OK, after yesterday's story, I think we all need to come back down to earth! Down to earth is exactly where this boy is actually sitting, - or more accurately, on the sidewalk, right at the bottom of an apartment building located in the northern part of the 17th arrondissement (rue La Condamine). I thought this graffiti was really cool. It was made by a pretty famous street artist called Jeff Aerosol (Aerosol means spray paint in French). BTW: I'll keep you posted if I hear from Manu and Smitha ;~)
Notice how the rats are included! Very talented guy and nice catch by you.
ReplyDeleteI like all the pictures of graffiti you take Eric, and often I see them in the streets during walks.
ReplyDeleteThis one is pretty sad isn't it?
Hey, look, it's the little Chef from Ratatouille!
ReplyDeleteIt is rather sad, Guille. I'm hoping he's just playing, watching the rats. Ew ew. Rats. Ew. Aerosol in the uk refers to the can itself, not the contents really.
ReplyDeleteI don't want to come down to earth! I was enjoying floating on the clouds of love and romance, Eric! Take us back up there as soon as you hear, please...
I'm still floating to, I refuse to come down to earth today!!!
ReplyDelete*floating too.
ReplyDeleteHey Eric, if you saw Manu getting down on his knees you saw what Smitha's reaction was, so you can figure out if she said yes or no. So, what was the impression? Do tell us because I think the happy (or not) couple are way up in the clouds to remember us and let us know!
(Lynn, "aerosol" is the can too, it can be pesticide,hair spray...)
ReplyDeleteGIRLS you are GIRLY. Retour à la réalité, allez hop!
It looks like Banksy(stencil, colours, strong idea).
Guille you only say that because you ARE in Paris, so you can float anytime you want.
ReplyDeleteBut Lynn and I, we need this to dream of our knight in shinny armor, whoever he is...
The red arrow seems to indicate where the boy is looking. And see? The second rat is looking there, too. I wonder what they see?
ReplyDeleteManu and Smitha! Maybe the happy couple are coming by to tell us their news.
RE: "L'amour, l'amour...toujours l'amour!!"
ReplyDeleteTonton Flaneur: No need to send me a trophy, chocolate or otherwise. Just get along and see the Frida Kahlo show later this year (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, June 16 - September 28, 2008) on my behalf - or, better still, meet me there and buy me a coffee (if I can scrape together the time and funds to visit San Francisco myself, that is).
Eric: I guessed "The Women", which was correct, but I'd forgotten just how many times Rocky Balboa and Luke Skywalker use this line - ironically, of course - when going head-to-head with their many, and none-too-loving, opponents. Thank you for reminding me!...And I agree - this is a pretty cool piece of graffiti.
Amazing.
ReplyDeleteOui nous sommes GIRLY. C'est chouette Guille! C'est un reve et nous avons besoin de ca! Comme Monica a dit, tu as l'occasion souvent .... sigh......!
ReplyDeleteYes we're GIRLY! It's great, Guille. It's a dream and we need it! As Monica said, you often have this opportunity... sigh... (what's sigh in french by the way? I seem to need this word quite frequently on here)
This is a good photo, but yesterdays was much better! I didn't check yesterday so found the story soooo romantic! Please promise to let us know when you hear from the happy couple. You are a very special man Eric :)
ReplyDeleteSuch creative graffiti in Paris!
ReplyDeleteOK, I have a confession, I am totally rat phobic. Lynn, "ew, ew, rats, ew" is pretty generous! My response is more like a piercing scream. But...alas, this has changed since I planned a trip to Paris and was able to watch "Ratatouille" with both eyes open. ;) Now, when I see these creatures, I see little dogs in rat suits. Maybe I need therapy (uh, yeah?) but, it works!
Still floating here too, over yesterday's romantic post.
ReplyDeleteI am a believer. Manu and Smitha are deeply in love, they will return to Paris, years from now, look lovingly into each other's adoring eyes, the years well-lived together, and smile…remembering that magical night, on that very bridge, unbeknownst to her, a special man was taking a photo for his blog. And, those patiently waiting to see the day’s treasure {sighed} for all that was good in the world.
L love this one. It looks like a lithograph or something along that order. It would make a great poster!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I agree with you, this is the only possible option. But it's not too much to ask Manu and Smitha to update us, is it?!
ReplyDeleteOnce again, perfect!
ReplyDeleteI really like this kind of artwork...in other words FANTASTIC picture Eric
ReplyDeletei love these kinds of graphics. awesome find.
