in the countryside.
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Fourth of July in MoabWith a spare weekend, my wife and I head out to Moab, Utah for hiking and sightseeing.
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How to Earn Money as a Freelance TutorIn a poor job market, tutoring can provide essential income and even lead to a thriving small business.
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Best iPhone Travel AppsAs a seasoned traveler who recently bought an iPhone, I review the most useful apps for frequent travelers.
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Frozen Dead Guy Days: Colorado's Wierdest FestivalFrozen Dead Guy Days honors Bredo Morstel, a cryogenically frozen corpse illegally imported from Norway to Nederland, Colorado. At the 10th annual FDGD, locals and tourists celebrate winter, death and having a good time.
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Annoying Historic Anachronisms in MoviesThis article details a handful of historic revisions in movies that are disappointing, distracting or just plain nonsense.
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First Person: The Coldest Weather of My LifeThe past week has brought some of the coldest weather that I have ever experienced. The Feb. 6-8 storm has brought snow, miserable driving conditions and subzero cold.
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First Person: Patching Together Finances with Part-Time WorkI haven't had full time work in seven months. I'm not qualified for the jobs posted on local websites and get by as a freelance teacher and writer. My income is subject to wild unpredictability and can drop off to almost nothing over semester breaks.
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Visiting Idaho Springs, ColoradoIdaho Springs is a fascinating place to visit for its mining heritage, hot springs and top-notch brew pubs.
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Community College as a Stepping StoneI attented community college for two semesters during which I began to right the ship of my wrecked academic career.
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Economically Feasible Ways to TravelDo you pine for overseas adventures? If you have the will to make it happen, you can see the world without being a millionaire. This article details a number of ways to make your travel dreams come true.
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The Fabulous Art Museums of VeniceThe Venetian role in Italian cultural history is a prominent and unique one. This article details the best museums to visit and to explore Venetian art.
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Guide to Manners and Etiquette in ItalyThis article reviews common customs and manners that govern most social interactions in Italy.
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Best Places for Tourists in ItalyThere are so many different types of vacations you could take in Italy. This article details the best locations to visit for different types of Italian vacations.
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The 10 Most Beautiful Places in ItalyItaly is overflowing with beauty. This article highlights a small selection of the most opulent sites on the peninsula.
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When Should I Visit Italy?The timing of an Italian vacation can be crucial to your enjoyment and budget.
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Five Must-See Places to Visit in ItalyYou should visit Italy for so many different reasons. This article lists five highlights from my experiences.
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The In-Between Moments of TravelThis essay details how a recent road trip across the central US brought into focus the moments of my travels that matter most to me.
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Best Breweries in ColoradoColorado prides itself on its beer. In the Boulder area alone there are numerous brew pubs that offer fine ale, good food and fun atmosphere.
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Tips for Visiting Rocky Mountain National ParkRMNP is one of the great show pieces of the National Park System. Located only 35 miles from Boulder and 70 miles from Denver, getting into the heart of the Rocky Mountains is easier than you realize.
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My Top Five International Travel AdventuresSince I began traveling in earnest, I have seen much of the old world, including many of the modern and ancient cities of Europe. However, now that I'm back in the States, there's a number of adventures I'd still love to set off on.
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Why You Should Visit Nederland, ColoradoNederland is a small town of less than 2000 located 18 miles from Boulder, Colorado. If you have only an afternoon in which to see the Rockies, this mountain hamlet has character and beauty.
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Opinion: Solutions to nation's woes should be tried before vilified2010 was marked by excessive bitterness and overheated rhetoric. Moving forward, how do I feel about a gridlocked Congress?
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Attractions of Estes Park, ColoradoEstes Park is the gateway to the Rockies. There are a number of reasons to visit this gem of a small town.
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Driving Up Pikes PeakWith a random weekday off in October, my good friend and sister-in-law, Sarah, and I drove down to Colorado Springs for an armchair climb up the Rocky's most famous mountain.
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Rainy day doesn't stop politics-minded crowd in BoulderOn a rainy Friday the Ask America Van came to Boulder to find out who Boulderites think will win on Election Day.
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Requiem for a DaypackMy green LL Bean daypack has been with me through six of the most hectic years of my life.
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The Health Perks of TravelTravel is good for the mind, body and soul. This article details the benefits of taking time out for vacation.
