Tonight's the Nouvelle Star final. Take a look at the show's website, you'll know exactly what it is. Even the theme song is the same. http://www.nouvellestar.fr/videos/

Before you watch the video, here's the guy I'm rooting for. His name is Julien. He's a bit strange, but I quite appreciate that. You can see him in the video above. He's the guy in the pinkish/purpleish shirt. He's cute, I think. I'm really diggin' the hair clip. *swoon*

Here's his page: http://www.nouvellestar.fr/ns5/candidats/thematiques/julien/display.jsp?id=ns2_5667

I quite like the French version of this show. The contestants seem to have a lot more liberty to recreate the songs they cover, there are 4 judges (called a jury) and not just 3, and the hostess is a lot better (and a lot less annoying) than Ryan Seacrest, who often makes me hate white people. The contestants are also obliged to sing in French and English. And they don't always seem like they know what they're saying, but let's see the one's on our version sing their songs in English and "Laissez-moi danser" as well.

Now back to my Julien-loving: Here he is doing his rendition of "Tainted Love." Would this ever happen on AI? I think not. But of course, I stopped watching it years ago. So I may be wrong.



Love. It.

http://elgringooo.free.fr/index.php/2007/04/05/273-julien-de-la-nouvelle-star-like-a-virgin-version-jazz

This link will take you to the video of Julien doing his "Like a Virgin" à la jazz. Like a v-v-v-v-virgin!

If you want to get right to the song, advance about 58 seconds in. Keep watching a little after to see a bit of the show in action.

I. Am. In. Love.

So yeah, I suck at updating my journal these days. Oh well, what're you gonna do? Well, here's a video treat for you. Two weekends ago my friend Marylise popped by Chartres to visit me. We went up the belfry of the famous cathedral we have here. Here are two videos of us goofing off. The videos also feature some views of the town. I'll try to post pics, but you know how that goes ... :)





As the time for me to return to the States draws ever nearer (I have just under 3 weeks to go), I will be sharing more videos with you. They are easier for me to upload than pictures.

So Hillary wants your help (yes, you ... the American people) in choosing her campaign song.



She's got some decent choices on her website.

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/action/spotlight/?sc=8

You can even write in suggestions. I'm thinking of writing in this:

(I couldn't find a real vid, so this'll have to do. )



Seriously, if she ran with this, I'd vote for her just for that! :D Unless somebody better comes along! ;)

If I ran in 2012, I wonder what song I would choose. Hmmm ... Suggestions?

This past Wednesday, I took the train into Paris to attend the opening of an exhibition on the new film Persepolis. The exhibit features original drawings and stills from the movie which will make its debut at the 60th annual Cannes Film Festival on 23 May at 4pm. If I didn't work that day, I might have tried to make my way there. But I suppose I'll just wait to see the film in Paris. Plus, I'm a little too low on funds right now to make a trip to Cannes just to see a film, even if I've really been looking forward to this film and it is the Cannes Film Festival. For those of you who are not familiar with Persepolis or its author, Marjane Satrapi, I'll give you the heads up. Persepolis is a graphic novel in 4 volumes written in French (but translated into many languages by now) that tells the story of a young girl (the author) as she grows up in the time of the Iranian cultural revolution of '79. A friend of mine got me volume one as a gift and I loved it so much that soon after getting to France back in September, I went and bought the other 3 volumes of the series. I've since also bought all her other books as well (I'm making my way through the 4th volume now so that I can be ready for the film's general release at the end of June). Satrapi has a very simple writing and drawing style. I really appreciate the former. She uses no color or elaborate images. And this really appeals to me for some reason. I think it also fits the setting of her story nicely, as lot of it takes place in an Iran where women must wear a head covering.

I decided to go to this opening when I read that Marjane Satrapi herself would be there. I was excited at the chance to get to meet her. But after I got over my excitement, I realized that I was a bit afraid and shy. I had never been to a gallery show opening before and didn't know what to expect. I also didn't know how I would approach this author whose work I really like and admire. Would she be nice? Would my French fail me? Would I look woefully unhip and ridiculous? Well, I got over all those worries and called the Galerie Arludik to inquire about whether I could even go. The woman on the phone was rather pleasant and said that although normally these functions are by invitation only, there should be no problem if I stopped by.

As I walked to the gallery on the Ile Saint Louis (in the center of Paris), the oldest part of the city, I got nervous again. I felt like a dork in my argyle sweater and with all her books in tow, in my dorky bright blue UN bag no less! I arrived to find lots of yuppy, trendy urbanites and a few emo-lookin' people with wine glasses in thier hands standing outside the gallery. At first I thought that they were waiting to get in. Soon after I realized that they were just mingling outside because the gallery was small and warm with all the bodies packed in it. I made my way in and saw her right away. She was giving an interview. I went into the part of the gallery where she was giving the interview on camera because there was artwork to be seen there, but one of the staff members motioned me back out. So I waited in the other main room of the gallery and looked at the artwork. After her interview, Satrapi came out to mingle, and I snuck glances at her every once in a while as I was looking at the artwork. Eventually, she went outside and I followed. I finally decided to approach her , and in my best French (and looking rather nervous, I'm sure) I shook her hand and introduced myself. I told her that I was a fan and that I just wanted to come by and meet her. I asked for a picture with her and she happily obliged. I'm also happy to report that my French did not fail me.

