Monday, December 12, 2011
European Designed Bathrooms?
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Paris Opera House on Strike
What would the Phantom of the Opera have to say about a mechanics' strike at the Opera House? Last night (September 21st) was the first Gala event of the Fall 2011/12 season and a major Franco-American event. The ballet production Lifar Ratmansky will tour the US after Paris.
This is our second experience with a Garnier Opera House Gala tarnished by a strike.
Last spring's strike did not stop the entire show. This time the show did not go on.
Nevertheless patrons of the arts were invited to drink champagne, and enjoy the famed Garnier staircase. For the gala event, the staircase was enshrined with an array of white floral bouquets. And champagne flowed non-stop.
Wandering through the ornate halls in the evening felt somewhat eerie at times. I was eager to regain the remaining group of stalwart supporters resplendent in their sparkling gowns and tuxedos.
Perhaps, having viewed the film Melancholia the previous evening, tinged my perspective. I recalled the conversation between the two sisters. They are awaiting the collision of the two planets: Earth and Melancholia. One sister suggests going out on the terrace and toasting with a glass of wine - to which the other sister replies the thought of drinking a glass of wine on the terrace is revolting. Instead, she suggest to her nephew that he helps her create a magic tent where they will be safe.
Certainly, a canceled show at the Opera isn't the 'end of the world'.
But, it may well represent a world that has almost imperceptibly changed course.
Are we headed for a collision between those that love the arts and those determined to display their total control over all aspects of our lives? There are no magic tents and no safety nets. But better to build than destroy. In creation, we affirm our soul. Even if we create only to have all turn into dust.
To quote an acquaintance from Greece, "You cannot avoid politics. We eat, drink, and breathe politics every day of lives." Donc. Bonne sante.
This is our second experience with a Garnier Opera House Gala tarnished by a strike.
Last spring's strike did not stop the entire show. This time the show did not go on.
Nevertheless patrons of the arts were invited to drink champagne, and enjoy the famed Garnier staircase. For the gala event, the staircase was enshrined with an array of white floral bouquets. And champagne flowed non-stop.
Wandering through the ornate halls in the evening felt somewhat eerie at times. I was eager to regain the remaining group of stalwart supporters resplendent in their sparkling gowns and tuxedos.
Perhaps, having viewed the film Melancholia the previous evening, tinged my perspective. I recalled the conversation between the two sisters. They are awaiting the collision of the two planets: Earth and Melancholia. One sister suggests going out on the terrace and toasting with a glass of wine - to which the other sister replies the thought of drinking a glass of wine on the terrace is revolting. Instead, she suggest to her nephew that he helps her create a magic tent where they will be safe.
Certainly, a canceled show at the Opera isn't the 'end of the world'.
But, it may well represent a world that has almost imperceptibly changed course.
Are we headed for a collision between those that love the arts and those determined to display their total control over all aspects of our lives? There are no magic tents and no safety nets. But better to build than destroy. In creation, we affirm our soul. Even if we create only to have all turn into dust.
To quote an acquaintance from Greece, "You cannot avoid politics. We eat, drink, and breathe politics every day of lives." Donc. Bonne sante.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Dukan Diet news
Tailoring a Great French Diet to your Florida Lifestyle
For those of you who followed my Parislogue posts about the Dukan diet three years ago, you'll be delighted to know that the Dukan diet has finally hit the US of A! I just picked up a copy of the Crown Publishing edition and it's a beautiful translation of Dr. Dukan's inspiring call to arms.
And let's face it, losing weight - whether you want to lose one pound or fifty pounds is a battle against an army of junk food, constant attack of food advertisments, impulse food at cashier check-outs, and the daily stress that drives us to find refuge in our sense of taste and texture.
If you haven't yet read, The Dukan Diet, read it from cover to cover, and tell me you're not inspired to take up arms and do the good battle for your health and happiness.
I have done the diet - and can tell you that it does work. That isn't to say that there are pitfalls if you're doing this for the long haul (all of which are honestly mentioned in the book!).
But also know, that I am here for anybody who wants to take a stab at the program.
