News from France - vol. 08 08 October 2008

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A free monthly review of French news & trends

VOL. 08.08 OCTOBER 10, 2008

Europe Negotiates Peace Deal Between Georgia and Russia © Commission Européene

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, in his capacity as plan of August 12. President Sarkozy and his Russian counterPresident of the Council of the European Union, part approved a document confirming the conditions of the brokered a cease-fire between Georgia and Russia on August 12 plan, establishing the measures inter alia of withAugust 12,bringing an end to hostilities between the drawal of armed forces, international monitoring mechanisms, two countries. President Sarkozy traveled to both as well as international discussions. The French president was Russia and Georgia on August 13 to negotiate the accompanied by José Manuel Barroso, President of the terms for a peace plan with his Russian counterpart, European Commission, Javier Solana, High Representative for Dmitri Medvedev, and Prime Minister Vladimir the Common Foreign and Security Policy, and Bernard Putin. All of the six-point plan's provisions were Kouchner, French Minister of Foreign and European Affairs. agreed upon by Russian and Georgian authorities, The European Union is the guarantor of the principle of President Sarkozy, joined by José Barroso (left), meets with Russian President Medvedev (right) on in which all parties agree: not to use force; to end all non-use force, as outlined in the Agreement. On October 1, a September 8 in Moscow. military operations; to allow access for humanitaricontingent of more than 200 European monitors was deployed an aid; that Georgia's armed forces return to their permanent bases; Russia's armed forces to in Georgia. France, with 46 monitors, is one of the main contributors to the mission. withdraw from positions occupied prior to the onset of hostilities; and international negotiInternational discussions are scheduled to commence on October 15 in Geneva on the ations to be launched regarding the status of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, the two pro- arrangements for security and stability in the region,the issue of refugees and displaced perRussian separatist territories, and security in the region. sons, and any other issue by mutual agreement On September 8,President Sarkozy traveled to Moscow and Tbilisi to reaffirm the com- between the parties. For more information,please mitment of all the parties to implement the provisions of the Medvedev-Sarkozy six-point visit: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr.

INSIDE

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President Nicolas Sarkozy Leads the 63rd UN Opening Ceremony

2 Current Events Protecting Children in Cyberspace 3 France & America France Returns Lost WWII Relics to U.S. 4 Profile Industrial Tourism 5 Business & Tech The “Little Bang” 6 Society La Rentrée 7 Culture Medieval Heritage

© UN Photo Marco Castro

French President Nicolas Sarkozy delivered the always right was a mad idea." opening address at the 63rd Session of the United President Sarkozy also called on 8 Europe in America Celebrating European Nations General Assembly in New York, on leaders to confront environmental conUnity September 23. Addressing world leaders, the cerns such as saving the oceans, preFrench president called for reform of the global serving biodiversity, and the threat of institutions,citing,in particular,the need to enlarge global warming,declaring that "Europe the Security Council and G8 to include emerging will adopt an unprecedented raft of AMBASSADE DE FRANCE economic powers. He also spoke about restructurmeasures on energy and climate in AUX ETATS-UNIS ing the financial system to build a "regulated capiDecember. For Europe does not wish French President Nicholas Sarkozy talism in which whole swathes of financial activity delivers the opening address at the 63rd to teach lessons, it wishes to set the example."

Session of the U.N. General Assembly. are not left to the sole judgment of market operaUnderscoring the need to take action on humanitarian and political issues, tors." Such a system would engender "transparency of actions [that] replace opacity,in which the French president asserted that "we have a duty to act, not endure. And we can wait no modes of remuneration do not drive people to take unreasonable risks, in which those who longer. We are beginning to gauge the tragic consequences of having already waited too long. jeopardize people's savings are punished. We will succeed in this if we all work together," he To achieve peace, to end the tragedy in Darfur, to fight terrorism […] to avert the food cricontinued. "The 21st century cannot be governed with the institutions of the 20th century." sis which condemns so many men, women and children to die of hunger, we cannot wait."

Mr.Sarkozy reiterated the necessity to restructure financial markets and economic modAccompanied by 27 European Union foreign affairs ministers, President Sarkozy els in a speech in Toulon, France, on September 25, stating: "I am convinced that the prob- attended high-level events and discussions throughout the week ranging from alternalem is a deep-seated one and we need to rebuild the whole world financial and monetary sys- tive energy sources, to bringing together world leaders and members of the private sectem from scratch.[…] The idea of the absolute power of the markets that should not be con- tor to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. strained by any rule,by any political intervention,was a mad idea. The idea that markets are For more information, please visit: www.ambafrance-us.org.

En bref U.S. NAVY HOSTS FRENCH FIGHTER JETS FOR INTEROPERABILITY EXERCISES

©Mission Militaire

A French aircraft prepares to take off from the USS Roosevelt.

The U.S. Navy invited six French Navy Rafale and two E2C Hawkeye fighter aircraft to Norfolk from late June to early August. Part of a Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX 08) off the coast of Virginia, the French fighter pilots were welcomed while the French nuclear aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle undergoes a major overhaul. During that period, they spent a few days on board the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt for deck landing exercises. JTFEX 08 was conducted to ensure that the Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is ready for deployment.

Throughout the exercise, the French Navy fighter pilots received high praise from their American counterparts for their outstanding tactical skills. Upon completion of JTFEX 08, several U.S. Navy officers were awarded the French National Defense Medal, as well as letters of commendation by Vice Admiral Olivier de Rostolan, Commander of French Naval Aviation, for their thorough planning and conduct of the exercise, which helped further enhance the cooperation and interoperability between the U.S. and French Navies.

