A free monthly review of French news & trends

VOL. 10.07 SEPTEMBER 30

World Leaders Convene to Tackle Global Poverty "Ten years ago,the world decided to reduce extreme poverty by half; to guarantee education The French head of state reiterated the impor- for all children; to cut infant mortality by two-thirds; to improve maternal health; to combat tance of mobilizing other members and mecha- ette AIDS and malaria; and to promote gender equality," French President Nicolas Sarkozy nisms of the global community to find innovative . Segr declared to world leaders at a U.N.summit on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). solutions. "I also want to share my conviction that "Considerable progress has been made, but we still have a long road ahead of us." we will not succeed with public funds alone; the pri- Heads of state and government convened in New York City on September 20 and vate sector must join in our effort. Indeed, as the 21 to review advancements and accelerate progress on achieving the MDGs by 2015, future president of the G20 and the G8, I will attend which include reducing by half the number of people without access to clean water and the African Union summit at the end of January in basic sanitation. Addis Ababa, and during the year of my G20 and © Présidence de la République - P The word's second-largest donor of public aid, France contributes 10 billion euros G8 presidency, I will strive to promote the idea of President Sarkozy addresses annually to development initiatives. President Sarkozy announced that, despite the state innovative financing championed by Bernard world leaders at the MDGs of the global economy,his country will increase its donations to the Global Fund to Fight Kouchner." summit on September 20. AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria by 20 percent over the next three years. "While the crisis "After the [financial] crisis, let us not fall back is severe in the wealthy countries, where it has created deficits, its consequences are much into our bad habits and our daily routines. The coming year must be one of great change. harsher in the poor countries," President Sarkozy underscored, imploring other nations […] France intends to participate in it: not, of course, to make speeches; not, of course, to to maintain commitments to the MDGs."So we do not have the right to do less. And with preach; but to lead the entire world toward new global governance, toward greater solidari- regard to our decision, we hope that all the developed countries will decide to do more ty and toward the emergence of innovative financing. If we fulfill this condition, we will be and, naturally,to help Africa on a priority basis … and to give Africa its rightful place [in] believed and respected by all the peoples of the world." new global governance." To read President Sarkozy's full speech, please visit: www.ambafrance-us.org. European Countries Host Festival for festival of its kind in the country. Kids in Washington, D.C., Area In an unprecedented collaboration among the embassy community, each European Union mem- The month-long Kids Euro Festival will run from ber state participates, sending to Washington, D.C., October 15 through November 10 in Washington, some of their most accomplished performing D.C. A celebration of European arts and culture for

artists for children. Almost 200 activities take place opean Festival American children and their families, the Kids Euro during Kids Euro Festival, including in-school and Festival is presented by all 27 E.U. member states public performances, reading workshops at every and more than 20 major U.S. arts and cultural insti- branch of the DC Public Library, performances for tutions, including the Kennedy Center, the Courtesy: Kids Eur hospitalized children at Children's National Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Austria presented a cast of misfit puppets Medical Center, a special day for children with dis- Art, the Library of Congress, and the Shakespeare in "Twice Upon a Time" last year. abilities, teacher workshops, and a family cinema Theatre Company, among others. formances in practically every creative genre, series. Launched in 2008, Kids Euro Festival quickly including music, performance art, theater, pup- Through events at public venues and schools grew from the concept stage to the largest — in petry, storytelling, acrobatics, magic, and cinema. throughout the Washington metropolitan area, terms of number of performances, participating In 2009, nearly 25,000 people enjoyed more than young people and their families can enjoy per- nations, and duration — children's performing arts 200 Kids Euro Festival events. Two French Scientists Awarded the Fields Medal INSIDE

