http://www.ambafrance-us.org http://www.france.diplomatie.fr

VOL. 05.02 MARCH 2, 2005

A free triweekly review of French news & trends Online at: www.ambafrance-us.org/publi Bush Hosts Chirac in Brussels INSIDE Transatlantic relations a top priority 2 L’événement Chirac: “Our RESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH hosted his French Germany, the three countries conducting the talks with Iran, are Cooperation is counterpart, , for dinner on February 21 to concerned that without U.S. support, their negotiations could fail. Exemplary” discuss global concerns and Europe's relationship with the Chirac and Bush agreed that a nuclear Iran would represent a seri- 3 -Amérique United States. The ous global threat and that any 7 U.S. Pilots Honored Pdinner was held in Brussels agreement must be verifiable. at the 18th-century home of Regarding the Israeli- 4 Profil Tom C. Korologos, the Palestinian conflict, Chirac wel- Fun Parks in France American ambassador to comed America's commitment Économie / Science Belgium. Bush also met with to revive the stalled peace talks. 5 NATO and The French government believes Economic Policy officials during his first for- the road to stability in the for 2005 eign trip since his re-elec- Middle East region is through a 6 Société tion, a diplomatic move that permanent peace settlement Proper Pet signaled his administration's between Israel and Palestine. Care Guide desire to reinvigorate its rela- The two Western leaders also tionship with Europe. noted that Lebanon risks suc- 7 Culture "Transatlantic relations cumbing to a new bout of insta- Romanesque France have always been a top prior- bility, and urged full and imme- 8 Chez nous ity because, of all the nations diate implementation of UNSCR French President Jacques Chirac and U.S. President George W. Bush Passion for French in the world, we share com- 1559 in all its aspects, including shake hands during their meeting on February 21 in Brussels. Drawing mon values," Bush explained its call for a sovereign, indepen- in an interview with VRT, a Belgian broadcasting service (please see dent and democratic Lebanon as well as for the consolidation of secu- our page 2 article on NATO). Despite tensions over Iraq, France and rity under the authority of a Lebanese government free from foreign the U.S. agree on major issues such as the fight against terrorism, the domination (please see our accompanying front page article). importance of the Middle East peace process, the need to put an end Finally, Bush and Chirac discussed how to rebuild the violence- to Iran's nuclear program, and the desirability of ensuring that stricken country of Iraq. Chirac reminded Bush that France has AMBASSADE DE FRANCE Lebanon regains its full sovereignty. offered $20 million to train up to 1,500 Iraqi police officers. AUX ETATS-UNIS During the dinner, Chirac asked Bush to throw America's sup- The dinner clearly signaled a renewed willingness on the part of port behind a European diplomatic effort aimed at convincing Iran the two long-time allies to work closely together while focusing on to abandon its nuclear development program. Britain, France and their shared values and vision. l l

France and U.S. Denounce Assassination of Rafiq Hariri

RANCE AND THE UNITED STATES are working hand in hand to Lebanon as well as for the consolidation of security under the authority of a help resolve the turmoil in Lebanon after the Lebanese government free from foreign domination." Fassassination of former Lebanese prime minis- The United Nations, with the staunch support of the ter Rafiq Hariri, who was killed, along with 16 U.S. and France, is pressing Syria to withdraw its 15,000 bystanders, by a car bomb on February 14. Hariri, a troops from Lebanon, where they have been stationed businessman turned politician, played a key role in since their intervention at the end of Lebanon's civil war. the reconstruction of Lebanon after the country's French President Jacques Chirac was deeply 1975-1990 civil war. Both France and the U.S. are affected by the attack, as he considered Hariri a very deeply concerned by the situation in Lebanon, and close friend as well as a very capable statesman. together they are demanding that a full investigation Chirac and his wife made an unscheduled trip to of Hariri's tragic death be conducted. Beirut, Lebanon, on February 17 to express their In addition, U.S. President George W. Bush and condolences to the Hariri family in person. While French President Jacques Chirac issued a joint decla- presenting him with the Legion of Honor in 1996, ration in Brussels on February 21 in which they urged Chirac had said, "In life, everyone has highs and "full and immediate implementation of UN Security President Jacques Chirac welcomes Rafiq lows. Well, my dear friend, I remember that your Council resolution 1559 in all its aspects, including its Hariri, then prime minister of Lebanon, on wife and yourself were present in both the good call for a sovereign, independent and democratic February 14, 2001, during a visit to Paris. moments and the difficult hours." l l 1 En bref current events L’ÉVÉNEMENT 1ST FRANCE-POLAND SUMMIT The first summit ever held between France and Poland occurred on Chirac: “Our Cooperation is Exemplary” February 28 in the French city of Arras. It was held between French The French President makes two key speeches on the transatlantic alliance in Brussels President Jacques Chirac and his Polish RESIDENT JACQUES CHIRAC opened the with more than 4,000 soldiers deployed in Afghanistan and counterpart Aleksander Kwasniewski. French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier, February 22 NATO summit in Brussels with a strong Kosovo, will soon step up its efforts in Afghanistan (with who visited the Polish capital, Warsaw, call for transatlantic solidarity. He declared, "this is increased air support and training) and in Iraq, where it "is last month, spoke of a "new begin- an exceptional Summit, made possible by the U.S. concentrating its efforts on consolidating the rule of law and ning" in bilateral relations between President's determination to demonstrate his attachment to on training for the Iraqi police." the two countries. France celebrated our Alliance right from the start of his second term of office. I Chirac underlined that the U.S. has nothing to fear from the Season of Poland in 