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VOL. 06.07 JUNE 21, 2006

A free triweekly review of French news & trends Online at: www.ambafrance-us.org/publi High-Level Meeting at the U.N. on HIV/AIDS INSIDE 2 L’événement ROM May 31 to June 2, 2006, the international communi- countries with new resources to better sustain their public Franco-Israeli ty joined together at the United Nations General Assembly health care programs. Relations Celebrated F High-Level Meeting on AIDS in New York to increase France will be the first to start applying an air-ticket con- 3 France-Amérique global cooperation in the combat against the destructive tribution on July 1, 2006. The law passed by Parliament on American Journalist pandemic. French Minister of December 22, 2005 sets Awarded Legion of Foreign Affairs, Philippe Douste- out the following rate Blazy, delivered a message on behalf caps for all flights Honor of President Jacques Chirac, urging departing from the 4 Profil leaders to increase resources, French territory: 1 euro French Cultural strengthen coordination between (approximately $1.25) in in U.S.

bilateral and multilateral donors, e economy class and 10 improve health care in impover- euros ($12) in first and 5 Économie / Science ished nations, and to continue business class for domestic Eco-labels for Cars . de la Mur research to discover an HIV vacci- and intra-European flights 6 Société nation. These necessary initiatives (European Economic Area), Da Vinci Code’s should improve poor nations' 4 euros ($5.00) and 40 euros Impact on Tourism access to effective treatments and ($50.00) on other flights, represent a step forward in the fight © M.A.E. / photo: F depending upon the 7 Culture Kofi Annan and Philippe Douste-Blazy at U.N. meeting against the pandemic. travel class. This mecha- Bikini Turns 60 Another notable event on AIDS was the launching of the nism is expected to generate revenue of up to $ 250 million per 8 Chez nous International Drug Purchase Facility (UNITAID/IDPF) founded year. by France, Brazil, Chile and Norway. As an active member of the U.N., France has already signifi- UNITAID/IDPF will be financed through a solidarity levy on cantly contributed to the fight against the pandemic. For Expo in Atlanta airline tickets, which is a simple, equitable, and economically instance, in 2006 and 2007, France is the first largest contributor neutral tool. It will guarantee long-term predictable revenues for to the Global Fund, an important Institution in this fight, donat- the purchase of drugs and will also aim at reducing prices. ing 525 million euros ($656.25) over those two years. Through market mechanisms, UNITAID/IDPF will, in particu- On June 2, France, Brazil, Chile and Norway signed an agree- AMBASSADE DE FRANCE lar, negotiate multi-year large-volume purchasing programs with ment with FIFA, the Football World Cup organization, to help AUX ETATS-UNIS the pharmaceutical companies. It will also provide developing build AIDS public awareness during the World Cup. l l France Quick to Send Aid to Indonesia

RENCH authorities humanitarian aid from France landed in Solo,Indonesia on May 28 and provided humanitar- arrived only one day after Indonesian officials made an appeal for interna- Fian assistance and tional assistance. The plane carried water tanks, hygiene kits, food and medical personnel to 1,000 kitchen kits among its 40 tons of equipment. Indonesia immediately French officials immediately announced that more aid would be sent to after an earthquake that the island May 30, beginning with two surgical teams, who joined the hit Java May 27. The 5.9 emergency teams already at Klaten Hospital on the outskirts of Yogyakarta. magnitude earthquake The Klaten district, more than 20 miles from the earthquake's epicenter, June 21, 2006 devastated the small, was hit especially hard. / Southeast Asian island, France also sent a plane with 40 rescue workers and five tons of

