Special Edition A free monthly review of French news & trends

VOL. 10.03 APRIL 30

President Sarkozy’s Visits to the U.S. Foster International Cooperation

France Prepares for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference New York City will host the next Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference at the world UN headquarters from May 3- 28. The conference continues the tra- dition of reviewing the NPT at five- year intervals since the Treaty's imple- ette mentation in 1970 and will provide a .Segr forum for discussing pressing issues such as nuclear disarmament and © Elysée/ - P non-proliferation, the advancement Presidents Sarkozy and Obama held a joint press conference on March 30. of nuclear civil energy, and measures to promote the Treaty's universality. French President Nicolas Sarkozy recently visited the United States in March and April to dis- France launched a Web site outlining France will highlight its commitment cuss issues such as global financial architecture and international nuclear policy.During his its objects for the NPT. to the NPT and encourage interna- first visit on March 29-30, the French president addressed an audience at the World Leaders tional consensus on nuclear non-proliferation. The conference aims to adopt a "concrete Forum at Columbia University, met with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and held a and realistic plan of action" to ensure nuclear security and creating "a new nuclear order joint press conference with President Obama in which the two addressed nuclear sanctions based on the NPT and the realities of the world." France has already taken irreversible on Iran and other matters concerning international security.President Sarkozy returned to action toward disarmament, such as reducing the airborne component of its nuclear the U.S. on April 12-13 for the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, D.C., the largest deterrence force by a third, as well as eliminating its nuclear testing facilities. French international conference of world leaders on U.S. soil since the San Francisco convention, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Bernard Kouchner championed the push for which established the United Nations in 1945. President Sarkozy's visits and France's policies disarmament, stating, "We hope that all the nuclear powers join us in promoting [the are discussed in detail on page 4. NPT]. We can only continue down the path of disarmament if the will to move forward is In addition to President Sarkozy's high-level meetings with world leaders,he and French shared by all. Trust, transparency and reciprocity are the basis for disarmament." For more First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy sampled various elements of American culture and heritage information on France's position, please turn to page 2 and visit www.francetnp2010.fr. during the March visit. The French First Couple patronized Ben's Chili Bowl, located in D.C.'s U Street corridor. Once known as the "black Broadway," the corridor was a popular and his wife to a dinner at the White House, marking the first time that the Obamas have hangout for venerated performers such as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald. hosted another head of state in their private apartment. The French president presented his A long-time supporter of the arts, Mrs. Bruni-Sarkozy also visited the performing arts insti- American counterpart with an 18th century document accrediting Benjamin Franklin as tution the Juilliard School to announce her foundation's initiative for a French-American ambassador to France. Sharing an animated component of French culture, President exchange program for art students. Sarkozy gave Sasha and Malia Obama a collection comic books of the famed French hero, After a day of political discussions, President and Mrs. Obama invited President Sarkozy Astérix, which chronicles the adventures of the Gaulish warrior and his friends.

Simone Veil Is Inducted to the Académie Française INSIDE French political icon and evolution of the language. The body consists of Holocaust survivor Simone 40 members, known as immortals, who hold 2 Current Events Veil was inducted to the their office for life. Veil occupies seat No. 13, D.C. Open House prestigious Académie which once belonged to the esteemed play- 3 France & America Française in Paris on March wright Racine in the 17th century.Other promi- French Food Connection. 18. One of France's most nent members of the Académie have included prominent voices in the Alexander Dumas, Victor Hugo, Louis Pasteur 4 In Depth fight for women's rights, and Voltaire. Mr. Sarkozy in the U.S.

