tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24798917739120374962024-03-14T06:38:34.521-05:00Bull City with a French TwistHere is a snapshot of our adventures in Durham,NC a.k.a. the Bull City!Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-72423582946671484562010-04-07T06:15:00.001-05:002010-04-07T06:16:39.326-05:00Une defense des democrates par un conservateurC'est <a href="http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/coburn-defends-pelosi-takes-swipe-at-fox-2/?fbid=NFyI_QLwiu_">ici</a> et franchement on entend pas cela tous les jours.<div><br /></div>Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-16909075126742150932010-04-05T19:53:00.000-05:002010-04-05T19:54:05.966-05:00Rachel MaddowElle est trop <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/vp/36155542#36155542">forte, géniale. </a>Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-5334761071005862072010-04-01T05:42:00.001-05:002010-04-01T05:43:42.011-05:00QantasOh la la! leurs vies n'etaient pas en danger, c'est du catastrophisme cette <a href="http://www.lemonde.fr/asie-pacifique/article/2010/04/01/les-pneus-d-un-airbus-380-prennent-feu-a-l-atterrissage_1327249_3216.html">histoire</a>.Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-65058289065520669022010-04-01T05:26:00.002-05:002010-04-01T05:28:41.169-05:00Maureen DowdPour ceux qui connaissent pas Maureen Dowd la célèbre éditorialiste du NY Times je vous recommande son <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/31/opinion/31dowd.html?src=me&ref=general">édito</a> de ce jour sur la crise que traverse le Vatican et l'absence de réponse du Vatican.Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-21916966071924089092010-03-30T21:08:00.003-05:002010-03-30T21:13:53.011-05:00DrapeauY a un petit truc qui me chagrine, on dirait que le drapeau français n'est jamais bien arrange: a un moment y a <a href="http://www.elysee.fr/president/root/bank/print/P8423.htm?itemid=16934">trop de roug</a><a href="http://www.elysee.fr/president/international/visites-d-Etat/ameriques/etats-unis/visite-d-etat-aux-etats-unis-29-30-mars-2010/visite-officielle-aux-etats-unis.8380.html">e</a> ou a d'autres il y a <a href="http://www.elysee.fr/president/root/bank/print/P8423.htm?itemid=16949">trop de blanc</a>. <div><br /></div><div>En tous cas ca fait du bien de voir les deux dirigeants se mettre d'accord sur autant de sujets.</div>Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-78420162839099591212010-03-29T19:59:00.001-05:002010-03-29T20:00:43.753-05:00Sarkozy a New YorkJ'ai trouve son intervention pas mal du tout. La première partie était un peu embrouillée de même que la fin.<div><br /></div><div>Ma partie préférée a été celle sur la reforme du Conseil de Sécurité.</div>Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-35566871382481525142010-03-29T14:34:00.001-05:002010-03-29T14:35:52.403-05:00Sarkozy a ColumbiaPour ceux qui voudraient voir l'integrale du discours de Nicolas Sarkozy a Columbia c'est <a href="http://www.worldleaders.columbia.edu/events/president-nicolas-sarkozy-france">ici</a>.Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-67829434867410383842010-03-29T09:06:00.000-05:002010-03-29T09:07:12.764-05:00Elysee.frJe le trouve plutot cool le nouveau site de <a href="http://www.elysee.fr">l'Elysee</a>.Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-82796151417301303882010-03-29T06:28:00.010-05:002010-03-29T06:42:52.264-05:00Diner dans les apparts présidentiels<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Nicolas Sarkozy se voit défiler le tapis rouge pour sa venue ici: </span></span><a href="http://www.liberation.fr/politiques/0101627212-sarkozy-lance-l-operation-maison-blanche"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">avec un diner privé dans les apparts présidentiels</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. Quel changement avec la semaine dernière et la visite du dirigeant israélien.<br /><br /><br />Faut dire je ne crois pas que </span></span><a href="http://www.lefigaro.fr/international/2010/03/26/01003-20100326ARTFIG00386-la-relation-entre-sarkozy-et-obama-est-tres-saine-.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">la relation France- US ait été aussi bonne depuis longtemps</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">En plus d'après un grand journal d'ici, </span></span><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Foreign-Policy/2010/0327/For-Obama-no-buddies-abroad"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Obama n'a pas vraiment de potes a l'étranger.