The first day of Spring
is upon us, the date when Montanans respectfully ask the Deity to refrain from
2-foot snow dumps until September next. The plea is often ignored. But last
week as the east coast was enduring another horrific 6-inch snowmageddon, I sat
on the balcony enjoying 60+ degree sunshine. We used to blame the Soviet Union
for weather manipulation…someone should check Vlad’s intentions thereabouts.
And I just looked out
the window. It’s snowing…
##########
The Crimean situation
has got me to thinking…Idaho has a funny shape and is largely populated by a quirky
citizenry. I wonder if a movement to annex might gather some steam (Montanaho?)
I plan to ask around. If it works, watch out Wyoming.
##########
Work on the Paris
apartment is apparently proceeding apace, and thus my next geographical
transition may be in the works. I am however pixelated by an issue that may
visit upon me some significant challenge.
Several weeks ago as I
exited the 46 bus I was shocked to see a 4-foot x 3-foot poster in the bus
shelter sporting a picture of the Duck Dynasty foursome in full camouflage announcing
(in French, of course) the imminent arrival of the series to French TV (no Fox
News, but Duck Commander. Go figure).
I may be called upon to
explain this phenomenon, as I was 3+ decades ago when I first breached Gaullic
shores to be greeted by “Vous êtes
américain? Ah
oui. Chicago, Al Capone, bang-bang.”
I was hard pressed to
explain why I did not have a six-shooter strapped to my hip and queried whether
I planned to commit mayhem during my stay. The canard crowd’s introduction to France may well release a new demand
for explanation of bizarre North American behavior. Wasn’t easy then and won’t
be now.
##########
MH370 consumes us and
illustrates our intolerance of the unknown. The demand for instant clarification
(if not gratification) spawns a genuine scramble for illumination. “We just don’t
have a clue” doesn’t cut it in a post-NSA environment. Just as we were getting
initiated to a “government knows everything” mentality, we must now grapple
with a Sargent Schultz (I know nothing) mindset.
##########
It will, of course, be
deemed mean-spirited that I recall the current Administration’s 2009 attempt to “mend
international fences”, confronting a planet disdainful of the USA that
had allegedly reached a high point reminiscent of the dark days of the Vietnam
war. I do wonder if there is a country out there that now has an improved view
of Uncle Sam. International BLOG recipients, feel free to chime in.
In that vein, as Uncle
Sam transitioned over the last century to Uncle Sugar, a dichotomy persists. On
the one hand we are the overbearing, meddling, policeman-of-the planet, while
on the other the world seems perplexed when we don’t rush in where they all
fear to tread.
It appears that our
current President now shares a less than illustrious trait with his predecessor:
he can do no right.
##########
I am beginning to
question the wisdom of 3 months in the cradle of gastronomy. I returned from
the City of Light with a “baguette belly” that has persisted as deep snow and
howling winds have thwarted thrice weekly slogs. But my accommodation in Paris
is situated on a wide boulevard with a central pedestrian area that diminishes
(but does not eliminate) the possibility of collision with mechanized conveyances.
I am impressed with the
number of joggers nowadays on the streets of Paris. Decades ago anyone running
was deemed to be a lawbreaker fleeing a scene of carnage or pillage. Now there
are even jogging groups in the city, though populated mostly by Scandinavians
and North Americans. And the elderly are still inclined to stare at fully
clothed streakers.
Bientot...
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