Petite Treasure No. 2

During an errand run today, I spotted another “petite treasure.” This petite treasure is special because it reminded me of the summer of 2007. That was the summer I decided I would not deal with the “what do I do with my hair” issue, and I marched into Mason's Barber Shop and demanded a precision haircut. After verifying I, indeed, wanted to be rid of “all that hair,” the courageous barber began the task of cutting.


If you have ever seen the film, “Barbershop,” then you have a fairly accurate representation of the ambiance of Mason's. There were a couple of regulars there, and they were engaged in cheerful bantering back and forth with the other barbers in the shop. The television was on, and the topic of said bantering was sports, of course!!

The latest arrival to the conversation entered the shop, and along with the haircut, he also had a shave. This was not your shave with a disposable razor. This was a real shave which entailed the lathering of the client's face with the brush and the use of a straight edge razor. Those types of shaves require skills!!!

So, it was pure delight to stumble upon the following shop. Although closed for lunch, it's nice to know there is a place to go to obtain the tools of the close shave trade.

I present to you my Petite Treasure No. 2, for those of you who engage in the fine art of the precision shave:

Some Things Never Change!

Some of you will probably wholeheartedly agree with the title of this little blog, while others may choose to vehemently disagree. Before you “weigh in” on either side, consider the facts I present to you:

Fact Number One. I am a legal resident of Washington, D.C., United States of America

Fact Number Two: I am a Temporary Tourist/Student Resident of Nice, France

Fact Number Three: Washington, D.C. And Nice, France are popular tourist destinations.

Are you with me so far? Are we all in agreement with the facts as presented above?

The “evidence” supporting my statement is as follows:

Evidential Argument No. 1: Said author of this blog, henceforth to be known as “Elizabeth,” has heretofore and currently is legally domiciled in the area known as Washington, D.C. Said area known as Washington, D.C., is neither a city nor a state, but a District. Said District is a popular tourist destination. Elizabeth, author of this blog, being a legal resident of the area heretofore identified as the District, but which shall hereafter be referred to as “D.C.,” has been, upon occasions too numerous to count and while being in the company of self, friends, families, and general passers-by, specifically called upon to provide directions to various locations within the area known as the District (hereinafter referred to as “D.C.”); to provide the current time to the general public; has been called upon to recite bus and subway schedules upon being asked; has provided on the spot instruction on how to ride the subway system in the area known as the District (i.e., D.C.); has been required to function in the role of “human” GPS mechanism to provide directions to points beyond said District (hereinafter to be referred to as “D.C.” (I promise) and points of interest in the immediate vicinity thereof; and has functioned as impromptu tour guide and keeper and reciter of historical knowledge deemed of interest by persons identified as “extremely temporary residents,” (hereinafter referred to as “Tourists”).

Evidential Argument No. 2.: Said author of this blog, hereinafter to be referred to as “Elizabeth,” on 5 September 2010, became a Temporary Tourist/Student Resident of Nice, France.

Evidential Argument No. 3.: Said author of this blog, Elizabeth (hereinafter to be referred to as “Temporary Tourist/Student Resident of Nice, France”), upon arrival in the popular tourist destination known as Nice, France (hereinafter to be referred to as “Nice, France”) has been, upon occasions too numerous to count while being in the company of self, called upon to provide the current time, to respond to queries regarding the schedule of Bus Route No. 22 or to provide the status of buses during days of strikes, and to provide directions as requested.

Conclusion: Perhaps some things never change.

True

Petite Treasure

Taking the bus home from school the other day, it was such a lovely afternoon, I decided to hop off the bus and walk through the neighborhood. During my walk, I spotted an interesting “treasure:” A wonderful trompe l'oeil mural to delight the eye!

The pencil at the top right corner “tells” the viewer the work is “in progress.”

I wonder when will the "artist" complete its master piece.

Would you like to know more? Stay tuned, Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel

True

Passage de l'Avenir

Madame G and I had a lively chat during the ride from the airport to my new home for the current academic year. The scenery during that rather brief ride was that of a typical warm and sunny Sunday afternoon. People were strolling with friends, and they seemed to be enjoying the lovely day as much as I was. Concerned about where I would find something to eat later, I asked where does one go that would be open and not too expensive. Madame G responded there are few establishments open on Sunday, but I should be able to find something. In fact, she took an extra turn around the block in order to show me a bakery which is only steps away from the apartment.

