Le Bilingue June 2009 by Student Journalism at Ecole Jeannine Manuel

06 / 2009 N째13

4017 KMS LA COURSE CONTRE LA FAIM, LE 13 MAI 2009: BRAVO ET MERCI A TOUS!

Le Bilingue Ecole Active Bilingue Jeannine Manuel

Are you an aspiring journalist? Do you have opinions? Submit an article to be published in Le Bilingue. Email your articles, questions or comments to: lebilingue@hotmail.com Pourquoi ne pas tenter l’expérience du journalisme dans les colonnes du prochain numéro du Bilingue? Si vous êtes interessé, contactez-nous: lebilingue@hotmail.com Keep your eyes open for posters around the school for the next submission deadline.

IN S I D E TH IS IS S U E :

School Life: La premiere partie de l’annee 2009 fut incroyablement mouvementée et active. Soyez au

courant...

Opinion-Editorial: Hear different opinions about politics, different schooling systems and much more…

Arts and Entertainment: Expand your knowledge of CD albums, and stay up to date with the latest films

and expositions in Paris…

S. H. Lee

Le Bilingue is the official student newspaper of École Active Bilingue Jeannine Manuel. Le Bilingue is a bilingual newspaper. Le Bilingue’s goal is to inform and entertain the student body in an intellectual way. The opinions expressed throughout Le Bilingue are not necessarily those of the faculty or school. Le Bilingue is published using Microsoft Publisher 2003, and is compiled entirely by EABJM students.

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rocks the new spring season Paris, 18h, EABJM Gymnasium What was first seen as a benefit concert for the association Go to TOGO turned into the concert of the year at our very own EABJM school. On Friday April 3rd, for more than an hour an a half, the I Sounds team played various songs ranging from the Beatles’s “Revolution” to the Rolling Stones with also other songs by the Doors, The Who and the White Stripes.

enthusiastic and we got to sell some of our t-shirts in addition to the money gained from the tickets.” This money will go to children in Togo who aren’t able to benefit from an education and therefore helps build more schools to promote that.

This concert had also its own meaning for the members of I Sounds since this was the Terminale’s last concert. At the end of the next week, they would be finishing school to start revising and preparing for their upcoming IB examinations. Overall, the crowd was in synch with every song played by the group However, they were not the only ones there and this event turned out to be not only excellent for participating in the event; seen in the corridors with the Togo group but also for every one who was their purple, grey or black t-shirts were the members present in the gymnasium on that evening from 18h of the association Go To Togo. Originally created by to 19h30. students who are now at Paris Dauphine, this NB: Members of I Sounds are: Miss Burchill, Mr. association has been thriving since its start at Damon, Mr. Hoult, Mr. Briggs, Miss Bartlett, EABJM, and especially in the IB. When asked at the Darshani Parsuramen, Thomas Moreno, Benjamin end of the concert their overall thoughts, one of Go Evans, Celia Clements, Nicholas Abbott, Francis To Togo’s main men, Alex Ohnona commented: Sutcliffe, Dason Hwang, Basile Camous. “The concert was great and we are very happy with Carlo Fiorio 1°IB the overall outcome of this event. People were very

THE I SOUNDS CD, REVOLUTION #10 IS NOW AVAILABLE! PRICE: 10 EUROS 06

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Prom Power to meet white double doors vibrating with the music base. Once you step foot inside you are instantly blinded by a flurry of innovative lighting and well selected music of all genres: rock, techno, and rap. By eleven, the room was jam packed with a heterogeneous mixture of premiere and terminal. Some were getting a drink while others were “getting down” on the dance floor. Meanwhile others were having a rest and some nibbled on the candy that was displayed for our pleasure. The DJ’s seemed to do a good job but the crowd was instantly brought alive when our very own Alexander de Beauregard of 1ere ES took control. At the end of the night the spirit of this years prom did not die. People went home happier and less tired than when they arrived. It could have been the drinks but I’m convinced it was the Patrick O’Neill 1°IB stunning party. M.A. Toman-Miller

Prom night was a night to remember, not only because of the good music but also the hip and happenin’ vibe. It all started at around nine o’clock on Place Cambronne; little by little students flocked from every street. Some by metro, others by car, within a two block radius of where the Prom was held you were likely to spot at least one person from the school. As people lined up outside waiting to be a part of this year’s festivities and to have a good time, one could only stare in awe at the assortment of attire, accessories and hair products. It went from funny ties to white on white suits to funky dresses. It really was something to see. While waiting in line a cacophony of noises could be heard: voices talking about school, others were talking about what waited for them inside, all of this coated with spots of laughter and shrieks of joy here and there. One passes by the bouncers and walks down a flight of stairs

LE FORUM DES MÉTIERS Once a year, the school hosts the Forum des Métiers, organized by students and Mme Gonnet. This gathering basically consists of parents visiting the school to rub off on students. Troisième and Seconde students are required/recommended to attend these meetings in order to get a sense of what their orientation should be when they enter Première. For people that are not yet aware of how this system functions, let me explain. The first step is to decide what meeting you want to attend: the options vary from Fashion to Law to Marketing to Journalism. The second is actually to attend the meeting (you pay money for food, so sometimes that’s the main motivation.) 06

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Finally, when in the meeting you get the chance to envision yourself living the lives of the people speaking to you. You get to see what the business world looks like and what it might take to get what you want. The meetings are not only insightful but also extremely interesting. Some speakers just brag and brag about how amazing they are because of all of their achievements whereas others remain extremely modest and discuss dark yet incredible jobs. All in all, the forum des métiers is not a time consuming weekend school activity but a meeting that will simply change your perspective on the job you want(ed) to have and perhaps even make you want to do something completely different. Michael Valinsky 2°34

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1. SCHOOL SURVEY 1) Who is the Prime Minister of France? 44.2% of students could not name the French Prime Minister 2) Who is the Vice President of the USA? 61.7% of students could not name the Vice President

A CORNUCOPIA OF POLITICAL APATHY I am interested in politics, current events, and global issues. I had suspected that many of my peers do not share this interest but nonetheless are aware of current affairs. When I arrived here, I was surprised by the absence of political involvement among my classmates. I thought this could be explained by how domestic policies in France seem so great compared to the US (i.e. socialized medicine, free college level education, etc.) as well as wise decisions such as not invading Iraq. Perhaps, there was nothing to be politically active about! But still, it seems that there is a tendency for us to be content to be politically unaware and generally disinterested in current events. Is this conclusion accurate? Therefore, I conducted the following survey involving 120 premiere and terminale students at random from our school from all sections including IB. The survey consisted two simple questions:

such that the statistics are less precise in this category.

1) Who is the Prime Minister of France? 2) Who is the Vice President of the USA?

Here is my answer: It makes all the difference in the world – knowing what is going on and why, is essential for participation in the democratic process – your vote and your voice count because it can inspire people to mobilize for a cause and it can change the outcome of history.

The results are revealing: 36.3% of premiere and 34.5% of terminale could not answer either question. The trend here was consistent among classes – meaning no particular group was less informed than another.

What this really means is that of the students surveyed: 44.2% could not name the French Prime Minister: François Fillon 61.7% could not name the Vice President of the United States: Joe Biden Many have criticized my survey claiming among other things that I asked unfair questions. But the comments that really distressed me were “what can you hope to accomplish with this survey?” and “what difference does it make if you know who the people in charge are? It’s not like that gives you any power.”

