San Antonio Spurs' Speedy and Wonderful Pointguard

If you are a San Antonio Spurs buff like me, there is no way that you wouldn't know the team's world-class pointguard Tony Parker. The speedy Tony Parker, who was born in the land of Belgium to an African-American father and a statuesque Dutch model, is a recognized citizen of France.

This past NBA season, I notice that Tony Parker is becoming more asertive in his plays and shot selections. Furthermore, I think he is becoming more vital to the Spurs line-up because of his superb passing ability and decisive shooting prowess. If not for him, Spurs would have not beat the driven Western Conference after the elimination. His abilities and abilities compliment well with Spurs' other players like Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili. There are times when I feel that Spurs can let go of their primary man Duncan to look for another big threat and leave Parker as its primary gunner.

Despite Spurs loosing to Dallas in the Western Conference semifinals, Parker was able to prove to his buffs and to the management that he could be the next world-class pointguard in the world's premier basketball league. Still very young at 24, Parker will have richer and effective career in the NBA.

Significant Yet Divisive Tour de France

There is no doubt that Tour de France or Tour of France is the most significant racing spectacle in the world. It is every cyclist's wish to be a participant in this annual event that features only the best cyclist players in the whole world.

Still, this significant event has continued to experience doping incidents in the past years. Worst, champs are the subjects of these doping happenings. Look what happened to seven-time Tour de France champ Lance Armstrong who was subjected to analysis because of reports that he was guilty of doping. Still, after various investigations of his case, Armstrong was found clear of charges. This year, another Tour de France champ Floyd Landis was reported to have a testosterone imbalance after Stage 17.

With all these doping happenings happening in Tour de France, I was marveling why do they have to be always focused on the champion? Do these officials really prefer to keep the tour clear or they just prefer people to talk about the event? Is there truth to my perception that they prefer to destroy the authority of these players who are both Americans? I'm just marveling what will happen if a French athlete won the event?

Perfect Gift for my Enchanting and Caring Wife

One of my plans this coming year is to have a grand vacation in Paris together with my enchanting and caring wife. I know that this is also her dream because she constantly collects magazines and some readings about Paris and its alluring destinations. Nevertheless, we unquestionably don't have the luxury of time to go there and have a long vacation. Both of us are so employed with our jobs and other crucial commitments here. Nevertheless since her birthday is on December, we might also celebrate Christmas Day and New Year's Day in the place branded as the most romantic destination in the world.

When I was arranging this vacation, I had Hotel Ile de France Opera in my mind as the logde where we will stay. This hotel is such a great logde according to some buddies who have spent their vacations in Paris. All I have to do is to make a arrangement through the internet and I will be assured that there is a nice and exceptional place that we can occupy there.

I am definitely sure that my enchanting and caring wife would be extra happy and excited once I tell her about this great plan.

A Pedestal of Lovers Along The City Of Affection

Perhaps there is no other structure more synonymous with love in the whole universe, than the prominent Eiffel Tower found in Paris, France. In silver screens and television shows, romantic scenes would have a greater effect if it was done within the surroundings of this tower, where the lovers would make references to their relationship. Outsiders arriving in France would always insist on having their photo taken near Eiffel, as undeniable proof of their arrival in France. Thus, it became necessary that I also add Eiffel Tower to my itinerary during a short journey to France. Armed with a video camera and a battered English-French dictionary, I headed off to meet the most beloved memorial in France.

Despite my hindrance in grasping their language, I felt words were unrequired as I stood below Eiffel Tower. True to the code of awestruck tourists, I instantly took pictures of myself and the tower, desiring that my digital camera can take in that much data without erasing my other photos. Someone behind me commented that there was a renowned restaurant found at its apex; however, it was frightfuly expensive, and I probably needed a reservation. It was a bit depressing that I was unable to go up to Jules Verne, but I figured it was sufficient that I was in Paris -- with the prized photos, anyway.

The Beginning of French Meal

Are you attached to French meal? Do you know that French meal is characterized by an severe diversity? French meal is regarded as one of the world's most refined and graceful styles of cooking. This is also considered because of its usual style established as "haute cuisine" and provincial styles.

Even some of the world's top chefs, from the likes of Taillevent,
La Varenne, Carême, Escoffier, or Bocuse were established masters of French cuisine. Moreover, French meal techniques have been a major influence on virtually all Western meals. As a result, almost all culinary schools employ French cuisine as the basis for all other forms of Western meal.

Unknown to many, French meal originated from Italian meal or rather the Italian City States common cooking methods. This graceful meal was brought to the French court during the marriage of Catherine de Medici to King Henri II of France. Catherine de Medici was so repulsed by the meal methods of the French during that time that's why she brought her own chefs from Italy. These chefs taught the French chefs the Italian system of enhancing the flavors of the ingredients rather than hiding them giving birth to the so-called French meal.