There is no other country that infuses its citizens with such creative and entrepreneurial thoughts as the United States. Those with new ideas, willing to put in the intelligent effort, can become wildly successful in the US.

People around the globe recognize us for our enterprising nature. Last year, on a flight overseas, I sat next to a Scandinavian woman. During our conversation, I mentioned one of my so-called “Million Dollar Ideas.” She said “That’s what I like about Americans. No one in my country would ever dream of such a thing. You guys think so differently.” Seeing new possibilities is in our blood.

This past week, I had dinner with a Canadian expatriate living in South Korea. He has aspirations to live in the United States and make a name for himself. The US, he says, is a place where people really can go from “rags to riches.” Even our next door neighbors recognize what a special place we are.

Today, Independence Day, as I continue to dwell on my future, I want to take a moment to remember all the world’s possibilities. As Americans, we have the ability to make those possibilities into reality, more so than any other country’s citizens. Let us not take that for granted. Cash in your lottery ticket by taking a chance on one of your ideas!

Do you think Americans can go from rags to riches or is this a fantasy? Why do so many Americans take their citizenship for granted? Do they not see the possibilities? Why do so many immigrants seem to understand the potential of Americans better than those of us born here? Have we become too wealthy a nation for our own good, to where so many Americans have so may comforts handed to them that they don’t strive for more? Do you have any ideas or dreams you haven’t acted upon yet? What are you waiting for?

Antelope munching grass in front of fuel price sign, early morning. Evanston, WY Road Trip. June 2009

Buddy's 1994 car, nearly 300K miles, great condition! Sacramento, CA. June 2009. Anyone out there have this beat?

Most expensive cereal I've ever seen. Maui, HI. June 2009.

At an old timers party with Robert. Hilo, HI. June 2009.

Here I am finding out that tourist attractions are a waste of time because of so many, ahem, tourists. Kilauea Volcano, HI. June 2009.

Robert holding his musubi at the Hilo drag races. Musubi is basically sushi except there is SPAM in place of fish, and the rice is treated slightly differently. This cheap meat is a local favorite. Hilo, HI. June 2009.

This little guy was hanging outside the house, early morning. Hilo, HI. June 2009.

My 34th straight pullup on a crosswalk sign, California Street SF, CA 15 Jun 2009. I thought of a totally original name for this workout program: U89X for Urban 89-day XTreme! It will get you in shape a day faster than the competition. Photo courtesy of some girl in spandex pants.

In San Francisco, even rival animals can find ways to get along with each other. 15 Jun 2009