Is it really unimportant whether people think the VP is Joe Biden or if they think (these were actual answers) Richard Nixon, John McCain, Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, or “that 25.3% of premiere and 27.5% of terminale only knew who Terminator guy” are the current VP? Or perhaps it is unimportant whether François Fillon is PM or if it is Sarkozy was the Prime Minister. or Ségolène Royal, or better yet, if “France doesn’t have a These were mostly students in the French Bac sections, but nonetheless a reassuring 20% of the IB students PM”?! surveyed fell into this category. We are an international school, attended by students who have a unique privilege – us. Several of our alumni now hold 9.9% of premiere and 3.4% of terminale only knew who high profile positions including a member of the National was the Vice President. These were overwhelmingly IB Security Council under U.S. President Barack Obama. students consisting primarily of those who have just arrived Consider that most of us in high school will be able to vote in from a foreign country. a few years. I look forward to my voting age just as much as I 28.6% of 1ere and 34.5% of terminale answered both look forward to my drinking age. questions correctly. It would seem that the terminale are slightly more politically Alessandro Marazzi Sassoon 1°IB aware as compared to the 1ere, but hopefully one would expect that. N.B. A smaller number of Terminale students were surveyed 5

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Aux Abords d’Andalousie les oranges volaient bien. Mûes par une volonté inexplicable et inexpliquée, elles s’appliquaient à décrire une courbe et à s’écraser près de vous. Sur vous de préférence. En fait, voler et atteindre la cible serait plus correct (car tireurs il y avait). Très près de vous, jusqu’à ce qu’une orange décide de venir s’écraser dans un « Splashhh ! » retentissant (et mouillant) contre vos jambes, thorax, ou votre tête, si vous étiez chanceux ou sinon les « Ouhhhh » lorsque la cible atteignait le ventre. « Les Affreux Orangiers » sévirent durant tout le séjour, et sachant le culte que les Espagnols vouent à leurs mais surtout, lors la dernière journée, nous partîmes à Grenade pour visiter une oranges, nous avons bien fait de partir C’est donc ce jour fatidique du cinq merveille, non pas oubliée mais restaurée, avant qu’ils ne leur mettent la main janvier qu’une centaine d’élèves se dessus. Partout où ils passèrent, dans les un des seuls vestiges de la gloire passée regroupèrent en masse à l’aéroport décombres, il y avait de nombreux corps d’Abd-El-Rahman III, l’Alhambra et les Charles De Gaulle. Tremblez donc, d’oranges mutilés, et les blessés qui jardins du Generalife. Jamais je n’ai vu Espagnols ! A 5h et des broutilles du pareil richesse de paysage, d’architecture, s’extirpaient des décombres, marchant sur matin, nous partîmes en direction de l’Espagne, pour, espérions nous, avoir un qui ont fait rêver chacun de nous, en nous le sol rendu glissant par le jus d’orange (frais pressé !) demandant alors combien coûterait le peu chaud et quitter la grisaille de Paris (Nous verrons plus tard le résultat de cette loyer… Toutes ces visites se déroulèrent dans un contexte historique merveilleux, Puis nous sommes rentrés. Quatre jours espérance). Partout où nous passerons, après nous étions en vacances. Et cela grâce aux professeurs d’Histoire nous signerons de notre nom : EABJM ! Séville, Grenade et Cordoue : partout où embarqués dans l’aventure (de plein gré, pendant deux semaines, durant lesquelles nous fûmes, nous eûmes et plantèrent les ou non, nous ne le saurons jamais), ... En beaucoup expérimentèrent les joies du ski, avec les blessures au dos, ou encore les tout cas, pour maintenir un groupe aussi graines d’intempéries catastrophiques, marques de lunettes de soleil (un peu turbulent que le groupe 1 (dont « Les comme le premier jour, où les vendeurs voyantes). Puis les Compositions Affreux Orangiers ») et réussir à nous de parapluie connurent un regain, sans Groupées. Celles-là, je vous le promets, faire retenir quelque chose, merci et précédent, bien entendu, de leurs ventes ne nous ont jamais manquées. Et je suis encore bravo, M. Javello et Mrs French. de parapluies… bien content de vous annoncer, chers 6ème, Comme mentionné plus haut, je vais vous 5ème, 4ème et 3ème, haut et fort, que pour les Accompagnés de M. Rettgen, Mme parler des oranges volantes, fait Debesse, M. Javello, Mme Bouloc, Mrs 2ndes de la promotion 2001, c’est scientifiquement non expliqués. Durant French & M. Daurès, nous pénétrâmes aujourd’hui que sonne le gong de nos tant bien que mal, car mouillés jusqu’aux ces cinq jours, tous les élèves se sont dernières Compositions. Et que nous parlés non stop ; n’ayant personne d’autre penserons, bien entendu, à vous, dans les os, dans un havre de chaleur pour nous restaurer. Le soir, nous rencontrâmes des à qui parler (les locaux parlaient années à venir. Enfin, depuis quatre mois, familles, venues pour récupérer de jeunes horriblement vite, dans un dialecte tout semble aller pour le mieux, et c’est incompréhensible), ils se parlèrent et Français. Au lieu de ça, ils nous ainsi et maintenant que se finit mon trouvèrent alors que nous sentions tous le furent ensemble 24h/24. Cela fit découvrir article. de nouvelles facettes de tout le monde à chien mouillé ! Enfin… tout le monde, et renforça les liens « Castigat Ridendo Mores », mes amis. Nous visitâmes donc les Alcazar royaux, d’amitié pour certains, et ouvrit d’autres horizons à d’autres. Autre que Séville la Cathédrale de Séville, la Mosquée de Alexandre Laidet 2°3 Cordoue, la Madinat Al Zahra et d’autres, noyée, inondée et submergée sous la pluie. Et aussi, fit faire des choses, disons… spéciales… à d’autres. Fantaisistes de leur état, les Espagnols ont 6 06 / 2009 eux même crié à une farce et bien non : Et voilà. Quatre mois depuis la dernière fois que je me suis adressé à vous, chers lecteurs. Et durant quatre mois, il s’en est passé des choses, et non pas des moindres ! Je ne retiendrais qu’un élément : le voyage en Andalousie. Puis tiens, aussi, pourquoi ne pas parler un chouïa des Compositions Groupées. Après tout, plus on est de fous, plus on rit ! Enfin. Racontons donc ce qui c’est passé, des visites de monuments, aux oranges volantes (Eh oui, vous avez bien lu, ce n’est donc pas un début d’aliénation mentale).

OPINION-EDITORIAL

have begun to participate in Gay rights demonstrations. At the present time, many political issues are being put only Massachusetts allows same-sex people to marry. aside as politicians concentrate on In France, issues about gay the economy. Concerning the rights have not been as important since environment, the European Union’s the last presidential campaign. This is primarily because France is already already modest efforts to tackle CO2 very advanced in this area compared to emissions and global warming might the U.S. as the « Pacte civil de solidarité » recognizes the union of two not even be met as countries are homosexual or heterosexual people before the law. However the « PACS » reticent to invest in renewable does not allow its possessors to adopt a energy. Many social and economic During the present economic crisis,

reforms are being replaced by gargantuan bailouts to banks and companies. However, while the shadow of the crisis hangs over politics, Gus Van Sant’s film about the life of Harvey Milk, the true story of the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California, made sure the civil rights issue of Gay rights continued to stay at the forefront of American politics. In October 2008, after 52% of Californians voted for Proposition 8, a Californian state ballot that bans marriage between two people of the same sex, the issue of Gay marriage fell off the radar of Californian politics. However, the New York Times recently described Gus Van Sant’s film as having revived and inspired Californian’s concern in the issue. Recently, many pro-Proposition 8 and many anti–Proposition 8 demonstrations have been held in California. A new interest in this issue has emerged as more “straight” people

