’Twas the night before New Year’s, and all through Paree Not a creature was stirring, except for some three Million revelers out for a festive soirée, All waiting for midnight to shout, “Bonne année!” The wife had just tucked in … Read More
Some people think of him as a divine prophet, some think of him as a historical figure, and others only think of him when they hit their thumb with a hammer. But myth or messiah, there’s one thing certain about … Read More
There is nothing whatsoever “ironique” about what happened in Paris on November 13. Or in Beirut on November 12, or Ankara on October 10, to pick just those examples. I certainly have no intention of making light of the attacks … Read More
France in general, and Paris in particular, have long been known as paragons of style and elegance: chic fashions, stately architecture, refined cuisine, debonair poodle trims… And now we even have a high-class e-mail scam. These days malicious spam is … Read More
Even though he hasn’t held public office for more than three years, former President Nicolas Sarkozy still looms large on the political scene in France. This is due to the legacy of his administration, his ongoing leadership of the center-right … Read More
Lately I’ve been thinking about the science of origins. Not much, and on the shallowest possible level, but thinking. Our understanding of mankind’s place in the universe has been greatly enriched by such historic insights as: • The human race … Read More
Now that everyone’s happy, rested and relaxed after summer vacation, what better way to start the fall than with some disturbing statistics? Like these: • Every 40 seconds, somewhere in the world someone commits suicide. • Every 30 seconds, somewhere … Read More
While everyone else was relaxing and sunbathing and eating rosé-drenched lunches by the pool this summer, I actually learned something. Here’s what I learned: not all writers love France as much as I do. It has come to my attention … Read More
C’est Ironique Sign of the Weeque Spotted by reader Pierre Tran. This, the last inadvertently funny English-language shop sign before the August break, is not in English and is not a shop sign. But one out of three is still … Read More
C’est Ironique Sign of the Weeque What’s that, Selfor? Yes. No, I mean what’s that sell for? What’s what sell for, Selfor? It’s not for sale. Then what is it, For? No, “Selfor.” I mean what’s it for? Oh — … Read More
