Paris Economics

Yesterday was a question of economics.

The Chambre de Notaires announced the latest Paris property prices and I was pleased to see that the average per square meter price had increased 3.5% in just one quarter and for the year from 3rd quarter 2003 to 3rd quarter 2004 Paris property is still appreciating more than 13%. My own “petit coin” is above the average, but the neighborhood showing the most ROI is currently the 11th district with 20.6%! What a surprise to see it take over the growth we’ve seen lately in the 18th, 19th and 20th arrondissements.

In the afternoon I met with Stéphane Denner, agent from Banque Patrimoine et Immobilier, about an equity loan based on my current apartment mortgage to purchase more properties. The current interest rates, based on the “Euribor” are currently as low as 2.18% (3 month Euribor) and 2.30% (12 month Euribor). This makes borrowing money cheap and a particularly great deal if you’re dealing in euros. Even if your down payment is made with U.S. dollars, things are looking brighter for the strength of the dollar against the euro.

Last night Democrats Abroad and Republicans Abroad joined forces in association with the ESCP-EAP Alumni Association to host a debate at Place de la Bourse questioning the U.S. Dollar: Weak or Strong? Speakers Kenneth Merten of the U.S. Embassy, Robert Pingeon as chairman of Republicans Abroad, Paul Horne Market Economist and Ronald Freeman investor and financial advisor, lead the panel, moderated by Alex Krause, Paris correspondent of Transatlantic Magazine.

It was an impressive array of what Connie Borde (chair of Democrats Abroad) coined as “gray matter.” No one could dispute their amazing knowledge and understanding of the world’s financial picture. Could they predict what the dollar would do in months/years to come? Sure! But, one abstained, one expected it to reach an all-time low of $1.50 to the euro and the two economists saw it rising to closer to the “Big Mac Index” of perhaps $1.12 to $1.25 to the euro — the euro is currently 25% overvalued (December 16, 2004). I’m betting on the two economists and have faith in the Big Mac!

“Burgernomics is based on the theory of purchasing-power parity, the notion that a dollar should buy the same amount in all countries. Thus in the long run, the exchange rate between two countries should move towards the rate that equalizes the prices of an identical basket of goods and services in each country. Our ‘basket’ is a McDonald’s Big Mac, which is produced in about 120 countries. The Big Mac PPP is the exchange rate that would mean hamburgers cost the same in America as abroad. Comparing actual exchange rates with PPPs indicates whether a currency is under-or overvalued.” — http://www.economist.com/markets/bigmac/about.cfm

Mid afternoon, I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time with Frédéric Le Roux, International Development Officer of the Paris Ile de France Agence Régionale de Développement. The agency has one primary goal in mind…to create jobs in the Ile de France. Naturally, bringing in large corporations from other parts of the globe creates more jobs faster, but they don’t discount the need for mom-pop businesses to start-up and prosper. We spoke about the entrepreneurial American who is clamoring for a way to come live in France, many of whom are interested in starting a business as a way of earning a living and expressing their creative ideas.

For those of you considering this, they make their information and services available and recommend professionals who can help. They have agreed to provide us with their “Living and Working in the Paris Region Practical Guide” for all attendees of the “Living and Investing in France Conference” this coming February 11 – 13, 2004 in New Orleans and John Howell will be addressing the topic of “Starting a Business in France” — he’s just about to release his new book, “Starting a Business in France,” published by Cadogan Guides. The agency has also pledged to make a presentation at the “Working and Living in France Conference” this coming May 20 – 22, 2005 here in Paris.

Not surprising is that commercial property is just as solid an investment as residential property in Paris, if not more so. For the 1999 – 2002 period, Paris property showed a return of 13.8% compared to 9.1% for London and represents the largest commercial property market in Europe. (For more information and to order their brochures and materials, visit http://www.paris-region.com/ard_uk/default.asp)

“Money” seems to be less and less of a dirty word in France, at least in the context of business and investments. In fact, it’s been fascinating watching the evolution over the years as the French become more and more entrepreneurial with globalization and the massive undertaking of European Union.