</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Ca doit etre une question de personnalité.<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-size:11px;"><br /></span></span></div>Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-72467076791212556082010-03-25T06:50:00.001-05:002010-03-25T06:51:22.134-05:00Nouveau voteFaut pas paniquer, ce nouveau vote a la chambre des représentants ne remettra pas la reforme en question. Le gros morceau est passé.Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-77289734115171424342009-02-07T14:50:00.001-05:002009-02-07T14:51:41.282-05:00StimulusBon, parait qu'il y a un accord au Senat. Ce sera pas trop tot. Il est temps de le faire passer ce stimulus. On verra son efficacite. Certains disent que ca ne sert a rien a part financer des projets inutiles. Je ne le pense pas. On verra.Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-50222673846198377392008-11-03T20:34:00.001-05:002008-11-03T20:34:48.311-05:00Hope he wins<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/cfjQujYrfEk' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/cfjQujYrfEk'/></object></p><p>Too bad I don't have a vote.<br /><br /></p></div>Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-75802328172929624222007-08-25T10:35:00.000-05:002007-08-25T10:49:15.826-05:00Favourite Beach<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjE-s_yjce7QRyT84VjCEe0H4fbX6eoN3qP8WNkPJ4REwGoCF-UXoDCYUq4k2kPhlwDqEjEzrkFOQLkWELUPwBEfrb8FoQHMOIzoiaO1G7ao6uHDJyTM3c3aGzWduKZuR7OBKP3MgwoS4/s1600-h/P7260072.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjE-s_yjce7QRyT84VjCEe0H4fbX6eoN3qP8WNkPJ4REwGoCF-UXoDCYUq4k2kPhlwDqEjEzrkFOQLkWELUPwBEfrb8FoQHMOIzoiaO1G7ao6uHDJyTM3c3aGzWduKZuR7OBKP3MgwoS4/s200/P7260072.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102663836919123714" /></a><br /><br /><br />After the rather exhausting bar exam, our little family took a nice vacation to Ocracoke Island. I have to say that it is probably one of the nicest beaches I have ever been. I am not exagerating. <br /><br />I am not a beach person (I really prefer going dipping my athletic body in a nice lake with a BIG mountain in the back)so when I say that the place was nice I am not making that up. <br /><br />Ocracoke is an island part of the Outer Banks archipelago. It's off the North Carolina Coast. <br /><br />First, you can only get there by a rather small ferry (a 2h30 traversee) which has the very good advantage of limiting the actual number of people that can be there at the same time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XmGbnQ8OHFAJhHt7Sv2X1l3ftYFXjfN8_0fX40jK5kVFTahkIcbLv4fji1alwFWpKSkIZi1Dl9KqCobiXHq2tobZMZfm6JAZ9YlwlJaIrxtHzIAv8GCU0WA1mzBHp9fJnF2Lyjh7if4/s1600-h/P7260057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XmGbnQ8OHFAJhHt7Sv2X1l3ftYFXjfN8_0fX40jK5kVFTahkIcbLv4fji1alwFWpKSkIZi1Dl9KqCobiXHq2tobZMZfm6JAZ9YlwlJaIrxtHzIAv8GCU0WA1mzBHp9fJnF2Lyjh7if4/s200/P7260057.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102664438214545170" /></a><br /><br />Second, the height of the building is strickly limited. As a result, you don't see those rather ugly 4-5 storeys beach houses/condo that you see on the rest of the Outer Banks. <br /><br />Third, only the village is open for development, the rest of the Island is Cape Hatteras National Seashore, so there's only you, the ocean, the beaches and the dunes (except some stupid rednecks with their SUV on certain parts of the beach but what can you do, Paradise does not exist on this planet). <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmSKI_J2B1j8ylBJ7NIDgGxb_IKcsMlYaMhSHrZOuwrXL72jaSpskEZZ2gRzGa3xcqlGkEgrzmpqzJQvUQf4q2q7_rrwXLuAjlwMVMX4Wpn1GO731fz8b245YiAIMD-kmjbrh-T1Qft4/s1600-h/P7280073.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmSKI_J2B1j8ylBJ7NIDgGxb_IKcsMlYaMhSHrZOuwrXL72jaSpskEZZ2gRzGa3xcqlGkEgrzmpqzJQvUQf4q2q7_rrwXLuAjlwMVMX4Wpn1GO731fz8b245YiAIMD-kmjbrh-T1Qft4/s200/P7280073.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102664743157223202" /></a><br /><br />So in the end, you have a rather cool place. everybody uses bikes to go around, the shops are nice and the seafood extra-fresh so in other words, all our little family had a fantastic time.<br /><br /><br />See you there!Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-34161542951908769032007-08-17T11:20:00.000-05:002007-08-17T11:37:21.205-05:00My bank is mergingI learnt today <a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/business/story/673577.html">in the paper</a> that my bank, <a href="https://www.mfbonline.com/main/index2.html">the Mechanics and Farmers Bank</a>, is going to merge with another durham institution: the Community Mutual Savings Bank. <br /><br />Thankfully, they are going to keep the M&F name. I have to say, I mainly got an account there because of the Bank's name. The Mechanics and Farmers Bank: what a cool name. <br />I don't know why, I think that name is great in today's technology oriented society.