Paris Parfait

Chirac supports CPE law

A youth employment measure that has provoked protests throughout France will become law, French President Jacques Chirac said Friday. In a televised address, Chirac told the nation he would modify the CPE law's most unpopular clauses. He pledged to reduce the period to one year, rather than two in which youths could be fired. Employers must provide valid reason for any dismissals, the president said.

Chirac said he signed the law because it previously had been approved by parliament. He said the law would create employment opportunities for young people entering the workforce. However, the president cautioned that employers should not put the law into practice until he explores further talks with trade union and business leaders.

Union leaders responded to Chirac's statements by announcing they will hold another one-day strike on Tuesday, April 4.

Restored portrait frame

This gilded French portrait frame, circa 1830 has been restored sympathetically by a local artisan. It features a variation of the Louis XIV rose-corner pattern, with exquisite decorative rose mouldings. The frame was purchased at an antiquaire's atelier for just 250 euros (about $303) because of damage to its corners. After restoration for 120 euros (about $145), it is now in excellent condition and considered quite valuable. For information about antique frames, check out the book Frameworks: Form, Function & Ornament in European Portrait Frames by Paul Mitchell and Lynn Roberts.

Old notions retain their charm

Sewing notions purchased at a twice-yearly brocante at Parc des Prince in Paris include art nouveau-style rubber stamps (left); glossy threads; rounds of dove-grey and brown satin acetate ribbon and several metres of a fringed brown, aqua and cream print trim. The wide aqua and cream ribbon in the center is late-18th century. Though worn by time, it will shine when added to a unique arrangement of curiosities. It might also adorn a precious gift. Such items can be found for reasonable prices at brocantes and flea markets. Be aware that old spools of thread are brittle and useful strictly for decorative purposes, i.e. displayed in an apothecary jar or basket or tucked in a drawer of an old mercerie cabinet.

The reluctant blonde

Even after five years in this country, I find going to the hairdresser an anxiety-ridden experience. Never mind that the staff are all impossibly thin and chic------the problem is that there's typically something lost in translation. Usually this is my fault: either the hairdressers don't understand my accent or I understand the gist of what they say, but fail to grasp crucial details! Such miscommunication can result in a surprising new look.

The catalyst

1950s cake tin on hand-stitched cotton tablecloth from Northern France.

It had too happen. After all, too many things compete for space in our bijoux Paris apartment. After five years of chausse au tresor from French brocantes, flea markets and antiques shops it had reached the point where I'd walk into a store and admire an object or piece of furniture and the shop owner would shake her head and admonish, "You don't have room!" Whatever is a woman with a passion for antiques to do? In recent months, for every item I've brought into the apartment I've taken something out-----either sold an unneeded item or given it to a friend.

The catalyst for change was the 1950s cake tin (pictured). Last week I couldn’t find space for it anywhere in the kitchen or kitchen cabinets, nor was there room in the pie safe or in the china cupboard in the dining room. A china buffet in the salon couldn’t accommodate the cake tin, nor could already-stuffed closets in the hallway. The only available space was in the cave (wine cellar).

So a reshuffle seemed in order. Five aqua blue glass seltzer bottles were moved to the dining room, leaving just enough space for the cake tin on a kitchen shelf. The French soda bottles replaced a vase on a buffet table; the vase previously on that table went into a closet to await reappearance in another tableau. For good measure, a French 1930s art deco tub chair and 19th-century overmantel mirror have been carted off for sale (happily leaving room for yet-to-be discovered treasures).

No end in sight for strikes

Update 30 March: The French Constitutional Council ruled today that the bill at the focus of weeks of protests is legal. The action allows President Jacques Chirac to sign the CPE measure into law, withdraw it or find a compromise acceptable to trade unions. Chirac is scheduled to address the nation Friday in a speech televised live.

French trade unions and students have called for another (!) strike protesting the First Employment Law (CPE) on Tuesday, April 4th. This week about one million protesters participated in a general strike and demonstrations in 100 cities and towns throughout France.

Opinion polls indicate the CPE's unpopularity centers on concerns the law will undermine long-term employment prospects for young people. Under the CPE, young people could be fired without notice and for virtually any reason during their first two years of employment. However they would receive some compensation. Prime Minister Dominque de Villepin drafted the law to create additional jobs and counter high unemployment for youths. The French jobless rate is among the highest in Europe, with more than 20 percent of young people estimated to be out of work.

Meanwhile, the French Constitutional Council should rule Thursday on an appeal against the First Employment Contract. If the council deems the law compatible with the constitution, French President Jacques Chirac will have 15 days to formally pass the CPE or request a parliamentary review. Unions have urged Chirac to use his presidential powers and block the law.

See posts of March 28th, 23rd and 16th for more information about issues related to the CPE.

Better days ahead

The Eiffel Tower shrouded through a wispy veil of spring blossoms.

