Q: I came to France over a year ago to study French literature on a junior year abroad program. I’ve been studying on my own and am officially on leave from my university in the States. I’d like to specialize in international relations in graduate school and become a diplomat. At the same time, I’m really more interested in literature than anything else, and I’d like to stay here for at least another six months. I feel that living here is the best way to give myself time to think about the future, but my parents are pressuring me to go home. Do you think that staying here can help me with my career plans? Continue reading “Will Staying in France Help my Career?”
Living in Paris and Other Fantasies
When asked in a recent survey to name their number one fantasy, most Americans polled did not reply “being president of the United States” or “writing the great American novel.” The number one fantasy was, mais oui, our present reality – “living in Paris.”
Biker Friendly Paris
This spring, the city of Paris will start work on the second phase of a project to complete 100 kilometers of bicycle paths that project supporters say will make every arrondissement biker-friendly.
Mike Zwerin’s Two Hats
With his trademark hat and cigarette, Mike Zwerin is a recognizable figure in any Paris jazz club. In fact Zwerin wears two hats, as a trombonist and as a columnist for the International Herald Tribune. We met recently in his comfortable home in the 11th arrondissement to discuss both “chapeaux.” Is it tough living a double life? “It’s not quite a double life because both jobs involve music. But it is very hard to mix the two. If I go to play at a festival, it never crosses my mind to do any interviews on the side. I’m there strictly as a musician.”
Language Teaching Enters Cyber Age
Instead of sitting in front of a teacher, more and more foreign language students are opting to sit in front of a computer. In tough economic times, it makes sense. Students are finding that high technology is a low-cost alternative to language schools. Continue reading “Language Teaching Enters Cyber Age”
A Valentine with the Midas Touch
Okay, fellas, it’s time to think about making an impression on Valentine’s Day. You can do like every other guy in town and take the love of your life flowers. Or, you can score lots of brownie points by offering her a gift of the gods that’s 18 karat gold. Continue reading “A Valentine with the Midas Touch”
Eric Watson’s Jazz Flashbacks
The evening of the Fête de la Musique, pianist Eric Watson was surveying the crowds from the balcony of his Marais apartment when he had an epiphany. “I suddenly flashbacked to the ’60s and ’70s. I felt something was coming; things were finally changing … ” He’s talking about music and the way it’s offered to the public. And he’s talking about the conservatism of the ’90s. “In the ’70s you could deal with Cecil Taylor because of the dope.” He shrugs. “People don’t have that anymore … ” Ergo, they don’t deal with Cecil anymore. Instead they have to deal with being told “by people like Wynton what jazz is. What I want to see more of is truly crazy musicians.” And he’s ready to be one of them? “Absolutely.”
Paris Valentines
The shortest month of the year can be downright inspiring. It was February to be exact when I first knew I wanted to be a writer. Mrs. Richland’s second grade class at Mount Pleasant Elementary School. And the first oeuvre committed to pencil remained unpublished until now: Continue reading “Paris Valentines”
Let Them Eat Bread
The French government took drastic steps in January to protect the beleaguered baguette from cut-price rivals that sometimes sell for as little as 1.50F at supermarkets compared with about 4F at traditional bakeries. A new law aimed at safeguarding baker-artisans now restricts the name “bakery” to the establishments of bakers who bake their bread on the premises. The new law will require an estimated 5,000 shops selling bread made from factory frozen dough to take down their “bakery” signs. Continue reading “Let Them Eat Bread”
A Woody Allen in Paris
We knew he could play the clarinet, write and direct like nobody’s business, act a mean nebbish, ignite misguided controversy and woo quirky and/or much younger women. But what most people – including the nation’s professional film critics and his Paris publicist – never suspected about Woody Allen is: He speaks French.
Peter Beard’s African Journals
Peter Beard’s singular exhibition at the National Photography Center is “Out of Africa” and out of this world. Both disturbing and hauntingly beautiful, the photographer’s assemblage works, personal journals, documentary films and magnificent blown-up images create a total environment that transports the visitor on an intense African safari. Continue reading “Peter Beard’s African Journals”