Below are the latest resources posted to the site. Check back soon as we will be adding more in the near future. If you sign up to the email list, I will send you an email when a new article is available. Enjoy!

Awkward Moments in Expatriate Life
It's not easy living and working in another culture, going about life in a second language. More...

What's So Funny?
Ten examples of American humor (with explanations). More...

When Small Words Make a Big Difference
An international blunder shows that important speeches require special knowledge--or at least careful editing. More...

Observing Flag Day in the United States
Here are a few notes on how to handle the U.S. national flag. More...

Discovering "Lost Positives" in English
Why isn't "gruntled" the opposite of "disgruntled"? This Headblog discusses the phenomenon of Lost Positives in English vocabulary. More...

Derogatory expressions and images regarding Native Americans
A recent court ruling allows the University of North Dakota to discontinue use of the name "Fighting Sioux" to represent the University. White Americans see the name as "no big deal" or as a matter of historical pride. Native American groups see it as a continued legacy of racism against indigenous peoples. More...

February events in the U.S.
Three dates are recognized in February in the United States: Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day, and Presidents Day--all with different levels of observance. More...

Should poor spellers give up?
An American friend asks for advice about his chronically poor spelling. More...

New expressions
Explanations for two English expressions: "deer in the headlights" and "vice-versa" More...

January events in the U.S.
Traditionally, the first day of a new year is time to take stock of one's life and look at ways to improve it. The middle of the month allows for reflections on the country's difficult history with race relations and celebrating the birthday of a national civil rights leader, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. More...

December events in the U.S.
There are religious activities in December: Advent, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. There is also a non-religious celebration: New Year's Eve. More...

Girl, Lady, or Woman? A question of language and gender
Sorting out when to use which expression. More...

Follow-up on Death and Dying in America
My father passed away in November. We held a memorial service in his hometown to celebrate his life. More...

November events in the U.S.
In the U.S., there are three nationally observed events in November: Election Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving. More...

October events in the U.S.
There are two U.S. holidays in October: Columbus Day and Hallowe'en. The former is a national holiday on which banks and governmental offices are closed. The latter is observed in personal lives to varying degrees. More...

On death and dying in America (Part 4)
In this final section, you'll see a list of ways to express your sympathy and show support to friends or co-workers who have lost a loved one. More...

On death and dying in America (Part 3)
Here is a description of the events and behaviors at a typical American funeral service. These notes will help you know what to expect and make you more comfortable in a situation which people (from any culture) may find awkward. More...

On death and dying in America (Part 2)
What is the difference between hospital care, hospice centers, and home hospice care? Here you will read an outline of the basic kinds of care for sick and dying patients in the U.S. More...

On death and dying in America (Part 1)
How do Americans deal with death and dying ? The following begins a four-part series based on personal experience and summarizing how people in the U.S. deal with loss. More...

September events in the U.S.
By now, all students--from Kindergarten to university--have started back to classes. Football is in full swing. And Americans celebrate Labor Day. More...

Football Talk at Work, in the Coffee Shop, or on the Street
If someone at the business meeting proposes doing an all-out blitz or an end-around, what does he/she mean? Are you familiar enough with the concepts of American football to understand their use in non-sporting conversation? More...

August events in the U.S.
American families are scurrying to get in their last vacations before the start of the school year. For sports fans, football fever is now taking hold. More...

Beyond Baseball: Humorous Sayings by Yogi Berra
Newly announced inductions into Major League Baseball's Hall of Fame got me thinking about one of America's all-time great players, more so for his contribution to American folk philosophy than his prowess on the baseball diamond. More...

Blending tact and assertiveness to get what you want
For the second time in a week, a neighbor's large dog strayed into our yard today. Some thoughts on keeping stray pets off our property while maintaining a good relationship with my neighbors. More...

Independence Day (quiz)
The major U.S. holiday in July is Independence Day. See how much you know about the traditions surrounding this day. More...

July event in the U.S. (national anthem)
The most visible symbol of American Independence Day is the flag of the United States. Here is some information about the song which Americans sing about their flag, The Star-Spangled Banner. More...

June events in the U.S.
In the U.S., there are two nationally recognized days in June: Father's Day and Flag Day. Also included in this month's quiz are questions about celebrating birthdays. More...

May events in the U.S.
In the U.S., there are three interesting cultural events in May: Mother's Day, Senior Prom, and Memorial Day. See how much you know about these traditions. More...

April Events in the U.S.
In the U.S., there are two big events in April: the religious holiday of Easter and the start of the sport of baseball. See how much you know about these traditions. Take the quiz. More...

March Events in the U.S.
Take the quiz. In the US, there are two big events in March: St. Patrick's Day and part of the Easter season known as Lent. See how much you know about these traditions. More...

Deer Hunting (Part 2)
In my previous post, I talked about the "whats" and the "hows" of deer hunting. Perhaps more interesting for readers are the "whys"--the reasons Americans go hunting. More...

Deer Hunting (Part 1)
In this post, I'll present the main concepts of deer hunting so you can more comfortably talk with American acquaintances who are hunters. In a second part, I'll discuss the reasons Americans go hunting. More...

That Critical First Meeting
Every culture has rules for when you first meet someone. American culture is no different. Americans make a judgment about the person they meet based not only on his/her language and behavior but also on such intangibles as facial expressions and perceived warmth. To ensure a first meeting with an American businessperson goes well, here are some basics to keep in mind. More...

Culture in Action: Being a Good Sport
Hundreds of spectators watched the live video projection screen as one of the Blue Planet Run relay runners ran along Main Street and headed into the staging area for the baton exchange. The enthusiastic crowds gathered in Midland, MI on a Saturday afternoon in August to cheer on the international team of 20 marathon runners carrying a message about the need for accessible, safe drinking water for the 1.2 billion people in the world who don't have that access. More...

Tips For Working With International Employees
Employees from other countries often feel excluded when conversations turn informal in the coffee break room. Make a concerted effort to include them. Try something like, "Yoko, Maria's talking about Hallowe'en. She's taking her kids around the neighborhood tonight and we were just talking about their costumes." Or this: "Jian-wei, we were just talking about the big game on Saturday. Do you follow college football at all? Bob is a huge Michigan State fan." More...