Archive for June, 2011
A comprehensive historical, sociological, and cultural introduction to the sizable Franco-American population in New England.
Centuries of history show that France and Great Britain have been on a collision course in more ways than one. However, both nations have something in common of great importance. They have lead the way ~and showed the world~ when it comes to subtle manners and politeness, to fine traditions and long-established customs, and to know the correct way of acting. Those two societies showed us that a great number of their citizens go through life carrying a flag ~which is about higher standards of human qualities, values, and principles~ their parents passed on to them.
Should you have carried a flag just like that one throughout your life, you fit very well visiting France and confronting their French manners. Once you arrive, you will feel at home, at ease, and welcome.
On the contrary, if a reader has not been educated by parents who passed on to him the flag of higher human qualities, values, and principles, this article will not give that reader what he has been deprived of. Should that be the case, it is advisable not visiting France; but if the reader insists, it is suggested to not interact with French people. It is because differences in human qualities, values, and principles are likely to arise; and he will experience what it means when differences are unveiled.
Meeting People
* It is appropriate that someone introduces you to someone you never met before. French manners dictate the same. After a proper introduction, refer to a person using a title plus last name. Should you not know the marital status of a woman, her title as Madamoiselle. French manners mandate that you remain doing so until you are given permission to call them otherwise.
* After a first introduction, and getting to know them for a while, it is acceptable and well-received that you present others with a tasteful card designed for personal matters displaying your personal information. Do not give them a card meant for business purposes.
* Should you meet again with one of the people in the group you have been introduced to previously, a handshake accompanied by a “Je suis heureux de vous rencontrer” [I am pleased to meet you again] or similar expression is appropriate. It is very important that you shake hands as you make eye contact with each of them. When leaving, a general wave as you say “Au revoir” or “A toute a l’heur” is NOT acceptable. It is an accepted practice in North America [U.S.A. and Canada except Quebec] but NOT seen favorably by French people.
* If you arrange to meet with someone, it is somehow acceptable for either of the two to arrive 10 to 15 minutes late. Women get away with it more than men. Maybe it is because a finer gentleman has a trusttworthy word, and he arrives as he promises.
* Assuming you are well-received, and the relationship remains established, French people feel comfortable standing slightly closer to one another than North Americans do.
* Eye contact with another person is expected, but if you look away from that person during a conversation ~or sadly answer your cell phone~ you show disinterest. You have just been considered to be discourteous, and to behave rudely.
* French manners expect those who are finer people to show kindness and respect by allowing others to talk as opposed to monopolize a conversation with an endless monologue. Also, offer intelligent conversations leading to juicy talking; and use good judgement as to when is time to change the subject.
* French folks find loudness rude, distasteful, and a way to show lack of respect for others. They are passionate people. You may also be passionate if it is natural to you, but by all means do not be loud during a conversation !
* Do not make questions commonly accepted in North America such as “What do you do for a living?” or “Do they pay well?” or “Where do you live?” – Do not get personal !
* It is utterly important to not comment or make statements on French matters unless you are knowledgeable or an expert on French matters. Also, avoid talking about politics, money, or troublesome topics.
* French people greatly value taste and quality. Do not over-dress the other person, or everyone in a group. French manners dictate that clothing is one way you have to denote taste, and not a way for you to show off how much money you have. Also, compliments or comments on a person’s appearance is considered inappropriate.
* French like to look at people. It is one of the reasons for sidewalk cafés. So, get used to being looked at your shoes, your hair style, or what you are wearing. However, what French do NOT do is to maintain a long eye-contact, or to smile at you. Such an act is NOT good French manners.
* When visiting a home, you will not be invited to take a tour. You will be escorted to what they consider an appropriate area for you to be at. French people have a well-defined sense of privacy.
* Should you be invited to have dinner, you denote good French manners ~and a chance to show your taste~ if you bring a gift such as flowers or chocolates. Assuming you do not know the food to be served, it is advisable to not bring a bottle of wine. It is important to French people to match the wine to the food being served.
* Do not start eating a meal until the host, or the person that cooked it, or the one that served it is sitting at the table. It denotes disrespect, and lack of good manners. Wait until told to do so, or when others at the table start eating.
A best-seller book states that humans are born in an Almighty’s image. French manners appear to demonstrate that such image exists. When visiting France, one becomes aware that great many people in France ~but understandably not all of them~ gracefully succeeded at keeping that image more intact than most other people of this world.
Originally published here.
George Josserme
WWE Wrestling has been no stranger to using beautiful women wrestlers for its promotions over the past decade or so. Fan favorites like Trish Stratus, Torrie Wislon, Sable and Sunny seemed to show that the fans favored blondes in the ring. In recent times, there appears to be more of a shift towards more ethnicity amongst the beautiful WWE divas. The Smackdown show in particular has 3 examples of these multicultural beauties, with Eve Torres, Natalya and Maryse gracing the roster.
Eve Torres was the winner of the most recent WWE Divas Contest in the Summer of 2007. This Latina diva loves dancing, kickboxing, aerobics and running to keep herself in shape. She debuted on the Smackdown show officially on February 1st, 2008 in Pennsylvania. The 24 year old Eve was born in Denver, Colorado, and brings a Latina flavor to the scene on Smackdown, where she currently serves as a Smackdown reporter. Her first interview was with the current World Heavyweight champion, Batista. The beautiful diva brightens up the set wherever she is, and has hinted that she’s been training and will soon be a part of in-ring action.
Nattie Neidhart is a French-Canadian diva and the neice of Jim “the Anvil Neidhart” of The Hart Foundation fame. She’s better known under her wrestling name of “Natalya”. The 26 year old was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She made her debut on the Smackdown scene April 4th, 2008. She may be just 5′3″ in height but she comes to the ring ready to fight, as a brutal brawler who didn’t hold back in her matches or tactics. Natalya was quickly put into the title picture as she faced Michelle McCool for a newly created WWE Divas Championship. However, Michelle McCool made history as Smackdown’s first diva to capture the title. Don’t expect Natalya to fade out of the picture anytime soon as she will continue to be one of the top divas on Smackdown.
Finally there is Maryse Ouellet, yet another French-Canadian diva. The blonde beauty portrays a cocky female wrestler known simply as “Maryse”. She was amongst the finalists in WWE’s 2006 Diva search, but eventually lost in the final eight. WWE decided to bring her to observe Ohio Valley Wrestling training sessions later that same year. The 25 year old wrestler and diva was born in Montreal, Quebec and has spoken French on several Smackdown promos and appearances. A former beauty contest winner in 2003, she flaunts her good looks and sex appeal in the ring as she beats up opponents. She started out making promo ads for the Smackdown show, appearing before and after commercials and speaking partly in French. Her in-ring debut came May 16, 2008 against fellow diva, Cherry, with Maryse losing in her first contest. This didn’t stop the diva from building enough momentum by taking out the competition. Maryse recently fought Michelle McCool for the Divas Championship at the 2008 Unforgiven Pay-Per-View event. Michelle was able to hold off the cocky diva Maryse, but Maryse continues to challenge her. Maryse is definitely another bright spot on the Smackdown roster and for WWE divas wrestling picture in general.
It seems more than ever, WWE has been giving fans a selection of beautiful divas from all around the world. Representing various cultures and locations, there’s sure to be an influx of beauty and talent present to satisfy the fans!
Originally published here.
MCStylin