#omg the first thing that came to mind was the guillotine

[lemedstudent2021]

a wise person once said history doesnt repeat itself, people do.

[stelamaris]

The Sorting Hat - QHPRA

@alluringcliche​ @jod1ewhittak3r​ @thepeverellthree​ @wearywanderer​

Let’s get going!

I love how the first years all bunch together like frightened lambs

“I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours.” – Well, that depends on the house and the house values, doesn’t it?

Much as I love McGonagall, her speech isn’t exactly designed to reassure nervous children. Neville’s cloak being fastened under his left ear is funny, though.

He’d had to take a school report home to the Dursleys saying that he’d somehow managed to turn his teacher’s wig blue – Whoops!

I’d forgotten that the first ghost we see and hear is the Fat Friar. Appropriately, he is speaking of forgiveness and second chances. But even though I’m a Hufflepuff, I agree with Nick that Peeves shouldn’t be given more chances.

The ghosts and the Sorting itself seem to be a big secret here but at the end of DH, Harry and Ginny discuss what happens quite freely. I suppose Jo wanted to keep the suspense going.

I love the Great Hall. One of the best things about the studio tour is that you enter the studio by walking through those huge doors into the Great Hall set. Ahhhh, it’s amazing.

Note that the Great Hall is not lit by studio floodlights but by candles and the starlight from the ceiling which would make it shadowy and mysterious.

“It’s bewitched to look like the sky outside, I read about it in Hogwarts, A History.” – First mention of Hogwarts, A History! DRINK!

I wonder if the Great Hall WAS open to the sky once but then, due to Scottish weather, it had to be closed.

This hat was patched and frayed and extremely dirty. – Would washing it get rid of the magic? :P

I love the Sorting Hat song, mainly because I find rhyming poetry quite difficult to write and admire Jo’s efforts.

It bowed to each of the four tables and then became quite still again. – How does a hat bow???

Hi Hannah!

I wonder what Seamus’s other house might have been.

Harry’s self-esteem issues are really obvious here. He’s utterly convinced that he’s not worthy and that he will be sent back, even knowing that he’s performed a lot of wandless magic.

A lot of what the Sorting Hat says about Harry could equally apply to Ron

I think Harry would have picked whichever house Draco wasn’t in. He doesn’t actually choose Gryffindor, he just says “NOT Slytherin��, which isn’t quite the same thing. The Sorting Hat is the one which decides Gryffindor is the place for him. Before anyone protests, I definitely think Harry belongs in Gryffindor, I just think it’s interesting that he didn’t actively choose his house.

I know that Jo’s said the only reason the Sorting Hat suggested Slytherin for Harry was because of the Horcrux in his head, but I don’t get that from this speech. It seems like the hat is really trying to see if Harry is interested in being ‘great’ at any cost, which is what Slytherin is all about. But Harry is so repelled by Draco and what he’s heard about Slytherin, he doesn’t really care about being ‘great’, he just doesn’t want to be anywhere near this guy or people who have anything in common with him.

I can only imagine how satisfying it was for McGonagall to have Harry Sorted into Gryffindor

Percy acts like Ron getting Sorted into Gryffindor required some sort of effort on Ron’s part

The description of the welcome feast must have been wish fulfillment for Jo, who wrote this while living on benefits. I bet the mint humbugs are for Dumbledore.

“I know who you are!” said Ron suddenly. “My brothers told me about you – you’re Nearly Headless Nick!” – If they told you, why didn’t you say anything when the ghosts first appeared?

Nick tipping his head like that at the dinner table is a bit rude but then Seamus was a bit rude for asking! And despite what we learn later, I don’t think Nick’s situation is that unusual, because British history contains more than one story of an inexperienced or unskilled executioner hacking away at a prisoner’s neck… One of the reasons the guillotine was created was to minimise the chance of this happening.

Seamus seems to have a knack  for asking awkward questions.

Haha, who’d have thought we’d find out just how the Baron got those blood stains on his clothes?! I can’t tell if Nick does know what happened and he’s being discreet or if he’s just telling Seamus to mind his own business because he doesn’t actually know the truth.

The description of Neville’s childhood is funny the first time you read it but then it stops being funny and ends up being sad.

I read a theory that this brief moment of pain came from Voldemort looking at Snape but I can’t blame Harry for thinking Snape was directly responsible.