© Elysée/ L. Blevennec Veil served as the first With her impressive personal and profession- 5 Business & Tech Simone Veil delivers a speech accepting her female president of the al accomplishments, Veil's addition to the Digitizing Literature European Parliament and Académie continues the renowned organization's appointment to the Académie Française. 6 Society twice as France's Minister of record for honoring some of the world's most Agriculture Trade Show Health as well as ofSocial Affairs. She is the sixth woman to join the Académie since the insti- remarkable francophones. French president tution's inception in 1635 by Cardinal Richelieu. Nicolas Sarkozy attended the ceremony and paid 7 Culture The Académie Française is the pre-eminent institution on matters pertaining to the homage to the stateswoman who has led a life of Casanova’s Adventures French language, usage and vocabulary. It serves as the official authority on the language service to her country and has shown relentless 8 France in America and is also charged with publishing an official dictionary that preserves and reflects the courage in her pursuit of social justice. France in D.C. En bref [ Current Events ] AMERICAN NOBEL LAUREATE TO TEACH IN PARIS The Paris Diderot University recently European Embassies in D.C. Host Open House in May welcomed Physics Nobel Laureate George Smoot as an instructor and On May 8, the embassies of the 27 E.U.Member States in the United States will researcher in the field of cosmology. open their doors to the public, presenting a rare "behind-the-gates" opportuni- The American scientist was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2006 for his ty to visit and explore the various embassies throughout Washington, D.C. research on the Big Bang Theory Running from 10:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m.,the event will showcase the many cultures specifically relating to the state and of Europe, allowing the public to sample various foods, music and art of differ- temperature of the cosmos, a body ent countries. of work that he published in his 1994 book, Wrinkles in Time. This year, the participating embassies will underscore the notion of Green Professor Smoot was a recipient of Europe: Good for the economy and the environment,demonstrating to audiences the France-Berkeley Fund, which each country's approach to tackling climate change and growing a clean energy The French Embassy eagerly awaits friends and fosters French-American coopera- economy.For example,at the Embassy of Spain,visitors can learn how high-tech families for the D.C. Open House on May 8. tion between the University of windmills are combating climate change and then travel to the Embassy of California campuses in Berkeley and Santa Cruz, and French institutions. Denmark, which boasts the first carbon-neutral embassy residence. Riding on the theme of environmental consciousness, a free shuttle The France-Berkeley Fund has facili- departing from Dupont Circle will provide transportation to the various embassies. tated 245 projects since its inception The daylong event is part of a larger celebration, Passport D.C., hosted by the nonprofit organization Cultural Tourism D.C. celebrat- in 1993. The Paris Diderot University ing international culture through the month of May. For more information on the Open House, please visit: www.europe-in-dc.com. President Vincent Berger lauded Professor Smoot's recruitment, asserting, "to my knowledge, this is the first time that a French universi- Interview with François Rivasseau, Then, in 2000, NPT countries discussed and elaborated ty has recruited a foreign Nobel lau- Deputy Chief of Mission at the on a kind of general roadmap that was described as the 13 reate to a permanent post." With Embassy of France in Washington, steps leading to nuclear disarmament. As the next NPT Professor Smoot's arrival, the univer- sity also hopes to create a center of D.C. Review Conference is approaching, France has reviewed all cosmology on its new campus on the the measures taken to implement the 13 steps and is pretty Left Bank of Paris, similar to the one What is France's position on Nuclear convinced that its record is second to none. Let's recall, the American researcher created at Disarmament? finally, that President Sarkozy expressed France's determi- Berkeley. The expansion of the French university aims to expose students to nation to actively contribute to disarmament in the very a wider variety of fields and increase Article 6 of the Nuclear Non- important speech of Cherbourg last year.As an example of France's research capabilities. Proliferation Treaty sets a very clear the measures of transparency and reduction announced goal of nuclear disarmament and general and complete dis- there, our airborne nuclear component will be reduced by HAITIAN PAINTING TO BE RESTORED armament; therefore we are fully committed to disarma- a third. All in all, France defends a concrete approach that Amid the ruins of the Haitian ment and therefore to nuclear disarmament. We have extends beyond words into action. There are countries presidential palace, French fire- fighters unearthed Oath of the proven that commitment. We have taken unique measures which are happy with dropping nice words in favor of Ancestors, a painting that was to fulfill this goal. Not only have we signed and ratified the nuclear disarmament. But, as the New Start negotiation has badly damaged in the earth- Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), pro- most recently showed, action is more difficult. And action quake. Completed in 1822 by hibiting all nuclear tests and nuclear explosions, but we is what we seek. Guillaume Guillon-Lethière, the composition is a symbolic piece have also — and France still is the only nuclear-weapon for Haitians and their historic path state to have done so — Don't we need to step up disarma- toward democracy. The represen- closed, dismantled complete- ment efforts to combat proliferation tation depicts a meeting between ly and restored our nuclear more effectively? leaders of the Haitian Revolution, test site in Mururoa, French General Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Lieutenant Toussaint Polynesia. Article 6 of the We have to advance on both fields as L’ Ouverture as well as the leader NPT has been completed by a quickly as possible. Usually people of the mulatto rebellion, voluntary commitments talk about the three pillars of the Alexandre Pétion. The frame was taken in 1995, when the NPT was indefinitely extended and NPT: nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and peaceful damaged and the canvas ripped, but the work of art is still able to we have been faithful to our word. If the first of these com- use. France is committed to make its best on every and any of undergo the restoration process. mitments concerned CTBT, the second was about the ces- these three pillars in a balanced way. The Center for the Restoration sation of the production of fissile material for nuclear and Research of the Museums of weapons; a treaty which is to be named the Fissile Material Presidents Obama and Medvedev signed a new agreement France (C2RMF) has endeavored Cut-off Treaty (FMCT). France has constantly maintained to reduce their strategic nuclear arsenals following from the to restore the historic piece since it acquired a familiarity with it dur- its commitments to the FMCT in the terms agreed in 1995, Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). What is ing the painting’s last restoration which are technically described as the Shannon mandate — France's position? in 1998. The C2RMF organizes France has always remained faithful to the Shannon man- preventative conservation and date. As proof of our good faith, not only have we stopped We warmly welcome the ratification and new bilateral agree- restoration projects for French museums. In addition to this new the production of fissile material and observed a moratori- ment between Presidents Obama and Medvedev. We advocate undertaking, the C2RMF is also um — and there are only four nuclear States which have the continuation of a bilateral process of reducing nuclear working on the reopening of the done so — China has not accepted such a moratorium, but arsenals, as foreseen in the European Action Plan on disarma- Egyptian rooms in the Tessé we have also taken one step more: France has dismantled ment adopted about two years ago at the European Summit by Museum, remounting Gallo- the facility that produced fissile material, in Pierrelatte all Heads of State and Government on the basis of a proposal Roman columns of the archeolog- ical Vieux-la-Romain Museum, Marcoule, and rehabilitated the place in the Rhone Valley. made by France acting as Presidency of the E.U.This reduc- and restoring the ceiling of the And once again, France is the only nuclear-weapon State to tion is a priority, as the U.S. and Russia still hold nearly 95 per- Régina Hotel in Paris. have gone so far. cent of the global nuclear stockpiles.