A la prochaine…

Adrian Leeds
Editor, Parler Paris
[email protected]

P.S. You still have a chance to register for the Living and Investing in France Conference at a savings of up to $600. Last w

eek’s technical problems on the site interfered in the online registration process for many of our registrants — so to allow everyone the opportunity to register at a discount, we’re extending the deadline to January 31, 2005. Visit /frenchproperty/conference/LIF_NOLA/LIF_NOLA_home.html for more information.

P.P.S. Hot in the news is Paris’ newest Mémorial de la Shoah, officially described as a “museum, place of memory and documentation-centre” — the memorial is an expansion of two long-standing institutions: the Memorial to the Unknown Jewish Martyr and the Centre for Contemporary Jewish Documentation. Scroll down to “Paris: Activities, Events and Displays” for information and articles about this historical event and how to visit it.

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Further resources:
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* Getting a mortgage in France is easier than you think. Let us help.
/frenchproperty/insider/mortgage.html

* Change your life…live in the City of Light…Paris.
In just three days you can have all the tools you need to totally transform your regular life…into la vie française.

Living and Investing in France, February 11 -13, 2004, New Orleans, Louisiana

Early Bird Registration extended to January 31, 2005.
/frenchproperty/conference/LIF_NOLA/LIF_NOLA_home.html

* Get to know the Parler Paris Professionals who can help you make your dream to live in France come true. Visit /parlerparis/services/index.html

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Calendar #42
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Paris, France
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Special note:

If you wish your community announcement to be listed in the Parler Paris Previews, continue to please provide the text in ENGLISH just as you’d like it to appear and send it to Lynda Sydney at [email protected]?subject=Calendar_Listing We reserve the right to edit as necessary.

Thank you, Adrian

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Strictly Entertainment:
Comedy, Plays, Movies, Dance
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V-day Paris joins global effort
to stop violence against women and girls.
In association with the V-day 2005 college campaign,
the Ulip Theatre Society is proud to present,
a benefit production of Eve Ensler’s

“THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES”
Cafe de la Gare
41 rue du Temple, 75004, Paris
8p.m., Tuesday, February 8, 2005
Tickets are 12 euros or 8 euros for students and may be purchased (or or reserved) by phoning 01.43.35.31.19.

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MOVING PARTS
Play Readings

Carr’s Pub and Restaurant
1 rue du Mont Thabor, 75001 Paris
Métro: Tuileries

Always on Sundays, always at 7:30 p.m.

Plays in English:

20th February Rachel Ollagnon “Coupling”
6th March Kenneth Hickey “The Train Set”
13th March Paul Delmont “The Interrogation of Miriam of Nazareth”
20th March Mary Bruton-Sandifer “Hunting Season” (2nd reading)
17th April NC Heikin “Femail”
1st May Robert Watson Barr “Sixty”
22nd May Kenneth Hickey “The Train Set”
29th May Thomas Dooley “Discretion”

Plays in French:
6th February Michael Diantonio “Epidaéo”
3rd April Romain Bisseret “Mariage d’Amis”
1st May Pascal Loison “Intimités”

Contact Stephanie Campion at 06.14.67.18.58 to book a reading of YOUR play. June 2005 onwards dates available.

Latest version always available on the website: http://www.scamparis.com
or send an email to Stephanie [email protected]

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The Improfessionals bring in the New Year with a brand
new Impro A La Carte Show. Order up the Chef’s special
and see what fun and Surprises await.

WEDNESDAY
26.January 2005
19.30h at 7 Lézards
10 rue des Rosiers
75004 PARIS
Métro: St.Paul
10 and 8 euros

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LEE MACK’S BACK!
January 31 and February 1 at 8:30 p.m.

Hôtel du Nord
102 quai de Jemmapes, Paris 10
Tickets at the door: 20/17 (students o.a.p’s) Euros

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ROBYN HITCHCOCK and PETER BLEGVAD In concert
February 6 and 7 at 8:30 p.m.

Hôtel du Nord
tickets at the door: 22 Euros

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Paris Premiere of the film INDIGO
Saturday January 29 (8pm) and Sunday January 30 (2pm & 7pm) at the American Library in Paris.