2004, to want to thank him warmly for this initiative." With the mem- a strong, united Europe, on the contrary. "Europe is steadily mark the East European country’s new ory of the D-Day commemoration ceremonies—in which building up its defense capability. This development is a status as a member of the E.U. France honored the U.S. soldiers who fought and died for its positive opportunity for our Alliance, because a stronger, SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF ARIANE 5 freedom in World War II— more united Europe plainly means a stronger, more effective The European Space Agency is celebrating still fresh in his mind, Chirac Atlantic Alliance." U.S. President George W. Bush agreed, the February 12 launch of its massive Ariane went on to say that the need asserting that his administration does not view Europe as a 5 spacecraft which is capable of delivering a for a strong transatlantic competitor, but as an ally. nearly 10-ton payload into space. The partnership remains as Speaking soon afterward at a U.S.-E.U. Summit, Chirac spacecraft is intended to serve as a delivery essential as ever. declared, "Our action is never more effective than when system for telecommunications satellites. Its According to Chirac, "the Europe and the United States join forces. In the fight services have been offered to government Atlantic Alliance is, and will against terrorism, our cooperation is exemplary." He iden- users in the United States, Spain and other remain, a foundation stone of tified several areas, such as "climate change, the search for friendly and allied nations. Ariane 5's next our collective security," and new financial resources for development to combat pover- flight is scheduled for April 14. It will be car- he explained that it is thereby ty and major pandemics," in which Europe and the United rying both French and Indonesian telecom- munications satellites. For more information, essential to continue NATO's States can work together in the future. "We live in a single videos, and pictures of the launch please modernization process. world. No one can solve the world's problems single-hand- visit www.arianespace.com. France, already one of edly. Europe needs the United States, just as the United NATO's major contributors, States needs Europe." l l NEW ISRAELI EMBASSY IN PARIS French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier Kyoto Protocol Comes Into Effect and his Israeli counterpart, Silvan Shalom, inaugurated the new Israeli France will seek to go beyond environmental treaty's targets. Embassy in Paris on February 14 (the RENCH PRESIDENT Jacques Chirac Chirac was quoted as saying that the proto- old embassy accidentally burned down in 2002). At the ceremony, Barnier and presided over a February 15 round- col represented "only a first step" and that "we Shalom spoke of the warming relations Ftable discussion on the Kyoto Protocol, must go much further: dividing the green- between the two countries. Barnier which came into effect the following day. house gas emissions between now and 2050 by vowed a continued effort to improve The protocol was signed in 1997 in Kyoto, four in all industrialized countries." For the relations, to fight repression and anti- Japan, by 141 countries, including 30 indus- French president, this must be accomplished at Semitism, and to support the peace trialized nations. The protocol seeks to the international as well as the national level. effort in the Middle East. ensure that participating industrialized According to him, it is necessary to "reengage "We are inaugurating this countries reduce their emissions of green- the United States" and to offer aid to develop- embassy at a time of opti- house gases to 5 percent less than 1990-levels ing countries to pursue energy-efficient mism," said Shalom, who between 2008 and 2012. Greenhouse gases options. Nationally speaking, France must "try also praised the renewal of (such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous to go beyond the Kyoto requirements" and pre- relations with France. oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons) trap heat in sent itself as "an example" for other industrial- IMAMS TO BE the Earth's atmosphere, and a majority of ized nations. Chirac has therefore asked Serge TAUGHT FRENCH, scientists fear that the resulting rise in global Lepeltier, minister for ecology and sustainable BETTERINTEGRATED temperatures, if left unchecked, will lead to development, to propose a series of measures Interior Minister Dominique irreparable environmental damage, includ- that would place France at the vanguard of de Villepin has proposed ing crop losses and coastal flooding. environmental sustainability. l l practical measures to ensure the country's Muslim prayer leaders speak French and understand France's way of France Launches First Ever 50-Year Bond for G7 Country life. Villepin announced that as of this coming September, N FEBRUARY 23, France became the first of the finance France's budget deficit inexpensively, by taking advan- future imams must study Group of Seven industrialized nations to sell 50-year tage of record low yields on longer-dated European bonds. law, civics and the history of Obonds. Originally planning to sell only 3 billion According to Agence France Tresor's chief executive, France. It is estimated that euros worth of the bonds, the French treasury ended up sell- Bertrand de Mazieres, the bonds will open a new frontier in of the 1,200 imams living in ing 6 billion euros (or $7.8 billion) worth of them. The the euro market because there is a structural demand for very France, there are some 400 demand for very long-term bonds has been on the rise as long-term maturities. A manager at Union Investment, which who do not speak French. aging populations prompt regulators to change the rules gov- purchased the new bonds, confirmed this analysis, saying, Villepin has proposed a erning pension funds. With life spans rising, pension funds "We're at the beginning of a process that will see more and permanent training pro- have to buy longer-dated securities to match their liabilities. more need for longer bonds. Demand is going to last, and I'm gram within a university- The introduction of 50-year bonds is intended to help sure that other countries will follow." l l 2 style framework. PIERRE BOULEZ CELEBRATES France & America 80TH BIRTHDAY