2 NEWS FROM FRANCE FRENCH WARSHIP DELIVERS BOOKS [ France & America ] TO NYC STUDENTS

Stirring American Zest for French Gastronomy

the French Food Connection visited Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Miami from April 17-23 for a week-long roadshow.The companies presented their products to over 150 American com- panies — including local importers, distributors, restaurateurs, buyers, as well as the press — to boost the visibility of their food- stuffs. Incorporated into their visits were presentations on the local alimentary markets, briefings by American gastronomic professionals, excursions to distribution and sales centers, as well as food-tasting fairs. According to Charles Duque, Food Division director at UBIFRANCE, "The last three editions have been very successful

© Kinetic Media for the French. Ninety percent of companies who participated in Guests sample an array of French products at past editions have increased their business in the U.S., and one- the French Food Connection. quarter of this year's companies are repeat participants." The ini- For the fourth consecutive year,the New York and Parisian offices tiative aims to foster collaborative opportunities between French

of UBIFRANCE, in conjunction with the French Trade Office, producers and their American counterparts. © Amaury Laporte organized a traveling gastronomy show throughout the United For more information on next year's French Food States. Comprised of nearly two dozen French food companies, Connection, please visit: www.frenchfoodconnection.com. The Marching Tigers Band celebrates the French American Photographers Capture France warship's book delivery. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the photographs taken by a group of eight The French helicopter carrier graduate students selected from various American art and design institutions could write Jeanne d'Arc arrived in New York City on March 31 with a a novel about the cities they visited — and that was exactly their mission. The program mission not of aggression and Jeunes Talents (Young Talents) is a joint initiative by the French Government Tourist combat, but one of education Office and the French Cultural Services in Los Angeles that seeks to promote cross-cul- and philanthropy. The warship tural educational exchanges. The initiative combines art, creativity and tourism to allow transported 2,000 dictionaries, textbooks, novels and comic budding American photographers hailing from New York, Los Angeles and New Orleans books to be donated to to relay the history and culture of French life through the lens of a camera. From March American students. The transat- 27 - April 11, each photographer traveled to French regions to uncover the character of lantic voyage was Jeanne one of the six participating areas (Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Lille, Marseille, Toulon and d'Arc's final mission before Tahiti). The purpose of the trip was to produce a series of photographs that capture the being decommissioned after a 46-year career spanning nearly essence of French life and culture through fresh perspectives. Upon their return, eight 1,800,000 nautical miles. The photographs from each rising artist were displayed at Louis Stern Fine Arts Gallery in books were offered to children