<br /><br />(I also have to admit that I also got an account there because one of their branches is really close to my house and is opened on Saturday.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ibiblio.org/hayti/Mechanics&Farmers_bank.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://www.ibiblio.org/hayti/Mechanics&Farmers_bank.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />What I did not know and discovered reading the Article is that my bank is actually kind of special. It was an historic bank founded during the segregation, one hundred years ago and that It has played a major role in promoting the development of a black middle class. This bank was part of what was called "Black Wall Street". <br /><br />By the way, the bank it is going to merge with was created almost at the same time and for the same purposes. <br /><br />So, good luck with its expansion plans to the Mechanics and Farmers Bank.Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-52865732064044991732007-08-05T09:47:00.000-05:002007-08-05T09:49:02.216-05:00Bar Exam<A HREF='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_ArMTtN_k0xQNvHdTiqOkSGFT5NnstADKmNFetoduP64dRcU_n-WWfS9vF-nt2CdzCNtnG9ZjphKqQge-MyiWRuv1-ZZF6akbo7-MD7Q3RmM0wRDWnkbhIUR7ilN14YYoyZAEZ3qp30/s1600-h/P7230049.JPG'><IMG SRC='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_ArMTtN_k0xQNvHdTiqOkSGFT5NnstADKmNFetoduP64dRcU_n-WWfS9vF-nt2CdzCNtnG9ZjphKqQge-MyiWRuv1-ZZF6akbo7-MD7Q3RmM0wRDWnkbhIUR7ilN14YYoyZAEZ3qp30/s320/P7230049.JPG' border=0 alt='' id='BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_' style='clear:both;float:left; margin:0px 10px 10px 0;'></A> <br /><br />New york Bar Exam July 2007<br /><br />Yeah, I had the opportunity to go to Saratauga Springs, NY to take the bar exam. The exam is tought and I only 3 weeks to prepare for it. So needless to say that I was pretty nervous about it. :(<br /><br />The exam took place on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 of last month. I had decided to fly there on Sunday to better know the town to prepare myself psychologically etc...and also to avoid the stress of having muy flight cancelled at the last minute and miss the exam.<br /><br />The first day of the exam was dedicated to New York questions and the second one to the multistate portion. The New York section consisted of 50 multiple choice questions and 4 essays. The multistate one consisted of 200 multiple choices questions to be answered in 6 hours. <br />I found the New York part relatively easy compared to the multistate one. <br /><br />I have no idea about the results of the exam but I hope that I passed. I know that I did ok in the essay portion but I really can't tell about the multiple choice section.<br /><br />Other than that my testing center was in Saratauga Springs, NY a very charming city. Here are some pics of the city I took while I was there. The city is very horse oriented with a Polo championship and a horsetrack.<br /><br /><br /><A HREF='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGFhnTLpBsnNtUhEJzY-lPN2rVZiEA8tg1bs0HKJOTfcW-3M0eOsj75RWbimbLY-jgNX91S2eftPfnpOdw8nmJIBx3s_ls6f9o7rakSk70aqmPcealKJJ9l6U191sm0VFM36i7FIo_qs/s1600-h/P7230053.JPG'><IMG SRC='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGFhnTLpBsnNtUhEJzY-lPN2rVZiEA8tg1bs0HKJOTfcW-3M0eOsj75RWbimbLY-jgNX91S2eftPfnpOdw8nmJIBx3s_ls6f9o7rakSk70aqmPcealKJJ9l6U191sm0VFM36i7FIo_qs/s320/P7230053.JPG' border=0 alt='' id='BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_' style='clear:both;float:left; margin:0px 10px 10px 0;'></A> <br /><A HREF='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFi7Qq3R6Po99-jhnrxnHlBRkveB_JE1gjHpHykEuELb5PWGpjvjiUszLDk4W5ia_cJnZBm2ZGlNhauMev6ExC7ANELnxgctZ24sOQxNtT9m9K2Apo2uRoHN8kcl9eoM42gVP9yeTEOs/s1600-h/P7230056.JPG'><IMG SRC='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFi7Qq3R6Po99-jhnrxnHlBRkveB_JE1gjHpHykEuELb5PWGpjvjiUszLDk4W5ia_cJnZBm2ZGlNhauMev6ExC7ANELnxgctZ24sOQxNtT9m9K2Apo2uRoHN8kcl9eoM42gVP9yeTEOs/s320/P7230056.JPG' border=0 alt='' id='BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_' style='clear:both;float:left; margin:0px 10px 10px 0;'></A> <div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-48182936603852205062007-07-21T18:35:00.001-05:002007-07-21T21:27:17.210-05:00Alaska forever<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/07/22/travel/22alas650.3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/07/22/travel/22alas650.3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />One of the most interesting parts of the US lies maybe not where you might think. I mean that New York, L.A., Washington, the Grand Canyon are all interesting places to visit, but a very unusual place to go might be the largest state of the Federation : Alaska.