I've been advising Rhodes Scholarship candidates since 1999, and have talked with scores of students about the process over the years.  In spring 2016 I was invited to give a TEDx talk at New York University Abu Dhabi, where I currently work, on what...

There are basically two types of places men can get their hair cut in Abu Dhabi.  The first are upscale, high-end salons, mostly in hotels, which cater to the “expat” population.  They smell good, you need an appointment, they are well-designed and c...

I would guess that everyone, in childhood, spends some time thinking about what they would change their name to.  Most people do this simply because they think it would be interesting to try out a different name.

But I’m a Doug.  And I think Dougs als...

I live outside of my home country and travel frequently, so communicating with others often requires me to rely on a combination of hand gestures and facial expressions, the global ubiquitousness of English, or the meager few words that I have picked...

You’re sitting on a plane, or in an airport terminal between flights.  You’ve come from one country and are going to another, and while there is anticipation and excitement in that journey, there is also the boring reality of the moment.  Although cr...

I love following American politics.  I spend time every day reading Politico, Slate, FiveThirtyEight, and other news sources.  I talk about the issues with whomever will listen, and track the horse races closely.

I also love podcasts.  I listen to hou...

In spring 2012, I was invited by the graduating seniors of Grinnell College, where I worked at the time, to be one of two faculty/staff speakers at the Baccalaureate ceremony during commencement weekend. Below are the text of my comments.  For contex...