A Breif History of the Beret

As a student of fashion, and might I say a snappy dresser in my own right, I feel that I must discuss the world famous symbol of true Frenchiosity...the beret. I think we can all agree that when you see a man wearing a beret you think to yourself "that is someone that needs to be dealt with seriously." In the words of James Brown "a man wearing a beret don't take no mess."
The modern origin of the beret is traced to the Basques, people living on both the French and Spanish sides of the Pyrenees Mountains. the beret is woven in one piece without a seam or a binding. The original Basque beret was either navy blue or red, but today the beret is available in a wide array of colors. An influence of WWI was the general adoption for sports wear by both men and women, of that very smart dark blue cap worn by the French Alpine troops, the age-old Basque beret.
The circular flat shape of the wool felt or cotton beret can be sporty when worn close to the head facing forward or jaunty when tipped to the side; when pulled down to cover all or part of the forehead, it is more dramatic. Inexpensive and hardy, berets are available in a range of style variations, colors, and sizes.

France's Contribution to the Planet

From time to time we as Americans are want to reflect on our role in the world. This often leads to wonderment about things that we have done. Sometimes people (pacifists) think aloud "what good comes of our getting involved in conflict?" The answer lies in the picture of Laetitia Casta that accompanies this post. She is a French super-goddess and model of international renown. n 1999, Casta came out first of a national survey to decide who should be the new model for the bust of Marianne, an allegorical symbol of the French Republic. Polls have shown that Casta, Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve were the most popular among French mayors who decide which bust is placed inside a town's hall. What does it have to do with war? She was born in Normandy, France. Imagine if we had not invaded France ridding it of the Nazis. We might not have Laetitia, and as a result it would likely rain all of the time and the oceans would swallow us all up. Thank GOD for war, and thank you Laetitia for just being you.

I Think Mimes Are A Little Out There, but You Gotta Love The Effort

All,
Marcel Marceau a ete bonne mime. Il a ete celebre en France et le monde. Il est morte en Septembre 2007. Il a a 84. I am not usually one to appreciate something that you can do on any street corner to hustle some money out of unsuspecting passersby, but this stuff is pretty cool. Just picture an entire country of people totally enthralled by this guy, and then I think you will really get something out of it. If not...something may be wrong with you...or me...but probably you. (It should be noted that I couldn't make the accent keys work, so sorry about the flawed puncuation.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FD8XUrdYUaw

In 1886 when Georges Seurat first showed this to the art world writ large it was greeeted with shock. Impressionists took it as a slap in their face and, fams of impressionism were struck with its cleanliness. Whether you are a fan or not you have to admit that the work that was put into this masterpiece is worth praise. the lines and use of light are really amazing.

My First Post

This will be in English since I know that none of you speak French as well as I do. the following entries will be part of a sweet project for my French 203 class. It is the brainchild of my superstar French teacher Mon. Dola. He went to the Sorbonne, so he is way smarter than anyone on Earth. Ergo this project will rule (with a capital R).