e leaving nearly 5,800 dead humanitarian aid on May 29, and the European Union has pledged $3.8 and 33,000 injured. million toward the relief effort, which is estimated to cost up to $3.1 bil- Estimates of those left lion, according to Indonesian Minister of Development, Paskah Suzetta. . de la Mur homeless range from Since foreign aid began flowing into the tiny island, the health care sit- 250,000 to 600,000, uation has improved dramatically, according to U.N. officials. There has according to the United been a considerable reduction of the number of hospital patients and a Nations. notable improvement in the distribution of emergency supplies. The relief © M.A.E. / photo: F Humanitarian supplies being loaded for The first cargo plane efforts are now focused on vaccinating the survivors from tetanus and Indonesia carrying a large amount of measles, and providing housing to those left homeless. l l NEWS FROM FRANCE 1 En bref current events FRENCH-AMERICAN MILITARY L ’ÉVÉNEMENT COOPERATION The French Navy Carrier Air Wing rejoined the coalition efforts in Franco-Israeli Relations Celebrated support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan May 9, RENCH Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy, nize Israel and her right quite simply to exist. Nevertheless, we lending aid to ground troops and along with Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister,Tzipi Livni, think that Hamas' victory mustn't make us give up the goal of two assisting with reconnaissance F and hundreds of thousands of Israelis, watched as a states living side by side in peace and security. Also, every effort efforts. France hopes that this spectacular fireworks display over the Tel-Aviv Bay must be made to avert a humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian addition will enhance cooperation kicked off a summer-long celebration of French culture. Territories," Douste-Blazy stated. with countries in the Indian Ocean The May 16 extravaganza, which featured a Christian Lacroix Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert made an official visit to and the Asia-Pacific region, as well fashion show and the opening of an exhibit of white tents embla- France on June 14 and 15, 2006 where he met with President as facilitate an enduring military zoned with the word "peace," Jacques Chirac, Prime Minister Dominique de presence in Afghanistan. The marked the beginning of "Voila !" a Villepin, Foreign Minister Philippe Douste- French detachment of the three-month long celebration of e Blazy,Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy and Combined Air Operations Center French culture in Israel. The festival, Speakers of the French Parliament Christian (CAOC), commanded by Lt. Col. organized by l'Association Française Poncelet and Jean-Louis Debré. Mr.Olmert par- Gerard Brunel, plays an important . de la Mur d'Action Artistique and the ticipated in the inauguration of the Alley of the role in coordinating France's air- embassies of both countries, in Righteous Gentiles at the Memorial de la Shoah power contribution and ultimately ensures the effectiveness of their cooperation with several Israeli with the prime minister and mayor of Paris. partners including the cities of Tel © MAE/ Photo: F Mr.Olmert's first official visit to France since support of Operation Enduring Minister Olmert and President Chirac Freedom. The military actions of Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa, will fea- his election comes in the context of the high- the French Navy Carrier Air Wing ture events that celebrate France and Israel's cultural ties. The cel- level meetings that have been a feature of relations between have been welcomed by the United ebration will include work from contemporary French artists, France and Israel since the state visit to Paris by President States, which has expressed its filmmakers, musicians, intellectuals and writers. Katsav in February 2004, the visit by former Prime Minister appreciation for the return of its The event also served as a kickoff for Douste-Blazy's two-day Ariel Sharon in July 2005 and the inauguration of the ally to the CAOC. U.S. Air Force diplomatic trip to Israel, where he met with new Israeli Prime French "cultural season" in Tel Aviv by Foreign Minister major general Allen Peck, deputy Minister Ehud Olmert and Livni on May 17. "The discussions Philippe Douste-Blazy.It reaffirms the deep friendship we've just had naturally focused on the situation created by the between France and Israel and the French and Israeli peo- Hamas-led government in the Palestinian Territories. We want to ples. The visit also reflects the wish of both countries to create the conditions for a dialogue with the Palestinian govern- pursue dialogue on questions of common interest, whether in ment. It's clearly up to the Hamas leaders to shift their stance and regard to bilateral relations, developments in the Middle East or give clear signals that they're ready to renounce violence, recog- the large issues of peace and international security. l l Second Annual National Humanitarian Fair

RIGITTE Girardin, the Delegate Minister for Cooperation, careers had the unique opportunity to network with potential French Mirage Fighter Jet © Ministry of Defense Development, and French-Speaking Countries kicked off future employers. Bthe Second Annual National Humanitarian Fair on May The fair featured a rich program. Each day,ten round tables Combined Force Air Component 18 in St. Martin de Cergy-Pontoise, just outside of Paris. In her and panel discussions focused on areas of the world in need of commander, observed opening remarks, Girardin emphasized the necessity for inter- help as well as strategies for building and strengthening that "with continuing national collaboration. "Together we must attract the attention humanitarian organizations. Topics of these discussions rotations of airpower by of the public, political and economic decision-makers and pri- included the roots of famine in Africa, how to minimize effects our allies around the vate donors to the necessity of international solidarity to com- of natural disasters, the impact of communications on small world, the effort to sup- bat poverty more efficiently in the world … it is as much in our nongovernmental organizations, and how to make a career of port our troops is truly a interest as it is our moral duty to assist the poorest countries." humanitarian work. The fair also featured a four-hour sympo- coalition operation." The fair aimed to promote interaction and cohesion sium about HIV/AIDS in Africa. Military cooperation between individuals, humanitarian associations, government Nearly 10,000 visitors and 200 presenters attended the fair. between the two coun- groups and commercial entities. The fair provided a forum for While last year's fair was open to humanitarian organizations tries has been, and is still exceptionally strong. Thus discussion, idea-sharing, and fostering international coopera- throughout France, the 2006 festival included international far, the French Air Force tion. Those interested in international humanitarian aid francophone organizations from Belgium and Switzerland. l l has produced six success- June 21, 2006 ful air strikes against the / enemy in support of Transatlantic Soccer Cup Held In Washington, D.C. Operation Enduring UST in time for World Cup 2006, the Royal Netherlands players from several Member States including Belgium, France, Freedom. Brunel asserted Embassy organized a Transatlantic Soccer Cup between Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Romania, the United that French and Jteams of diplomats and staffers from Congress and the U.S. Kingdom and the European Commission. Staffers from the Americans have been State Department. In a three game match-up, the E.U. Embassies offices of Representatives Tom Lantos, Grace Napolitano and strong partners in the undiplomatically defeated staffers from Congress, 6-0. In the sec- Senator Arlen Specter made up the Congressional team, while the fight against international ond game between E.U. Embassies and the U.S. State State Department team came from various bureaus. terrorism in the , and Department, the E.U. won the match, 3-0. The final game of the All the teams were awarded trophies at the Royal Netherlands he is proud that France Transatlantic Soccer Cup saw staffers from Congress take the State Embassy and invited to watch the World Cup match that after- continues to support the Department, 2-1. noon. The Transatlantic Soccer Cup, sponsored by Peapod coalition efforts in The Transatlantic Soccer Cup, played June 10th at St. Albans (owned by Giant), is the second soccer match to be orga- Afghanistan. NEWS FROM FRANCE school, was co-organized with Austria, the current holder of the nized by the Europeans. Last year,the E.U.played staffers from the 2 European Union Presidency.The E.U.member team consisted of State Department. See page 8 for photo. l l BOOK ON FRANKLIN IN France & America FRANCE WINS AWARD A book on Benjamin Franklin's years in France won the George Washington Prize, an award established last year to reward the best books on early American history. Jim Hoagland Awarded Legion of Honor A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France and WO-TIME Pulitzer Prize winner Jim Hoagland, an report from Nairobi, Beirut and France, before eventually the Birth of America, by Stacy Schiff, is an American journalist and columnist from the returning to Washington in 1979 as foreign editor. He account of the years between the Declaration of Independence and the end Washington Post, was awarded the insignia of Chevalier held this position for seven years, after which he returned T of the Revolutionary War. During those of the French Legion to Paris. It was at this point that years, Franklin represented the fledging of Honor on June 9. The Hoagland began his twice-weekly American republic in Paris and helped con- award was presented by column, which continues to this vince the French government to offer criti- Catherine Colonna, day, and in which he chronicled, cal military support during the American Minister Delegate for from Europe, the collapse of the Revolutionary War. European Affairs, during a Eastern Bloc, the rise of China ceremony in Paris. The and issues in the Middle East and IMMERSION PROGRAM FOR FRENCH TEACHERS Legion of Honor is France's e/ MAE the First Gulf War.He returned to highest honorary distinc- Washington in 1990. The French Embassy will host an immer- sion program for American French teach- tion. In 1971 Hoagland received his . de la Mur ers in Washington, D.C., on June 27 and

