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(12/11/09 4:37am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Ahh, Paris. The charm, the history, the beauty – could this city get any better? I submit that it could not. Nicolas Sarkozy would disagree. And if he has his way, the city will undergo some drastic changes and restructuring – changes the likes of which have not been seen in Paris in more than 150 years. Sarkozy is currently looking to undertake a major project aimed at expanding Paris to include its large, impoverished surrounding suburbs. At the same time, the project will rejuvenate and modernize the city. Oh, and it will aim to be eco-friendly, too. Gee, Sarkozy, ambitious much?The city center of Paris (also called the “peripherique”) has about 2 million inhabitants, while the surrounding suburbs (also called the “banlieues”) have more than 6 million.These two areas have been fairly disconnected due to the lack of public transportation between the two, as well as the different local governing bodies. In the past, this division has even been the cause of some unrest, such as the riots of 2005, which took place in the housing projects outside of the city. Nevertheless, Sarkozy is thinking big – New York City/London/Tokyo big.France’s president envisions a Paris that will rival said metropolises and has dubbed this planned urban expansion “Greater Paris.”He has even commissioned 10 prominent architects to begin work on plans to bring his vision to life. He has also been speaking with sociologists and city planners for several months, trying to get his plans in motion.Currently, the main issue that stands in the way of the realization of “Greater Paris” is transportation. Currently, the Metro line operates within the Paris city limits and does not extend into the suburbs. Plans propose beginning Metro construction in 2012 (just in time for Sarkozy’s re-election campaign, I might add), with the expansion reaching completion around 2017.In addition to the improved Metro system, Sarkozy also proposes adding a train line that circles the city. This will expedite the commute for those living in the surrounding suburbs. Plus, the line will connect with both main airports, aiding tourism. And speaking as someone who has had the great misfortune of traveling to the terribly inconvenient Beauvais airport, trust me, this train line sounds like a really great idea.While Sarkozy’s plans to make Paris more modern and inclusive have a great deal of potential, some unanswered questions remain.One very important consideration that has not been fully fleshed-out is how this project will be funded. The transportation project alone is projected to cost $47 million. But who can really put a price on the mark that Sarkozy stands to make on Paris?Another consideration is the effect this project will have on the government structure. It is likely that the many local governing bodies of the surrounding suburban towns will lose some power to Sarkozy in the process.Legislation to bring about Sarkozy’s vision of “Greater Paris” is just now beginning to take form. Issues are being debated, and it is clear that it will be a long time before improvements begin.As Paris gets a proverbial facelift, I just hope that it does not lose its distinct charm. Paris is unlike anywhere else in the world, and I do hope that precautions are made to keep its heritage and unique qualities amid all these changes.Sarkozy is currently looking to undertake a major project aimed at expanding Paris to include its large, impoverished surrounding suburbs. At the same time, the project will rejuvenate and modernize the city. Oh, and it will aim to be eco-friendly, too. Gee, Sarkozy, ambitious much?The city center of Paris (also called the “peripherique”) has about 2 million inhabitants, while the surrounding suburbs (also called the “banlieues”) have more than 6 million.These two areas have been fairly disconnected due to the lack of public transportation between the two, as well as the different local governing bodies. In the past, this division has even been the cause of some unrest, such as the riots of 2005, which took place in the housing projects outside of the city. Nevertheless, Sarkozy is thinking big – New York City/London/Tokyo big.France’s president envisions a Paris that will rival said metropolises and has dubbed this planned urban expansion “Greater Paris.”He has even commissioned 10 prominent architects to begin work on plans to bring his vision to life. He has also been speaking with sociologists and city planners for several months, trying to get his plans in motion.Currently, the main issue that stands in the way of the realization of “Greater Paris” is transportation. Currently, the Metro line operates within the Paris city limits and does not extend into the suburbs. Plans propose beginning Metro construction in 2012 (just in time for Sarkozy’s re-election campaign, I might add), with the expansion reaching completion around 2017.In addition to the improved Metro system, Sarkozy also proposes adding a train line that circles the city. This will expedite the commute for those living in the surrounding suburbs. Plus, the line will connect with both main airports, aiding tourism. And speaking as someone who has had the great misfortune of traveling to the terribly inconvenient Beauvais airport, trust me, this train line sounds like a really great idea.While Sarkozy’s plans to make Paris more modern and inclusive have a great deal of potential, some unanswered questions remain.One very important consideration that has not been fully fleshed-out is how this project will be funded. The transportation project alone is projected to cost $47 million. But who can really put a price on the mark that Sarkozy stands to make on Paris?Another consideration is the effect this project will have on the government structure. It is likely that the many local governing bodies of the surrounding suburban towns will lose some power to Sarkozy in the process.Legislation to bring about Sarkozy’s vision of “Greater Paris” is just now beginning to take form. Issues are being debated, and it is clear that it will be a long time before improvements begin.As Paris gets a proverbial facelift, I just hope that it does not lose its distinct charm. Paris is unlike anywhere else in the world, and I do hope that precautions are made to keep its heritage and unique qualities amid all these changes.