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The Ghost Town of St. ElmoSt. Elmo, Colorado was a boomtown in 1890 and nearly deserted by 1920. Located deep in the Rocky Mountains, this village of small wooden buildings is one of the best preserved ghost towns in the US.
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Hiking the Divide - A Stroll Along Loveland PassLoveland Pass rises 12,000 feet above sea level, crossing the Continental Divide. A day trip with the goal of hiking above tree line led me to summit this natural dividing line.
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Trazzler and TumblrTrazzler and Tumblr both offer unique, user-friendly formats to post travel articles, photos and videos.
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Attractions Around Boulder, ColoradoBoulder has a very liberal and trendy local culture that rightfull attracts many visitors. However, for outoor lovers, what lies around the town offers just as much.
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A Summer Afternoon in Vail, ColoradoWith a random August afternoon to ourselves, my wife and I headed into the Rockies to check out Vail, one of the most opulant ski towns in the world.
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A Daytrip to CheyenneLiving in Boulder, Colorado I decided to take a day trip to Wyoming in order to see the massive Frontier Days rodeo festival.
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Small Town Fourth of JulyIndependence Day 2010 was my first Fourth of July in four years. This article recounts a three-day party in my wife's hometown.
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First Impressions of Boulder, ColoradoBoulder is a cultural bubbled nestled in a crook of the mountains.
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ViolaceousA haiku on on the color purpose. Written for an AC contest on a sunny afternoon in the mountains.
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Moving Across the WorldWhen my wife and I decided to move from Istanbul, Turkey, to a new home in Colorado, we knew it would an adventure.
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Hemingway's Europe - A Catalogue of the Writer's Favorite SpotsErnest Hemingway traveled much of the world in search of stories, big game and war. This article details his favorite spots in three countries.
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Shipwreck Diving in TurkeyThe seas that surround the Anatolian peninsula are littered with wrecks at varying depths that be reached by divers of all skill levels.
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Ludwig II's Fairytale Castles in BavariaIn his own time, many considered King Ludwig II of Bavaria to be raving mad. His fantasy castles, however, are one of Germany's greatest cultural treasures.
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Historic Spots in New JerseyFor a lover of historical tourism, there is much to see in this pint-sized state. This article will detail a handful of the most historic and enjoyable sites from a native's perspective.
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How to Start a Travel Writing CareerCircling the globe and getting paid to write about it is the daydream of a great many writers. This article details how to get started with a freelance travel writing career.
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The Greatest Byzantine Works in EuropeThe Byzantine Greeks inherited the Roman empire and left their stamp all over Europe. Their works brought together classical fundamentals of architecture with the riches of the Eastern Mediterranean.
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Istanbul 2010: European Capital of CultureIn 2010 Europe recognizes Istanbul as one of its Capitals of Culture. Turkey is seizing the opportunity to put its best foot forward.
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Why We Took a Savannah, Georgia HoneymoonAfter living in Europe for two years, my wife and I chose Savannah as the destination for our honeymoon. This article is both a narrative and travel guide.
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Best Souvenirs from BavariaWhen traveling, there are some places where all of the souvenirs are plastic trinkets made in China. Bavaria, however, offers more high quality options for your home and gifts than any other place in Europe.
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Two Days in IznikIznik's story goes back as far as Alexander the Great. As the city of Nicaea it was the site of the first council in Christian history. This article chronicles a short trip to modern day Iznik.
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A White Christmas in New YorkAfter spending the past two Christmas holidays abroad, this year my wife came home to enjoy the holiday with family. We got treated to a massive winter blast.
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The End of the Orient ExpressThe Orient Express was a train of luxury and mystery that connected Europe for the first time in history.
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Decorating for Christmas While Living AbroadLiving in a predominantly Muslim country can make for an interesting experience when you're trying to deck the halls, or at least your apartment.
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Christmas Bazaar in IstanbulThe International Women of Istanbul have been hosting a holiday bazaar in Istanbul for 40 years. The event is one of the highlights on the Istanbul calendar each year.
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The Almabtrieb Cow TrainIn Kitzbuhel, Austria dairy famer Nik Filzer brings his cows down from the Alps dressed in flowers and icons to celebrate a successful grazing season.
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An Expatriate ThanksgivingThanksgiving is an American holiday but what do expatriates living abroad do to enjoy their holiday.
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A Weekend in Bodrum, TurkeyBodrum is one of Turkey's best seaside towns. In March my family and I traveled to this gorgeous and historic city on the Aegean.