Mr.Hoagland was in his © F first Pulitzer Prize for his 10-part 28. The program will be presented jointly Minister Delegate Colonna awards Hoagland early twenties when he series on South Africa under with the National Capital Language spent a year studying in Aix- apartheid. His second Pulitzer in Resource Center, and will provide French en-Provence from 1961 to 1962. It was his formation in France 1991 honored his qualities as commentator for alerting teachers with an opportunity to continue that greatly contributed to his interest in the country and his public opinion to the expansionist designs of Saddam their education about the French language ability to write about France and European affairs with the clar- Hussein and seeking to explain the collapse of the Soviet and culture while speaking only in French. ity and insight for which he is renowned. Union. Immersion housing is available at George Hoagland's eminent career at the Washington Post spans 40 When writing about France, he has observed with a Washington University where participants years and several continents.He began in 1966 as a reporter cov- keen, sometimes critical eye, but consistently demonstrat- will converse only in French and will have access to French periodicals. They will ering local affairs. In 1972 a call for new horizons led him to ed a deep understanding of the country. l l receive up-to-date information on French youth culture and resources on fashion, French Scientist Wins Waterman Award film, popular music, and the slang that will be of interest to their students. This year's FRENCH mathematician's revolutionary work in tributed over a period of three years. central topic is "French's Polyglot Nature" harmonic analysis won him the top prize for Candès is an innovator in the field of harmonic with two presentations on how words Ayoung scientific researchers. analysis, a branch of mathematics that teases signal have traveled before being adopted into Emmanuel Candès, a 35-year-old professor and waves apart for reading and processing.His development the French Language: "The Gaulois," by researcher at the California Institute of Technology, of a new set of mathematical tools, which allows a more Mr. Jean-Marie Lebon and "Did you know received the National Science Foundation's prestigious efficient digital representation of wave signals, promises that lots of French words came from abroad?" by Ms. Jocelyne Lemoine, both Alan T.Waterman Award in April. The award specifically to improve the digital processing of signals in our mod- from the Cultural Services in Washington. targets young researchers—candidates may not be more ern technologies. than 35 years old or seven years beyond having received Candès studied in his native France before receiving a INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION a doctorate—and encourages recipients to further their doctorate in mathematics and computer science at International education in the United research by awarding them a $500,000 grant that is dis- Stanford University. l l States received a boost this spring, when two Midwestern professors were named Chevalier in the Order de Palmes Académiques and when the CNRS Creates Youth Science Club in U.S. Wisconsin Department of HE Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) tions. 53 CNRS Jeunes groups already exist in France. Education signed an agreement to further teacher and student created a new youth group in the U.S. that aims to cre- CNRS's mission is to create, exchange, and disseminate exchanges with France. Michael ate dialogue between students and the scientific com- knowledge that is essential to society in all fields of learning.The T Loriaux, a political science professor munity. The group was created through an agreement signed youth groups contribute to this goal by fostering dialogue and at Northwestern University, and on May 20 between CNRS and Lycée reflection among young people and Catherine Perry, a French literature Rochambeau French International scientists. Each youth group orga- professor at the University of Notre School, in Washington, D.C. It is the nizes two or three workshops a Dame, received the awards during first club of its kind in the U.S. Sofia year where students meet directly receptions at their respective uni- June 21, 2006

Nadir, Communications Director for with guest scientists as well as versities. The award has been given / CNRS, and Jean-Luc Clément, CNRS planning visits to laboratories and for work in the advancement of

Director of European and , CNRS participating in regional forums French culture and education since

nier 1808. Wisconsin also reaffirmed its International Relations, were both with other CNRS Jeunes groups. commitment to expand interna- at the signing that took place Lycée Rochambeau in tional education opportunities. On during the official inauguration cere- . Patrick Ber Washington, D.C. is an interna- April 19, State Superintendent mony of the new school building. © Mr tional school offering French pro- Elizabeth Burmaster and two The CNRS youth groups, known CNRS Science Club at Lycée Rochambeau grams for youth from pre-ele- French educators, Recteur William as "CNRS Jeunes Sciences & mentary through high school. Marois from l'Académie de Citoyens," create a unique format for interaction between The inauguration ceremony, which was held in its new Bordeaux and Recteur Jean-Paul de young people and scientists. Their main focus is tackling the auditorium, also served to commemorate the school's Gaudemar from l'Académie d'Aix- large questions related to scientific research in terms of its 50th anniversary. The ceremony was followed by a gala at Marseille, formalized an agreement NEWS FROM FRANCE fundamental approach as well as its economic implica- the Embassy of France. l l for teacher-student exchanges and other educational opportunities. 3 In Depth Review PROFIL

The Acadian Diaspora and French © Alexey Sergeev Saint Louis Cathedral, New Orleans Cultural Heritage in the U.S.