Given the size of Hogwarts, ‘the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side’ seems ridiculously vague as far as descriptions go. Did they change it to ‘fourth-floor’ in the American editions? Because in the UK, we go ground floor, then first floor, second floor etc.

Harry laughing at Dumbledore’s words probably further convinced Snape that he was already a reckless troublemaker.

OMG Percy, why would Dumbledore tell the Prefects about something that dangerous? You’re still students, even if you have a bit more responsibility. Honestly.

Apparently the other teachers aren’t as fond of the school song as Dumbledore.

Is Dumbledore this happy because Harry’s finally here in one piece?

Harry’s been awake since 5am and it took the whole afternoon to get to Hogwarts, no wonder he’s dead on his feet.

So we found out about the Baron’s bloody clothes but not why the Baron is the only one who can control Peeves. Unless it’s because he murdered someone?

Percy continues to show an inflated sense of self – why would Peeves listen to Prefects when he’s not a student?

Caput Draconis means “the Dragon’s Head” according to Google. It’s also the name of a figure in geomancy, according to Wikipedia, which means “good fortune for beginnings or new projects”. Thoughts?

Neville is so small he needs help getting in, aww…

I wonder if Peter has a mental list of Ratty Things To Do (e.g. chewing sheets) that he ticks off.

I think Harry’s dream is influenced by the Horcrux, it was near Voldemort for the first time in years and may have woken up because of the close proximity. Harry specifically dreaming of Professor Quirrell’s turban talking to him (when you know what it’s hiding), the turban insisting that he needs to be in Slytherin because it’s his destiny, the turban tightening so that his head is hurting… it adds up.

Next chapter we have our proper introduction to Snape. Yaaaaaay.

[surveysonfleek]

088.

Find the nearest book. Read the second sentence on page 13. honestly the closest thing that’s a book is my kindle and there’s no way i’m gna fuck up my place by going to page 13 for this question lol.

Do you own anything that is made of metal and pink? hmm probably only coz i do own a lot of pink.

Is there laundry in your dryer right now? no dryer.

Would you eat a hissing beetle for $1000? i would probably seriously consider it but not do it lol.

If you had to spend a year studying an animal in the wild, what animal? pandas. (this survey is super long)

What is your all time favorite recipe? i had this amazing recipe for the moistest vanilla cupcakes ever but i lost it. i need to find it. i’d always get compliments.

What’s the first thing you think of when you smell strawberries? nothing really.

What’s the nearest thing to your right that starts with an L? lamp. Are there any bells in your house? the doorbell? lol. there’s also bells on the front door, you’ll always hear it if someone opens it.

What’s your favorite informercial? i hate them.

Ever been to AsSeenOnTv.com? no.

If you could have a shopping spree in any store, what would it be? a department store so i can buy something from every section lol.

Where’s the best place to register for a wedding? a department store lol.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever found on the beach? dead blue jellyfish.

Have you ever kissed anyone within an hour of meeting them? no i haven’t.

Can you watch a birthing video all the way through? i’m not sure, never tried.

What would be your act in a talent show? nothing!! 

What channel is on channel 37 on your tv? nothing.

What’s the last thing you wrote? my id number.

Do you have a community mailbox or an individual one? individual. like for my family.

How many keys are on your key ring? only three i think.

What was your first myspace song ever? i forgot.

Besides mama and dada, what was your first real word? haha i have no idea i’d have to ask my parents.

Would you rather be stuck in the desert or in a blizzard? blizzard. i honestly hate the summer heat.

What dessert do you hate? ice cream. like just ice cream. it’s boring.

What candy factory would you love to work at? lindt.

What does an envelope taste like to you? an envelope haha. can’t really compare it to anything else.

What’s your favorite line in your favorite movie? ugh idk lol. i can’t be put on the spot like that coz nothing comes to mind instantly.

Have you ever gone to the bathroom outdoors? yes. i used to go on camping trips a lot as a kid lol.

Would you help a baby cougar w/ the risk of the mama attacking you? no. 

What international monument would you like to visit the most? golden gate bridge - again. i never got pictures with it.

Have you decided where you want to get married? nope. around 30 i guess.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten in a sandwich? meh, i’m not very creative. so nothing too strange.

What’s the most exotic thing you’ve eaten? umm idk.

Is there a crime/criminal that intrigues you the most? no.

What Disney character do you think is the cutest? boo from monsters inc has always been cute for me.