A film by Stephen Simon(producer of What Dreams May Come and Somewhere in Time and author of ‘The Force is With You: Mystical Movie Messages That Inspire Our Lives,’), Neal Donald Walsch (author of Conversations with God) and James Twyman,(peace pilgrim, author, singer/songwriter).
10 Euros; Seating limited, please call to reserve:
Karyn Steilen 01.56.24.25.46 [email protected]

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On Stage at the Théâtre de Nesle through January 2005

TRAVELLIN’LIGHT by Nicholas Calderbank
A free-wheeling comedy suitable for ages and linguistic levels.

8 rue de Nesle, 75006 Paris, Métro: Odeon
10 Euros/8 Euros for students and unemployed
Reservations: 01.46.34.61.04

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Musical Interludes
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February 17, 2005 at 8:30 PM
Concert exceptionnel au palais de l’UNESCO.
Salle no. 1 des conférences. 7 place de Fontenoy Paris 7th
Métro: Ségur, Cambronne.

Le Choeur Européen de Paris and its orchestra under the direction of Hugues Reiner will perform: Mahler’s 10th Symphony and the Mozart Requiem.

(Over 150 artists and a cast of soloists around the famous soprano Sandrine Piau.)

Tickets are 30 euros. This benefit concert will be given for the humanitarian action of Espoir sans frontières in Sri Lanka (which works with the association Green Hope, active there for over 30 years). Out of each ticket sold, 15 euros will go directly to this association.

Tickets can be purchased at:
FNAC-Carrefour 08.92.68.36.22
Virgin Mégastore, Auchan, Leclerc, Galeries Lafayette, Cultura, La Samaritaine, Le Progrès de Lyon,
Le Choeur Européen de Paris 01.43.87.49.80
On site à UNESCO the evening of the concert after 7:30 p.m.

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Literary Events
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ALESIAN LITERARY SALON By Toby Brothers

Bleak House- Charles Dickens- Monday Evenings 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. The Sound and the Fury- Tuesday afternoons 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
The Sound and the Fury — Tuesday Evenings 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Website: http://literarysalon.free.fr
Call 06.85.13.81.27 or email [email protected] for more
information.

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Trade Shows, Exhibitions
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Les Nuits Parisiennes 2005

Start 2005 with panache at Les Nuits Parisiennes at the Carrousel du Louvre on January 27th and January 28th. Join over 8000 visitors and experience 70 expositions including music, visual shows, lingerie, magicians, dance and delicacies to name a few! Participate in the “Allumez vos bougies” on January 27th and light up the city, and sashay into the stunning La soirée de clôture on January 28th.

For more information visit: http://lesnuitsparisiennes.fr

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MUSÉE DAPPER-the premier space in France dedicated to ancient and
contemporary art of Africa.

Musical performance of “Issa, longues jambes” by la Compagnie Vertigo.
Inspired by a traditional African story, the tale reunites words, music and
dance.

Sundays: 30th January
Wednesdays: 26th January at 3:00 p.m.

Entry Fees: 8 Euros; Reduced Fee: 6 Euros for children under 12

CIRQUE: Balabala Street

Désiré N’Goma (acrobat, équilibriste) et Vincent Mézières (juggler)
presented by la Compagnie Chapiteau d’Afrique

MUSÉE DAPPER
35, rue Paul Valéry 75116 PARIS M° Victor Hugo
Open every day except Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tél.01.45.00.91.75
http://www.dapper.com.fr

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Bonnes Soirées and Great Gatherings
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PARLER PARIS APRES-MIDI /parlerparis/apresmidi.html

Next Meeting: February 8th, 2005 and Every Second Tuesday of the Month 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This is your opportunity to meet every month, often with local professionals who can answer your Working and Living in France questions. You are invited to come for drinks and share your questions and comments about what it takes to create a life here, own property and enjoy what France has to offer. It is also an opportunity to network with other Parler Paris readers.

Upstairs at La Pierre du Marais
96, rue des Archives at the corner of rue de Bretagne
75003 Paris
Métro Lines 9, 3 et 11, stations Temple, République or Arts et Métiers

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PARIS NETWORKING COCKTAIL

Guest speaker every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Cocktail Buffet. Make contacts for business, career opportunities, self-development. Bring lots of Business Cards to exchange with others. You must bring a card.