In fact, the five American states with the highest percentages of ethnic French or French- rench cultural influence flourished and matured throughout the shaping Canadian residents are all part of New England: New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, of America. Many of the first settlers were French or French-speaking,leaving Rhode Island, and Massuchusetts. Over a quarter of New Hampshire residents claim F a legacy,customs, traditions and cultural heritage that continue to thrive today. French or French Canadian ancestry. The strong Francophone communities that exist throughout New England Over the years, native French-speakers have encountered many obstacles when and Louisiana today can trace their cultural heritage back to a territory known as Acadia, assimilating into the predominantly English-speaking American culture. French study located on the northeastern region of the North American continent. Acadia encom- and use diminished greatly during the 1950s and 1960s; however,American descendants passes parts of present-day Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island in of Acadia are becoming increasingly interested in reconnecting with their cultural her- Canada, as well as New England. Founded several years before Québec, Acadia is geo- itage. graphically and culturally distinct. Acadia's location on the border of French and British territories caused control of the While many Americans are familiar with Pierre Charles l'Enfant's principle role design- ing Washington, D.C., few are aware of the broader French influences on American archi- region to pass between the two powers until the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht ceded part of pre- tecture. French Creole, one of the very first American architectural movements, originated sent-day Nova Scotia to England. The Acadian residents had always maintained a stance in New France, present-day Louisiana and surrounding area. Creole architecture draws of neutrality with respect to either power and refused to swear allegiance to the British influence from European, African and Native American building traditions. Frenchman monarch. Adrien de Pauger is credited with designing the layout of New Orleans and designating England grew increasingly concerned about the possibility of disloyalty amongst the location of the St. Louis Cathedral. Today, the area he designed is known as the vieux their new subjects. In 1755, in what is known as the Grand Dérangement, thousands of carré or the French Quarter. Acadians were evicted from the territory.Their homes were burned and their land was Styles of Creole homes include seized. Some of the displaced individuals returned to France, but many were dispersed the “Creole Plantation Home,” throughout the British territories. like the St. Joseph Plantation pic- Many displaced Acadians settled in Spanish-controlled Louisiana. The territory of tured to the right, "the Shotgun," and the "Southern Colonial." The Louisiana passed between the French and the Spanish for over one hundred years and Creole homes were specially was finally annexed by the United States in 1803. Today's Cajuns of southern Louisiana adapted to life in a warm, humid are the descendents of the Acadian immigrants of the 1700s. environment of the deep south. Years later,New England received another wave of immigrants from French-speak- They almost always included large ing Canada who sought work in the construction, logging, and textile industries. The covered porches, called galleries. © Alexey Sergeev greatest influx of immigrants from Canada to the United States occurred between 1871 With few interior hallways, resi- St. Joseph Plantation in Vacherie, LA and 1901. Today a significant French-American population still resides in New England. dents often used the outer gal- leries to pass from one room to another. In one common style called "Tidewater," the roof extended without interruption to cover the large gallery. In urban Creole homes of New Orleans, the gallery was often absent and the building stood flush with the sidewalk. These French Cultural Heritage in U.S. Today also lacked interior hallways and were known as "Shotgun" homes because one could theoretically fire a shotgun through it when all doors were open. RENCH patrimonial heritage is particularly strong in Louisiana. Acadian More recent French influence on American architecture came across the Atlantic with descendants residing in Louisiana, known as Cajuns, have developed a soldiers returning from World War I. American G.I.'s were intrigued by the French homes Funique cultural identity through their architectural influences, spicy cui- they had seen while serving in France and began buying homes with French accents. sine, acoustic music, and unique dialect. Today's home often includes such French accents as hipped roofs, flared eaves, dormers In Louisiana's French-inspired cities such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and multi-paned windows and doors. many buildings exhibit neo-classic elegance reminiscent of 19th-century Paris. The historic French architecture in Acadiana, the southern region of Louisiana, modern sounds to create a unique and breathtaking resonance. serves as a portal into French-American cultural heritage. A French cultural is also taking hold in New England. Maine, which bor- Cajun culture thrives in modern-day Louisiana through its unique linguistic ders the francophone province of Québec, is experiencing a revival of its French dialect diversity and celebrated musical variety.Historically, spoken French in the bayou and culture. French-Americans, a distinctive part of mainstream society in Maine and