I had a lovely welcoming to my new home. My faculty advisor and her husband were there and Madame G's husband was there too. We all climbed the stairs to the top floor, which would be the Third Floor in the United States, but somehow is the Second Floor here in France. We all entered, and I was given a tour of home.

Home is a small studio. It has an interesting tiled floor and an equally interesting wooden ceiling. In terms of dimensions, I would say it is about the size of a small master bedroom, and that is including the petite kitchen!! There are two windows with shutters that provide a wonderful view of the apartments of my neighbors. The bathroom is equally interesting. It has a tiny skylight which provides lovely light, and it is tiled also. There is a petite shower which provides great incentive for me to lose weight!! (Don't Drop the Soap!!!)

There is a petite laundry machine manufactured by someone called Candy, and a petite refrigerator which Candy has also fashioned. (Fortunately, my adviser had kindly put a few lovely things for me to eat in said petite refrigerator.) To dry my laundry, I hang out of the window like my neighbors and with clothespins, I secure my freshly washed clothing.

I have a tiled square table near one of the windows which I use mainly as my desk. There is a built in bookcase which houses the petite television, a lamp, and the few books I lugged along in the heaviest carry on bags I could manage.

I am only a few short blocks from the famous Promenade des Anglais, and there are many shopkeepers and shops which are yet to be explored . .

Would you like to know more? Stay tuned Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel

True

Identity

For the majority of my tender years, I was simply introduced as “Amelia's daughter,” or called “daughter.” It wasn't until I entered the public school system that I understood the name, Elizabeth, applied to me.

During my 20s, I became known as Wife of, or The Wife, and I acquired the title “Mrs.” before my understood name of “Elizabeth.” I also received a new last name.

At the dawn of the decade of my 30s, I became a “She Who Must Be Obeyed” and I joined the elite club to which my mother belonged, to which my grandmother belonged. My budding linguist, however, shortened my new title to “MOM!!” or “MAMA!!.” Others simply referred to me as Only One Son's Mom or Mother of Only One Son.

The end of the decade of the 30s, I became identified as a “Divorcee,” which I still find strange, since I commenced the proceedings. Why was I not given the title “The Divorcer?”

During the decade of the 40s, I was addressed as Madame Court Reporter, lest I forget why I am sitting in a room with total strangers dutifully memorializing every word being said.

A new decade has commenced, and with it, a new identity. I am currently a full time undergrad student and Tourist-Temporary Resident of Nice, France. I must confess I am curious to learn my new title (smiles).

True

Touchdown!!!

And a smooth landing it was!! Gathering the heaviest carry-on baggage I could manage, I began the trek to the baggage retrieval area. Positive I would be reunited with my luggage, I daringly spent 1 Euro on a baggage carrier on wheels!!! I then joined my flying companions at the designated station. Lo and behold, my luggage was the first to make an appearance, and everything appeared to be intact!

I then made my way to the arrival area. I was informed prior to my departure I would be met at the airport by Madame “G.” As I drew closer to the area where there were others waiting and holding signs with various passenger names, I noticed there wasn't a female amongst them. Thinking perhaps there was a change in plan, I carefully scanned the colorful signs being held by the various representatives. My name wasn't there!!!

I thought “Maybe I can't see her because of all the tall fellows holding signs.” So, I did a careful re-scan of the area, and I still didn't see my name!! Then I thought “Maybe I should go back to the doorway and re-enter.” By doing so, I noticed a lovely petite lady holding a sign that simply said “Maryland.” I introduced myself, and it turned out she was, indeed, sent to meet me!!

With a sigh of relief, we exited the airport and made our way to the parking lot. While Madame G was placing the baggage carrier in its designated return area, I took a moment to observe my surroundings. Nice was sunny and hot, just like Miami!! The buildings which were visible reminded me of the architecture in Miami!! There was a slight difference, though.

Instead of being spoken to in Spanish, I was now being spoken to in French!!

