In Bed with the French
Latest Episodes
Explaining Inexplicable American Politics to the French
Text messages and phone calls from my French friends started invading my cell phone around midnight on Election Day. The messages all subscribed to the same theme of extreme surprise and overwhelming curiosity. “How could Trump even be the nominee?
The Americanization of French Presidential Campaigns
Oh no, it’s happening in Paris too. Just when the US presidential campaign is almost over and we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief; the French contest is starting and local TV is trying a new thing – … Continue reading →
The Disrespecting Women Effect in Presidential Elections
Everyone I have spoken to about the upcoming US presidential election, both in France and America, is shocked at the incredibly low level our presidential debates have sunken to. The French news media broadcast both debates live but it’s really the se...
The French Work Ethic – Something to Sing About
The French often get a bad rap for their work ethic, or, rather, what the outside world sees as a lack of one. They are usually shown demonstrating on the streets of Paris and other major cities; striking or threatening … Continue reading →
Paris Mayor Wins the Fight against Motorists – But Can She Do Better?
Paris is regularly a very sick city, full of spikes of pollution that practically erase the Eiffel Tower from the Parisian cityscape. The last smog attack happened this March (see photo) and sparked a series of actions by the City … Continue reading →
The Dark Side of French Humor
The French think ridicule is funny. Jonah Hill doesn't agree.
A French Summer Special – OVD (Obsessive Vacation Disorder)
It has always been amazing to me, scandalous sometimes, the way Paris allows itself to slow down to a near-halt in August when the whole city goes on vacation. It’s a time-honored tradition (established in 1935) that gets everyone involved … Con
A Few Things You Should Know about Euro 2016 Soccer Tournament
The EURO Cup 2016 is quickly approaching its final game, scheduled for Sunday, July 10th here in Paris and, so far, it has been an interesting and entertaining event – with a couple of surprises (such as England exiting, thanks … Continue reading →
Turning Tables and Throwing Tantrums in Paris
The recent (and continuing) strikes in France with their subsequent acts of violence, provocation and just general unrest, set me thinking about French social behavior. I am not talking about the politics of these demonstrations nor about who is right...
This Week in Paris – Madness and Meditation
This week in France, there were not one, not two, but many social strikes and demonstrations. The demonstrators included truck drivers, post office employees, oil workers, street cleaners, Parisian airport employees and, finally,