ONE-WEEK SCREENING OF ZIDANE DOCUMENTARY IN NYC As part of the Next Wave Festival in New York City, BAMcinématek in Brooklyn and Anthology Film Archives in Manhattan will hold week-long screenings of "Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait" from October 24 - 30. The 2007 César Award nominee for Best Documentary consists of a 90-minute soccer game (Real Madrid v. Villarreal), filmed from the perspective of legendary soccer icon Zinedine Zidane using 17 synchronized cameras. Directors Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parreno complemented the soundtrack by Scottish band Mogwai with the roar of 80,000 fans, the frenzied commentary of Spanish television announcers, and Zidane's own thoughts, voiced by the player himself.

Screened at the 2006 Toronto Film Festival, "Zidane" is considered both a film and a piece of artwork. Filmed in Spanish and French with English subtitles, the documentary appeals to soccer fans and film enthusiasts alike.

2 NEWS FROM FRANCE

[ Current Events ] France Acts to Protect Children from Cyberspace Threats As the school year begins for children the Web and are vulnerable to the across France, the government is millions of pornographic and druglaunching a new initiative to protect related images in circulation. them from the most dangerous conThe filters put in place by cybertent on the Internet. Nadine Morano, police will be minimally invasive and Secretary of State for Family Affairs, will target only explicit content danwill work with Minister of National gerous to children, much like the sysEducation Xavier Darcos to foster an tem Norway's Internet Service international security community Providers have already instituted. "I that will filter illicit depictions from am for liberty, but also for 'Rules of children, she announced during a Conduct' on the Internet," Morano September 2 interview with French told Le Figaro.

France supports an initiative to foster an newspaper Le Figaro. The policing Until this international protocol international security community that body took shape on September 18 at goes into effect, French parents are will filter illicit images. an informal meeting between being encouraged to keep an eye on Morano, Darcos, and their European counterparts to discuss the their children's computer screens. A brochure outlining "8 Tips objectives and means of cooperation involved in the effort, which to Protect Your Children on the Internet," part of an awareness may go into effect as soon as 2009. campaign launched by Ms. Morano and Mr. Darcos, has been According to Morano, 60 percent of youths ages 6 to 10 surf distributed to primary schools throughout France.

The EU Takes Measures to Combat Stereotypes in Advertising The European Parliament adopted a nonbinding resolution on September 4 discouraging the use of gender stereotypes by calling on European Union (E.U.) member states to monitor sexist and degrading images of women and men in marketing. According to Swedish member of the European Parliament EvaBritt Svensson, the author of the report, these images can "straitjacket women, men, girls and boys by restricting individuals to predetermined and artificial roles that are often degrading, humiliating, and dumbed down for both sexes."

From public spaces to the privacy of homes,advertisements can have a profound influence on society, Svensson asserts. Constantly viewing women and men portrayed in stereotypical ways may cause both males and females to find it increasingly difficult to apply their resources and abilities in non-traditional roles. The resolution maintains that the media should instead emphasize that The nonbinding resolution will discourage change in gender stereotypes is desirable, and endorses the creation of two offithe use of gender stereotypes in marketing. cial prizes — one awarded by individual member states' advertising industries, the other by the public — honoring advertisements that present progressive images of women and men.

The recent resolution is part of a growing response against commercials that affect self-esteem, particularly that of teenagers susceptible to eating disorders. Inspired by a proposal recently passed in the French National Assembly and pending approval in the Senate that imposes fines of up to 45,000 euros for Web sites or blogs that encourage unhealthy body image such as anorexia or bulimia (see NFF 08.04), the European Parliament is also calling on advertisers to carefully consider the use of extremely thin women to market products.

For more information, please visit: www.europarl.europa.eu.

Marseille Designated European Capital of Culture for 2013 The Council of the European Union formally designated Marseille as the European Capital of Culture for 2013 last month.

Along with its partner city, Košice in Slovakia, Marseille will organize intercultural dialogues that showcase local and foreign artists to support creative ingenuity.

An international jury unanimously selected the port city thanks to the cosmopolitan environment that has blended Mediterranean cultures since its foundation in 600 B.C.by the Greeks. Titled "EuroMediterranean Workshop," Marseille will host events over the next four years that develop Europe's partnerships with Northern Africa and support the Union for the Mediterranean, a partnership of countries bordering the sea that work together to address problems of common interest (see NFF 08.06).

The title of European Capital of Culture was created in 1985

© Marseille Office of Tourism

View of Marseille’s “Old Port.” The city of Marseille was formally designated in September as the European Capital of Culture for 2013.

to bring international attention to the cultural life of two selected cities each calendar year. Current holders are Liverpool in the United Kingdom and Stavanger in Norway.

[ France & America ] France Returns “Lost Battalion” WWII Belly Tanks to the U.S. Courtesy: Pacific Citizen

Almost 64 years ago in the Vosges Moutains of France, members of the Texas National Guard thought they would never break through the German forces alive.

After six days, rescue During WWII, the belly came from Japanesetanks were used to carry American soldiers of the extra fuel and supplies 442nd Regimental Combat to soldiers.

Team, who fought a grueling battle against the Germans up the mountain to locate their brothers-in-arms, who became known as the "Lost Battalion," losing as many soldiers as they ended up saving in the process.

In a demonstration of friendship and appreciation, France returned to the United States two recently discovered belly tanks delivered to the Lost Battalion during World War II.