Would you like to know more? Tune in Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel

True

Destination: Nice

To be perfectly honest, I don't remember much at all about the flight from Zurich to Nice. I remember the layover. The landing was uneventful, and maneuvering with the heaviest carry on bags I thought I could manage was becoming less onerous. Having a couple of hours until my flight departed and refreshed from the night's sleep, I thought taking a walk around the terminal would be energizing (along with a cup of coffee).

I found it interesting the first “fast food” chain I happened to lay eyes on was Burger King!! There are not so many Burger Kings in the Washington, D.C. Area. The chain is more visible in Miami, which I believe is the home of its corporate offices. There were the usual luxury item boutiques, but I didn't explore them mainly because of the baggage I was carrying.

I soon spotted a currency exchange counter, and once again, I attempted to withdraw funds. This time, there was a real person, but the result was a repeat of the encounter I had with the polite ATM machine: Transaction Denied!!! It was at this point that my anxiety level was raised to the level of total alarm. I had no problems using my card just prior to departing Miami. I had informed the bank (who confirmed my status) prior to my departure to ensure there would be no misunderstandings. Yet, once again, I received the message “Transaction Denied,” but at least the clerk was kind.

Determined to remain calm (along with the knowledge I was unlikely to reach a person at said bank on a Sunday morning/Saturday night), I resorted to the past time of people watching. Curious to know how Europeans dress, I found a nice spot to people watch. Khaki colored trousers that zip off at the knee to convert to knee-length shorts seemed to be quite popular with both sexes. A few fashionably casually dressed businessmen types strolled by. The majority of the ladies were dressed with comfort in mind, but there was the occasional fashionista teetering by on high heels.

It wasn't long before the announcement came that my flight was ready to board . . .

Would you like to know more? Stay tuned … Same Bat Time... Same Bat channel.

True

Destination: Zurich

The flight to Philadelphia was calm, the skies were clear. The landing was smooth, and maneuvering while loaded with the heaviest carry on bags I could manage didn't seem so bad after my refreshing nap during the flight. I decided against exploring the airport shops, and once I confirmed the departure gate for the next leg of my journey, I began the long trek to the designated departure gate.

I noticed a currency conversion booth, and I thought this would be a good time to exchange currency. Near the departure gate for my flight, I spotted nearby an ATM machine. Luckily, there was no line!! So there would not be a repeat of the experience with the line at McDonald's. I keyed in the necessary codes and requested of the machine a sum of money well within the daily cash withdrawal limit. After the momentary processing, the machine politely informed me: Transaction Denied!! Not giving in to rising panic, I thought perhaps so many people have been at the machine today, it is possible it is low on cash.

Thus, I initiated a new transaction and requested of the machine a lower reasonable amount of cash which was definitely within the daily withdrawal limit. Once again, I received the polite message: Transaction Denied!! Struggling to not give in to the rising level of anxiety I was beginning to feel, I boldly initiated a third transaction, knowing the possibility my bank card would be retained by said polite ATM machine was extremely high!

Bingo!!! I was able to obtain a small sum of cash which, when converted to Euros, and once fees were deducted netted me a little over 100 Euros. Definitely well below the amount I requested and nowhere near the amount I needed upon landing in France, since I was to hand over the caution (security deposit) to my landlord upon arrival!! I thought Well, at least some money is better than none at all!!

It wasn't long before the announcement that my flight to Zurich was ready to board, and I made my way to the check-in counter. Unlike the orderly procession of boarding passengers at the US Airways terminal, the passenger boarding “procession” was one in which everyone raced to check in simultaneously. Fortunately, there was no pushing or shoving!!

I found my seat at the very back of the plane – never sat that far back before – and this time, I had the window seat (sigh). After that startling experience with the ATM machine, it was nice to relax. My seat mate and I must have had the same thought. We both quickly stowed our carry on bags and liberated our blankets and pillows from their guardian plastic enclosures. She got out her book, and I retrieved mine. We chatted briefly, but it was nice to know I would not have to try to engage in conversation the entire flight especially since I could not shake the feeling of mounting anxiety I had as a result of my encounter with the polite ATM machine!!

