Lately I’ve been thinking about the science of origins. Not much, and on the shallowest possible level, but thinking. Our understanding of mankind’s place in the universe has been greatly enriched by such historic insights as: • The human race … Read More
Now that everyone’s happy, rested and relaxed after summer vacation, what better way to start the fall than with some disturbing statistics? Like these: • Every 40 seconds, somewhere in the world someone commits suicide. • Every 30 seconds, somewhere … Read More
While everyone else was relaxing and sunbathing and eating rosé-drenched lunches by the pool this summer, I actually learned something. Here’s what I learned: not all writers love France as much as I do. It has come to my attention … Read More
C’est Ironique Sign of the Weeque Spotted by reader Pierre Tran. This, the last inadvertently funny English-language shop sign before the August break, is not in English and is not a shop sign. But one out of three is still … Read More
C’est Ironique Sign of the Weeque What’s that, Selfor? Yes. No, I mean what’s that sell for? What’s what sell for, Selfor? It’s not for sale. Then what is it, For? No, “Selfor.” I mean what’s it for? Oh — … Read More
C’est Ironique Sign of the Weeque “I’m sorry, we just sold the T-shirt, and someone’s trying on the sweat. And the shirt. But we have plenty of magnets and chans! And not just any old unimportant chans either…” David Jaggard … Read More
C’est Ironique Sign of the Weeque Whot is the nome of this restouront? Ond whot da they serve exoctly? David Jaggard Have you seen a ridiculous sign in Paris? Or anywhere in France? Send me a photo in care of … Read More
As I explain every July, every June every French student in the final year of secondary school takes a long, difficult standardized test called the baccalauréat. For most of them, this exam is the biggest academic milestone in their lives. … Read More
C’est Ironique Sign of the Weeque Spotted by reader Richard Grill. So what? So a lot of things, at least on Parisian shop signs. My guess is that the owner of this fast-food place heard an American teenager say, “Ethan … Read More
C’est Ironique Sign of the Weeque This wouldn’t be such a strange name except that it’s a restaurant. The same family also owns a store called “You Sleep” and a hotel called “You Eat.” David Jaggard Have you seen a … Read More