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My Quest for Italian CitizenshipAs anyone in Europe can tell you, it's nearly impossible to get work in the west without EU citizenship. I was about to give up when I decided to check out the rules for obtaining Italian dual citizenship.
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Travel Western SicilySicily deserves its reputation as a land of sunshine beaches and volcanoes. For the European traveler, however, Sicily's considerable size can make for some difficult planning decisions. I say go west.
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Where to Buy Souvenirs in IstanbulMost tourists go to the Grand Bazaar for their gifts and get ripped off. Here are some tips from an expat on where to get the best prices.
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The Fourth CrusadeThe history of Venice and Istanbul is a soap opera of friendship and betrayal.
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Venice Over ChristmasIn the economic crisis, some unique travel deals can be found. My wife and I traveled to Venice this past Christmas on the cheap.
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The Steppes of AsiaNobody knows much about the Asian Steppes but throughout antiquity these grasslands sent nation after nation hurtling into the west and changed Europe forever.
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America's New Year's ResolutionsAmerica needs a makeover and the last decade of the 00's is as good a time as any.
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The Savings of Buying Local ProduceIn America, a country that is truly a breadbasket, we cannot complain about food prices as long as we are paying shipping costs to send foods around the world. In Turkey, local street markets offer food at incredibly low prices that really help out the old wallet.
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Comfort Foods of an ExpatriateCooking can be one of the best ways for me to deal with homesickness when living abroad.
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Othello and Cyprus - Shakespeare AnalysisWilliam Shakespeare wrote his masterpiece Othello about an island and a people he had never seen. I have been to Turkey and Cyprus so what do I think of the play?
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The Bulgarian Black Sea CoastSummertime Bulgaria has hot weather, cheap prices and white sand beaches.
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John Adams & the Ottoman Empire: Hookahs, Diplomacy & the Barbary PiratesOne of the greatest tales of piracy and diplomacy marked America's first foreign policy experience.
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An Interview with Frank Payne, A Professional PhotographerFor Frank Payne, the poetic dilapidation of Tarlabaþý and the life that thrives there - the full-throated yelling of junk collectors and the endless scampering of children - is too much to resist.
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Religion's Role in WarMan conquests have claimed Divine Inspiration throughout history. Here are some of the biggest hits.
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Turkey's Cappadocia Region: The Lunar Landscape of a Truly Historic Vacation ParadiseCappadocia was inhabited by the Hittites and then the early Christians who lived in underground cities. A visit to this region is a must for any visitor to Turkey.
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SuperegoThe world goes on without us. What if we can't deal with that?
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Another Day in the SubconsciousInspired by dream research.
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Ancient Air Conditioning MethodsAir conditioning is only a century old, yet in places like Egypt and Persia, people weathered millennia of intense heat. How did they do it?
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The Kadesh Peace Treaty: World's Oldest Peace TreatyNegotiated 3000 years ago the Kadesh Peace Treaty is oldest recorded treaty in existence. A copy hangs at the UN in New York but the original is in Istanbul.
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The Princes Islands of IstanbulThe Princes Islands were the place of exile for disgraced Byzantine Emperors and today are a quick getaway from the heat, pollution and noise of the big city.
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The Last World War I VeteransThere are no more Ottoman soldiers left in the world. With the death of Yakup Satar on April 2nd, only 8 WWI Veterans remain in the world.
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An Interview with the Head of the Eastern Orthodox ChurchThe Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople is one of the original five Christian Patriarchs and has historically been the leader of the Orthodox Churches in Eastern Europe. Patriarch Bartholomew I was gracious enough to grant me an interview.
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Bulgarian Border Run: Burgas in Two DaysBorder runs are a practical reason to see the surrounding countries around Turkey.
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A Visit to Northern CyprusNorthern Cyprus isn't a real country. You can only get there from Turkey. It may be, however, one of the last great unspoiled corners of the Mediterranean world.
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Dracula and the Turks: The Connection Between Mehmet the Conqueror and Vlad the ImpalerDracula and Mehmet the Conqueror knew one another as teens. They would go on to fight the bloodiest holy wars in Ottoman History.
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Turkey and the Headscarf Ban: Democratic HairsplittingWhat is more important in a democracy: freedom of religion or secularism?
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Religion in Byzantine History: Invisible World of the Eastern Roman EmpireThe Byzantines were as much preoccupied with matters of theologic dispute as they were with military affairs, the games in the Hippodrome and all the pleasures of the material world.