(11/20/09 5:04am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Paris government officials are now urging the public to fulfill their patriotic duty – go shopping.Paris has long been synonymous with fashion, but it seems that its reign as the fashion capital of the world is in danger. Last week it was announced that France would literally campaign to entice more shoppers after Christmas. The goal is to increase retail sales in the hopes of supporting the economy and regaining the reputation of the world’s premier fashion capital, a reputation Paris used to very clearly dominate. Lately, however, there has been much competition for the title of premier shopping capital of the world. Cities like London, Dubai, New York City and Milan are all giving Paris a run for its money.Since 2007, the city council, chamber of commerce and national tourism associations have gathered to plan a campaign to revive Paris shopping after the holidays. However, this year they will be stepping up the campaign.To kick things off, there will be five opening ceremonies taking place in the main shopping areas of the city – Abbesses, Saint-Germain-des-Pres, Saint Paul, Madeleine and Palais Royal. Additionally, the first four days of the sale feature concierge services, free gifts and special reductions. The primary goal is to attract more shoppers and tourists during the month of January, when tourism and retail sales typically drop. The annual event to increase post-Christmas sales is known as “Soldes by Paris” (Sales by Paris).This year, to make the event a success, the organizing parties have arranged extra incentives for people to visit the city, such as special deals on accommodations and tourist sights. Hotels, restaurants, museums and popular sightseeing destinations are all taking part in this month-long campaign to bolster Parisian retail sales.The Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau assist travelers in trip planning to help visitors make the most of their shopping experience, which bolsters the French economy. This is the first year that Sales by Paris will be partnering with Institut de la Conciergerie Internationale to help tourists navigate the city and shop, shop and shop some more.Each year, Paris has about 29 million visitors, of which many bring their Am Ex and appetite for shopping. It’s no secret that Paris is fashion nirvana, but it is a lesser known fact that January promises some of the best sales of the year; retailers, both large and small, offer sales between 20 to 50 percent off during the month.Sales of Paris begins right after Christmas and continues through January, but the best time to catch the sales is Jan. 6-9, when discounts are at their lowest markdowns. While it might seem a bit odd that this is such a big deal, fashion is truly an integral part of the French culture. France’s role in the fashion world is a mark of pride to its people. Moreover, while it might seem a bit strange that government officials are actually working to help promote a massive post-Christmas sale, it makes sense from a pragmatic standpoint. The revenue generated by retail and tourism in France is significant. To the French, it is not about frivolous shopping. It’s about supporting their country’s heritage and industry. And that is something I will happily buy into.
(11/12/09 11:58pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>PARIS“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”–Ernest Hemmingway, “A Moveable Feast”Dining in France is an experience unlike anything else. It is clear the French have a great reverence for food and dining. French cuisine is strongly influenced by the different regions of France, and a great deal of pride goes into preparing the dishes.Diet habits have changed over time, but the French have never ceased to hold a high regard for their mealtime rituals. Food must be pleasing to the tongue as well as to the eye. The presentation of the food is almost as important as the actual quality of the food itself. Compared to American dining, meals are enjoyed much more slowly and deliberately. The French love to spend hours upon hours at bistros, people-watching and leisurely savoring each course of their meal. In fact, the French take two-hour lunch breaks so that they can go home or out to enjoy a full meal.And, of course, one cannot talk about French meals without giving proper attention to the all-important accompaniment – wine. Pairing each course with the right wine is an essential part of any French meal. Wine is not saved for special occasions, but rather, it is a regular part of the meal and is carefully selected to compliment each course.A typical French meal consists of four courses: an appetizer, a main course, a cheese course and a dessert. It is common for meals to begin with an aperitif, a drink before the meal, and for additional drinks to be selected to go with each course.I recently took a French cooking class and had the pleasure of experiencing firsthand the labor that goes into preparing a typical French meal. It took four students and one professional chef about two and a half hours to prepare the four-course meal, but upon tasting the fruits of our labors, I believed it to be well worth the effort.For my cooking course, we began with a starter dish known as a royal, a savory flan made from a cheese and bread base. The royal was served with caramelized mushrooms and a cooked cabbage dish. Next, le plat principal, the main course, consisted of duck breast with a honey glaze accompanied by a port wine reduction, roasted figs, a rocket salad, and an onion and risotto side dish called rice soubise. It was all absolutely phenomenal.After the main course, a cheese selection follows. The French always have a cheese course after the main meal and before dessert so that they can enjoy it more fully. Cheese is never served as an appetizer in France, and the French take their cheese very seriously. And finally, no French meal is complete without dessert. My class finished our meal with moelleux au chocolat, or chocolate lava cake. It was delicious and the perfect finish to a decedent French meal.French dining is very much an integral part of French culture. The whole experience was a lesson in taking time to fully indulge all of one’s senses and simply enjoy the company and the cuisine. Though my French cooking class was a wonderful experience and the meal was delicious, the most memorable lesson I take away is the pleasure that comes with slowing down and enjoying the process. That is something that will surely stay with me.