Can you name some of the clever names of OPI nail polish? no lol.

Can you sing the entire theme song to any show? yes. the office. it has no words lol.

Did you ever get ‘the talk’ from either one of your parents? nope. my mum asked me as a kid if i knew how babies were made and i said yes and instantly left her room lol.

Do you remember drinking from a bottle? yes.

What’s in the third drawer of your dresser? leggings, tights and warmer clothes.

What do you keep in the little pocket of your purse? gum.

When people ask for ID, which ID do you use? driver’s license.

Who was the first person you knew who’s name started with a P? pj, my first friend in preschool.

What’s the last form you filled out online? this cashback thing from tolls.

How many times have you had to renew/change your driver’s license? i’ve renewed my license maybe five times now. and this month again coz it’s expiring.

Have you ever been given a bouquet of carnations? no.

Do you have an old computer that just sits at the house? yes lol. we should throw it, no one ever uses it.

Do you read the lyrics in the CD sleeve while listening to the song? i used to when i used to buy cd’s. i’d hate it when the sleeve didn’t have lyrics lol.

Name something you made out of play-doh when you were younger. a ball.

What’s your next appointment for? nothing.

When’s the last time you put glitter on something? on the weekend lol. as eyeshadow.

What’s the worst birthday gift you received as a child? clothes. i hated getting clothes. i was all about the toys.

Do you go into the gas station or stay by your car when pumping gas? stay by my car? then go into the gas station when i have to pay? confused by this question.

When’s the last time you sat on Santa’s lap? omg i don’t remember.

What’s your favorite kind of caramel apple? don’t think i’ve ever had one.

Would you rather wrestle crocodiles or anacondas? crocs. i’d hate to think of dying a slow and painful death with an anaconda squeezing you.

Did you sneeze last night? probably.

Do you hold the remote while watching tv or set it down? set it down unless i’m flicking through channels.

Have you ever done farm chores like milk a cow or shave a sheep? no.

When’s the last time you used a coupon? umm last week when i bought my new hair straightener.

Does your mom know what size clothes you wear now? yes.

Is Love written anywhere in the room you’re in? yes.

What’s the nearest sports equipment to you? basketball jerseys.

Have you ever glued your fingers or hands together? yes. i was fumbling around with superglue trying to fix my shoe and my fingers got stuck together for a good few seconds.

Do you think that they should bring the guillotine back? naaah. too messy.

If you could invent anything to make life easier, what would it be? teleportation so i could travel whenever.

Would you like to run in a giant hamster ball for humans? no.

What were that last kind of nuts you ate? normal peanuts.

Do you own any shirts with political or social statements on them? no.

Do you remember what your 2nd grade teacher’s first name was? mrs. la scala.

Have you ever played Twister & had someone’s butt in your face? haha i don’t remember the last time i played twister.

What was the last thing you cheated on? hmmm idk.

When was the last time you used a walkie talkie? geez probably when i was 10.

Where do you usually go camping? i don’t go camping anymore.

Who do you sleep with when you go camping? well with my family.

Ever been afraid to see a ghost in your rearview mirror when driving alone? hahaha plenty of times. especially after those nights with friends where you just start talking about scary shit.

Have you ever dated anyone whose name started with B? no.

If yes, was it a good experience? -

Do you remember what Doug Funnie’s dog’s name was? i forgot he even had a dog.

What is your favorite episode of The Brady Bunch? no idea. i remember watching it as a kid but totally no recollection of any scenes.

Name a line from a Spice Girls song. coz tonight is the night when two become one. man i had no idea as a 5yo that song was about sex.

Have you ever jumped into a pile of leaves? yes.

What does your swimsuit look like? a black one piece.

Do you like it fast or slow? ha, there’s a time for both.

What’s the last holiday candy you consumed? idk lol.

What’s the last thing you bought at a grocery store? smokes.

Have you ever done a backflip on a giant trampoline? no. don’t think i’ve ever tried doing a backflip in my life.

Do you believe that there is only ONE person out there for everybody? not sure, only because there’s the whole ‘the one that got away’ thing.

Do you prefer flowers or chocolate? chocolates.

Do you remember the first time you used a computer? yeah, there’s a photo of me and everything lol. i was playing some game that came from a floppy disk.

Do you remember the first computer game you ever played? some educational game. i forgot what it was called.