ReplyDeleteThere is a difference between graffiti and street art. Far be it for me to make a judgement though!
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff from both Eric and Aerosol!
Cheers!
Jeff Aerosol is brilliant!
ReplyDeleteRE: "OK, I have a confession, I am totally rat phobic."
ReplyDeleteJennifer: Your word for the day is musophobia (from Latin "mus" for "mouse") or murophobia (a coinage from the taxonomic adjective "murine" for the Muridae family that encompasses mice and rats), or as suriphobia, from the French "souris", meaning mouse. (Wikipedia)
bitingmidge: Despite having referred to it earlier as graffiti, I favour "street art".
A child, rats, a colorful attraction: I get Pied Piper imaginings from this. Appropriate here because Eric has us all enthralled with his daily photos and can lead us where he chooses.
ReplyDeleteOh Jennifer, if I am correct, you may have missed THIS PHOTO of Eric's. DO tell, do tell...
ReplyDeleteStill no word from the couple on the bridge Eric? Do you think they eloped, or today I guess it's called e-married?
I check your blog every day and so enjoy your posts. Would love to hear what happen with the couple on the bridge as I'm sure everyone else does also. Thanks for the time you put into your blog and for sharing with all of us.
ReplyDeleteMichael: Tsk, tsk! You might have gone easy on poor Jennifer and shown her this much less icky photo, which Eric took of me on my last trip to Paris. (It was a working holiday.)
ReplyDeleteWhat a way to get us all back to the earth... :-)
ReplyDeleteyou show us rats when we are on Cloud number nine... not fair...
Though loved the graffiti, but still would prefer to know what happened with Manu n smitha...
infact dying to know...
Ericcccccccccc Plssssssssss kill the suspense that's killing usssssss :D
Reminds me of "Willard"...some of you might remember that movie from days gone bye. Heck, it's so old they probably turned it into a "Musical." Paris has such amazing urban artists...
ReplyDeleteColtrane Lives: Now that they've made "Evil Dead" into a musical, anything is possible.
ReplyDeleteMichael, you are cruel to show Jennifer the icky pic when you know how she feels about rats and she's only just recovering.
ReplyDeleteLynn, Guille, et al: you were talking about a photo of a particular passerelle. What is the link?
Yesterday's post, tenth sentence from the top (on my browser), underlined Passerelle Debilly. Before it was a pedestrian bridge perhaps it was used to get goats from the right to the left bank or vice versa.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tall Gary. Glad you were up. It's one of the top stunning photos I've seen on this blog.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Petrea. By the way, what did Guille mean when she wrote under that photo, "Merci Delanoe. LLLLLOOOOLLLL. (what a joke!!)"?
ReplyDeleteLucio, nothing really intelligent... Monica wrote "Is it possible that this city just keeps getting even more beautiful as time passes??!", Delanoe is the Paris mayor and did a lot of urban developments for the city. I just linked the fact that Paris "keeps getting even more beautiful as time passes" because of Delanoe, breaking all the romance in Monica's comment..
ReplyDeletehum hum, hard to explain a joke (which is not that good LOL)
Lynn, sigh is "soupir".
OK. Got it. Merci.
ReplyDeleteAh today's post touches me.
ReplyDeleteHe is probably feeling scared and sad (his body language says so) and somehow the rats are his only friends.
Michael you have a very mean sense of humour... poor Jennifer!
Oh Jennifer i've only just got here, but hearing your horror of rats i was just about to say, Jennifer: if Michael comes in, don't....
ReplyDeletebut i am too late! Oh Michael how could you. lol!
Petrea the link Passerelle on Eric's post is fine, it's safe. No rats. Just another beautiful photo. Click away.
Oh Rats! You guys are no fun! Don't you think that every newcomer to PDP should discover the most interesting posts of Eric's and not just the Eiffel Tower (sorry Suzy!)? The Paris Plage toe, the Café for two, the homeless man...
ReplyDeleteI mean where is your sense of welcoming and adventure sharing...
Sorry Jennifer, I was just trying to help...
Reminds me of Banksy, the famous graffiti artist! Well spotted, it's very cool!
ReplyDeleteNo you weren't Michael, now, behave! No more rats or ghastly things for the newcomers.
ReplyDeleteNow, where are the lovers? Should we send Eric out on a mission, do you think, headscarf around his face, on his speedy scooter, to find them?