Last year,while combing the Vosges on foot for artifacts from the era, Gérôme Villain of France stumbled upon the two rusted war relics,which had been used by the French 405th Fighter Squadron to airdrop supplies to the Lost Battalion before their rescue. Through a generous donation by FedEx and with the help of French officials one year later, the relics were delivered to the Texas Military Forces Museum in Austin, Texas, where a new exhibit featuring the tanks opened in July (www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org).

The two-day opening ceremony beginning on July 18 was a poignant affair,serving as the first congregation ever of veterans of the Lost Battalion, the 442nd RCT and the 405th Fighter Squadron, as well as representatives from the Vosges, whose residents cared for wounded U.S. soldiers during the war.

"I think it was very important to bring these belly tanks [back] home because these relics are very important," said Villain, who was present at the ceremony. "We don't want to forget all our liberators [have] done for us — our liberty,peace — and it was very important for us, to meet [the] veterans, to say to them,‘Merci.’"

PUF Second Call for Projects: Building French-US University Partnerships The Partner University Fund (PUF), a publicprivate partnership established in 2007 to promote innovative and sustainable partnerships between French and US institutions of research and higher education, is now accepting submissions for the 2008 Call for Projects.

Interested parties are invited to visit the PUF Web site at www.facecouncil.org/puf and apply before December 15, 2008.

PUF offers funding to multifaceted projects that foster the establishment of long-lasting partnerships (joint research, mobility of professors, students and post docs, shared curricula). Subject to annual review,PUF can co-finance a developing partnership for up to three consecutive years, at a level of up to $80,000 per year. The partnerships which will be selected by the Grant Selection Committee will collectively receive over $1 million for their first year of existence in academic year 2009-2010.

With close to 70 applications representing more than 130

French and American universities and research institutions in 2007,the results of the first Call for Projects confirmed both the readiness of institutions across the Atlantic to build a new generation of partnerships, and the innovative means for PUF to serve as the vehicle.

From physics to musical composition, and environmental science to business,PUF supports partnerships in a wide range of areas,such as "the Dual Ph.D Program in African Studies" between Northwestern University and Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (EHESS) and the "Research and educational partnership on Nanosciences and Nanotechnology" between the University of Texas, Austin, and Université Joseph Fourier Grenoble I. PUF, a program established under the auspices of the New York-based FACE foundation, is managed by a team at the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C., led by an executive director also serving as Cultural Attaché for Higher Education.

French Embassy Represents Europe in Arduous Relay Race In celebration of the rotating French presidency of the Council of the European Union,men and women representing the French Embassy in Washington,D.C.,ran a 181.1-mile relay that lasted over 24 hours.

Beginning in Cumberland, Maryland, the 12 made up one of over 100 teams that crossed the finish line in Arlington, Virginia, on September 27.The relay was the first of the Ragnar Relay Series in the Washington, D.C., area.

Sporting the colors of the Présidence Française de l'Union Européene (PFUE), the embassy representatives ran along the Potomac River, accompanied by two cyclists during the night to ensure the team's security. Varying in difficulty, each leg of the relay was a challenge to the athletes as they encountered rain, mud, and other stormy weather conditions. Each person accomplished three legs, translating into a total distance of about 15 miles. Inspired by similar relays in Texas, Arizona and Florida, the runners' slogan is "Run. Drive. Sleep? Repeat."

In the Ragnar Relay Series, each of the teams is responsible for providing two support vehicles,each containing six runners.The first

vehicle drops off the first athlete, providing water, snacks, and encouragement for several miles along the way.

The vehicle then ©Katherine Leonard proceeds to the Team Europe celebrates a successful Ragnar Relay Race. first exchange point to drop off the next person and picks up the first when his or her leg is complete. This pattern repeats itself throughout the course of the race. "It took a great deal of teamwork. It was not easy to be in a van together for 30 straight hours, barely getting any sleep, and encountering difficult weather conditions," noted one participant.

"During the race,everyone was thinking about the importance of finishing because we were a team, and the final result depended on the sum of all of our individual efforts.”

FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAMS IN NEW YORK CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Over 650 New York City students are expected to enroll in French-English duallanguage classes for this academic year, following the opening of the first such programs in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and on the Upper West Side in 2007. Officials predict that these French-English curricula will draw over 1,000 students by 2010. Intended to promote cross-cultural appreciation and academic success, the programs include dual-language classes in subjects such as math, social studies, and science. Heritage and afterschool courses are also available. The Embassy of France and the New York City Department of Education, along with the Alliance Française and Education Française à New York (EFNY), worked together to launch the French academic programs last year. The Embassy will additionally support the French language program in public schools by providing training for teachers and funds to buy books. With 31,000 children in New York City speaking French at home and the success of similar dual-language programs in Miami, Chicago, and Boston, French language training joined the ranks of courses instructed in Spanish, Chinese, and Russian in the city's public schools.

Designed for native English and French speakers alike, classes are taught in both languages, giving the students the opportunity to become bilingual.

CELEBRATING 225 YEARS OF FRENCH AND AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP

“The Treaty of Paris,” 1783, Anton Van Ysendyck

The Society of the Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution organized a four-day series of events, celebrating the centuries-old camaraderie and enduring friendship between France and the United States. Commemorating FrancoAmerican alliances during the American Revolution and WWI, French and American guests gathered last month in France, visiting such places as the Hall of Mirrors where the Treaty of Versailles was signed (ending WWI), and the former hotel where founding fathers of the U.S. affixed their names 225 years ago to the Treaty of Paris, ending the Revolutionary War. The festivities, which began on September 1, featured a welcome reception hosted by U.S. Ambassador to France Craig Stapleton, as well as visits to historic sites, including the Palace of Versailles and the beaches of Normandy.