The in-flight movie was the newly re-made and released Karate Kid starring the son of Jada Pinkette and Will Smith, which I had not seen (and which I still have not seen in its entirety since I fell asleep at some point). Dinner was delicious, although I can't remember what it was at this point. I do remember thinking it was better than I expected of “heat and serve” in-flight cuisine.

I woke up, and I was greeted by the most beautiful sunrise. Soon, the entire cabin began to stir, and breakfast was served promptly by the flight attendants. It wasn't long before the pilot announced we would be landing in Zurich in about 20 minutes.

With my excitement level rising and such a beautiful sunrise, I thought this is going to be a good day!!
Would you like to know more? Stay tuned...Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel..

True

Destination: Philadelphia

I will start today's blog by saying Thank you to the inventor of Flip Flops!!

After bidding farewell to my over weight baggage, I began the long trek to the departure gate. Loaded with the heaviest carry on bags I thought I could manage, this long trek was no small task! After completing the security check in process, I still had a good walk ahead of me.

Since I had spent the morning repacking, I had not eaten. So, with the grumbling of my stomach reminding me I had overlooked the morning's meal, I decided it was a good time to grab a bite to eat. The Double Arches of McDonald's beckoned me, and since only a few people were at the counter, I – loaded with the heaviest carry on bags I thought I could manage – began the relatively short trek to the counter.

Interestingly, with each step I took, the line at the counter magically grew! So by the time I reached the line – loaded with the heaviest carry on bags I thought I could manage – I had, in fact, taken only a few steps!!

Finally, the moment came when I presented myself to the gentleman behind the counter to place my order. I ordered a light meal, and it was presented to me quickly. Now, the task became how to get to the seat I had my eye on given I was loaded with the heaviest carry on bags I thought I could manage (smiles). After my wonderful meal, I along with my bags began the trek to the departure gate. Once there, I found a wonderful seat with a view towards the runway. Soon, I was joined by many others, and the moment arrived where we all boarded the plane. There was the usual assortment of folks, including the proverbial crying babies and barking dog. Yes, I said barking dog!!

I thought I must really be tired, but a curious glance at my two seat mates (I had my beloved aisle seat) confirmed I was not having “a moment.” For a second, I thought the barking dog of my son's neighbor had managed to sneak aboard the plane!! Indeed, someone had “carried on” a dog. The owner must have applied a muzzle as a result of many curious looks towards the end of the cabin from whence the barks came, 'cause he or she was quieted quicker than the crying babies!!

The flight was comfortable, and after a moment, I began to do what I always do on planes. I fell asleep!!!!

Would you like to know more? Stay tuned … Same bat time...Same bat channel …

True

My Flip Flops – Part Two

Even though it technically is time to put my beloved flip flops away, I just could not. Instead, I and my beloved flip flops jetted off to the land of Louis XIV!!

Yes, I said I and my beloved flip flops boarded not just one, but three planes to visit the land of Louis XIV!!

In a moment of madness which occurs when one reaches a certain age, I decided to apply for study abroad to improve my French!! During said moment of madness, I took the decision to stay not just one semester, but the entire year!!!

So, on 4 September 2010, I boarded a plane to commence the first leg of my journey to France!! It was a typically beautiful Miami morning – sunny and hot!! I started the morning by repacking my bags since I was determined not to be slapped with over-weight baggage charges. Finally, the moment arrived when it was time to go to the airport. Remembering my last experience at the airport, I donned my beloved flip flops and away to the airport was I (smiles).

The drive was short and uneventful, given any sane person would still be asleep on a Saturday morning, and after hugs and kisses to my son and his pal, I entered the hallowed halls of US Airways to commence my journey.

Luggage check in was easy!!! Somehow, I still managed to be charged for 7 pounds of over weight luggage!! The good thing though, my bags commenced their journey straight through to France. I, on the other hand, still had to go through security. . . .