Photo - Qingbo Sun, Paris

France endures another strike

Yet another nationwide strike slowed transport and limited postal, hospital, schools and other essential services throughout France today. The general strike was called by union organisers protesting the First Employment Law (CPE) that they fear will create more job insecurity for youth. In about 100 cities and towns, an estimated one million protestors marched in opposition to the CPE. Demonstrations were generally peaceful, but Agence France Presse reported by day's end more than 400 people had been arrested, at least 200 in Paris in chaotic scenes. Police fired tear gas and water cannons to break up groups of troublemakers who attacked police and threatened students.

Several French citizens I talked to expressed concern that CPE may contribute to job instability for their children. While the law was designed to counter high unemployment among French youth by limiting early job contracts to two years, many Frenchmen remain skeptical. One man told me his daughter was educated in the United States; despite excellent qualifications she has been unable to find work in the French pharmaceutical industry. Others talked about their adult children being forced to commute to London or Brussels for job-security. "There simply are not enough good jobs here to go around," a concerned parent remarked. "Under CPE, a young person's contract could be abruptly terminated for any reason. I ask you, does this do anything to help the unemployment rate?"

Some Frenchmen said they prefer to adopt a "wait and see" approach. "These strikes don't help anybody," one woman said. "The law hasn't even gone into effect yet. Why can't they wait a year and see how the law works? Then if they don't like it, they can vote the government out of office." Another woman said, "When a young person is starting out in the workforce, how can they know exactly what they want to do for their entire working life? Why do they need guarantees to keep a job they may not like?"

Meanwhile, it appears that Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin and trade union representatives are at a stalemate. The prime minister has refused demands to scrap the new law; union organisers say they will not negotiate until CPE is abandoned. No doubt more protests and strikes are ahead for La France.

Au printemps

Tiger lilies herald spring's belated arrival.
Photo - Bobby Bradford

DIY disasters

At dinner with friends in London last month, we discussed the difficulty of drilling steel-enforced walls to hang shelves and paintings in our Paris apartment. Our friend Graham wryly commented, "I don't mind putting up shelves. It's putting them up again the next day that I don't like."

At 5 a.m. Saturday my husband and I were jolted awake by a loud crash and the sound of shattering glass. My immediate thought was that someone was trying to break in through glass doors facing the balcony. That would be quite the feat, considering we're on "le premiere etage." (That's first floor in France and England, but in the US, we'd consider it the second floor). Thankfully, no burglars. My husband's quick investigation revealed that one of two wooden shelves holding linens in a "water closet" had collapsed, sending towels, tablecloths and a 1940s light fixture flying. Fortunately, the glass casing in the lamp can be replaced.

As for the do-it-yourself shelves, they stayed up for three or four years. I'm secretly relieved to see them go; now there's space to hang something else! But where will I put all those linens??!!

All in the family

Barbara Bush made headlines last year over controversial remarks about Hurricane Katrina victims. Now she has donated $30,000 for victims currently residing in Texas. The catch? The money must be designated to purchase her son Neil's educational software.

Bush's tax-deductible gift to the Bush-Clinton Houston Hurricane Relief Fund specifics that schools buy software from Ignite Learning, an Austin-based company started by her son Neil Bush. The fund aids Hurricane Katrina evacuees in Houston, where the software will benefit eight schools that accepted refugees last August after their New Orleans homes were destroyed.

The $1 million Houston-based charity is different from the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund that benefits victims of Katrina. The Houston Chronicle reported that at an event to unveil the gift, Barbara Bush said she wanted "to give something I could see the results of." Bush said the company run by her son-----who was involved in savings-and-loan scandals in the 1980s and a more recent messy divorce----- could ill afford to give the product away. "They'd love to give more, but they're a little, small company," she said.

While her husband, former President George H.W. Bush and his successor Bill Clinton raised millions for those affected by Katrina, Barbara Bush famously said storm victims then living in the Houston Astrodome "were underprivileged anyway ... [so] this is working very well for them."

It appears that where Barbara Bush is concerned, chartiy begins-----and ultimately ends-----at home.

More protests in Paris

As I was walking along the rue de Rivoli today, at least 15 police cars raced towards the National Assembly, sirens blasting. Thousands of students turned out once again in central Paris to peacefully protest a labour law that limits first employment rights. But a small criminal element set fire to cars and smashed car windows, lobbed stones through restaurants and shop windows and looted merchandise from stores. They also hurled stones and other objects at police. Police fired teargas at the troublemakers, attempting to isolate them from peaceful demonstrators. Many students expressed dismay that the group of rowdy young men-----clearly interested only in theft and violence----- were attempting to hijack the demonstrations.

