NewsletterFebruary 2013
Tomme
Two types of Tomme cheese. On the top is Tomme made from goat milk, on the bottom made from cow milk. I have to say it was difficult for me to taste the difference!
Mariage pour tous vs Manif pour tous
At the end of January the French Parliament started debating the proposed law to legalize same sex marriage. What supporters are calling Mariage pour tous – marriage for all. This law was a campaign promise of François Hollande.
In general polls show support for same sex marriage running at about 55% yes. That said, those opposed to same sex marriage are running a smart media campaign. They avoid being labeled homophobes by focusing on family values. The anti-campaign had its highlight during a mass rally Manif pour tous – demonstration for all, in Paris. Anywhere from 350,000 to 800,000 took part. Making it one of the largest demonstrations in France in over 20 years.
The opposition UMP has come out against same sex marriage, but a few UMP members in parliament will vote for the law. The UMP is calling for a national referendum on same sex marriage. To me this a political cover as French society is changing and the UMP knows its on the wrong side of this issue. The issue gets tricky for supporters, with adoption. Not as many people favor adoption by same sex couples as marriage. Surrogacy/artificial insemination further complicates the issue; there doesn't seem to be majority support. The proposed law legalizes marriage and adoption by same sex couples, but not surrogacy or artificial insemination. Surrogacy/artificial insemination will be proposed in a law to be introduced in March.
I have a video summary of the proposed law.
Podcasts
Busy month for Podcasts, I talked with Kelly Kamborian who's an English teacher and tour guide in Fontaine-lès-Dijon and Robert Hoehn an actor in Paris. Robert is also the brainchild behind FrenchFriedTV, the comedic adventures of a 'fish out of water' American in Paris.
Énigmes
The answer to last month's enigma: Château X is Château de Rastignac in the Dordogne and Château Y is Château Peychotte aka Maison Carrée d'Arlac in Mérignac, next to Bordeaux.
Here’s another enigma: It all started in Beaune, when this Swiss started riding in local bike races and became interested in mechanics. He then moved to America and founded a famous American car brand, that is still going strong. Who is he and what's the car brand?
Tour de France
In my latest visit to Expats Radio I started a 'Tour de France.'
La Roche Bluegrass
The dates for the La Roche Bluegrass, my town's yearly Bluegrass Festival are set. La Roche Bluegrass will take place from July 31st - August 4th 2013. See and hear past editions.
Never too Early
With taxes that is. If you want to get the jump on your tax filing. I work with American accountant, Barron Harper.
I also work with Taxes for Expats LLP and their over 20 years experience and 100% focus on the American expat community.
Mail Box
American Art at the Louvre: From January 22 to April 22 the Louvre Museum is hosting the exposition New Frontier: Aux sources de la peinture américaine de genre. In conjunction with this is a series of conferences in the Louvre auditorium.
Holiday Competition: Grandmont Gites in the Limousin is offering the week of Saturday 8th June free. To enter just like and share their facebook page.
RightBankCommunications & RightBankWalks: Two new small businesses started by an expat in Paris.
French Attitude 101: In about 101 pages the author provides the hundred and one bases of Frenchship.
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