Eric you have sent Sarkozy to us today to meet the Queen! How kind. I shall be watching on the news. She does speak French actually, albeit in a quite ghastly accent. Will the glam Mrs. Sarkozy be coming aswell? In her jeans? I shall be all-eyes to see. I wonder if she will curtsey? She is not one of the Queen's subjects of course so she does not have to, but in my view, it is polite to curtsey to any Royal anywhere. We shall see..... dun dun dur.
That's interesting Lynn...Sarkozy was at one of our factories in Tarbes, France yesterday talking about handicapped employees.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.challenges.fr/depeches/france/20080325.REU1463/nicolas_sarkozy_augmente_laide_aux_handicapes_avant_une.html
...not to suggest that your Queen has any handicaps.
ReplyDeleteJe me demande ce qui fait la flèche rouge signifie? BTW aerosol (aerozol) in polish means the same ;)
ReplyDeleteNice photography. Compelling picture.
ReplyDeleteAbraham Lincoln in Brookville, Ohio.
Impressive!
ReplyDeletelol Michael! ... apart from her French accent... snigger.
ReplyDeletesoupir then Guille, but how would you write it as a sound effect the way i do, like....sigh....
ReplyDeleteVery cool grafitti. This is like Britain's Grafitti artist called "Banksy", who's identity is in unknown. In fact a lot of people think it's my partner "Gary Barker."He did a similar style Political Cartoon for his BBC POLITICS SHOW, "BARKER GALLERY",but no it's not him.
ReplyDeleteAnother great image from you Eric.
As always different perspective on the Paris we a think we know.
Michael i just saw a French lady interviewed on the news (i've a tv near my desk! useful); she is waiting at Windsor Castle to see the couple arrive and is nervous. She says she wants him to 'keep his poise' and that Sarkozy was rude to the Pope, by texting in front of him. Ooooh dear. What on earth might he do in front of Her Majesty? Any ideas? I bet you have!
ReplyDeleteMme Sarkozy is looking fetching in a grey, smart dress with tie neck, belted at the waist, knee length with matching tipped hat. They were met from the plane by HRH the Prince of Wales and HRH the Duchess of Cornwall (Charles and Camilla) She did not curtsey. She seems to be acting as interpreter for her non-English-speaking husband. I've become Royal correspondent now! Is this interesting to you though? Tell me to forget it if it's boring, do. lol.
ReplyDeleteThe Queen is on her way to the Guildhall in Windsor where i believe they will lunch. The Queen will have the President in her car, when they arrive (they're travelling from Heathrow; all roads are closed for their safe journey) and Prince Phillip will have Mme Sarkozy in his car. The conversation inside the second car could be amusing. Prince Phillip is known for his verbal gaffs and now he is sitting next to a top model, whose naked pictures have appeared here in the UK today. What fun.
ReplyDeleteIt's miles away, this style of living, from Eric's poor boy watching the rats play. Ahh.
Much pomp is on show. The golden carriages have been dusted off to entertain le President with footmen standing behind (they are actually police security dressed in traditional gear). The Queen will be leading the conversation with her practised "Il fait beau" and Voici le chateau". lol no actually her conversational french is very good. No doubt Mme Sarkozy will be verbalising in English with Prince Phillip in the second carriage though i wish her luck in understanding the Prince. He mumbles quite a bit. Prince Charles travels behind in an open carriage with Camilla wearing brown and a High Street leopard-skin hat. Ugh. All are accompanied by several life guards in full dress on horseback (again, some are police). There will be plain clothes armed police in the area, covering all angles but in a discreet way, amongst the crowd, in cars, on rooftops. They will not be obvious unless anything bad happened. Mme Sarkozy DID curtsey to the Queen by the way. I am pleased. They will now disappear inside Windsor Castle for a cheese sandwich. lol no it will be a huge banquet, with around eight courses, gold service, everything measured to the finest mm on the vast table. No-one can sit, stand or eat until the Queen does. When the Queen finishes her meal, the clearing begins! God help you if you are halfway through yours, it is whipped away.
ReplyDeleteLynn your news report certainly is interesting. The way you tells is entertaining, as usual!
ReplyDeleteI tried to get a glimpse of it at BBC but no news do far. So you have to continue being the Royal correspondent.
Oh wait! CNN is showing it now! I saw Bruni's gray dress, she's smiling and talking to Prince Phillip in a very joyful way and they're watching a cerimory with the guards in the gardens of the palace I believe.