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10 Airport Conversation StartersMeeting people on the fly is a special art. (Not mean to be take seriously)
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The Greatest New York Giants Game Ever PlayedAt 5 AM I sat in a smoky Istanbul bar in disbelief. The Giants derailed the greatest NFL team of all time on the biggest stage.
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Top 10 Most Sinister Rock SongsThis article is a list of the 10 creepiest, scariest and most sinister rock songs according to me.
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The Mehteran: The World's Oldest Military BandThe Mehter were not just a military band, they were the birth of psychological warfare.
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Writer's Strike: Creative Process Finally Appreciated in EntertainmentSometimes it takes a strike to finally make people realize how indispensable writing is to Hollywood. The best movies are held together not by star power or special effects but by the teams of unsung creative minds writing the script and screenplay.
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Christmas in the Carpathian Mountains of Sinaia, RomaniaSinaia was the highlight of our trip to Romania. A secluded mountain town dubbed the "Pearl of the Carpathians" provided my fiancee and I with an unforgettable Christmas.
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Bran and Dracula's Castle: A Visit to Romania's Tourist HotspotFew historians believe that Vlad Tepes actually lived in Bran Castle but that doesn't stop Romania from going all out in trumpeting the place as its chief tourist attraction. Regardless of the history, it's a beautiful place.
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A Trip to Brasov: Transylvania's Hottest (and Coldest) CityBrasov is a jewel nestled in the Carpathians. The city sits within striking distance of Bucharest, Bran Castle and Sinaia but also boasts its own treasures.
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A Day in Bucharest, the Frigid Capital of RomaniaBucharest, Romania is a Cold War city. Torn apart by decades of poverty and dictatorship, how much of the grand old city remains?
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On the Quai at Smyrna: Hemingway in IstanbulFew people know that Hemingway came to Istanbul in 1922 to cover the end of the disastrous Greco-Turkish War for the Toronto Star. This article presents some of his writing and experiences from that turbulent era.
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Tourists, Backpackers, Expats: What's the Difference?Tourism, Backpacking and expatriatism all require different levels of time, money and commitment.
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Historic Walk in Istanbul: Strolling a 2000 Year Old Trade RouteThe Makros Embolos was designed as a part of Constantine's city in 330 AD. Running from the Golden Horn to the Sea of Marmara this street has managed to maintain its vitality for 2000 years. As published in Time Out Istanbul.
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Rutgers University Eyes Third Straight BowlRutgers defeated Princeton in the first NCAA football game back when Ulysses S. Grant was president. There has been little to cheer about until Greg Schiano became the team's coach five years ago.
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Is Democracy Natural?The most natural form of government is anarchy but out of anarchy warlords always emerge. Where in nature does justice or democracy exist?
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Procopius on the Golden Age of Constantinople: Sordid Byzantine HistoryProcopius, the greatest Byzantine chronicler died leaving a bombshell in his wake. His published memoirs describing the depravity of some the Byzantine Empire's most powerful men and women.
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Fishing in IstanbulIstanbul is surrounded by waters that brim with the fresh fish of the Black Sea. Turks view catching as many of these fish as possible an essential human right.
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Ten Facts About the Chora Church in Istanbul, TurkeyChora Church, built by the Byzantines near their outer walls, houses the best Byzantine frescoes in the world. This article was featured in September 2007's Time Out Istanbul.
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Ten Facts About the Beyazid Mosque in IstanbulBeyazid Mosque is a transitional piece of architecture. Built at the dawn of the Ottoman Empire, this impressive mosque has traces of the emerging imperial style blended with a basilica plan. This article was featured in Time Out Istanbul magazine.
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Turkey, Kurds and America: The Dangerous Dance of Military EscalationThe US needs the Kurds to keep northern Iraq stable. The US also needs to Turkey as a base from which to launch air missions. The Kurds, however, continue their war for indepence from Turkey to the chagrin of the whole world.
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An Act of HeroismDo we go to the wilderness to find something or to be alone with ourselves? How selfish is the quest for adventure and authenticity?
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Terrorism and TravelingThe PKK, the Turkish and American governments have all become entangled in a dangerous game of international tension. As an American living among Turks and Kurds in Turkey, its hard not to be a little nervous.
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The Economics of Living Abroad100 years ago our ancestors came to America looking for economic promise. In these times of political, social and economic unrest perhaps it is a wise move to reverse that journey.