Wednesday 26 January- 18h30 to 20h30.

Our guest speaker will be:
Byron Murray
Management Consultant. Real Estate Developer.

Byron Murray is a management consultant and real estate developer in the U.S who has just purchased an apartment in the 11th arrondisement that needs a LOT of work before he can move in. How will he get started with renovations? He will eventually use this apartment to finance the purchase of a larger space. How will he do this?

Originally from the Philadelphia area, Byron has lived up and down the East Coast. As an electrical engineer, he developed several key technologies in the multi-media arena. As an entrepreneur, he started, operated, and grew several successful businesses.

As a management consultant, Byron has advised the management of such large, international firms as Walt Disney Company, Fidelity Investments, Honeywell Information Systems,
Companie Machine Bull, Nippon Electric Company, and others.

As a real estate developer he has completed a number of tasteful renovations of properties in both urban and suburban settings. Byron is currently contemplating making his home in Paris, and considering some interesting challenges and opportunities here.

CONFIRMED RESERVATIONS ARE NECESSARY.

Thanks for reserving via return email! If you don’t receive an email
confirmation by Sunday, please call Patricia’s Tel: 01.43.26.12.88, email: [email protected]

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PARIS SOIREE DINNERS
Every Sunday

Patricia Laplante-Collins has international dinner parties on the Ile St-Louis. There is always a Guest speaker, perhaps a Writer, Actor, Historian — you name it, Patricia hosts them all. Patricia is proud to have a 21st Century Parisian Salon. Our mission is to simply enlarge our circle of acquaintances in a safe and stimulating atmosphere while promoting Cultural Achievement, The New Age and Paris Personalities. And we have fun! We are THE gathering place for the International Community of Paris. Enjoy! Discuss! Meet new and interesting people.

Sunday 30 January At 18h30. “Mountain Climbing in Nepal”.
A breathtaking travelogue with many beautiful images by Christian Pittsrof

PARTICIPATION:
15 Euros in an envelope and lots of business cards.

BUFFET: GOOD WINE. FUN CANAPES. AFTER THE TALK, PASTA OF THE
DAYFOR THOSE WHO WANT TO STAY.

CONFIRMED RESERVATIONS ARE NECESSARY.
Thanks for reserving via return email! If you don’t receive an email
confirmation by Sunday, please call Patricia’s Tel: 01.43.26.12.88,
email: [email protected]

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27 Years Of Dinner Chez Jim Haynes

Jim’s atelier becomes a salon every Sunday night where about 70 people from all over the world meet, dine, drink and enjoy themselves. Telephone on Saturday or Sunday for your invitation, directions and the door code.

Jim Haynes
Atelier A2
83, rue de la Tombe Issoire
75014 Paris
01.43.27.17.67, email [email protected]

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The newest arts salon in Paris takes place in a Bastille gallery. Artists and experimental/electro DJ Wet.
Call 06.17.40.82.04 for information or email [email protected]
Every Thursday from 7p.m. to 11p.m.
25 rue Keller, 75011 PARIS
Métro: Bastille

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Services
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Have your portrait painted by American Portrait Artist, Kathy Burke
For samples of her great work, visit /parlerparis/art/index.html

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Knowledge is Power — Conferences, Workshops and Seminars
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IRAN: FROM WOMEN TO NUKES

Bernard Hourcade, Director of Research at the Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), who will discuss internal developments

Sheila Sarem, member of Young Democrats, who will speak on the status of women in Iran

Bruno Tertrais, Researcher at the Fondation de la Recherche Stratéque (FRS), who w

ill address the nuclear issue

Vivian Walt, reporter just returned from her third trip to Iran, on assignment from Fortune, who will discuss U.S.-Iran relations

Les Noces de Jeannette
Corner of 14 rue Favart and 9 rue d¹Amboise
75002 Paris, Tel:01.42.96.36.89
Métros: Richelieu-Drouot, Bourse, Quatre-Septembre