"No one sit, stand or eat until the Queen does".
ReplyDeleteThat's why I always say: it's good to be the Queen.
Wow, graffitti in Paris is so much better than graffitti in Atlanta ;)
ReplyDeleteI will help you know more then Monica; there is another state banquet tonight so perhaps the lunch now is lighter than i first thought. Perhaps only seven courses. Apparently the President was invited for a longer stay but refused (refused the Queen; oh my! Off With His Head) saying he would only stay one night. I have found that M le President .... asked for the wine list to be sent to him in advance!..... oh my goodness this is a massive slight on the Royal household. I cannot imagine such a move ever happening before. Mme and our Prime Minister's wife will meet for luncheon tomorrow, at which they both will give their maiden public speeches, on childbirth health issues. This afternoon M le President is to speak at the House of Commons i believe? so my sources tell me (hand on ear) goodness i hope the water provided will be to his taste. This evening they return to the Castle for the main banquet. The sommelier must be tearing his hair out trying to provide du vin suitably superior for the French couple. Well i know she is Italian but now she represents French ladies. I know that the Chief Sommelier at Buckingham Palace is French, so if he is on duty at Windsor, he will surely be insulted in turn at this move. Mme will perhaps do something with her hair for this evening? I should think it will be 'up' for the occasion. Camilla will wear hers as it is since she has no choice of style it seems. Possibly there will be tiaras for her and certainly for the Queen, who will wear State evening dress, probably in satin with jewels. I would not be surprised to see the Princes William and Harry present tonight, but their girlfriends will NOT be welcome. The time has not come yet for that, though Kate Middleton (William's) is well on the way. I hope and expect Mme to be wearing some deliciously understated confection from a Paris house. But who knows?
ReplyDeleteLynn,
ReplyDelete"All are accompanied by several life guards in full dress on horseback (again, some are police)."
This gave me a very interesting mental image at first, as I think of life guards as being at swimming pool or beach, so I initially saw people in bathing suits on horses riding along, but then I realized it was a body guard and I laughed at myself for it...
Lucio, “thank you” for classifying my phobia! And for the cute picture of Remy (with his dog-like charm).
ReplyDeleteMichael, you are bad, bad, bad!!! Hmmm…didn’t Jeff have a little poem about that the other day? ;) I nominate you to lead the “PDP Murophobia Support Group,” as long as Lucio is there too. LOL!
Lynn, I loved reading your commentary on Sarkosy’s trip to London (so colorful and entertaining).
Monica, still no word from Muro and Smitha? {sigh}
Jennifer it's a pleasure - we need entertain whilst we look at Eric's poor little boy and his rats for company. Also whilst we wait for news of the lovers? I feel now that the silence is ominous. Eek.
ReplyDeleteJustine he he i wondered if some might see a lifeguard in place of life guards. What an image and very chilly!
Justine, i missed an obvious line there. Where would such police trunks-clad lifeguards keep their truncheons? ;)
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I wasn't going to say anything, but I like Eric too much not to mention it.
ReplyDeleteI think the couple (Manu & Smitha) owe it to Eric to show up here and give us the news whether they will get freaking married or not!!!
After all, Eric was there in the cold and dark that night photographing a stranger just to please the loving couple and - as required - isntantly posted their picture at PDP, the most famous blog of all France!!!!
So now Eric deserves his payback, even though I know he didn't do that focusing on any type of reward. But he deserves it, period.
So where in God's earth is this couple and why haven't they shown up here yet??????
Lynn thanks, the news given by you always have sort of an inside view, who else would comment about Mme.Sarkozy hair do!
ReplyDeletethis is fabulous. Rather like the British artist Banksy.
ReplyDeleteMichael: Only kidding, of course. Besides, I'm sure Jennifer is made of stronger stuff than my lighthearted defense of her might lead one to believe. Signed: Slowpoke Rodriguez
ReplyDeleteGuille: As your loyal vassal, I am obliged (and, in fact, delighted) to laugh at any joke you may care to make, whether you think it is funny or not - even if the butt of that joke is little ol' moi. Signed: Lucio, il Conte di Crispino. PS: I've just returned from the cinema, where I saw the complete (five hour!) version of Jean-Luc Godard's "Histoire(s) du cinéma", which is interesting, but pretty light on laughs, if you know what I mean.
