“Madeleine”, by Jacques Brel Posted by Hichem on Mar 28, 2011
Madeleine: As in “Pleurer comme une Madeleine” (Literally “to cry like a Madeleine”, meaning “to cry one’s eyes out”) * * * Jacques Brel sings “Madeleine” * * * Ce soir j’attends Madeleine Tonight I wait for Madeleine J’ai apporté du lilas I brought lilac J’en apporte toutes les semaines I bring some every week Madeleine…
Opéra: Printemps qui commence (Spring Blossoms) Posted by Hichem on Mar 25, 2011
Retour à l’opéra français (Back to French Opera)! For many, Maria Callas has de loin (by far) delivered the best Delilah performance à ce jour (to this day) * * * Many a great opera singer has chanted the célèbre (famous) French aria that you are about to listen to today: Think of la Roumaine (Romanian) Elena…
Conjugaison: Le Verbe Voyager Posted by Hichem on Mar 24, 2011
The nominal form of the verb voyager is voyage—as in the famous chanson “Voyage, voyage“! (By “Desireless”) * * * * Conjugaison du verbe: Voyager I N D I C A T I F Présent je tu il nous vous ils voyage voyages voyage voyageons voyagez voyagent Imparfait je tu il nous vous ils voyageais voyageais…
How about a delicious crème pâtissière? Posted by Hichem on Mar 23, 2011
Ce n’est un secret pour personne (It is a secret to no one), the French have since a long time, at least since the early days of Henry IV, elevated the confection of la pâtissière to a fine and refined culinary art. * * * Today French Blog post will show you how to prepare a tasty crème pâtissière classique (classic confectioner’s…
Le nucléaire civil: pour ou contre? Posted by Hichem on Mar 20, 2011
In the wake of the tragic tremblement de terre (earthquake) that devastated Japan a few days ago, an overheated debate has re-emerged on the international scene concerning the risks associated with the development of l’énergie nucléaire for civilian purposes. Many opponents of the use of this form of energy are undoubtedly well-intentioned, and are quick to point…
Victor Hugo: Au bord de la mer (At the Seaside) Posted by Hichem on Mar 18, 2011
“Au bord de la mer” – Victor Hugo Vois, ce spectacle est beau. – Ce paysage immense Look, this spectacle is beautiful. This landscape is huge Qui toujours devant nous finit et recommence ; Which always in front of us ends and starts again Ces blés, ces eaux, ces prés, ce bois charmant aux yeux…
How to conjugate the French verb pouvoir Posted by Hichem on Mar 17, 2011
When the American President Barack Obama launched his famous optimistic campaign slogan “Yes, we can”, several French newpapers labeled it as the strategic vision based on the good old proverb “vouloir c’est pouvoir“, which can be translated as “to want is to be able to.” Le jeux de mot (the pun) here was intended between…