Rick's Roadshow: I Saw London, I saw Paris

Here is another installment of Rick's Roadshow: I Saw London, I Saw Paris. What is there to write about Paris that has not already been written? I cannot imagine anything at all. During my time in France, I remembered that my command of the French language is not as good as it once was, no, make that not ever as good as I thought it was. I studied French over 25 years ago, and have barely used it at all. I am good at ordering French wine, French cheeses, and French baguette, but that seems to be where my expertise ends. Well that's not entirely fair, I was fine with reading menus and such so that accounts for something, I reckon. During these austere times, it is probably best that I forego the details of my time in France. Instead I'll share just a few photos of the Louvre, Paris' famed museum known to millions of art lovers.

Stunning architecture of the Louvre

Even the gardens at the Louvre are romantic

Paris loves its arches, or should I say "Arc"

Really, this needs a comment?

All I could think of was Dan Brown's book

The French Police- angels on horseback, trumpets blaring.

This photo sums it up: grace, elegance and beauty.

While shopping at Galeries Lafayette, I spotted this wonderful shop window and took this video clip. It is quite charming:

I've long thought that Paris is one of the most beautiful cities by night. Almost any Rue you cross, there are wonderful feasts for the eye throughout Paris. I always recommend walking back from dinner, as it is the best way to see this terrific city at its best.

Here I am in the lounge of a hotel, enjoying a very nice French Bordeaux, well a bottle actually. That plus some fresh bread, wonderful cheese, and snacky things. These are the moments that make Paris Paris, if you know what I mean. I don't smoke, but the only way to have made this a more French moment was if I were smoking and quoting philosophy whilst sipping my wine. Indeed, Paris is divine, even in the winter.
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Dr Sidney Wang Contacts Paris Hilton in Jail

Resident oracle Dr Sidney Wang, used his psychic powers earlier today for a glimpse into a day in the life of jailbird Paris Hilton. Dr Wang reports that Miss Hilton has had "good days and bad days", but has resigned herself to finishing her sentence with dignity. Dr Wang gazed into The Great Bubble Wall in his tank as a crystal ball type device to obtain actual visions of Paris Hilton in prison.

At first view, Dr Wang saw a despondent Hilton sitting in her cell, rocking back and forth. Her hair was ragged and uncombed. Dr Wang's voice finally reached her jail cell, and Paris acknowledged his greeting. "I am much better than when you last contacted me, Dr Wang" Miss Hilton said. "I was under stress and strain when you channeled my great grandfather, Conrad Hilton and I was unable to speak calmly", Paris said. Dr Wang then offered to channel Paris' great grandfather once again and she readily agreed.

Several hours later, Dr Wang settled into a very tranquil state, at the bottom of his fish tank, meditated briefly and altered his state of consciousness to allow the psychic medium to take effect. Within minutes, he began receiving signals of energy from the spirit world. "Hello?..." said Dr Wang..."Hello? Have I reached anyone?" Suddenly a voice boomed: "It is I, Conrad Hilton, founder of the Hilton Hotel chain. Let me speak with my great-granddaughter Paris Hilton". Dr Wang's fins fluttered briefly as he attempted to recontact Paris in prison. When Dr Wang reached Paris, she was already performing her prison duties, which at the moment involved cleaning toilets.
Dr Wang called out: "Paris, Paris I have contacted your great-grandfather Conrad and have a direct message for you". Paris put down her toilet brush and said: Yes Dr Wang, go ahead"
Dr Wang's body shuttered once again and reopened his psychic medium to the spirit of Conrad. Mr Hilton began to address his great-granddaughter: "Paris, you little spoiled brat. When you are released from prison, I want you to continue scrubbing toilets. You have many more important life lessons yet to learn. When you get out of jail, I want you to pick up dog poo in public parks and wear polyester blouses from WalMart". Paris listened to the spirit of her great grandfather intently, as drops of water dripped from her toilet brush. Her eyes filled with tears, but she bravely replied: "Yes, grand-daddy Hilton". With that, Dr Wang's connection to the other world was lost, and Dr Wang's body shuttered once again. He told Paris, "I'm afraid that's it, I've lost all contact".

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Paris thanked Dr Wang and resumed her prison work, humming "Amazing Grace" as she scrubbed the toilet bowl, yet at peace that she had finally spoken to the great Conrad Hilton once again.

Dr Wang Channels Conrad Hilton Beyond the Grave

Dr Sidney Wang had planned to spend Sunday relaxing at home in his tank; he was still exhausted from the Palm Springs Psychic Summit that had ended earlier Sunday morning.

Not one to shirk his responsibilities, Dr Wang found himself receiving messages from the spirit world. At the first sign of an incoming communication, Dr Wang swam to the depths of his tank to consult with his mini-Booda. Dr Wang meditated briefly, and altered his state of consciousness to allow the psychic medium to take effect. Within minutes, he began receiving signals of energy from the spirit world. To Dr Wang's astonishment, it was Conrad Hilton, founder of the Hilton hotel chain, and great-grandfather to jailbird Paris Hilton.

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Dr Wang's tiny eyes rolled back in his head and his tail fluttered briefly as he uttered Mr Hilton's message from beyond the grave. Conrad Hilton's message is as follows:

"Will someone please stop that little bitch great-granddaughter of mine from single-handedly tarnishing the reputation I worked so hard to build! The Hilton family name at one time was respected and stood for quality, excellence and honor."
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Dr Wang's eyes widened as he channelled the next message from Mr Hilton, intended for his great-granddaughter Paris Hilton:
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"Paris, my dear great-granddaughter-GROW UP. Start wearing panties everyday, drop the attitude, and learn how to do some work. Even though you have shamed our family, serve out your time in prison, and start cleaning toilets. Maybe you can work in the housekeeping division at one of our hotels when you get out."

With those final words, the transmission ended- Dr Wang's tail and fins fluttered briefly as was released from the grip of the psychic medium. But he realized this message had to be communicated to Paris Hilton herself, so once again, Dr Wang meditated and concentrated on reaching Paris Hilton in prison.

As Dr Wang opened a channel to Paris Hilton, he immediately began transmitting the message from her great-grandfather Conrad Hilton. Dr Wang sensed the fear in Paris...she paused nervously in her cell as she listened to her great-grandfather's stern words via Dr Wang. Unable to understand how this message was reaching her, Paris began screaming in horror. She put her hands to her head, began violently pulling her hair, sobbing uncontrollably. Paris shouted: "I don't WANT to scrub toilets, here or in a hotel" With that, Dr Wang knew his work was finished, and he closed the psychic channel to Paris. Later, Dr Wang confessed that Paris Hilton seemed "quite empty-headed and with few redeeming values".