David Jaggard
Sign of the Weeque 10.12.14
C’est Ironique Sign of the Weeque The name of this eatery on Boulevard Ornano looks like the result of a free association session between Eugène Ionesco and Timothy Leary, but actually there’s an explanation. Without the apostrophe-S, it’s a literal … Read More
Sign of the Weeque 03.12.14
C’est Ironique Sign of the Weeque Spotted by reader Shannon Cain. This is a flabbergaster from the past. I already mentioned Presty Women three years ago, but the mystery of its meaning lingers on… David Jaggard Have you seen a … Read More
Sign of the Weeque 26.11.14
C’est Ironique Sign of the Weeque “Fagonia” is a genus of flowering plants in the Zygophyllaceae family. And I’ll bet that’s what you thought of first when you saw this sign, right? David Jaggard Have you seen a ridiculous sign … Read More
Sign of the Weeque 19.11.14
C’est Ironique Sign of the Weeque Submitted by reader Margie Rubin And drink from the cup of empirical knowledge, I presume. Or maybe this is just a hunch counter. David Jaggard Have you seen a ridiculous sign in Paris? Or … Read More
Inflation in France: Paris, Not That Long Ago, On Not Even $5 a Day
Paradise for Centime Pinchers
When I saw the guy smoking on the Métro the other day it triggered a line of thought that led to a rather intriguing observation. Not “Holy [moly], what a stupid [despicable person],” although that’s what crossed my mind first. … Read More
Sign of the Weeque 12.11.14
C’est Ironique Sign of the Weeque Photo by Michael Goodwin, submitted by Jordan Grossi Yes, the word “dong” is a rather childish and mildly obscene anatomical term in American English, but it’s also, by sheer coincidence, a common word in … Read More
Who Are These Bozos? Evil Clowns Terrorize France
The Things People Do to Get Attention...
As I write this, France is in the grip of a crime wave without precedent. A seemingly endless string of senseless assaults has plunged us into a vicious circus. All over the country, police officers are filing reports like this … Read More
Sign of the Weeque 05.11.14
C’est Ironique Sign of the Weeque Spotted by reader Daniela Bak Thanks to the widespread success and even widerspread renown of a certain American women’s wear retailer known for its titillating (and some would say asinine) catalogs, the English word … Read More
Sign of the Weeque 29.10.14
C’est Ironique Sign of the Weeque This week’s regrettable use of English on a French shop sign is not the name of the business (thankfully) but rather one of its products — the featured flavor at an ice cream parlor … Read More
Beyond the Périphérique: Basking in Tradition in Basque Country
A Slight Change of Scene from Paris...
The very first thing I did the very first time I went to Basque Country was make a complete ass of myself. A few years ago, Nancy and I rented a house in the epically beautiful village of Sare, at … Read More