West Hollywood, California. The French Deputy Cultural Attaché at the Los Angeles con- © Maria Schriber participating in the French- sulate, Yann Perreau, observed that, "Jeunes Talents is a unique opportunity to open the Maria Schriber's award- English dual language and winning photo — a study French Heritage Language pro- boundaries of art, creativity and cultural exchanges," and called the result "one of the grams, as well as the French most exciting, subversive and challenging art concepts to date." in architectural depth and after-school classes organized For more information on Jeunes Talents, and to see some of the photographs, please perspective. by the Education Française à visit: www.franceguide.com/jeunestalents. New York, a parent-run educa- tional organization that pro- motes bilingual programs in Richmond's Feature Presentation New York public schools. French cinephiles from all well-established directors, but also those of the next genera- French Ambassador to the over the United States gath- tion of filmmakers. Founded in 1993, the festival seeks to pro- United States Pierre Vimont attended the book donation cer- ered at the 18th Annual mote French language cinema and cross-cultural appreciation. emony featuring a delegation of French Film Festival in The 2010 edition of the festival introduced novel com- students from the Jordan L. Richmond, Virginia, held ponents. In partnership with Parisian film school La Fémis, Mott Middle School in the between March 25-28. this year's "Master Class" explored the topic of "3-D Bronx, one of the six schools Presented by Virginia Technology in Filmmaking." The class gave VCU and UR that has launched a French- English dual language program. Commonwealth University film students the opportunity to review 35mm shorts with The delivery was initiated, coor- (VCU) and the University both American and French film experts. Instructors dinated and financed by the of Richmond (UR), the film included professors from the two Richmond-based univer- Cultural Services of the Embassy festival is the largest of its sities, the French audiovisual media organization of France, while the books them- selves having been donated by kind in the U.S. Each year, Commission Supérieure Technique de l'Image et du Son, two French associations, Adiflor the festival showcases an and La Fémis. The festival not only celebrates French con- and Biblionef. Both organiza- array of French and fran- temporary cinema, but also the growing transatlantic tions specialize in providing cophone films, ranging appreciation and enthusiasm for French film. French language books, in either from short films to full- For more information on the film festival, please visit: new or in excellent condition, to children around the world. length showings. The event not only presents the works of www.frenchfilm.vcu.edu.

NEWS FROM FRANCE 3 [ In Depth ]

President Sarkozy Visits the United States French President Nicolas together, stating, "During the French presidency of the G20, Tim Geithner [and] Sarkozy recently visited Christine Lagarde are going to be working hand-in-glove in order to go even fur- the U.S. on two separate ther in regulating world capitalism, and in particular, raising the issue of a new occasions, once in March world international monetary order." In addition, President Sarkozy called for and again in April, innovation in the way states gauge the standard of living. "We must change the underscoring close way we measure evolutions in our economy in the 21st century," he asserted. Franco-American ties. "Well-being, education and environmental costs are all aspects that must be inte- During his first visit, grated into the measurement of our economy." © Photo Elysée/ P. Segrette President Sarkozy met (L-R) French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde, with U.S. policymakers Senator Ben Cardin, President Nicolas Sarkozy on March 30, including Addressing Nuclear Security Issues and Senator John Kerry meet in D.C. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Massachusetts Senator John Kerry,to discuss the importance of a President Sarkozy's sec- united front in the global fight against climate change. French Finance Minister ond visit focused on Christine Lagarde joined the French president in congressional meetings. Later that international nuclear day,President Sarkozy met with President Obama in the Oval Office, after which the security policy.The two heads of state held a joint press conference addressing issues such as coopera- French Head of State tion in the global economy,climate change, and the Middle East peace process. This attended the two-day visit was not the first time that President Sarkozy met with U.S. representatives. He Nuclear Security Summit addressed a joint session of Congress in November of 2007 (see NFF 07.12), during in Washington, D.C., which he highlighted the historic ties and elaborated on mutual areas on interest alongside 46 other world between the two nations.French First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy joined her husband leaders. The goal of the © White House/ Chuck Kennedy on his March visit,while the French president returned to Washington,D.C.,in April summit was to create 47 world leaders convened in Washington, D.C., for the to participate in the Nuclear Security Summit. alignment on reducing Nuclear Security Summit the world's nuclear arse- Discussing the Economy nal and ensure the security of nuclear materials, as well as to address the challenges nations face in complying with the Non-Proliferation Treaty.A recent step in the direction of dis- armament is the signing of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) by President Obama and Russian President Medvedev, which aims to significantly reduce the U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals. START complements the goals of the nuclear summit as well as those of the European Action Plan on Disarmament adopted by the E.U. dur- ing the French presidency in 2008. The action plan stipulates that E.U. nations work against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and aims to be implemented by the end of 2010.

ette The threat of nuclear terrorism was one of the most pressing issues on the summit

. Segr agenda. In an interview with CBS journalist Katie Couric, President Sarkozy emphasized the importance of the summit in discussing the threat. "It is the entire international com- munity that must react in order to combat this type of terrorism," Mr.Sarkozy said,