Sean Penn as Harvey Milk child. The issue of the adoption of a child by a homosexual couple was very sensitive during the last French presidential campaign and has shown to put many at odds with each other. Because gay rights is an issue depending more on one’s ideology than on facts, it would be interesting to see the different sides to the debate from the students’ perspective. Most students interviewed are favorable to Gay marriage. J. Majerholc (1 S) declared “Freedom is the right to marry who you please” and Lea Hampton O’Neill (1 S) called Proposition 8 as

“against civil rights.” However, many students supporting Gay marriage are more reserved about the right for couples of the same sex to adopt a child. An anonymous student from the L section as well as several other students expressed their concern about the effect that two parents of the same sex could have on the education of a child. However, some students supporting gay marriage also proclaimed that “any couple should have the right to adopt a child if that is their wish.” It is also not uncommon to hear such phrases in the “readers letters” sections in newspapers such as: “The United States have been founded according to Christian values and should remain so,” which is representative of one of the major “proproposition 8” arguments. However, although 78% of Americans declare themselves Christian, it is ridiculous to disregard the rest of the population. It is also important to consider that officially, the United-States declares itself to be a secular state. To conclude, it is my belief that Gay people should be given the right to marry, as it is unconstitutional, unjust and immoral to prevent them from doing so. Moreover, I do not believe that 52 % of a group should dictate the way of life of the other 48 %. Although I recognize that the issue of adoption is more delicate, I am still favorable to the right for Gay couples to adopt a child. I believe that they can bring up a child just as well as a “straight” couple and that far from disturbing a child’s education, it would rather increase the awareness and tolerance of that person from a young age. Thomas Boucher 1°ES2

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Harvard Model Congress Europe

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depth of some of the people there were incredible to discover throughout the weekend. Debating was set in motion at 10h45, paused at 13h00 for lunch, giving us a large amount of time to discuss our topics and express what our countries/sides thought about them. When lunch ended at 15h00, we continued debating until 17h00, hopefully having released a resolution to reward the strain on our throats. The second day was almost identical to the first, except that there was no opening ceremony and an additional International/Congressional Summit on our schedule. We therefore began debating as early as 8AM, interrupted by the Summit at 9AM, a two-hour period which allowed each committee to introduce their resolution, discuss it with the other countries/side involved, and finally interrogate the delegates as to how these resolutions could be improved. With a “Yea” or a “Nay,” the resolutions would pass based on a majority. After the summit, the day continued as usual with lunch at 13h00, and conferences ending at 17h00. Exhausted, all the delegates went to their rooms and, depending on how serious you were, either did more research or lazed around a bit. We all went out to dinner to reward our hard day’s work, kids walking around in suits and highwasted skirts taking over the streets of Brussels. Finally, the third day started as usual but ended right after the Summit. The Harvard Faculty then had a short meeting to discuss who were the fortunate ones who had excelled and deserved an award. The closing ceremonies began at 11h30, where Harvard representatives thanked all of us for coming and for fervently participating in HMCE. They the Harvard students began distributing the awards. An astounding amount of EABJM students were given certificates for their excellent performance. It is safe to state, without being too smug, that EABJM took home most of the awards. When the closing ceremonies were finished, EABJM students immediately went off to the train station and unfortunately returned to their homes. I will admit, despite my acclaimed pigheadedness, that this conference was one of the most educational and enlightening experiences I have ever had. I was able to eradicate my skeptic side and replace it with an open-minded one, because I realized that debating allowed all of us, even if we are unable to directly have a voice in these problems, to slowly alter the world’s views since we are, after all, the ones who construct our own society. Teenagers or not, it is public debating that gives us the possibility, however microscopic at first, to create a world that best fits each and every one of our needs. Dafna Gottesman 2°6 Courtesy of S. Burchill

The aim of public debating has always been a blur to me. It gives us the opportunity to improve our eloquence and public speaking skills, broaden our general knowledge, and fundamentally, awaken our sense of critical thinking and to convincingly express our own opinion; but what is its real purpose? Why am I discussing these issues? What is the point, since my view, my perception of how world leaders should act to resolve these impossible problems will probably never leave I3’s debate room, or even matter at all? It was not until the moment I arrived, along with my fellow delegates as we like to call each other, at the Harvard Model Congress Europe conference in Brussels that I was shaken up by a rude awakening and discovered what it was really all about. It all began at 3:30 P.M at the Gare du Nord, where approximately 40 of us excitedly came together to eventually begin our trip towards a weekend of non-stop debating. Some showed off their massive folders of research as others hid behind a few sheets of paper they had printed in the morning; yet there was an undeniable feeling of anxiety and stress for first-timers, as well as a calm nonchalance, “It’s really not that bad,” of most of the Premiere and Terminale students who had already leaped into the debating arena. In the train, the delegates reviewed their research, however deep or minimal, making sure that they knew enough about their topics (examples: Climate Change, Gasoline Prices, Human Trafficking, College Funding, US-Iran Relations, Chinese African Relations, Energy and Trade Policy, Gender Inequality and Poverty, Intellectual Property Rights, Genetically Modified Organisms, the Crisis in Darfur, and many more) to blow their committees away. EABJM, with a large number of representatives, was able to participate in almost all the committees present, such as the Supreme Court, Group of Eight, World Bank, World Trade Organisation, House I and II, Senate I and II, the National Security Council and more. When we arrived at our hotel, we were given our room keys and were allowed to have our first dinner, roaming the streets of Brussels, with a curfew of 10 P.M that we all respected. We were off to bed almost immediately, in order to be fully pumped for the long day to come. The first day at HMCE began at 9AM, the time at which the opening ceremonies commenced. We were introduced and welcomed to HMCE by Harvard representatives who had worked hard to make this conference possible. Afterwards, we all got the chance to meet the other delegates in our committees, their passports ranging from Indian to Canadian to Saudi Arabian. The intelligence and

OPINION-EDITORIAL

Compositions Groupées Composition Groupées week. Twice a year, this school event haunts us, torments us and pushes us to our limits. There are different phases leading up to this nerveracking school tradition. First comes the somewhat casual remarks by our teachers to “pay attention, because this will be on the Compos!” during the month preceding the exams, causing us to face the prospect that, yes, another Compositions week is around the corner. Then comes the last week before the exams, in which teachers try desperately to make sure that they have given us all the information we need. They too become tense during this testing period, although most of us believe that some of them take a sadistic pleasure in watching us squirm. Teachers tend to repeat key points, in order to discretely give us hints about what will be on the exam: the better we do, the easier our papers are to grade, they say.

This does not, however, mean that the stress has entirely subsided: next comes final phase five. This one seems to linger endlessly, as it consists of receiving your grades. Although our hard work is finally over and the end of Compos week is a wonderful time for most students, it seems to be our teachers’ private hell: they have to correct an enormous number of papers, or face disgruntled students if they do not have their grades ready when classes start up again. It seems to me that teachers always have the same reason for not having finished grading our tests: they say that the higher classes are a priority. I am now in seconde, and my professors still use the “I have to concentrate on the premières” excuse.

The Compositions Groupées definitely affect us all, whether students are in sixième and enduring it for the first time or in seconde and going through with it for one last year. Next comes the weekend before the However, the ways in which students much anticipated Monday. Frantic calls deal with the tests differentiate the are made: “wait, so are you saying that “small ones” from the “big kids.” For I’m supposed to cross multiply that then instance, a lot of you have surely subtract it from that, and then apply that heard the sixième students shrieking rule that states that it is the opposite of the other result before their exams: that only lasts a year for most that we found with the square root divided by three?” (thank God). Moreover, while the twelve year olds find Kids harass their parents about testing them on the their hour and a half exams long, we seconde students material, a huge amount of information is read and had to face a mind numbing three hours and forty five reread, facts are verified and memorised…Stress starts minutes of French analysis. Despite everything that to hit. Before you know it, you’ve entered phase four, makes students dislike the Compostions Groupées, we and you’re told to put your bags in front of the must admit that these exams help us in the long run. classroom, to sit one person per desk and to keep quiet. They cause us much stress, but they do ensure that we Then comes the “you may open your exam,” either study and integrate what has been taught, and most relief or despair overcomes you, minds race, pens start importantly, they prepare us for the bac. The to scribble: Compos are taken. Phase four lasts all week, Compositions Groupées, are after, are what ensures the at the end of which students are exhausted and worn pride and joy of the EABJM administration: “100% de out. As you enter the courtyard after your last exam on reussite au bac!” Friday afternoon, you are surrounded by tired looking Elisa Leser 2°3 students hugging each other and laughing who are all repeating the same thing: “Compos are finally over!”

