The Paris Savannah Connection

light

How many concepts does “light” bring to mind? Light itself, weight, humor …

Edith Wharton wrote :

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”

When a word has more than one contrary, more than one antonym, this is proof that it’s a strong word. The pronunciation of the word is vital. The accent is important … and the context is the determining factor. Humor plays on words with more than one meaning.

The word “light” is especially rich. It functions as a noun. A light, the light; it functions as an adjective: it is light, light blue; it also functions as a verb: to light … not to mention “to lighten” … and words with the root like “lightning” and just at the sound of it, you see the long yet short flash, that oh so powerful LIGHT against the (dark, darkened) sky.

[audio:http://test.paris-savannah.com/wp-content/uploads/I-like-to-define.mp3|titles=I like to define words by what they aren’t …]

first by their polar opposites (black/white) and then in more nuanced ways (shades of grey) according to their uses, their contexts, their connotations.]I like to define words by what they aren’t … first by their polar opposites (black/white) and then in more nuanced ways (shades of grey) according to their uses, their contexts, their connotations.

What’s the opposite of “light” ? …. Well, it could be …. just a moment … what’s the context?… what time is it? Is is still (light) outside?

What is the opposite in this context? If white is light, black is …… dark.

and of course
And of course the other very frequent context using “light” to describe the concept of weight would give us … heavy, of course.

As for the verb “to light,” .. why… if the linking concept is fire, it seems to me that “to put out” is probably the most frequent in everyday speech, though “extinguish” could be very popular among firemen … and officials.

By the way, Edith Wharton also said this:

If only we’d stop trying to be happy we’d have a pretty good time.

Why don’t you try recording this one?

If only we’d stop trying to be happy we’d have a pretty good time.

If you’re interested in words and concepts … subscribe to the Paris Savannah Connection.

Sculpture: Schola Cantorum

On the rue St. Jacques just next to the Paris-American Art Academy and the Chapel of the Val de Grace, is the Schola Cantorum. This music school is open to all, and trains young and not as young alike in all the musical arts. It has a garden and in the garden are a few sculptures. Here’s a photo of one of them. Next time you’re in the neighborhood, go in and through one of the doors to the garden. You won’t regret it.

Favoritz: a moment in the Luco

au Luco last Sunday at about 7.

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Cross Cultural Comments

27 mai au 11 juin 1942

Favoritz: Tampopo

Apparently, “tampopo” (that’s to say the Japanese pronunciation of this word) means “dandelion” or in French, “pissenlit.”

Japanese restaurant where the staff is Japanese. Call for reservations: 01 47 27 74 52. Speak slowly and very clearly. For simplicity, you might want to reserve with well-known names like “Carla” or “Yoko.” Pour deux – Two, please. One o’clock. Treize heures.

Excellent timely service … not fast food.

66 rue Lauriston 75116 Paris

About dandelions, suburban American culture tends to demonize this delicious plant and its pretty yellow flowers as a weed. However, green dandelion leaves are just a little bitter but crispy and are eaten in France as a treat. Wild salad. Of course, the French eat all sorts of things, n’est-ce pas?

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Cross Cultural Comments

on questions and money

A little while ago, I was peeling potatoes in the kitchen and as we all know, as well as being therapeutic, cooking is a philosophical activity. You’re there with the elements from land and sea; there’s earthy touching and then cleaning and water and heat and maybe some music to maintain the rhythm … Anyway,

Don’t you think that unanswered questions are just like borrowed money?

The longer they remain unanswered … the more interest they accrue!

Like bills to be settled, in a balanced account, legitimate questions deserve being paid for with fair, timely answers!

Newsletter May 28, 2010

Last week we had some pretty hot weather here. There’s an optimistic saying in French which says “Après la pluie, le beau temps.” Since Tuesday, someone re-wrote it this way: Après le beau temps, la pluie!”

Both rain and sunshine are essential for beautiful landscapes. Both are essential for balance. We’d never appreciate the one without the other.

No matter how mysterious life may seem to be, few of us doubt the scientific principle of cause and effect. My taste for discovering unusually beautiful places in the country is certainly due to a specific cause. As a child, I had the extraordinary luck to have an Uncle Harold who had a passion for four things: (i) nice comfortable cars (ii) discovering off the beaten path places to visit (iii) good restaurants … and (iv) artistic nudes. Sounds like Uncle Harold could have been French, doesn’t it?

There’s a post today on a place to discover. Chaumont s/Loire. You’ll find four photos and a couple dozen words as well as a link to the Domaine. Take a minute to glance at it. I don’t think you’ll regret it. In Uncle Harold’s tradition. May he rest in peace.

Uncle Harold was a man of modest means. In order to finance such excursions, he worked every day in his small business of selling wines and liquors.

In order for me to live up to his reputation, The Paris Savannah Company is now innovating by setting up online language coaching and training. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you’re interested in a distance learning or coaching solution.

The Paris Savannah Connection is an eclectic collection of “quips” aimed at fostering cross cultural understanding and communication, the English language and related topics.

Thanks for spending a few minutes with The Paris Savannah Connection!

Mark

The Interpreter

The movie “The Interpreter” is one I highly recommend.

Nicole Kidman is extraordinary and the plot is all too real.

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Photos Cross Cultural Comments France

Favoritz: Chaumont s/Loire

Do you know this extraordinary place?

Not only is it a landmark historical site having been home to Diane de Poitiers, it is also home to one of Europe’s most remarkable schools of artistic landscaping as well as the International Festival of Gardens. Every year it features creations from landscape artists from all over the world.