(11/05/09 5:44am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>French politics is where it’s at, my friends. Forget “E! News” and “US Weekly”.It seems that every day there is another scandal, some high-ranking political figure has had the skeletons in his or her closet exposed once more and the media is all a clamor.What high-ranking politician admits to sleeping with underage male prostitutes? (Culture minister Frederic Mitterand) Which government official falsified bank documents to get back at his bitter rival? (Former Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin) And what former president is facing trial against charges of corruption, breach of trust and misuse of public funds? (Jacques Chirac)Recently, President Nicolas Sarkozy decided to shake things up, making news with his announcement of the creation of a new ministry of immigration and national identity.Not the news you were expecting? Me neither. But it seems that was exactly the point. Look closer – things aren’t always what they seem, especially when it comes to politics.During Sarkozy’s 2007 presidential campaign, he brought attention to the issue of defining what it means to be French today. The issue has been brought to the forefront once more as congress prepares to debate the issue during the next three months.As globalization is an increasingly popular trend in modern times, the diversity this brings can be an asset in many ways. However, it can also threaten a nation’s distinctive identity.France is having a bit of an identity crisis, or so they say, and politicians are trying to sort out what is at the core of France nationalism.However, beneath the veneer of this seemingly patriotic initiative, it seems that the heart of the issue is more about personal agendas than nationalistic preservation.As the 2010 presidential campaign draws closer, Sarkozy is attempting to steer attention away from recent scandals and focus on what is good for the country – or is he? Even members of Sarkozy’s own party have criticized his efforts, saying that this effort to protect national identity is really about the president securing right-wing supporters.Other critics maintain that the debate of France’s identity is a ploy to distract the public from the more gruesome stories that have been frequenting the news in France. Recently, Sarkozy has been involved in several dealings that have weakened his public support. And so the debate is heating up. What does it mean to be French today? How does a country with so many immigrants maintain its culture without being xenophobic? It is certainly a worthwhile point to consider, but it seems as though politics are getting in the way once more. When Britney Spears had an identity crisis, she shaved her head. When France has an identity crisis, Sarkozy tries to leverage the situation for his own political gain, and the issue at hand is becoming diluted. I propose that French politics take a page from Ms. Spears’ book. What I mean is, let’s get back to the basics. Instead of getting caught up in power plays and clashing egos, maybe France would be better off with a fresh start and with leaders whose intentions are to help France, rather than help themselves.