IN U.S. With the support of the French-American Fund for Contemporary Music and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, internation- ally-renowned French composer Pierre Boulez will celebrate his 80th birthday with U.S. Pilots Honored for Indochina Service a series of concerts March 3 through April EVEN AMERICAN PILOTS were awarded the "The pilots of Civil Air Transport flew a variety of deeply 3 in Chicago, followed by tours in Europe Legion of Honor, France's highest award for service covert and often hazardous missions for the CIA," reports and in New York's Carnegie Hall (May 13- and bravery, nearly 51 retired University of Georgia 15). Launched in February 2004, the French-American Fund for Contemporary years after flying sup- Professor William M. Leary, Music seeks to foster cultural exchanges Sply missions to besieged French who describes them as the true between France and the U.S. It is headed forces at Dien Bien Phu. Six of secret soldiers of the Cold War. by Emmanuel Morlet, director of music in the seven pilots gathered at One of their many missions the French Embassy's Cultural Service. For French Ambassador Jean-David was to drop supplies to out- more information, visit www.cso.org and Levitte's residence for a deeply numbered and outgunned www.facecouncil.org. moving commemoration cere- French soldiers in the valley of mony. The honorees, Robert L. Dien Bien Phu. Allen Pope MONET GIVENTO U.S.MUSEUM Brongersma, Roland N. Duke, clearly remembers the courage The Dallas Museum of Art announced on February 15 a series of art bequests from Willis P. Hobbs, Allen L. Pope, of French troops under fire: Ambassador Jean-David Levitte and the six leading collectors. According to the muse- Douglas R. Price, Monson W. "They never raised the white honored pilots, Allen L. Pope, Monson W. Shaver, um, one of these new pieces, a 1903 Shaver, and Roy F. Watts, are the Douglas R. Price, Roy F. Watts, Roland N. Duke and flag. There were men without Monet called "Water Lilies - The Clouds," sole survivors of a crew of 37 Willis P. Hobbs (from left to right). hands, men without legs, men was "the most important Impressionist pilots who put their lives on the line in order to aid French sol- without feet, men that were blinded. They were catching hell." painting in private hands in Texas." Its diers fighting a communist insurgency in Indochina (present- The French were eventually defeated, and Vietnam became a donor, a 93-year-old Dallas benefactor day Vietnam). Two of the 37 pilots, James B. McGovern and communist outpost led by Ho Chi Minh. named Margaret McDermott, is part of a Wallace A. Buford, were killed in action. Levitte extended his heartfelt thanks to the 7 pilots, whom collective effort to return to the public eye The men were serving as civilian employees of Civil Air he called true heroes. He said their sacrifice was not in vain, and paintings and sculptures by major 20th- Transport, an airline whose undeclared owner was the CIA. embodied the strength of the French-American friendship.l l century artists. The painting will join six other Monets currently in the museum's permanent collection. For more informa- In-Depth French-English Medical Dictionary Published tion, visit dmaws.dallasmuseumofart.org LANCE AT IT AGAIN FTER SPENDING SIX YEARS as an associate Dr. Hill's dictionary also devotes 72 pages to French- Ending the intense speculation surround- professor at the Hôpital Européen Georges American cultural differences pertinent to the scientific com- ing his decision, Lance Armstrong has con- APompidou in Paris, Gary S. Hill, a guest professor of munity. In this section, a person may find an eclectic assort- firmed that he will race in this year's Tour pathology at Johns Hopkins University, recently published a ment of information such as the scientific and commercial de France. His record-breaking sixth win 939-page English/French medical dictionary, the Dictionary name for medications, conversion tables for temperature, last year leaves him aiming for a seventh of Medical and Biological Terms and Medications. weight, volume, and a variety of other measures, internation- straight victory. Early next month, 33-year- The dictionary translates a total of more than 60,000 al abbreviations, and the periodic table. Finally, the dictio- old Armstrong will start his season with the Paris-Nice seven-day stage race. While words and expressions from many scientific disciplines rang- nary includes "yellow pages" that compile every term relating stating that his condition is far from per- ing from anatomy, to medicine, to pharmacology. In addition to a specific topic. fect, Armstrong emphasized his excite- to providing the English equivalent, it also explains the terms As well as providing the medical community with an ment at the idea of getting back and their uses. Furthermore, the dictionary is color-coded to advanced reference tool, the dictionary will help bring the on the bike in what has become serve as a thesaurus: red indicates synonyms, blue denotes two sides of the Atlantic closer. For more information, please the cycling world's main competi- medications, and green signifies prefixes and suffixes. visit medecine.flammarion.com. l l tion. His training will prepare him for this year's Tour, set to begin July 2, which will feature 21 stages Hope Diamond's French Connection Confirmed covering nearly 3,600 kilometers. The world's largest deep blue diamond originally belonged to Louis XIV FRENCH SOCCER STAR TO PLAY IN U.S. ONGTIME SUSPICION that the Hope diamond Antoinette attempted to flee France during the Revolution. In French soccer icon Youri was cut from a lost gem—the French Blue—that first September 1792, the jewels were looted, and the blue dia- Djorkaeff is moving to the United Lbelonged to King Louis XIV was mond disappeared without a trace. States to play for Major League recently corroborated by sophisticated Twenty years after the French Blue's Soccer's New York/New Jersey computer analysis. Using molds and theft, a blue diamond two-thirds its size Metrostars. The 36-year-old strik- computer models of the Hope dia- surfaced in London. Researchers are er, who was previously with the mond and the French Blue, researchers now convinced that this diamond was Bolton Wanderers and the found that cutting away the triangular cut from the Hope so as to conceal its Blackburn