Lisa

The rooster as symbol of France

Cocorico! says the rooster as symbol of France «Cocorico», the French onomatopoeia for the rooster crowing sound (cock-a-doodle-doo), is also used to express national pride but often with a touch of irony. Why? The cock or rooster has played a role in the symbolism and folklore of many nations for thousands of years. For many people, the rooster symbolizes bravery, boldness and virility as he defends the flock. The connection with the rooster as symbol of France in particular may quite simply stem from the similarity of the Latin words for cock (gallus) and inhabitant of Gaul (gallicus), now known as France. This play on words was known in Roman times, when many Gauls used roosters to symbolize their loyalty to Gaul. In the Middle Ages the cock was widely depicted in French churches and is recorded in 14th century German references to France. Chaucer’s foolish and boastful Chantecleer in the Canterbury Tales may have refered to the French national character. During…

Avoir les portugaises ensablées

In making this Speak Easy puzzle I very much enjoyed learning the origin of "Avoir les portugaises ensablées" via the wonderful website Expressio. The expression means to be deaf, so indeed I was intrigued to know how deafness and Portugal are related. The origin goes back to the a slang term for ear (oreille) from the middle of the 20th century which was "portugaise". Portugaise simply refers to a type of oyster called portuguese which is shaped like an ear. From there to the idea of the oyster full of sand making you hard of hearing is just a short stretch. Next obvious question then is why do we call huitres creuses "portuguese" oysters? 1868 - the ship called The Morlaisien, was delivering oysters from Portugal to France (some stories say to northern France some say to the Arcachon bassin) when the ship was forced to hold over in the Gironde Estuary. The oysters spoiled and the captain decided to dump them overboard. Apparently not all of them had expired, some even thri…

More French entrepreneur families

French entrepreneur families are the names you see on the streets and on brands that are familiar they are Inventors and business people. Here's their story.

The Despature Family – Damart Thermolactyl

More than 400 million pieces of Thermolactyl clothing have been sold since its invention in 1953. The story began with the Despature brothers who in 1950 inherited a fabric factory in Roubaix. Textile manufacturing was in decline and the three brothers got to thinking about how to save their business. Inspiration came via their aunt who had rheumatism and who talked about the virtues of triboelectricity (an electric charge generated by friction). The brothers invented a fabric that when in contact with the skin creates electrostatic warmth. It also did not retain dampness. Their invention took off. The first Parisian shop was opened in 1957 and in 1958 the radio station Europe 1 chose Thermolactyl, the first high tech fabric made in France, as one of the most i…

Remembering D-Day, 78 years later

D-DAY - JUNE 6, 1944 : "Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon the Great crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you... I have full confidence in your courage and devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!" --Dwight D. Eisenhower

Such were the words of General Eisenhower as the troops headed off for the greatest amphibian landing ever. FUSAC remembers their sacrifice today on the 78th anniversary.

Thank you veterans.

Once all the hullabaloo of the 78th anniversary dies down and the dignitaries leave visit the D-Day beaches with a base in Bayeux. It's a sort of pilgrimage and a moving experience even if you don't have a direct connection to the event. It is one of those places you have to visit at least once in your life.…

Birds in Paris and Speak Easy

A few years ago I started noticing birds and now the city is full of nature. Birds are everywhere, including in the city, if you just look and listen a little more closely. Here are a few of the birds you can see in Paris. Two of my favorites are the tiniest and busiest. The European robin and the wren. The European robin is the one you see on greeting cards all over the place, he is an artist's favorite with his bright orange-red face and neck. When you see him you'll recognize him right away by his color and shape - he looks like he just ate a ping pong ball - just that size and nicely round. The Wren is even smaller, multi-shades of brown has a stubby turned up tail. The wren makes a noise bigger than most bigger birds. Once you learn their song (listen here) you'll start hearing wrens everywhere. Another big talker is the Magpie. This bird is a little smaller than a crow, has a long thin tail and is iridescent black and white. When the sunlight glints off his…

