tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post550346728736235894..comments2024-03-22T10:18:25.233+01:00Comments on ParisDailyPhoto: Les heures joyeusesEric@ParisDailyPhotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07945292068472619659noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-53387563032383744422010-11-18T16:28:47.558+01:002010-11-18T16:28:47.558+01:00Such a usefule blog…seriously
-------------------...Such a usefule blog…seriously<br /><br />--------------------------------------------<br />my website is <br />http://toclimb.org<br /> <br />Also welcome you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-34616813211130834092008-06-04T05:21:00.000+02:002008-06-04T05:21:00.000+02:00I hope I'm not too late in answering these questio...I hope I'm not too late in answering these questions...<BR/><BR/>Q1. In his victory speech, President Sarkozy said France had turned "a new page" in its history. Do you agree?<BR/><BR/>I'm sorry to say I didn't hear the speech and am not sure what he exactly means...I'll have to google it!<BR/><BR/>Q2. What do you think most defines France's reputation around the world?<BR/><BR/>Food, Fashion, Flare and sophistication! Sorry couldn't come up with another F word this late at night for me!!! Oh...just thought of a couple more, but not F words: Art, History (keeping it alive in today's world!)<BR/><BR/>Q3. Is French culture still alive today?<BR/>DEFINITELY YES!!!<BR/><BR/>Q4. Who are France's most influential people?<BR/><BR/>I think the local French people...all the native French ...during my holiday in Paris, I felt all the Parisians I met embodied influence! Hope that makes sense!! <BR/><BR/>Q5. What do you think is unique or distinctive about the French?<BR/><BR/>I LOVE how the French live their lives...they enjoy the moment...Joie de Vivre!! I LOVE that they take time out of their working day to eat and drink with friends! I LOVE that they enjoy food - all types and appreciate the care taken in the preparation and don't overindulge! I LOVE that they can relax! I LOVE their fashion sense! I LOVE the fact they are active!<BR/><BR/>Their spirit is contagious! I LOVED my week in Paris...I felt ALIVE and free! I LOVED walking the city and LOVED not getting pushed out of restaurants right after we finished a meal...I LOVED that they allowed you to sit and visit and eat slowly savouring the food!! They appreciated my attempt at broken French and I didn't find them aloof at all! ( like I had heard!) I can't fully put into words my experience in Paris....it truly was Joie de Vivre!!<BR/><BR/>I am Karyne and live near Toronto, Canada!!!swilekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17899156199746163443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-49683472038968458972008-06-03T16:43:00.000+02:002008-06-03T16:43:00.000+02:00Just a few words on what I think of when I think o...Just a few words on what I think of when I think of France (from une Australienne) :<BR/><BR/>Gerard Depardieu; Juliette Binoche<BR/>Parfum - YSL - Opium<BR/>Haute Couture - Coco Chanel<BR/>Haute Cuisine & Patisserie<BR/>La Politesse<BR/>Art, Sculpture, Literature - all the fine arts<BR/>Le Louvre<BR/>Sulky sensuality and beautiful women<BR/>Sexy men<BR/>French kisses<BR/>Le Metro<BR/>La Seine<BR/>La Tour Eiffel<BR/>Notre Dame<BR/>Sacre Coeur<BR/>Le Moulin Rouge<BR/>Les Places<BR/>Le Champs Elysees<BR/>Protests<BR/>Multiculturalism<BR/>Roman Catholicism and beautiful cathedrals<BR/>Medieval chamber musicMmeBenauthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14365277537757094040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-36833048866835527832008-06-03T01:55:00.000+02:002008-06-03T01:55:00.000+02:00Q1. In his victory speech, President Sarkozy said ...Q1. In his victory speech, President Sarkozy said France had turned "a new page" in its history. Do you agree?<BR/><BR/>Yes I do think France has possibly turned a "new page" however, the page is still yet to be written. It will be interesting to watch as France tries to maintain it's own strong and individualistic identity and yet be a major player in both the EU and the Global community.<BR/><BR/>Q2. What do you think most defines France's reputation around the world?<BR/><BR/>I would think they are defined by their very strong individualism and curiosity and interest in the world around them. They are also known for cultural achievements that have gone unrivaled and may never be matched again.<BR/><BR/>Q3. Is French culture still alive today?