June 21, 2006 region was divided into linguistic groups: "colonial" French, Acadian French and throughout New England, are collaborating to revitalize French language exposure. / Creole French. Over time these three languages have melded together into one "Reacquisition classes" have been introduced for Maine's francophone citizens longing to Cajun dialect which is still spoken in Louisiana. Reminiscent of antiquated reconnect to their unique dialect, and more students than ever are learning French in French, Cajun French has maintained pronunciation and syntax long abandoned schools. Recently,the Maine legislature hosted its fifth annual Franco-American Day (see by standard French-speakers. Citizens of Louisiana are taking many steps to pro- NFF 06.04) during which congressional proceedings were held in French and the tect their distinctive dialect. The Action Cadienne, a non-profit organization American National Anthem was performed in French by 10-year-old Melanie Dorice founded in 1996, is one example of a volunteer association that promotes and Saucier. preserves the French-Cajun culture and vernacular. The story of Acadian Diaspora in the United States is something much more Regional folk music also invites enthusiasm for Cajun culture. Grammy-win- than a movement that impacted the country with its traditions, language, archi- ning musical sensation BeauSoleil is a prime example of Cajun music's increasing tecture and customs. It is a living history that carries with it a heritage that has popularity.Michael Doucet, founder of the BeauSoleil music group,describes the engrained itself in society, bringing with it a cultural splendor that has evolved band's style as a mélange of New Orleans jazz, blues, country, and traditional into a unique social consciousness that continues to define the richness of American NEWS FROM FRANCE Cajun music. Traditional instruments such as the fiddle and accordion blend with culture today. 4 FRENCH ASSISTANCE TO VIETNAMESE COTTON Economic News INDUSTRY TECHNOLOGIE France's Development Agency (AFD) is providing a grant consisting of 330,000 euros to help Vietnam conduct a study on the potential development of its cotton France Introduces Eco-Labels for Cars industry. The program aims to promote and develop the Vietnamese cotton indus- CO-LABELS became compulsory for all new automo- Also, the car labeling program should eventually lead to try through 2010 and towards 2020. It biles sold in France reduced fuel costs and will focus on farming domestic cotton and exploring opportunities to create new as of May 10. The help combat global cli- E farming jobs to replace imported cotton series of seven mate change. materials in order to help reduce poverty. color-coded labels indi- According to envi- cates the amount of CO2 ronment minister Nelly CNRS LAUNCHES FREE SCIENTIF- each vehicle emits per kilo- Olin, the French gov- IC MAGAZINE meter in hopes of better ernment previously The French National Center for Scientific informing consumers about e implemented the eco- Research (CNRS) recently launched CNRS the automobile's environ- labeling system on International Magazine, a free quarterly in mental impact. This require- refrigerator and wash- English showcasing the research conduct- . de la Mur ment aims to increase con- ing machine sales. In ed by CNRS in France and around the world. By demonstrating the dynamic sumer awareness in hopes fact, manufacturers international policy of CNRS, this maga- of encouraging car manu- adapted their products zine aims to encourage foreign scientists facturers to cut carbon © MAE/ Photo- F to conform to consumer and students to join CNRS, to reinforce its emissions and improve Cars for sale that will carry the new eco-label needs and environmen- existing partnerships and to create new their performance akin the results that a similar scheme for tal regulations, ultimately eliminating most highly pollut- ones. refrigerator and washing machines has successfully yielded. ing machines. l l Scientific arti- cles appear with institu- tional and practical French Food Industry: Top Location for Foreign Investment information esse from interna- RANCE is the top location for foreign investment in the Great Britain's 18 projects. Since the food sector is a signif- tional part- food sector,according to a new Ernst & Young report. The icant investment magnet, France's position as top foreign ners. Over