Do you have opinions? Are you interested in writing for Le Bilingue? Email your articles, questions or comments to: lebilingue@hotmail.com 9

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CHÈRE MADAME VERZAUX d’un professeur sans même mentionner l’éducation offerte relève d’une médiocrité journalistique affolante. Il se trouve que l’Ecole Bilingue propose a chacun de ses élèves une éducation unique, tant sur le plan humain qu’académique. Beaucoup d’entre eux partent dans les meilleures universités du monde (Oxford, Harvard, Yale, ...) et il serait trop long d’énumérer toutes les associations Tout d’abord, vous comparez cette école a un ghetto de caritatives crées par les élèves et largement encouragées riches et de « fils de », qui n’y sont acceptés que grâce au par l’école. Ayant fait l’expérience de tous type chéquier de Papa et Maman. L’Ecole Bilingue ne serait d’éducation (privé, public, étranger et « bilinguisé »), je donc rien d’autre qu’une fourmilière de gens aisés ? peux vous assurer que je n’ai eu ce type d’éducation qu’a Voyons Madame, quitte à être ridicule, tentez au moins l’Ecole Bilingue. En omettant tout ce que l’Ecole de ne pas tomber dans la fantaisie. Votre description n’est Bilingue offre de mieux, vous transformez votre rien d’autre qu’une généralisation absurde caricaturant « enquête » en une médiocre ébauche d’article. Mieux complètement la réalité. Il y a certes certains « gosses de vaut une journaliste qui n’écrive pas qu’une journaliste ne riches » scolarisés dans cette école, je me dois de vous sachant pas écrire. l’accorder. Mais nul besoin pour vous de brandir l’étendard de la jalousie. Nul besoin de vouloir envoyer Je terminerai en me basant sur l’épisode Marieau bûcher ces infâmes bourgeois qui mettent leurs enfants Charlotte (ironie déplacé que de choisir un nom aussi dans cette école en profitant de l’argent public. La stéréotypé). L’école bilingue est une école renommée et majorité des élèves de cet établissement est en effet courtisée. Le composée d’élèves doués qui y travaillent dur et qui n’y nombre de ont été accepté que grâce au fruit de leur dur labeur (vous places, me pardonnerez j’espère cette expression légèrement notamment en romanesque). Dire que cette école n’accepte que des première, y est enfants favorisés dès la naissance est grotesque et donc insultant. Je me dois aussi de vous faire remarquer logiquement qu’être « fils de riches » ne me parait pas être un critère limité. Votre de médiocrité académique. De plus, il ne vous faut pas tentative de la confondre « école réservée aux élites » et « école attirant faire inscrire est les élites ». En effet, si l’on veut reprocher a une école de ridicule car les attirer, il faut aussi lui reprocher d’être bonne (jusqu’à comment pourriez vous espérer maitriser l’anglais en un preuve du contraire, les élites vont avoir tendance à malheureux mois ? Avant de dire qu’il est scandaleux que choisir des établissements offrant la meilleure éducation tout le monde ne soit pas accepté, tentez au moins de possible). Vous critiquez amèrement cette école Madame mériter cette école et alors vous verrez qu’elle ne juge Verzaux, mais votre tentative peu subtile d’être que par le travail et non par la naissance ou les parents, méprisante vous rend presque méprisable. comme vos lubies vous le font supposer. Puisque vous nous avez gratifiés de votre excellent article sur l’Ecole Bilingue, ce serait la moindre des courtoisies que de vous répondre. Mais plutôt que d’entamer des hostilités contre votre article qui ne les mériterait même pas, il me parait préférable et plus juste de le tourner en dérision.

Vous faites aussi grand bruit du prix et du classement de cette école. Je ne m’attarderai pas à corriger votre ignorance mais je dois néanmoins vous rappeler qu’un quart des élèves de terminale sont en bac international, système non reconnu par le système français. Peut-être tisserez-vous alors vous-mêmes un lien de cause à effet quant au prix et au classement de cet établissement. Je me dois aussi de souligner votre talent d’enquêtrice. En effet, parler d’une école en ne se basant que sur les factures trimestrielles, le prix des tiquets cantines et le témoignage 06

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Le métier d’enquêtrice, chère Madame Verzaux, consiste à faire la lumière sur tout. « Mais la conscience de certains journalistes est à la mesure de leur talent ». Come de Panisse-Passis 1°IB P-S : Transmettez toute ma compassion à la regrettée Marie-Charlotte. Si l’article qui a provoqué cette lettre vous intéresse allez sur : 10

OPINION-EDITORIAL

Time travel is not what it used to be Hold on to your chairs as we go spiraling back in time, back to before the existence of the television and the computer and any other new electronic gismos! No I have not just invented a time machine, neither am I some hyped up history teacher and let me just set the record straight before I get locked up in a psychiatric hospital, we are not participating in any sort of time travel per se. The reason for the slightly bizarre beginning is that we are as a country taking one big step back (it is such a big step we might actually have to consider it as two). Our economy is rapidly declining whereas teenage pregnancies and rebellions are soaring.

Another problem with today’s society is the increase in acts of violence. There are more shootings in England, the occasion where the German boy shot 15 people dead before shooting himself. A recent article from the ‘times online’ claims that the boys father might “be charged with involuntary manslaughter” as the boy, known as Tim Kretschmer, went through a depression that might have been due to a lack of attention growing up. Does anyone else notice this recurring theme? In addition it appears the young lad had everything going for him. He was a good student and was planning on becoming a professional ping pong player so the reason must have something to do with family rather then friends.

In the olden days it was not seen as disgraceful to have a child at I dread to think what is going on in America the age of fifteen. That was when life right now. Contrary to popular opinion these expectancy was lower however. sudden outbursts in violence do not derive These days it is simply unthinkable, solely from abusive families. They also evolve so why is it that a 13 year old boy has from neglected children (this can also be fathered a child with a 15 year old considered in the sense of both parents girl? I shall tell you, he was not working) and well moved children. This can shown a very good example by his also be stopped with a little bit more care and parents. His father had allegedly attention. If we catch these feelings and bouts fathered a child with his oldest of depression when the children are still young daughter’s friend. In addition the then it should all sort it out before we run out boy, Alfie, comes from a very large of time. There are no consistent facts as to the family which meant that he was number of crimes in this day and age but what probably not attributed with very is certain is that the attacks are becoming more much attention which would lead him violent and I personally believe more frequent. to want to rebel in order to get some attention. In the USA all was going Basically what I am trying to say is that if children well as the pregnancy rates were going down consistently for spent a little bit more time with their parents then I the past fifteen years but all of a sudden, 26 states have had thoroughly believe that the future will be less violent and increased pregnancy rates. The same goes for Britain. aggressive. We are the parents of the future so unless we wish to go back even further in time and end up in the Stone This shall keep on happening unless parents start spending time with their children and that the children spend Age we must take care in our future actions. In addition don’t use the silly overused excuse that the sex education is not time with their siblings. Yes we might be in a big economic taught young enough. If anything it is taught too young. No crisis but that should not mean that parents should work one cares about this stuff when you’re only 9 years old. In harder so that they can buy their children a new electronic game every week or blue ray DVDS that cost 30 Euros. They fact it’s rather scary so why insert a trepidation of sex at such should instead spend time with them. I do realize people say a young age if they will only want to overcome this fear when they become dare devilish teens? this all the time but it generally is true. You can’t buy your children and nor can you buy your friends. I realize this all Yvette Lavelle 1°IB sounds a little bit soppy but if it stops us from advancing and that it leads to people having children at the age of 13 then we could be great, great grand parents by the time we die! That’s outrageous! Imagine Christmas or Hanukkah or any family get together really, how do you expect to remember everybody’s name? This cannot go on so therefore think about your present in order to alter your future. 11

