BBC America: It's a bit like New Coke.

The BBC is great at many things. First, their attention to international news outweighs American counterparts. The reason of course is financial. American broadcasters did not see the benefit of the many foreign bureaus they use to have spread throughout the world. Americans just don't really care about news too far from home. At least in-depth news. When was the last time the networks did a story on Kenya or Darfur or Uganda? Been a while. Americans also love icons. And so it seems BBC America has to sell the hosts to the American people like the other American networks.

For me, it doesn't work. The real BBC you can watch overseas is hard hitting, thorough and not watered down. The hosts are generic reporters who do not get publicity for sitting in a chair.

That's just my view on it but I like the BBC News I get overseas to the America version. They seemed to have crammed the two hosts into a closet in Washington and the news comes to us Americanized. We already get that. Why they don't just give us the news from overseas befuddles me. I think it would be a real wake up call and would provide better news.

Instead the weaker version is just as good as a local affiliate. Again, just my opinion.

However, at least we get the BBC. In any form it is better than nothing.

Super Bowl Not Super in Scotland

Despite the contrary articles (click on picture for one), I never found many Scots in Scotland who knew anything about the NFL. They may know about the Super Bowl, probably because it is one of the few games available. Ex-pats and students cared greatly about the NFL on Sunday, but I recall sitting with ten US students in the basement of the University watching the games alone, while a hundred students upstairs watched the English Premiere League.




I was recently informed the Scots are excited about the New York Giants because of Lawrence Tynes, the kicker. He's the only Scot in the NFL.

Lawrence Tynes

The BBC aired the Super Bowl for the first time this year and I know ex-pats were very happy to be watching it on free telly.

If you click on the STV website, no mention of the Super Bowl is given. The Six Nations Rugby tournament gets more press. From my experiences, it is the case. American football is still an American game despite all the press. Yes, London may have its hot spots but probably the reason is the businessmen and women who travel may boost up the interest.

In Scotland, the NFL is as common to them as cricket is to us. Really. The NBA is another story. Scots like basketball and follow the NBA. I have seen many basketball jerseys being worn around. I saw a Lebron James jersey on some kid waiting for a train and I thought I'd say something but thought better of it.

If you wear a NFL shirt or hat or anything like that, you will be immediately identified as American. Baseball caps are rare, however, the only caps you will see are New York Yankee caps. Why? Because they see it as a trendy logo and not as a hated or loved team. It means New York to them. It means they've traveled or just want to look cool. Look at this guy running for office.

If you don't want to be identified immediately as an American, I suggest you leave the baseball caps at home. Unless you are a Yankee fan, of course. However, I strongly recommend you don't wear the cap. If you saw Trainspotting, you may remember the American tourist that walked into the bar wearing his baseball cap and jacket, only to be beaten up. Well, you may not be beaten, but there will be a bit of disdain for your gaudy American fan wear. Just a thought.

BLACK CURRANT: Scottish food

One thing I found frustrating while in Scotland was the jam I could buy. I could not find regular grape jelly. Welch's does not sell anything overseas and so, concord grape jelly is out.

The only thing close was black currant jam. And if you ever had it, you may like it but I find it too tart and did not mix well with peanut butter.

I would make a sandwich and go for a hike. Unfortunately, I would take out my sandwich, start to eat it and my face would pucker up with dislike for the fruity jam. It ruined my PB&J.

You could find other jams such as strawberry and raspberry, but I'm a grape jelly guy.

If you stay in Scotland for a vacation it is not a big deal. You can handle the black currant for a week or two. In fact, don't miss a Scottish breakfast if you can help it. The breakfasts are fantastic and will get into more of that tomorrow.

But if you had to eat black currant as your own grape-like jam, you'd get sick of it as well. It's an American thing I guess.

If you have a peanut butter and jam sandwich this week, think about the wonderful taste you take for granted.

Scottish Similarities: Slot Car Racing

Slot car racing is not just an American thing. There are clubs throughout the world. Scotland boasts many different clubs. Click on the pictures of these cars to learn more about different clubs and interests in both countries.

Notice the Scottish flag on the hood?