Side by side, some even dressed in colonial garb, guests enjoyed other notable events such as the eternal-flame-reviving ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe.

NEWS FROM FRANCE 3

[ In Depth ] Industrial Tourism in France Provides Behind-the-Scenes Look into Commerce Consumers worldwide have long enjoyed the fruits of French labor, from rooms adorned with mosaics composed of the 27 legendary ingredients and observe brie de meaux cheese to Lacoste apparel. Now, 20 million tourists a year are Le Salon de Contrafaçons (Hall of Counterfeits) lined with scores of bottles of failed taking a closer look at how these prodimitation attempts. After passing the great copper stills ucts are made, as 1,400 French compaand inspecting the more technical aspects of the nies and industrial sites open their doors liqueur's creation, visitors are treated to a taste of the to the public. Industrial tourism is thrivfinished product in an indoor garden decorated with ing as visitors of all generations and 1920s Parisian art deco posters. nationalities flock to automotive factoCurious about how chèvre cheese arrives on your ries, power plants, and distilleries seeking plate, or how the ingredients that go into your first-hand knowledge about trades and favorite crêpes are cultivated? Visitors to France have regional culture. found the answers and learned more about the counThe rise of industrial tourism itself try's gastronomic heritage by vacationing at one of speaks volumes about 20th-century its over 5,500 farms open to agricultural tourism.

French history. A handful of companies Guests are invited to pitch into the daily activities, allowed public access to their facilities as becoming temporary farm hands during their rural early as the inter-war years; Peugeot first stays. But those that shy away from stomping grapes With over 5,500 farms in France, agritourism allows welcomed visitors to its Sochaux producand milking goats can enjoy tasting France's freshest tion plant in 1930. Serious public interest tourists to experience first-hand the art of cheese- and produce all the same. Agritourism invites visitors wine-making, and much more. in the mysteries of French businesses, not only to experience the labor that makes French however, began during the period of industrial renewal following World food unique, but also to discover the history behind the techniques that have tickWar II. The most dynamic corporations, eager to display their know-how led the palette for ages. during the reconstruction of the French economy, actively invited guests in large numbers by the late 1940s.

Since then, many businesses have used this increased attention to enhance customer relations and publicity. "Communication with the genOnce the heart of France's coal production, the Nord-Pas de Calais region has eral public is part of the specifications of some companies such as EDF become a hub for tourists seeking insight into the mining industry's 300 years of (Electricité de France), and it has met with immediate success," notes history. The country's largest historic mining center sits atop the former Delloye Bertrand Labes, author of Le Guide des sites industriels et techniques (The colliery in the village of Lewarde; there, former coal miners escort groups through Guide to Industrial and Technological Sites). the dim shafts and underground galleries where thousands of laborers dug every Though tours are usually free, they serve companies well. Businesses day from 1930 to 1971. Along the way, visitors learn about the immense hazards of seize the opportunity to establish their brand image, attract new customers, coal mining up through the early 20th century, including the harsh conditions and build consumer confidence in their products. "For companies, it is very immortalized by Emile worthwhile and some industries may well develop it even further," said Zola's "Germinal." As Noël Le Scouarnec, manager of the Design and Research Office of the guests venture back up Department of Tourism. He added, "Making French technology known to the light of day, their helps raise France's profile." ex-miner guides lead As companies invite guests to explore their facilities, they encourage them through other education about the region's industrial and economic heritage. Production facilities, including the sites like Strasbourg's Kronenburg breweries, built in 1664, boast rich hisshowers, the infirmary, tories and provide insight into the development of France's modern econand the "hanging room" omy. At the same time, Brittany's Rance tidal power plant, which draws for helmets and clothes. over 200,000 tourists each year, is a testament to French technological Versed with a vivid progress in the field of renewable energy today. understanding of the This well-preserved wheel once powered the Popular among French citizens, industrial tourism has also drawn history and evolution cages that transported men and materials into international attention. France's Office of Tourism is developing a working of coal mining in the the coal mine at Lewarde. group with neighboring countries to better cater to the strong interest region, tourists also expressed by Belgian, British, and German visitors in French companies. In discover the history of coal itself, as told with the aid of fossils unearthed in the colNovember, the Second European Congress of Industrial Tourism will conliery throughout its decades of operation. vene in Toledo, Spain, to expand upon this burgeoning trend.

Art enthusiasts have found that there is more to the Louvre than its magnificent public collections. In the museum's casting workshop, highly skilled artists labor to provide other galleries and the Ecoles des Beaux Arts with nearly flawless duplicates of renowned sculptures — including the defects and imperfections they have sustained over time. Easily mistakable for the ateliers of some of the world's most renowned artists, the workshop proves an ideal place to learn about sculpture and In Normandy, a mix of artistic interest and historical curiosity draws visitors to the techniques used in making a perfect replica. Visitors view first-hand the artists the Benedictine Palace at Fécamp. Renowned on one hand for its extravagant at work, as they first produce casts in bronze, plaster, clay and resin and then finish blend of Gothic and Renaissance décor, the palace also houses the copper stills them with sheens of marble, polychrome wood, and glaze. On the tour, guests are responsible for producing Bénédictine liqueur, a spirit concocted there in 1510 free to explore the extensive stockrooms, where the likenesses of sculptures by masby Dom Bernardo Vincelli. The recipe for the drink, consisting of 27 different ters from Michelangelo to Rodin rest. herbs and spices, is such a closely guarded trade secret that allegedly only three For more information on tourism in France, please visit: www.franceguide.com. people know it at a time. While no trade secrets are divulged, guests explore

... to Mining and Designing

From Wining and Dining...