Rovers (in the United sides of the French Blue leaves the exact illegitimate origin. Purchased by Henry Kingdom), is scheduled to play his first game for the Metrostars shape of the Hope, making it clear that Philip Hope, the world's largest deep on April 2 against Real Salt Lake the two gems are one and the same. blue diamond remained in his family's City. A member of France's 1998 The 69-carat French Blue was cut from a 115-carat rock possession until 1901. Pierre Cartier reset the diamond to the and 2000 World Cup-winning that was sold to King Louis XIV in 1668. Perhaps the most liking of famed Washington hostess Evalyn Walsh McLean, teams, Djorkaeff is excited about spectacular stone in the King's collection, it became known as who kept it until her death in 1947. It was finally donated to the the move, saying, "Soccer is not the "Blue Diamond of the Crown" or as the "French Blue." In Smithsonian in 1958 by jeweler Harry Winston. Since then, the well known in America and I 1791, the French Blue, along with all the Crown jewels, was Hope diamond has left the Smithsonian only four times, want to contribute to making it more popular.” seized by the French government after Louis XVI and Marie- including once in 1962 for an exhibit at the Louvre. l l 3 In Depth Review PROFIL Amusement Parks, French-style The French love to have fun, whether in traditional fêtes foraines or in highly sophisticated entertainment centers. Throughout France, amusement parks are becoming more and more popular. Here is a selection of some of the most appreciated ones! Les Fêtes Foraines, Bringing Merriment from Town to Town

The very first Fête Foraine (or funfair) was created over a thousand years ago in 957. Fêtes Foraines are the precur- sors of today's amusement parks. Similar to carnivals found in the United States, these venues travel to different towns in France and set up their rides and entertainment booths for several days. France's most famous Fête Foraine, Foire du Trône, is located directly east of Paris. Each year, it runs for 6 weeks and attracts five million visitors. It offers over 350 attractions for the young and old alike. Visit www.foiredutrone.com for more information. The Gallic Flair of Parc Astérix

Based on the famous comic strip (see our brief on page 7), Parc Astérix, located just 35 km outside of Paris, offers visitors several days of fun and immersion in Gallic France. Here, visitors can walk through medieval vil- lages, go on breathtaking rides, watch shows, sample Roman food and famous Gallic specialties, and meet the cherished characters of Astérix. In addition to roller coasters and water rides, Parc Astérix offers an array of rides suitable for persons of all ages. It's most famous roller coaster, "Tonnère de Zeus," is Europe's second largest. For visitors who want to catch their breath, the park also offers exciting action-filled shows. Visit www.parcasterix.fr for more information. The Magic of Euro Disney Film-Tastic Puy du Fou, Futuroscope Fun Through History Euro Disney, located near Paris, is the number one Puy du Fou is located in Vendée, out- European vacation destination, with more than 12 million vis- Futuroscope, a 22- side Nantes. The park re-creates French its per year. There are a total of 59 attractions to choose from building park devoted history from the Roman Empire to the in the Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios parks, and four entirely to imaging, 19th century with its performances, reen- new attractions are to be completed by 2008. The first, Space audiovisual techniques, actments, and permanent attractions. Mountain Mission Two, will be completed in April of this year. and special effects, is A medieval fort is the stage for battles Several days are necessary to take in all that the parks have located just north of and warfare extravaganzas, complete with to offer. Among guests' favorite attractions is Sleeping Beauty's Poitiers, 90 minutes hi-tech special effects. Roman games are re- Castle, which is said to be the most beautiful and well- southwest of Paris on the created in a 6,000-seat amphitheater, where designed castle of all the Disney parks found through- TGV. Since its opening in gladiators fight, lions are caged and chariots out the world. Euro Disney also includes the Disney 1987, the park has race. In 30 minutes, visitors can relive the Village, one of the largest entertainment districts in the attracted 30 million visitors with its futuristic architecture and its Hundred Years' War or travel back to the Paris region, with 300,000 square meters of themed din- different forms of high-technology film sequences, making it the Belle Epoque at the end of the 19th century. ing, entertainment, and shopping facilities. number two amusement park in France. Visit www.eurodisney.com for more information. The buildings, all of which are a spectacular sight just from the outside, contain auditoriums with the most up-to-date projection Science and Nature systems, some of which are one-of-a-kind. Audiences are transport- at the Heart of Vulcania ed through land, sea, and space by such state-of-the-art technology Located in the heart of France near Clermont- as 3D, 360-degree screens, and mobile chairs that toss and turn the Ferrand, Vulcania is touted as Europe's one and only viewer to volcano park. The park allows visitors to embark on a coincide with fun-filled and educational journey to some parts of the the action on earth and universe that are usually inaccessible. Visitors screen. travel to exotic locations, ranging from the center of the The Perhaps the greatest attribute of Puy de Earth, to undersea abysses, to Martian volcanoes. region Fou is la Cinéscénie, a one-night perfor- Vulcania is sculpted in basalt lava flows that are around mance which the park claims is the best in 30,000 years old, and most of its 57-hectare exhibit Poitiers, once the world! Set on more than 20 hectares, space is located underground. To introduce earth primarily with thousands of actors, fireworks, flood- science and vulcanology in an engaging manner, it rural, has lights and computerized water jets, la uses a variety of innovative technologies such as flourished Cinéscénie re-creates history, spanning audiovisual 3D presentations, a giant film screen, thanks to Futuroscope, which has brought with it training firms, from the Middle Ages to World War