Since its creation in 1932, the Fields Medal has fostered communication and under- Lemma, a theory that mathematicians had 2 Current Events standing in the international math community by honoring, been trying to verify for over thirty years. This Minorities in France every four years at the International Congress of month, the former professor from the 3 France & America Mathematicians, young mathematicians worldwide Faculté des Sciences at Orsay will begin Kalorama Lecture for outstanding research. At the August 2010 a new appointment at the University 4 In Depth Congress in Hyderabad, India, two Frenchmen, of Chicago. La Rentrée Cedric Villani, and Ngo Bao Chau, were among French mathematicians account 5 Business & Tech the four laureates. for 12 of the 52 total Fields Medal Greener Champagne Villani, a professor at the Ecole normale laureates, making France the prize's supérieure of Lyon and director of the Institut second-most decorated country. In 6 Society Henri Poincaré in Paris, received the medal for his a statement issued on August 19, Organic Food in France proofs relating to Boltzmann's kinetic theory of President Sarkozy formally congratu- 7 Culture gases, which studies evolution and probability in parti- lated the two mathematicians and lauded Air Guitar Champion cle theory. the mathematics community in France, Ngo Bao Chau, a native of Vietnam who received French citi- which, as of 2009, boasted the largest concen- 8 France in America zenship while pursuing his studies in Paris, was honored for his proof of Fundamental tration of mathematicians in the world. Ooh la L.A. En bref [ Current Events ] NEW INVENTION GENERATES A BUZZ The Embassy of France and six French Minorities in France — a Transatlantic Dialogue Consulates in the United States organ- ized the Allons en France program, At the invitation of the U.S. Helsinki Commission which offered seven trips to Paris from (www.osce.gov), French minority leaders traveled to the U.S. July 7 to July 17. Candidates for Capitol on September 15 to discuss issues impacting their com- the Washington, D.C., prize sub- munities in France. Their observations included their own per- mitted invention proposals that sonal and political beliefs, as well as academic and business per- could change everyday life in the spectives. The roundtable discussion was part of a Helsinki future. First place was awarded to Commission event on minority political participation in France Julia Peck from Woodrow Wilson and the U.S., convened during the Annual Legislative Conference High School, the creator of the of the Congressional Black Caucus. French Ambassador to the "iChapeaugénérateur"— an energy- U.S. Pierre Vimont delivered closing remarks at the roundtable. producing hat that powers an iPhone. Helsinki Commission Co-Chairman Representative Alcee L. A modified beanie-propeller hat, the Hastings' opening remarks set the tone for a focus on the added contraption works by using a genera- value that diversity brings to society, stating, "both of our coun- tor to capture the energy of the pro- tries are host to vibrant racially,ethnically, and religiously diverse peller and convert it to power. The minority communities that have made great contributions to our Representative Diane Watson, who lived in France, and electricity is channeled to the iPhone societies. Despite discrimination and continuing inequities, we French Ambassador Vimont participated in the discussion. via a cord attached to the generator. have seen members of these communities rise to leadership roles For more information on the program, in our society." Representative Diane Watson from California shared her per- please visit: www.allonsenfrance.com. The lively conversation explored both private and public anti- spective on France that she acquired while living there. discrimination and diversity initiatives, with many of the French Characterizing the country as nationalistic but with an open soci- WWII PILOT RECEIVES HIGHEST speakers discussing their struggles with discrimination in educa- ety, she stressed that both France and the U.S. could learn lessons HONOR tion, politics, media, business, and the workplace. The conversa- from a better understanding of each other's experiences. France bestowed the Legion of tion also touched upon broader contemporary issues, such as the In his closing remarks, Ambassador Vimont echoed the Honor upon retired USAF Lieutenant political discussion across Europe relating to the Roma people. necessity for such dialogue, both in France and with other coun- Colonel Roy D. Simmons, Jr. at an Speakers underscored some recent achievements and initia- tries. The core issues, he stated, have a strong cultural dimension, annual ceremony in La Pézade on tives, as well as some positive signals. France, for example, is a and though both government and civil society are moving to pro- August 22. For 66 years, France has country with high intermarriage rates (weddings of persons of mote diversity, change is obviously slow, too slow for those suf- commemorated the tragic deaths of foreign origin, whether immigrants or children of immigrants, fering from discrimination. An interesting deduction from the 23 Paul Claie resistance fighters and with persons who are not of foreign origin), a figure considered conversation, the French ambassador stressed, could be that less Lieutenant Richard Hoy, all of whom to be one of the most intimate signs of integration in process. A should be expected from public authorities, and more from each died attacking a German column on representative from a French cosmetics company also described and every citizen. But, overall, Ambassador Vimont insisted, the Larzac plateau on August 22, its commitment under the Diversity Charter not only to fight dis- France has already contradicted pessimistic views, such as those 1944. In 2006, retired USAF Colonel crimination, but also to work towards actual diversity within its heard after the 2005 unrest in the suburbs, and as most partici- Donald Bohler, a Vietnam War veter- workforces. pants underscored, there are signs of hope and change. an, visited La Pézade and saw a plac- ard for Hoy among the French names. Bohler, who lives in Frenchman Floors the Competition at World Judo Championships Montpellier, France, and Florida, began searching for Hoy's surviving Frenchman Teddy year in 2008, winning the mission leader — Simmons — Riner won the gold WJC open division gold and upon returning to the United States medal in the earning a bronze medal at the in 2009. More than a year later, heavyweight final Beijing Olympics. On the day Bohler located Simmons and coor- of the World Judo of his victory, Riner said, "I dinated with French authorities to Championships have never thought of losing have the retired Colonel participate (WJC) held on at any moment," a philoso- in the ceremony at La Pézade. September 9 at phy that attests to his tena- Simmons, now 88 years old, left his Yoyogi National cious success. home in Nashville to return to Gymnasium in The five-day tournament Larzac for the first time since World Tokyo, Japan. The hosted over 700 competitors, War II. The two American pilots had 6' 8" judoka (judo both male and female, from been sent on a tactical reconnais- practitioner), born around the world.France was sance mission and attacked a in Guadeloupe, second only to Japan in over- German convoy, which shot down defeated 30-year- all medals from all divisions. Hoy's P-51 Mustang and later killed old Andreas Toelzer of Germany after the final round went into The Japanese sport traces its origins back to 1882, when Professor all 23 maquisards, French resistance overtime. Leading up to the final of the over-100kg division, Riner Jigoro Kano developed the martial art of judo, meaning "gentle fighters. The Legion of Honor rec- grappled with Kim Soo-Whan of South Korea, Lin Yu-heng of way," in Tokyo.The first WJC were held 72 years after its inception, ognizes Simmons' wartime contri- Taiwan, Dmitriy Sterkhov of Russia, Rafael Silva of Brazil and and the martial art became an official Olympic sport shortly after- butions and the support he provid- Kazuhiko Takahashi of Japan.The 21-year-old Riner now boasts his ward. Teddy Riner's success this year marks yet another important ed to Paul Claie resistance fighters third consecutive gold medal from the WJC, counting his wins in date in the history of the sport purely by coincidence: the 150th at La Pézade. 2007 and 2009. Additionally, the impressive judoka had a banner anniversary of Kano's birth.

