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

Writer's Note: This story occurred many years ago and is part of the memoir I'm putting together about my early years. Athens and Crete...

While at college, I didn't drink any coffee whatsoever. The aroma sent me in the other direction. Beer was an acquired taste, and I felt...

We are well into 2024, and I realize the U.S. Economy has not had a recession over the last three years, which made me wonder. What about...

EAT THIS, NOT THAT (Eat This, Not That: Health, Nutrition, Weight Loss & Recipes) About a month ago, I noticed an article on this website...

10 Best & Worst Protein Bars at Costco, According to Dietitians (EatThis.com) I've always been interested in objectively evaluating...

In early December, my wife and I booked a 6-day resort stay in the Dominican Republic at the Zoetry Resort, Punta Cana. It was booked...

I'm an experienced bicyclist who has been cycling since I was 6 or 7. Admittedly, I don't cycle as much as I used to as I'm in a...

In his article in the NY Times on 11/15/23, Peter Coy claims that changes in tipping technology and customs have shifted the balance of...

Over the last 30 years, I've driven many times from the Midwest to Florida, half the time making the trip in one day. Because of this...

In the September issue of Costco Connection, there's an article about Costco continuing to expand to certain countries outside the United...

A few years ago, I decided to learn the German language. I've wanted to do this for many years, but I only became quite serious about...

After interacting with employees at a grocery store, restaurant, online websites, and various medical providers, my takeaway is that...

Over the last several years, I met with physical and mental health providers, landscape architects, and other professionals about...

Typically, when I'm in a grocery store, I engage in a laser-focus mentality -- pick up a handful of items, pay, and then move on. I often...

This blog post results from reading social media commentary on the latest online news articles. Some of these comments may be extreme...

It's a new year, and Lake Superior State University has released its annual list of words that deserve to be "banished" from our...

I received a call on my cell at 8 a.m. Saturday morning. I was waking up and missed the call, so there's always voicemail if the caller...

I receive the Clipper Magazine with coupons and specials from local businesses every month or two. This includes restaurant deals,...

Before my purchases were scanned at Mariano's in Vernon Hills, I handed the check-out person about nine coupons to be applied to my bill....

According to their website, the vision of the Northern Illinois Food Bank (NIFB) is for everyone in Northern Illinois to have food to...