Paul Knott
@paulknott11
Dockworker turned diplomat. Now, writer of 'The Accidental Diplomat'. Foreign policy for numerous outlets, including BBC radio at odd hours of the night. Rugby League & music fan.
Boston's Fenway Park was looking as fine as ever under the lights last night.
Some appealing sentiments spotted on the streets of Philadelphia this morning.
Some conclusions from an enjoyable few weeks touring Britain. There are some serious problems to solve (eg; youth unemployment, more housing). But they can be fixed & it's not "broken". Compared to most places, things work well. The basic infrastructure is there. And it's a beautiful country.
It was a lovely, early first morning back in Boston after a few weeks away. Jetlag sometimes has an upside.
"Family voting in Clacton". (I'm not sure who to credit for this image other than AI and that over-sensitive crook Farage).
Another good turnout this evening for the World Cup public telly watching here in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
However FIFA & co. try to ruin it, the World Cup is incredible. On Saturday, near where we live in Cambridge, USA, 2000+ people, of all races, ages & classes were watching a not-that-big screen in what's not even the main public viewing set-up in the area, in a "non-football country". Brilliant.
I'm out early in Boston this morning seeking evidence of Glaswegians. #Scotland #WorldCup @bostonglobe.com @boston.gov
This is a brilliant book by @hofrench.bsky.social . A life & times of Ghana's independence leader, Kwame Nkrumah. But with much greater scope - a global perspective & making clear the connections between Africa's anti-colonialist struggle and the fight against racist oppression in the US.
Glad to be switching off at the baseball tonight. It'd be great if everyone around the world had the chance to rest and relax in peace too.
Something significant is happening in Ukraine. And it's very bad news for Russia. (See below from the @economist.com this morning).
"Home" is a gorgeous album by the great and sadly departed Terry Hall. I listened to it endlessly when it came out in the mid-'90s & most of the way on a bumpy flight back to Boston yesterday. "No, No, No" is just one track that captures its warmth of spirit, laconic lyricism and perfect pop hooks.
Good morning all. It's lovely here in Boston. Still a bit parky though.
The ice rink has been packed up and it looks like winter is finally done here in Boston.
I was reading a @bostonglobe.com article about basketball great Larry Bird and this photo of his school team reminded of playing under-15's football against certain teams in the Hull Sunday league as a kid. I'm sceptical that the no.40 on the left was under the age limit.
It's almost as if after all these, er, months the FIFA Peace Prize has no meaning. Say it ain't so, Gianni. You grovelling wretch.
The Charles River in Boston on the way home from watching ice hockey tonight. They could have played outside.
"Tomorrow is Yesterday" is a sobering & thought-provoking read on Israel-Palestine. For 50 years we've hammered away on the assumption that the "two-state solution" is the only option. But it's failed. And maybe it always reflected what we outsiders saw rather than the needs of the peoples involved.
"The Accidental Diplomat" live in Boston, Wednesday 11th February, 6pm. www.worldboston.org/eventbrite-e...
"The Accidental Diplomat" live in Boston, Wednesday 11th February, 6pm.