What took place on Friday 17th May, had over 12,000 participants, seventy pit stops, offered free t-shirts and goody bags along the way as well as ‘commuter convoys”, yet was totally free? Answer: ‘Bike-to-Work Day’, Washington DC style. Embracing the life style on offer on the east coast of the USA, many staff from the British Embassy in DC took part, which led to a different looking compound as many … Read more »On yer left!
Bienvenido a Miami!
Welcome to Miami! There aren’t many other US cities I could see myself living in. I was fortunate to land my job here in DC, New York would have been great – in my twenties, Chicago and Boston are too cold for me and although I love the West Coast, it feels very far from the UK. Miami, however, is somewhere I could get used to and yes, I’m writing … Read more »Bienvenido a Miami!
Celebrating Happy Feet
Today, I dressed up in black and white in solidarity with my dearest feathered, slithery and loud-mouthed friends, Penguins. Today is World Penguin day (no offense taken if you were not informed), celebrating the many millions of happy-feet who accumulate impressive mileage swimming around the coldest parts of the southern hemisphere. I became a fan of penguins during my visits to the Falkland Islands, who host a penguin population of … Read more »Celebrating Happy Feet
Cricket ‘Explained’
The history of the UK and the US is one of closeness and familiarity. From Britain, America got the very foundations of its culture: its language, its legal system and “So You Think You Can Dance.” We’re also each other’s strongest allies. But as in any good relationship, there’s still a little mystery. For an American – this American, anyway – none of those mysteries is more impenetrable than cricket. … Read more »Cricket ‘Explained’
After YES: Falkland Islanders make sweeping tour of US
In land far, far away, a community of people sent an emphatic message to the rest of the world, definitively declaring their political status for the first time in history. “YES!” screamed from social media feeds on Monday 11 March, where the Falkland Islands announced their wish to retain their status as a British Overseas Territory. Capitalizing YES hardly encapsulates the level of support in favour of keeping their current … Read more »After YES: Falkland Islanders make sweeping tour of US
‘They have taken my life without killing me.’
These are the words of a rape survivor from the Bosnian conflict, quoted by Haja Zainab Hawa Bangura, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) on Sexual Violence in Conflict at a recent meeting in London Bangura spoke about the horrific reality of war for women and girls, where war has been waged not just on the battlefields but on their bodies. Possibly even more abhorrent to the long-term mental … Read more »‘They have taken my life without killing me.’
Brit Brit hooray!
Watching the BRIT awards (the British Music industry awards) last night, I realised there was something different about them this year, something different… and yet very familiar. Then it dawned on me, just before the American musician Frank Ocean (who won best International Solo Male) said: ‘And thanks to Damien Hirst for the Polka Dots!’ The BRITS had indeed been polka dotted—and by none other than Britain’s very own North … Read more »Brit Brit hooray!
Of Congressmen and Penguins
It’s late afternoon and I am standing next to a Congressman on a warm, blustery day, surrounded by thousands of eyes looking inquisitively upon us. Despite our best intentions to understand them, their voices only get louder, squawking with unrestrained excitement. In late January, thousands of gentoo penguins are being introduced to a special visitor – Congressman Tom Petri from Wisconsin. A sixty hour return trip to the Falkland Islands … Read more »Of Congressmen and Penguins
55th GRAMMYs Show That GREAT British Music is Here to Stay
Throughout the telecast of last night’s GRAMMY’s show, viewers saw an exciting showcase of British music – the show included big British names performing and taking home top prizes, making the night a reminder of what makes British music GREAT. Beyond great music was a little taste of another one of my favourite topics to write about – fashion. Last week CBS sent out an email memo to talent regarding … Read more »55th GRAMMYs Show That GREAT British Music is Here to Stay
Six Nations Rugby: How You Can Cheer Stateside
I happened to be in Dublin four years ago when Ireland’s Rugby team won the Six Nation’s Tournament, sending the country into a swirl of excitement culminating in daylong welcome home celebration on the River Liffey, as well as the first I heard of team captain Brian O’Driscoll – nicknamed The BOD – a player who is still a vital (and handsome) part of the team today. After being in … Read more »Six Nations Rugby: How You Can Cheer Stateside