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OPINION-EDITORIAL

The Monday Blues As you walk up to the small white door of 70 rue du Théâtre, you cannot help but mourn the passing of your weekend. It has been an age old syndrome that no one is immune to: The Monday Blues. Communication between people is always a pleasure. There is always the classic nod of the head which has come to symbolize recognition without words over the years. It transmits a couple of words like “Hey, man” or “What’s up.” It just so happens that the occasional wave is issued if you have the strength to muster it. This is most prominent among friends that are not particularly close. For your best friends, you tend to save what little words you have in store such as “How was your weekend” and this is always followed up by a feeble “It was good.” While sleep walking your way to your 8:30 class you remember your weekend that happened so fast. Then you get to thinking about the long and brutal days ahead of you, full of immense work loads and classes, until you finally manage to break though the distance barrier of Friday afternoon. As you sit down in class, you slowly come to realize the sense of drowsiness that fills the room and the unspoken sadness that, although not very visible, is in everyone. It is always hard to concentrate in the first class of the week. Some happen to be unlucky and have the same class for two periods straight. Just like every cold, the Monday Blues and the memories of the weekend tend to fade with time. Slowly everyone regains hope and life, and by the end of morning classes, school seems to have gotten over the Blues: that is until next Monday. Patrick O’Neill 1°IB

Are inventions really inventions? People have always lived, and will live, trying to reach the maximum degree of comfort they can possibly attain. In prehistory, even cave men cherished comfort. It can be seen in their way of hunting: they would not hunt for food when the weather was too cold for them. As we travel forward through history, indeed useful “things” were invented. But were they actually good, compulsory inventions? Or were they just luxury to our life? First, to start with the least let me introduce discoveries that are actually needed for humans to survive. Vaccines, “substance made from the germs that cause a disease which is given to people to prevent them from getting the disease,” is one ideal example. So to sum up, everything that concerns our health, are important discoveries. But what else? But what other inventions that did not involve our health were made? Now, obviously, the rest of the inventions made throughout history should be considered as “not really inventions.” This can sound exaggerated to some readers, but it is true. Let me give you some examples to support my idea. I will begin with Thomas Edison, the great inventor of the light bulb. This greatly helped the modern industrialization and also greatly influenced the world. However I do not think that people suffered or could not see in the dark without his invention. In addition, I am sure that many people did not know that direct 0 6 exposure / 2 0 0 to 9 this artificial light for a very long time, could

provoke insomnia and even cancer. It is easier to press a button and get immediately light than to go get a candle and light it. However, Edison did not realise that his invention caused harm unintentionally. Another example is the inventions of all the vehicles that use petrol as fuel. Thanks to those inventions, globalisation has become reality and a world tour has become accessible to almost everyone who can afford it. However this also has its side effect and that is one of the biggest issues in our history: Global warming and pollution. People are so obsessed with comfort that they actually destroy their environment. So today, other inventions are made to recover all the damages that the inventions from the past have made such as hybrid cars that emit less CO2 in the air. Is not this ironic? The lesson is that we should think twice before being excited about any invention. I do not say that inventions are all useless, but the fact that many inventions cannot be perfect should be considered. I wish to say that many inventions were made for people to have a better and more comfortable life. But excess in this demand of comfort can lead to a bad ending. Jou-Sung PARK 1°IB 12

OPINION-EDITORIAL

England and France, two different ways of educating Going to an International school like EABJM that mixes different cultures together allows us to know about the differences between educational systems. However are we really aware of them? I am going to tell you a little bit more about what makes the English system so particular as I spent 2 years in an English boarding school. First of all, going to boarding school is extremely common in the English tradition. The French system tends to avoid the ‘boarding education’ as it is very often associated with some kind of punishment. Boarding schools in the UK are widespread and very frequent for English students, it’s an ordinary way of going to school, and a great opportunity to grow and learn in a community. Furthermore, boarding schools shape your minds through the common use of several vital rules. For instance, some of you may know the famous ‘6 inch rule’: an absurdity that makes sure boys and girls don’t become too close to each other. The French culture teaches people to kiss each other on both cheeks when they greet, a common action that has sunk in courtyards. This is the perfect example of cultural diversity demonstrated by children in schools. The British also indirectly encourage their students with their enthusiastic marking system. A grade out of 20, used in France, tends to emphasise mistakes rather than looking at the achievement. On the other hand, percentages tell you what you did right. This is an obvious difference in mentality that has been reflected upon schools, the optimism of the British. Furthermore, French students may struggle in a class too strong or worse, be held back by weaker students. The British system uses a more intelligent approach by creating level-based sets different for each subject. A student that is extremely good at maths will be put in a top set for maths and lower sets for the subjects they have more difficulties with. In contrast, the IB tends to use an ‘in between’ method as the marking out of 7 also tends to emphasize the successful things you’ve managed to achieve. But education is not only about certain rules used in a country and not in the other. The types of people you deal with are part of education. It is clear that the French and the British have specific attitudes and particular traits that make the differences between them so interesting. Teachers in England tend to be there to help you as much as possible. Their target throughout the well-known GCSE exams for 13

example is to make sure you get the highest grades that you can possibly achieve. Otherwise, if the students don’t reach their predicted grades they feel like they haven’t done their job right and that they are responsible to a certain extent. In contrast, from my experience French teachers teach you what you need to know but they don’t involve themselves into the success of their students as much. Once again, the IB shows how it uses the pros of the English system, as the teachers in the IB seem to have the same attitude as the British. It’s evident that an English boarding school is a completely new atmosphere with different people, different rules but also different approaches. French students tend to be generally more nervous and stressed about their work than students in the English system. This is strictly from my point of view as I faced exams in a more relaxed way throughout my time in England. In my opinion, this is due to the large amount of support you get from the English boarding school; you will always find someone to talk to evacuate stress and fears. Also, let’s not forget the fact that you’re living in an actual house with 20 other girls. This creates an amazing ‘family spirit’ that makes you feel homely and comfortable. It’s always a reassuring thought that one knock at your neighbour’s door and you can get help with anything. Thus, an extremely important team spirit is built through this behaviour between students in a boarding school. Therefore, school becomes something that everyone deals with together and it automatically makes school life a lot easier. Another point is that the French system tends to be all about testing the abilities of the students every week, because of this, school is very often linked with tests and stress in a French student’s mind. However, the English are more laid back and don’t judge their students upon frequent testing. To conclude, the IB has definitely been the right choice for me as it combines aspects of both systems and results in a brilliant program usually appreciated by all students. Of course, certain sides of the English boarding school are not part of my everyday life anymore but changes are good and they are what make you grow and learn. Valentine Goldenberg 1°IB LE

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DUPLICITY “Duplicity” is the buzzed-about new “romantic spy” movie by writer-director Tony Gilroy. It tells the story of Ray Koval (Clive Owen) and Claire Stenwick (Julia Roberts), a MI5 Agent and a CIA operator who fall in love. The movie kicks off with a romantic night of passion between the two agents in 2003, which ends when Claire double crosses Ray the next morning. Fast forward to 2005, when their paths meet again as they are both working for Richard Garsik (the always hilarious Paul Giamatti), the corporate CEO of a huge beauty cream company. They work as spies who try to steal major business secrets from Garsik’s main competitor, Howard Tully (Tom Wilkinson). Ray and Claire, however, come up with their own lengthy and complicated plan to con both companies so that they can run off with millions and be together.

thus making it very hard to follow. You can therefore expect to be lost within the first 10 minutes, squinting to concentrate and attempting to understand what the characters are talking about! Not even the romantic conspiracy saves the plot, as the constant bickering between the lovers only adds to the confusion. That said, almost every scene is crammed with stunning scenery and upscale locations and is reinforced by great filming. The movie is therefore worth seeing for this and for the two famous actors, whose chemistry is just as amazing as it was in their last feat, the Oscar-celebrated “Closer.” But if you enjoy simpler movies, don’t expect to be as entertained.

