Aiyaz Crystal Wine Glasses

Wine Sign Metal

I Love Touring Paris - the Seventh Arrondissement

The seventh arrondissement is located on the Left Bank of the Seine River. It hosts several major government institutions and some very important tourist attractions. This lovely district occupies about 1.6 square miles (slightly over 4 square kilometers) and has a population of approximately 57 thousand people while providing more than 76 thousand jobs.

Some of the best jobs in this arrondissement are in the Assemblee Nationale (National Assembly), the lower house of the French Parliament which consists of 577 elected members known as deputes (deputies), each elected to represent a single-member constituency. The official seat of the National Assembly is the Palais Bourbon (Bourbon Palace) on the banks of the Seine River as well as some neighboring buildings.

The Eiffel Tower is perhaps Paris's best-known landmark, recognized the world over. This thousand foot (three hundred twenty meter) building, as tall as an eighty-story building, annually attracts over six million paying visitors. Once the tallest structure in the world it is now only the fifth tallest building in France. And yet year in year out more visitors pay to see it than any other monument in the world.

The Eiffel Tower was erected between 1887 and 1889 as the entrance arch to the Exposition Universelle (World's Fair) honoring the centennial of the French Revolution. It was not immediately popular. The French writer Guy de Maupassant supposedly ate lunch there every day. When asked why, since everyone knew that he hated the tower, he simply replied ' that was the only Paris location where he couldn't see the tower. The original plans were to demolish the tower after twenty years but happily plans changed. The tower is used for radio transmission and served for German television broadcasts during the occupation of Paris in World War II and again since 1957.

There's a fancy restaurant with a private elevator on the second floor and another restaurant on the first floor. The Eiffel Tower was struck by lightning in 1902 and in 1910 helped scientists discover cosmic rays. And con men have succeeded in selling it for scrap metal. The tower shifts up to 7 inches (18 centimeters) because of the sun and sways about a third as much in the wind. You can climb the first two levels but going higher requires an elevator. Once every seven years it's painted in three different colors to keep up appearances.

During the German occupation Nazi soldiers climbed to the top and hoisted the swastika but after a few hours the wind blew that rag away. Later during the war the tower proudly flew the French flag. During the winter the first floor hosts a free ice skating rink. Its night-time image has been copyrighted. Many, many buildings are taller, but none are as recognizable or perhaps as well loved.

The Hotel Matignon, completed in 1725 is one of Paris's most elegant mansions. At that time, the owners authorized any "well-dressed" person to visit the mansion in their absence. Too bad that I was unaware of this little slice of history the last time I was in the neighborhood. The building had seen a lot including the signing of the famous Matignon Accords in 1936 that established the forty-hour work week and paid vacations for French workers. During World War II it was used by the collaborationist government. According to legend the French Resistance leaders who seized the premises got confused between Hotel Matignon and the Matignon Avenue across the Seine River. In all fairness, they did have a lot on their mind. General de Gaulle convened the government there in 1944 and once again in 1958. Its park is the largest private garden in Paris.

The Champ de Mars (Field of Mars) is named for the Roman war god and was once used for military training. It's not far from the military school described below. It was the site of both a festival and a massacre during the French Revolution. The Musee d'Orsay (Orsay Museum) was once a railway station, the world's first electrified urban one. Charles de Gaulle spoke there in 1958 before taking power. It is now a museum specializing in French art from 1848 to 1914. Its collection includes impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, and many others.

The Ecole Militaire (Military School) was founded in 1750 by Louis XV. Madame de Pompadour was part of this project whose objective was to enable poor boys to become cadet officers. Napoleon Bonaparte was such a good student that he graduated from a two-year program in a single year but he had already frequented (from age nine) another French military school. Be sure to visit the nearby Les Invalides (The Invalides) complex, built in 1670 as a retirement home for war veterans that has expanded to include a soldiers' hospital, war monuments, and war museums. Many of France's war heroes are buried there including France's greatest war hero of them all, Napoleon Bonaparte and his family.

The Musee Rodin (Rodin Museum) was opened in 1919 in the Hotel Biron where the artist lived from 1908. It contains most of his greatest works including The Thinker and The Kiss. You'll see many of his sculptures in the gardens. Other great artists and sculptors including Van Gogh, Rodin, and Claudel are represented in the museum.

The Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris (Paris Institute of Political Studies), often called Sciences Po is one of France's greatest educational institutions. Among its subjects of choice are political science, economics, business, communications, finance, journalism, law, management, and urban studies. It was established in 1872 by French businessmen, intellectuals, and politicians in the wake of France's defeat in the Franco-Prussian war of 1870 and the Paris Commune of the following year. In the last few years Sciences Po has taken on a few students from the poor suburban areas outside Paris; a French version of the inner city. This is in contrast to their usually elitist student body. The undergraduate program is usually three years with the third year spent abroad or in an internship. Of course there are Master's and Doctoral programs. Students are expected to be proficient in at least two foreign languages and fluent in French. Many French leaders such as Chirac and Mitterand, thirteen former prime ministers and a whole slew of world leaders are former students, teachers or both.