Pay for the dinner directly to the restaurant. Please send your check for 32 Euros made out to “Les Noces de Jeannette” to Cathy Decavèle, 22 Chemin de la Rousterie, 78460 La Chevreuse. To pay at the door (by check or cash) call for reservations: Cathy Decavele 01.30.52.34.92 or Ellie Schaffer 01.43.20.78.01

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Learning la Langue Française
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Parler Parlor French-English Conversation Group
http://www.parlerparlor.com

Celebrating our 7th Year in Paris March 17th, 2005

Join us at the Parler Parlor conversation group in Paris France for free-form conversation with native French and English speakers. Practice speaking 45 minutes in French, 45 minutes in English. Make friends, discuss interesting topics, learn about other cultures, progress in understanding and speaking, naturally and easily, in groups of six to eight, each in its own acoustically sound private room.

Parlor Times — 3 Times A Week In Two Locations

Berlitz Opera – Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
38 Avenue de l’Opéra
2nd arrondissement, Paris
Opéra, RER A Auber

At Eurocentres – Wednesdays 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. to
12:30 p.m.
13 passage Dauphine (entrance at 30 rue Dauphine, between rue Dauphine and rue Mazarine), 6th arrondissement
Métro Odéon, Saint-Michel

Membership and General Information
http://www.parlerparlor.com
Email: [email protected]
Elisabeth Crochard, Tel: 01.44.19.76.61
Adrian Leeds, Tel: 01.40.27.97.59

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Astro-Paris by Eric Francis
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Despite freezing tempearatures, springtime is slowly coming to Paris. Flowers are pushing their way up, the days are obviously longer, and there is a change in the quality of the light.

Technically, though, February arrives next week at the depth of winter in most of the Northern Hemisphere, when we live in the shadow of cold, rain and snow. Within February’s first few days lies one of the four high holidays — or sabbats — of the pagan calendar, called Imbolc in Celtic times and Candlemas in modern times. The cross-quarter days are holidays that fall midway between the equinoxes and the solstices. The corresponding holidays are Beltane (or May day, May 1), Lammas (also called first harvest or second planting in agricultural communities, August 1) and Samhain (also called Halloween, October 31, also known as ‘days of the dead’).

Imbolc, also called “Midwinter,” literally means “in the belly,” and at this time we are deep in the belly of winter, held in gestation for the coming spring at the vernal equinox around March 21. Imbolc is like the first movements of the fetus preparing for birth. Its precise timing is when the Sun crosses the middle degree of Aquarius.

Astrologers know that Imbolc falls with the Sun at the midpoint of the sign Aquarius, the Water Bearer, who lives today as the astrological symbol of rebellion and eccentricity. As with Imbolc, there are always at least two versions of the story with Aquarius. Is it an air sign or a water sign? (It’s an air sign with water themes and imagery.) Is it ruled by, or associated with Saturn or Uranus? (Traditionally Saturn rules it, but in modern astrology most astrologers use Uranus.) Do those wavy lines represent air or water? (All waves are waves of energy.) Is the Water Bearer a male figure or female? (Probably male, but usually represented female.)

Aquarius, which has some interesting androgynous qualities, is truly a mix of all of the above.

Happy Birthday, Aquarius!

Events and developments of this year promise to change your perspective on some of the more subtle points of perception. What is true and what is not? What is the relationship between your personal truth and the larger truth? What is your relationship to substances that change your consciousness? Is the person you present to the world the ‘real you’ or is it a made-up personality? These are questions that will come to the surface in small bits and, at times, in sweeping moments of self-inquiry that will leave you a more solid, confident and authentic person than you’ve ever been before.

Eric Francis is an astrological consultant with 10 years experience, and an astrological writer whose work appears across the United States, the UK, Spain, Australia and France and up and down the Internet. He has served as the personal astrologer to the Crown Prince of Antarctica, and the cousin of the Duke of Lichtenstein’s butler. He charges a heck of a lot for his work, but they say it’s worth it. You can reach him via his United States office at (206) 567-4455 during Eastern business hours (you will speak to Ms. Bottinelli), or in Paris at 01.43.29.08.34. You can visit his web page at http://planetwaves.net/ where you can subscribe to the long-awaited 2005 annual horoscope.