FFrench city of Poitiers, in western France, was ranked investment location in the food sector shows the country's © Service de Pr 20,000 issues as the most economical location in Europe and third growing importance as a leading place for venture capital- of CNRS International Magazine are cur- cheapest place worldwide for food processing. Two other ists. rently sent to readers in more than 50 French cities-Mulhouse, in eastern France, and Montpellier Having earned Britain's former title as most appealing countries and it is available online at in southern France-also ranked as highly appealing loca- spot for foreign financiers, France is showing the world its www2.cnrs.fr/en/385.htm. tions for foreign investors in the food-processing industry. potential as a competitive alternative to other European Montpellier was classed as the fifth most affordable nations in the food-processing industry. AMERICAN STARTUP TEAMS UP WITH FRENCH RETAILER European location for establishing a food plant. France and Britain continued to reassert their econom- Ruckus Wireless, an American startup According to the Ernst & Young study, France attracted ic significance in Europe and claimed 35.7 percent of for- from Mountain View, California, 26 foreign food-related projects in the past year versus eign direct investment, according to the report. l l announced in May that the French elec- tronics dealer, Darty, will start sell- ing its wireless Internet system to IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) France's Nexvision Presents IP Security Camera subscribers to replace the non- aesthetically appealing traditional exvision, a French company specializing in for a fast and simple installation. television cables in homes. Unlike Internet-based video security solutions, recently Nexvision designed the Dragonfly using Texas in the United States, where Ruckus markets Wi-Fi through announced its prototype for the world's first IP Instruments' DaVinci technology-based processor, the only N phone companies, France has video security camera. The Nexdome® Dragonfly, based chip which combines image processing power, high-end moved quickly to market the on Texas Instruments' DaVinci technology, offers highly video analysis capabilities, and real-time compression for technology and is able to sell it at customizable surveillance suited to large areas such as pub- streaming video over the internet. The DaVinci technology- retail outlets. Darty will offer June 21, 2006 lic transportation, utility plants, and medical centers. based processor allowed Nexvision to design the Dragonfly in a Ruckus's system as an add-on to / Its design and range of applications can be tailored to "record design cycle time" of 6 months, said Nexvision's business other IPTV services such as France meet the specific demands of various customers. The development manager Cyril Clocher. Telecom, Alice, Dutch Telecom Dragonfly's advanced features such as object detection and The Nexdome Dragonfly has already been successfully adopt- and America Online (AOL). tracking, traffic surveillance, and automatic license plate ed by a London-based company, which installed the product in France leads the world in IPTV recognition revolutionize monitoring centers' capability to Sweden's Stockholm Underground. The company plans to con- adoption according to the Gartner Group. They predict that review voluminous footage from surveillance cameras. Its tinue the collaboration with Nexvision on other infrastructure by the end of 2006, half of unique 360 degree lens provides up to 30 high-resolution projects in the United Kingdom. Western Europe's IPTV sub- frames per minute, and multiple security personnel can Based in Marseille, France, Nexvision innovates and designs scribers will be based in France. simultaneously view images both in real time and forensi- hardware and software platforms to provide solutions in the field By 2010, Gartner expects the cally. The camera's reduced size (13 cm x 13 cm) allows of Video-Over-IP for the security industry. l l number of IPTV subscribers to reach 5 million and generate NEWS FROM FRANCE $875 million in sales. 5 CULTURAL DIPLOMACY Social News The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs SOCIÉTÉ recently launched la diplomatie culturelle, a new program for increasing French cul- tural visibility internationally. The new cul- Da Vinci Code's Impact on Tourism in France tural policy has several goals: to increase awareness of French culture and to rein- VERY summer, crowds flock to cinemas to enjoy the retrace the story's plot by visiting Italy, another country force French ties with important global season's blockbuster films. This year, The Da Vinci evoked in the plotline. Audiences revealed a specific interest companies. French Foreign Minister E Code undeniably earns the title of summer epic in such tourist attractions as Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa Philippe Douste-Blazy describes "cultural adventure. The controversial novel and film have and the celebrated Saint Sulpice Church. Yet these tourist diplomacy" as a means of modernizing exposed audiences to the story's deep-rooted cultural sites are not the only attractions that stand to profit from The French presence in various domains such focus on France by exploring its Da Vinci Code's strong as education, culture, and foreign aid. Not geography and history. As a cultural impact. only will this program promote education result, French tourism is expect- An exciting à la française by constructing and renovat- ed to benefit from the film's con- option for tourists visit- ing French high schools internationally, but it will also encourage foreign students stant media attention as well as ing Paris is the "Cracking to enroll in French universities. Other encourage viewers' insatiable fas- the Da Vinci Code Tour" of

aspects of the program include interna- cination for art, culture, and -J Chen the Louvre Museum. tional art and theatrical exhibitions that intrigue. According to statistics Visitors can retrace the highlight French cultural exports. provided by la Maison de la mystery behind the sym- France, approximately 92 percent bols in Dan Brown's STRONG FRENCH PRESENCE AT

of individuals surveyed in an © MAE/ Photo - Y thriller with their own per- ELECTRONIC EXPOSITION The Louvre Museum, featured in The Da Vinci Code French presence was strong at last April 2006 poll expressed interest sonal tour guide and month's Electronic Entertainment Expo, in traveling to France to follow unearth the meaning of E³. Seventeen French video game compa- the footsteps of the Da Vinci Code story. This number clearly Da Vinci's timeless work. For more information, please visit: nies and agencies attended the meeting dominates over the 44.5 percent of individuals wishing to www.parismuse.com.Happy hunting! l l which is considered to be one of the most important electronic entertainment indus- try conferences in North America. The French Lawmakers Move to Fight Obesity SUGAR tax on high-calorie drinks appears to be initiative currently under consideration would require food directly correlated to a decrease in sales of companies to include health warnings on television adver- Aunhealthy food and drinks, according to the Vice tisements for unhealthy products if the ads are aired during President of France's Parliament, Yves Bur.There was a 40 peak viewing hours for children.

© e3insider percent drop in sales of "alcopop" beverages-sugary, alcoholic "We must say to these industries that marketing has its Participants of E³ sample games drinks popular among young people in 2005. The decrease limits specifically when children are concerned and we need occurred only one year after France introduced a tax on the to have very clear information," stated Vice-President of Expo was held at the Los Angeles drinks in an effort to combat obesity. France's Parliament, Yves Bur. A long term campaign aimed Convention Center from May 10 to Currently, Parliament's health select committee is con- at changing attitudes seems to be the goal in combating obe- May 12. E³ is one of the major meet- ducting an inquiry into the problem of obesity in France. In sity. Bur also added that immediate action was necessary if ing spots for the important players in addition to the sugar tax on alcopop, France has recently France wants to prevent what is currently a modest problem the multi-million dollar electronic entertainment industry. moved to ban snack vending machines in schools. Another from turning into one almost too big to tackle. l l ALLONS EN FRANCE UNITES FRANCOPHILES The annual meeting of New Government Agency for Adoption francophone students, Allons en France, will take RENCH families wishing to adopt internationally now guides families through the adoption process and helps them place between July 7 and have a new government agency to help them with the plan their trip to the child's country of origin. They also pro- July 16 at Ile-de-France. Fprocess. The Agence française de l'adoption (AFA), creat- vide some post-adoption services. Allons en France is a pro- ed by the July 4, 2005 adoption International adoption is gram organized by the reform law, has replaced la on the rise in France. In 1980 Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mission de l'adoption interna- the government recorded 935

June 21, 2006 that brings students togeth- tionale. Approximately eight international adoptions. That

