The Texas Ranger and Mt Rushmore

THE OPINION section of the Waco Trib is one of Ivory Toweress' favorites. Here is the text of a letter from yesterday, defending the attempt to construct a Ranger alongside 135:

To everyone complaining about the proposed Ranger monument in Waco: Find a new argument.
None of the arguments against said monument are valid: height, eyesore, birds, and causing traffic accidents.
One need only travel south of Houston to be greeted by the 570-foot tribute to Texas’s independence. Or consider the somewhat shorter sister monument in Washington, D.C., for George Washington (it is only 555 feet 5 1/8 inches).
Then there’s the Sam Houston statues, but let’s not forget Mount Rushmore, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, any of a number of lighthouses throughout the United States, buildings in New York City and Washington, D.C.
One person said he doesn’t want Waco to be known for the “big white guy with a gun welcoming people to town.” Is it better to be known as the final stand for a bunch of fanatics dying while taking on the government?


For more amusing letters, including one arguing that a particular person would be a good state representative because he has constructed a 50-point plan, click here.

The District

FOR ALL of you young idealists wanting to move to DC to save the world, consider this article before making your move. On another note, the Washington Times is at least good for something these days: reporting on the vermin in DC, and, no, we aren't talking about our furry friends.

America's Team

OUR APARTMENT in Paris contained several guide books. My favorite comment in one of them explains what appropriate dress is for a Parisian dinner. Specifically, it says "A Dallas Cowboys T-shirt is not appropriate casual attire for a Paris Brasserie." This statement clearly indicates that the Cowboys are, in fact, America's team. We are happy to report that at half time against Big Blue the Cowboys are up 14-7 after a long 10-minute demoralizing drive.

The Ranger

WE HOPE cool heads prevail. Read here.

Dispatch from Paris

WE AT Ivory Toweress have spent the first part of 2008 in Paris. This was our first time to rent an apartment, and highly recommend it for those planning a visit to the City of Lights. It has been nearly a year and a half since we were here last, and the first time to visit since the new smoking ban has been in place. Although we are no fan of cigarettes, there is something downright disturbing about sitting in a brasserie without the prevalent smell of smoke. Oh well, our lungs will be better for it. Another apparent trend in Euro travel, we were given no customs landing cards upon arriving at CDG airport. No idea if landing cards are on the permanent out for travelers into the EU.


THE FOOD was simply magnificent. We visited old standards, such as Left Bank's Brasserie Balzar and Right Bank's Benoit, and some newer places (or, at least new to us), such as Au fil des Saisons and Les Fous d'en Face. Because we rented an apartment and had a kitchen, we also got to take full advantage of the fresh food available at the markets and bakeries.



HIGH TEA in Paris was simply wonderful. Our apartment was located across from one of Paris' most famous tea establishments, Mariage Freres. Mariage Freres offers a full tea service, and all things in between. Importantly for Ivory Toweress, it boasts a massive collection of first and second flush Darjeelings--three of which we had occasion to try, along with one Assam variety.



WE DID a bit of touring; however, Musee Picasso, one of the top places on our list, is closed until 17 January. We attended a service at Notre Dame, made a day trip to Versailles, and explored other traditional sites.



We will post photos when we arrive home. Au Revoir!