<br /><br />Alaska has a very different history than the rest of the nation for several reasons: <br />- It is maybe the first American territory to be populated by settlers that would have crossed the straight separating Russia from America,<br />- Vitus Bering was indeed the first Russian to cross the straight in 1741, and therefore it became a Russian territory. It was only in 1867 that this huge piece of land was bought by the US for $7,2 millions.<br /><br />Alaska became the 49th state on January 3rd, 1959 (Hawaii was incorporated as a state on August 21st, of the same year).<br /><br />Resulting from these years of Russian occupation, several and unique orthodox churches were built in Alaska. Something unique in Northern America.<br /><br />So if you're interested, the <a href="http://travelalaska.com">Alaska tourism bureau</a> is a good place to begin your research otherwise you can always read this great <a href="http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/07/22/travel/22alaska.html?em&ex=1185163200&en=edcf47412a2074b4&ei=5087%0A">article </a>published in my newspaper the New York times.<br /><br /><br />Photo from <a href="http://www.nytimes.com">nytimes.com</a>Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-89988674343204404552007-07-19T09:01:00.000-05:002007-07-19T09:53:07.188-05:00No border please<a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/07/17/us/19074479.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/07/17/us/19074479.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />An interesting story was told in yesterday's <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/18/world/americas/18border.html">New York times</a>, the one about a sleepy little town settled on the US-Canada's border. The town is called Stanstead in Quebec and Derby line in Vermont. <br /><br />There is actually some border stations on the main streets of this little town but on the other ones one can freely go from Canada to the US. Sometimes, it is even impossible to tell in which country you're in. <br /><br />I know that because I travelled throught this little town in the summer of 2005. It was really cool. <a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/images/photo/2007/07/18/20070718BORDER/19074333.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/images/photo/2007/07/18/20070718BORDER/19074333.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> Some of the buildings are on the border itself like the Opera house and the library (in the picture).<br /><br />Some houses are on the US side but the driveway is on the Canadian one. <br /><br /><br /><br />The town has been like this for ever and now the authorities are trying to change this. They are affraid of a potential terrorist threat and of illegal immigration. <a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/images/photo/2007/07/18/20070718BORDER/19074415.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/images/photo/2007/07/18/20070718BORDER/19074415.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> To me, this is just non-sense, there is no threat at all and illegals immigrants can easely avoid the border town by crossing into Canada throught the nearby fields and or forets.<br /><br />On top of that the local authorities are not willing to disclose to the public what exactly is at risk. How many illegal immigrants are we talking about?<br /><br />The way of life of this charming city is at risk of disappearing. People will be less likely to travel to the other side to go grocery shopping, see friends etc... <br /><br />I believe that cooperation between the two countries border agencies is the best way to address security issues and not barriers that only complicate everyday lifes.Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-8118846991581318012007-07-09T21:07:00.000-05:002007-07-09T21:22:22.945-05:00French Universities<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ac/SorbonneParis041130.JPG/300px-SorbonneParis041130.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ac/SorbonneParis041130.JPG/300px-SorbonneParis041130.