Would you like to know more? Stay tuned. Same bat time, same bat channel,

True

My Beloved Flip Flops

Alas, the lazy days of summer have once again slipped passed me.  A new school year has commenced, and with that, comes the time to retire my beloved footwear of summer -- the flip flop!!  Yes, the days are still warm and the nights equally steamy, but it just doesn't feel like lazy summer any longer.  So, in tribute to the passing of those lazy days, I'm pondering the destiny of my flip flops. My flip flops are special because they were a gift to me, and you all know how much I cherish gifts!!!  They're not your average flip flops either!!  They are Black with a two inch sole, and they are (or were) extremely comfortable as we treaded the steamy pavements of College Park, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Miami, Florida.  Certainly, in keeping with all things modern and produced with planned obsolescence, the glued on strip which separated my feet from the true sole (or is it soul) of my flip flops became detached; but that didn't deter me and my flip flops from our various appointments with destiny at the Library during the Summer Research Institute I attended, nor did that detachment stop us from visiting the French Consulate in Miami.  Real troopers these flip flops of mine!!  Unfortunately, the time has come to give them a much needed vacation.  My, my, my, the stories they could tell!!!

 

 

Valentine's Day

Ah, yes, 'tis the day before Valentine's Day, the day we show our retailers how much we truly adore them!!

Yes, I know I'm being a bit cheeky this morning. Perhaps it is because I am not such a big fan of this particular holiday. I guess what I'm trying to say is this: If one has to show one's appreciation and adoration and love at the behest of the retail/marketing establishment, then how does one manage to express those sentiments the remaining 364 -- and every fourth year, 365 days -- of the year?

In my humble opinion, real love is expressed every day of the year in many endearing ways, and it's those small ways that I value the most.

Yet, there are those who find this holiday a perfect moment to express their affection, and to those who do, I wish you a Happy Valentine's Day.

powered by performancing firefox

If It Looks Like a Draft and Quacks Like a Draft ...

Then may one logically conclude it, indeed, a draft?

I confess I was busy over the holiday season, and I was a bit remiss in keeping my "ear to the railroad tracks." However, the gifts have been opened, the tree and its trimmings have been dismantled. Now is the time to return to "the real world."

What do I find occurred during my momentary absence?

Comes now the U.S. Selective Service and its "preparations" for a "test." This isn't a test of the Emergency Broadcasting System, but a test of the military DRAFT system which the United States abandoned years ago.

Planning for the Area Office Mobilization Prototype Exercise -- I'm surprised I wasn't confronted with an acronym for such a tongue-twister -- is slated to commence in June or July of 2007 for a test to be conducted in 2009.

I just have to pose the question: Why would an agency be making preparations for a test of a draft system which is no longer operational?

Once again, I seem to be employing the "Duck Theory." You know the one I am speaking of, don't you? It goes something like this: If it looks like a duck, if it quacks like a duck, then it must be a duck...or is that a DRAFT in this case?

powered by performancing firefox

Are We Ready for This?

An article from "The New York Times" tells us the U.S. and Britain are sending ships to the Persian Gulf to send signals to Iran. The article informs us we should not view this move as "preparations for any offensive strike against Iran," that "Iranian tone and rhetoric creates an environment of intimidation and fear," and "the United States must be careful not to contribute to escalation."

Now, being of the old school, I tend to think if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and walks like a duck, then quite possibly, it might be a duck.

So, taking the above news and applying the "duck" theory I described, I just have to ask the question: Are We Ready for This?

powered by performancing firefox

An Important Announcement

An important announcement was made on 5 December 2006. The "BBC" reported upon it 18 December 2006. This news of grave importance seems to have been drowned in a sea of important announcements. What is this important announcement?

As reported by "MehrNews.com" and the "BBC," the Iranian Government has begun implementing its policy of conducting commercial transactions in the Euro. "Commercial transactions" also include "oil transactions."

One of the world's largest oil producing nations has shifted from employing the U.S. Dollar as its currency of choice in business transactions (oil).

The question begging to be asked is: Who else is soon to follow?

powered by performancing firefox

Good News?

This morning I awakened to the good news published in the "New York Times" via the article, Circumcision Halves H.I.V. Risk, U.S. Agency Finds, that U.S. Government health officials, specifically, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, a branch of the National Institutes of Health, have found circumcision "appears to reduce a man's risk of contracting AIDS from heterosexual sex by half." The good news is supported by an editorial in the opinion section entitled Rare Good News About AIDS.

There are several intriguing statements in the article.

