From language variation to obscure cultural differences, the United States and the United Kingdom differ in ways most of us aren't even aware. Sure, we all know that Limeys say "football" and Yanks say "soccer", but did you know that the latter term was in fact coined by the British? And just what did cause the two nations to spell and pronounce "alluminium" differently? Of course, our differences are not just confined to our respective employment of the language: national holidays, food and drink, transportation, sport, politics, entertainment, and religion all carry their own national markers. Just what are the facts and figures behind the UK's socialized healthcare system? And why do we drive on opposite sides of the road using either a right-sided or left-sided steering wheel? And just what is spotted dick? As an Englishman living in the US since 2008, I continue to discover and celebrate these differences and, through this blog, I will share these with you and hopefully learn much more along the way myself. So, navigate your way around the site and discover all of the many words, ideas and measuring systems that - possibly during the Pilgrim Fathers' long journey from England - got lost in the pond. Have a nice day, lads and lasses. Laurence Brown

http://lostinthepond.blogspot.com

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• Cultural/Historical