© Photo Elysée/ P "which is one of the reasons why I, together with other heads of state, are here today in President Sarkozy addresses the audience of students, teachers support of the summit organized by President Obama." President Sarkozy also advocated and politicians at Columbia University. for the creation of an international court that would pursue states that provide terrorist groups with nuclear technology or materials. Officials plan to work with the U.N. on the One of the main themes addressed in President Sarkozy's first visit was the development of such a court. At the summit's conclusion, world leaders expressed soli- global economy. In his speech at the World Leaders Forum at Columbia darity on the critical issue of preventing non-state actors from obtaining nuclear weapons, University in New York City, President Sarkozy emphasized the importance a goal that will require seemingly unprecedented international cooperation among the 47 of international cooperation to prevent future economic crises. The French nations involved in the talks. president advocated for firm regulations of financial systems, stating, "We Mr.Sarkozy evoked the peace process in the Middle East specifically relating to nuclear can no longer accept a capitalist system without rules, organization, regu- concerns surrounding Iran in his speech at Columbia University, stating that the world lation." must take a unified and firm approach in preventing the country from obtaining nuclear In the months following the G20 Summit in London, President Sarkozy weapons. The U.S. and France, along with Germany and the United Kingdom, have been and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Gordon Brown outlined new pushing for new sanctions against Iran for its nuclear energy enrichment program. Prior economic policies. Specifically, they call for control over credit rating agen- to the Nuclear Security Summit, President Sarkozy discussed the implications of Iran's cies, stronger capital requirement on complex products such as securitiza- nuclear ambitions with other world leaders, meeting first with UN Secretary-General Ban tion, and strengthened deposit guarantee schemes. Ki-moon at the UN headquarters in New York, then with President Obama at the White President Sarkozy also stressed the need for a unified effort between the House. Presidents Sarkozy and Obama expressed alignment on issue of Iran and the need U.S. and European nations to engender transatlantic cooperation and to push for UN sanctions."A conflict in the Middle East,as a consequence of Iran's actions, innovative economic policy. "Europe cannot impose its ideas alone; the could have a huge destabilizing effect," President Obama stated in a joint press conference United States cannot impose its ideas alone," Mr.Sarkozy stated. The with President Sarkozy.The French president concurred, expressing that "I think that we French president foreshadowed one such idea during the press conference can say that rarely… [in] the history of our two countries has the community of views at the White House in which the French-American alliance will work been so identical between the United States of America and France."

4 NEWS FROM FRANCE [Business & Technology ] FRENCH TELESCOPE FINDS EXOPLANET THE SIZE OF JUPITER The French Convection France Aims to Digitize Written Works Rotation and Planetary French President Nicolas Sarkozy which will include over 14 million Transits tele- recently pledged nearly $1.1 billion books and several million other scope, known toward the digitization of French lit- documents. as the COROT, has found an

erary works, audiovisual archives In the meantime, the © CNES exoplanet the and historical documents. The European company Safig is size of Jupiter orbiting a star in a announcement underscores the gov- streamlining the process by begin- neighboring solar system. The exo- ernment's initiative to preserve ning the digitization process of planet, named Corot-9b, is 1,500 France's cultural history and make it 300,000 literary pieces for the light years away from our planet and more readily available in a new era. French National Library. Based in is believed by scientists to have mild The endeavor entails a public- central France, the company is surface temperatures by Earthly stan- private partnership that will digitize using both automatic and human dards — about -4 to 320 degrees the nation's cultural works. page turners to complete the Fahrenheit. Corot-9b has an orbit The project will include 14 million books among similar to that of Mercury in our solar However, the question remains as to other documents from France’s national library. three-year contract project. who the state will commission for The $1.1 billion pledged by system. Scientists say that the discov- ery of Corbot-9b is significant the job. Bruno Racine, president of the French National Library, Sarkozy is part of a $51 billion stimulus package aimed pri- because the exoplanet resembles emphasized the "necessity of a partnership with the private sec- marily at French universities, researchers, manufacturers planets from our solar system in mul- tor" to secure the capital needed for the vast digitization project and telecommunications companies. tiple ways — in size, temperature and orbital pattern. "This is a normal, tem- Mind-Boggling Event Encourages Europeans to Use