Of course you don't want to tour Paris without sampling excellent French wine and food. In my article I Love French Wine and Food ' A Bordeaux Merlot I reviewed such a wine and suggested a sample menu: Start with Gravette Huitres (Oysters from the Arcachon Bay). For your second course savor Lamproie au Pomerol (Eels cooked in Red Wine and Chocolate). And as dessert indulge yourself with Cannelles de Bordeaux (Portable Cr? Brulee). Your Parisian sommelier (wine steward) will be happy to suggest appropriate wines to accompany each course.

About the Author

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but between you and me, he prefers fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and good company. He knows what dieting is, and is glad that for the time being he can eat and drink what he wants, in moderation. He loves teaching computer classes at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel, wine, and food website www.travelitalytravel.com and his global wine website www.theworldwidewine.com.

Wine $24.99 Wine - Wood Sign

The Good Bottle, Wine Merchant's Sign $34.99 The Good Bottle, Wine Merchant's Sign - Giclee Print

Welcome to Wine Country, Sign, Australia $129.99 Panoramic Images Welcome to Wine Country, Sign, Australia - Wall Decal

Handpainted 'Wine & Dine and Dance' Sign (Mexico) $74.82 Make a bold statement with this colorful Wine, Dine, Dance sign. This unique wall hanging is handmade from rusted steel and paper plaques.Title: Wine & Dine and DanceProduct type: Rusted recycled steel, paper plaques Material: Metal Format: Vertical Size: MediumSubject: MotivationalImage dimensions: 10.5 inches wide x 19.5 inches high Story Behind the Art: Artists in Mexico and New Orleans craft these whimsical metal wall hangings from reclaimed steel from discontinued signs. After Hurricane Katrina, there was an abundance of old signs in New Orleans and they have found another life today. The process begins with the artisans hand cutting the signs and then sealing them using earth-friendly water-based and acid-free materials. The finished sign is dried in the sun and finally hand chained to be ready to hang on the wall.What is Worldstock?The handcrafted touch of artisan skill creates variations in color, size and design. If buying two of the same item, slight differences should be expected. Note: Color discrepancies may occur between this product and your computer screen.Imported

Metal Sign $24.95 Bassani Metal Sign Embossed metal construction Predrilled holes for easy wall mounting 18" x 10 1/4"

Metal Bicycle Sign $29.99 Metal Bicycle Sign - Photographic Print

Chinatown Subway Metal Sign $19.99 Chinatown Subway Metal Sign - Masterprint

Make Me Wine $12.99 Make Me Wine - Tin Sign

Absinthe Vichet Wine $69.99 Absinthe Vichet Wine - Wood Sign

Ingham Marsala Wine $99.99 Ingham Marsala Wine - Wood Sign

Schonberg - Wine Improved $12.99 Schonberg - Wine Improved - Tin Sign

AIM Musicians Only Metal Sign $9.99 AIM Musicians Only Metal Sign

Number Seven on Worn Metal Sign $29.99 Number Seven on Worn Metal Sign - Photographic Print

Personalized Summer Wine Bar Sign $41.79 Take a trip to the fragrant fields of Tuscany without ever leaving your home with our beautiful Summer Wine Bar Sign by Cathy's Concepts. Fashioned after a custom wine label, this unmistakable design is the perfect combination of old world charm and refreshing appeal. Perfect for any bar, kitchen or dining room setting, this glorified pub sign makes for an amazing gift for family, friends and wedding attendants alike. Its picturesque appeal makes it ideal for all homes and a great find for any decor. Personalized to fit each unique individual, this sophisticated pub sign makes for a fantastic wedding gift. Crafted of sturdy laminated wood, this unmistakable plaque is not only tailored to each individual, but its universal appeal will last for years to come. This pub sign is refined with a high gloss finish, free personalization and an attachable hanger, making it a guaranteed crowd pleaser. The sign can be personalized with your name, initial embedded into the photo of the grapes and your favorite year (add the wedding year and give as a gift for the bride and groom). Personalization Options: The Summer Wine Bar Sign may be personalized with a first or last name (following Chateau), a single script initial embedded into the photo and a year at No Additional Cost. Be sure to add all information in the space exactly as you would like it to appear. Please allow up to 2-3 business days for personalized items to ship.Features: • Crafted of sturdy laminated wood • Fashioned after a custom wine label • Personalize with a possessive first or last name, initial and favorite year • Refined with a high gloss finishSize: 15 3/8"tall x 11 1/2"wide

Ram Gameroom R109 Wine Inproves Wall Sign $88.4 Perfect for a dining room bar area or rec room decor this Wine improves with age wall sign will be a colorful addition to any interior design. The sign has an oval shape and features an old world color palette that brings with it a vintage inspired appeal. Pub Sign Wine Improves with Age. 16 W x 1 D x 24 H.