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />French Universities need a serious makeover. Their facilities are cramped, the faculty unmotivated, the research almost inexistent etc....<br />Fortunate students try to avoid them by integrating the Grandes Ecoles: those elite institutions. For the rest, the Public University is the only available option.<br /><br />I did 5 years of studies in France in 3 Universities: Bordeaux IV, Paris I and Paris II. At Bordeaux IV, some lectures were given in lecture halls with more than 1000 students! This is not education, this is mass-education.<br /><br />The new reform is supposed to give more freedom to Universities' administrators to recruit top notch professors, regulate the spending etc....<br /><br />All of these are welcomed reforms in my opinion. They are much needed. France must invest into its students so that they can easily find a job once they graduate. <br /><br />The French Universities need more money that is for sure, and libraries that are open on Sundays!<br />I am a strong believer in keeping the University almost free to everyone, but not to the detriment of the education. If to guarantee a better education, students have to contribute a little bit, I don't see the problem. What is important is that they get out with all the tools that will make them more attractive to potential employers. <br /><br /><br />So will see what exactly comes out of this new reform, but I really hope that our government will be able to shake things up!Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-67559936019927302982007-06-23T07:15:00.000-05:002007-06-23T07:27:23.473-05:00EU<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://medias.lemonde.fr/mmpub/edt/ill/2007/06/23/h_3_ill_927428_sarko.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://medias.lemonde.fr/mmpub/edt/ill/2007/06/23/h_3_ill_927428_sarko.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I am really happy about the results reached at the Brussels Meeting regarding the future of the European Union. Apparently, the 27 members have reached an agreement on a formula that would allow the European Construction to go forward.<br /><br />I had to say that I was disappointed with the Polish position that was blocking everything. The EU accepted Poland a couple of years ago and since then this country has only brought problems to the EU: Nationalism, racism, ultra conservative positions etc... Honestly, I am a great euro-enthousiast but I feel that I have nothing to do with the values this country has brought to the western countries of Europe. <br /><br />I really don't understand why do you want to join a club if it is only to oppose everything the other members are trying to do. <br /><br />Ok, French people were really dumb when they rejected the EU Constitution, but at least we were not actively trying to block the other members.<br /><br />This agreement is a minima but I personally believe that it is still a great victory for Europe.<br /><br />Regarding the way our new President conducted the negotiations, I tend to think that he did a great job. Comparing with Chirac, which was not capable to understand how Europe worked and had only in its mind the interests of the farmers' lobbies and nothing else, Sarkozy has so far demonstrated that he was capable to conduct marathon negotiations involving different types of participants, interests groups and cultures. <br /><br />Bottom line, I am really happy with the conclusion of this agreement.Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-75275373204303831462007-06-09T00:01:00.001-05:002007-06-18T12:05:01.090-05:00Passports<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/35/Us-passport.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/35/Us-passport.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />After the big mess surrounding the passports requirements imposed by the US to all the countries benefiting from the Visa Waiver Program (including France), the US imposed on all its citizens to present a Passport when entering the country by plane (for cars that should be for next year). <br />Of course, here too, things did not go well and the Passport Agency has not been able to meet the demand. Too much demand for new passports and not enough agents to process them. People had to cancel trips, go queue at the Passport Agency etc...