2 NEWS FROM FRANCE FROM ROCKETS TO ROCK & ROLL: A [ France & America ] "CALIFORNIA FEELING" FOR ARIANESPACE'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY Head of the Financial Markets Authority Speaks at "Kalorama Lectures"

The Residence of France hosted talking about speculation the chairman of France's that carries a systemic risk or Autorité des marchés financiers that could undermine market (AMF) Jean-Pierre Jouyet on integrity." © Arianespace September 9 as part of the Chairman Jouyet cau- Arianespace Chairman & CEO "Kalorama Lectures" series. tioned that without close Jean-Yves Le Gall presents the guitar to former Doobie Brothers Former head of the French communication and cooper- member and Steely Dan guitarist Treasury, Mr.Jouyet addressed ation between the U.S., Jeff “Skunk” Baxter. the importance of financial reg- Europe, and emerging coun- Satellite Telecommunications compa- ulation in both Europe and the tries, gaps in regulation stan- ny Arianespace celebrated its 30th United States before a group of dards could create a haven for anniversary on July 30 with an appro- U.S. government officials, mem- © Embassy of France/ Stephanie Joyal unsupervised speculative priately themed "California groove" bers of the press, and distin- Chairman of France’s Autorité des marchés investment. Conversely, he beach reception. The highlight of the guished guests. financiers discusses financial regulation. emphasized the importance of Santa Monica event — which was attended by Arianespace's U.S. cus- Mr.Jouyet prefaced his lecture by comparing the avoiding over-regulation. "Piling one layer of new rules and tomers — was the tendering of a one- American and French financial markets: both are currently standards on top of another is not necessarily the right of-a-kind guitar to a unique recipient. overhauling their prudential supervision systems, both response. Too much regulation will kill regulation … and the want to expand supervision to all financial markets, and economic recovery along with it." The guitar was fabricated out of parts from an Ariane 5 rocket by both are developing and implementing stricter standards. "Let's try to use these tools wisely in order to prevent Frenchman James Trussart, a long- With these similarities in mind, Mr.Jouyet emphasized the rather than to repair," the French official stressed, encour- time California resident who has pro- importance of working together towards solutions for aging transnational cooperation in deterring future shadow duced other musical instruments for addressing reckless speculative practices, which he believes markets, "Fortunately, we now have frameworks for discus- legends such as Bob Dylan, Eric are an important contributor to market volatility, noting, sion and cooperation that should enable us to anticipate the Clapton and Keith Richards. "We still have not found the right responses to the most bla- emergence of new risks," he continued. "If we manage that, At the reception, Arianespace tant cases of 'excessive' speculation. I am not talking about then we will have successfully modernized the financial reg- Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall 'normal' speculation, which is intrinsic to markets, I am ulation system." presented the guitar to Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, a member of the Doobie Brothers band and a guitarist for Crossing the Wire with Philippe Petit Steely Dan — who today has become a recognized expert in mat- On August 7, 1974, New Yorkers rushing to work in the morning paused to marvel at an unbelievable sight: a man fearlessly crossing a ters of missile defense, anti-terrorism tightrope between the towers of the World Trade Center 1,300 feet overhead. The relationship of this daring French high-wire artist, and intelligence. Philippe Petit, to the city of New York is both romantic and thrilling. Enamored by the towers when he first saw a model in 1968, Petit "The decade that saw the rise of Jeff spent six years preparing for what Time Magazine termed the "artistic crime of the century." Baxter also saw the rise of the Ariane This summer,Petit returned to the city he discovered 36 years ago.As part of an initiative with the Streb Lab for Action Mechanics program," Le Gall said. "In 1979, (SLAM) in Brooklyn, he taught three master classes of six students each in early August. The students were handpicked by Petit him- the same year that the Doobie self for the chance to put the first foot out on the wire. "I want people who are curious about venturing in places they haven't been and Brother's Minute by Minute reached the top of the charts, we counted those who want to get a glimpse at an art that is totally unknown," he stated. His apprentices learned patience and humility over the down the minutes, consulted our course of two days, struggling with a 22-pound balancing pole as they moved from a line on the floor and finally to a wire suspended charts and launched the first Ariane seven feet in the air. rocket out of French Guiana … Today we are the most successful launch services company in existence. And Ambassador Vimont Honors Fellow "Ambassadors" today we salute our customers who, with good reason, believe in our July 5 marked the annual convention of the American Association of product and our services." Teachers of French (AATF) in Philadelphia. One of the largest associations of French teachers in the world, AATF is a network for French language "I am very touched because, to me, [the guitar] is … art, technology, educators across the United States and publishes a scholarly journal of craftsmanship, music — all rolled French studies, the French Review.The convention featured symposia into one," Baxter stated, thanking about education and culture, centered on the theme of "Francophone Le Gall for the instrument. "And Diversity." that's what makes the human race Special guest Pierre Vimont, Ambassador of France to the United special. As we explore the stars, as we explore the universe, we bring States, inducted three exceptional teachers into the Ordre des Palmes the art with us wherever we go." Académiques (Order of the Academic Palms). The recipients, Dr. Rebecca Fox, Dr.Patricia Cummins and Dr. Gladys Lipton, distinguished them- After the handover of the guitar, selves as ambassadors of francophone culture in the District of Columbia Baxter joined other professional and amateur musicians — including those Ambassador Vimont bestowed the Academic metropolitan area. In his speech, Ambassador Vimont lauded the contri- from Boeing and the Society of Palms on three DC-area teachers. butions of the recipients, underlining the added value each brings to the Satellite Professionals International — realm of education. in a special performance, playing The Order of the Academic Palms — established by Napoléon more than 200 years ago — honors those in the field of academia some of the Doobie Brothers’ signa- who have contributed to the promotion of French culture. The nomination process is overseen by the Minister of Education. ture songs: Long Train Running and China Grove, as well as Wilson Picket’s For more information on the AATF, please visit: www.frenchteachers.org. In the Midnight Hour.

