La Liste des Listes: French Morning has published its year in review, with links toward its most popular lists of the year, or "C'est la liste des liste
s." While the content is culturally oriented toward French readers (specifically, to French expatriates living in the United States) it can make interesting reading for Anglophones. Click
here
for the "Top 10 Lists." One that is particularly interesting is the list of 11 major American celebrities who speak French; it includes a short video clip of each celebrity speaking the language in an interview format. The list starts with Jodie Foster (the most fluent) and others, and wraps up with Serena Williams. Click
here for those links; most are of current-day celebrities but a charming one is of Marlon Brando as a young man, explaining a fairly universal reason for why he wanted to learn French.
France on Display in Portland: Photographer Michael Kenna's body of work entitled "France" (25 photos) is on display in the Pearl through Jan. 31, at Charles A. Hartman (134 NW 8th Ave., in the North Park blocks area). The photographer, originally from Britain, has exhibited his work around the world, and in 2000 was named a Chevalier (Knight) in France's Order of Arts and Letters. Click
here for an idea of the artist's work; the gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday. A portfolio book is available for purchase at the gallery. Merci to member Bob Derrick for this heads-up.
Institut Français News: On a sobering note: The United Nations has condemned a bombing that occurred earlier this month at the Institut Français in Kabul, Afghanistan. Clic
k here for the article. The Institut Français, like the network of Alliances, is part of the worldwide French cultural network. There are 150 Instituts and 1000 Alliances. (Note that the Instituts ar
e not connected in any way to the Institut de Fran
çais at Villefranche, which is a private institution and one of the world's top immersion schools.)
Galettes des rois: Interested in experiencing the galette des rois but can't make it to the cooking class (as in the earlier article)? Alliance members get 10% off purchases at any St. Honoré location, including special holiday orders. The bakery's galettes, available only in January, are handmade by Geulin and are available for ordering through Jan. 31. Order two days in advance. Click here for pricing.
with "Bonne Ann
2) the 
and goals. Students also provide input on their teachers and their overall learning experience. The Fall results are exceptional - students rated their Alliance teachers an average 4.9 points on a 5.0 scale for excellence in their craft. Click 
construction at a nearby site at SW 20th and Jefferson. The good news is that the new building is now framed and will move toward completion in the coming months
galettes des rois.
