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Politics

I feel safer living in the UK

In addition to holding a British passport, I have an American one. I spent my first 24 years in Silicon Valley, but call Blighty home, living here for 20 of my 47 years. We travel to the US regularly, spending holidays with my ageing parents in California. Being raised by …

I really need to watch more telly

I’ve always been hopeless when it comes to recognising celebs. Fifteen years ago when I was fresh-off-the-silicon-valley-boat and seated right next to Chris Evans at a press lunch at Langhams, I was more interested in the tech exec at the table. Later, the agency director whispered in my ear, don’t you know who that was? …

Sarah Palin does not speak for me

Sarah Palin has an amazing effect on women: either you want her to be your best friend or you think she's the reincarnation of the devil. These are not voluntary reactions, they are visceral, much like at a medical exam when the doctor lightly taps your knee and it goes flying. Why? Why when …

The Obama effect

Ever wonder what it’s like being an living American in the UK? After nearly 20 years, I’ve seen it all. I’ve been loved and I’ve been hated. For the time being, I’m pleasantly enjoying the “Obama Effect,” which is a bit like giving a local pub another go after they have advertised they are under …

But I don’t want the man with the blue tie mummy

Davidcameron But I don’t want David Cameron to be prime minister, my eight-year-daughter told me this morning, as we listened to Radio 4 discuss the hung parliament.

Why?

He wants to take away tax credits from children (I'm sure she has no idea what a tax credit is, but damn the man who wants to taken them from her).

AND, he wants to bring back fox hunting (she must have seen the “ashes to ashes” billboard on the way into London last weekend.)

On Gordon Brown and the “bigoted woman” gaffe

Have five minutes? Please watch this video … and hang in to the end, that's the interesting part. Hat tip: Wife in the North and Potty Mummy. Yes, this interaction topped yesterday's election news. This is very sad as British political campaigns only last a mere few weeks. I can see this …

Will the next election be won at the schoolgate?

A few mummy bloggers (me, Alpha Mummy, Potty Mummy, NixdMinx, and Karen from The Rubbish Diet) will be chatting today about our take on David Cameron's appearance on Mumsnet. So if you have a few spare minutes before school pickup, and want to add your two cents, head on over the Times' Alpha Mummy blog and let 'er rip. …

Playground politics: who are you at the schoolgate?

We’re going on our fourth year at “big school” and with three in the system, I’ve met all sorts at the school gate. From the Keen Mum to the Now-You-See-Me-Now-You-Don’t Mother, here’s a description of some of the characters you will encounter on the primary school playground… The Keen Mum — With her first child of many starting the system, …