We love Australians, probably because they aren’t as Eurotrashy as our trans-Atlantic friends, and they are seemingly the only other country on the globe that has a reasonable disdain for soccer. more ›

We sent our passport off to Philadelphia last week for routine renewal, then got unexpected assignment to cover a travel symposium in Italy...next week! No chance of getting new passport in time. Called State Department, expecting endless bureaucracy, got helpful advice on first ring. Used automated system to schedule interview right here in Seattle, got appointment within the hour. Impressive staff at Passport Office. At least one federal agency doing things right, makes leaving home a breeze. more ›