Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Show Us Your Tips!

Headline: Paris art models go nude to protest City Hall law against tipping

PARIS (AP) - Paris City Hall wants to strip art school models of the tips they receive from painters and sculptors - and the nude models decided they weren't going to take that with their clothes on. About 15 models braved near-freezing temperatures to strip outside the city's cultural affairs bureau Monday to protest a new municipal order that again bans the age-old practice of tipping those who pose nude.

I can't even believe I'm writing this sentence, because I am ALL ABOUT THE NUDITY, but wouldn't this protest be slightly more effective if the models kept their clothes ON? You know, refuse to show the artsy-fartsies their "tip" until they see some tips? I'm just not convinced that working for free is the clearest path to higher wages.

One of the things I love about France is the ass-backwards way they protest stuff that pisses them off. I was visiting there when the ban on public smoking in cafes and restaurants took effect on Jan 1, 2008. The French were completely outraged by the whole assault on their smoking culture, but chose to protest the new bylaw by - get this - boycotting the purchase of cigarettes. Oh yes,that will teach them all a big fat lesson. The French sure are good at problem-solving.

And then there was that time in 2005 when the restless youth of Paris protested police violence and high youth unemployment by rioting in the streets, burning cars and businesses (including a daycare), and killing innocent bystanders. Because nothing helps you get a job faster than torching the offices of your potential employers, and nothin' keeps the fuzz at bay like an arson party.

Anyways, fuck all that, we were talking about boobs, right?

I'm leaving for France next week, and you can be damn sure I'll be nipping this issue in the buff.

Oh, and if you like the above painting, it's "The French Model" by Sergey Ignatenko. I just told him I was French to score that gig. Sorry I defaced it with a mitt full o' Euros, but my hand was already covering that boob, so you're not missing anything, perverts.

12 comments:

Vegetable Assassin said...

Ha, I was just saying this yesterday, that they'd gotten things a little backasswards with the shedding clothes thing, but hey, boobies talk so I guess if you want publicity for your cause, get your dirty pillows out!

That is a beautiful painting though.

SouthernBelle said...

First you eat all the creatures in the forest, then you get to piss off to France?

I hate you, and also I want to be you.

I don't care how ass-backwards the French are, I still adore (and would totally do) anyone who can speak French to me. Luckily for my marriage, that's no-one in Georgia except Husband!

Dr Zibbs said...

Hey. I'm all about nudity too. Let's rub each other while nude.

(This offer expires Jan 1, 2009 and you're responsible for your own travel expenses.)

Some Guy said...

Have a great time! I studied there for a year in college and witnessed a lot of the backwardness you describe. Having said that, I loved it there and had a hell of a good time!

SkylersDad said...

Enjoy France, get out away from the cities and check out the countryside if you can!

Gwen said...

Have fun in France! I hope you see some ladies' underpants.

pistols at dawn said...

Spend all your time at Euro Disney - it's the only thing worth seeing in the entire country.

You heard me, Sacre Coeur - or more like "whatever the opposite of 'sacre' is in French talk Coeur."

I don't think I've ever trash talked a basilica before. I rather liked it.

Also, quit telling women to put their clothes back on. They usually do that soon enough when they realize I'm hiding in their closet.

WendyB said...

Where do they place the tips? If there's no g-string... hmmmmm....

Snooze said...

Bon voyage and have a super time in France. I will jealously think of you skiing and eating brie and drinking decent wine. Your take on French protests is great.

Bluzlover said...

What a beautiful and inspiring model you are! It's amazing you were available to pose for the young man. How kind of you. France will never be the same.

Chris said...

I've never been to France, but I've been to Missouri... They say it's kind of the same if you squint and don't really pay attention.

Leonesse said...

Does that mean the pad will be free for that Viva La Katrocket Festival I have been planning?