Abboud So Clive Owen + Julia Roberts + upscale Hollywood Hammour 1°IB escapade = 2 hours of intrigue and enjoyment? Not so much. This movie is complicated. The plot twists in so many ways causing a constant change in narratives and

L’étrange histoire de Benjamin Button L’étrange histoire de Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) est un drame fantastique qui raconte la vie d’un homme qui rajeunit au fil du temps. Ce film de David Fincher est en réalité adapté du roman de F. Scott Fitzgerald. L’histoire se déroule à la Nouvelle-Orléans entre 1918 et aujourd’hui. Benjamin nait a l’âge de 80 ans et vit en rajeunissant petit à petit. A travers différents évènements (impliquant sa famille, la guerre, sa vie sociale…) nous réalisons qu’il est possible de vivre ‘normalement’ malgré les difficultés que l’on rencontre. En effet, Benjamin ne semble pas vraiment contraint par ses différences avec les gens ‘normaux’: il vit sa vie et s’accepte comme il est. Le but de cette histoire est de montrer que même lorsqu’on est très différent des autres, on peut réussir et être heureux. Le seul doute qu’il a, concernant son anormalité, le conduit à la tragédie du film. Le romantisme émouvant de ce film apparaît avec l’histoire d’amour entre Benjamin et Daisy (Cate Blanchett) lorsque la question d’avoir un bébé se pose : Mr. Button prend peur et fuit. Quand il revient, Daisy à une nouvelle vie et un nouveau compagnon. Il est alors confronté a la réalité : il ne pourra pas s’occuper de sa fille et retrouver son amour. Ce film est simplement éblouissant, autant par le charme des deux acteurs principaux que par la beauté des scènes et lieux de tournage du film. Malgré quelques passages superflus le film a tout de même gagné trois Oscars (meilleures performances artistiques, meilleurs effets spéciaux et meilleur maquillage). Charlotte Terrien 1°IB 06

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Album Review

The Datsuns Year of Release: 2006

Band Birthplace: New Zealand Track Listing: 1) Why are you stamping your foot? 2) System Overload 3) Waiting for your time to come 4) Stuck Here For Days 5) Maximum Heartbreak 6) All Aboard 7) Such a Pretty Curse 8) Blood Red 9) Emperor’s New Clothes 10) Too Little Fire

Thomas Boucher 1°ES2 After reviewing two classic albums from two classic bands from the 60’s and the 80’s, here’s a rather recent album by a quasi-obscure band called the Datsuns. Believe it or not, their first album earned them praise from certain critics such as “The Datsuns are the future of Rock”… But again Oasis had also been called the new Beatles, and Stevie Ray Vaughn the new Jimi Hendrix, and most would agree that was pretty exaggerated. By the release of their third and self-titled album, the Datsuns have fallen into semi-obscurity; and although they still receive praise for their energetic live shows, they are far from being the future of rock. So who are The Datsuns? Well, they’re kind of a mix of 90’s grunge, punk and a bit of heavy metal. The band’s lineup is rather typical with two guitarists, a drummer and a singer. None of them really standout, even though the lead guitarist is definitely very competent. So far, it doesn’t seem like the band is special in any way… And they aren’t. The Datsuns never pioneered Rock music in any way. And this album seems like a slightly lower quality replica of their first album. The same depressing, grungy mood is maintained throughout the entire album and the songs are all built around a catchy, repeating guitar riff. Some of the melodies seem kind of recycled from earlier songs (“Emperor’s New Cloth” has practically the same riff than “MF from Hell”), and it is obvious throughout the album that the band members’ were lacking inspiration while recording it. Apart from the recycled melodies, the atmosphere of the album isn’t as energetic as their first album’s, although I wouldn’t go so far as to say that energy is the thing lacking here.The album still has its fair share of good songs. The opening “Why are you Stomping your Foot?”, despite the annoying vocals from an annoying singer, has a really catchy repeating organ line that manages to make the song stand out. My personal favorite though, would be “Maximum Heartbreak”, with cool backing vocals, one of the strongest melodies on the album and a fun guitar solo. In short, the album doesn’t manage to rival its predecessors, as the Datsons often seem like a second-rate vulgar Led Zeppelin, nor to rival some of its 15

Thomas’ Grade: 4 / 10 Alessandro’s Grade: 7.5/10 Final Grade: 11.5/ 20

contemporaries. Indeed the singer has nothing of the charisma that Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) has. All in all, this is not a bad album, but it’s in no way essential. Although it shines neither through originality or immaculate songwriting and will never be a classic, it is still entertaining. And even though I wouldn’t especially recommend it, I still consider this album to be stand up fairly well against most of today’s Rock scene. Alessandro Marazzi- Sassoon 1°IB I completely disagree with Thomas’ assessment of the band. In my opinion The Datsuns is probably the best thing to come out of New Zealand since Ernest Rutherford. They have a sound that is quite distinct, the same way AC/DC, coming from Australia has a sound that is different than anything else. Whether or not they are being innovative seems irrelevant, to be a good band you don’t have to create/“pioneer” rock, you need to play it well, and the Datsuns do. Their music is original, energetic and catchy. “What are you stamping your foot for” is a good opener, it’s fun song, the lyrics aren’t extremely poetic but are catchy lack of musical brilliance compensated by energy and a notable degree of melodiousness for how hard the rock is. Other highlights are “System Overload” which was obviously designed for concerts, and I can testify it’s many times better live. “Stuck Here for Days” is an attempt at more poetic lyrics and is considered more of a hit along with “Maximum Heartbreak” and “Emperor’s New Clothes” (which by the way is not ripped off of MF from Hell). However, I believe that the lyrical skill of the band truly shines in “All aboard” and “Blood Red” which are the real hidden gems of this album. The other two songs on the album “Too Little Fire” and “Such a Pretty Curse” are decent but on the whole forgettable compared to the other tracks. The Datsuns is definitely a group worth exploring, especially their earlier albums, for which I agree with Thomas are better. Nonetheless, I insist that Smoke and Mirrors should not be overlooked and is one of the better albums to come out of the up and coming rock scene – Thomas is spot on in saying The Datsuns is nothing compared to the best of the 60’s and 70’s but given the time to mature I think this band can go a long way and their current music is promising.