<BR/><BR/>It is alive, but in the process of great change. I believe what is known as French "style" is often confused with French culture. As the world becomes more "Global" which is another word for "Mediocre" or "Homogenized" it will be a different type of French culture that is shared or exported to the rest of the world.<BR/><BR/>Q4. Who are France's most influential people?<BR/><BR/>I think the most influential people in France are the generations that will make up the France of the 21st century. The present leaders of France had better realize this and plan accordingly.<BR/><BR/>Q5. What do you think is unique or distinctive about the French?<BR/><BR/>I agree with the previous post and believe that the International awareness of the French and their interest in the world at large is quite distinctive. We could talk about their personal sense of style, their "rules of the table" and amazing cuisine or their desire for privacy, but I believe their curiosity for the world around them and a respect for education is rather defining. They are also "Survivors", to Survive and Remain has been everything for them.<BR/><BR/>I am from San Francisco, CA and am a second generation American descended from a French father and French grandparents that arrived here around 1912.tonton_flaneurhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08071868284684917894noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-53475234235457131902008-06-02T02:14:00.000+02:002008-06-02T02:14:00.000+02:00I am from Boston, Massachusetts. I lived in France...I am from Boston, Massachusetts. I lived in France for nine months from Sept-May 2008 as a high school student.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Q1. In his victory speech, President Sarkozy said France had turned "a new page" in its history. Do you agree?<BR/>Critical changes are underway in France. Foremost, France is opening itself up to the forces of globalization ("mondialisation"). International companies are taking the places of established French enterprises. For instance, cars are no longer Citroen or Peugeot; American Fords and Japanese models are present in equal amounts. McDonalds exists. It is profitable. Levi outlets are opening outside of Paris. This is not the France of Chirac. It is still the Fifth Republic, but one in the process of abandoning its resistance to change.<BR/><BR/>France is also coming to terms with immigration. Muslims make up a large portion of the French state. It is no longer a primarily Catholic country. Its Gothic and Romanesque churches are mostly empty. Muslim immigrants from North Africa or the Middle East are rapidly increasing in size and geographic diversity. This is new. France has to come to terms with state-sponsored finance of mosques, and the state of the chaotic suburbs (banlieu). These are new concerns in French society.<BR/><BR/>Other changes include the European Union. France is a major player on the European circuit. It gives significant amounts of money to the EU (behind Germany), and will "host" the EU later this year. Sarkozy wants to redefine France. He is in the process of privitizing state-run initiatives and reducing the government in all domains. The socialist days appear to be coming to a close. The 80s with Mitterand and the 90s with Chirac increased the French state; Sarkozy and his party, the UMP, are the "libéral" are massaging limited government and a general "laisser-faire" mentality. New.<BR/><BR/>Altogether, France is inherently the same. Innovations spur advances, but French culture is still solidified. It is being prodded, sometimes willingly, sometimes with riots and protests, in a new direction.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Q2. What do you think most defines France's reputation around the world?<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>Q3. Is French culture still alive today?<BR/>Yes, but it is no longer as renowned as it once was. The fragile glory of the French state is routinely in doubt. However, France is still a world power, but not as it once was before WWII, under the reign of Napoleon, or during the Ancient Regime. Nonetheless, France has retained its high class up to today.<BR/><BR/>Q4. Who are France's most influential people?<BR/>Sarkozy, Le Penn, Yasmina Riza (she wishes...)<BR/><BR/><BR/>Q5. What do you think is unique or distinctive about the French?