People of this demeanour existed in the UK back in the seventies and early eighties; I remember them well. What drove them indoors and out of the limelight could be the subject of many a sociological study, but in France they still exist. Who am I talking about? Old-timers, pensioners, grannies, old men - but not all of them of course, just the ones who feel it is their duty to demonstrate that 'older' really is 'wiser', by pouring unwanted advice on people passing by, or indeed people who aren't passing by - but who obviously need a good talking to, which in France, unfortunately, is most of them. Old ladies in particular can't help but serve up childcare advice at the slightest opportunity: "Your child should/shouldn't be wearing a coat - it's very cold/hot today" "Here's a hanky - your child's nose/mouth/hands are dirty" "Your child shouldn't do that - they might hurt themselves." ... being among the most popular. For old ladies queue jumping is not impolite - it is a divine right. Last week an old [...]