NEWS FROM FRANCE 3 [ In Depth ]

La Rentrée: A Time for New Beginnings The end of summer in France signals the arrival of la rentrée, a period of time in late August and early September that marks a new chapter in edu- cation, politics and culture. A noun derived from the French verb rentrer, meaning "to return" or "go back," la rentrée represents not only a national return to ordinary routine, but a time to mentally prepare for new begin- nings after the rhythm of the summer months. La rentrée scolaire: Back to School

Refreshed after a two-month vacation, French students returned to school on September 2 this year,but not without the requisite period of preparation. Bargain hunters across the country took advantage of les affaires de la rentrée (back-to- school sales) to stock up on supplies and clothing for the upcoming year.In antic- ipation of the sales, the Ministry of National Education publishes a list of essentials © Présidence de la République- C. Alix for back-to-school success. During the frenzied shopping period, on average, sixth President Nicolas Sarkozy outlined France’s foreign policy initiatives graders in France spend approximately 175 euros (about 225 dollars) on supplies, during the 18th Annual Conference of Ambassadors. according to the National Federation of French families, Familles en France, while a student of the same age in the United States spends about 600 dollars on cloth- Woerth headed the project for retirement reform, as Minister of Immigration ing, school supplies, and electronics, according to the National Retail Federation. Eric Besson presented a proposal "concerning immigration, integration, and To alleviate the financial burden on low-income families, the Ministry of nationality." Consideration of the state budget for the next calendar year, one of Education offers a stipend called the allocation de rentrée scolaire to over five mil- the most arduous tasks, will occur in October. lion school-aged children from families in need. The figure is annually adjusted to La rentrée also took on an international dimension, as President Sarkozy addressed accommodate expected costs, and this year eligible families can receive between the 18th Annual Conference of Ambassadors on August 25. The president articulated 280 and 306 euros (about 350-390 dollars) — depending on their child's age — to France's foreign policy goals, security and defense objectives, and ambitions to pursue provide for school supplies, clothing and other back-to-school necessities. regulation in financial markets and commodity prices. The French president also This year,while most voiced his country's continued dedication to reducing global warming and its endur- teachers returned to ing commitment to combating terrorism, stressing in particular support for efforts in their classrooms in Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, and the Maghreb. Additionally, President Sarkozy France, a handful packed underscored France's priorities for the G8 and G20 as it assumes the presidency of their bags and went these organizations next November and January, respectively. To read his entire "back to school" in the address, please visit: www.ambafrance-us.org. United States as part of the expanding Jules Verne Exchange La rentrée culturelle: Back to Programming Program. This year, 24 The attention to the latest autumn fashion and food trends in magazines and newspapers French primary and sec- proves that no area of French life can escape the sweeping spirit of la rentrée, especially in the ondary school teachers media and the arts. In addition to coverage of la rentrée in print media, television and radio sta- of multiple disciplines tions change lineups, appoint new show hosts and unveil new programming. One particular made the transatlantic anticipated contribution this season is the period drama, Maison Close,set in Paris circa 1870. French children went back to school voyage, while three It is the first period series for its producer Canal +, a well known network for coverage of film on September 2. American teachers expe- and sports. rienced la rentrée à la française. "It's an ideal setup," states Catherine Petillon, French Many theaters also offer reduced ticket prices to encourage attendance among students Attaché for Educational Affairs in Washington, in charge of the Jules Verne program and adults alike. Already in theaters is Xavier Beauvois's drama Des hommes et des dieux (Of in the U.S., "With a minimal investment, schools shape teachers better than any lan- Gods and Men) which won the Jury Prize at Cannes. Children's films are also an important guage training,and gain a foreign instructor as well." This new international twist to fixture of this time, including the new film, Arthur et la guerre des deux mondes (Arthur and la rentrée promises to improve cross-cultural education for the school year, both in the War of Two Worlds) from director Luc Besson, famous for the Transporter series, which France and abroad. will begin showing October 13. This period marks the new release of books, and between September and October, more than 700 novels will have been published; about 40 more than arrived on the liter- La rentrée politique: Back to Business ary scene in 2009. This year's rentrée littéraire features a number of high-profile returning The major political parties in France hold summer conferences to align their agendas novelists, including Michel Houellebecq and Philippe Claudel. Amélie Nothomb, who and goals for Parliament over the course of the year,but la rentrée