II. and interactive terminals. research laboratories, businesses, conference centers, and a university. Visit www.puydufou.com! 4 Visit www.vulcania.com for more information. Visit their Web site, www.futuroscope.fr, for more information. DEATH OF SPACE PIONEER Economic News HUBERTCURIEN TECHNOLOGIE Hubert Curien, the first president of the European Space Agency, died Sunday, February 6, France Announces Economic Program of heart failure at French finance minister presents the government’s economic policy for the upcoming year the age of 80. He persuaded the Agency's members to develop the Ariane series of rockets, which propelled Europe N A NEWSCONFERENCE, France’s minister of will encourage innovation and research in new technologies, to the forefront of space flight, alongside finance announced on February 8 a set of initiatives and a proposal to further cut income taxes for middle and the two powerhouses of the time, the designed to stimulate growth by reviving consumer working-class populations (in order to fulfill President United States and the Soviet Union. spending and easing France's tax burden. The minis- Jacques Chirac's pledge of reducing income taxes by 30 per- Curien began his career studying mineral- Iter detailed a set of micro-economic measures that should cent by 2007). The finance minister also unveiled the sched- ogy, discovering a new form of crystal- create new employment opportunities by boosting con- ule for France's ambitious privatization program. l l lized gallium, and was named director of sumer spending power. "I am staying the course for France's National Center for Space NAMED FINANCE MINISTER growth of 2.5 percent this year," he declared, emphasizing Studies in 1976. Under Prime Minister that his measures would help achieve this goal. Following Hervé Gaymard's decision to resign, President , Curien won the Legion of The measures include allowing retailers to sell products Jacques Chirac appointed Thierry Breton at the helm of the Honor, France's most prestigious decora- below list prices (a practice which is currently illegal), more Ministry of Finance and Industry on February 26. Breton, tion, while serving as research minister. 50, an engineer by training, became France Telecom's CEO "France has lost one of its finest servants flexible mortgage rules to help homeowners finance their in 2002 and had previously led a successful career as the and one of its great spirits," said Fabius. consumption, tax breaks for business, several initiatives that CEO of electronic companies Bull and Thomson. BELLSOUTH CHOOSES ALCATEL FOR ADSL BellSouth Corporation announced on New Initiatives to Attract Overseas Talent February 8 that it has chosen the French The government has made attracting foreign students and investors to France a high priority. company Alcatel as a key supplier in its ambitious network modernization pro- RENCH PRIME MINISTER Jean-Pierre Raffarin new support system will be set up to assist French post-doc- gram. BellSouth is taking advantage of Alcatel's IP DSLAM technology, which chaired a government seminar on February 7 which toral students returning to France from abroad. will help the U.S. company provide the focused on attracting overseas talent to France. Several measures are destined for the business communi- F high-speed Internet services that con- Several new measures intended to appeal to young ty. France will do a better job receiving highly qualified indi- sumers increasingly want (specifically, researchers and entrepreneurs have been put into place. viduals from abroad, by simplifying entry procedures and the new technology offers rates of up to The central aim of these measures is to strengthen France's work requirements for foreign talent. The tax regime will be 24 megabytes per second). BellSouth is position as a destination for overseas talent and to encour- made more flexible for new workers in industries deemed planning to use this technology to age French students abroad to return to France after they've "strategic," and the strategic sectors themselves will benefit release triple-play services, including IP- completed their studies. from more favorable taxation schemes. Creative industries, based video, for its customers. The government will seek to attract the best and bright- for instance, have been singled out for special treatment: the est foreign students by facilitating their placement in production of feature films and other audiovisual works will SMART CARDS SMART BET French smart card firms reported excel- France and by adapting French courses to the specific be promoted, and the overall work conditions of foreign lent earnings for 2004, reinforcing requirements of international students. Internationally artists will be improved. Finally, French business law will be France's leadership in an increasingly renowned researchers will be appealed to with the estab- reformed, with the introduction, for example, of a bill estab- important sector. The compa- lishment of 15 new chairs specifically aimed at them, and a lishing the concept of trusts into French law. l l nies received huge gains from a rebound in the fourth trimester, and their revenues exceeded analysts' expectations. Gemplus , Capital of International reported a 4.3 Cosmetic Valley, near Chartres and Orléans, is celebrating its tenth anniversary increase in sales, Oberthur Card Systems claimed an 8.8 percent OSMETIC VALLEY, the fragrance Mecca of the Cosmetic Valley is also an association dedicated to promoting rise and Axalto declared an out- standing 30 percent. world, just celebrated its the expertise of the local individuals Ctenth anniversary. The and businesses that work in the per- NEW NUMBER FOR region, which includes the cities of fume and cosmetics industry. The INFORMATION SERVICES Chartres and Orléans in central network created by the association The Telecommunications France, is known as Cosmetic includes names like , Dior, Regulations Authority announced Valley because it is home to the Nina Ricci, Yves Saint-Laurent, recently that, starting April 3, largest concentration of perfume , Lancaster and many more. 2006, France's equivalent of the producers in the world. Together, Today, almost 55 percent of the "411" number, "12" (operated they are responsible for 70 percent beauty product businesses in the solely by France Telecom), will be phased out and replaced by a of France's production of cosmet- Valley are members of the associa- selection of numbers starting ics and perfumes. Over 200 million tion. To celebrate its anniversary, with the "118" code. Each bottles of perfumes and creams, Cosmetic Valley is hosting an exhi- phone company will be assigned soaps, make-up kits and hair-care Perfume Paradise bition at Le Compa museum in its own number, and callers will products are manufactured on-site Chartres through August 28. For thereby be given a choice of by 132 companies and 7,400 employees, and their total annual more information, please visit www.cosmetic-valley.com or information providers, which will turnover surpasses 1.5 billion euros. www.lecompa.com. l l further promote competition. 