In addition to being stunningly beautiful tokens of love, diamonds have enjoyed an enduring reputation as being a highly portable, highly liquid, and highly desirable asset. While not as predictable as gold or real estate as a hedge against inflation or as a safe haven for wealth, they nevertheless gave a sense of security to … More Diamonds Are Not Forever
As many of you already know, I write nonfiction books (The Old Money Book et al,) screenplays, this blog, and songs (a new addition, The Brooklyn Side of Town, has just been uploaded. Enjoy!) And like most everyone else, I write emails and texts regularly. So I have a little experience and a lot of … More The Medium and The Message
One of the unique anthropological/cultural experiences I’ve had with the purchase of the chateau is meeting some aristocrats who live in the area. I met a few in Paris, of course, but the ones who’ve remained in the country, with their estates and way of life in tact, have been more accessible, and perhaps more … More The All-Important Perspective
A friend commented not too long ago about ‘upward facing’ social signals and the contrasting ‘downward facing’ social signals. A confused moment fell over our group, so he elaborated: the way we dress and the things we buy can often be subtle or obvious social signals. These signals–logos, brands, accessories, styles, or trends–are used by … More Social Signals
After ten days of entertaining American friends in Paris, I am back to the welcome quiet of the house, fairly recovered. While I’m the most sociable of people for short periods, I find myself a little burnt after extended visits. But I love my friends, and I was happy they had a good time. Sitting … More Correct Me If I’m Wrong…
Not too long ago, one of our longtime contributors (The Salty One) forwarded a link to an insightful and timely article by well-known columnist George F. Will. You can read it HERE. Mr. Will makes a few good points. He bemoans the creeping 24/7 casual nature of dress today. He notes the reverse-snobbery of a tech … More The Lost Art of Dressing Appropriately
This article recently appeared in the Washington Post. As someone who’s attitude toward social media fluctuates between ‘suspicious’ and ‘hostile’, I find it refreshing and somewhat comforting. Coupled with the Surgeon General’s warning, perhaps we’re slowly but permanently turning a corner on this health hazard. Enjoy. I quit social media in college. This is how … More Leaving Social Media: One Woman’s Journey
I recently came across a website that I would consider a ‘cousin’ in philosophy and tone to this blog. Gentlemans Codes has timely and relevant posts, like THIS ONE, on noblesse oblige, which I find relevant and worthwhile. The site does focus more on lifestyle than we do here, but that’s refreshing and different. The … More Recommended Site: GC
As many of you know, I’ve been living in France for a few years. It’s offered a distance in which to view current events taking place in my home country, the United States. What’s more, I am exposed to the much older history and the much more nuanced perspective of Europeans in general, and the … More Our Country’s Biggest Decision Ever
Over the past couple of years, I’ve been patiently watching a phenomenon that is both slightly disturbing and completely understandable. (If I’ve touched on this topic before, my apologies.) It is the discovery, revelation, and condemnation of individuals and institutions that have been involved in slavery. I see it as an offshoot of the #MeToo … More Past Imperfect