After the picture, I thanked her and some other people came to talk to her. I lingered around a while longer because I wanted to get her to sign at least one of my books. I didn't get a chance to ask her during our first meeting. So about half an hour later, I went up to her and excused myself for bothering her again. I told her that I didn't want to monopolize her time, but that I would really like her to sign my book. Of her 5 books that I had on me, I chose Persepolis, Vol. 3 because it's my favorite. After I got my signature, I decided to call it an evening and left. I strolled off the Ile Saint Louis with a smile on my face and walked towards the Hôtel de Ville and eventually to the Pont des Arts (my favorite bridge in Paris) where I decided to sit for a bit and do some reading.

It was a nice evening.

To learn more about Satrapi and her film, go to her myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/persepolislefilm There you'll find a teaser and some making-of clips.

Here are some pics and video:






Me and Marjane Satrapi


Marjane Satrapi talks to the press

So what else is new? I'm behind on my journaling again. Well, how about I tell you all about my trip to Bern, Switzerland to see Anna and Aaron? Well, I arrived a bit late because my TGV (which doesn't really seem all that fast) was some 20 or 30 minutes late leaving Paris. But when I finally arrived, the train door opened and there were Anna and Aaron waiting on the platform. They had just gotten there, so our timing and positioning were spot on. I had a very nice and restful visit. It was good to see some friends from back home. Staying up late talking, eating well (I got to eat horse), getting to use a tub after such a long time(!), it was nice. While I can't in all honesty say that I am eager to return to Houston, I can say that I have been missing certain touches of home. I miss hanging out with friends from school and being with my kitties.

How 'bout some pictures? Well, without further ado, here you go ...


This is Old Town Bern, preserved such throughout the centuries that UNESCO dubbed it a World Heritage Site, incidentally just like the cathedral here in Chartres.


For another cool view of Switzerland's capital city, let's go to the belfry of the Münster Cathedral. It costs 4 Swiss Francs (CHF) and you go very, very high up. In case you didn't know this about me, I am very fascinated by heights, but I'm also scared to death of them. I never fail to imagine myself plummeting to my certain death whenever I'm high up somewhere. My legs actually start shaking. But hights are great, so I will continue to brave them.


I'm a trooper, aren't I. Not one hint of fear. : )

The weather in Bern was gorgeous, pretty much summer weather, and the scenery being equally gorgeous, I was inspired to kick my jogging into high gear. I found a nice little jogging trail along the river Aare. It's a beautiful little river that is just as blue as it appears in pictures. It's also a rather swift river, flowing along at some 30 kilometres/hr. I often saw people swimming in it or doing water sports. At one particular section, guys would tie a long, thick rope to a tree and then they would hold on to the other end while on a surfboard. I'd also see dog owner's playing fetch with their dogs in the river. They would throw a stick into the river, and the dogs would go in after it. As the weather (and the water) warms up, more people venture in to enjoy the Aare.




Here is the Aare flowing under the Nydeggbrücke.


Here is a view if the Aare from the Kornhausbrücke.

Here are some shots of what i saw whenever I went jogging





Notice the spire of the Münster cathedral (which is undergoing repairs) in the background


Another thig you may not have known about me: I like bridges, especially metal ones.


I wouls always pass by the Bärengraben, the bear pits, which, very true to its name, is actually two big pits with bears in them. They are a tourist attraction in Bern, but really, it's just a hole with bears in it. Bears, or their likenesses anyway, you will notice are everywhere in Bern. In fact, the city's name means "bear."

See what I mean?

The Restaurant Zunft zu Webern dresses these bear up according to the season. So is that seated bear wearing a tube top?


You can even spot the Bern bear on the ceiling of the Münster cathedral.

Outside the cathedral is the Münsterplatz, and there you will find a fountain depicting the image of Moses, the Mosesbrunnen.

Notice that he's pointing to the 2nd commandment, the prohibition on making and worshiping graven images. : ) And incidentally, showing a bit more leg then I remember being taught in Sunday school.



Make a 180 degree turn and you'll be facing the Münster cathedral. Walk up to it, and you can see the rather impressive main portal.





In the church, I saw these two guys cleaning a pane of stained glass.


This is the Gurten. It is a "hill." Still, I don't remember any other hill I've ever encountered taking one hour to climb up. In any case, I climbed up it, and it was a good walk. I decided to take a cat nap in the grass when I reached the top.


But in the interest of time and my knees (so I heard) and because I really wanted to ride it, I decided to take the Gurtenbahn down. It was only a three minute ride.