Jennifer: As a fully qualified quack, I am probably the best person you could have consulted regarding your fear of rats. The reason you can trust me, of course, is that I have never let the medical facts stand in the way of a diagnosis, or missed an opportunity to use a word that would certainly score me big points - as well as one or two jealous glances - at scrabble. Thus, while I am happy to act as Michael's assistant at meetings of the PDP Murophobia Support Group, I do hope you will bear in mind that I know much less about your problem than he does. In fact, if I can take this opportunity to blow my own trumpet, it is not an exaggeration to say that I know nothing about it at all! Signed: Dr. Daffy
That artist truly is amazing to get such detail with a spray can!!
ReplyDeleteNice photo, Eric! Thank you for doing this!
ce graffiti est très beau, c'est amusant on retrouve le même sur le post aujourd'hui de notre suédois parisien préférè l'ami Peter
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to read the comments in the morning after you've all had a full night's conversation.
ReplyDeleteMichael, I apologize. You're right. The icky rat photo is a classic and I, for one, appreciate Eric showing us the good with the bad. Not that dead rats are bad.
Monica, I agree that Eric deserves a response from Manu and Smitha for his pains. On the other hand, if the answer was no, Smitha may not know about the post (or she may be embarrassed or angered by it). And if Manu's heart is broken it might be very hard for him to come forward right now. So I'll give him one more minute. I do hope the answer was yes, though. (J. and I will take our honeymoon in Paris someday, and you're all invited. That'll make Eric more comfortable.)
Lynn! Your commentary is FAB! I read somewhere that there's hope Mme. Sarkozy will be the savior of this visit, because she has a great history of loving all things English (or a history of loving some things English greatly). And I understand her command of the language is superb. So perhaps she can command her husband to behave, as well.
Oh--and Lynn, your joke about the truncheons is one I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole.
Yes, Olivier just noticed that I have pictured the same Jef Aersol boy on my today's post, but my photo was taken in the 13th arrdt. (Butte aux Cailles). Aynhow, a coincidence!
ReplyDeletelovely blog, Peter!
ReplyDeletehe he Petrea.
ReplyDeleteThe Sarkozys are now in the Palace of Westminster and le President is addressing the House. The man who introduced him is the Speaker who, to my mind, seems to have adopted a higher octace of voice in an almost reverential style. hehe usually he is a strong, no-nonsense Scot. Perhaps he is just trying to be clear for le Pres. The Speaker keeps control in the House of Commons, shouting "Order, order!" when the naughty boys (policitians) start sparring across the bench and throwing paper planes at the opposite party (my metaphor). Sarkozy seems to command his audience and, thankfully for me, his diction is both slow and clear. Yay i can understand most of it, if it wasn't for the annoying woman translating English over it! Mme is looking nervous and doesn't quite know where to sit. She is directed and glides into her place with the faultless elegance of a top model. (cough) He is dramatic, animated and speaks directly to the House with a confident manner. Gordon Brown who, in my opinion, has to work hard at such abilities, listens attentively, smirking politely at le Pres. little bursts of humour and nodding wisely at the words passed through his translation headphones.
Sarkozy is now thanking France for solidarity, courage and help during the First World War. We shall never forget, he says. He also says that in the past UK and France have clashed because we are so similar (why thanks, Pres. blush) but now it is important to realise that together we are stronger.
So Eric, hear that? You and I are... To... geth. ..er. ;) lol
Oooh he says the British are a model, a benchmark in achievement - we most admire the British ability to show the world where it must be heading.
Gosh. My head's getting a bit big now - I like this Sarkozy chap, you know - lol more later.... :)
Eek: error. He's thanking England, not France!! I messed up the best bit....groan.
ReplyDeletePetrea le Pres. is so far behaving very well indeed and no prodding from the Missus either yet. She is more concerned about her posture and appearance i think. Oops, she lowers her eyes a little whilst effecting a slight soupir. Sharp intake of breath; could she be...bored?
ReplyDeleteEngland stands for peace and democracy, he goes on. Nobody forced Britain into this, it was its own intelligence. Thirty five years ago the UK chose Europe and i come here today to say that we need the UK. France must learn from its neighbours.
Hey i didn't say that - he did!!! Don't throw any paper planes at me will you.
We Frenchmen wish to change Europe yes we have made mistakes. Climate change, immigration, defence, we must act together. Gordon Brown, Prime Minister of Britain nods vigorously.
Quick look at Mme for reassurance i think. She must have given him the thumbs up perhaps as he returns looking forward, satisfied. He goes on... and on... more in a while.
