Author Archives

Friday, December 14th, 2007 • Travel

Czech Republic: Bankrot

This is the tenth installment in a series of essays by globe-trotter Kevin Nguyen, who is currently studying at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. Suffering from the falling U.S. dollar, Kevin goes Christmas shopping at the country’s strangest chain of bargain stores.

Friday, December 7th, 2007 • Travel

Czech Republic: Rock ‘n Roll Revolution or How a Psychedelic Rock Band Freed a Country from the Tyranny of Communism

This is the ninth installment in a series of essays by globe-trotter Kevin Nguyen, who is currently studying at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. Many bands sing about change, but few ever really impact the country’s political climate. Inspired by a simple desire to make music, Czech psychedelic rock outfit the Plastic People of the Universe accidentally became directly responsible for the Velvet Revolution.

Friday, November 30th, 2007 • Arts

Back to the Future

Animated sci-fi sitcom Futurama made its triumphant return last week in the form of a direct-to-DVD movie. Kevin Nguyen discusses the show’s brilliance and its critiques of our modern world.

Wednesday, November 21st, 2007 • Travel

CouchSurfin’ Safari

The CouchSurfing Project is a site connecting young travelers around the world. In an uncharacteristically adventurous move, Kevin Nguyen sleeps on a stranger’s couch in Barcelona.

Friday, November 16th, 2007 • Travel

Czech Republic: It’s a Family Affair

This is the eighth installment in a series of essays by globe-trotter Kevin Nguyen, who is currently studying at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. Kevin’s family arrives in Prague, and he finds that the usual annoyances are not mediated by glorious architecture or goulash.

Friday, November 9th, 2007 • Features

Improve the Quality of Your Life

Sometimes, life isn’t as good as it could be. Don’t let this happen to you. Certified lifestyle enhancement theorist Kevin Nguyen offers a few quick-and-dirty tips guaranteed to make you feel great about yourself.

Friday, October 26th, 2007 • Travel

Czech Republic: Simplicity

This is the seventh installment in a series of essays by globe-trotter Kevin Nguyen, who is currently studying at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. Although Prague is generally considered a cheap vacation destination, Kevin finds he needs to take a page from Thoreau to keep his checking account happy.

Wednesday, October 17th, 2007 • Travel

Czech Republic: Jumped

This is the sixth installment in a series of essays by globe-trotter Kevin Nguyen, who is currently studying at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. With skinheads and thieves on the prowl, the city can become a dangerous place come nightfall.

Monday, October 15th, 2007 • Squid

Editor’s Note: Server Issues and New Readers

An explanation for the recent site downtime, and an introduction to The Bygone Bureau for readers unfamiliar with the site.

Friday, October 5th, 2007 • Travel

Czech Republic: Love and Architecture

This is the fifth installment in a series of essays by globe-trotter Kevin Nguyen, who is currently studying at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. Meandering the streets at night, he recognizes the grandeur in the city’s thousand-year-old architectural legacy.