Disqus - Friends of andi_fisher

Re: Learning French in Paris: Alliance Française – Week 5

LostInCheeseland — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:59:13 -0000

Good for you! Keep at it, the language stuff will fall into place!!

Re: Wendy's: effective branding strategy?

LostInCheeseland — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:08:42 -0000

So Miguel, what do you think of Wendy's and this new positioning as "the real" burger?

Re: Wendy's: effective branding strategy?

LostInCheeseland — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:45:58 -0000

Kim, I totally agree, not a fan of the fast food (not anymore). I like Jour also because you can create your own salads. Obviously that idea is not novel in the US and because it's so common, it's not as expensive as it is here, but at least it exists. Cojean I've heard good things about as well, that'll be next on my lunch list!

Re: Google: Professional Utopia or Golden Cage?

LostInCheeseland — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:30:47 -0000

I agree to a certain extent that the French are like New Yorkers... except the French smile significantly less. I think even though New Yorkers are hurried, stressed and known for their brazen veneer but they're still friendlier!

Re: Paris Nightlife Review: Showcase (8th Arrond.)

LostInCheeseland — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:18:29 -0000

Ahh the secret "undeground" club! I was waiting to hear what someone thought of it!

Re: Filling the Halloween void with chocolate ganache

LostInCheeseland — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:37:04 -0000

Very interesting perspective Nina. It's true, Halloween is inherently American and most of Europe is slow to embrace these kinds of traditions. Your point about All Saint's Day on November 1st is an interesting and valid one. Some people consider American traditions such as Halloween an example of cultural imperialism but as you said, Valentine's Day and America are not mutually exclusive - it's a Hallmark holiday on a global scale.

It may appear as though Halloween is poking fun at the dead but I think, in a way, it's celebrating them. Of course the chocolate eating part is definitely a construction of the candy manufacturers!

Re: Filling the Halloween void with chocolate ganache

LostInCheeseland — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:09:54 -0000

I think I had heard that about the Mexican tradition of celebrating the dead. Regardless, every culture has their own beliefs system, customs and traditions. The problem arises when you are living in a culture different from your own where they do not share they same beliefs, customs or traditions and the subsequent longing that this provokes. For me, I get nostalgic for certain brands, holidays and ways of doing things. It's even more complex than that, however, because when I'm in the US, I appreciate certain ways of being in France even more. The life of an expat is inherently challenging!

Re: Filling the Halloween void with chocolate ganache

LostInCheeseland — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:06:54 -0000

Indeed it is haunted! They may be suspicious of blatant and excessive consumerism but in my experience they give in to it just as quickly as they condemn it!

I can understand refraining from appropriating Halloween if it clashes with ideals, but I think the French use it as an opportunity to stick it to us Americans :) I was in the supermarket two days ago and only saw 2 wimpy little posters mentioning Halloween, it just breaks my heart. You don't have to consume to be in the spirit of Halloween, you just have to be fun which I guess some of the French are not!

Re: Filling the Halloween void with chocolate ganache

LostInCheeseland — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:16:27 -0000

You make a good point about the French having no tradition of Halloween and therefore it being like complaining that they aren't celebrating St. Patrick's day. I suppose I'm merely nostalgic for what the holiday feels like. It's more of an internal feeling, the holiday therefore being analogous to my own personal associations with autumn and the upcoming holiday, Thanksgiving. With such a large expat community in Paris, however, I would've thought the celebration of Halloween would've taken shape. I'm not even Christian/Catholic, and I get excited seeing Christmas decorations during the holiday's... the same goes for Halloween. I feel like a kid again but I guess while I'm living in Paris, it's time to grow up :)

Re: Unveiling Afghanistan

LostInCheeseland — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:22:07 -0000

That's wonderful! I've seen the documentary you're referring to... everything about him is unbelievable.

You could fill out their online form: http://www.ainaworld.org/jo...

Or you could contact communication@ainaworld.org directly regarding your interest! I'm so glad you liked this post!

Re: Unveiling Afghanistan

LostInCheeseland — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:14:41 -0000

Thank you for your comments! I think it's important to acknowledge when we don't know very much about an issue rather than falsely assume. There's so much going on in these regions but until we're actually there and witnessing what people go through on a daily basis, we have no right to make bold claims about what they need to improve their situation.

You certainly do write a lot about politics & human rights! What a great blog you have!

Re: No Country for Young Women

LostInCheeseland — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:04:08 -0000

Monica thank you so much for your comments!

You're absolutely right. As part of generation Y we're living in a time where it is a lot harder to rise to the top or hold positions of management. I met a woman a few weeks ago who I believe is in her late 50's or 60's and she was saying that when she finished school, she almost immediately ended up in, what was then called, a fortune 15 company. She expressed her compassion for young people today who have to fight in a cutthroat job market to be successful only to spend more time throughout their career making it to high positions whereas it was a lot faster for her generation.