4 NEWS FROM FRANCE

European Researchers Aim to Understand the Universe's Secrets

© Cern

CERN engineers make the final preparations for the “Little Bang.”

Scientists attempted to unlock the secrets of the universe on September 10 at a research laboratory 325 feet below the French-Swiss border.

Using a 17-mile underground ring that collides protons at nearly the speed of light, researchers at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) aimed to recreate the conditions thought to exist 10 milliseconds after the Big Bang, a massive explosion that some theorize created the universe 12 to 15 billion years ago. Dubbed "Little Bang," the first run last month was the culmination of 14 years of development and at a cost of nearly $8 billion — making the experiment the most expensive in history and requiring the intellectual resources of nearly 350 scientists from 20 countries. When running at full capacity, the machine is expected to be the fastest proton accelerator on Earth, surpassing the one at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York.

Since its inception in 1954, CERN has produced numerous scientific achievements. In 1984, two CERN researchers received the Nobel Prize in science for discovering W and Z particles, the debris left behind when particles collide. Several years later CERN scientist Tim Berners-Lee developed the foundation for the Internet, including fundamental elements such as "http" and "html" routing.

French Scientists Develop Measures to Thwart Counterfeit Wine A British rare wine merchant and French nuclear scientists have teamed up to invent a 21st-century technique that can be used to crack down on vintage wine fraud.

The scientists focused on identifying counterfeit bottles rather than wine; by zapping bottles with ion beams, they discovered, it is possible to determine when and where they were created. The bottles in question are then compared with those that are known to come from established châteaux. "The chemical composition of glass used to make bottles changed over time and was different from place to place," said Hervé Guegan, a researcher at the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS).

The scientists have been conducting research for the technique since 2005, after the London-based Antique Wine

Company, which has thousands of clients throughout the world, approached the CNRS with the problem of counterfeit wine in mind.

"We handle more old wine than most, and due diligence into provenance is very high on our agenda," said Stephen Williams, director of the Antique Wine Company.

The task at hand now, before the technique can become practical, is to work with the various châteaux to compile a database with information about authentic wine bottles. A fraudulent winedetecting service should be available by the end of November.

Other techniques that have been developed in the past to unveil counterfeit wine masquerading as vintage include searching for watermarks and holograms on labels as well as analyzing bar codes and UV-sensitive markings.

© Courtesy of DC Central Kitchen

This Holiday Season, Charity Never Tasted So Good

Gérard Bertholon of Cuisine Solutions prepares a meal that will be sold as part of the fundraiser.

Frenchman Stanislas Vilgrain, CEO of Cuisine Solutions, Inc., is making sure everyone eats well this holiday season in Washington, D.C., with a new charity initiative dubbed "Eating Local, Doing Good." Vilgrain is partnering with Washington chefs to raise $1 million for the District's homeless food kitchen, D.C. Central Kitchen. Six celebrated chefs, including fellow Frenchman Michel Richard of Citronelle, will each prepare frozen meals to be available at local grocery stores from November 1 to December 31. Washingtonians will be treated to striped bass, butternut squash ravioli, and chicken sofrito among other dishes for less than $10 a meal. In addition, local producers within 200 miles of the city will provide all the ingredients for the gourmet menu, making this fundraising program a community-wide effort.

Vilgrain pioneered the use of "sous-vide" (under vacuum) for frozen food preparation in the United States. Based on a cooking method used in France to prepare foie gras, "sous-vide" has become popular for both preserving large quantities of food and preparing repasts at elite restaurants.

Ingredients are vacuum sealed in plastic and cooked at low temperatures in water, allowing the elements to retain and develop their distinct flavors, after which they can be flash frozen and reheated while still maintaining their optimal taste, color, and texture.

FRENCH COMPANY ROLLS OUT TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVE © Muriel Chaulet

[Business and Technology ]

“Cydos” offer an eco-friendly and cost-efficient means of transport.

This summer French company Cyclopolitain released a new generation of bicycles that aim to spark a transportation revolution. Called "Cyclos," the electrically powered bikes resemble compact golf carts that have the capacity to transport up to two people and navigate traffic much like a motorcycle. For roughly the same price as a Parisian metro ticket, patrons can be chauffeured around town by an experienced driver. Cyclopolitain is particularly targeting grocery shoppers. In Lyon, the company has teamed up with a public affairs firm to promote the eco-friendly taxis among 170 local grocery stores by offering free rides until October 16. "People lose both time and money taking their cars to go shopping on busy days," notes a proponent. Indeed, the service offers an environmentally-friendly alternative that allows patrons to enjoy the open air and take in the sights of the town.

FRANCE OFFERS "GREEN" INTEREST-FREE LOANS FOR HOMES Beginning January 1, France will offer interest-free loans to promote home energy efficiency. The initiative aims to encourage private homeowners to invest in green technology, such as thermal insulation and renewable heating systems. Homeowners must apply to a bank to qualify for the loan of up to 30,000 euros and be able to repay the principal sum over seven to eight years. The government will subsidize the accrued interest.

This incentive is the latest of France's efforts to encourage citizens to reduce their ecological footprint. Past initiatives of this campaign included a system in which sales tax on the purchase of low emission cars was reduced, while buyers of heavy polluting vehicles were penalized with higher taxes. (See NFF 08.08) Using a similar system, the French government established interest-free loans of up to 10,000 euros in April to encourage the public to buy more works of art. These loans provide incentive for individuals who are not in the habit of purchasing original art to invest in culture — an adaptation of successful programs in Britain and the Netherlands.

