Reverbiage: Stories from NPR tagged 'france'

Critics Say France's Sarkozy Not Helping Gaza

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:00:00 EST

French President Nicolas Sarkozy is on a ceasefire mission to the Middle East. While his country no longer holds the European Union presidency, Sarkozy says it is France's duty to look for all paths to peace. Critics say Sarkozy is on a power trip after his six-month stint as diplomatic head of Europe. They accuse him of muddying EU efforts to broker a ceasefire.

Cognac Enjoying A Revival

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 06:00:00 EST

Cognac used to have a reputation as an old man's drink, but the French brandy is enjoying a revival. It's become popular with young African Americans. Producers with centuries-old traditions in the Cognac region of France are developing hip new product lines.

As Air Assault Continues, Israel Rejects Truce Deal

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 07:20:00 EST

With basic food supplies running low in Gaza and hospitals struggling to handle the casualties, France's foreign minister proposed a 48-hour lull to allow vital aid to enter the territory and be delivered to its 1.5 million residents.

After 8 Years Of Bush-Bashing, What's Next...

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 06:00:00 EST

For our series of conversation on how America is perceived overseas, Renee Montagne talks to Nicole Bacharan, a well known journalist and political analyst in France. She is often solicited by the French media to discuss American current events.

Markets Bustling As Truffle Season Begins In France

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 01:01:00 EST

There is an atmosphere of intrigue as truffle sellers line up carrying les truffes noires, the famous black truffle of the Perigord region of France, in their baskets. They will fetch anywhere from $250 to $400 a pound, depending on their quality.

Taste Test: Obama Soda A Hit With French Teens

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:13:00 EST

The election of Barack Obama has inspired one French entrepreneur to create a new soft drink. The maker of Obama Soda says he hopes his beverage, and its namesake, will inspire young people living in some of France's grimmest housing projects by giving them a little taste of the American dream.

Measure Would Allow French Stores To Open Sunday

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:00:00 EST

By law, retail stores in France are not allowed to open on Sundays, unless they are located in tourist zones and cater to sporting, recreational or cultural activities. A proposed law would give all businesses the right to open Sunday in the four largest French cities. But unions and small storeowners are opposed.

Soccer Match Reopens Ethnic Tension Wounds

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 06:00:00 EST

At an October soccer match between France and Tunisia in Paris, the crowd booed when the French national anthem was sung. Many of those booing were French citizens, the descendents of North African immigrants. The incident coincided with the anniversary of the 2005 riots, and again raised questions about the state of ethnic relations in France.

Johnny Griffin At The Village Vanguard

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:45:00 EST

Only a few days after the release of the album Smokin Sax and before a date to promote it, saxophonist Johnny Griffin died at age 80 at his chateau in Availles-Limouzine, France. Hear his final U.S. homecoming at the Village Vanguard recorded live by JazzSet

Francois Virot: 'Say Fiesta'

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:56:00 EST

Recorded at his home in Lyon, France with little more than an acoustic guitar and hand claps to accompany his vocals, Francois Virot's full-length debut, Yes or No, is indeed spare. But don't expect a typical singer-songwriter CD. Yes or No is lyrically rich, brimming with personality and charm, and produced with surprising layers of vocals and guitars that create a warm and vibrant sonic landscape.

Reputed ETA Military Chief Held In France

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST

The man authorities say is the military leader of the Basque separatist rebel group ETA — Garikoitz Aspiazu Rubina — is in custody in southwestern France.

G-20 Summit Puts France's Sarkozy Center Stage

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:31:00 EST

The summit was the brainchild of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who has gained new respect for his handling of the worldwide financial crisis. But in the European quest to ensure such a crisis never repeats itself, Sarkozy may risk butting heads with President Bush.

Asian Markets Cash In On Obama Win

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:47:00 EST

One of the things investors hate most is uncertainty. And there is a little bit more certainty because the U.S. election has been decided. Stock investors in Asia showed signs of relief. Japan's main index ended the day up more than 4 percent. Hong Kong rallied more than 3 percent. Markets in Australia, South Korea and China also ended the day sharply higher. European stocks are trading lower. Markets in France, Germany and Britain are being dragged down by shares of troubled banks.

Small-Town Festival Focuses On Films, Not Stars

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:09:00 EDT

Movie buffs don't have to travel to the south of France to get a film festival fix. Small towns across the country have launched down-to-earth offerings and film festivals for the rest of us.

Sara Jenkins: Simple Mediterranean Cooking

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 03:15:00 EDT

For her new cookbook, Olives and Oranges, chef Sara Jenkins found inspiration in the memories of her childhood, when she traveled across Italy, Spain, France, Lebanon and Cyprus. She has fashioned her cooking style around recollections from that childhood abroad.

European Stocks Soar On Bailout News

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:52:00 EDT

Stock markets soared after European governments announced a series of giant financial rescue plans. The packages were unveiled by Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy and others. They involve government guarantees of bank lending, as well as cash injections into troubled banks. The rescue plans may involve pay limits for CEOs, and the government taking equity stakes. Great Britain's plan involves the government buying shares in three big financial institutions, and becoming an owner of these once-private banks. The U.S. Treasury is also working on a similar plan.

Le Clezio, Portrait Of A Gentle Writer

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:19:00 EDT

Though born in France, Nobel laureate Jean-Marie Gustav Le Clezio is a nomadic writer, whose work has been defined by his life of travel around the world. For him, storytelling means melting into the background.

Novels Stitch Tightly Woven Tales Of Freedom

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:43:00 EDT

Alan Cheuse reviews two historical novels, both with protagonists immersed in sewing and slavery: Breena Clarke's Stand the Storm and Frances de Pontes Peebles' The Seamstress.

European Leaders Met On Financial Crisis

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EDT

European heads of government are gathering in Paris for an economic summit to discuss ways to deal with their own teetering banks. France has proposed an agreement for a $500 billion bailout fund, but Germany and others are opposed.

Brazzaville: Around The World In Rock

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:46:00 EDT

With musical influences stemming from Africa, France, Spain and other countries, Brazzaville is the brain child of David Brown, best known as the saxophonist for Beck. His band plays music from the new CD, 21st Century Girl, in a session from WXPN.

Lance Armstrong To Make Return On Astana Team

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:50:00 EDT

Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong said he will make his comeback on the Astana team in his bid for an eighth Tour de France title in 2009. Astana is headed by Johan Bruyneel, who was Armstrong's team director in all his seven wins.

Armstrong Predicts 8th Tour de France Victory

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 06:00:00 EDT

Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong announces in New York Wednesday that he plans to win the race once again.

Foreign Markets Mixed Over Bailout Package

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:21:00 EDT

From Asia to Europe, financial and political leaders showed little enthusiasm for the bailout plan aimed at rescuing the U.S. financial system. Stock markets in China, Hong Kong and Australia ended the day down. In Britain, France and Germany, stock markets began the trading day lower.

Europe Balks At Helping U.S. Dig Out Of Fiscal Hole

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 06:00:00 EDT

While Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson is pressing Congress to pass his $700 billion plan to bailout the financial sector, he's also asking foreign countries for assistance. But France and Germany are not likely to get aboard.

Pope Benedict In First Visit To France

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EDT

Pope Benedict has arrived for his first visit to France, which has 35 million baptized Catholics. Polls show the French have lost much of their sense of belonging to the church though Catholicism remains by far the country's No. 1 religion.