/ er every year in France to out of every 10 children adopt- number rose to 4,136 in 2005. promote French culture and ed in France are from another In addition, adopted children the French language. This country. are coming from a wider range year's reunion will include 202 participants represent- The AFA was inaugurated e of countries than ever before. ing 52 countries. Culture on May 18 by Minister of the In light of these trends, the Family Philippe Bas in the AFA will serve to simplify and

and sports are some of the . de la Mur focuses of the program. presence of Minister of centralize what can be a com- This year, attendees will Foreign Affairs Philippe plicated process. participate in activities such Douste-Blazy and Minister of The top five countries of

as visits to picturesque Justice Pascal Clément. The © MAE/ Photo - F origin for internationally Parisian quartiers like agency is a public interest group that provides all services free adopted children in France in 2005 were: Vietnam, Haiti,

NEWS FROM FRANCE Montmartre, museum tours of charge and without prejudice. Among other things, AFA China, Ethiopia and Russia. l l and sporting activities. 6

s coups d’oeil leles coups d’oeil Cultural Highlights CULTURE NEW TECHNIQUE FOR PERFECT- ING WINE In the quaint Breton city of Saint-Malo, The Bikini Celebrates its 60th Anniversary wine experts experimented with a new technique to perfect wine taste: IXTY years ago, just as nuclear bombs made an the bikini and cement its place in popular culture. tidal submersion. Six hundred wine entry into the realm of military weaponry, an anom- Numerous trib- bottles were submerged underwater S alous new swimming suit was also making a splash utes to the bikini are for one year to test the tide's rippling introduction. planned worldwide effects on wine flavor and complexity. The bikini burst into the fashion scene on July 6, 1946. The for the 60th anniver- On June 12, 600 bottles of Haut- designer, a French engineer named Louis Réard, thought that sary this summer. In Médoc were removed from 15 meters the swimsuit's explosive impact would reflect that of the atomic France, les Galeries below the surface in the Saint-Malo bomb.In homage to the nuclear age, he named it the "bikini," Lafayette is organizing bay, which has some of the most after the atoll in the Pacific Ocean where the U.S. Army was test- a retrospective exhibit intense tides in Europe. According to Yannick Heude, president of the Wine ing nuclear bombs. in stores. Lycra, which Immersion Association, a clear distinction Réard's design was so scandalous—consisting of only four was not invented until exists between the bottles that were sub- strategically placed triangles—that the only person he could find the late 1950s, orga- merged with their dry-land counterparts. willing to model it was a nudist dancer from the Casino de Paris. nized a multi-designer Not only do the submerged bottles have a In 1951 bikinis were banned from the Miss World Contest. tribute to the swim- © Bikini Science Micheline Bernardini, first to more refined taste thanks to underwater The Vatican even banned them in certain Catholic coun- ming suit, and con- model the bikini tidal friction, but they also sell at a superi- tries. It took several years and a series of cinematic bikini- vinced labels such as La or price. Bottles which cost 11.50 euros wearing bombshells—Brigitte Bardot, Marilyn Monroe, Perla, Manuel Canovas and Triumph to design an anniversary are typically worth 20 euros after a year Ursula Andress, Raquel Welch and other events that sensa- model of the bikini. And, in a literary tribute, Kelly Bensimon, underwater. Wining and dining under- tionalized the suit, such as Brian Hyland's hit “Itsy Bitsy an Elle Magazine editor at large, has written the definitive histo- water style has never been so reward- ing! Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini”—to popularize ry of the bikini in her work titled: The Bikini Book. KEN LOACH WINS PALME D'OR British filmmaker Ken Loach captured Cross-Cultural Appreciation for Wine the coveted Palme d'Or (see N.F.F. N a spirited yet light-hearted contest on May 24, judges in tasting, where 18 judges from the United States, France and 06.06) at the 2006 International Film Napa Valley and London simultaneously sipped and scored England sampled wines used in the original competition—with- Festival in Cannes. His film The Wind That Shakes the Barley, addresses the 34 vintage and current-released French and California out the Chardonnays—judges also tasted current-released I Irish war of independence of the 1920s. wines. Cabernets and Chardonnays from California and France. According to the president of the jury, The event marked the 30th anniversary of the Judgment of Organizers Steven Spurrier and Patricia Gastaud-Gallagher Wong Kar-wai, "We were all very Paris, when nine blind-folded judges sampled both French and made it clear where the wines were from, so French wine was moved by this film and our decision on Californian Cabernet Sauvignons and a separate panel also eval- scored against French, American against American. the Palm was unanimous." Loach has uated California Chardonnays and French Chardonnay-based And the wine? won two Prix du jury in the past: one in white burgundies during the May 24, 1976, competition. Although the garnet color of the California reds had faded to 1993 for Raining Stones and the This year's competition was more of a celebration for the ruby with some slight browning around the edges, eight of the 10 other in 1990 for Hidden Agenda. cross-cultural appreciation for wine.Apart from the reenactment wines showed well and impressed the judges. 31ST ANNUAL MUSIQUES MÉTISSES FESTIVAL The 31st annual Musiques Métisses An Unusual Road Trip from Paris to Kabul festival took place in Angoulême from May 24 through May 28. This WO adventurous French journalists, Sophie ly interesting challenge: Malibeaux and Pochez had to drive year's festival focused on the Malibeaux and Manu Pochez, have completed the a French classic 2CV, a two horsepower vehicle manufac- francophone areas of the journey of a lifetime traveling from Paris to Kabul. tured by Citroën that has a top speed of approximately 80 Indian Ocean, including La T Réunion, l'Ile Maurice, This long and arduous expedition entailed a particular- kilometers per hours (approximately 50 miles per hour), Mayotte, and Madagascar. across a rough and rugged terrain. Despite the lack of Many big names such as Lee power and speed, the car successfully navigated difficult "Scratch" Perry and Max landscapes. Even more importantly, the vehicle that is Romeo were among the capable of traveling 100 kilometers with only three liters of numerous performers at this gas allowed the journalists to absorb each local culture en year's event. The music show-