<br />As a result, the rule has been suspended. <br /><br />This drives me crazy. If the US want to secure their borders and control who enters and leaves this country, as they repeat constantly on TV, they should be able to produce the use of safe documents such as a passport. <br />This would make things so much easier. <br /><br />The only good thing about this suspension is that it will annoy Lou Dobbs ;-)Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-78399826119572105842007-06-08T23:40:00.000-05:002007-08-12T14:37:54.714-05:00Immigration<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.adc.org/images/BroUS4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://www.adc.org/images/BroUS4.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Unfortunately the immigration bill that was currently debated in the US Senate failed. Today more than 12 million illegal immigrants are in the US. Nobody really knows how they live and how they survive in America.<br /><br />Although, as a newcomer in America, I have to say that there is a real hypocrisy here about this topic. One the hand, we ear all the time about how these people broke the law and that they should be deported. On the other hand, it's very easy for an illegal immigrant to come and settle in the US. They can open bank accounts, own property, cars, get insurance etc... (this is not the case in France)<br />For me, the greatest joke about this are the social security card. They are made of paper and are really easy to tamper. You wonder if this may not be on purpose. I don't know but this makes it very easy for illegal immigrants to forge them and almost impossible for employers to know if a person has or not a legal status.<br /><br />What I liked about this bill was that it required the potential immigrant to know some English (not that I want to impose English as the unique language but but I have to admit that it makes me sad to talk to some people that have been here almost 20 years and not be able to get a good job because they don't speak the language), and to prioritize immigrants that have some technical skills the US needs the most. I understand that when you emigrate here you want to be close to your children and wife (I totally support that, I even think that parents of US citizens should not be deported) but I really don't see why the parents of a child that has reached its majority and its siblings should benefit of some kind of priority before other people that have a particular degree which might be helpful to the US economy. <br /><br />Moreover, I also believe that you cannot have a good immigration bill without a secure border. I know this is completely political. But I believe that the US need to address this issue. I believe that a lot of people would be more willing to accept a comprehensive reform of the current law, if they knew that it would nearly be impossible to sneak in through the border.Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-76878361254586247382007-05-26T20:21:00.003-05:002007-05-26T20:27:28.289-05:00Algeria<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/05/25/world/26argelia.xlarge1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/05/25/world/26argelia.xlarge1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Interesting story published in the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com">NY times</a> today. They explain that a quiet revolution is underway in Algeria where women are becoming the driving force of Algeria. According to the article, they're reaching the highest positions in medicine and the legal domain. This is good news I would say. To grow a society cannot ignore half of its work force and needs the goodwill of all the members of the society.<br /><br />Women represent an enormous untaped potential in numerous countries. A potential of growth for the economy of every single country. So I hope that this trend will continue in Algeria and lead the way to a more productive and richer society.<br /><br /><br />Photo from nytimes.comFranchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-31409780480739889632007-05-23T20:31:00.000-05:002007-05-23T20:32:27.302-05:00D.C.<A HREF='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAuxGBtw48mkuv026yx6r1X3bBIPbLjS7xU4c9uRkg7J7XvM80ly3RKam_kIqOt9DBl710uuSY1Qf72XOrke1neKudzntw26-toMh8tD90o_7LLXXpl57CManSRCFSb40Jr6hdvF_H4U/s1600-h/P5190029.JPG'><IMG SRC='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAuxGBtw48mkuv026yx6r1X3bBIPbLjS7xU4c9uRkg7J7XvM80ly3RKam_kIqOt9DBl710uuSY1Qf72XOrke1neKudzntw26-toMh8tD90o_7LLXXpl57CManSRCFSb40Jr6hdvF_H4U/s320/P5190029.JPG' border=0 alt='' id='BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_' style='clear:both;float:left; margin:0px 10px 10px 0;'></A> <br />Hi we are back from D.C.