NEWS FROM FRANCE 5

DAYTIME LOVE IN THE CITY OF LIGHT

[ Society ]

TRACE YOUR FRENCH HERITAGE Perhaps you are one of the 10.6 million Americans who can trace their ancestry back to France. With help from Maison de la France, the official tourism office of France in the United States, you can trace your family lineage back to the exact French region and town where your forefathers lived before coming to North America. This new program matches surnames against American, Canadian, and French ship records of passengers bound for the New World during the 1600s, 1700s, and 1800s. France's presence in Canada and the United States predates the founding of either nation. It officially began in 1608, when French explorer Samuel de Champlain founded the first city in "New France," now present-day Quebec. During the 17th and 18th centuries many Frenchmen traveled to America to benefit from the lucrative fur trade and later brought over their families, transforming frontier outposts into cosmopolitan cities. Throughout the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, hundreds of thousands of their descendants emigrated from Canada to New England, upstate New York, Louisiana and Michigan, contributing to the diverse makeup of the United States. For more information (and to discover your French heritage), please visit: www.franceguide.com.

6 NEWS FROM FRANCE

France Continues its Athletic Excellence in Beijing

Armaud Assoumani wins the gold in the Men's Long Jump during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

Building on their country's more than 100 years of participation and success at the Olympic Games, French athletes summoned winning performances in Beijing this year, both in August's Summer Games and during the Paralympics last month.

France's 40 medals in August's competition, seventh in the overall tally, included seven golds for events as diverse as fencing, handball, swimming, and cycling. Swimming icon Alain Bernard took home a gold, silver, and bronze.

The French contingent at the Paralympics — the elite sport events for athletes from six different disability groups — was equally decorated. Following dominant showings from athletes like Armaud Assoumani in the Men's Long Jump and wheelchair fencer Laurent François, France claimed 12 golds among its total of 52 medals. David Smetanine, who became partially quadriplegic following a car accident in 1995, matched Bernard's Olympic feat by winning gold in the 100-meter freestyle and added another victory in the 50-meter.

In 1894, Frenchman Pierre Frédy, Baron de Coubertin revived the ancient Greek tradition and launched the modern Olympic Games. His ideology, that "the important thing is not to win, but to take part," resonated in Beijing as 205 National Olympics Committees sent teams to vie for gold in August and as athletes of all capacities competed at the Paralympics.

GO...GO...GADGET...

Francophiles and gadget aficionados alike can now find a common outlet for their passion at lebloggadget.com, a French source for the latest scoop on the tech world. This blog explores the latest gadgets and technology throughout the world, and serves as an interactive forum in which other techenthusiasts can share insights and reviews. Lebloggadget.com is one of over 20 online public forums that compose French umbrella organization Social Media Group. Since 2004,

this company has provided the online community with news on topics ranging from automobiles to cosmet-

©www.lebloggadget.com

Popular American soap opera The Young and the Restless will commemorate 35 years of daily drama with a new storyline filmed for the first time ever in Paris. Scheduled for this October, the onlocation shoot will also celebrate the show's upcoming 20th anniversary on French television network TF1, where it began broadcasting in 1989 under the title Les Feux de l'Amour (The Fires of Love). The Young and the Restless is currently the highest-rated daytime drama in America and has received the highest viewer ratings for its category since 1988 — a more than 1000-week streak. The show follows the feud between two wealthy families in charge of competing cosmetic companies and centers on an arrogant billionaire, Victor Newman, and his rash playboy rival, Jack Abbott.

While fans will not get a hint of the new plot until it airs in November, speculation suggests that sultry businesswoman Ashley Abbott will recover from her failed engagement and finally find her soul mate along the banks of the Seine.

© F. de la Mure

The cast of The Young and the Restless begins filming in Paris this October.

Late August and early September scoring the importance of la is a period known as "la rentrée" rentrée scolaire to families. in France. This all-encompassing La rentrée is also a particuterm applies equally to educalarly important time for French tion, politics, culture, and other publishers. Nearly 700 French aspects of society. The idea of "la books are slated for release in rentrée" derives from the French autumn for this year's "rentrée verb "rentrer" meaning "to littéraire." The French newspareturn" and describes the per Le Figaro compiled a "not "going back" mentality of citito miss" list of new publicazens preparing to leave behind tions. One of the most highly the summer months and shift anticipated books on the list is 12 million students headed back to school in into a new year. This time proCatherine Cusset's novel "Un France on September 2 for la rentrée scolaire. vides a fresh start to citizens brillant avenir" ("A Brilliant young and old, whether they embark upon a new routine or Future"), which traces an Eastern European refugee's arduous head back to the familiar rigors of work and school. passage to the United States.

On September 2, French schools opened their doors to Moviegoers were able to take advantage of discounted welcome 12 million anxious students returning from two prices during this year's "rentrée du cinéma," which ran from months of summer vacation. "La rentrée scolaire" encompass- September 14 - 23 at select cinemas throughout France. es not only the first day of class but the entire "back to school During this period, over 5,300 theaters sold half-price tickets process," including brushing up on summer reading and buy- to such new releases as "Cherry Blossoms," the critically ing the year's school supplies. Many parents even take the day acclaimed drama about a family coping with a terminally ill off of work to share the experience with their children, under- loved one.

© The Beijing Org. Committee of the XXIX Olympiad

© Kristi Fritts

La Rentrée Marks the Start of a New Year in France

Lebloggadget.com is a French source that explores the latest trends in the world of technology.

ics in French, English, and German.

