Literature Appetizer
Ben Kusserow
A Northern Appalachian's Journey

Recently I just finished Appalachia North by Matthew Ferrence. In it, he recounts the complex relationship he still has with the land as a Northern Appalachian. Typically when I finish a book I write a Literature Appetizer to get people a taste of what they will find. Since his book is such a personal journey, I would not do it justice by recounting his life.

Many of his experiences reflect my own experience growing up in Western PA. So instead of condensing his journey, I thought I would condense mine.

The Hero’s Journey is a common literary structure where the hero of the story departs home to do a great act, and then returns victorious. My Northern Appalachian Journey is a bit different, but has a similar structure of three parts; Living in Water, Succeeding by Leaving, and The Mountains are Calling.

A Northern Appalachian's Journey

Pendulum

Cyanide and Mercury: The Chemistry of S-Town

Cyanide and Mercury: The Chemistry of S-Town

I have experienced only two forms of great podcasts. The first is the consistent great content that spends more time with you than your close friends. The podcast is there for you, week after week, providing you with great content.

The second form of great podcasts is fleeting, but powerful. These tend to be either flops in the water, or huge cult classics. Because there is no consistent updates, the original content has to be so great to keep people talking about it even after all of the episodes have aired. S-Town one of the best examples of this I have ever seen.

With the powerhouse names of "This American Life" and "Serial" behind it, I knew S-Town was going to be good. But it wasn't until I finished it that I realized the true depth of its greatness.

I Hate Protesting

I Hate Protesting

OK hate is a strong word. Maybe I should have titled this "I feel very uncomfortable in a protesting environment." That just doesn't have the same ring to it though...

My family taught me many valuable things, but being actively involved in politics was not one of them. Both my parents vote every four years for president, make a comment every now and then on the political climate, but mostly let others deal with 'politicking.'