Does your Wii character ever look like you? sorta. but not really.

What’s the last sour thing you put in your mouth? my drink.

Do you remember anything from before you were 3? not really hey.

Do you believe in hypnosis? idk if you’d call it that but there’s definitely a way to get people who are willing to be entranced, to be entranced.

Do you reserve pages in the yearbook for certain people? nope?

Ever had a fantasy about a teacher? haha no. there were hot teachers but i never imagined dating them or anything.

What’s the most humiliating outfit your parent made you wear? it was book week at school and we had to dress up as our favourite character from a book and my mum made me the ugliest tinkerbell costume hahaha. it was true to the character, i just looked terrible in it.

Did you ever want to change religions? no.

Is it hard for you to fall asleep when you have had a lot of sugar? no.

What’s your favorite thing to eat with strawberries? nutella.

How do you eat a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup? i honestly just chomp it. 

What would you do for a Klondike bar? nothing.

What’s the funniest bumper sticker you’ve ever seen? -

Ever been up in the mountains? no.

When’s the first time you ever touched snow? i was 5 i think.

What color is your computer desk? that light brown/yellowish wood colour.

Are you baptized? yes.

What did you dream of last night? nothing.

Have you ever eaten an exotic animal? define exotic? the weirdest thing i’ve eaten was turtle. never again.

What do you think is the funniest movie of all time? mean girls and white chicks.

Name a line from that movie? 'yo momma’s so old, she breastfeed like this *blows powder*’ still hilarious.

Would you be surprised if you found out your mom had tattoos? hahaha hell yes.

Would you wear a leather dog collar for free drinks? hahaha. no way.

When was the last time you danced the Macarena? forever ago. i think on a cruise lol.

Can you sing your school’s song? our school song was written and produce the year i graduated, so naturally i don’t remember it since it wasn’t played on repeat throughout my whole school life.

What was your all time favorite subject in elementary school? probably art. it was always really chill.

What’s the last song you sang out loud in the car? idk haha.

Who is the last person you talked to whose name started with a G? ugh, i can’t think lol. gio i guess.

Have you ever bedazzled anything? my phone cover back when it was cool.

Have you ever bought anything off of HSN or QVC? no. Where do you keep your cash? all in my account. i hate carrying cash.

Do you fold laundry while watching tv? no.

When’s the last time you used a protractor? high school lol.

When’s the last time you used a Victoria’s Secret product? the other day.

Can you name the kids from the Cosby Show? nope.

What’s your favorite show on Nick At Nite? never had nickelodeon.

Have you ever made a rubber band ball? no lol. always wanted to.

What zodiac sign do you find to be the most interesting? none. people who truly believe in that shit kill my life. i could read any horoscope and somehow find a way it relates to my life.

Would you ever see a psychic? tempting but no.

When’s the last time you had cotton candy? ages ago.

Where is your younger sibling? in her room.

What’s the last thing you ordered at a Mexican restaurant? tacos.

Do you have an ant problem in the summer? nope.

Do you tan outside or in a booth? outside. but rarely.

Do you still use scrunchies? no.

Have you ever met someone for the 1st time that seemed so familiar? yes. i didn’t officially meet her, but there was this girl at work who looked SO familiar. i spent all shift thinking about it and realized she looks exactly like baby ariel lol.

What’s the most hours you’ve worked in a week? 40.

Do you keep anything in files? yes.

Do you have special ringtones for different people? only my boyfriend.

How do you eat your steak? rare/medium rare.

Is your birthmark shaped like anything? nah, it’s just a small dash.

Can you put on mascara with your mouth closed? yes.

Have you ever worn men’s underwear? no.

Do you own anything that’s fuzzy and purple? nope.

When’s the last time you were kissed on the cheek? on the weekend.

Do you play with pogs? nope.

What wild animal would you like as a pet? a panda that’s tame.

When’s the last time someone hung up on you? idk lol.

Have you eaten an entire pizza by yourself? hmmm. i probably have tbh.

Have you ever fallen out of a tree? nope.

Did you read the Babysitters Club book series? i was obsessed with it as a kid. i’d go to the markets and scope out garage sales just to collect them all.

How about Goosebumps? ^ same.

Ever worn a flower in your hair? yes.

What kind of car did your parents have while you were growing up? suzukis. they don’t have suzukis anymore yet i do lol.

Do you ever wish your birthday was on a different day? nah. i like my birthday.