<br />What a beautiful city! The monuments are just amazing and grandiose. The city is rather small in size but with very different neighbourhoods. Of course, the most impressive is the Mall with all the buildings that we have seen all our life on TV. The Capitol, the Washington Memorial, the U.S. Supreme Court, the Lincoln Memorial and of course the Vietnam Memorial were all the names of the defunct soldiers are listed. <br /><br />Everything is just grandiose and beautiful. I really like Capitol Hill with the Capitol and the US Supreme Court. They are just two amazing buildings.<br /><br />What is even better about this city is that everything is FREE, and let me tell you, you don't see that very often in the US. The Mall is bordered by the Smithsonians Museums and you can go as many times as you want and for as long as you want since you know that you can leave and come back any time.<br /><br />This is really nice. You can also visit the Capitol for free. <br /><br />That makes a huge difference to let's say New York, where you are actually bleeding money while you are there. <br /><br />So I loved DC and can't wait to go back!<br /><br /><br /><br /><A HREF='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUyognsBP0q-NZqHuH1iLdA0402H03ghCJI28iYy4dG0vgKRBGNVd2L97vHOxczhAazR4E4K1q87tkrOw3kcl1O0cXQmxL6mo31OSaCtehSsp1HPzhRAsKZ1uXu0ETXzBMRNumR_rji0/s1600-h/P5190036.JPG'><IMG SRC='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUyognsBP0q-NZqHuH1iLdA0402H03ghCJI28iYy4dG0vgKRBGNVd2L97vHOxczhAazR4E4K1q87tkrOw3kcl1O0cXQmxL6mo31OSaCtehSsp1HPzhRAsKZ1uXu0ETXzBMRNumR_rji0/s320/P5190036.JPG' border=0 alt='' id='BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_' style='clear:both;float:left; margin:0px 10px 10px 0;'></A> <br /><A HREF='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9asqlz0XoYJ03aJzeFAU3extR2Wva5MWMHsAPyhttRduzWlmiYeFRMFIKRaEXknQBJ_9dj8QdzXw6O3vqfqxq8VGAfYP3vQlXvMB4XzK3jS5vjCBJW_pjBsapERRvgnOci0ugPeX8_g/s1600-h/P5190072.JPG'><IMG SRC='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9asqlz0XoYJ03aJzeFAU3extR2Wva5MWMHsAPyhttRduzWlmiYeFRMFIKRaEXknQBJ_9dj8QdzXw6O3vqfqxq8VGAfYP3vQlXvMB4XzK3jS5vjCBJW_pjBsapERRvgnOci0ugPeX8_g/s320/P5190072.JPG' border=0 alt='' id='BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_' style='clear:both;float:left; margin:0px 10px 10px 0;'></A> <div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-12926063685109512802007-05-15T11:05:00.000-05:002007-05-15T11:07:18.882-05:00Graduation<A HREF='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvgdEKcaWbl_D_41ces0O5_txlmf2Q5lgUzuxB5WDh98GA2pXwsKfvHaPLhYjcy0ONeBmCXbspJnjsJwdSukUxc5EFqLN_S2BRXPSsoTK23UJloAEOk60baK7ztIAQ3Xj-Q2bOagM_BA/s1600-h/P5130034.JPG'><IMG SRC='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvgdEKcaWbl_D_41ces0O5_txlmf2Q5lgUzuxB5WDh98GA2pXwsKfvHaPLhYjcy0ONeBmCXbspJnjsJwdSukUxc5EFqLN_S2BRXPSsoTK23UJloAEOk60baK7ztIAQ3Xj-Q2bOagM_BA/s320/P5130034.JPG' border=0 alt='' id='BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_' style='clear:both;float:left; margin:0px 10px 10px 0;'></A> <br /><br />Finally, my LL.M. has come to an end. I am sad and proud at the same time. On the one hand, it was a lot of work and I am happy that it is finally over; on the other hand, I am sad because I'll miss the fantastic group of students that made up this LL.M..<br /><br />The graduation festivities were very nice despite the nasty weather we had during this week. I'll remember the thunderstorm prior to the hooding ceremony! <br /><br />Graduation exercices are great both solemn and festive. I really enjoyed the one in the stadium with all the graduates from the other schools. It was impressive and miraculesly it did not rain. <br /><br />I'll encourage anyone who is contemplating an LL.M. to do it. It is a trully rewarding experience. I learnt a lot during this year and also had a lot of fun. <br /><br />It is time to move on though!<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479891773912037496.post-48537138370247947542007-05-10T03:03:00.001-05:002007-05-15T11:08:50.318-05:00Tony Blair félicite Nicolas Sarkozy (en français)<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/P6Cu9187tCY' name='movie'></param><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/P6Cu9187tCY'></embed></object></p><p>Here we are. Usually, it was the UK prime minister congratulated the winner of the election. Blablabla...<br /><br />Here, Tony Blair does it the right way, using Youtube. I think it's a great idea. At least, we know what he has to say.<br /><br />That's being a prime minister in the 21st century!</p></div>Franchutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00914160958910895594noreply@blogger.com0