Major topics discussed last month included the release of upgraded versions of media players by Apple and Sony which, according to the blog, reflect the industry's push to provide consumers with portable and feature-packed media devices.

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, lebloggadget.com provides a stable way of staying up to date.

News From France does not endorse the content, views, and opinions of authors expressed in the aforementioned Web sites.

Medieval Festivals Embrace Cultural Heritage In 1960, several hundreds years later, the National Committee for Olympics and French Sports (CNOSF) officially recognized boat jousting as a sport. Since then, the French Federation of Jousting and Nautical Rescue (FFJSN), comprising more than 30 clubs nationwide, has held competitions and tournaments throughout France.

The goal of the contest, much like on horses, is to strike one's opponent with a large pike before he attacks first. Although there exist several styles, a traditional competition consists of two boats Two nautical jousters in the south of France engage in battle—and a sport dating back to the Middle Ages. carrying up to 10 rowers. A musician on board Festivals across France celebrating the country's medieval history sets the rowers’ pace (though some boats now use motors draw thousands of visitors each year. With its plethora of instead of oars), as a tillerman steers the boat. An armed medieval castles and villages as backdrops for traditional games "knight," dressed in white, stands on a tintaine — a platform and activities, France is an ideal setting to take a step back in time. extending from the back of the boat approximately 10 feet One way that cities throughout France embrace their cultur- above water. Equipped with no armor except for a shield, he al heritage is by feting historic icons and traditions of their region. stands ready to knock his opponent off of the tintaine, down Joan of Arc, for example, is one of the prominent figures in to the water as soon as the boats converge.

French medieval history, and cities such as Rouen host festivals Any mistake by the boat's crew or a split-second error in judgeach summer commemorating the life of the warrior-saint who ment by the jouster,might prove very costly."By the end of a joust helped liberate their cities from the English in the 15th century. you might have bruises on your chest, your side," remarks Rouen's Joan of Arc festival,which takes place annually on the Mickael Arnau, a 28-year-old jouster in the annual St. Louis boat last weekend of May, celebrated its 579th anniversary this year. jousting festival in Sète, France. "I've broken my nose, had three Featuring local pottery vendors dressed in traditional garb as well stitches in the face." as roasted game and other foods typical of the era, the festival The St. Louis festival, which dates back to 1666, is one of the looks and feels authentic. In addition to sword fights and jousting largest festivals in the world celebrating the medieval sport. competitions, the festival culminates with a large banquet held in Located in the sea port of Sète, about 15 miles southwest of honor of the historic figure.

Montpellier, thousands of spectators flock to the city to watch While cities such as Rouen celebrate Joan of Arc's legacy, port local jousters battle in what many consider to be the World Cup towns and villages explore the maritime heritage of ancient com- of boat jousting. bat traditions.

In villages such as Sète, jousters are considered local celebriThough boat jousting's roots can be traced to ancient ties. "The guy who wins the St. Louis tournament ... becomes a Egypt, medieval crusaders allegedly began jousting on boats star, a local idol to the kids," says Germinal Rausa, president of a while their ships were moored at sea as an innovative means league consisting of seven jousting clubs in southern France. "It's of practicing combat drills when access to land was limited. for glory, it's for honor, like in the days of the chevaliers."

Former Stronghold Enjoys Nearly 20 Years in International Limelight The granite and lime1,300 episodes filmed on stone stronghold of Fort location since the show's Boyard, once a symbol inception in 1989. of the France's military An unconventional might, has become an guardian of historic monunlikely center of uments, it was television international attenthat saved the fortification tion, bringing togethfrom being deserted at er countries from sea. First conceived by Left: designed like a warship, Fort Boyard has a total of 74 scuttles, all of which originally had a cannon behind them. across the world to use Louis XIV, the garrison Right: in the Treasure Room, teams must pass difficult timed the fortification as the was considered impossichallenges that play on contestants' worst fears. backdrop for endurance ble to build and construcgames that test the agility and fortitude of its contestants. tion did not begin until the early 19th century under Napoleon "Fort Boyard," a French game show first televised nearly 20 Bonaparte. But when finally completed in 1857, advancements in years ago, earned immediate cult status. Foreign broadcasters long-range cannon technology rendered the structure obsolete. quickly began airing dubbed versions of the show and filming pro- Briefly used as a prison for foreign soldiers,the stronghold was soon grams with as diverse and intense challenges as scaling the garri- abandoned to be battered by storms. It was not until the late 1980s son's exterior walls and swimming through a pool of earthworms that Jacques Antoine of Adventure Line Productions bought and in the interior court. To date, "Fort Boyard" and spinoff programs renovated the fort for his new adventure game that the historic are broadcast in 27 countries and in 21 languages with more than landmark became a household name.

les coups d’oeil AMERICAN CONTEMPORARY ART STORMS VERSAILLES Metallic bunnies, s t e e l hearts, and inflatable lobJeff Koons' "Split sters will Rocker" is on grace the display in former resVersailles' gardens. idence of France's nobility until mid-December this year. American pop artist Jeff Koons is displaying 17 masterpieces from his three decades of work against an unlikely background—the royal apartments and gardens of the Palace of Versailles located just west of Paris. This is Koons's first showing in France and an expansion of "Versailles Off," which has previously exhibited contemporary art at Versailles. While working as a Wall Street broker in the 1970s, Koons captured the New York art scene with his metallic reinterpretations of daily objects. Today his work has become extremely popular, evident by the $23.4 million winning bid last November for his nine-foot brilliant pink sculpture, "Hanging Heart," which made Koons the most sought after living artist. This work, currently displayed in the stairway leading to Marie Antoinette's private suite, is joined by the exhibition's centerpiece, "Split-Rocker," a topiary sculpture in the palace's gardens constructed with 100,000 live flowers and inspired by Louis XIV.

