With the theater release of the quasi-operatic Les Misérables last Christmas, the classic story of redemption by VIctor Hugo receives yet another incarnation, this time based on the successful stage musical. Continue reading
Category Archives: Platinum
‘L’Amour, toujours’ – Valentine’s Day in France
Quel est ton Valentin/Valentine ? Who is your Valentine? (m/f.) Fêter la saint Valentin (to celebrate St Valentine's Day) often means offering des petits cadeaux (small gifts) in the form of flowers, a romantic diner, wine and chocolates. Continue reading
Using Japanese in Real Life
It’s a new year, and I’ve moved to a new apaato (apartment) in a beautiful neighborhood of Tokyo called Yoyogi Uehara. I’m loving the new setting—young, vibrant, and best of all, social! Continue reading
La Tarte aux Pommes: A French Must
In the spirit of National Pie Day tomorrow, we wanted to give you a delicious recipe for a French apple tart! This classic tarte aux pommes (French Apple Tart) contains two layers of apples. Compared to the American pie, this tart … Continue reading
The French and their Scarves
The importance of accessories in French fashion is paramount. For that je ne sais quoi and irresistible appeal, the French draw on centuries of sophistication. Scarves in particular never go out of style. They are indeed a quintessential element in the everyday … Continue reading
Eric Learns Japanese: eTutoring Experiences
Living Language Note: Over the next few months, our new friend Eric will be learning Japanese and sharing his journey on the blog! When he’s not studying with Living Language Platinum Japanese, Eric is an English instructor at Temple University’s … Continue reading
Public Holidays in France: Occasions for Celebration
In France, some public holidays have a religious background; others are just reminders of important moments in the history of France, or simply civic in nature. In some cases, these public holidays can also be an occasion to come together as … Continue reading
Jean de La Fontaine: French language ‘par excellence’
Although he is now remembered mostly for his fables, La Fontaine was a prolific writer, producing works in many literary genres, from licentious tales, to poems, plays and libretti. In France, Jean de la Fontaine’s fables have for long … Continue reading
La Fête de la Musique: A Celebration of Music in France
Also known as ‘World Music Day’, La Fête de la Musique is a free public festival celebrating music and its arts. It takes place throughout France each year on June 21st. Coinciding with the first day of the summer, this celebration … Continue reading
Ratatouille: A Taste of the French South
Ratatouille is a wonderful summer dish, especially when served cold. It is a spécialité culinaire (culinary specialty) from Nice but is found throughout Provence and beyond, under different forms and names. Ratatouille is composed of legumes such as eggplants, onions, zucchini, peppers, … Continue reading