Hello, My Name is Kevin Schwarm
A free spirit's take on work, life, travel, & consumerism

I reached out to a former friend whom I knew at the university. Dave and I decided to meet for coffee at a central location to catch up. He currently lives in rural Wisconsin. It had been over 40 years, so I was somewhat hesitant about how our meeting would go. Years ago, Dave was young and impressionable, but he typically analyzed things from a fresh and objective perspective. Here’s the conversation. I walk into the café and notice a semi-recognizable person in the corner,

The song and dance by the Trump administration regarding the Epstein Saga. Sharpie Shortage The Trump Administration had 30 days to release the Epstein files, and on the last day of those 30 days, they publicly said they wouldn’t meet that deadline in full. It was reported in online media that 117 pages of a single file were entirely redacted in black. Why weren't more files released by the deadline? Did they run out of black Sharpies? Many people from Both Parties want Trans

Is there something wrong with my reading glasses? I just read that Trump pardoned Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former Honduran leader. Last year, Hernandez was sentenced to 45 years in prison for drug trafficking and weapons charges. According to prosecutors, Mr. Hernandez was involved in an illegal organization that lasted many years and brought more than 1 million pounds of cocaine into the US.  At the time, Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor had called the drug prosecution

This blog post is a compilation of photos I took in Munich, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and then back in Munich in October of 2025. Some commentary is provided. MUNICH Getting ready for Oktoberfest in Munich. The weather is cool and rainy, but nothing is preventing me from wearing this outfit to Oktoberfest. Enjoying Oktoberfest, finally! Large pretzels, shared among friends. As the beer flows in the Oktoberfest tents and facilities, pretzel sales skyrocket. BERLIN Biking west of

Europe The driving age in Germany is 18, but you can drink beer at 16. In Germany, they learn to drink and then drive. In the USA, we learn to drive and then learn to drink. Many Germans will greet you with a “hallo” or “Guten Tag,” but rarely ask how you are doing. That’s too formal and typically done among friends and family. Americans are more friendly but superficial, and usually assume that “how are you?” means you’re just saying hello. Europeans may ask about your trip

You don't get a Peace Prize while turning the National Guard into a political weapon.  You don't get a Peace Prize by waging war on American cities. You don't get a Peace Prize by blowing up boats in the Caribbean. You don't get a Peace Prize by threatening Canada and Greenland with annexation. You don't get a Peace Prize by attacking Iran. You don't get a Peace Prize by having ICE harass US citizens in our city  streets. You don't get a Peace Prize by turning the National Gu

Several weeks ago, President Trump ordered approximately 800 National Guard members to Washington, D.C., to combat crime. This is the...

Dysfunctional Government. What will our current occupant do next? A dumpster fire in DC!

Love him or hate him, this satirical Trump quiz provides a fascinating look at Trump and his two administrations. My goal is to provide some humor and information about the man and his governance. It's not meant to be offensive; it's just a humorous way of looking at our controversial US President.

As an American, Israel’s Current Government is Not my Friend

This was the first in-person meeting of a new book club organized through our local library. The initial book to review was "Water for...

The Biltmore House and Garden Tour. I had the opportunity several weeks ago to tour this special place, which is outside Asheville. I've included some notes and photos gathered during my visit to the Biltmore Estate.

Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson recently wrote a book called Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous...

Satire (Noun): the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in...

President Donald Trump renewed his attacks on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell

I've enclosed an article about playing basketball in my backyard as a kid. This will be one chapter in my forthcoming memoir about my...

At our local civic center, I listened in on a debate and discussion on what Elon Musk is doing to our government, in the hopes of making...

Misinformation is the inadvertent spread of information, whereas disinformation is intentionally designed to mislead, fact from fiction.

Most people stubbornly hold onto their own political views, these are rarely subject to change. Therefore, don't talk politics with anyone.

As someone who retired several years ago, I am grateful to have time to enjoy life and explore new things. About one week ago, I decided...