Category Archives: The USA

Britain 2012: Land of Hope and Eccentricity?

Posted on August 1, 2012 by

It’s not often I get to post about the Olympics, the British Ambassador to Washington, and my favourite nonsense spy fest, Burn Notice, in one fell swoop, but that’s this week’s task. In a strange turn of events all three … Continue reading →

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Niagara: Little India?

Posted on July 16, 2012 by

Niagara Falls, major tourist spot, majestic natural wonder. Yes, but Little India? During our recent travels we headed up to the US border with Canada to take in ‘the Falls’. I’d been expecting a mini-Vegas, at the very least a … Continue reading →

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Getting Derechoed

Posted on July 2, 2012 by

It’s not often a direct comparison presents itself between life in Pakistan and the US, but one very hot evening in late June offered one up. Like Islamabad, the mercury had risen throughout the day in DC, nudging the low … Continue reading →

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The (Naked) Running Man

Posted on June 1, 2012 by

In contrast to its official purpose (to remember the country’s war dead) Memorial Day is often touted as the start of the summer. It’s when the outdoor pools open. It’s when the television barbecue ads begin in earnest. It’s when … Continue reading →

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Florida and The Four S’s

Posted on May 13, 2012 by

We’ve just returned from Florida and a few days of much-needed sun, sand, swimming, and as a non-optional extra, seniors. The over-65s dictate much about Floridian living from the standard of driving, to the prevalence of easy waist-banded clothing on … Continue reading →

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‘Tis the Age of eDiplomacy

Posted on April 21, 2012 by

A recent report argues that the US is at the forefront of eDiplomacy. Its author, Fergus Hanson, spent four months – much of it at the State Department – researching the US government’s corner on the market, which it has … Continue reading →

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Seeing the Wood for the Trees

Posted on March 31, 2012 by

DC has a lot of trees. It was my strongest impression when we first arrived, probably magnified by our passage from the arid plains of Pakistan. Trees are everywhere, lining every thoroughfare, creeping unnaturally (for a British person used to … Continue reading →

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Let’s Stay Together

He came, he saw, he left with a very big BBQ! All involved in last week’s visit of Britain’s PM can breathe a sigh of relief that official duties passed off without visible hitch. The red carpet can be rolled … Continue reading →

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Diplomacy Gets the Red Carpet Treatment

Posted on March 7, 2012 by

Oscar diplomacy is apparently the new ping pong. The 84th Academy Award’s decision to fete the Iranian film, The Separation, has prompted a raft of articles, spearheaded by American journalist and writer, David Ignatius, who used his comment slot on … Continue reading →

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Picture Those Buns

Posted on February 28, 2012 by

Adj: To be bunned The need to purchase cakes in a bid to deflect attention from a surprise photo opportunity with one’s boss. Getting bunned seems to be greeted with equal measures of modest pleasure and embarrassment. It refers to … Continue reading →

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