Wine Time Art Yard Sign by CafePress $19 Wine Time yard decoration of red and white wine bottles,grapes in a colorful deco design. Great for wine lovers,vineyards and all party yard decorations. Art Yard Sign When you have something important to say, showcase it on a yard sign for all to see. Support a candidate, promote a yard sale, play up a party theme, create a holiday decoration - or just say what's on your mind.Measures 22 wide x 15 high.

Personalized Red Wine Bar Sign $41.79 Give your bar a touch of vintage romance with our rustic Red Wine Bar Sign by Cathy's Concepts. Set with an aesthetically aged background and a crisp vineyard photo, this laminated wood plaque features brilliantly shaped edges and impeccable detail. Its picturesque appeal makes it ideal for all homes and a great find for any decor. Personalized to fit each unique individual, this pub sign makes for a fantastic gift for bridesmaids, groomsmen, family and friends. Crafted of sturdy laminated wood and designed in bold, fresh colors, this unmistakable plaque is not only tailored to each individual, but its universal appeal will last for years to come. Fashioned in laminated wood, this personalized pub sign is the perfect addition to any bar, kitchen or office and makes for a fantastic gift for all occasions. This pub sign is refined with a high gloss finish, free personalization and an attachable hanger, making it a guaranteed crowd pleaser. The sign can be personalized with your name and favorite year. Personalization Options: The Red Wine Bar Sign may be personalized with a first or last name (max of 12 characters) and favorite year at No Additional Cost. Be sure to add all information in the space exactly as you would like it to appear. Please allow up to 2-3 business days for personalized items to ship.Features: • Crafted of sturdy laminated wood • Set with an aesthetically aged background and a crisp vineyard photo • Personalize with a possessive first or last name and favorite year • Refined with a high gloss finishSize: 15 3/8"tall x 11 1/2"wide

New York- Greenwich Village Metal Sign $34.99 New York- Greenwich Village Metal Sign - Tin Sign

New York- Coney Island Metal Sign $34.99 New York- Coney Island Metal Sign - Tin Sign

Empty Wine & Water Glasses in Front of Valira Publicity Sign $24.99 Peter Medilek Empty Wine & Water Glasses in Front of Valira Publicity Sign - Photographic Print

Gear One Beatles Abbey Road Metal Sign $15.99 Gear One Beatles Abbey Road Metal Sign

Proceed to Metal Detector Sign $32.29 Proceed to metal detector signs ensure all who enter your facility go through the metal detector. 7"h x 10"w plastic metal detector security sign is durable, and easy to clean. Supplied with strong, quick-apply adhesive foam backing that sticks to even rough, irregular surfaces. Graphics embedded beneath 1/16" clear plastic for a tamperproof message. Sign reads: PLEASE PROCEED TO METAL DETECTOR AREA.

Warning Metal Detector Sign $32.29 Warning metal detector signs alert to all where metal detectors are located. 7"h x 10"w plastic metal detector security sign is durable, and easy to clean. Supplied with strong, quick-apply adhesive foam backing that sticks to even rough, irregular surfaces. Graphics embedded beneath 1/16" clear plastic for a tamperproof message. Sign reads: WARNING METAL DETECTOR IN USE.

Sons of Anarchy Reaper Metal Sign $59.95 Are you a true outlaw? Show the world with our Sons of Anarchy Reaper Metal Sign. This custom metal sign features the Sons of Anarchy Reaper logo and has been distressed for a vintage look. But you have to buy the Sons of Anarchy Reaper Metal Sign. Not steal it. Ships within 10 - 12 business days.

Metal Detector Screening Sign $32.29 Metal detector screening signs inform employees and visitors are subject screening. 7"h x 10"w plastic metal detector security sign is durable, and easy to clean. Supplied with strong, quick-apply adhesive foam backing that sticks to even rough, irregular surfaces. Graphics embedded beneath 1/16" clear plastic for a tamperproof message. Sign reads: PLEASE BE ADVISED ALL VISITORS AND EMPLOYEES SUBJECT TO METAL DETECTOR SCREENING.

NFL Nostalgic Metal Sign - Redskins $23.78 NFL Nostalgic Metal Sign - Redskins Riddell Nostalgic Metal Sign - 11.58"w x 17.5"h. Designed to look like '40s and '50s trade signs

Pinnacle Strategies Metal Wine Rack H94298UPS $43.34 Wine rack. Metal. Length: 22.25. Width: 9. Height: 7.15

Deck the Stalls Metal Sign $22.95 Give your horses a little holiday spirit when you deck the stalls this season! Sign is made from individual metal panels, handpainted in a distressed and vintage style. Each panel is attached to the others by small chains. Hangs 27" in length.

Benzara 68053 48 in. Metal Wine Holder $157.47 Metal Wine Rack Wine Bottle Holder Globe. A World globe made of cast Metal attached to the four arch legs stand can hold several wine Bottles. Dimensions: 48 H x 20 W.

Metal Sign for the Brooklyn Bridge in New York $29.99 Metal Sign for the Brooklyn Bridge in New York - Photographic Print

Weathered and Rusted Metal High Voltage Danger Sign $29.99 Weathered and Rusted Metal High Voltage Danger Sign - Photographic Print