Romy News - 21 February 2024

Kaliméra, it’s Romy! Yes yes, Kaliméra! That means hello in Greek! I’m practicing in other languages. Welcome to a new episode of “Romy’s News”. Today is Wednesday, the middle of the week, and we have lots of exciting things to discover together. In our first topic, we’ll talk about a key moment in French history, with the “Red Poster” and the heroes of the Resistance. Then, we’ll answer Arthur from Reims’ super question about that little mysterious “R” you may have already noticed next to brand names in your home. And to finish, we’ll embark on a journey to discover Greece, a country filled with myths, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Let’s go!

Let’s dive together into a story that left its mark on France during World War II. You may have heard about the Red Poster these days, without really knowing what it was. It was a big poster, created by the Nazis during the war, to show people as criminals. But in reality, these people were heroes, resistance fighters who were fighting for France’s freedom.

At that time, France was occupied by Germany, and groups of resistance fighters formed to fight against the invaders. They carried out secret actions, risking their lives to help others and try to free their country. Among these fighters, there was a very special group called the Manouchian group. This group was made up of people from many different places, not just from France. They were united by their desire to fight for freedom and justice, showing incredible solidarity. Missak Manouchian, an Armenian poet, led them. He and his comrades carried out many acts of resistance, inspiring many people with their courage and determination.

The Red Poster was created by the Nazis to try to scare people. They wanted everyone to think that these resistance fighters were villains, dangers to society. But it was the complete opposite. These men and women were fighting for good reasons, for noble ideals like freedom and justice.

Missak Manouchian and his wife Mélinée are receiving a huge honor on this 21st of February: they will be welcomed into the Pantheon 80 years after their death. You know, the Pantheon we talked about 2 days ago, it’s this place where France pays tribute to the great figures of our country. It’s a way of saying a big thank you to them, of remembering their courage.

And what do you think about the story of these resistance fighters? It’s great to see how people can fight for what is right, even when it’s very difficult, don’t you think? It could be a good idea to discuss it with your parents, to share how you feel about this topic.

After exploring the courage and heroism of the resistance fighters with the Red Poster, let’s completely change the subject. You know, sometimes in life, there are little mysteries all around us, in everyday things. Today, thanks to 9-year-old Arthur from Reims, we’ll solve one together. Arthur asked us: “What’s that little ‘R’ I see next to the names on my toys and clothes?” So, let’s play detectives!

Have you ever seen that little ‘R’ surrounded by a circle next to some brands? It often hides on the labels of your toys, clothes, or even on cookie boxes. This ‘R’, it means “Registered” in English. Or, in French, “Enregistré”. It means that the brand name has been officially registered and is protected.

But why does “registering a brand” mean? Imagine you invent a super game and give it a great name. You wouldn’t want someone else to steal your idea and the name of your game, right? Well, by registering your game name, you make sure that no one else can take it. It’s like a magical shield around your brand!

This little ‘R’ is not only used in France, but everywhere in the world. Even though this symbol comes from the United States, it’s recognized in many places to show that the brand is protected. But be careful, each country has its own rules for this.

And it’s not the only mysterious symbol you can find. There’s also the “TM” for “Trademark,” which means “Marque de Commerce” in French, used for names not yet officially registered. And the “C” surrounded by a circle is for “Copyright,” which protects creative works like books, music, and drawings.

So, next time you see a little ‘R’, a ‘TM’, or a ‘C’ next to a name, you’ll know what they mean. And why not play detective with your parents? Look for these symbols on products at home and discuss your findings with them. It’s always fun to learn new things together, don’t you think?

After decoding the mysteries of brands, let’s grab our discovery backpack and head to a sunny destination full of stories. This week, in our Geography Wednesday section, we’re flying to Greece, a country that has so much to tell, with its legends, heroes, and incredible role in the history of European civilization.

Greece nestles in the southeast of Europe, embraced by the Ionian Sea to the west and the Aegean Sea to the east. It shares land borders with Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey. But what makes Greece magical are its paradisiacal islands and majestic mountains, including Mount Olympus, which, according to legends, was the dwelling place of the gods.

One of the most iconic images of Greece is that of white houses with blue roofs, shining under the sun, perched on the islands like pearls in the sea. These houses, with their colors resembling the Greek flag, reflect the light and natural beauty of Greece, offering an unforgettable sight.

The Greek flag, with its alternating blue and white stripes and a white cross on a blue background, symbolizes freedom and the Orthodox faith, deep values of the country.

Now, let’s delve into the past with ancient Greece, that extraordinary era that saw revolutionary ideas emerge. It was in Greece, around the 5th century BCE, that democracy was born, a system where the people had a say in how to govern. Imagine, it was a completely new idea at the time! Ancient Greece also gave us theatre, the first Olympic Games, and captivating stories of gods and heroes that continue to inspire the whole world. My favorite is Hercules! What about you?

Life in Greece today beats to the rhythm of the Greek language, the Orthodox religion, and traditions that celebrate family and festivals. It’s a country where human warmth rivals that of the sun. Mamma Mia!

Famous Greeks? There are plenty! Like Alexander the Great, the great conquering king, or thinkers who changed the world with their ideas, like Pythagoras, Plato, and Archimedes. And let’s not forget Maria Callas, the opera diva who moved the world with her voice.

Wow, all this history makes me want to visit this country! Take a tour of Athens, see the Acropolis, and then go sunbathe in Santorini! Dreamy! Have you been there before?

And there you have it, the end of today’s journey! We zigzagged through history, played brand detectives, and took a sunny plunge into Greece. If all this makes you want to go on an adventure or turn your room into a Greek museum or temple, then success! And if you have ideas as wild and great as the heroes of our stories, don’t hesitate to share them. Ask your parents to leave a little message for Romy on Instagram. See you tomorrow for new adventures, and remember, curiosity doesn’t wait!