Do you sunburn easily? i can if i’m not wearing any sunscreen.

Have you read the Twilight series? the first book only and like halfway through the second.

Why couldn’t you go to sleep the last time you were up all night? i was occupied lol.

What breed of dog do you find the most annoying? the small barky ones lol.

What would you name your first born son? haven’t thought that far ahead yet.

Do you cook anything you don’t like eating? no lol. what’s the point!

Do you watch any reality shows on MTV or VH1? no.

Would you have a better chance of surviving in the Sahara or Alaska? alaska. easily.

When’s the last time you pet a cat? omg maybe over a year ago.

Do you remember Eureka’s Castle on Nick JR? nope.

What would you say is Paris Hilton’s occupation? international dj hahahaha.

Are you wearing a necklace? yes.

Do you have any noticeable moles or birthmarks? i have a small mole below my right eye.

Count to ten in another language. ok i just did.

Do you feel uncomfortable telling friends they have boogers in their nose? no. i’d appreciate it if my friends told me if i had any!

What do you remember from sex ed class when you were younger? yes lol. the class thought it was a joke.

What’s the first instrument you ever played? keyboard.

What’s the last thing you wore around your neck? necklace.

[francetaste]

One of those serendipitous moments happened recently as I wiped down a new old sofa and otherwise puttered in the apartment that overlooks the courtyard.

In order to not lose my mind–actually to lose myself inside my mind–while doing uninteresting or unpleasant tasks, I listen to podcasts. No amount of mindfulness is going to make me all zen about mopping the floor or sorting laundry or running (or sewing!). I want to get the job done with minimal pain, and the best analgesic is one that makes me think about something else, the more esoteric, the better. Sometimes I do not want to focus on what I am doing. At all.

The first to entertain me was Lauren Bastide, with the most wonderful, we’re-there-in-the-room conversation with Amandine Gay (“La Poudre“).  I was riveted by pieces about the new movie “Tower” and the decline of Lancaster, Pennsylvania (both on “Fresh Air,” which has the greatest interviewer ever, Terry Gross). I discovered Lady Lamb (thanks to “On Point”). People talked about medical mysteries (TED Radio Hour). But then I had no more podcasts left in my feed.

So I switched to the NPR One app, which is like a slot machine for podcasts, except that you never lose. They themselves call it Pandora for public radio–more PG-rated than a slot machine. First I got the founders of Kate Spade talking about how they got started (on “How I Built This“)–a logical progression because both Ted Radio Hour and How I Built This are hosted by Guy Raz, who has the most unbelievable name ever. Then the app decided I needed to hear a show I was unfamiliar with, called “Stuff You Missed in History Class.” WTF? HOW DID THEY KNOW????

I was mostly an A+ student, but I have no idea how  I pulled it off in history (my only non-A’s were in gym class–C. “She never makes trouble” was the only nice thing the gym teacher found to say about me, year after year. Yes, I saw my old report cards not long ago). Those dates…they just wouldn’t adhere to my brain cells, even though I am a math lover and have no trouble memorizing zip codes and country dialing codes. However, it didn’t work with history. And it’s too bad, because I have come to love history, though I still don’t remember the dates. I treat dates in history the way I treat recipes–approximations are good enough. Freudian analysis would probably figure it out, but that would take too much time and effort. And anyway, all I really care about are the stories.

The history podcast was about another momentous women’s march–on Versailles! And there I was, on my knees, rubbing an ammonia solution into a Louis XVI sofa to strip it of all traces of its very charming former owner. Louis XVI! The one getting marched on in that very podcast!

An aside here to discuss the fine lady who was getting rid of her sofa. She was suffering from back pain and was going for an operation any day now, though that didn’t stop her from grabbing the coffee table and rolling up the carpet in front of the sofa–the Carnivore and I were going nuts trying to stop her but she was as quick as butter on a hot skillet. She stood about to my shoulder, which, considering I’m short, is nothing. I bet she didn’t weigh 40 kilos. A wisp of a woman.

As the Carnivore manipulated our neighbor’s camionette (a kind of enclosed pickup that’s very common in France) into her driveway, I chatted with Madame about life. The conversation quickly turned to death. She explained that she was keeping one of the armchairs that matched the sofa because it had been her mother’s, who had lived with her before dying. She then segued to her husband, who died suddenly, in his sleep, not long ago (which might have been a few years, I wasn’t sure). Trying to comfort her, I told her that my parents had died recently, relatively quickly, and in light of what I’d seen, I think the quicker the better. I am not alone in this. When I was leaving my post as a teacher in Africa, my students collected messages for me, and one sweet student wished me “a happy family, a happy life and a quick death!”