(10/19/09 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>I have known countless friends and classmates who spend summers working a convenient internship position at their parents’ places of work – is this nepotism? Well, that may a bit too harsh for said cases. But in the case of France’s first son, Jean Sarkozy, whose new job is to manage one of Europe’s leading financial districts, people start to get a little feisty.France has been in an uproar since last week’s nomination of President Nicolas Sarkozy’s 23-year-old son to manage France’s La Defense business district, the country’s largest business district. It’s the same job that Jean Sarkozy’s far more experienced father had up until his election to president in 2007. It didn’t take long before accusations of “nepotism” were all over the media and in the streets, and so the clamor and debate began.Certainly the most boisterous argument over the recent events is Jean Sarkozy’s lack of experience. Jean is currently in his second year of law school at Sorbonne (the University of Paris) and has had only a few years of political experience in his young career. Leading the development of La Defense is quite the job for a student, is it not?In his defense, Jean has previously been noted to be a fast-rising political talent. Last year he was elected as councillor in the wealthy suburban Hauts-de-Seine region and quickly became a leading member.But in his new role, Jean would become chairman of EPAD, the La Defense development agency, and would be charged with managing the country’s biggest business district. Given the magnitude of this role, the uproar that ensued has been quite heated. In a matter of days, an online petition in opposition to “Prince Jean” had already accumulated 40,000 people.Some critics are suggesting that Sarkozy is grooming him to take over as president. Several journalists have started referring to Jean Sarkozy as the “dauphin,” a term used in French history for the King’s son or heir. Furthermore, several international media outlets have also suggested that this act is in true French fashion and that President Sarkozy is grooming his son to inherit his role. This is upsetting to the French, as such remarks threaten to tarnish their government’s international image. The move is certainly not doing any favors for his father’s reputation either.There are still others that insist that Jean is a qualified candidate regardless of his family ties. Jean insists that he is ready for the position and that criticism and suggestions of nepotism are all part of politics and do not hold any legitimacy. President Sarkozy has defended his actions, stating that the scrutiny and criticism that his son has been subject to is unfair and untrue. He feels his son has been “thrown to the wolves” in an undeserved barrage of defamation.I find it interesting that Sarkozy would appoint his son to such a prestigious and significant position, given his son’s credentials. President Sarkozy had to have seen this reaction coming. So perhaps Jean is, in fact, an apt candidate. Maybe he is a born leader who just happens to be related to the current president of France. Or, maybe the dauphin is simply in line to inherit the throne. Only time will tell. But for now, the French are not too happy with “daddy” hooking-up young “Prince Jean” with such a big job.
(10/09/09 3:27am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>I don’t care what anybody says. This is the most wonderful time of the year. Yes, my friends, it is that oh-so-highly anticipated biannual event known as Fashion Week. For commoners like myself, viewing pictures of each collection online is a tradition that takes up hours each season, and I merrily look forward to it.However, this year I went beyond spending countless hours on style.com. It was with the excitement like that of a child on Christmas morning that I, too, journeyed to the fashion promised land: Paris.For the past week, Paris has been abuzz as journalists, buyers and fashion elite descended upon the city. The City of Lights was even more electric than usual.Models in stage makeup and hair fresh off the runway appeared all over the city. Crowds gathered outside design houses like Emanuel Ungaro, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive designer or the latest celebrity du jour.There was definitely an unparalleled excitement about being in Paris during Fashion Week.But if you can’t make it to the shows in Paris, not to worry; several designers were feeling extra generous this year and have turned to streaming their collections live online for all to see.In London, Burberry and Sienna Miller’s line, Twenty8Twelve, both offered their fans live streaming of their fashion show presentations. Likewise, New York designers Michael Kors and Isaac Mizrahi presented their collections online as well.In Milan, the always on-trend Italian label Dolce & Gabbana joined this wave of technical savvy design labels. Many viewers followed the Dolce & Gabbana pre-show installment videos on YouTube. These installments gave fans a sneak peak into the creative process working up to the show debut.And then there is Paris, the culmination of the fashion week season. This season, the design houses of Alexander McQueen and Louis Vuitton both presented their collections online. However, unlike the previous designers who participated in the live-streaming trend, in true French style, Vuitton and McQueen each added their own take on the trend.McQueen, always the eccentric design rebel, produced a video with media company SHOWstudio that was unlike anything the fashion world has seen before. The background of the runway featured a large video display with a close-up video of the looks being strutted down the runway, interspersed with risque clips of model Raquel Zimmerman writhing on the sand with snakes. The video images gave the futuristic, sea-inspired collection the tone of a twisted sci-fi romance.As if all the technical innovation wasn’t enough, the close of the show featured Lady Gaga’s newest single, “Bad Romance,” as the models stormed the runway for the final walk.Vuitton broke the mold by streaming his collection exclusively on Facebook, with limited availability of just 24 hours. Louis Vuitton creative director Marc Jacobs is the first luxury brand to broadcast its collection via Facebook, but something tells me he won’t be the last.With the many collections that are presented each season, it can sometimes be difficult to determine which trends will stick and which will fade. But this spring/summer 2010 fashion season proved that Web-streaming collections are surely a trend to be watched.
