There's an idea of the Plains as the middle of nowhere, something to be contemptuous of. But it's really a heroic place.

People in Russia adapt to misery by a deep, deep humor.

I don't want to participate in traditional Indian religious ceremonies - dance in a sun dance or pray in a sweat lodge or go on a vision quest with the help of a medicine man. The power of these ceremonies has an appeal, but I'm content with what little religion I already have.

Russian humor is to adapt or make some sense or nonsense out of the insanity of their lives.

Human connection is the way things work. It's like a patronage system. You know somebody, and he knows somebody, and he knows somebody, and he knows the district governor, and it's okay.

Leading economists have shown that by shrinking Texas, we can actually create more income for Texas in the long run.

Siberia is so big, it’s almost more an idea than a place