politique commences usually releases one book each year,also made her much-discussed contribution to la ren- with the first assembly of the Council of Ministers. trée with Une forme de vie, which describes her correspondence with a soldier in Iraq. The Council, comprising President Sarkozy, Prime Minister François Fillon and Another author, Goncourt-prize winner Laurent Gaudé, tackled American issues in his each of the ministers, convened on August 25 to discuss key issues of social and eco- new novel, Ouragan, about post-Katrina New Orleans. New releases will vie for selection nomic strategy to be addressed by Parliament. The Council is the structure that organ- as this year's winner of the Prix Goncourt. A prestigious literary honor,the Prix is given in izes the work of the executive branch. November by the Académie Goncourt to the author of that year's "best work of imagina- Members of the Assemblée Nationale went back to session on tion in prose." The Académie has met at the Drouant restaurant in Paris since 1914 for the September 7 to debate new legislation, which, this year, revolved around final deliberation, where it is decided which author receives the prize, and the accompa- issues of retirement, immigration, and security. Minister of Labor Eric nying celebrity status.

4 NEWS FROM FRANCE [Business & Technology ] STARRY, STARRY NIGHT

The Glass is Greener in Champagne The Comité interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne (CIVC) have been shaved of excess glass, reducing the announced earlier this year a new endeavor to reduce the carbon weight of the bottle. However,such small modifi- dioxide emissions of the Champagne industry.By adopting a thin- cations could yield tremendous ecological benefits ner Champagne bottle, the CIVC predicts a reduction of 8,000 by reducing the amount of delivery vehicles needed to metric tons in carbon emissions, the equivalent of taking 4,000 distribute the product. Last year,290 million bottles of small cars off of the road. The move is part of a greater ini- Champagne were shipped worldwide. tiative of the CIVC to reduce its carbon footprint 75 per- Since the 1600s, Champagne has required a bottle cent by 2050. According to Bruno Delhorbe, director thicker than any other carbonated wine because of the of the St. Gobain plant, the small reduction in glass extremely high pressure of its contents — three times ©ESA/Hubble Once a year, French stargazers use has cut manufacturing emissions by seven per- greater than that of the average car tire. Many wineries indulge their inner astronomer cent, not including the reduction in necessary have already adopted the carefully engineered new bottle, during La Nuit des étoiles. delivery trucks, as 2,400 more of the lighter bot- 65 grams lighter than the standard 900-gram bottle that has tles can now fit into each truck. The New York become a hallmark of the beverage. A few producers adopted Stargazers across France came Times noted that the changes to the classic the new bottle as early as 2003, and consumers can expect the out in droves to participate in the 20th annual Nuit des étoiles, Champagne bottle are almost impossible to "green" packaging from producers like Moët & Chandon and held in early August. notice: only the shoulder and the indented base Veuve Cliquot starting in 2013. La Nuit des étoiles (The Night of Stars) is an event organized by the Association française d'as- Google Maps Out Investment Plans in France tronomie (AFA) that gives the French President Nicolas Sarkozy met with Google Chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt in early September to discuss the public the opportunity to attend free presentations and guided company's plans for increased investment and cultural engagement within France. celestial observations at over 400 Schmidt announced the creation of a Google research and development center in France, which will attract the world's different sites throughout France. best engineers to the country and should contribute to the momentum of innovation in France's digital economy. He also The observations are led by both expressed Google's wish to invest in French universities and fund computer science research programs in political science, members of the AFA, and experi- law, journalism, and other areas related to the issues the Internet raises for society. These plans bring international recog- enced stargazers from some of nition that testifies to the high caliber of French engineering and technological education. France's many regional astrono- Additionally, Google plans to create a European Institute for Culture in Paris, where all Google's projects to do with the my clubs. world of culture in Europe will be centralized. President Sarkozy welcomed Google's initiatives, which promise to complement France's leadership in technological La Nuit des étoiles aims to famil- achievements. For more information on Google's investments in France, please visit: www.ambafrance-us.org. iarize individuals with the won- ders of astronomical observation, and allow them to better know their local astronomy clubs and Ciao Paris: The Rush of a Parisian Experience associations. Discussion at the event sites varied widely, presen- ters taking questions on a range of topics from astrophysics to the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The guided celestial observations were the highlight of the event, which was held on three consec- utive evenings. When darkness fell, participants were able to observe many celestial bodies and phenomena including the

