Enlightenment

Perhaps the Mayans were actually predicting a new age of enlightenment in 2012 instead of the end of the world. I think I'll go with this theory.

The Age of Enlightenment.

"A cultural movement of intellectuals in 18th century Europe, that sought to mobilize the power of reason, in order to reform society and advance knowledge. It promoted science and intellect and opposed intolerance and abuses of church and state."

Just some of the intellectuals of the day we are all familiar with . . . Voltaire, Thomas Paine, Mozart, Francis Bacon, Isaac Newton, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin.

The City of Light was the hub of this movement. La Ville-Lumiere.

Duly named for being the center of education and ideas at the time - enlightenment. It is also the first city to illuminate its streets with arc lamps.

Developed by Russian Pavel Yablochkov, these "electric candles" were first used to light the Grands Magasins du Louvre - not the museum, but the store.

Louvre - a framed opening in a door or wall or window with fixed or movable horizontal slats for admitting air and light.

Yes, the louver - apparently having nothing to do with the name of the museum or street lamps.

I am very excited that we will be visiting La Ville-Lumiere again this weekend!