Alas, something new thing not to take for granted.
Paris is full of old buildings. These buildings are called Hausmann’s. These buildings were constructed before central climate control was on the radar of the civilized world.
So what do you do when modernity sweeps in with its fancy central heating?
You get radiators.
Only radiators are nice. You have this thing called a boiler that kicks hot water through a building and fights old man winter.
Safety and security are yours.
No, in Paris you do not get radiators, you get space heaters, the electric version of a radiator. Or as some firemen call them, job insurance.
In my apartment, some of these work well. Scary well. Do not fall asleep with them on well.
Some of these, not so much. The two largest apparently the weakest. Rivaled only in heat by a cigarette lighter.
The restaurant nearby uses them to cook steak.
So here’s to warm clothing.
or to calling the landlord…
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Guidebook
An estimated 27 million tourists visit Paris each year. Chances are that if you are reading this blog, you have already been counted among the 27 million this year, or plan to be part of a future 27 million.
Maybe you would like some guidance?
Most of the people that write guidebooks have editors and expense accounts. I have neither. Facing this unfortunate fact, a two pronged approach was devised.
First, there will be a focus on what to avoid. Shunning mediocrity is paramount in a city with a bouquet of excellence.
Second, please send requests. Unlike Chicago radio stations, I will actually play a variety. Right of refusal reserved, you are hereby challenged to find something new and/or interesting to put to trial.
So here it goes. Hopefully this experiment will turn out well.
And if not, at least the price is right.
Maybe you would like some guidance?
Most of the people that write guidebooks have editors and expense accounts. I have neither. Facing this unfortunate fact, a two pronged approach was devised.
First, there will be a focus on what to avoid. Shunning mediocrity is paramount in a city with a bouquet of excellence.
Second, please send requests. Unlike Chicago radio stations, I will actually play a variety. Right of refusal reserved, you are hereby challenged to find something new and/or interesting to put to trial.
So here it goes. Hopefully this experiment will turn out well.
And if not, at least the price is right.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Bien Cuit
A scene from a French restaurant:
“How would you like your steak, medium?”
“French medium or American medium?”
“French medium.”
“Well done.”
The steak, of course, arrived medium rare.
Food is a religion in France. The meal is the rite. Wine is not alcohol, it is culture.
And cooking beef too much is a sin.
In this country it is possible to ask for steak cooked only with the light singe of a cigarette lighter.
Or a raw egg, spices, and salt.
There is a parasite that depending on the source, an estimated large part of the meat eating French populous has. This is less in the US, only by virtue of more fire. Typically, you will never know if you have it. Your reaction time may be slower and you may have cysts in your brain, but you will not feel different.
You will also have a higher probability of dying in an automobile accident.
However, red beef tastes good. Real good.
More Carpaccio, please. More tartar!
Toxoplasma gondii be damned.
“How would you like your steak, medium?”
“French medium or American medium?”
“French medium.”
“Well done.”
The steak, of course, arrived medium rare.
Food is a religion in France. The meal is the rite. Wine is not alcohol, it is culture.
And cooking beef too much is a sin.
In this country it is possible to ask for steak cooked only with the light singe of a cigarette lighter.
Or a raw egg, spices, and salt.
There is a parasite that depending on the source, an estimated large part of the meat eating French populous has. This is less in the US, only by virtue of more fire. Typically, you will never know if you have it. Your reaction time may be slower and you may have cysts in your brain, but you will not feel different.
You will also have a higher probability of dying in an automobile accident.
However, red beef tastes good. Real good.
More Carpaccio, please. More tartar!
Toxoplasma gondii be damned.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Keep Running
I am a runner. Or rather, I run three times a week. This is necessary. The French, if nothing else, love their food. Their food, loves you. While you will be hard pressed to find American quantities, the French have mastered the art of combining sugar and fat. Some call this desert.
You must get a medical exam to enter the country. In addition, most companies require you to get an exam on site.
The on site medical exam is much like the one to get into France. You give your vital statistics and talk about vaccinations and family history. Still not knowing as much French as to pass through a medical visit, this is interesting.
After your interview, you see a doctor. The doctor does normal doctor checks and continues with questions. Blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are all checked. If necessary, they will also give you an EKG. Apparently, for me, this is not necessary. My pulse rate was something near a zombie. Some may call this healthy; I call this a lack of caffeine. Low pulse rate equates to not needing an EKG.
But far be that from the only reason to run. Paris is an interesting city. While running, I have seen things from rainbows (pretty), to Canadian geese (a bit odd), to packs of gnomes (quite odd indeed).
Of course there are the statues, palaces, and parks to run near.
Running is a win. It is a way to see new things and a good way to stay in shape.
It also means you don’t have to skip dessert.
You must get a medical exam to enter the country. In addition, most companies require you to get an exam on site.
The on site medical exam is much like the one to get into France. You give your vital statistics and talk about vaccinations and family history. Still not knowing as much French as to pass through a medical visit, this is interesting.
After your interview, you see a doctor. The doctor does normal doctor checks and continues with questions. Blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are all checked. If necessary, they will also give you an EKG. Apparently, for me, this is not necessary. My pulse rate was something near a zombie. Some may call this healthy; I call this a lack of caffeine. Low pulse rate equates to not needing an EKG.
But far be that from the only reason to run. Paris is an interesting city. While running, I have seen things from rainbows (pretty), to Canadian geese (a bit odd), to packs of gnomes (quite odd indeed).
Of course there are the statues, palaces, and parks to run near.
Running is a win. It is a way to see new things and a good way to stay in shape.
It also means you don’t have to skip dessert.
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