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Mein Kampf: What Can Be Learned from the Words of Adolf HitlerReading Mein Kampf is a bit like reading Paradise Lost. If we would understand the devil, we should learn to understand how he thinks,
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I Hate Mosquitoes: Learning About the Pest, Knowing my EnemyTurkey does not believe in window screens and thus I am feasted upon nightly by mosquitoes. I can't take it so I did a little research by way of relief.
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Piracy and Gen-X: Bootlegs, the Third World and a Generation of Law BreakersNapster arrived when I was in college and just about everyone I know downloading some music illegally. As the battle of intellectual property rages on, pirating movies and music has become big business for organized crime.
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My First Ramadan: An American ESL Teacher During Islam's Holiest MonthI have heard about Ramadan on the news before and I've read about it but living in Istanbul this year I got to see this Islamic holiday and its customs face to face.
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Unreliable Utilities in TurkeyThey turn off the power and sometimes the water. Cooking is done by chasing down a propane truck to get new canisters a cooking range. What unreliable utilities can teach about scarcity and rationing in a world running out.
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Dining on a Budget in Istanbul, Turkey: Tokyo, Rejan's and Ara CafeIstanbul does not have the widest variety of cuisine, but there are some restaurants that do offer really great food that will not break the bank. Here's a look at three of those places.
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Don't Let Istanbul's Beauty Disguise its Dangers: What to Avoid in the Golden CityIstanbul, like all large metropolises, has its share of people who want to part you from your money. Here are some typical scams and how to avoid them.
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Podcast Review: Dan Carlin's Hardcore HistoryDan Carlin focuses on some forgotten moments in which world history changed directions dramatically. With a story teller's narration style, Carlin brings history to life.
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Balding Gracefully40 percent of men lose their hair to some degree. I am tying to come to grips as my scalp emerges from my ever thinner hairline. This article details my attempts lose my hair gracefully.
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Bailing OutRobert meets Amanda easily and naturally at a bar. Things move smoothly along on their own, but he feels something wrong.
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MLB.TV: How the Internet Allows a Sports Junkie to Get His FixIn the past the hardest part of being a traveler has been missing my beloved sports teams. $30 per year on MLB.TV has changed all that.
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Learning About Ancient RomeRoman history only truly comes to life when viewed through the eyes of the Romans themselves. This selection of histories details some of the best accounts of Roman history.
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The Human Quest for Explanations: Is the Capacity for Faith Inherent?Science is different from all other forms of human academic endeavor in that it seeks repeatedly testable evidence from the natural world. From a scientific view point religion is nothing more than glorified speculation.
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Lessons from Gangster MoviesThe sheer volume of gangster movies indicate that they are entertaining and contain some universal motifs. Here are some lessons and observations.
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Why Eat Fast Food Overseas?There are hundreds of restaurants in Istanbul and yet I stop into Burger King or McDonalds at least once a week. I feel guily about but I still do it. Here's why.
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Are Christians Really Under Attack in America?Christians verus the world? Why do Christians arouse the ire of so many groups. Is America going to hell in a hand cart? In this admittedly long article, I try to answer some of those questions.
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Calling Home While Living OverseasI am living in Istanbul but need to talk with my girlfriend and family back home. Using my American cell costs a fortune. Here's how I cope.
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Roman, Greek, Egyptian History and the Battle of ActiumThe Battle of Actium in 31 BC brought an end to the Roman Republic and the pharaohs of Egypt. This battle is a watershed moment in human history.
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An Agnostic's Religious BeliefsI regard religous conflict as a difference of opinion about the nature of reality. All thoughtful believers and non-believers are equal in my sight and equally entitled to their beliefs. These are mine.
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Unseen Istanbul: Forays into Some Seldom Viewed Constantinople TreasuresIstanbul is a truly enormous city loaded with many historic and scenic places not in most guidebooks and overlooked by the most casual of tourists.
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Man Catches Two Homeruns in One Game at Yankee StadiumAlexander Martinez of Hartford Connecticut caught two homeruns at Yankee Stadium in a 8-5 Yankee win over the Kansas City Royals beating enormous mathematical odds in the process.
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Turkish Cuisine: When Mediterranean and Asian Food CollideI eat well in Turkey. The food is filling, diverse and very inexpensive. Here is a selection of foods that I have discovered and eaten after living in Turkey for five weeks.