route to Kabul. cased at this year's event includ- June 21, 2006

On their journey, Malibeaux and Pochez made brief ed the valiha, a harp-like instru- / pauses in Italy, Greece, and Turkey. The journalists visited ment made of bamboo that is monuments, met local citizens, and even attempted to native to Madagascar. Danyel learn Ottoman calligraphy. Throughout the trip they Waro, considered to be one of the best singers in his field, recorded their memories to share with readers. Upon treated audiences to maloya, a arrival in Afghanistan, sand and poor road conditions type of music known in La forced the journalists to abandon their car and complete Réunion for its chants and base the remainder of their journey by bus just three days before percussion. His counterpart they were scheduled to arrive in Kabul. from l'île Maurice, Menwar, To learn more about the journalists' expidition or to makes his own instruments © Manu Pochez Malibeaux and Pochez during their journey to Kabul read their journey log, please visit www.k2cv.net. for his performances. The fes-

tival took place on the banks NEWS FROM FRANCE of the Charente River. 7

in brief in brief France in America CHEZ NOUS Niki de Saint Phalle Exhibition in Atlanta Botanical Gardens

YTHICAL animals and buxom women covered with wooden board and shot mirrors, glass and gleaming semi-precious stones them using a rifle. She began M frolic throughout the Atlanta Botanical Gardens as part exhibiting her "Nanas" of an exhibit featuring French artist Niki de Saint sculptures, the uninhibited Phalle, "Niki in the Garden." The exhibit runs through October 31. sculptures which personify Assembled from public and private collections worldwide, the her views on female ner

Members who participated in the exhibit is the largest showing ever of Saint Phalle's monumental out- empowerment, in 1965. The ur Transatlantic Soccer Cup door sculptures—some are 18 feet high and weigh as much as 6,000 botanical gardens are a nat- Courtesy: Carla Bundy pounds. Saint Phalle's “Nanas,” her most famous sculptures, depict ural fit for Saint Phalle's large, boldly colored and overtly feminine women and are well-repre- works. Her two sculpture News from FRANCE sented in the exhibit. The exhibit's curators encourage visitors to inter- gardens, the Tarot Garden in ose/©2006 T act physically with the sculptures and invite them to climb, crawl, sit Tuscany, Italy, and Queen and touch. Califia's Magical Circle in EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Agnès von der Mühll Saint Phalle was born in 1930 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, and Escondido, California,

was raised in New York. Saint Phalle was the only female involved in emphasize the relationship ©Niki Charitable Art Foundation. Photo: Justin Lar EDITOR the Nouveau Réalisme movement, where she met artists such as between her art and nature. Nana on a Dolphin, Niki de Agnès von der Mühll Christo,Yves Klein and Arman. She first reached international promi- Saint Phalle died in 2002. For Saint Phalle, 1998 nence with her "Shooting" paintings. She plastered cans of paint to a more information, please visit: www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org. l l MANAGING EDITOR Thomas Rottcher Houston’s Bayou: An Illuminating Experience SENIOR WRITERS Kimberly Condon IGHTTIME along Houston's major waterway just got a little Descottes established L'Observatoire International after eight Elizabeth Caldwell bit brighter, thanks to some illuminating designs from years of lighting design in Paris. The developers chose Descottes WRITERS NL'Observatoire International. because of his reputation and strong sense Caitlin Cieslik-Miskimen, Sara Feuerstein, The lighting design firm, founded in of urban awareness. His firm's projects Matthew Miller New York in 1993 by Hervé Descottes, include collaborations with Frank Gehry To change your address, subscribe (for worked in tandem with architect Stephen on the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los free) or unsubscribe, please contact: Korns to develop a series of glowing LED Angeles; Jean Nouvel on the Guthrie NEWS FROM FRANCE orbs that will light the new pedestrian bridge, Theater in Minneapolis; and Stephen Hall FRENCH EMBASSY PRESS & INFORMATION SERVICE bike and walking trails along Houston's on the chapel of St. Ignatius in Seattle. 4101 Reservoir Road, NW Sabine-to-Bagby Promenade. The lighting The new park transformed a weed- Washington, DC 20007-2182 installation was a major feature of the $15 choked strip of land down Houston's main Tel: (202) 944-6060 Fax: (202) 944-6072 million development project for the 23-acre © Jim Olive waterway, the Buffalo Bayou, into one with E-mail: park in downtown Houston and was the cen- The Buffalo Bayou illuminated at night native landscaping, public artwork and [email protected] terpiece of the park's grand opening on June more than two miles of bike and hiking http://www.ambafrance-us.org 10. The lights will change from white to blue, following the moon's trails. Those involved in the project hope that the unique lighting http://www.france.diplomatie.fr cycle. On each full moon, the lights will be white and then slowly eventually will be extended to the entire Buffalo Bayou area and per- transform to blue for each new moon. haps even to the rooftops of downtown Houston skyscrapers. l l June 21, 2006

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