5 NEW ARCHBISHOP FOR PARIS Social News The Vatican announced on February 11 SOCIETÉ the nomination of Archbishop André Vingt-Trois of Tours, to become the new Archbishop of Paris. After a special search committee was unable to decide Free Guide for Proper Pet Care on a candidate for the position, Vingt- Trois was chosen specifically by the Pope N FRANCE TODAY, 50 percent of households have a costs feeding their pets chocolate. Advice for cat owners fea- in January. His name was then privately cat or a dog, and a total of 9.7 million cats and 8.6 million tures the following recommendations: making sure that col- submitted for the approval of the French dogs have become part of French lars are loose enough so that cats can government—which, under the terms of families. In response to the increas- wriggle out of them if necessary, spay- an accord with the Holy See, must give Iing popularity of pets, the Ministry of ing or neutering cats early in their lives its formal consent to all Episcopal Agriculture has just published The so as to reduce the risk of mammary appointments. Vingt-Trois, who will suc- Responsibility Booklet: Campaign for the tumors developing, and remembering ceed current archbishop Cardinal Jean- Marie Lustige, will be installed on March Protection of Pets ("Livret de that cats often need time to themselves. 5 at a Mass in Notre Dame Cathedral. Responsabilisation: Campagne pour la For both dogs and cats, the booklet Protection des Animaux de emphasizes that vaccination is very POPULATION INCREASING FAST Compagnie"), a publication designed to important to the overall health and According to the National Institute for help pet owners care for their pets. well-being of a pet. The booklet finally Statistics and Economic Studies, the Dog owners are instructed to establish their dominance reminds readers that the mistreatment of animals can result in French population's rate of natural without violence, to disapprove of begging at the dinner table, fines ranging from 750 to 30,000 euros and even jail time. increase (the difference between the to provide dogs with a bed of their own, to encourage exer- For more information, please visit: birth rate and the death rate) reached a 20-year high in 2004. This increase was cise—except immediately after meals—and to avoid at all www.agriculture.gouv.fr/spip/actualites_a4390.html. l l due in large part to the noticeable drop in the number of deaths (-7.5 percent) and the high birth rate. As of January 1, Blogging Takes Off in France 2005, the French population, including metropolitan France and its overseas LOGS, short for weblogs, and the people who write well as links to popular blogs in other countries. Le Meur departments, was estimated at 62.4 mil- them, known as bloggers, have attracted lots of inter- recently met with an advisor to the Prime Minister to discuss lion. Total births reached 797,400 in national attention in the past few months. Initially the Internet's progress in France. As in the U.S., politicians in 2004, and at 1.916 children per B intended as online diaries, blogs have become a way for peo- France are beginning to use blogs as a means of expressing woman, France's fertility rate remains ple all over the world to express opinions, disseminate news, their ideas directly to the public. the second highest in Europe. and exchange information in an unmediated environment. French blogs have been created to serve all sorts of pur- VIVE LE FRANC! In France, blogs have attracted as much attention as they poses. While political commentary may be their most Since France's adop- have here in the United States, and some bloggers, such as Loic prominent use, blogs have also been set up to raise funds for tion of the euroon Le Meur, have become minor celebrities. Loic Le Meur's blog, tsunami relief, to promote products, and simply to express January 1, 2002, www.loiclemeur.com/english, is one of the most frequently one's innermost desires. With an estimated 34.5 million French banks have visited and best known blogs in France. He posts daily news blogs posted on the net worldwide, there seems to be one received about seven of and information about blogging and internet technology. His for just about everything imaginable. l l the ten billion old franc coins Web site includes links to other prominent French blogs, as in general circulation, leaving three billion unaccounted for. With February 19, the final deadline to convert these coins into For almost a year, paramedics in the department of Lot have euros, having passed, the franc is guaran- Country Clubbing been administering Entonox (50 percent oxygen and 50 per- teed to stay with us for some cent nitrous oxide) to their ambulance patients. The gas, sim- time! Suspected hiding places The clubbing scene in France is going rural ilar to laughing gas, has a slight euphoric effect and almost for the missing coins include always lessens the patient's pain, according to Michel Taillade, chief medic in charge of the emergency response tourists' pockets, desk drawers, IGHT LIFE IN FRANCE has changed dramatical- unit in Lot. Patients are asked to rate their pain on a scale of couch cushions, and car glove ly over the past 15 years. Rather than dance at the compartments. Officials also 1 to 10, and Entonox is administered to those responding local discothèque or have a drink at the pub in speculate that many N over 5. The effects are similar to those of morphine, and are town, the French Frenchmen are holding onto easily reversible (if the patient reacts poorly to the gas). their francs to show to their are flocking to grandchildren one day. enormous