Monday, November 09, 2009
Friday, November 06, 2009
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Mr President?
It's interesting, at least, to note the normal way the media here in France refer to the French President - "Le président de la République Nicolas Sarkozy..." (in Le Point, for example) compared to the normal way US media refer the US President - "President Obama....." (in The New York Times, for example).
Friday, October 23, 2009
US television programs on French screens
It is not surprising to see US television programs on French television. I am not sure if it has increased or decreased over the years, but I think it has increased quite a bit; at least that's my perception.
What interests me a lot, though, is which programs appear here. No doubt there are negotiation issues that determine the final result, of course, but in the end, I suspect that French television carries what French television wants to have.
There is a lot of work involved. None of the US shows is broadcast with its original soundtrack. All are dubbed in France, a practice that employ a lot of people, but I personally prefer text than voiceovers, the normal practice in the US with French movies.
There was a period when French television was carrying programming like the CBS Evening News with text translations at the bottom of the screen. That may still be there, but I do not know where. In fact, I know of no US television news or public affairs program that I have ever seen shown here currently.
Instead, it is all entertainment programming, including movies. Here is a rundown of the programs that I see in the TV guide, just for today:
The Incredible Hulk
NCIS
Law and Order
Desperate Housewives
What interests me a lot, though, is which programs appear here. No doubt there are negotiation issues that determine the final result, of course, but in the end, I suspect that French television carries what French television wants to have.
There is a lot of work involved. None of the US shows is broadcast with its original soundtrack. All are dubbed in France, a practice that employ a lot of people, but I personally prefer text than voiceovers, the normal practice in the US with French movies.
There was a period when French television was carrying programming like the CBS Evening News with text translations at the bottom of the screen. That may still be there, but I do not know where. In fact, I know of no US television news or public affairs program that I have ever seen shown here currently.
Instead, it is all entertainment programming, including movies. Here is a rundown of the programs that I see in the TV guide, just for today:
The Incredible Hulk
NCIS
Law and Order
Desperate Housewives
Saturday, October 17, 2009
"Un couple mixte interdit de mariage aux Etats-Unis "au nom des enfants" - LeMonde.fr
Whether in French or in English, this action by the justice of the peace in Louisiana is embarrassing, wrong, and out to be answered by loud cries of criticism of the judge. Whatever procedure is, if any, in Louisiana, to remove justices of the peace, it ought to have started yesterday in this case. He deserves a fair hearing, of course, but if the facts prove to be as reported here, he deserves to be a private citizen and not a judge.
There is hope that the people of Louisiana will do the right thing.
There is hope that the people of Louisiana will do the right thing.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
$15 USD for a tooth?
This full page advertisement ran in French newspapers this week promoting a limited edition silver coin worth 10 euros. The ad suggests that this would be a great gift for the tooth fairy to leave under a child's pillow! Is that the going rate in the US these days?
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
"Internet bouscule les choix culturels des Français" - LeMonde.fr
As is so often the case in France, the full story of the internet's impact is extremely complicated.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
"Health Care Scorecard: Vermont Tops, Mississippi Last" - ABC News
It would even more useful to compare all of this with France.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
"Les journalistes du "Parisien/Aujourd'hui en France" inquiets pour leur avenir" - LeMonde.fr
France and the US both risk the loss of venerable newspaper institutions.
Swine Flu vaccine in France v. US
My sense here in France is general unease about what to do when the Swine Flu (Grippe A here) vaccine arrives. The Government has laid out clear priorities of who should get it first, but the recommendation is purely optional.
Unlike the seasonal flu vaccine (purchased at the local pharmacy and administered by a nurse or doctor independently), this shot will be administered, the Government says, at centers yet to be announced. The first concern that this raises among people here is whether these centers will turn out to be filled with people who can infect everyone else.
Another interesting item is the advertising in the last couple of days from the French part of the global Visa credit card system noting that any holder of a Carte Bleue card (from most banks in France tha are part of the network) will have considerable insurance - for free - should they contract the Swine Flu. This includes medical evacuation and other expenses. I have not yet seen such an offer from a credit card in the US but I might have missed it here in France.
Unlike the seasonal flu vaccine (purchased at the local pharmacy and administered by a nurse or doctor independently), this shot will be administered, the Government says, at centers yet to be announced. The first concern that this raises among people here is whether these centers will turn out to be filled with people who can infect everyone else.
Another interesting item is the advertising in the last couple of days from the French part of the global Visa credit card system noting that any holder of a Carte Bleue card (from most banks in France tha are part of the network) will have considerable insurance - for free - should they contract the Swine Flu. This includes medical evacuation and other expenses. I have not yet seen such an offer from a credit card in the US but I might have missed it here in France.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Friday, October 02, 2009
France v. NC
It's interesting that France has 7 times the population of North Carolina - 62 million v. 9 million, and 4 times the square miles - 210,000 v. 54,000. Should we expect France to be 7 times better than NC in far less space/person?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Team Côte d'Azur Newsletter - Invest in Côte d’Azur
Which US cities have similar plans in place?
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Thursday, March 05, 2009
"One France Is Enough" - NYTimes.com
I posted this comment:
"My "home" is divided between two worlds - one here in North Carolina and one there in Nice, France. I am both a US and European citizen. Roger COHEN presents this in far too extreme manner, and that is good for debate but not so good for understanding. When Barack OBAMA first visited Nice, many years ago, he and Michelle came on the train, it has been reported.
Whether it be transportation or health care, or a focus on eating well, and yes, even innovation and opportunity...these two great countries have far more to learn from one another than often happens. That's learning about things done well and things done not so well. Language gets in the way too often and reliance on interpreters like COHEN or me is no substitute not just for visiting, but for trying to understand.
I retain optimism that our President recognizes the need for extraordinary action taken with American determination .... learning and relating to what others have done in places from France to Japan and well beyond. If our policy pendulum swings a little more wildly or far than some of us would like, we'll get it back. Maybe we won't have General Motors or AIG to kick around, and huge suffering if that happens, but I for one remain optimistic that we can get ourselves out of this mess with a plan that is as much global as it is American, and that includes a good dose of French seasoning."
"My "home" is divided between two worlds - one here in North Carolina and one there in Nice, France. I am both a US and European citizen. Roger COHEN presents this in far too extreme manner, and that is good for debate but not so good for understanding. When Barack OBAMA first visited Nice, many years ago, he and Michelle came on the train, it has been reported.
Whether it be transportation or health care, or a focus on eating well, and yes, even innovation and opportunity...these two great countries have far more to learn from one another than often happens. That's learning about things done well and things done not so well. Language gets in the way too often and reliance on interpreters like COHEN or me is no substitute not just for visiting, but for trying to understand.
I retain optimism that our President recognizes the need for extraordinary action taken with American determination .... learning and relating to what others have done in places from France to Japan and well beyond. If our policy pendulum swings a little more wildly or far than some of us would like, we'll get it back. Maybe we won't have General Motors or AIG to kick around, and huge suffering if that happens, but I for one remain optimistic that we can get ourselves out of this mess with a plan that is as much global as it is American, and that includes a good dose of French seasoning."
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
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