Something's coming, and judging from his fetal position, it's probably not good. Was he hiding, and the approaching footsteps have alerted the rat and the boy? The red arrow seems to indicate a big no no in that direction.
ReplyDeleteOr, maybe I'm reading too much into this! It's a thought provoking photo.
Lynn, you are unstoppable! “So Eric, hear that? You and I are... To... geth. ..er.” hehehe…please don’t stop, this is more entertaining every day. :)
ReplyDeleteDr. Lucio, your professional wisdom and attention in correctly identifying phobias is greatly appreciated. :)
Monica, I agree, in the name of decency, for Eric, who we all adore, who was so kind, so giving and trusting to wait on the bridge that night, and to post the romantic photo on THE most famous blog in all of France…..yooo hooo…Manu and Smitha….where are you?
Peter, your photos are gorgeous too! and that sweet little baby picture is a nice touch.
Monsieur le President finished his speech with "Long live the United Kingdom, Long live France!" and got a standing ovation in the House.
ReplyDeleteI think he may be allowed extra pudding tonight at the Castle.
Wow i like Noa Rose's take on the graffiti. Quite scary huh. I feel afraid for the little boy.
ReplyDeleteThe meal tonight i believe will be, appropriately, roast beef a la Windsor. Tomorrow lunch for the Sarkozys will be cooked by Raymond Blanc (who lives not far from me, maybe i could slip in unnoticed in his car, with laptop, reporting for you from his boot) and will consist of wild salmon, leek and duck. Yum.
ReplyDeleteBy the way Eric, we have a football match in Paris, France v. England? You see, we are to...geth....er once again. It's a sign.
"I like this Sarkozy chap, you know " Lynn, Are...you...kidding?...
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I'm glad that you were our reporter. I'm sure you have a journalist carreer behind you (or in front of you). ;)
About the "sigh", I don't know if we have a "translation". "(soupir)" with brackets is fine to me.
Thanks Servant Lucio, conte di Crispino. I didn't see this Godard but totally understand what you mean by "light on laughs"! LOL.
I forgot Lucio, what "ol' moi" means?
ReplyDeletehe he i only said i liked him because he is singing the praises of the British lol!
ReplyDeleteMonica, I don't think it matters at all if the couple never shows up. Eric took another suberb photos, told us a lovely story and we all had a lovely time guessing this and that. If they never turn up, never mind... we can all create our own end for the story :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe if the boy keeps his eyes on the red arrow, he won't notice that he is the presence of a couple of rats - yikes!
ReplyDeleteLoved your Sarkozy/QEII commentary, Lynn!
I found 2 other ones I took with my mobile phone in The Marais: http://daanvens.wordpress.com/2007/05/10/wallpainting/
ReplyDeleteA Belgian blogging in Dutch from Paris...
Wow, what a commentary Lynn! I loved it! Now I'm looking for that France-England score. So far all I can find is France 1 - England 0. Hmmm
ReplyDeleteJ'aime votre blog! Btw, I didnt know Aerosol was a french mot. Good stuff
ReplyDeleteWell unless I mis-read, the score was: France 1-0 England (with or without David Beckham!)
ReplyDeleteGuille: It ("ol' moi") means "old me". The (') after the (l) indicates that a letter has been deliberately dropped for effect: i.e. in order to imitate a mode of speech. You will, I am certain, have seen this in expressions such as "rock 'n' roll' ("a" and "d" are missing) and "toys 'r' us" ("a" and "e" are missing).
ReplyDeleteWhile we're on the topic, I recently saw footage of Hillary Clinton speaking to supporters in the rural heartland of the America, and she was cunningly dropping the final "g" of almost every word that ended with that letter - workin', sayin', doin', etc. - in a blatant attempt to shore up her credibility with an audience she imagined would understand, and like, her better if she shed a few consonants. Gullible as only people at political rallies can be, her devotees seemed more than happy to be patronized in this manner and rewarded her with several bouts of applause. Ah, Hillary, how you hate to see the people strugglin' 'n' sufferin'!
Ah Lynn, Your story of Queen E. and Prez S. and the golden carrages added to the Cinderella imagery of Eric's photo today. You see, those rats were coachmen for Manu and Smitha's enchanted coach ride from the night before, and this boy has planted himself here, waiting to hear the news, which the rats are coming to tell him will be announced soon. VERY soon, we hope.
ReplyDeleteGreat image, Eric! I think the artist uses stencils, in answer to the commentor who couldn't believe how good the artist was with spray paints.