<BR/>International awareness. The French follow the news. Their newspapers have detailed international sections (Ouest-France, le Monde, Courrier International, etc). They also have great culinary traditions...Williamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08640296491257236658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-23766904563200470892008-06-01T22:40:00.000+02:002008-06-01T22:40:00.000+02:00'The French folks don't like our politics but neit...'The French folks don't like our politics but neither do we.' Woodie, I love this one.<BR/>Nice to see you here Mr 'Bewgewon'. ;)guillehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11367207273165799146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-23614722880106605402008-06-01T22:32:00.000+02:002008-06-01T22:32:00.000+02:00HINot sure the first email got through - so Eric -...HI<BR/><BR/>Not sure the first email got through - so Eric - I opened a blog account. This is my first blog so be gentile.<BR/><BR/>My wife and I just spent a month in Paris. We are amazed that people still ask us here at home if the French are rude. These are the same people who hate it when our illegal aliens can't/won't speak English.<BR/><BR/>Well we never met a rude person in Paris because we try to speak French. And our French is bad. We never had high school French. Ours is mostly learned on our own. I couldn't roll an R if I had to. And there are two in my name.<BR/><BR/>Our condo looks down on CNN Atlanta so these next comments are compared to Atlanta. We took every metro/bus/tram/RER in Paris. Only saw one neighborhood that looked rough. Compare that to Five Points. And we saw virtually no bums or homeless people sleeping on the streets. And they didn't hassle us.<BR/><BR/>Oh tell everyone if they are coming to Paris to bring money. Lunch for 2 Salads with house wine = $100. We had an apartment and cooked a lot.<BR/><BR/>The French folks don't like our politics but neither do we.<BR/><BR/>We love Paris and the friendly French people.<BR/><BR/>Woodie and Cheryl BergeronWoodiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11169324974586582918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-45926046301173475322008-06-01T20:48:00.000+02:002008-06-01T20:48:00.000+02:00hi The Bwergeron's here!We love France - just spe...hi The Bwergeron's here!<BR/><BR/>We love France - just spent a month here. It amazes me that in America we complain if people only speak Spanish - our illegals - but they do not understgand thst the French will be snooty if you don't try to speak French!!<BR/><BR/>We try to speak French and never run into snooty Frenchmen.<BR/><BR/>Plus there are virtually no homeless on the streets - In Atlanta we have an incredible problem with that - our condo over looks CNN - so you CNN guys know what I'm talking about.<BR/><BR/>And they keep it clean.<BR/><BR/>In the month we were there we took every bus - metro- tram - and RER possible. Only one neighborhood looked rough. CNN come spend some time at Atlanta's Five Points.<BR/><BR/>Woodie and Cheryl Bergeron <BR/><BR/>PS We didn't have high school French so our French is really bad but er try.<BR/><BR/>If you're going to Paris bring $$$ - lunch for two $100.<BR/><BR/>But we love it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-47775222693896044392008-06-01T20:01:00.000+02:002008-06-01T20:01:00.000+02:00Blueskies08: thank you. That's what I meant to say...Blueskies08: thank you. That's what I meant to say but didn't manage it as well as you did!<BR/><BR/>Tall Gary: love the slang.Petrea Burchardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-11938454391759905852008-06-01T19:08:00.000+02:002008-06-01T19:08:00.000+02:00Tall Gary, Thanks for the link to French slang. T...Tall Gary, Thanks for the link to French slang. The first one is really funny, oh, and the second one -- wait they are all funny.<BR/><BR/>Great answer to Q4.<BR/><BR/>"The true answer is likely wealthy and powerful, behind-the-scenes people in the realm of the Rothschilds." I knew a Rothschild once. She was my nest door neighbor when I lived on Park Avenue in NYC. BTW She was crazy.Lois Simonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15147226104566786852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-58477274503543676862008-06-01T17:17:00.000+02:002008-06-01T17:17:00.000+02:00I am new to this blog thing and hope I am not repe...I am new to this blog thing and hope I am not repeating myself as I am not sure if the first message went through. I am a language teacher (Spanish) and have studied a little French. I think the problem is that Americans and the French are very