© Jeff Koons

[Cultural Highlights ]

ESSAY COMPETITION TO WIN A TRIP TO FRANCE Soon, several high school students from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, could find themselves on a one-week trip to France at the cost of only 500 words. Celebrating France's presidency of the European Union, the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, the French-American Chamber of Commerce, FrenchAmerican Foundation, and the Alliance Française organized "Concours sur l'Europe," an essay competition that asks, "What does the European Union mean to you?" Submissions, due November 3, can be written in French or English and in either poetry or prose. Winners will be announced two weeks later on the Teach Europe Web site. At the award ceremony in December, 10 students will receive a week-long trip to France and three finalists will enjoy an expansive tour of the country.

Forty additional students will win a luxury gift bag of French products. For more information, please contact: www.frenchculture.org.

NEWS FROM FRANCE 7

[Europe in America] Celebrating European Unity

Over 60 of the world's top young tennis players are heading to D.C., for the Junior Ambassadors Tennis Cup, which debuts this year in the nation's capital. Hosted by Jacques Laurent, founder of the BNP Paribas Cup in Paris, the intercultural tournament will be held at the William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center on November 1-4. For more information, visit: www.worldclasstennistour.com.

News from FRANCE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emmanuel Lenain EDITORS Valérie Luebken, Luis Vassy MANAGING EDITOR Thomas Rottcher SENIOR WRITERS Daniel Bliss, Michele Hong WRITERS Andrew Levine, Katherine Leonard, Luke O’Donnell To change your address, subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact: NEWS FROM FRANCE FRENCH EMBASSY PRESS & I N F O R M AT I O N S E R V I C E 4101 Reservoir Road, NW Washington, DC 20007-2182 Tel: (202) 944-6060 Fax: (202) 944-6072 E-mail: info@ambafrance-us.org http://www.ambafrance-us.org http://www.ue2008.fr

With France taking the helm of the Presidency of the European judicial proceedings, both civil and criminal; all countries have to Council in July, a series of educational lectures, conferences, and mutually and instantly recognize each other's legal decisions; and the events exploring the international unity, history and workings of the judges and prosecutors themselves should be trusted and have faith European Union (E.U.) have been organized throughout the U.S. in one another. "[The E.U. is] a unique enterprise in which we have Two prominent French figures spoke recently at the Residence of seen sovereign states that have fought against each other for so many France in the framework of the French Embassy's "Lectures on centuries [...] decide after the bloodiest war that the page should be Europe" series, in which several European turned," Robert Badinter said. "The wind officials are invited to the United States to of necessity calls for this unification of explore the objectives of a unified Europe European justices." Mr. Badinter complewithin the context of France's presidency. mented his discussions at the Residence Former French prime minister with an address at Georgetown University Edouard Balladur visited Washington, the following day.

D.C., from September 8-11 to discuss the The lectures can be viewed on the new level of global cooperation he would Embassy of France’s Web site: www.ambafrance-us.org. like to see with France leading the E.U. In September, the Délégation Speaking to members of the press, the Générale de l'Alliance Française (DGAF) think tank community, and US govern- © Thomas Rottcher French Sen. Robert Badinter, renowned also coordinated several educational and ment officials at the Residence of France, for abolishing capital punishment in cultural events on Europe throughout the Balladur described his vision of a "Western union," or a robust partnership France, speaks at the Residence of France. United States.Celebrating the unity of the between the European Union and the United States, as well as his rich and distinct cultures of the European Union, the Embassy of latest book, "For a Union of the West," which was recently translat- France and the Alliance Française held an all-day forum on ed into English. "Europe has no better ally than the United States September 8 at the Maison Française, beginning with a talk on the and vice versa," he said. Mr. Balladur also added that this dialogue latest standards of teaching and learning European languages,which would be made possible by regular meetings between American was opened by French Ambassador to the United States Pierre and EU officials every three months to discuss their joint interests Vimont. The afternoon consisted of various roundtables on the lanand solutions to international conflicts.The former prime minister guages of Europe, as well as a session on fellowship and scholarship complemented his discussion at the Residence with another at opportunities for American students.

In addition, from October 13-30, Jacques Andréani, former Johns Hopkins's School of Advanced International Studies, and met with several high-level US government officials during his stay French ambassador to the United States, will tour the United States to celebrate the French presidency of the European Union.The conin D.C., including Secretary of State Rice.

Two weeks later, on September 24, French Senator Robert ferences, hosted by the DGAF with the support of the French Badinter also delivered a speech at the Residence of France regarding Embassy and the general consulates, will discuss the changes France the creation of a common European justice system. Having previ- hopes to instill: world leadership; free trade, the market economy, ously served as the French minister of justice, Minister Badinter is and globalization; and the unification of Europe.For more informaperhaps best known for having abolished capital punishment in tion on this event as well as others, please visit: www.alliance-us.org.

Supplementing the schedule of lectures and forums, a true celeFrance in 1981.During his address,Mr.Badinter stressed the importance of implementing a transnational judicial structure for the bration of Europe took place in style on September 19 with "Euro European Union based on the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Night: Closer to the Stars" at the Maison Française, during which Three steps are necessary,he said,to take to create a universal EU jus- embassies of the E.U. came together to showcase their cultures and tice: A European public prosecutor must be authorized to control traditional culinary specialties, as well as the harmony of the E.U.

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