-Kim
Thanks Michael!
ReplyDeleteSeveral million pounds of diamonds and rubies later, on Her Majesty's person alone and various dishes of food cooked in an English style with French wording of course, they are still eating. I would have obliged with reporting on what everyone looked like and said as they left, but Sarkozy must have really said all the right stuff today and pleased the Royal line-up. The Queen has kindly retrieved the camp bed from the shed and put it up for the newlywed President et Madame. They're staying overnight.
Breakfast will be a choice between Corn Flakes or porridge - At my house, in any case. At the castle, i've no doubt there will be a buffet bar of everything hot from eggs to smoked salmon to kidneys to black pudding - ugh to the last one - preceded by cereals and juice and followed by toast coffee and a brisk walk through the grounds with the corgis. What will Mme be wearing for breakfast i wonder? Let's face it, her beautiful spangly jeans are never going to fit into this programme. I suggest a true kilt would go down well with HM together with a cashmere sweater with minimum exposure. Is that a problem?
Lucio, don't use slang with me,i'm a novice you know. ;)
ReplyDeleteGuille: And how is it that novices become experts? Even a queen, such as yourself, must remember that she was once a princess! Inquire and ye shall learn, Your Majesty.
ReplyDeleteSo; i shall continue just for posterity the Sarkozy Saga in Britain. News is that a private conversation between the Queen and le Pres. was picked up on microphones last night at dinner. Oops. Heads will roll for sure. I shall be able to tell you in a while what was said. I shall also describe what the lovely new Mme is wearing today, for those who care about such things. We all do, let's face it? This is a Paris comments box and we are talking about the Mme of Paree! --- Back very soon.
ReplyDeleteMme Sarkozy, as she insists she is called (and why not? This is what she is of course but it would be nice to use her name) emerged this morning from Windsor Castle wearing a deep purple coat covering a grey shirt-blouse (sure does like grey, this lady - in Britain we often translate it as boring)and i believe grey trousers, though they looked a little like jeans, i'm sure that cannot be the case. Her hair was lightly curled at the ends and she wears shoes by Dior. Her husband le President wore....um... clothes. What? I was looking at the lady of course.
ReplyDeleteHer Majesty wore a royal blue ensemble with freshly coiffured hair, i noticed, quite tightly curled at the back. The couple were waved off from the Castle steps, an action not always taken. The visit is going swimmingly. Warm smiles and rather an intimate little wave from Her Majesty, as opposed to the stiff hand reserved for mere subjects.
Presently, the couple are at No. 10 Downing Street to lunch with the Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his lady wife. Perhaps Haggis (no it's delicious, really! But it must be roasted in my view) is on the menu as he is a Scot. I shall try to find out.
Le Pres. and Mme are soon arriving at Arsenal football club, where they will visit and talk to children - there is a football club there also for juniors, run in FRENCH (goodness how the English are changing) so that the youngsters can learn a language and train at the same time.
We shall hear the lovely Mme's voice today (will there be another change of clothes, one wonders?) as she makes a maiden speech together with the Prime Minister's wife, on childbirth (does she have children i don't know about?) - I am all ears. I must work for a while now and will report later. The pair have obliged by having lunch whilst i am busy. How kind.
Cool! Yea, Jef is on of my Flickr friends! :D
ReplyDeleteLynn's report.. I love it!
ReplyDeleteI will try to get a glimpse of Mme.'s outfit. You're right, of course we care about it!
What is Haggis Lynn?
Lynn, your commentary is fabulous! Please keep it going. And I have a suggestion: perhaps you can copy and save it all to post on your blog as a special thing, so we can access it whenever we need to. It's really delicious and I'd hate to think it should just disappear into the ether in a few days when this part of the blog drifts away to "older posts..."
ReplyDeletelol ok Petrea i will. I felt it belonged here as it's a French visit to us in the UK but i can do both as you suggest. I'll put it on today's Windsor castle post at mine then.
ReplyDeleteAh. Haggis, Monica. Oh dear. There's a question. If you are wary of what goes into sausages, you will be wary about haggis. Once you're over that, though, it's a similar mixture mixed with barley which, traditionally is wrapped in a pig's stomach lining - not anymore though! Now it's wrapped in plastic at the supermarket which you just peel off. Then put in foil, with butter on top and roast, opening the foil in the last ten minutes of the two hours. Serve with fresh veg and gravy. It truly is delicious. A scottish dish, always served on New Year's Eve and Burns Night.