similiar (I hope no one takes offense to that.) We both want it our way. I have been lucky to have been to France a couple of times and found everyone friendly and helpful. It was appreciated that I tried to speak French and not just assumed they spoke English. On a travel show recently the hostess told about a Frenchman who compared the French to a coconut: hard on the outside but sweet on the inside; that if the effort is made to get to know them you will love them. Thank you for your daily snapshots. I look forward to them everyday. Merci beaucoup.BlueSkies08https://www.blogger.com/profile/00192587144043170284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-70768784378950110912008-06-01T16:07:00.000+02:002008-06-01T16:07:00.000+02:00Q1. In his victory speech, President Sarkozy said ...Q1. In his victory speech, President Sarkozy said France had turned "a new page" in its history. Do you agree?<BR/>From my distant (Austin, TX, USA) perch France seems unchanging in spite of the (very welcome to me) smoking ban.<BR/><BR/>Q2. What do you think most defines France's reputation around the world?<BR/>I think France is famous for food, wine and protest. <BR/><BR/>Q3. Is French culture still alive today?<BR/>I believe so. One only has to look at the photos on the French City Daily photo blogs to see that art and the finer things are still important in the midst of the 21st century.<BR/><BR/>Q4. Who are France's most influential people?<BR/>That's a tough one for a foreigner. The president seems powerful or at least written about but sometimes you think the interest groups (minorities living in the suburbs, students, young people protesting revision of labor laws, farmers) really wield the power and must be dealt with by these figureheads.<BR/><BR/>Q5. What do you think is unique or distinctive about the French?<BR/>I think that through everything the French keep their love for sitting down to wine, food, coffee and conversation and embrace art and literature. Americans moved through their various frontiers leaving behind occasionally anything that wasn't 'essential to life' or that seemed spurious to the religious beliefs they were preserving or creating. Despite this they had to import anew these basic values of civilization when they prospered in their new environments.Linda Ballhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12417535881100246975noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-4965985718915332642008-06-01T16:03:00.000+02:002008-06-01T16:03:00.000+02:00Lynn "But listen, Eric, YOU don't get away with no...Lynn "But listen, Eric, YOU don't get away with not answering! Now that you have told Guille that French people can reply, it is only fair that you should do it here too! Well? :)"<BR/><BR/>I will, I will ;)<BR/><BR/>I LOVE all your contributions BTW, it's always interesting to see the perception that foreigners have about France.Erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13796507758758766120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-32598555539555381062008-06-01T14:26:00.000+02:002008-06-01T14:26:00.000+02:00Hi Eric, I'm one of your silent readers that never...Hi Eric, I'm one of your silent readers that never comments, but being intrigued by your questions, here are my two cents: <BR/><BR/>Q1. In his victory speech, President Sarkozy said France had turned "a new page" in its history. Do you agree?<BR/><BR/>No, Sarkozy's presidency is just another notch in France's political belt. Hopefully we all emerge from it no worse for wear. <BR/><BR/>Q2. What do you think most defines France's reputation around the world?<BR/><BR/>Turning the necessities of life (food, drink, shelter, clothing) into haute couture. <BR/><BR/>Q3. Is French culture still alive today?<BR/><BR/>Of course, but changing. It's rich culture comes from a rich history, but this history is also a burden as France tries to stay true to its past, while allowing (r)evolution into its future.<BR/><BR/>Q4. Who are France's most influential people?<BR/><BR/>Besides PDP Eric? France's strength isn't in individuals but in its communities, thinking of the transportation strikes, the immigrant riots, the gov't 35-hr work week policy and free health care. In essence, France's most influential people...are its people. <BR/><BR/>Q5. What do you think is unique or distinctive about the French?