Something new about the US version of the Dukan diet:
Originally, exercise was not emphasized with the exception of taking stairways as opposed to elevators - but in places like south Florida where you're living on the 12th or 18th floor of a condo, taking the steps everyday would be a REAL work-out. Therefore, the US edition does emphasize 20, 30, or 60 minute walks as part of the program.
Some of the things not mentioned in the book are your psychological preparation before beginning the diet, so here are some additional suggestions which I've found to be useful:
Assess the influences good and bad around you before undertaking a diet.
Begin by clearing your kitchen and refrigerator of any food that remains as a temptation. If you share your kitchen with others that have no interest in dieting, then you need to set aside a portion of the kitchen/refrigerator that is yours and yours alone.
Do not panic when you are invited out to a restaurant. Accept the challenge. Servers will always try to load up your plate and you need to insist on what you want.
Protein happens to be the most expensive item on a restaurant menu so most restaurants will load up your plate with carbs to mask the miniscule piece of fish or meat. Tell them to bring out your steak, fish, chicken or veal with NO pasta, no potatoes, no rice and the chef will most likely be too embarrassed to skimp on your protein.
When it's time for an aperatif, club soda with a twist of lime is bubbly and refreshing.
Going out to eat is part of south Florida culture - you can enjoy it doubly when you know you are following the plan and working toward your goal.
So, if you've been hesitating to start the Dukan diet, wait no longer!
For those of you who followed my Parislogue posts about the Dukan diet three years ago, you'll be delighted to know that the Dukan diet has finally hit the US of A! I just picked up a copy of the Crown Publishing edition and it's a beautiful translation of Dr. Dukan's inspiring call to arms.
And let's face it, losing weight - whether you want to lose one pound or fifty pounds is a battle against an army of junk food, constant attack of food advertisments, impulse food at cashier check-outs, and the daily stress that drives us to find refuge in our sense of taste and texture.
If you haven't yet read, The Dukan Diet, read it from cover to cover, and tell me you're not inspired to take up arms and do the good battle for your health and happiness.
I have done the diet - and can tell you that it does work. That isn't to say that there are pitfalls if you're doing this for the long haul (all of which are honestly mentioned in the book!).
But also know, that I am here for anybody who wants to take a stab at the program.
Something new about the US version of the Dukan diet:
Originally, exercise was not emphasized with the exception of taking stairways as opposed to elevators - but in places like south Florida where you're living on the 12th or 18th floor of a condo, taking the steps everyday would be a REAL work-out. Therefore, the US edition does emphasize 20, 30, or 60 minute walks as part of the program.
Some of the things not mentioned in the book are your psychological preparation before beginning the diet, so here are some additional suggestions which I've found to be useful:
Assess the influences good and bad around you before undertaking a diet.
Begin by clearing your kitchen and refrigerator of any food that remains as a temptation. If you share your kitchen with others that have no interest in dieting, then you need to set aside a portion of the kitchen/refrigerator that is yours and yours alone.
Do not panic when you are invited out to a restaurant. Accept the challenge. Servers will always try to load up your plate and you need to insist on what you want.
Protein happens to be the most expensive item on a restaurant menu so most restaurants will load up your plate with carbs to mask the miniscule piece of fish or meat. Tell them to bring out your steak, fish, chicken or veal with NO pasta, no potatoes, no rice and the chef will most likely be too embarrassed to skimp on your protein.
When it's time for an aperatif, club soda with a twist of lime is bubbly and refreshing.
Going out to eat is part of south Florida culture - you can enjoy it doubly when you know you are following the plan and working toward your goal.
So, if you've been hesitating to start the Dukan diet, wait no longer!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The Secret Life of Moles
Although I promised you that the New Year's post would be my 'last' Parisgirl post, I decided that we couldn't leave France (and, particularly, Normandy) without a word about moles.
While in the US, spring is when a young man's fancy turns to major league baseball, Parisians will be opening up their country places in Normandy and discussing the ideal method for battling the 'mole problem'.
