We all know that the French take their culture very seriously.
France won a last-ditch battle today to maintain its right of veto in a future European Union constitution to protect its film and television industry from Hollywood in international trade negotiations.Whew, that was close. I'm sure you are as relieved as I am.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, French showbiz workers strrrriiiiiiiike! Yes, another one bites the dust. Festival, that is. In Aix-en-Provence this time.
''This is a considerable waste for the 600 artists, a waste for the personnel that decided, despite the pressure, to perform and for me--I tried everything,'' Stephane Lissner told France-2 television.
Lest we forget the mighty word! The French government has declared that the term 'e-mail' shall not be used whilst there is a perfectly good French equivalent, 'courriel', a word that Quebec has been using for years now.
The move, made law by its publication in the official government gazette on June 20, will put the French administration out of step with the majority of the French public, who still prefer to use "e-mail" to communicate between computer accounts.Here's a dictionary for further reference.
Giscard, the word! Sexist language has somehow found its way into the new EU constitution.
UK socialist MEP Linda McAvan spoke of the need to make the text gender-equal taking away references to "he" as the text refers to the newly created post of foreign minister of the EU.
And in the world of bizness, life only gets messier and Messier for some people. The former media-darling golden boy's golden parachute has been 'frozen'. Serves him right. Getting his comeuppance, that one. What for, you say?
...what really concerned those in his homeland was Messier's American management style.
Messier's comment that "the French cultural exception is dead"...likely marked the start of his demise.
He should never have uttered the 'c' word, uh uh, no way. Besides, he was wrong, there is always a French exception to the rule.
Ok France, you win. The US promises not to make any movies with mimes or pantomine clowns. You will still have the monopoly on that.