club- also generally host several different types of restaurants— bing complexes from fine dining to cheeseburgers and fries. Macumba, for BIGGER FRENCH FEET that are springing example, a complex near Grenoble, has 12 dance floors and The French, the second biggest up all over the coun- seven restaurants within 17 different themed areas. This con- shoe consumers in the world try. Surprisingly, cept of themed rooms, with a certain décor and music dedi- (each year the French buy an these massive com- cated to a specific culture or era, has become very popular. average of 5.3 new pairs of plexes are usually These trends constitute a dramatic change for the owners shoes, compared with 4.8 in found outside city as well as the patrons. There is less profit to be made from pri- the rest of Europe and 6.3 in limits, and club- vate dinner parties, and more to be made by extending busi- the U.S) are not only buying more shoes, they are also buy- bers are willing to ness until the early morning hours. Indeed, typical business ing bigger ones. A recent sur- drive to suburban hours are now from 7:00 P.M. to 4:00 A.M. vey has concluded that the or even rural areas Local bars and discos are not going to go out of business average French foot has grown Rustic Reveling for the entertain- anytime soon, but the idea of large entertainment complexes about 3 centimeters (1.2 inch- ment they provide. Of the 3,400 establishments currently is certainly spreading quickly throughout France, and youths es) in the past 40 years, with in business, 72 percent are in the countryside. are eagerly traveling farther from home to meet more people, the average woman's shoe size Not only do the clubs have several dance floors, but they dance later, and just have an overall "bigger" experience. l l rising from a 37 to a 40 (equiv- 6 alent to a 7 ½ in the U.S.). les coups d’oeil Cultural Highlights CULTURE 20TH EDITION OF THE FRENCH "GRAMMYS" The French equivalent of the Grammy Romanesque France Awards, "Les Victoires de la Musique," will be held on March 5. Several different An exhibition at the Louvre retraces the art of France’s Capetian era (987-1152) Victoires ceremonies are held every year, to recognize various kinds of music, and N A FIRST for the Louvre, and in cooperation with the uniqueness of each province. In addition, several of the new this year marks the 20th anniversary of National Library of France, museum goers will be treat- techniques that were developed in the 12th century are on the Variety edition (the Classical and Jazz ed to an exhibition of the art of France's Capetian era view (exquisitely made medallions, for example, depict the categories, meanwhile, will celebratie (987-1152). This exhibition will feature 300 world- discovery of the art of enameling). their 12th and 3rd anniversaries, respec- I When strolling through the exhibit, the viewer will discov- tively). French singers M and Calogero er many works of art that indicate the importance of religion received the most nominations and are in France during this time period. Visitors can examine stained expected to carry off some trophies. For glass windows from Trinity Abbey in Vendôme, the impressive more information, visit lesvictoires.com. funeral slab of abbot Isarn who is buried at St-Victor in MITTERRAND MOVIE Marseille, a porphyry- and silver-gilded vase from Suger that For the first time in French history, a mod- illustrates the power of Saint Denis, and much more. With the ern-day French leader is being depicted in onset of the crusades, the influence of the Ottoman Empire a feature film. The movie, "Le Promeneur can also be observed: statues, paintings and other precious du Champs-de-Mars" (literally, "The objects reveal the cultural significance of music and monsters. Walker in the Champs-de-Mars"), which The artwork will be exhibited from March 10 to June 6. For has become a hit since its release on more information, please visit www.louvre.fr. l l February 16, portrays the last two years of the life of socialist president Francois BRITISH SWALLOW PRIDE AND HUNT IN FRANCE Mitterrand, who died in 1996. The film's title alludes to the long walks Mitterrand A historic fox hunt took in the years preceding his death. near Pau, in south- Michel Bouquet, a renowned stage actor, western France, is stars, and Robert Guediguian directs. being revitalized by “Saint Michel terrassant le dragon” the influx of British NEW ASTERIX ALBUM (Saint Michel felling the dragon”) sportsmen caused by The next installment of the comic book the ban, as of renowned pieces of art, including sculptures, objects of daily series Astérix (which has February 18, of this been translated into life, and manuscripts, some of which have not been exhibit- centuries-old blood 110 languages and ed for almost 50 years. The works of art will be placed in sport in England and dialects) will hit store their historical and regional contexts to give visitors the Wales. The Pau Hunt, first discovered by the British in 1814 (by shelves on October opportunity to study how art was affected by the political, officers from the Duke of Wellington's army), has since attract- 14. It has been four social, economic, and religious events of the time. The two ed riders and huntsmen such as Winston Churchill, James years since Astérix Gordon Bennet and Franklin D Roosevelt. Following the ban on main objectives of the exhibit are to show visitors the impact had his last adven- fox hunting in England, two prestigious English hunts have Roman civilization had on France, and to show the artistic ture, "Astérix et made plans with the British owner of the Chateau de Sombrun, Latraviata,"and fans near Pau, to bring back the old English tradition and continue of the famous Gallic the hunt, this time on the fields of France—against the majes- hero have been impatient- tic backdrop of the snow-capped Pyrénées. The move is wel- Remembering Montesquieu ly counting down the days until the new comed by the town's mayor, who, anticipating an increase in release. For more information, tourism, has applied for a European Union subsidy to renovate The political theorist behind the principle of please visit www.asterix.fr checks and balances died 250 years ago, the chateau and stables. Member of the hunt Jeffrey Quirk says a ban on hunting in Pau is unlikely: "fox hunting is a tra- MARIE-ANTOINETTE'S leaving a defining