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The Blog
The Diamond Jubilee will see London transformed into a four day carnival and I am lucky enough to be in the midst of it. As a reporter for the US network NBC News I will be working alongside the Today show anchor Matt Lauer at the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace - but the highlight will be the river pageant on Sunday 3 June.
I have to tell you I'm feeling extra, extra, EXTRA patriotic at the moment with all the wonderful things happening at the moment for the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics. I've always had a sense of patriotism since being a young boy. My first sense of this was when, in 1977, at the Queen's Silver Jubilee (which only really seems like a blink away) we had a huge street party. That was back in the days when the whole nation seemed to instinctively and collectively gather together and celebrate all things magnificent and British.
For those who love them, pens are friends, adding a touch of class and reassurance every time.
On 8 May, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and Lord Watson of Richmond on the Thames were joined by Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William Howell in planting a London Plane tree (Platanus acerifolia) behind the historic Virginia State Capitol.
I have been, for as long as I can remember, a staunch republican. I skipped the Royal Wedding and went on holiday to Florence, home of the Renaissance Republic, as it seemed the most delightfully pleasant form of protest. I think monarchy is an outdated and inherently absurd form of political power that contradicts every philosophical tenet in my heart - the idea that you can only be born into true royalty is at total odds with modern Britain's democratic principles and emphasis on meritocratic social mobility. Yet, there is a whopping great problem with my frothy-mouthed rhetoric... I bloody love the Queen!
The bunting is prepped, the flags unfurled, but it has to be asked: in these increasingly impoverished times, do we really have reason to celebrate?
Americans are fortunate that Her Majesty has held onto and reinforced the timeless components of liberty and freedom that need to be included in any political framework that claims to be democratic, namely the rule of law; representative government; free markets and respect for diversity.
Having spent a wet afternoon in Richmond Park earlier this week flag waving HRH the Queen on her royal progression to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee, I did feel for the drenched military and community entourage.
'The Next Big Thing?' is a series of blogs that will focus on small businesses and startup brands in the UK. Whether they are quirky, practical, pioneering or downright bizarre, this blog will shine the spotlight on what could be the next big thing...
We must unearth the potential in our young people today by nurturing their talent and giving them opportunities. They are, after all, the talent of tomorrow.
With the summer fast approaching, the Olympics and Jubilee season upon us, the web-savvy amongst us are turning to 'self-tracking' to get the most out of our time. The new trend of using apps, gizmos and lifehacks is a lot more than just being techy though: it's giving people the ideas for working smarter.
Recently I bought one of the tops from the Geri collection at Next. A gorgeous Union Jack print that took me back to the Spice Girls days. But it was also perfect for the summer of 2012.
A year ago on Sunday, I was excitedly sat on my horse - Doncaster, clad immaculately in state regalia, escorting Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh from Westminster Abbey, along the royal procession route up to Buckingham Palace.
With the extra bank holiday in June and the Olympics running over July and August, will summer 2012 be bad for business?
For the second year running, in two months time the people of Britain will be celebrating a gift from the Royal Family. A gift that will, at least for one long weekend in June, take our minds off the misery of the economic downturn, the pain of possible fuel strikes and of course, the ridiculous rise in the cost of a first class stamp.
Pop group and bestest buddies S Club 7 have announced, as a special treat for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, that they are planning to reform and tour this summer as well as releasing a Greatest Hits CD. I wasn't even aware that the Queen was that big of a fan of S Club, but I suppose Reach has a catchy chorus that even royalty can't deny.