© Ciao Paris planets Venus, Jupiter, and A new scooter rental service makes the sky the limit for discovering Paris. Saturn, as well as several nebulae and the well known Andromeda Ever since the introduction of the popular bicycle rental of a person's choice at a designated time that suits their Galaxy. Finally, the regular pas- program Vélib in 2007, interest in touring France's capital schedule. For security measures, staff members will provide sage of the Perseids meteor city on two wheels has been on the rise. Responding to that a tutorial on scooter operation and safety considerations shower — observable as "shoot- interest, Parisian company Ciao Paris recently launched a upon delivery. In accordance with French law, helmets are ing stars" through the night sky new service that seeks to provide tourists and locals alike also provided for riders. — offered the perfect accent on with a novel, exciting, and convenient way to tour the City For those who are new to town or are worried about an evening already filled with of Light. navigating their way through the City of Romance, each celestial wonder. Endeavoring to provide a comfortable, adventurous Vespa is equipped with a guide of popular local sites as well Although weather across the means of discovering Paris, the new service offers two as an optional GPS. country was mostly clear for the models of Vespa scooters for rental, getting up to 200 km Scooters are normally reserved for a period of 12 hours event, presentations included per tank and equipped to accommodate one or two people. during the day and can be delivered and picked up between videos, multimedia, and other For convenience, online booking is available and Ciao 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. For more information on Ciao exhibitions in the event of tem- Paris will deliver the scooters to an address or intersection Paris, please visit: www.ciaoparis.fr. porary cloud cover.