Their Heads perate exoplanet just like dozens we already know, but this is the first Every year La Semaine du Cerveau, or Brain Awareness Week, gives curious minds whose properties we can study in around the globe an opportunity to learn about the complexities of the brain depth," said Claire Moutou, one of through a multitude of exhibitions, workshops and presentations organized by top 60 astronomers that made the dis- scientists and researchers in the field of neurology.In France, the latest scientific neu- covery. "It is bound to become a rological findings were presented to the public through the efforts of La Société des Rosetta stone in exoplanet research." Corot-9b is not the first celestial body Neurosciences, a member of La Fédération européenne des neurosciences, which ex sponsored events in over 20 French cities from March 15-21. of its kind to be found by the French At the Faculté de Médecine in Nantes, doctorate students gave eight lectures on © Neur telescope. In September 2009, the COROT discovered Corot-7b, an neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Huntington's, as well as on the Frank Ramus (ENS, Paris) explores the question of nature versus nurture. exoplanet noted for its proximity in potential of intracerebral transplantation of stem cells to reduce damaged brain func- size to Earth. The telescope was tion in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. launched in December 2006 and is In the southern port city of Marseille, Pierre Lemarquis, neurologist and member of the New York Academy of Sciences, discussed the managed by the Centre national role of music in cerebral development and its potentially therapeutic qualities in treating disorders such as dyslexia and Alzheimer's, dur- d'etudes spatiales and the European ing a conference on March 16 and 17. The same day, high school students in Strasbourg watched a psychological thriller film and after- Space Agency. wards debated the possibility of addiction to video games, two pastimes thought to have significant impact on the brain. Brainiacs from all over France were also called to "Come and play with your head" in a discovery workshop that took place in Paris on ACQUISITION PRODUCES FRENCH- March 20 and 21. The two-day event catered to visitors of all ages, as youngsters could test their memory with games and quizzes, while U.S. ENERGY SYNERGIES older participants could analyze their brain activity during sleep with the help of professionals. Among the fun and games, leading On February 8, French energy compa- ny AREVA announced the acquisition researchers in the field shed light on puzzling subjects, such as the anatomy of the brain and the brain's role at the head of the body. The of California-based company Ausra, annual thought-provoking events planned around Europe, and France in particular, are sure to keep inquisitive minds eager for more that specializes in producing solar research and learning opportunities. thermal energy. Ausra, best known for solar steam generators that pro- duce steam powered by the sun, French Office Buildings Go Greener helps customers reduce emissions by providing a sustainable, renewable The number ofoffice buildings in France that meet High Environmental Quality standards will rise by 61 percent in 2010,according to a report energy solution. According to Ausra's by Savills, a London-based real estate organization that provides consulting and research services to governmental agencies and private com- Web site, unlike many solar panels panies. This year's upsurge comes after similar increases of 27 percent in 2008 and 44 percent in 2009. which stop collecting energy when it Savills asserts that investment in green-friendly property is not only environmentally responsible, but is cloudy, "Ausra's unique solar steam economical. "Corporate responsibility policies are encouraging many occupants to choose environ- generators retain heat, allowing for a mental certified properties," stated Lydia Brissy,associate director of Savills European Research. "While more seamless integration with the there is no indication at present that rents for green buildings are higher than standard office proper- electric grid." The acquisition of Ausra ties, potential growth in capital values can be achieved through a decline in operating costs." will help AREVA, a leader in nuclear According to the French Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, office build- energy production, create synergies in ings account for 40 percent of total energy consumption in the country and 25 percent of all gas the realm of renewable power gener- ation. In the United States and in emissions. Further, the energy consumption of a new, green-friendly building averages 100-110 more than 100 countries around the kilowatt-hours, while existing buildings average about 250 kilowatt-hours. The Savills report deter- world, AREVA is engaged in the 21st mined that the stock of green buildings in France currently comprises 233 offices, which include century's greatest challenges: making facilities operated by Microsoft, Fourclum, and France Telecom, totaling 4.36 million square meters energy available to all, protecting the of space. A majority of the green-friendly French buildings exceed 5,000 square meters and are planet, and acting responsibly toward located in Paris and its suburbs. future generations.

