Category: Fourre-tout

“When men yield up the privilege of thinking, the last shadow of liberty quits the horizon.” — Thomas Paine

Although these words were written more than two centuries ago, they remain strikingly relevant today.

Everyone can talk, but few take the time to write. Why? Because speaking often requires little thought, and you can spew words without truly thinking. Writing, on the other hand, demands reasoning and reflection. For some, that’s too much to ask.

I find mental decline far more terrifying than physical deterioration. To keep your brain sharp, you must occasionally challenge yourself, and writing is one of the best ways to do that. Think of it as a mental workout—like a stationary bike for the mind. It keeps your cognitive gears from rusting and your thoughts from growing lazy. In time, writing becomes a habit, even a need. You may sit down with nothing particular to say, yet still feel drawn to the keyboard to write a few thoughts

You can often tell when someone speaks without thinking. Their words are hollow, their views inconsistent, and their opinions shifting from week to week. They sound unmoored—and at times, ridiculous. This is especially troubling when that person is an elected official…

Writing forces you to clarify your thoughts before expressing them. It’s the calisthenics of the brain, as essential as walking. If neglected, your thinking becomes sluggish, unchallenged, and susceptible to fall prey to fraudulent messiahs.

Most importantly, writing stimulates you. It compels you to examine your beliefs, to form opinions, and sometimes to take a stand that diverges from the crowd.

“Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it.” ~ Henry Ford

Alain

According to The New York Times, a large-scale military parade is being planned for June 14 in the streets of Washington, D.C.—conveniently timed to coincide with Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. What a surprise for such a modest man…

A brief flashback to history: Roman Emperor Augustus is best known for founding the Roman Empire and transforming Rome from a republic into an imperial state. Strangely, it seems America may be undergoing a similar metamorphosis. This upcoming ceremony bears an uncanny and uncomfortable resemblance to the ancient Roman tradition of triumphal arches—monuments built to glorify emperors. Augustus himself decreed that only emperors were entitled to such triumphs.

This would-be “tradition” feels oddly reminiscent of the coronation of a British monarch—a concept that was once anathema on the American continent. It also calls to mind a fable by Jean de La Fontaine, etched into the memory of every French child:

« Et bonjour, Monsieur du Corbeau.
Que vous êtes joli ! que vous me semblez beau !
Sans mentir, si votre ramage
Se rapporte à votre plumage,
Vous êtes le Phénix des hôtes de ces bois. »

“And hello, Mr. Crow. How pretty you are! How handsome you seem to me! Without lying, if your song matches your plumage, you are the Phoenix of the inhabitants of these woods.”

So said the cunning Fox to the vain Crow, who, flattered and careless, dropped the cheese he held in his beak. For nothing delights the vain more than flattery—especially when it’s unearned.

Vain people tend to dominate the spotlight, forever recounting their achievements. But as Ambrose Bierce once observed:
“Hens do cackle loudest when nothing is vital in the eggs they have laid.”

And as Lord Chesterfield wisely advised:
“The only sure way of avoiding these evils [vanity and boasting] is never to speak of yourself at all. But when you are obliged to mention yourself, take care not to drop one word that can directly or indirectly be construed as fishing for applause.”

In contrast, modesty is a quiet strength—the ability to recognize one’s worth without seeking validation through spectacle or self-praise.

We already have one special day to commemorate the Armed Forces’ sacrifices, and it is November 11. Let’s stick to it!

Alain

Nestled amidst the picturesque vineyards and rolling hills of Sonoma wine country awaits one of the most anticipated events of the year: the popular WCO Pétanque tournament. This event draws competitors from far and wide, cultivating an atmosphere brimming with excitement and camaraderie. It has become a beloved tradition, celebrated with great fervor by both participants and spectators alike.

This year, the tournament drew over 120 competitors from all over the country and a few celebrities from France. The tournament is not just a contest of skill but a celebration of the game’s spirit and the camaraderie it fosters. The stars of the show this year were 2 amiable young fellows named Dylan Rocher and Damien Hureau, who amazed everybody with their extraordinary shooting skills.

In the game of pétanque, “le carreau” is one of the most spectacular shots of the game. This happens when a player’s boule knocks an opponent’s boule away and takes its place in the same spot. It is a feat difficult to achieve, and it usually takes years to perfect. However, to the amazement of the crowd, young Rocher and Hureau produced as many “carreaux” as a plate of green peas.

One of the major attractions of this tournament was the array of substantial prizes up for the top players. The allure of these prizes draws top-tier talent, elevating the level of play and the overall prestige of the event.

Yesterday, the tournament was well organized, except for a major boo-boo. In the afternoon, the players had to wait a long time before being given the green light for the second half of the tournament.. There was a large number of players, and somehow, a shortage of playing courts occurred. The organizers made a mistake and assigned the same court to various teams. Confusion and a long waiting period occurred.

This long delay naturally affected the rest of the day. In my old age, I am like chicken, I go to bed early. So around 4:30 pm, as it started to get a little nippy, I left the field. But I was told later that the tournament lasted until nightfall. Much too late for my delicate little nature.

The tournament fosters connections, creating lasting bonds among participants and spectators. Friendships are formed over shared interests and experiences, and the event serves as a platform for cultural exchange.

Whether you are a competitor, a spectator, or simply a lover of Petanque, this event should not be missed.

Partial tournament results procured by my (sleepy) moles:

Concours A
1^st place: Dylan Rocher & Patrick Neuville
2^nd place: Mark Greenberg & Damien Hureau

Concours B:
1st place: Emile Boujek & Joe Hass

Consolante A :
1st place : Bernard Passemar & Fabien Assie

Consolante B :
1st place : Caitlin & Albert Woodbury

 If you know more about these results and have pictures of the winners, please let me know, and I will update my report. Thank you.

PS: I have a few pictures…

Merci Jean-Michel pour m’avoir aidé a corriger mes erreurs =😎