Blog Masonry
Putting right accent on French culture
Anyone who feels uncomfortable in France (Franco-phobes excluded) ought to read Polly Platt. Her books, “French or Foe?” and “Savoir Flair! 211 Tips for Enjoying France and the French,” start with the premise that this is an excellent country, but it takes some getting used to.
"Fahrenheit 9/11" wins Cannes
U.S. director Michael Moore’s controversial anti-Bush documentary “Fahrenheit
9/11″ has won the Palme d’Or best film award at the Cannes film festival in an evening otherwise dominated by Asian films.
“What have you done? I’m completely overwhelmed by this,” an emotional Moore said in his acceptance speech on Saturday.
“The last time I was on an award stage in Hollywood, all hell broke loose,” he added with a laugh.
Moore won a special award in Cannes two years ago for his anti-gun documentary “Bowling for Columbine”, which went on to win an Oscar. Moore drew criticism for his extended acceptance speech in which he spoke out against President George W. Bush.
Cannes prepares for starry climax
Celebrities were expected to pour into Cannes on Saturday to mark the final
hours of this year’s film festival.
They were preparing for a glittering closing ceremony to honour one of 19
films vying for the Palme d’Or award.
Contenders for the Palme d’Or include 2046, by acclaimed Hong Kong director
Wong Kar-wai, French movie Look at Me, Emir Kusturica’s Life is a Miracle, and
The Motorcycle Diaries, a Brazilian film about Che Guevara.
Hollywood contenders include the animation Shrek 2 and The Ladykillers
starring Tom Hanks.
Appartments in the centre of Paris
Hi,
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Rgds,
Eyewitnesses fewer as France marks D-day
LISIEUX, France – The remembrance evening started with a head count: How many in the hall experienced the 1944 liberation of France? Of 400 people, barely three dozen hands went up.
“There aren’t many of us, are there?” said a hushed voice in the crowd.
In Lisieux, as in other Normandy towns that took the brunt of the D-day invasion 60 years ago, the dwindling number of townspeople who experienced it are rushing to preserve their memories in a world transformed.
For some, a German leader for the first time joining the VIPs at June 6 commemorations in Normandy will be jarring. Others will find it heartening — a symbol of a peaceful, united Europe risen from the ashes of World War II.
John Kerry or George Bush?
If the U.S presidency were dependent on France, who would win? John Kerry or George Bush? (I think I know the answer) Now that being said, if we suspend reality for a momemt and you were able to whisper in the ear of the Average American voter as he or she was in the voting booth, what would you say to the voters of the United States?
mailing luggage to France via UPS
We decided this year to ship our luggage to our vacation rental house because the connection in Paris ( to Montpellier) was too tight for the transfer. We went to UPS and they said no problem – they promised delivery to our doorstep within 4 to 5 business days of our arrival. The charge was $400.00. This turned into a nightmare – it took ten days and endless phone calls before a UPS truck finally arrived bearing ONE of our two bags. But the shocker was— There was an additional cost of $478.00
which we had to pay to the driver. He would not release the bag until he had the cash.
We have been unable to ascertain how customs arrived at this amount (the second bag arrived the next day and there was no charge).
Turbans banned from schools under new French law
Sikh schoolboys must exchange their turbans for a hair net when a new
law banning religious clothing in France’s public schools takes effect
in September.
The Sikh community was shocked yesterday when education minister Francois Fillon made the announcement.
He also confirmed Muslim girls could only wear bandannas in schools that allowed them.
Fillon spoke after education officials adopted – with some misgivings – a set
of guidelines to help school officials apply the law, which was enacted
in March after a marathon parliament debate.
French rock star in murder appeal
Cantat, 40-year-old lead singer of rock band Noir Desir, was found guilty of causing the death of Marie Trintignant.
He had told the court he slapped her several times during a jealous row; she died from head injuries a week later.
Ms Trintignant’s family believes Cantat’s sentence is too lenient and is asking for it to be increased.
The maximum sentence Cantat could receive from the court in Vilnius, Lithuania, is 15 years in prison.
The murder happened when the couple were staying at a
hotel in Vilnius last year, where Ms Trintignant was making a film
about the French literary heroine, Colette.
Favorite places in Normandy
Okay, Donerail is going to Normandy next November. Let’s all share our favorite places (and activities) in Normandy. There are the well touristed Mont St. Michel, Giverny, Bayeux and the WWII beaches. What other places have you found? What was your favorite?
Thanks.