Union leaders and Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin will meet on Friday, although a general strike is still planned on Tuesday. Unions and students want the First Employment Contract (CPE) law rescinded and have refused to negotiate otherwise. At Friday's meeting, they are expected to present de Villepin with a list of demands. De Villepin has said he will discuss amending the law, but will not scrap it entirely. The law was designed to create jobs for youth, while limiting long-term employment security.

Polls this week suggested that 70 percent of French citizens oppose the new law. The French are accustomed to lifelong employment benefits and worry that the CPE law will create instability in the job market.

See Protesters fill Paris streets post of 16 March.

Signs of spring?

No hint of spring in Paris; it's still freezing cold and raining! But tomorrow the horses begin running at Hippodrome de Longchamp in the Bois de Boulogne directly across the street from our apartment. Longchamp is Europe's largest flat racing course. Each September Longchamp hosts the famous Prix d'Arc de Triomphe race, the European equivalent of the Kentucky Derby in America or Ascot in England. Meanwhile my retro Hawaii bicycle remains on the balcony, awaiting warmer days for fun rides around the Bois. Of course the serious riders on their racing bikes are already out, riding the two-and-a-half mile loop around Longchamp's perimeter. Some bike riders are training for the Tour de France and other races; others are members of local clubs, regularly riding together for comraderie and exercise.

The knives are out...

In London this month I was startled to see a locked steel container bearing the words, “Deposit knives here.” The large bin was located near the busy Gloucester Road tube station in South Kensington. Other knife depositories have been placed at high-traffic locations around the capital.

Police launched Operation Blunt last December, aimed at reducing knife crime. In 2005 some 12,000 knife-related crimes were reported in London. Metropolitan Police officers are visiting all city secondary schools, informing students of the dangers of carrying knives. Area residents have been stunned by one teenage girl stabbing another and killing her. It is the most recent horrific episode in a steady stream of knife-related assaults.

A knife amnesty in England, Scotland and Wales will run from 24 May to 30 June, Home Secretary Charles Clarke announced. During this period, people can turn in their weapons at police stations, no questions asked.

Communication lapses

"What we have here... is a failure to communicate." - from the 1967 film Cool Hand Luke.

The dizzying spin of politics

Like alchemists hoping to transform base metal into gold, politicians try to "spin" harsh realities into something more palatable to the general populace. But is anybody fooled?

Tour Eiffel

The city's most famous landmark glitters by night.
Photo - Qingbo Sun, Paris

Protesters fill Paris streets

Latest: French trade unions and student organisers announced strikes and further protests are scheduled for Tuesday, 20th March. The decision came following the government's refusal to rescind the First Employment Contract law.

Update 20 March: Trade union organisers said 1.5 million demonstrators participated in demonstrations Saturday in 150 cities across the country. The French interior ministry estimated the turnout at just over 500,000. Unions and students were again protesting against the government's First Employment Contract (CPE). Protest organisers have given the government a Monday night deadline to shelve the unpopular legislation or unions will consider a general strike.

At least 250,000 students have taken to the streets protesting a labour law they claim creates job insecurity. Does the new law signal the end of the nanny state, wherein the French are coddled from the cradle to the grave?

Treasure hunt

Update 20 March: If you missed this month's brocante, plan to attend the next Foire Nationale a la Brocante et aux Jambons in September. For more information, contact SNCAO at 18 rue de Provence, 75009 Paris or email sncao@wanadoo.fr.

If you're in Paris and looking for a fantastic shopping experience, check out the Foire Nationale a la Brocante et aux Jambons. Now in its 72nd year, the famous fair extends through Sunday, 19 March at Ile de Chatou. Antiques dealers travel from all over France to participate in the fair, scheduled each March and September. The brocante features a fabulous array of provincial household items, as well as high-end antiques. Some superb bargains are available, not to mention the delicious hams and unique lunch specials! And don't be surprised if you hear English being spoken all around you, as the brocante is a popular destination for American and British antique-lovers.

Savvy shoppers may discover some unusual old items that can be repurposed for modern usage, when guided by a bit of wit and imagination. Among my favourite finds at this week's treasure hunt are a stained glass doorway and side panels, which once graced a spiral staircase entrance in a Paris mansion; an exquisite 1930s chandelier with original peachy-bronze coloured crystals and two wrought-iron and pewter candleholders used when decanting fine wine in a Burgundy cave (that's wine cellar in French). You won't be disappointed with the wide selection of choice goods available at Chatou! Antiques experts are on hand to answer your questions and verify origin and authenticity of specific items.

Drive or take a taxi from Paris or ride the RER train to Gare de Chatou Croissy and walk a few blocks, then cross the bridge to Ile de Chatou. The brocante is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is five euros. Happy hunting!

Stop AOL's email tax

Further to my posts "Dear AOL: I'm leaving you" and "AOL's big blunder," I am joining other individuals and civic groups in an effort to stop AOL's email tax. Click on icon to learn more.