I asked a good friend of mine from Germany what came to mind when she thought of America. “McDonald’s and Malls,” was her response. As simple as her summation is, I found myself getting defensive, not wanting to accept that the projected image of America can be boiled down to fast food and consumerism. But then I got to thinking I realized we’re more than just an overweight, consumerist society. Our culture thrives on consuming not just ...

While verbal language is the primary communicative medium people use, body language is what makes a more lasting unconscious impression on people. Whether you’re interviewing for a job or preparing for a big presentation, the way you present yourself can overpower what you say in such meetings. Here are some pointers on what to do and not do with your bod when in the spotlight. Staying cool under pressure means keeping your posture relaxed and body “open.” This ...

I remember spending Sunday afternoons with my dad at a nearby park working on becoming ambidextrous with my feet. After about a year of this extra practice, I could take penalty kicks with either foot, some days I would even favor my left considerably. The hard work paid off immensely; I landed the position of left midfielder on my high school’s junior varsity soccer team my freshman year thanks to my both footed-ness. I had always ...