The first intriguing statement provides the reason the studies were halted, that reason being "not offering circumcision to all the men taking part would be unethical."

The second intriguing statement is None were infected with H.I.V.

The third intriguing statement comes in the form of "They were divided into circumcised and uncircumcised groups, given safe sex advice (although many presumably did not take it), and retested regularly. "

The article states the studies were conducted on "nearly" 3,000 heterosexual males in Kenya and 5,000 men in Uganda, which gives rise to the fourth intriguing statement which lists 22 of 1,393 circumcised men who participated in the Kenyan study caught the disease, while 47 out of 1,391 uncircumcised men caught the disease.

Although the article raises many more questions than it answers, I have just one humble question:

Why was a medical study conducted with the goal of fighting a 20th century disease premised upon archaic medical thought and practice steeped in religious dogma?

powered by performancing firefox

The Secret That Never Was

As I read today's "Los Angeles Times" article "Fallout Rains on Israel's Olmert After Nuclear Remark," the adage, "loose lips sinks ships," came to mind. It seems Mr. Olmert, during a recent television interview in Germany, responded to a query posed by the interviewer as follows:

"Iran openly, explicitly and publicly threatens to wipe Israel off the map," Olmert said. "Can you say that this is the same level, when you are aspiring to have nuclear weapons, as America, France, Israel, Russia?"

Much speculation and controversy have arisen as a result of Mr. Olmert's remarks. A representative of the Likud Party has gone so far as to call for the Prime Minister's resignation.

In my humble opinion, an inadvertent "slip of the lips" pertaining to a secret that never was provides much food for thought.

powered by performancing firefox

When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth

I don’t know why I phrased the title of this blog in the past tense. In hindsight, I probably should have titled it "While Dinosaurs Rule The Earth." You still think the title is incorrect? Well, I disagree. The dinosaurs are still amongst us. They just evolved into "politicians" and "big business," which is also known as "corporations" or "multinational corporations."

Like those giant lizards of old, we have the herbivores and the carnivores roaming about. Some are harmless, but most are not. We seem to have an abundance of T-Rex types amongst the ranks of the current crop. The one good thing I suppose is the T-Rex doesn’t discriminate – everything and everyone is suitable prey!!!

The dinosaurs of old were not known for innovation, and true to their dinosaur heritage, the present-day dinosaurs are not innovative. They still sing the same old songs they have been singing for years. Some folks are lured to a complacent state of being and to a false sense of security by that old swan song of the dinosaurs. To that, I say: A T-Rex is still a T-Rex, and the T-Rex does not hunt the tops of trees for leaves!!!

We all know the fate of the dinosaurs of old. I suppose the question begs to be asked is do we allow the dinosaurs of today to continue to lure us, through their swan song, to the path that ensures our own extinction.

Peace

powered by performancing firefox

Whatever Happened To Empowerment and Accountability?

Do you remember the days when those two words were used incessantly?

I do. There was a point in time when one would hear those two words an average of every 30 seconds. A few years ago, we were being empowered to do many things, or someone was speaking of empowering someone else to do some thing.

As to accountability, from politicians to ad men, from high to low, everyone sought accountability, but how many were truly held "accountable?"

Have we reached the point where we treat our language, our words, our thoughts like last year's fashion throwaways -- to be used for the moment and tossed aside to make way for current year's fashions?

Have those two words lost meaning since achieving the status of "has-been buzzwords?"

I certainly hope not!!

The Changing Seasons

Slowly, we are moving towards the season of snow and ice, which is ushered in by the annual autumn festival of color provided by the leaves of trees. The vivid greens of summer give way to the bright oranges and reds of fall. It is the beginning of the gradual descent of leaves from branch to earth floor whose music is only heard when there are footfalls.

It is the time to put away the summer whites and dig up the clothing suitable for nippy mornings. It is the time when that favorite sweater takes its place at the front of the closet. It is the time when those warm, fuzzie slippers feel wonderful when one takes the first steps of a new day. It is the season of football and basketball and homecoming for many.

Although I shall miss the days of summer, I look forward to the new season and its pagentry of oranges, reds, and browns. It is a pleasant interlued before the ascent of the icy white of winter.