Les choses qui se cassent
Je les ai vus faire des omelettes, casser beaucoup d’œufs,
puis elle m’a brisé le cœur
Category Archives: France
Jobs of days gone by #4.
THE COOPER
Barrel assembly
In French it’s the “mise en rose”
hogsheads and firkins
Did I miss something?
I am an immigrant to the USA. I came to the United States of America while employed by Lufthansa German Airlines. As it turned out, by the time my visa was approved I actually started to work for Air France when I arrived in the USA. This was because Air France needed a French speaking employee. It’s a long story so I’ll spare you the details.
One of the first actions I took on arrival was to register myself (required by law) for the draft. My draft number was 252. Later I received a letter to tell me that my draft status had changed due to prior service in NATO and that I was now head of family. The Vietnam war however, continued.
It took me a while to settle in to the American way of life. There were many wonderful things to get used to.
I should mention that did not opt to leave the U.K. for discontent, simply that I was sked if I would like to go where I could be helpful. I had previously worked in Hamburg for the same reason.
Now to the point f this posting; America was a Great Country, a world leader, a great participant in world affairs and a great contributor and supporter of Democracy and the fight against Communism, poor health and poverty.
So it was with some reason to wonder why Don the Con launched his presidential bid with the slogan to Make America great Again.
Looking back on the events of this past week clearly demonstrates that this was ot his goal. In fact, the opposite has happened during his presidency: the USA is the laughing stock of our former allies throughout Europe and Scandinavia in NATO. The USA is the talk and mirth at vodka drinking parties hosted by Vladimir Putin about how that managed to compromise a a future resident to the point of treason. Donald Trump is a disappointment! He is clear and present danger.
And yet I have friends who still say things like, Yes but what about Hilary Clinton’s emails and one who says, what about ANTIFA – anti first ammendment.
Gimme a break. Did I miss something?
Obscure words explained105. melee
MELEE
confusion of sorts
or even a good pub brawl
when it’s over peace
Escuchar el silbato del tren
LISTEN TO THE TRAIN WHISTLE
Freight trains on the move
Mournful sound nearing crossing
carried on the wind
Lorsque descend la nuit
AS NIGHT DESCENDS
Birds fly to their roosts
the rain continues to fall
sun disappearing
Obscure words explained96. – panache
PANACHE
Flamboyant manner
Comes from a plume of feathers
Peacock style display
Obscure words explained 89. – force majeure
FORCE MAJEURE
Disruptive event
Happens unexpectedly
A legalese term
Sword words – en garde!
SWORD WORDS
Broadsword Claymore Foil
Scimitar Sabre Cutlass
Epée Rapier
Note: Just mucking about on my day off.
Other words explained 2. – Musette
MUSETTE
A bagpipe from France
Bellows blown, tone like oboe
baroque at its best


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