American MEMORIAL DAY FRANCE 2022

American MEMORIAL DAY FRANCE 2022 Memorial Day, originally named Decoration Day, was first celebrated on Memorial Day, originally named Decoration Day, was first celebrated on May 30, 1868 to honor those soldiers who lost their lives to the Civil War. In 1971, the name was changed to honor all US soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom! Let's remember those who have sacrificed their lives, join in one of the many commemorations throughout France. In Paris: MAY 29, 2022 (SUNDAY) MEMORIAL DAY Join Paris Post 1 for a full day of ceremonies and events in Paris: LAFAYETTE ESCADRILLE MEMORIAL @ 10h00 "La Fayette Escadrille" Memorial Arch was built between 1926 and 1928, and was inaugurated on July 4, 1928, U.S. Independence Day, in the notable presence of Ferdinand Foch and Paul Doumer. Inscribed in French on top in capital letters "In memory to the Heroes of Escadrille La Fayette dead for the Defense of Right and Liberty". It is located at 5 Bd …

Bill & Rosa’s Book Room

What is Bill & Rosa's Book Room ?

First of all, for us, a Book Room is a comfortable place to spend some time. Think of it as the reading lounge on the ocean liners of yore. Our maître-mots are

Read, Write, Relax. Buy, Borrow, Donate.

Bill & Rosa's Book Room has several aspects. It is first a USED BOOK SHOP and a LENDING LIBRARY. There are many novels of all genres for sale plus non-fiction, biographies, history, some poetry, cookbooks, cats, books on Paris or France, memoirs and children's books. Most books are in English, but also in French and even a few bilingual. Prices start at just 2€.

The lending library has four sections :

The Sylvie and Henry Noullet Library: novels mostly in English Bill and Rosa's Library of the American West includes novels, non-fiction and art books…

Discount tickets at Theatre Champs-Elysées

Have you been to The Theatre des Champs-Elysées? Despite the name, it is not on Les Champs-Elysées but not far at all, Avenue Montaigne. I must say that I did not know much about the place (despite being a Parisian!) and I was so pleasantly surprised when I visited it. It is a hidden gem with a rich history and a fantastic program. It is one of the most beautiful theaters in Paris and now they are offering FUSAC readers a chance to hear two American lyrical singers at 30% off.

First up is Charles Castronovo, tenor, with Ludovic Tézier, baritone, performing Messa di Gloria by Giacomo Puccini. This brilliant work written with passion and which allows us to delve into the most intimate and spiritual side of Puccini. Use this link for a 30% discount: Choix des places [Théâtre des Champs-Elysées | 12.05.2022 - 20:00 | Messa di Gloria - Puccini] - Théâtre des Champs-Elysées (theatrechampselysees.fr) The week after offers us A rare display of d…

Interview with American writer Jake Lamar

American writer Jake Lamar visited Bill & Rosa's Book Room on March 12 to discuss his latest novel, Viper’s Dream. He is an American author who has lived in Paris for almost 30 years, he teaches creative writing at Sciences Po and is the author of a memoir, seven novels, numerous essays, reviews and short stories and a play. He is also the recipient of several prestigious prizes, among which the Lyndhurst Prize and France’s Grand Prize for best foreign thriller. This is the first part of our interview with him:

Q: You started out as a journalist for Time Magazine, so my question is, have you always wanted to be a writer and have you always known you wanted to write ficiton?

A: I’ve known since the age of 12 that I wanted to be a writer and that I wanted to write fiction. The job at Time Magazine was just a way to make a living as a writer. I went to Harvard and majored in American History and Literature, I wrote for the Harvard Crimson…

The Fabulous TASTE OF PARIS

Head's up ! The Fabulous TASTE OF PARIS is back From May 12 to 15, 2022, Taste of Paris is back at the Grand Palais Éphémère for a 7th mouthwatering edition. Now a must-visit event, the festival brings together the best of the Parisian culinary scene and announces an unprecedented cast of more than 40 chefs from all horizons -- from starred chefs to figures of the avantguard, including several leading pastry icons. Behold ! Festival-goers will have the opportunity to taste 86 creations offered in 17 pop-up restaurants and patisseries. They will also be able stroll through a huge gourmet market, attend masterclasses by great chefs at the Laurent-Perrier Theater and learn about eco-responsible cooking at the Atelier Dine for Change. Let the party begin ! Taste of Paris overview in numbers:

30 CHEFS

11 PASTRY CHEFS

59 DISHES

27 DESSER…