legacy dition here, and in France tradition is higher than the law." TREE CHOPPED DOWN An oak EBRUARY 10 marked the 250th anniversary of the ten to and by two aristocratic Persian travelers in tree plant- death of the Baron de Montesquieu, one of the best Europe, Montesquieu satirized contemporary French ed in the Fknown and most popular writers of the Enlightenment. politics, social conditions, ecclesiastical matters, and lit- gardens of Montesquieu's work was erature. One of the earliest works of the Enlightenment , Versailles the basis for much of the its criticism of French institutions under the Bourbon in 1681 philosophy upon which the monarchy, helped bring about the French Revolution. was taken founding fathers built the The reputation he gained from the Persian Letters down on February 9 because of overexposure to the sun's rays, United States, and he also and lesser works led to Montesquieu's appointment to the which caused irreparable dam- heavily influenced French French Academy in 1728. His second significant work, age. The oak had previously political thinkers. For Thoughts on the Causes of the Greatness and the Downfall of been sheltered from the ele- instance, Montesquieu held the Romans (1734) is credited as being one of the first ments by a cluster of other that governmental powers important pieces of historical philosophy. However, trees which were destroyed in a should be separated and Montesquieu is best known for his masterpiece, The Spirit of massive storm in 1999. The tree balanced to guarantee indi- Laws (1748). In this work, he examines the three main types was known as Marie- vidual rights and freedom. of government—republics, monarchies, and despotisms— Antoinette's oak because the Montesquieu first and ventures that a relationship exists between a country's French Queen often took A portrait of Montesquieu became prominent as a climate, geography, and general circumstances and the form advantage of the shade it pro- vided. It will be replaced with by an anonymous artist writer with his Persian of government that it adopts. another tree, an English oak, Letters (1721); in this work, through the device of letters writ- Montesquieu is buried at the Saint Sulpice church in Paris. l l sometime in March. 7 in brief France in America CHEZ NOUS Molière's "The School For Wives" will be performed from March 11 to May 14 by A Noise Within, a the- FRENCH FIILM FESTS ater group based in Glendale, The Film Society at Lincoln Center will host "Rendez-vous with French Cinéma" from March 11 to 20. The Walter Reade Theater California. "The School For Wives" will entice New York's most passionate film-lovers and Francophiles alike with America's leading festival of French films. The festival will is just one of Molière's many satiri- feature prominent actors such as Catherine Deneuve, Olivier Assayas, Claire Denis, Benoît Jacquot, and Bertrand Tavernier. In total, 17 cal comedies whose universality still films will be screened, including 12 U.S. premieres and 3 New York premieres. For more information, please visit: www.filmlinc.com. makes modern crowds laugh, cen- Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian Associates and the Francophony Committee/DC will join to celebrate the cultur- turies after it was written. The play al diversity of the French-speaking world with screenings on March 8, 15, 22, and 29. The screenings are centered on the International revolves around Arnolphe, who believes that the key to happiness Day of Francophony, March 21. Celebrated on five continents, the festival is organized by the Organisation Internationale de la in love is to be with an ignorant Francophonie. All films are in French with English sub-titles. woman. For more information, visit For more information, including movie titles, please visit residentassociates.org/perf-arts/franco_films.asp. l l www.anoisewithin.org.

News from FRANCE Passion for French Drawing

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF HE TOLEDO MUSEUM played in a variety of forms, from Nathalie Loiseau of Art is hosting "Passion for sketches or pensées ("first thoughts") Drawing: Poussin to Cézanne, to highly finished drawings, and EDITOR Works from the Prat using a wide assortment of tech- Emmanuel Gagniarre TCollection," an exhibit dedicated niques (including pen and ink, lead MANAGING EDITOR entirely to French drawing. Pieces in pencil, and red and black chalk). Amaury Laporte this exhibition, displayed through Highlights in this exhibition April 3, were selected from the pri- comprise well-known works such as SENIOR WRITERS vate collection of Louis-Antoine and Nicolas Poussin's chef d'oeuvre Pluto Kiernan Doherty, Hollice Fisher, Caroline Pang Véronique Prat of Paris. For the first Abducting Proserpine and Claude time in nearly 15 years, the Prats Lorrain's Magdalene in the Desert, as WRITERS have given permission for 100 draw- well as skillful works by lesser-known Sarah Cochran, Andrew Dunn, Julien Duprat, Elise Rubin, Ashley Santner, ings by 66 artists from their collec- artists, such as Rape of Europa by Alcora Walden tion, which is renowned as the Laurent de La Hyre and Head of world's leading privately-owned col- Christ by Charles de La Fosse. The To change your address, subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact: lection of French drawings, to be Toledo Museum of Art also perma- NEWS FROM FRANCE displayed for the public. nently exhibits 26 paintings by 20 of FRENCH EMBASSY PRESS & "Passion for Drawing" demon- the artists displayed in “Passion for INFORMATION SERVICE 4101 Reservoir Road, NW strates the progression of French art Drawing,” including Eugene Washington, DC 20007-2182 from the Late Mannerist style to the Delacroix, François Boucher, Tel: (202) 944-6060 peak of Impressionism, a period Edouard Manet, Edgar Degas, and Fax: (202) 944-6072 E-mail: spanning roughly the early seven- Paul Cézanne. [email protected] teenth to late nineteenth centuries. For more information on the http://www.ambafrance-us.org The selection includes portraits and exhibition please visit the Toledo http://www.france.diplomatie.fr landscapes, as well as literary, Bacchus by François Boucher (1703-1770). Museum’s Web site at: mythological and biblical motifs dis- Black, red and white chalk and stump on cream paper www.toledomuseum.org. l l

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