Welcome to Barack Obama's United States of America
I've been a supporter of Barack Obama's ground-breaking campaign since the beginning. Although as a resident alien I couldn't vote, I could contribute to his campaign. Which I did on many occasions. It was a thrilling ride I can tell you, there have been twists and turns as I'm sure most people know. Our new president has been in office but a short time, yet already he's made some significant and important decisions to repair the damage done to the United States reputation at home but mostly abroad.

But you know that already. However, if you're a Brit reading this from back home, you should know that almost all the eastern seaboard – and New York City in particular – is an overwhelmingly Democratic region. No surprise there really. But in the interests of full disclosure, if Democratic or left ideals are not your thing, then you might want to opt for somewhere like Texas or Kansas – solidly republican states, even after this landslide election. Although, as far as I'm aware there's no TexasBrits.com or KansasBrits.com to help you through the morass of moving to this weird, yet fascinating country, so good luck with that.

I've been reading the English and French press since the inauguration and I have to say it seems we all genuinely want this man and his administration to suceed. From most political perspectives the view is, 'give him a chance'. Well, so far so good.

After all the campaigning, even in an assured bet like Brooklyn, we felt like we might have to hold our breath for a while as the transition took effect. Seems we needn't have bothered. He's hit the ground running.

So here's to the future!

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A much-needed breath of fresh air in the White House

NYC subway faces huge price hike
The next year or two is going to be tough for New Yorkers. Considering something like 35% of revenues to the city coffers come from Wall Street and this city has a 45 Billion dollar economy. That's just the city. With the collapse of Lehman Brothers, the other financial débâcles plus the firings left and right particularly in finance, the impact on NYC's budget has taken a hit. The MTA is talking about raising the basic fare for one ride from $2.00 to $2.50. Or a 25% hike. Monthly fares are set to rise similarly – from the current $81 unlimited to $100+. Ouch. Not the same 'ouch' as the zoned fares of the Underground in London I admit, but still, it's gonna hurt.

The Cotton Club House Band
Edward Kennedy Ellington ['Duke'] was born in Washington DC in 1899 to the son of a former slave. He paid little attention during his piano lessons at aged seven, until sneaking into pool rooms to listen to the bar piano players electrified him. By age 15 he'd written his first composition, Soda Fountain Rag. By 1917 he'd launched his musical career, painting commercial signs by day and playing jazz by night. By career's end he'd earned 13 Grammys and many other awards. Duke Ellington died in 1974 and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, The Bronx.

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