Lynn I get the picture.
ReplyDeleteYes, after the pig stomach part it does sound delicious!
The microphone was strong enough, last night at the Sarkozy banquet at Windsor Castle, to pick up the Queen telling her daughter, HRH Princess Anne the Princess Royal that the Prime Minister had got lost on the way!
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile Monsieur le President has been photographed on a boat on the River Thames in London, cuddling his wife (shock horror) whilst on their journey to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. She had her head laid on his shoulder and he was said to be 'comforting' her. Was she tired? Bored? Dismayed at the nude pictures of herself flying around the UK? No need, Mme Sarkozy, i say. They are model pictures, nothing more. We see many like that in most daily newspapers. I heard someone earlier thanking God that Cherie Blair had not had the same idea.
The feeling seems to be that Britain has been charmed by Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. I must say she looks lovely and quite modest, contrary to some expectations though i have heard that her new album (oh yes she sings quite sweetly) sports a sticker describing how she will stay with the Queen. I have not seen it but ... well... ew. Not a good move I'd say.
Today she was given much applause for her speech at a lunch at Lancaster House.
Meanwhile, Monsieur le President has awarded France's top honour of Legion d'honeur to Dame Ellen MacArthur, round-the-world sailor.
Le Pres. has been extolling the virtues of his new wife, telling a British audience that she has a sensitivity, that she is humaine and elegant. Ahh. He's in love.
Gordon Brown, British Prime Minister, has expressed his wish for the two countries to work together.
Fashion: Elle adore le Dior!
ReplyDeleteThe grey dress, knee length and belted with little hat to match, Mme first wore is Christian Dior - a British designer - with CD flat, black shoes also.
The grey trouser suit was also Dior, covered by a purple coat.
The evening gown designer i have yet to discover. I'm guessing Dior.
Please do tell us about the evening gown Lynn!!! Did you see all these things your reporting or did you read in the papers?
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see them on the boat on the River Thames...
Sarkozy is now giving a speech at the London Guildhall banquet. He is talking about the changing face of France and that France is a good investment.
ReplyDelete- Monsieur le President points his finger far too much in my view. I was brought up to believe this is very rude behaviour. He even points at people, the other evening he pointed at the Queen! Sacre bleu -
He is concerned about the price of oil and wants peace, stability.
- Mme is wearing a strapless backless little piece of fabric. It is most elegant and, though lots of skin on show, not vulgar. At last she has some jewellery. A beautiful diamond tiered necklace. Perhaps Nicolas popped into Gerrards at lunchtime to purchase something for the poor girl. With these functions, a lady needs jewels!! Finally she sparkles as she should. She needed a tiara for this evening's event. Now that she is married, she must only use one from her husband's family. If he doesn't have one, he should buy it. She can no longer wear one from her own family - it's for single girls only. This all according to British etiquette of course, in France it's probably quite different.
Mind you, she's looking hideously bored right now. Stretching her back, fiddling with her arms, leaning forward ... oh dear... his speech does not seem to hold sufficient sparkle for her. Many more to come, my friend! Brace yourself.
I shan't report all of his political arguments as you will read of these in your newspapers. Sarkozy wears a blakc dinner suit with a properly tied collar and bow tie though it's straining to become a whirly one at the moment, with a bright red waistcoat.
Sarkozy attacks the financial sector with whom he is having dinner! Not aspiring, a lack of transparency, he would prefer a central bank etc. etc. The city high-fliers sitting amongst him are bristling. Brr. Rather him than me.
correction: Garrard
ReplyDeletehe he i'll try to find out Monica. Some on news wires, some from tv. Glad you're enjoying it. I'd like to know how much of the UK visit is covered in France but maybe Eric is irritated by my little commentary here? EeeeEEEEEK. I do hope not. That would be worse than a room full of hostile financiers.
ReplyDeleteAll my own words though Monica.
ReplyDeleteYou can see pics at cheltenham at bottom of my post, look for So Cosy Sarkozy headline!
ReplyDeleteLynn, I hope Eric doesn't mind. I'm enjoying it very much. I'm also thrilled to hear it will be saved at Cheltenham for posterity.
ReplyDeleteAnd I adore grey. I wear it myself, in my attempts to be elegant.
Thank you Petrea. I like grey but in Britain we talk about 'grey men' and grey generally means a bit boring. She looks good in it for sure.
ReplyDelete