<BR/><BR/>Noting that people across borders are more the same than different, the French really know how to accessorize and tie a darn nice scarf. <BR/><BR/>Beth, North Dakota, USARhubarb and Venisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18145275398081966657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-49302997120682974402008-06-01T14:11:00.000+02:002008-06-01T14:11:00.000+02:00Q1. In his victory speech, President Sarkozy said ...Q1. In his victory speech, President Sarkozy said France had turned "a new page" in its history. Do you agree?<BR/><BR/>No, not really. Other than I think Sarko and Carla will raise the profile of the French Presidency globally. <BR/><BR/>Q2. What do you think most defines France's reputation around the world?<BR/><BR/>Great culture, great food, great wine! <BR/><BR/>Q3. Is French culture still alive today?<BR/><BR/>Absolutely, particularly in the amazing cinema France has produced in the last few decades.<BR/><BR/>Q4. Who are France's most influential people?<BR/><BR/>Those behind France Telecom and Carrefour!<BR/><BR/>Q5. What do you think is unique or distinctive about the French?<BR/><BR/>Their pride in themselves, their style, their lifestyle and their culture.<BR/><BR/>Jess, North Devon, UKAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-67571774151556460252008-06-01T13:12:00.000+02:002008-06-01T13:12:00.000+02:00Eric, As an American who has had the pleasure to v...Eric, As an American who has had the pleasure to visit Paris a few times, your blog has provided me a link to those travels. I do not have answers to the CNN questions, but would like to comment on the people in Paris. They are so helpful and will stop to help a confused tourist with directions even if they speak no English. Once a kind woman helped with my luggage from the subway platform up to the above ground station - about 3 flights of stairs! When the topic of the French comes up in conversation, I always comment on how very friendly people in Paris have been during our visits there. I cannot wait to return!<BR/>Hugs,<BR/>Stephanie from OhioAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06438018515702581645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-15606413998055957112008-06-01T11:39:00.000+02:002008-06-01T11:39:00.000+02:00I forgot to include-- I am from Saratoga, New York...I forgot to include-- I am from Saratoga, New York.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02153725329890038125noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-50721442668649184042008-06-01T08:08:00.000+02:002008-06-01T08:08:00.000+02:00Q1. In his victory speech, President Sarkozy said ...Q1. In his victory speech, President Sarkozy said France had turned "a new page" in its history. Do you agree?<BR/><BR/>From what I’ve read, it seems that he’s trying to make France “conform” to the business and economic practices of other industrial countries. So, it may be a “new page,” but it remains to be seen if the citizens of France will “continue with this chapter”. <BR/><BR/>Q2. What do you think most defines France's reputation around the world?<BR/><BR/>Art and culture, wine and cuisine, fashion and design.<BR/><BR/>Q3. Is French culture still alive today?<BR/><BR/>In most ways, yes. It will be interesting to see how it weathers the influences of immigrant populations and globalization.<BR/><BR/>Q4. Who are France's most influential people?<BR/><BR/>Probably Sarkozy. Eric Tenin is a great influence in the internet community ;-). <BR/><BR/>Q5. What do you think is unique or distinctive about the French?<BR/><BR/>Being independent thinkers; the importance of art, culture, cuisine in everyday life.<BR/><BR/>From Boise, IdahoMs Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07960193596384417988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-27582895404270055912008-06-01T07:50:00.000+02:002008-06-01T07:50:00.000+02:00Q1. In his victory speech, President Sarkozy said ...Q1. In his victory speech, President Sarkozy said France had turned "a new page" in its history. Do you agree?<BR/><BR/>Yes, unfortunately, though it may be delayed a bit by world events.<BR/><BR/>Q2. What do you think most defines France's reputation around the world?<BR/><BR/>The visual images of Paris, a terrior approach to globalisation,art and the overall appreciation of culture.<BR/><BR/>Q3. Is French culture still alive today?<BR/><BR/>Yes, but I would agree that it is barely breathing under the onslaught of new media. Culture tends to be community-based and this is a difficult time for that vision.<BR/><BR/>Q4. Who are France's most influential people?