The Charm Offensive in Diplomacy

Diplomacy is so much more than simply ordering F Lon – Nth. You have to interact with players, build trust and at times, charm and beguile. This article was first published in Diplomacy Briefing (15th July) as part of a series on “The Charm Offensive” in Diplomacy. Original Article:https://mailchi.mp/diplomacybriefing.com/the-charm-offensive THE CHARM OFFENSIVE EPISODE ONE: THEContinue reading “The Charm Offensive in Diplomacy”

DixieCon, We Have A Problem… Or Do We?

I have agonised over whether to write about DixieCon or whether to move quietly on. Chalk it down to experience. Swallow it up. Give me adversity and I’ll easily rustle up several pairs of lederhosen from the curtains whilst singing The Hills Are Alive. I’m a social turnip. I’ll speak to anyone. But when theContinue reading “DixieCon, We Have A Problem… Or Do We?”

Diplomacy, The Brain… and Gandhi

Some of you will know…. I am one of those weird, geeky Diplomacy Players. This is my second time writing about it, the first being a wanton foray into the world of Diplomatic women. Diplomacy, The Brain… and Gandhi was originally written for the May 2022 edition of ‘Notes on a Napkin.’ A magazine (orContinue reading “Diplomacy, The Brain… and Gandhi”

The True Object Of All Human Life Is Play

Originally posted on Lauren Lloyd :
Diplomacy is a 67-year old game about taking over Europe. It’s a truly classic board game. Highly influential, intensely beloved, widely acclaimed. The beating heart of Diplomacy is in the alliances and agreements 7 players make in-between submitting orders. It is a game conducted not on the board, but in…

This Beautiful Fantastic

There is love and wonder in unexpectedly falling over a hidden gem. That’s exactly what I did on Saturday night. Found a film that seems to have slipped under the radar. Despite its stellar cast. This Beautiful Fantastic is a magical feast. That rarest of unicorns, the perfect modern fairy tale. Fairy tales have aContinue reading “This Beautiful Fantastic”

Our Love Affair With Boris…..

I said I would never blog about politics. It’s too divisive, I said. Our world is fuelled by enough hatred. C’mon though. Quite simply, HOW COULD I NOT? Watching events unfold this week is like hiding behind the sofa watching the scariest movie. Compelled to watch, hands over the eyes. Fascination with a simultaneous, omnipresentContinue reading “Our Love Affair With Boris…..”

Keep Calm And Love Your Gnu (AKA ‘STOP BLUE MONDAY’)

“Comms are on the phone, Lauren. Can you give them a press release for Blue Monday?” “WHAT?” I look up from the pile of papers, reports and the ever-growing waiting list and sigh deeply. I am way too professional to swear but I can eye-roll like a demon. We go through the media and commercialContinue reading “Keep Calm And Love Your Gnu (AKA ‘STOP BLUE MONDAY’)”