Read more writing by Eric Francis at http://PlanetWavesWeekly.com/ or subscribe to Planet Waves Weekly directly by calling (877) 453-8265. Planet Waves Weekly is my (twice) weekly astrology news service devoted to covering world events from a personally relevant angle, with much information about healing, astrology, astronomy and more; plus my weekly Sun-Sign horoscopes. International, call (206) 567-4455 during Eastern business hours.

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Community Announcements
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AMERICAN WOMEN’S GROUP

Upcoming Events

January 27th Beyond Paris – Provins

A few of the February opportunities:

1st Musée Victor Hugo
3rd Musée Cluny
7th Conciergerie
9th Le Cordon Bleu — Valentine’s Day
10th Italian Renaissance at the Louvre
15th Musée Jacquemart Andre
16th Estelle’s Flowers
16-17th Beyond Paris – London
22nd Pharoh Exhibit
23rd Lunch Around the World

American Women’s Group
32, rue du General Bertrand
75007 Paris France
Tel: 01.42.73.36.74
[email protected]
http://www.awgparis.org

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The AMERICAN LIBRARY IN PARIS Presents Evenings With An Expert…

Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m.

Evenings With An Expert are free and open to the public. No reservations necessary. Just show up.

FEBRUARY 8. “International Dispute Resolution.” A primer for non-lawyers. The expert is Alex Blumrosen, a Paris-based partner at the law firm Bernard-Hetz-Bejot.

MARCH 15. “Corporat

e Social Responsibility: How Europeans And Americans Understand This Term Differently.” The expert is Kate Fish, the Paris representative of the San Francisco-based consultancy Business for Social Responsibility.

APRIL 19. “Killer of the Modern World: The Mortality Effect of Climate Change (A Case Study of the 2003 Canicule).” The expert is Magali Barbieri, a Paris-based researcher at the Institut national d’études démographiques.

MAY 24. “The European Union.” How is it governed now, what would the proposed constitution change, and how is the ratification process going to unfold? The expert is Peter Linton, the Brussels-based Europe Chairman of BKSH (the worldwide government relations division of Burson-Marsteller).

JUNE 14. “EU Competition Law.” What are the rules, what are the grey areas, what are the battles, and how does all of that affect us? The expert is Pierre Kirch, Paris- and Brussels-based head of the EU law/competition law practice group of Paul Hastings Janofsky and Walker.

American Library in Paris 10 rue du Général Camou 75007 Paris 01.53.59.12.60 Fax: 01.45.50.25.83 Hours: Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. http://americanlibraryinparis.org

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Paris: Activities, Events and Displays
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Mémorial de la Shoah:
Opening January 27
Sunday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays till 10 p.m., Closed Saturdays

Free Entry
Access at 17 rue Geoffroy l’Asnier, 4th
Métro: Saint-Paul ou Hôtel de Ville (ligne 1), Pont-Marie (ligne 7)
Bus: 96, 69, 76, 67, Balabus
Parking: Baudoyer (place Baudoyer), Lobau (rue Lobau)
Tél: 01 42 77 44 72
[email protected]
http://www.memorialdelashoah.org

Exhibition:
Entre l’écoute et la parole: derniers témoins
Auschwitz-Birkenau 1945/2005
January 25 – March 12, 2005
Access by the Parvis de l’Hôtel de Ville
Free Entry Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Closed Sundays and February 7 and 8 and March 7 and 8.

More Reading and Information:

* http://www.paris.fr
* http://www.paris.fr/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=440796
* http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=58&story_id=16064&name=
New+Holocaust+memorial+in+Paris+set+to+open
* http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-briefs24jan24,1,6728629.story?coll=
la-headlines-world&ctrack=1&cset=true

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OFFICIAL PARIS WINTER SALES
Soldes d’Hiver
January 12, 2005 – February 12, 2005

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CHINESE NEW YEAR

February 9, 2005 The year of the Rooster
Parade, shows, music and events.
13th arrondissement “China Town,” Métro: Place d’Italie