NEWS FROM FRANCE 5 Society TOURISM IN FRANCE TAKES OFF [ ] Organic Market in France is Chic and Biologique A stroll through the aisles of one of France's supermarkets might turn up more "green" than Tourism throughout France is expected, as special sections of leafy greens and plump apples invite shoppers to go bio.The steadily increasing, with visits French term for organic, bio has become the catchword for one of the most dynamic mar- from Paris to Marseille (above). kets in Europe. French Secretary of State for Trade, Fueled by the increased environmental, health, and safety concerns of French citizens Crafts, Small and Medium since the turn of the century, the organic trend has blossomed into a 3.3 billon-dollar indus- Enterprises, Tourism, Services and try that proved a strong resilience in the face of the worldwide recession. From 1999 to 2005, Consumer Affairs Hervé Novelli the organic market grew annually at around 10 percent, with a 25 percent increase from reported the end of the recession in 2007 to 2008, according to Agence Bio, the public interest group charged with the organiza- the French tourism sector this tion and promotion of organic products in France. Sales of organic cheese, eggs, and milk, August, announcing that visits to products emblematic of French culture, have doubled since 2005. As Elisabeth Mercier, head touristic sites in France over the sum- of Agence Bio, stated this year, "The movement is taking off." mer were up five percent from last year's official government figures. Mercier describes the trend as a "virtuous cycle," fed by the participation of shoppers, The figures concerning tourism in farmers, and businesses. One in four French people now regularly buys organic products, France were positive across the and 86 percent hope to see the development of the organic market. Consumer demand has board. While domestic tourism rose encouraged organic products in supermarkets, now responsible for 82 percent of organic The organic market in three percent, a significant increase sales. Distributors such as Carrefour are endeavoring to finance more organic farms on top France grew 25 percent in Chinese and Russian tourists of the nearly 6,000 producers already established. between 2007 and 2008. helped account for a 10 percent overall rise in the number of foreign tourists to France. In June and July, A Backstage Pass to the Divas' Dressing Room guest stays in French hotels also rose 3.6 percent compared with last year's figures. Secretary Novelli ing millions at the turn of the century with her "golden noted that for continued growth in voice" and expressive acting.Yet an integral part of the magic the tourism sector, France will need of "Divine Sarah," as she was known, also lay in the sumptu- to upgrade its current hospitality infra- ous garments that adorned her on stage. Vestiaire des Divas structure. In the spirit of improvement, (Divas' Dressing Room), a new exhibit at the Centre he announced that changes in © Pascal François / CNCS National du costume de scène, pays homage to immortal France's hotel ratings system will take stars and modern performers such as Bernhardt by showcas- effect in October. France will expand ing their elaborate wardrobes. its current four-star rating system, con- The exhibition has assembled costumes from the 19th forming to the globally recognized century to today, donated by the Bibliothèque Nationale five-star rating system. de la France, the Comédie-Française, and the Opéra QUICK OPENS NEW HALAL FRANCHISE National de Paris, among others. Luxurious silks, delicate- ly detailed satin shoes, and coquettish fans in timeless hues LOCATIONS nos Following the success of eight fran- trace the careers of prima donnas Bernhardt, Maria Callas, chise locations that began offering Edith Piaf, and others. Contemporary American opera Halal-certified meals in November © Maud Ber singer Renée Fleming is also represented with clothing 2009, French hamburger giant Quick The elaborate dress worn by soprano Kiri Te designed for her by Christian Lacroix for La Traviata at the introduced Halal menus in 14 more Kawana is one of many costumes on display this Metropolitan Opera in New York. locations across France starting fall at the Centre National du Costume de scène. The Centre, located in Moulins in central France, is the September 1. Halal, or those actions first of its kind to showcase "material theatrical heritage," deemed permissible under Islamic law, includes a stipulation that all The word "diva" takes its root from the Latin word for god- underscoring the historic relationship between the actors meat for consumption be slaugh- dess, a suitable description of the sublime stage presence of and the décor. The exhibit runs through December 31, but tered in accordance with religious the women who have merited this title. French actress Sarah the museum, open daily, gives visitors a peek behind the cur- regulations, and also explicitly forbids Bernhardt was one of the first international divas, captivat- tains at another 9,000 costumes. consumption of pork products. The new restaurants will substitute smoked turkey for bacon on their A VIRTUAL TRIP TO hamburgers, and provide certifica- L'HEXAGONE regarding visas, work, and housing. It tion that all shipments of meat This August, the offers information from the history of la observe Halal standards. Quick's French government launched a virtual Marseillaise to potential partnerships with introduction of new restaurants responds to what appears to be a resource, www.France.fr, containing 3,000 French investment companies. The site growing domestic demand for pages and over 12,000 links. Spearheaded also includes up-to-the-minute news sto- Halal products. Solis, a French mar- by the office of Prime Minister François ries and interactive maps that allow users keting firm, recently estimated the Fillon, the project is administered by the to explore the country by searching for the value of France's Halal foods mar- Government Information Service. It is locations of monuments, schools, and ket at 5.5 billion dollars for 2010. available in French, English, German, and interests of those the resource will businesses. The new portal is a vast source After the new openings, Halal Italian, and Spanish. serve, including students, tourists, and of knowledge about la patrie for both locations will constitute approxi- The website is divided into six main entrepreneurs. The tool provides answers natives and Francophiles around the mately six percent of all Quick categories, addressing the diverse needs to many of the most common questions world. franchises in France. 6 NEWS FROM FRANCE [Cultural Highlights ] les coups d’oeil A VIEW OF PARIS ON TWO WHEELS Reigning World Guitar Champion Puts on "Airs" Flashing lights and fog machines create a rock and roll ambiance on "compulsory" round, where they rocked to the leg- stage as the amplified voice of the master of ceremonies announces endary "Foxy Lady" by Jimi Hendrix. Despite