So, I thought this might be the ideal time to bring up the important discovery that Christopher has made about moles. It appears that very few scientists have taken the time to look at the secret lives of moles. For example, if you've ever visited Stonehenge, you might be surprised to know that moles have been building miniature stonehenges on your lawns. Moles choose not any old stones to mark their 'front doors' - those eyesores that deface your perfectly manicured 'gazon'.
All of this observation began on the day that Christopher decided to take a non-violent approach of co-existence with the moles. Rather than choose any of a variety of lethal expulsions (bombing, drowning, or maiming), he merely raked over taupe mounds (the word for mole in French is taupe) as soon as they appeared. After much raking, he observed the curious configuration of stones - most often including a flat stone or two at the entrance of each taupe mound.
After a number of years of raking over taupe mounds, Christopher finally caved into the more conventional approach. This was a sad day. Especially because no matter what technique one chooses, the moles do come back. They were here first.
If you want to make friends with your moles, rake over the mounds, plant with grass seed, fix yourself a gin-and-tonic and wait for the next taupe mound to appear. It's cheap entertainment, and meanwhile you may even break the code.
While in the US, spring is when a young man's fancy turns to major league baseball, Parisians will be opening up their country places in Normandy and discussing the ideal method for battling the 'mole problem'.
So, I thought this might be the ideal time to bring up the important discovery that Christopher has made about moles. It appears that very few scientists have taken the time to look at the secret lives of moles. For example, if you've ever visited Stonehenge, you might be surprised to know that moles have been building miniature stonehenges on your lawns. Moles choose not any old stones to mark their 'front doors' - those eyesores that deface your perfectly manicured 'gazon'.
All of this observation began on the day that Christopher decided to take a non-violent approach of co-existence with the moles. Rather than choose any of a variety of lethal expulsions (bombing, drowning, or maiming), he merely raked over taupe mounds (the word for mole in French is taupe) as soon as they appeared. After much raking, he observed the curious configuration of stones - most often including a flat stone or two at the entrance of each taupe mound.
After a number of years of raking over taupe mounds, Christopher finally caved into the more conventional approach. This was a sad day. Especially because no matter what technique one chooses, the moles do come back. They were here first.
If you want to make friends with your moles, rake over the mounds, plant with grass seed, fix yourself a gin-and-tonic and wait for the next taupe mound to appear. It's cheap entertainment, and meanwhile you may even break the code.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Happy New Year in Paris 2011
Perhaps you have shared my dream of bringing in the New Year in Paris - the City of Lights. Of course, for Parisians, this dream is easier to realize - but the truth is, ringing in the New Year with friends is not entirely simple when it comes to logistics.
All I can say, if you plan on coming to Paris for New Years Eve - be sure to bring your walking shoes or book your driver well in advance.
This year, it was reported that 350,000 were milling around the Champs Elysees - but for some reason the annual Eiffel Tower fireworks didn't go off as planned. The Metro was supposed to be open somewhat later than normal for the revelers but at 2:30 am, certain Metro stops had already shut their gates.
So, what do you do at 3 am on a cold winter's night when your date is wearing high heels and your hotel is a mere 5 kilometers?
Be sure to know your date's shoe size in advance - and bring along a pair of jogging shoes and a warm pair of gloves.
Happy New Year from Paris!
PS. This is Parisgirl's last post. Yes, Mike I have begun the novel.
All I can say, if you plan on coming to Paris for New Years Eve - be sure to bring your walking shoes or book your driver well in advance.
This year, it was reported that 350,000 were milling around the Champs Elysees - but for some reason the annual Eiffel Tower fireworks didn't go off as planned. The Metro was supposed to be open somewhat later than normal for the revelers but at 2:30 am, certain Metro stops had already shut their gates.
So, what do you do at 3 am on a cold winter's night when your date is wearing high heels and your hotel is a mere 5 kilometers?
Be sure to know your date's shoe size in advance - and bring along a pair of jogging shoes and a warm pair of gloves.
Happy New Year from Paris!
PS. This is Parisgirl's last post. Yes, Mike I have begun the novel.
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