I think that when you take any traditionally patriarchal society, women are likely to be bound by gender roles. I'm not sure how much you know about France, but while their social benefits are outstanding and they are more or less a liberal country, men still dominate. In education, in the work force (for the most part) and in politics. During the Presidential Elections in 2007, Segolène Royal, though completely incompetent (not because she's a woman, merely because she's a doof) was mercilessly attacked on all sides while Sarkozy seemed to have a more typical dose of political lambasting. Although it should be said that at the time Segolène was running, she was with a man for a number of years with whom she had children but they were NOT married. That NEVER would fly in the US.

So I just feel that we're damned if we do damned if we don't, as women in the world. If you're a successful woman you're aggressive and pegged as the heartless workaholic with no soul (at least, most of the time). Hopefully by the time other people's kids (of course not ours since we won't be having any, ha!) are adults, the female plight will be less pronounced.

Re: I’d rather deal with French bureaucracy than move to Maine

LostInCheeseland — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:05:19 -0000

I'm rather cynical and am inclined to agree with you - the world WILL always be unfair. The only thing we can do is hope that by the time we are our parents and grandparents age, things will have evolved even slightly to create some notion of justice. It's American hypocrisy that infuriates me.

Re: Not Quite French

LostInCheeseland — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:33:15 -0000

Aw, thank you! I went to the dentist recently here and he said I had very American looking teeth :)

Re: No Country for Young Women

LostInCheeseland — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:58:42 -0000

No I think more and more there are women in the States that aren't having children. I could be wrong, but I feel like most women have children in France, whether they're married or not.

People may admire the women who choose to live their lives childless but it's still somehow a curse because when all your friends start having children and you're the only one who isn't, I imagine it could feel isolating. Kind of like when you're the only single person in a group of married friends.

The baby showers you mentioned do exist and are quite common, but that doesn't mean that more American women are having children than French women. It's just a tradition that is easily portrayed in the media but not necessarily reflective of rates of reproduction.

I too hope that one day in my lifetime sexist discrimination will no longer exist but if you consider wage gaps, I think we're still a long way off :(

Re: The Best New Online Shopping Sites That Make the Thrill of the Hunt Way Too Easy

LostInCheeseland — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:01:52 -0000

also love Je Ne Sais Quoi for niche international brands

www.shopjenesaisquoi.com

Re: Not Quite French

LostInCheeseland — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:34:17 -0000

You really should read the book! The writer is an Australian expat journalist who fell in love with a Frenchie, yada yada yada BUT whose story and experiences resonate. Well written and witty.

And your teeth are beautiful, despite you know, being born in Britain :)

Re: Not Quite French

LostInCheeseland — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:50:18 -0000

What is so interesting in that is the reaction. Indifference, while never desired, at least allows you to go on wearing what you want without feeling slighted or inadequate. There's nothing worse than the scathing and disgusted glares from chich Parisian women who seem to be sickened by your lack of sartorial skill. But I guess it depends who you ask!

Re: On Originality, Blogging Content and Copying

LostInCheeseland — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:07:55 -0000

Sounds like you go about this the right way. Inspiration does and should come from a number of sources. For me, it often originates from a book I'm reading, a store I pass on the street or even a conversation I overheard. What's important is to give credit when necessary. To lay out your inspiration explicitly to your readers as the foundation of your post which is followed by your original ideas. I agree, take it as a compliment! The journalist probably got a slap on the wrist!

Re: My baby's a rock star!

LostInCheeseland — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:45:33 -0000

de rien mon chéri :)

Re: Hidden Treasures of Paris: Parc des Buttes Chaumont (19th Arrond.)

LostInCheeseland — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:54:11 -0000

It is probably the best park to go jogging. I love all the people, picnickers, boaters, strollers, lovers... it's truly is one of the cities treasures!

Re: Great Balls of Fire! Our Tribute to Redheads Who Go Big

LostInCheeseland — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:00:58 -0000

Gorgeous!

Re: My baby's a rock star!

LostInCheeseland — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:01:37 -0000

Thanks Jenny!

Re: Not Quite French

LostInCheeseland — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:23:58 -0000

Thanks Kerri! Glad you stopped by the blog!

It's true, there has to be a middle ground in the US. If you've ever seen the website peopleatwalmart.com, it's horrifying. I just don't want to be judged because I want to wear my workout clothes to the gym which is only a 5 minute walk! But alas, we can't win all our battles :)

Re: Not Quite French

LostInCheeseland — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:25:36 -0000

Good physical shape is relative. I know that the waif look isn't appealing yet when that is all you see, your perception starts to change... toward the irrational. You're beautiful and your desserts are outstanding. You and I will be the comfy clothes wearing Americans in Paris who make great sweets :)