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Marley and Me The epic return of this film reviewer brings to your attention a rather soppy yet all the same funny film. Now I’m sure most of you have at least seen the previews and therefore you know that Marley is a dog who is constantly misbehaving. Just in case you don’t know the whole story and as this is a review, I shall provide a brief summary. John Grogan’s (Owen Wilson) newly acquired wife Jenny Grogan (Jennifer Anniston) has a life plan. One of the items on the list is to start a new family, something which John does not quite feel ready for. His best mate (“Grey’s Anatomy” hunk Eric Dane) therefore tells him to buy a dog to distract her which he duly does. From the outset Marley is a troublesome pup. The film then goes though a series of rather humorous events showing just how mischievous Marley is until the introduction of baby number one. Shortly after comes baby number two and then number three. Throughout this time John writes a column in the newspaper but aspires to be writing the headliners rather then just daily stuff. When the children are no longer toddlers, John accepts a new job and they move to a new house. From this moment forth, the film doesn’t jump quite so many years and we see the unfortunate, tearful death of Marley. The film ends pretty much at this moment, more precisely at the funeral where one of the three children (the middle one) says “I hope you like heaven and there’s lots for you to chew on” which was just perfect for the situation.

Summary over now time to review. Marley certainly stole the show. When he was on the screen there was never a dull moment, up until his death that is. If he were human, he would be classified as the class clown. There were definitely a few defining moments of comedy gold. One example of this is when Marley goes to dog training and plays up. The leader takes him thinking it’s just a problem of the owners but Marley plays up with her as well and she loses the leash. Marley keeps on running until the Trainer whistles at which point it hurdles back and starts humping her leg. At this point the whole audience is in stitches and we barely even hear the character John saying “maybe it was your hair.” 06

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Another comic moment is when the couple go on their honeymoon a bit late and hire a dog sitter. We then go on to witness a great many instants where she struggles to look after him and the dog destroys the house. During this time we do occasionally flick to moments where the couple is having a fairly awkward time at the B&B but it doesn’t seem to compare to what Marley was doing. Now to move on to the not so good aspects. The film kept leaping through years spending very little time in each situation. It wasn’t confusing per se just a little upsetting that they spent so little time in each time and age. Yes the dog did steal the show and the column John was writing, but I believe it should have focused a little more on the family, even if the main plot of the film appeared to be Marley. We must praise Jen and Owen however as it can’t have been easy to act with such a limelight-steeling dog although I believe they did marvelously.

So to conclude, although the film was jumping a fair bit and the story just seemed to be about a dog who constantly misbehaves, I think it could have gone into more depth on certain other details. It felt a bit surreal, not when actually in it but when you come out and think about it. It was a good film though, better then some which are currently in the cinema that’s for sure. It wasn’t really a chick flick and to prove my point most of the room was full of boys. Yvette Lavelle 1°IB

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ROBERT FRANCK, UN REGARD ÉTRANGER "Mars 1947, j'arrive à New York. Une nouvelle vie commence. Je pensais : J'ai de la chance."

American dream », un voyage qui vaut le détour. Et en prime, ma photo préférée.

Si vous avez du temps, ou êtes tout simplement intéressés, allez sans attendre voir l’exposition de Robert Franck au Jeu de Paume. Le photographe et cinéaste Rêverie d’un promeneur Américain, né en Suisse en 1924, va vous faire découvrir Robert Franck, Paris, 1949ce que la plupart des gens ici 1952 connaissent très bien : Paris Cette photo est à mon avis et L’Amérique. parfaite. Ici, pas de mise en scène, pas d’acteurs, mais de La photographie comme vraies personnes vivantes. vous ne l’avez jamais vue. Elle détient un très grand Elle prend une toute autre symbolisme avec le train qui dimension dans l’objectif Leica de Robert Franck. Ici, va jusqu'à l’horizon et vers pas de sujets impressionnants l’infini. Il y a aussi la forte lumière qui éblouit le premier ou extravagants, mais simplement la vie de tous les plan et qui montre tous les jours optimisée par un regard personnages allant dans sa surprenant. Se mettre dans les direction. Elle montre le yeux de Robert Franck, c’est désespoir de l’homme au premier plan qui offre ses découvrir la beauté à l’état fleurs à qui les voudra ; une pur; les choses simples et réflexion juste de notre pourtant formidables. Vous société : le rejet gratuit. découvrirez les angles parfaits, que tout photographe Robert Franck montre ici un talent éblouissant et une recherche, des lumières faculté époustouflante à saisir fabuleuses, que tout artiste s’efforce de reproduire et des les belles choses. Juliette Benard 1°IB gens comme les autres, qui sont pourtant des sujets idéaux. Si comme moi vous tombez amoureux d’un talent indéniable, regardez ses photos sur internet. Il nous embarque avec lui à la quête du rêve Américain sur la route 66 dans « Cruising the

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Art Vernissage Every year the IB art students have the opportunity to display their artwork in an Art Vernissage. Each student is given a whole room to fill with their studio works. The Art Vernissage is a student’s first, real art gallery, allowing them to exhibit their artwork like a professional artist. As the French artist Edgar Degas said, "art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” To me, art still exists even if it is only viewed by the artist who created it. However, in the literal sense, art is what the artist creates for others to see. Art is tangible, at least in the visual arts, and art is not only the observations of an artist, but also the result seen by the viewer. For art students, the chance to have their own exhibit is unbelievable. Whether the artist creates art for him/herself or for the benefit of other people, displaying it for others is the ultimate gift. The IB class of ’09 recently had their Art Vernissage and as an art student myself, I went to see the art being created around me and also to gain inspiration for my own artwork. Each student stood in his or her room answering questions and watching, some tentative and some proud, as the viewers looked at their art. Although conformism reigns over most high school student’s lives, the artwork in the Vernissage was personal and reflective of each student. As the French painter Pablo Picasso said, art is “just another way of keeping a diary.” The variation in style from student to student created a distinctive atmosphere in each room. For example, Lida McClymont’s room was filled with incredibly accurate portraits of her friends painted with abstract backgrounds. Benjamin Evan’s art was inspired by Surrealism and Cubism, and he had music playing. Noura Ayria AlMoammar took numerous photographs of New York and other cities. Jane Carey’s art was mostly abstract and inspired by the abstract artist, Wassily Kandinsky. There were many more students, enough to fill two floors in the “I Building” at school, and each artist was completely different, original and inspiring. Walking from room to room, seeing the vast amount of artwork that was made by the students, my first reaction to the Vernissage was one filled with anxiety. Since I am in IB art as well, I realize how much work it is to make a sufficient amount of strong studio works, along with our research workbook pages. But this feeling of anxiety quickly transformed into one of inspiration. What freedom! To fill an entire room with all the art you’ve made throughout two years. This year’s Vernissage was impressive. And whether it was an art student, a parent or anyone else at the exhibit, the viewers were in awe of the talent. Madame Nicolini, the IB art teacher, felt that this year’s Vernissage was the strongest and most exciting of all the Vernissages. Seeing the Art Vernissage not only gave viewers a window into the world of the IB students’ studio works, but also served as an inspiration. Whether you are an artist or not, seeing a group of teenagers produce art which profoundly means something to them is motivating. So many of us highschoolers have interests and passions which we keep locked up inside, waiting for some revelation. But the time is now! This is what I attained from the IB Art Vernissage. I must produce more art, and more specifically, begin to imagine my own Vernissage. Four walls, a floor and a ceiling to work with. If you missed the Vernissage this year, you should come next year. Come and see what’s going on in your community. See if you dig the art being made in your very own school. Or, go make some yourself. Claire Berkowitz 1°IB L E

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Eddie Vedder Into the Wild (Soundtrack) Year of Release: 2007 Singer Birthplace: Illinois Track Listing: 1) Setting Forth; 2) No Ceiling; 3) Far Behind; 4) Rise; 5) Long Nights; 6) Tuolumne; 7) Hard Sun; 8) Society; 9) The Wolf 10) End of the Road 11) Guaranteed

Thomas’ Grade: 6 / 10

singing abilities, I would recommend “The Wolf,” where he “experiments” with his own voice, shouting in a style like he never did with Pearl Jam and that few rock singers would dare.