(10/01/09 10:29pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>PARIS, France – When it comes to the much sought-after Parisian style, it’s all in the bag – and the shoes and the accessories. It is clear that the secret to having that uniquely chic Parisian look, that certain je ne sais pas quoi, is all about the details. Since spending time in France, I have observed the French style of dressing, in all its splendor, and I have come to the conclusion that what sets Parisians apart from Americans and all the rest is the accessories. In Paris, you cannot go a block without seeing at least one French woman who appears to have strutted straight out of the pages of French Vogue and onto the Boulevard Saint Germain.But I am dismayed to tell you that amid my enamoring the many uber-chic pedestrians, I occasionally see women with the tackiest accessory of all: faux designer bags. In a city which has profited greatly from its presence in the fashion industry, it is disheartening to see so many people proudly toting a mockery of the original designer’s creation.The problem of counterfeit designer handbags and apparel is nothing new, but it has been in the spotlight lately due to the ruling in a significant suit against eBay filed by one of France’s leading luxury goods conglomerates – LVMH, also known as Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton.The European Union ruled on Sept. 21 that eBay would pay 80,000 euros (equal to about $117,800) in damages to LVMH. This dispute was a result of eBay allowing brands under the conglomerate’s ownership, such as Dior and Louis Vuitton, to be keyword searches on the online auction’s Web site without the permission of LVMH. The reason this is such an important and costly issue is because counterfeit designer merchandise has been prominent on eBay. Moreover, the sale of “fakes” tarnish the brand’s reputation and take away from legitimate brand sales.For the French, this is especially important because fashion is such an important industry to the French economy. Counterfeit merchandise takes away from jobs in France, as well as a great deal of tax revenue.Another serious issue with the sale of designer fakes is that much of the black market sales go toward financing illegal activities, such as the drug trade and even terrorism. Furthermore, fakes are very often made by children in inhumane factory conditions. Counterfeit designer merchandise may not seem like a big deal, but it is. Many people are harmed in the process – the French economy takes a hit, designers lose sales and their creative designs are exploited, children are misused in the production process and the lucrative profits very often go toward funding lucrative activities. My point, my dear Hoosiers, is this: Though it may seem like a harmless idea, getting the Parisian style for less by purchasing faux designer bags actually harms a great number of people. And as eBay is learning firsthand – counterfeits cost more than they are worth.
(09/28/09 3:57am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Though I have only begun to explore Rouen, the rich history that exists in this city is immediately evident. Throughout the city are remnants of buildings from centuries ago. The city incurred a great deal of damage during World War II, some of which still lingers and can be found on many historic buildings and landmarks. In fact, restoring the Rouen Cathedral was only completed last year. For the last four months, the Upper Normandy region (Haute-Normandie) hosted Le festival Normandie Impressionniste, a celebration across the region to honor Normandy’s significant influence on the Impressionist movement. One focal figure in this movement is the father of Impressionism himself, Claude Monet, who lived and worked in Normandy for much of his life.During his career, he painted 32 images of one of Rouen’s most recognizable landmarks, the Rouen Cathedral – or the “Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen,” as it is known in France. The high spires and gothic architecture from the 13th century are unlike anything I have ever seen in America. The majestic beauty and history of the Normandy region are brilliantly represented by this impressive landmark.This summer, as part of Le festival Normandie Impressionniste, the town put on a nightly light show in which Monet’s paintings of the cathedral were projected onto the cathedral itself, which stands about 300 feet tall and 200 feet wide. The effect is dramatic, as the ornate detail of the cathedral’s stonework is showcased with colorful images from long ago. The beautiful works of Monet, a reflection of the city of Rouen, were stunningly mirrored back onto the city itself. Seeing the grand cathedral illuminated and towering before me was nothing short of inspiring. It was as if his paintings were brought to life right before my eyes. In order to delve further into my education of Monet’s influence on Impressionism, some friends and I traveled to the nearby town of Giverny to visit his home and infamous gardens. Upon seeing the gorgeous, lush gardens and tranquil lily ponds, it really is no wonder he was such an incredible artist. I would imagine that living among such abundant natural one could not help but be inspired to create. Visiting the quaint little town of Giverny and seeing the magnificent setting in which Monet created his art left an indelible impression on me. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.To see the subjects of his art in person gave me a whole new perspective on Monet, Normandy and the Impressionist movement they inspired. Standing on the green Japanese bridge over the lily pond that I had seen so many times in his famous painting was like a surreal feeling of deja vu, leaving me awestruck by how brilliantly he had captured the beauty in his paintings. Likewise, seeing the gargantuan cathedral light up with a multitude of colors against the dark night sky was truly awesome. That’s the thing about art – it reminds us of the beauty that inhabits our everyday lives. We so often overlook it, but sometimes all it takes is an artist’s impression to show us the light.