<BR/><BR/>Well, I don't imagine the French care to think of themselves, as a whole, as being able to be influenced by anyone. However, on a stage wherein France has people who exert influence, I would say, Sarkozy and his wife.<BR/><BR/>Q5. What do you think is unique or distinctive about the French? <BR/><BR/>For me, what I found spellbinding and unique, is the ability of the French to make everything and anything beautiful. Whether it's wrapping my small purchase in a shop like a festive present, or hanging curtains, it's the way the French approach each thing, as though it has an inner beauty that will be coaxed out of it. And that beauty does indeed, get coaxed out. La vie est belle.<BR/><BR/>I love France. <BR/><BR/>From the moment I arrive until I am crying on my way to the airport, I am home. I feel at home. I am never lost in Paris. I always know exactly where I am, and wherever I am in Paris, I am always home.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02153725329890038125noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-50879308615897910632008-06-01T03:50:00.001+02:002008-06-01T03:50:00.001+02:00Oops. I meant I CAN mention it.Oops. I meant I CAN mention it.M.K.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09205619221345704689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-39496054188885572642008-06-01T03:50:00.000+02:002008-06-01T03:50:00.000+02:00T.Gary - Love that link! We got some chuckles fro...T.Gary - Love that link! We got some chuckles from that. From now on, when my husband and I are in a group of people, I can't casually mention that there's a crowd in the balcony, and no one but him will know what I mean! :)M.K.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09205619221345704689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-75989286835722300312008-06-01T03:30:00.000+02:002008-06-01T03:30:00.000+02:00Guille, when I look at what I said it sounds negat...Guille, when I look at what I said it sounds negative, but I didn't mean it that way. It's something about the French people that I admire.<BR/>I also said the French insist on being individual, which you are, and which I like very much.<BR/>Then Tall Gary refused to stereotype the French, and I felt a little guilty for doing it. Stereotypes may begin in reality, but Tall Gary's right. No one thing is true of an entire country's people.<BR/>You are warm and friendly, Guille. Like Eric. Yes, it does exist! It's the reason I keep coming back here every day. It's not just the photos, it's the people.Petrea Burchardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-52410266515383375272008-06-01T03:26:00.000+02:002008-06-01T03:26:00.000+02:00Tall Gary -- I am LOOOLLLL at your comments. What...Tall Gary -- I am LOOOLLLL at your comments. What a dream! And, as for your answer to question number 4,as I'm sure you know, not only won't you know, no one will know. Sadly for all of us, once we identify even one turquoise flavored gazelle, we won't be able to tell if its in the Caribbean. Better stick with Sarko in the jungle. :} And, the link was wonderful.Carriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15978433496142392475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-7304713537402051962008-06-01T03:19:00.000+02:002008-06-01T03:19:00.000+02:00Guille -- posted a comment for you on the next dat...Guille -- posted a comment for you on the next date by mistake. I'd like to know your thoughts and any other French posters thoughts, too.Carriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15978433496142392475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11471590.post-53512645840485409302008-06-01T03:05:00.000+02:002008-06-01T03:05:00.000+02:00Q1. In his victory speech, President Sarkozy said ...Q1. In his victory speech, President Sarkozy said France had turned "a new page" in its history. Do you agree?<BR/><BR/>Yes. He promised not to deliver more of the same.<BR/><BR/>Q2. What do you think most defines France's reputation around the world?<BR/><BR/>Wine, cuisine, fashion.<BR/><BR/>Q3. Is French culture still alive today?<BR/><BR/>Barely breathing, but still alive. The glory days of French culture are long past.<BR/><BR/>Q4. Who are France's most influential people?<BR/><BR/>Without question Bertrand Delanoë, the mayor of Paris. He may well be the next president.<BR/><BR/>Q5. What do you think is unique or distinctive about the French?<BR/><BR/>Independent thinking and suspicion of the status quo.<BR/><BR/>P.S. I'm from Washington, DC.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com