Alessandro’s Grade: 3 / 10

Despite all of its positive aspects, this album is far from perfect. Its main flaw lies in the length of the songs. Thomas Boucher 1°ES2 Indeed, the first half of the album is very short, with most of the songs being less than two minutes long. This gives the Eddie Vedder is known as the lead singer of Pearl Jam, a 90’s listener the feeling that the album or a song rushes past him band from Seattle widely labeled as “grunge” although it is before he actually gets the time to get into it. Although this is nothing of the sort. Eddie Vedder’s voice quickly established the only real problem with the album, it is pretty important him at the forefront of the Rock music scene, also renowned for because the shortness of the songs also results in their sounding taking part in albums and shows with other artists who have half-finished. Only four songs go beyond three minutes making helped shape his musical style, such as The Who, Neil Young them appear as the only “complete” songs on the album. While and The Doors. However, it took Eddie Vedder 17 years to watching the film, this is not a problem, but in the context of release his first solo album. The album is presented as the this album, it is a major fault. soundtrack of the acclaimed “Into the Wild,” yet unlike those of other movies, it’s easy to listen to it independently , without Despite having its bad sides, I strongly recommend that you the characters, places and story of the film. listen to this album (and watch the film while you’re at it), as it is truly enlightening as far as Eddie Vedder’s vocal strength is For those who are familiar with Pearl Jam, you might feel concerned, making him one of the best modern rock vocalists surprised by the general mood of this album. There are almost around today. If you like it, I would also encourage you to look no electric guitars to be found, and when they do appear, they into Pearl Jam’s work as it definitely has its share of decent are used very briefly or are at least put backstage. Instead, the albums. Even though most of its albums have nothing to do atmosphere of the album is mostly acoustic, Eddie Vedder’s with this one. singing often only accompanied by a mandolin or an acoustic guitar. Alessandro Marazzi-Sassoon 1°IB As far as soundtracks go, this one is quite good, but in all I actually prefer this album in some ways to Eddie’s albums honesty it’s a rather forgettable album. As Thomas pointed with Pearl Jam. While his voice is often buried under a wall of out, it is quite different from the Vedder in Pearl Jam, which distorted guitars, this album is much more revealing of his for me made it a more interesting listen. Although one may talents as a singer. appreciate this “new” Vedder who, granted, is as talented as the “old” Vedder, the album fails to trigger any sort of awe. The This album delivers a very intimate and emotional experience songs are interesting and musically sound, but they all seem as the listener is left alone with Eddie Vedder’s powerful voice. rather interchangeable in the context of the album. Albeit there From the first notes in “Long Nights,” his gripping growl will is a noticeable progression throughout the album, the freshness plunge you into the beautiful, profound sound that dominates of the new Vedder wears off quickly. the album. Although all the ballads are very good, my personal It is a pity this album lacks the incendiary quality it needs favorite is “Society,” which has a wonderful chorus, cool lyrics because it contains many of the other elements required for a (“Society…/ Crazy Indeed. / I hope you’re not lonely…/ hit album. Nonetheless I would say the Vedder we experience Without me.”) and a wonderfully simple, yet captivating guitar in Into the Wild is promising and I would look forward to solo. The only real rock piece on the album is a cover, “Hard another album that is perhaps more thought through and in Sun,” and acts as a perfect counterpoint to the rest of the which Vedder has found himself – I could not shake the feeling album. This song resembles some of Pearl Jam’s compositions, that this album was very ‘half-baked.’ but as far as I’m concerned, it has never created such a I give it a 3. melodious and captivating album. For those doubting Vedder’s Final Grade: 9 / 20

2009

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ENTERTAINMENT

milliards d’Autres If you missed seeing this fabulous exhibition at the Grande Palais in Paris where people all over the world have been filmed revealing their innermost secrets, don’t despair, for much of it is now accessible on the internet. Better yet, instead of spending idle time on Facebook, visit the project’s website and Guestbook, where you can tell your story and leave a part of your personal journey behind for posterity. What exactly was this exhibition about? Six thousand video interviews of average people from varying cultures in 75 countries from all the continents revealed their joys, fears, and aspirations. Each person filmed was asked the same forty questions. It was fascinating to watch a 100 year old tribesman from Kenya answer the question “What does family mean to you.” He sounded a lot like Okonkwo in Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. For the question, “Quelle est selon vous le sens de la vie?” a young Turkish girl sounded much like Hamlet’s “to be or not to be” soliloquy. And a 20 year old girl in the United States described her life as existential, with television commercials crassly creating desires for products that nobody needs, and constantly pushing people, no matter how much they have, to constantly strive for “more, more, more.” She reminded me of Vladimir in Waiting for Godot. The exhibition was presented inside 27 yurts, each yurt having its own theme, be it God, Progress, War, or Forgiveness. The yurt which focused on Love, was, unsurprisingly, always filled to the brim. The Love reel ran for about 30 minutes, with about a minute per person. Some of the responses were hilarious, and with all the laughter, it was like being in a small cinema, only better, because we were seeing the lives of real people, not just the fictional creations of Hollywood. One of the most humorous moments occurred when one man confessed that he fell in love with his wife 24 years after he married her. Some of the tents covered material that was touching, even heart19

wrenching such as the many women who were prevented from obtaining an education, and refugees who fled from persecution and violence. One young man from Kosovo talked about surviving the bombardments of war when he was 15, and how he did not let it adversely affect him. A Frenchman talked about being reunited with his mother after World War II at the Hotel Lutecia in Paris, and how she was surprisingly carrying a French flag that she had sewn in secret while in a German prison. Many students at our school could have related to the discussions of nationality and identity. Is your country and identity the place where you are born, your passport, where you grew up, where you live now, your parents’ culture or something you create from a mix of all of these? When walking out of the exhibition, you feel like you have been on whirlwind holiday, jetting around the world, encountering people and places you never expected to see. The experience makes one really grateful for what one has, particularly after seeing an earnest woman from Africa describe that she was happy because she had clean water. It makes you want to go on a quest to understand rather than judge other people. The visit was a humbling and inspiring experience. After four hours of listening to hundreds of individuals, you realize the universality of life, and how similar we all are. Most women on all continents pinned their happiest moment to the birth of their child. This project was created by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, the originator of La Terre vue du ciel. After leaving Paris, the exhibition will make its way around the globe. A copy should then be placed in a museum or time capsule to ensure that it can be seen in 100 years. M. Bertrand, 60, said that through this multi-year project he “learned how to listen, not just hear.” He wants people to realize that “listening to others makes you a better person.” This project taught him that “everybody has something interesting to say,” and that there is good in every person. He hopes that other people will continue this project indefinitely. Maybe that person will be you. To participate, go to www.6milliardsdautres.org. Mary Ann Toman-Miller 1ºIB L E

B I L I N G U E

Le Bilingue Team Editor-in Chief Mary Ann Toman-Miller 1°IB School News Editor Michael Valinsky 2°3

Photo and Image Editor Sang-Hyeon Lee 1°IB

Staff Writers Juliette Benard Claire Berkowitz Thomas Boucher Dafna Gottesman Abboud Hammour Alexandre Laidet Yvette Lavelle Elisa Leser Alessandro Marazzi-Sassoon Patrick O’Neill Jou-Sung Park Come de Panisse-Passis Charlotte Terrien

Advisor Mrs. Elliot Le Clainche

Layout Assistant Aurore Courtois

Revision M. Aziz Bennis

Front Cover: Sunset sur La Conche Clement Tataru

New Centuries Issues Editor Carlo Fiorio 1°IB Opinion-Editorial Editor Annabelle Blackburn 2°3 Arts & Entertainment Editor Valentine Goldenberg 1°IB