the next act. The enormous crowd goes wild, dancing and tough competition from many nations, France cetti screaming, but strains of a legendary rock song drown dominated the contest this year,sweeping first and out their roar.Yet there is no band on stage. A single second place. Reigning champion Quimene © Gil Gar performer,tearing off his cape,crown,and neck- brought home the gold for a second year in a Garcetti’s photos capture fleeting lace (which he tosses to his screaming fans), row. Fellow French native Soraya "Eva Gina moments in the lives of Parisiennes struts onto stage, left clad in nothing but Runner" Garlenq took second place. and their beloved bicycles. gold spandex pants and square glasses. The competition The familiar sight of Parisian women Moonwalking, hip-thrusting, and wildly brought together air gui- and their bicycles is the focus of the gesticulating, he captivates the audience, tarists and fans from around most recently published anthology of strumming an imaginary guitar. the world. According to tra- photographs from Gil Garcetti. Inspired Welcome to the 15th annual Air Guitar dition, the competition Courtesy: Sylvain Quimene by a gorgeous woman who passed by World Championship, where ended with all contestants tak- him one day, Garcetti spent almost Frenchman Sylvain "Günther Love" Reigning World Air Guitar Champion Sylvain ing the stage and encouraging three years researching and photo- Quimene defends his title! "Günther Love" Quimene brought home the gold. everyone, audience members graphing before compiling the photos This year's championship took place on August 21 in Oulu, and all those watching from their homes, to strum along to into a book, titled Paris, Women and Finland. 23 air guitarists competed in the first round, performing Neil Young's "Rocking in the Free World," an act of unity Bicycles. The book, released in June, has been published in both French and a song of their choice, and the top ten moved on to the second among the air guitar community. English. The color images are a striking change for photographer Garcetti, who An Explosive Tale of Travel normally shoots in black and white. The work documents a diversity of women Narratives of travel have long been popular in France, from the carnets de voyageof and settings, from the quotidian — a 17th-century explorers,to accounts of modern-day travelers.Historically,the genre trip to the market — to the extraordi- has sought to represent a foreign culture while conveying the unique perspective of nary — a view of the Eiffel Tower. The the traveler himself, but has expanded as contemporary globetrotters explore the project's cohesion comes not only from genre's classic interpretations in diverse forms of media. Chinese artist Cai Guo- its two-wheeled subject, but from an Qiang is at the forefront ofa contemporary view on voyages, showcased in the new exploration of the organic relationship between citizens and transportation fos- exhibition through January 2011 at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary tered by the demands of urban life. Art in Nice. Mayor of Paris Bertrand Delanoë sum-

Cai Guo-Qiang, renowned for his role as the artistic director of the fireworks ille de Nice marizes the sentiment of the project in extravaganza at the 2008 Olympic Games opening ceremony,manifests his burn- © V the book's preface, saying, "These days, ing interest in pyrotechnics through his method. "Travels in the Mediterranean," Artist Cai Guo-Qiang uses gunpowder to bicycles are as much a part of the the headlining piece, uses his signature gunpowder drawing technique to docu- illustrate his Travels in the Mediterranean. image of Paris as the Eiffel Tower." For ment the experience of a Chinese student with whom he traveled to the French Riviera. The technique includes the distribution of fuses and more information, please visit: powder on canvas before strategically burning them to create the final product. For the artist, process is as important as product; each gun- www.Garcetti.com. powder work is accompanied by photos and videos of sparks and smoke as the forms emerge on paper. Another of the exhibit's pieces, "Reflection — A Gift from Iwaki," is a 50-foot-long wooden boat filled with broken porcelain, recon- FRENCH FILM GREAT RECIEVES OSCAR On November 13, the Board of structed at each exhibition by the Japanese fishermen who first excavated the boat in 1994.With the mammoth wooden structure and the gun- Governors of the Academy of Motion powder drawings, the artist is not narrating the story of a journey finished, but inviting viewers to come along. Picture Arts and Sciences will present renowned French filmmaker Jean-Luc Celebrating French Heritage Godard with an honorary award — a classic Oscar statuette — in recognition French natives and tourists celebrated and learned about France's various monasteries, chateaux, and historical residences, every of his outstanding career in cinema. A rich culture and history during the Journées du Patrimoine (Days of département, from Alsace to Guadeloupe, boasted events ranging key figure in the French New Wave Heritage) over the weekend ofSeptember 18.The annual celebration from concerts and audiovisual exhibits, to city walking tours. movement, Godard began his career encompasses a series of cultural events, including special exhibitions, This year marks the 27th Journées du Patrimoine. What writing about cinema before taking the unveiling ceremonies, and discounted or free admission to most cul- started as an event unique to France in 1984 has since expand- plunge into making his own short films. His influential first feature, "Breathless" tural heritage sites throughout France and ed to 48 other European countries (1960), impressed audiences and film- its overseas territories. that celebrate the participants' respec- makers alike with its jazzy take on the The theme of this year's edition was tive cultures. The event has been for- American crime film. For 50 years, "Great Personalities: When Men and mally institutionalized as the Godard has continued to write and Women Build History." In addition to European Heritage Day direct challenging, sometimes contro- honoring significant individuals in the Minister Mitterrand expressed the versial films that have established his rep- history of France, French Minister of importance of taking a day to cele- utation as one of the seminal modernists Culture and Communication Frédéric brate French heritage, hoping that in the history of cinema. His portfolio of Mitterrand described the importance doing so will unite the past and future over 70 features includes "Contempt," of "valu[ing] those who give their time of France by allowing citizens to "bet- "Alphaville," "Weekend" and "King Courtesy: Journées du Patrimione Lear." Godard is also credited with hav- and enthusiasm to preserve the traces ter inhabit these places of recollection The event celebrates monumental cultural ing influenced numerous contemporary of history." heritage sites, such as the Abbey of that we bring alive in the present and directors, including Martin Scorsese and In addition to the special openings of Mont Saint-Michel, among other institutions. bestow in turn to future generations." Quentin Tarantino.

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