Free Range Kid

The Italian and American school systems differ in many ways, but how each interprets failure is especially telling.

Never mind planes and trains, buses are cheap and fun, so long as you find the right seat and song.

Religious holidays involving fasts require a detailed diary to do them famished justice.

Once upon a time, pens made the girl, at least when it came to Italian school popularity.

When the wheel of fortune makes you pick a restaurant for your friends, beware lifetime consequences.

Driving (the morality tale) can level the playing field when it comes to good, evil and the American way.

The "art" of writing job cover letters depends on heavy doses of half-truth. So why not write what you're really feeling.

Preparing to spend time in LA means knowing to act the part, and eating it.

Food rules can be very personal,and odd, but that doesn't mean they lack logic.

When it comes to 21st-century teen-speak, adults should remember an old mantra, "Do not try this at home."

Not being able to decide leads to a resolution to find the reason, which may or may not work.

When you have habits that don't mesh with your family's, doubts about true identity arise.