If you're curious about French immersion programs, here are questions you'll need to ask:  * Format and quality of the instruction, * Duration and parameters of the experience, * Class sizes and levels, * Student orientation and ages, * Types of lodging, * Pricing, * Location, access, and transportation. On Friday, April 5, 6-7:30pm, get the answers to all those questions at an overview of four top programs. Only 9 seats left for this event; click here for info and to reserve.

As the official airline sponsor of the Soirée Belle Epoque Dinner & Auction, Delta Air Lines is proud to donate two round-trip Economy Class Tickets between Portland, Oregon and Paris, France. The tickets, representing a retail prize value of $2,280, are valid on Delta designated flights operated by Delta, Air France, and KLM between Portland and Paris beginning April 20, 2013 through April 19, 2014. Both tickets must be used on the same flight and same travel dates. Raffle tickets are $10 each or five for $40 and are open to the public to purchase, from now through April 20, by calling the Alliance office at 503.223.8388. A maximum of 999 will be sold; all proceeds benefit the nonprofit missions of the Alliance and the FACC PNW.

THE WAR WITCH:  The War Witch (Rebelle) is now showing at Living Room Theaters. For an excellent online review on the film, including the trailer, click here. This film (photo of the lead character is below) is recommended by Alliance staff. STARBUCK: Nearly 100 members will enjoy a free screening of the Canadian comedy, STARBUCK, this Thursday, April 4, at Regal Fox Tower on Director Park. Sorry, this event is only available to those who pre-registered. Registrants will receive email reminders about logistics. NEW TITLES: Several new films have just been added to the free DVD library, based on member and staff recommendations.  These include Brice de Nice, The Concert, Two Days in Paris, and the Piano Teacher.

    Blogs about Alliance Events: Portland Palate and Portland Food Press have been blogging about the Soirée Belle Epoque event, which is nearly sold out; click here for details. 

We frequently get questions from learners of French who are frustrated in their efforts to  understand the lyrics of French songs. If you fall in this category, consider Francis Cabrel, an iconic singer-songwriter and guitarist. His album, Des roses et des orties (roses and nettles), released in 2008, deals with social issues, includes French adaptations of popular Bob Dylan and Creedence Clearwater songs, and - very important - the singer's diction is very clear and thus aids comprehension. One of the album's songs, La robe et l'échelle, is known for its poetic coming-of-age line, "J'ai senti glisser le manteau de l'enfance."  Click here for a nicely done online version, complete with lyrics to read as you listen.