Joie de Vivre

Oooooh, Mr. Napoleon, Madame Josephine, I think I love you!

I ask you dear readers, where is this world headed? In today's news the famous (now, probably, infamous) Hostess people want to close down. What was your favorite Hostess confection? Before I wax nostalgic, today's news simultaneously brought us the Death of Twinkie and word of the French government's tax (maybe already enacted) on Nutella, a product of Italy. So the 'O' word is being used a great deal today. No, sillies, O for Obesity, not that other word, the one you use to describe satisfaction approaching sexual satiation. Hmmm, mmm.

Remember the book from years ago, "French Women Don't Get Fat"? If you'd traveled to only the chic places in Europe, you might have bought it. Otherwise, not so much. Ah, but, before you judge (or flat out guffaw,) the author, Mireille Guillano, made an excellent case for enjoying life, and doing so, comfortable in one's own skin. I'm overweight, according to all the physicians' charts in Europe and America, and I happen to be an exceptional cook, having mastered many French techniques and classic dishes. So, of course, I was delighted with the book, if not so thrilled in the fitting room at Bloomingdale's.

I've worked my entire life toward greater and greater self-control, making good choices, and the difference between being regulated and being smart. Today I'm thinking this man, Hollande, is trying to rob the French of their national heritage, Joie de Vivre. In my experience, you either have it, or you do not. I'm not certain Socialists have it; it would be considered decadent.

Don't let the mere issue of Nutella and it's contents (mostly palm oil and sugar) divert your attention, though, from all that Mr. Hollande is bringing to the governance of France. He is now begging the French not to leave France. If it were me, he'd have to do better than appeal to abstracts, especially at dinner time.  My point here, however, is, if you think our government isn't looking at his plan, you're dead wrong. Here's a link, which may give you an idea of what's on the table in France (no pun intended):
http://beforeitsnews.com/economy/2012/09/france-unveils-combat-budget-2453642.

So, what we're talking about, people, is regulation. What aspects of my life am I willing to have regulated and under what circumstances, for what "reasons." I think the government always has its reasons, which have little to do with you or me.