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How I Deal with Writer's BlockMy creativity has a rhythm that I must recognize and respect if I am to write as well as I can. Sometimes, when the creative well runs dry, the best thing to do is walk away for a while and live life.
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Penis Enlargement85 percent of women are happy with what their man has but only 45 percent of men are satistfied with what they're packing. Men have been seeking larger penises for centuries, hence the second most common type of spam email.
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The Diverse State of New JerseyNew Jersey is so misunderstood and Garden Staters know it. Most people think of factories and the Sopranos when they think of New Jersey, never realizing that New Jersey is actually a diverse, beautiful and fascinating place.
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Cows on ParadeThe Cow Parade has come to Istanbul, making this city the third in which I have encountered the plastic beasts. I finally did some research about the Cow Parade and found the bovine effigies to be a contentious issue in the art world.
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Travelling Abroad with ElectronicsWhen packing for a trip to broad you have to weight what you really want or need with what you are willing to carry. Too much stuff can really drain your enthusiasm for your trip.
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Surviving a Heat Wave Without Air ConditioningPeople are dying in the current European heat wave. Here in Istanbul it is also very hot but the people don't typically have air conditioning. Here are ways that I cope.
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Travelling Europe SoberEuropeans love their smoking, drinking and partying. To alcoholics from a permissive society like the United States, this can be a serious temptation of which all sober folk should be aware.
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Five Strange European Travelling Experiences You Don't Want to MissI have been in many countries on three continents so I have seen some wierd stuff in my time. This list marks five of the strangest experiences that I have had thus far.
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Five Moments in Byzantine HistoryThe Byzantine Empire, a Hellenized offshoot of the Roman Empire, lasted for one thousand years while Western Europe struggled to recover from the Dark Ages. Here are the most important moments of Byzantine history.
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My First ESL Teaching PositionAt long last, after planning an ESL career, becoming certified and coming to Turkey, it is finally time to do the job at hand. This article recounts my first few weeks at work.
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Visiting Plovdiv, BulgariaPeople often forget about little Bulgaria. Tucked away in south eastern Europe, Bulgaria draws fewer tourists than almost any EU country. As good as reason as any to explore it!
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Turkey's Upcoming ElectionsTurkey is a fiercely secular republic and a predominantly Muslim country. The marriage of these two facets makes for high drama in Istanbul as the July 22nd elections approac.
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International Cell Phone UsageI have managed to collect a $300 phone bill in a week while travelling abroad. Here's how and what I did about it.
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A Quick Tour of SultanahmetByzantium, Constantinople or Istanbul - it really doesn't matter what you call it. The city on the Bosphorous is the location of some spectacular history. Once glance at the skyline and you can see how east meets west in this city.
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In Defense of ExpatriatesIn the June edition of Time Out Istanbul, author Attila Pelit ripped Gen X'ers like myself for traveling abroad with all of our technology in search of Hemingway's ghost. This is my response.
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A Few Insights on the People, Culture and Cuisine of TurkeyHaving come to Istanbul to study abroad there are many things that are quite different from life in the United States. Turks eat different food, follow a different religion and look at life differently. This is a beguiling culture.
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First Impressions of IstanbulI have always wanted to live and teach abroad. In a previous article I detailed my decision to teach in Istanbul. Now I am faced with the reality of that decision in an intimidating yet breathtaking and beguiling city.
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What Do You Love About Life?Inspired by footprints.
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Should You Renew an Old Relationship?I met Carrie in college and we had a turbulent but romantic courtship that led to a romantic relationship. Our relationship failed because we were immature. Now we are trying again but is it a mistake?
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How to Remove a Parking BootI hate meter maids and parking tickets. When I got booted in college, I did some research and figured out how to remove a parking boot. In this article I share the method with the general public.
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Special Effects and Faulty Logic in the Latest Anti-Marijuana PropagandaThe government can not explain its position on marijuana in a concise yet conclusive fact-based manner without contradicting other drug control policies. The ATI campaign is fraught with spurious evidence and faulty logic.
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Packing for a Backpacking TripWhen backpacking space is king. Its crucial that you pack only what airlines will allow and what you can carry. Here are some ideas and guidelines.
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Ten Years Since GraduationOn June 23rd 1997 I graduated from high school. That moment whole sunny and timeless day is etched in my memory. The past ten years have been a blur but at a decade its time to stop and reflect.
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The Last UsurperRichard reflects on his seizure of power at the end of his reign.