The New U.S. Embassy on Pariser Platz
On Friday July 4, 2008, the U.S. Embassy’s traditional Independence Day reception for invited guests was combined with the official opening of the new Chancery on Pariser Platz, in which Chancellor Angela Merkel and former President George H. W. Bush delivered keynote speeches. Former President Bush joined Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. and Sue Timken for a ceremonial Ribbon Cutting.

The history of America’s diplomatic relations with Germany goes back to the late 18 th century. John Quincy Adams (the son of 2nd President John Adams and later himself to become America’s 6th President) was the first Ambassador to a German-speaking country. His official title was Minister Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Prussia.

ELECTIONS 2008: The European Perspective
The next months will be crucial for the transatlantic relationship. With the presidential election in the U.S. in November and elections in Germany and other European countries in 2009, the political actors and priorities in domestic and foreign policies are about to change. Key issues of interest on both sides of the Atlantic include the situation in Afghanistan, the war in Iraq, how to deal with Iran and North Korea, the relationships with China and Russia, and global warming.

Summer Reading
It's a perennial question for the summer months, what to read? Here you'll find suggestions, articles, blogs, etc that might help you to make up your mind. Find a nice place outdoors to get reading. There's only one thing left to say: Enjoy!

Art at the New Embassy
The new U.S. Embassy in Berlin boasts an impressive collection of original works of art by prominent American artists. Commissioned by Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies (FAPE) in 2004, Sol LeWitt (1928-2007) designed a large-scale mural for the new embassy building.

In Focus
New Publication: The new issue of the electronic American Studies Journal on "Ethnic Visions of the United States of America" is now online.

Struggles With Technology: "Technology Not Being Used Effectively In Schools" - Teachers Need Professional Development and Support to Implement School Technology: Educators say they don't feel adequately prepared to integrate instructional software into their classrooms and are not receiving the technical support needed to fully impact student achievement, according to a joint study by the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers.