Newsletter n°153 / London goes on!

Dear franceinlondoner

Last week has probably been one of the darkest ones if you are a Londoner working in the City. For most of us, however, who may not have direct links with the banking world, can we stay cool even if to a certain extent, we have not yet been dramatically touched by the financial crisis that has hit the world? Can we carry on as if nothing has happened or are all the headlines scaring us? I was pleased to see this weekend that, thanks to the great weather we are having (at last the Indian Summer we dreamed of has arrived), people were out and about and continuing their business as usual. Carrying on is what Londoners do best at times of turmoil, whether it be through the Blitz in the second world war or post the London bombings of 7/7 or even just generally : Londoners are survivors. Let's hope that this week will continue to be on the up and that market confidence will return.

Film

The Times BFI 52nd London Film Festival

The class

Do not forget! The Times BFI London Film Festival starts starts on 15th October and will showcase the best new films from around the world, here in London, until 30th October. Of course, French films will also be part of the Festival.

Piaf

Elena Roger is Edith Piaf

Did you like "La Vie en Rose"? If the answer is yes, it's time to discover the acclaimed musical "Piaf". It will be showing at the Vaudeville Theatre in London from 21st October to 24th January.

"Les Mercredis de l'Impro"

Les Mercredis de l'Impro

You've always dreamed to go on the stage? "Les Mercredis de l'Impro" are made for you. For the first time in London: two teams of volunteers face each other in an improvisation match coached by the Compagnie du Carreau. Performed in French. On 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th November at 9.30pm. Tickets: £12.

Exhibition: “Course of Life” by Robert Zytynski

Robert Zytynski

From the 14th to the 19th October, the Gueguen Gallery presents “Course of Life”,a series of paintings by Robert Zytynski, a magic French-Polish born artist.

Concert: Beat Assailant

Beat Assailant

Beat Assailant is probably one of the best examples of the transatlantic cooperation. Their music an unique blend between an American rapper and 10 of the finest Parisian musicians, from jazz to rock, soul to funk. Concert on the 21th november,11pm at the Jazz Café. Five CDs to be won.

Little things, big effect

Fashion accessories

How can you make a simple outfit more original and classy? No need here to be a great designer, you just have to learn to use the accessories properly. Some tips to help you make your choice between bags, belts, glasses, etc.

Medicine and literature: two Nobel prizes for France

J.M.G. Le Clézio

Cocorico!!!! France won two Nobel prizes this year. The "nomadic" novelist Le Clézio awarded Nobel for literature, while two French researchers were honored for the discover of HIV. Such a success had not happened since 1952.

Is the French obsession with "cultural exception" declining?

French typical old man

It seems that the French obsession with "cultural exception" is getting softer as French people are relaxing their hostility toward the English language. And yet this was not a safe bet!

Autumn in Paris

Notre Dame de Paris

When we return home at the end of our summer holidays and are faced with work, sending the kids to school (and all the trials and tribulations that entails) and are left counting the weeks till the next official holiday, the only thing many of us will be thinking of is how to get as far away from it all as possible. My immediate escape route is Paris.

Ownership in the UK

House in London

It may not be the best time to buy a property in this economic climate... But who knows? An amazing deal might come along which you will be tempted by. First make sure you know the property system in the UK before embarking on this road and walk into potential traps for the novice.

Is France going to lead the energetic field of the UK?

EDF Chairman, Pierre Gadonneix

The Brits are worried that a EDF is taking over the running of British Power. However, what does it really mean for the future? Is there any reason to worry about it?

London life