NEWS FROM FRANCE 5 Society FRENCH BIKES GET A TUNE-UP [ ] Agriculture Sprouts Interest in France Each year, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries hosts the Salon International de l'Agriculture, an elaborate combination of confer- ences, workshops and tradeshows, aimed at providing a comprehensive education about French agriculture.

© CNPC Formation This year's Salon, held from February 27-March 7 in Paris, embodied the theme "produce to nourish," catering Gearing up for the season, particularly to young families. participating outlets nationwide Children participated in workshops provided free diagnostic checks. that chronicled the journey of food For many Parisians, the arrival of from the farm to their dinner plates. spring means taking the bike for a They learned how agricultural spin. For the third consecutive year, the processes impact their daily lives and

Professional Federation of Sports and about the biology of fresh produce. In © APFOUCHA Leisure organized a two-week event one interactive activity, children asso- The Salon International de l’Agriculture featured educational informa- from March 20-April 3 allowing bikers ciated fruits and vegetables with their tion about trends in French farming practices. to stop into one of many participating appropriate season and determined bike shops and receive a free diagnos- whether they came from soil or trees. Meanwhile, adults learned about the political initiatives relating to France's agricul- tic test on their cycles. Approximately tural economy as well as the economic weight of the food industry. one out of two French citizens bikes throughout the entire year. The annu- The Salon was not all studies, however, as visitors enjoyed myriad culinary delights. They refueled with "grab-and-go" al program provides an opportunity for bags filled with fresh fruit, milk and yogurt and also sampled various French regional cuisines. While the focus was pre- bikers to avoid any preventable dominantly French, visitors could get a taste of other cultures through the exhibit, A Thousand Facets of the Agricultures of mechanical problems and to remain the World. Presented at the international pavilion, the demonstration highlighted the cuisine and culture of Côte d'Ivoire, active during the spring and summer Senegal and Japan, among other nations. months. As a part of the diagnostic, In addition, this year's fair served as a meeting place for French farmers and agricultural experts to discuss the envi- experts checked 22 crucial points of ronmental impact of farming. Forums devoted to research and development addressed questions such as, "Do cows pol- control, including the brakes, tires, lute?" and "How do farmers contribute to the maintenance of the French countryside?" The conference demonstrated its frame and gears at no charge. The ini- dedication to sustainability when, for the first time during the animal exhibitions, the trade show showcased 12 different tiative was wildly successful in 2009, breeds of cattle threatened with extinction. The Ministry of Agriculture summed up the fair's goals: "Conservation is attracting over 40,000 people. important at an economic level, but also at a social and cultural level." IMPRESSIONISM EXHIBITION Government initiatives to inform the population of the importance of healthy nutrition are not limited to France’s TRAVELS TO SAN FRANCISCO annual trade show. For example, a program initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Agriculture distributes in-season fruits With its rich cultural heritage, France once a week to participating elementary schools throughout the country and aims to encourage the consumption of fruit has been home to aspiring artists among children. In 2009 alone, more than 300,000 children benefited from the program, and the Ministry hopes to reach throughout the centuries. From May over one million students with its fresh treats in 2010. 22-September 6, the de Young Museum in San Francisco will display nearly 100 pieces of mid-19th century artists in the exhibition Birth of BLOGGERS AND diverse topics ranging from Impressionism: Masterpieces from the INTERNAUTES Musée d'Orsay. The exhibit highlights UNITE economy and development the evolution of Impressionism by The inter- to arts and culture. The site using the paintings to create a visual net can be an ideal tool to strives to increase the access timeline of artistic progression. Paris's promote international cooper- and visibility of the French Musée d'Orsay, home to many of the ation, and the French Ministry network of educational, cul- world's impressionist masterpieces, of Foreign and European tural and development insti- will lend the de Young Museum such Affairs has created a Web site tutions throughout the notable pieces as The Swing by Pierre- to do just that. The site world. Most recently, Auguste Renoir and Saint-Lazare LatitudeFrance was officially LatitudeFrance highlighted Station by Claude Monet during the launched on March 19 in the the Web site Solidaires du French museum's renovation in prepa- ration for its 25th anniversary in 2011. presence of Ministry of monde, launched by the The exhibition will even bring back Foreign Affairs Secretary- French Development Agency, American expatriate James McNeil General Pierre Sellal during an which serves as a virtual meet- Whistler's Arrangement in Gray and event attended by 200 mem- © LatitudeFrance ing place through which indi- Black, known to many as Whistler's bers of cultural, economic and LatitudeFrance brings together French related viduals can gather knowl- Mother, to the U.S. for a few months. scientific spheres as well as events from culture to international development. edge about world issues and French Ambassador to the United French and foreign press representatives. foster international solidarity. States Pierre Vimont is expected to LatitudeFrance is a new type of all-encompassing For more information on the online forum, please participate in the inauguration of the Web site that brings together French-related events on visit: www.latitudefrance.org. exposition. 6 NEWS FROM FRANCE [Cultural Highlights ] les coups d’oeil SCULPTURES TAKE TO THE STREETS Casanova's Adventures Acquired by France After two years of negotiations, the was thought to have been French National Library acquired destroyed in the Dresden bomb-