Madame grasped my arm and said, “Chut!” (Shush!) But then she went on anyway, and we talked about how a slow death does prepare the survivors for the idea that the loved one would be no longer, while a quick death is probably nicer for the person dying but a shock for the family.

This lady was selling some things in her finely furnished (“j’étais décoratrice!”) little house in order to move in with or near to her daughter, who had married an Italian and had followed him to Milan (she contorted her small, thin face at this, as if she had bitten into a spoiled fruit). First an operation on her back in France, then a new life in Italy. I felt sorry for her, abandoning all the stuff that reminded her of happier times–for some people, stuff is an end unto itself, a way to achieve some kind of status, but for others it is a totem of people or memories of happy times, and, though I knew her but for less than an hour, I think that, even if years ago she was in the former category, she now was in the latter). Plus, the weather in Milan is pretty crappy,  compared with Aude.

Back to the furniture. The sofa is, obviously, a reproduction of Louis XVI. He’s better known as the husband of Marie Antoinette. I say “obviously” because it’s a sofa-bed, a technology that came somewhat later than the late 1700s. Madame said she bought it in Revel, which is a hub for marquetry and fine furniture making. Considering how heavy it is, I believe her.

Louis XVI came after 15 other Louis (Louises?), the first of whom appeared in 814 A.D. The first Louis had a tough act to follow: Charlemagne. There were LOTS of other kings before the first Louis (who was known as both “the pious” AND “the debonaire”!!!!! How did he manage that?), but they had names like Chilperic and Childeric and Chlothar and Dagobert. (You should know that in some places–like Belgium–a dagobert is not unlike a Dagwood sandwich, giving the mitraillet a run for the money.)

The later Louis (Louises?) became known for their interior décors. We won’t spend time on the earliest ones. Louis II, aka “the stutterer”!! Too bad he didn’t see “The King’s Speech.” There also were Louis the Fat (they really weren’t politically correct in those times) and Louis the Young and Louis the Lion and St. Louis (the IX–9th–who built the “new” town of Carcassonne around 1260).  Then Louis X, aka the Quarreler; Louis XI, aka “the prudent, the cunning, the universal spider.” Sorry, but that one is The Best!!! Being Prudent, Cunning AND a Universal Spider? OMG. What a MAN! Or was he a superhero? But that was from 1461-1483. They don’t make them like they used to. Or maybe they do, except for the prudent part, and we are like flies stuck in a trap.

Louis XII was the “father of the people,” followed by a number of other-named monarchs, including Henri II, whose style was much-copied later.

Louis XIII (13th), aka “the Just,” was in the first half of the 1600s. We know that our apartments existed in 1624, though they might have been there earlier. (I will try to get to the bottom of this one day.) His style is known for lots of twists (torsades) and straight lines, which seems like a contradiction, eh?

Louis XIV was known as Louis the Great or the Sun King. Hard to beat that (though his great-grandson, Louis XV–“the Beloved”–seems to have). Fourteen ruled from 1643-1715 and built Versailles. Think glam.

And then we get to Louis XVI (we’re up to 16 here–seize in French, pronounced “says”), the “restorer of French liberty,” who ruled from 1774 to 1792. Note those dates! What happened just two years after 1774? Hmmm! An era of foment all over the place.

Marquetry

Having read “A Tale of Two Cities” (“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Sidney Carton: “It’s a far, far better thing that I do than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.” Did you, too, have to memorize that in high school?) and Victor Hugo’s “Les Miserables” (“It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live.”), I had an impression of the French Revolution as having been a bloody affair directed by perhaps well-meaning but vicious people like Madame Lafarge, Javert, Rousseau and Robespierre and that the revolution was at full swing from the moment the people stormed the Bastille on July 14, 1789, until the day Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette lost their heads on the guillotine��in 1792. But in fact, the revolution started earlier and the king hung on for several years. Talks happened, spiced up by marches, including by nasty women.

Among the problems at the time, as “What You Missed in History Class” explains for us, were bad harvests, government deficits, over-taxation and illiquidity. It boiled down to the masses starving.