the sole existing manuscript of ing during WWII. First published Courtesy: NWMA Casanova's illustrious work Histoire in French in 1960, only a handful Saint Phalle’s colorful sculptures will de ma vie (Story of My Life). The of scholars have consulted the illuminate D.C.’s New York Avenue. autobiographical manuscript was 3,700-page manuscript. Contemporary sculpture will line the purchased from German publish- French National Library pres- median of New York Avenue in down- ing firm Brockhaus, which had ident Bruno Racine noted that the town Washington, D.C., starting April 28. Organized by the National Museum owned it since 1821. French collection had been stored in of Women in the Arts (NMWA) in col- Minister of Culture Frédéric numbered boxes. Casanova erased laboration with the Downtown DC Mitterrand hailed the library's lat- names, replaced certain characters Business Improvement District, the DC est addition as "one of the most Didier Plowy/MCC in his autobiography with initials, Office of Planning and other agencies, spectacular acquisitions ever made French Minister of Culture Frédéric Mitterrand presents and deleted some of his more the exhibition will "bring a new liveliness by a French library." Casanova’s famed autobiographical manuscript. licentious exploits when he pre- to our neighborhood," says NMWA Casanova, the famous 18th-century libertine, spy, writer and pared the manuscript for publication. French daily Le Monde also Director Susan Fisher Sterling. The first of adventurer, is recognized worldwide. The manuscript's exploits reported that though many names were blotted, they can still be many female artists to grace the medi- depict the colorful life and adventures of the Venetian author identified. The manuscript will be publicly displayed at the French an, French artist Niki de Saint Phalle will against the backdrop of the Enlightenment Era. "Worthy or not, National Library in Paris next year, and a digital copy of the work inaugurate the New York Avenue Sculpture Project with an unveiling in my life is my subject, and my subject is my life," Casanova pro- will be available on the library's emerging online book site, Gallica. late April. Best known for her Stravinsky claimed of his work. The original book, hidden in German vaults, For more information, please visit: www.gallica.bnf.fr. Fountain in front of the Centre Pompidou in Paris, Saint Phalle's D.C. Exhibition Examines Crime and Punishment sculptures will similarly express her bold and whimsical style. The New York A new exhibition at Paris’s Musée d’Orsay explores the theme of crime during a Sculpture Project aims to be completed 200-year period. Aptly named Crime and Punishment after Fyodor by 2015 when it will transform the four Dostoyevsky’s famous novel, the exhibit follows the subject from 1791, when major medians of New York Avenue Louis-Michel Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau advocated for the abolition of the death "into sculpture islands." According to penalty,to 1981, when the practice was officially banned in France. The exhibi- the NMWA, the New York Avenue Sculpture Project aims to improve the tion is headed by former French minister of Justice and former president of the downtown visual environment follow- French Constitutional Counsel Robert Badinter,who was a key player in France’s ing a tradition initiated by French city abolishment of capital punishment in 1981. The sociological and political strug- planner Pierre Charles l'Enfant in 1791. gles surrounding the notion of appropriate punishment for crime spanning the period of the exhibition’s two-century focus were reflected in literature and art. TEENS AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ IN PARIS The exhibition features prominent artists such as Goya,Géricault,Picasso and A group of talented students from Magritte,whose portfolios all challenge interpretations ofcrime and punishment. McDonogh 35 Preparatory School in Among pieces with divinely inspired conceptions of the exhibition's theme was New Orleans traveled to Paris from Pierre-Paul Prud'hon’s Justice and Divine Vengeance Pursuing Crime,in which two March 27-April 5 to perform the musical angelic figures, symbolic of justice and vengeance, pursue a knife-wielding villain Jean-Joseph Weerts's Marat Assassinated! 13 July Ain't Misbehavin' at the Jean 1793, 8pm questions the notion of justice. Houdremont Culture Center of La who has just committed murder. Representation of crime and punishment in Courneuve. The performance was part Jean-Joseph Weerts’s Marat Assassinated! 13 July 1793, 8pm, a painting in which French Revolution journalist and Jacobin activist Jean-Paul of the 27th annual Festival Banlieues Marat has just been slain, also raises the question of justice. The perpetrator,a Girondin sympathizer named Charlotte Corday,stands at the Bleues, a jazz festival in the northern mercy of an angry crowd reacting to the murder that has just occurred. She later received the death penalty. suburbs of the French capital. Ain't The pieces featured in the exhibition also reflect late 19th century theories that supposedly established a scientific approach to the crimi- Misbehavin', a Broadway musical revue, nal mind, which aimed to prove that common traits found in all criminals could be linked to their physiological features. Such theories had a serves as a tribute to the African- great influence on painting,sculpture and photography.Crime and Punishment will be on display at the Musée d’Orsay until June 27, 2010. American musicians of New York's For more information on the exhibition and to see a selection of the works, please visit: www.musee-orsay.fr. Harlem Renaissance during the 1920s and 30s. The singing actors, who ranged in age from 15-19, were joined France Reaches for the (Michelin) Stars onstage by French students from the Jean Vilar middle school of La The arbiter of fine dining,Michelin published its latest restrooms and accommodations. The Red Guide, which Courneuve and pupils of the "Red Guide" in March and awarded the highest honor of focuses on ratings of restaurants and hotels, uses anony- Conservatoire à Rayonnement régional three stars to a country restaurant in France. Located in mous experts to rank a restaurant's quality of food and d'Aubervilliers la Courneuve. All of the Fontjoncouse, a southwestern town near the service on a three-star scale. A two-star restaurant young performers were under the direc- Mediterranean, L'Auberge du Vieux Puits, is best known for defined as "excellent cooking, worth a detour" can only tion of New Orleans native Troy Poplous, its red mullet, baby mouton and eggs served over a mush- receive a third star if the restaurant becomes "worth the a singer and actor with decades of room and truffle purée. "To be a great chef, you must be a trip." experience in performing arts. The col- cook, a cook in spirit, a cook in the heart," stated chef With less than 100 three-star restaurants in the world, laboration benefitted from the support Gilles Goujon in an interview with the Daily Telegraph. France is home to 26 of them. In an interview with French of the Consulate General of France in New Orleans and post-Hurricane Michelin releases a variety of guides each year that news agency France24, director of Michelin guides Jean- Katrina funds donated by the French provide travelers with a wealth of vital information for Luc Naret commented, "Paris remains the world capital of government. For more information, their trips, including locations of gas stations, garages, gastronomy, thanks to its many young and brilliant chefs." please visit: www.banlieuesbleues.org.

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