You must listen to the podcast to get all the details, but basically, people were fed up with not being fed. Call it a minimum wage issue. The podcasters express doubts that Louis XVI was actually evil incarnate or even just callous but instead suspect that he was way over his head and incompetent. In any case, a revolution was born.

Despite all that bad blood, Louis XVI’s style remains much-coveted today. OK, coveted among people who think that IKEA is great if you are 20 years old and on a small budget but then you should buy furniture that will last more than three years, and that proves it by having lasted already more than 100. Coveted by people who do not want to sit on backless benches at dinner. Who do not think that plastic chairs, even Eames, are chic or comfortable.

But how to keep your Louis, Louis, Louis, Louis straight? (And Louis is pronounced like Louie, not Lewis.) First of all, FirstDibs has a great explainer of the different Louis (Louises?). If you are just starting out, start here. Another great resource is the Metropolitan Museum of Art with essays on French chairs and 18th century French furniture more generally.

As the Louvre explains (and they should know), you have Louis XIV and the Regency from 1660-1725, then Rococo from 1725-1755, then classicism and the reign of Louis XVI from 1755-1790.

When I lived in Brussels and Paris was much closer than from where I am now in the deepest corner of rural France (which actually used to be Spain), I always partook of Les Journées de Patrimoine, in which many buildings of historical significance are opened to the public. Sometimes they are museums that drop their usual ticket charges, but the best are government or private buildings that otherwise are strictly off-limits. Once, I toured the Banc de France–like the Federal Reserve, especially because I visited before the euro–and was in a group of very well-dressed, impeccably coiffed, middle-aged Parisians. The kind of people known as bourgeois, or if younger as BCBG—bon chic, bon genre. I saw a couple, in nearly matching tweed suits (her in a skirt, him in trousers whose crease up until that moment had been razor-sharp), on their hands and knees looking at the underbelly of an antique gilded demi-lune console. It’s true there were amazing antiques in every direction, with computers and papers plonked on top.

Fit for a throne

The Carnivore is very sensitive about Louis (Louises?), and is partial to No. 16. He searched high and low for a toilet-paper holder that was in the style of Louis XVI. Even though according to this, toilet paper didn’t get cheap enough for the masses until much later. Far more impressive is the history given by ToiletPaperWorld, which mingles Stephen Crane, money and defecation. “French royalty used lace.” No wonder there was a revolution! (The delicacy of the terms the sites uses is an impressive exercise in euphemisms.)

I have seen references around the Internet to “Louis chairs,” to which I think, WHICH Louis? This alone should qualify me for French citizenship. But which Louis matters only if you’re paying top euro for what’s supposed to be the real thing, in which case, you had better know better. For everything else, “Louis” means something sorta French-antique-looking, probably Louis XVI.

All the same, I have seen how the French teach their young to know their Louis (Louises?). From the time our kid was in the equivalent of second grade, the whole memorize-your-kings thing started. Which is probably why, on a different tour during les Journées de Patrimoine, the docent told us the story of a beautifully painted stucco ceiling in the Marais of Paris, and several of the tour-goers objected vociferously to the dates and kings cited. I was dumbstruck to be in the middle of a heated argument about something that had happened 400 years earlier. At the same time, I was full of admiration, because I absolutely cannot remember such dates.

As for serendipity, what is one of the most beautiful and joyful words in the English language (in French, it’s “happy luck,” not nearly as fun a word as serendipity), algorithms and artificial intelligence are snatching it away from us. Serendipity is opening a newspaper and happening to spy something interesting and relevant. Serendipity is walking into a shop and finding just what you need on sale. Serendipity is running into a friend you haven’t seen in ages someplace unexpected (I once bumped into an old dance buddy from NY in the line for the opera in Rome). Now our news is filtered based on what we like, we shop online for things that are pushed to us, and we know where everybody we’ve ever met is at any moment.

Some of my greatest “aha” moments have been when I have read or listened to things that on the surface didn’t interest me in the least. But they were in publications or on programs that I knew did good work, so I gave them my time. And I was rarely disappointed. I never would have sought out “Stuff You Missed in History Class.” But it came to me, with a story that touched exactly on what I was doing.

Serendipity rules.

Louis, Louis, Louis, Louis One of those serendipitous moments happened recently as I wiped down a new old sofa and otherwise puttered in the apartment that overlooks the courtyard.