All the physical stuff I did was eventually cancelled out by a night out at the Anker, where Anna and Aaron introduced me to Rösti, as anna described it, "a coronary waiting to happen." And while it probably had like 5 million calories and very probably would cause a heart attack, at least I'd die happy."

We decided to take an afternoon to go to the Rosengarten which overlooks Bern. We quickly found stuff to occupy our time.


me on a slide


Anna on a slide


Aaron on a slide. What can I say? None of us could resist.

Oh, yes it gets better ... or worse, depending on how you look at it.






yeehaw!

On the Saturday that I was there, we decided to talk a day trip to Thun after hitting the farmer's market. Despite the fact that Thun means "tuna," I saw no signs of the stuff there.


Anna and me not long after arriving at Thun


Hier ist keine Hundetoilette, which in Swiss German means, "you bet your sweet ass we're easily amused."


While exploring one of Thun's castles, I got thirsty, so I stopped to have a drink. you see these fountains all over the place (i saw them in Bern and Thun), and the water is cool and drinkable.

I've developed a few travel traditions with the globe-trotting I've been doing since getting to Europe: spelling city names out in human bodies, human pyramids, and these little face cut out things.


I'm the knight, Aaron is the squire, and Anna is the maiden.


I always like to chillax a little whenever I find a stone slab lying about. Later, I am sacrificed by a strange Swiss cult. I am actually writing this from beyond the grave. Boo. No, that "Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!" thing doesn't work on me.


Aaron, Anna, and me along Lake Thun


bunny ears


Mountains along Lake Thun

Well, I'm done with this marathon post. See ya later.

Bon, ce week-end passé je suis allé à Rouen pour fêter Pâques avec Linda et les autres assistantes du coin. On a beaucoup vu, beaucoup fait, et beaucoup rigolé, quoi. Mais pour l'instant, au lieu de vous raconter tout le week-end, je vous montre un vidéo que Linda a tourné lors de notre picnic dimanche aprème. Dans le vidéo il y a Teresa 3000, Charlotte, Micah, moi, Alisa, et bien sûr Linda. Mais Linda on la voit pas parce c'est elle qui tourne le vidéo.

On s'est installé au bord de la Seine, près du pont qui donne au Théatre des Arts. Oa a apporté beaucoup de bouffe à manger. Un peu trop après tout. On a du conservé quelques petits trucs dans le frigo de Teresa 3000 après le picnic parce que l'on n'est pas arrivé à tout manger.

Il faisait vachement beau. Mais vraiment très, très beau. On se croirait au sud de la France, pas en Normandie, quoi. :) C'était impec.

Tenez, le vidéo que je vous ai promit. Clique sur le lien: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ro8nvQ3sX5g

I just got into Switzerland tonight. Anna and Aaron were there on the platform as my train pulled in. Literally. The door of the train car I was in opened and there they were.

Anna and I stayed up a little late talking. It was nice. I am SUPER excited about getting to visit the embassy.

I'll try to write more about my trip later. But the real reason I am posting is to wish my babies a happy fourth birthday.

Neigie and Quatre, happy birthday!! I love you sooo much. (And Baby, too.) Piccolo and Fiddle, I haven't forgotten about you. I hope you two have a happy birthday, too. I miss you all so much. If you only understood how much I want to hug and kiss you right now. I wish I could be there for your birthday to give you christmas milk and yummy treats.

I can't wait to hug my kitties when I come back to the States in July.

Here are some pics that you may have seen before, but they are the only digital ones I have with me right now. They were taken on the eve of their third birthday. So here they are again, on the day of their fourth birthday.

Where has the time gone?


Neigie


Quatre


Baby, proud momma

Well, it's late here in Switzerland. Really late. Or really early, depending on how you look at it.

Be cool everyone.

Kitties, you are never far from my thoughts. I love you so much.


Dad
Berne, Switzerland

These are not Egypt pics, but some of you might find them amusing nonetheless.

Last weekend, I went to Rouen to hang out with the Assistants there.


America ... FUCK YEAH!!!! We toyed with the idea of mailing this pic to the White House. : )



England and the U.S.: Je t'aime ... moi non plus.



Peter (holding the itsy bitsy Union Jack) and I (holding the big ol' Stars and Stripes) both know that size matters. Peter's sheepish expression is priceless!





This cheese, believe it or not, is what inspired our newfound patriotism.



Here I am surfing the internets.

I had fun that weekend. 3 parties in 2 days!!

Here I am at the Temple at Karnak just a wee bit north of Luxor in Egypt. It's a huge open air temple with many different sections. One can easily spend hours exploring the complex. According to Wikepedia, the Temple at Karnak is "the largest ancient religious site in the world, and is probably the second most visited historical site in Egypt." Lisa and I had gotten separated from the others and we went exploring the temple on our own. We wandered into this hall of columns and thought the natural afternoon light was perfect for taking pictures.



Then we see a pink shirted figure prancing among the columns. It was Nicole--don't ask. With the group reunited, we decide to set up our cameras, initiate the timers, and take group shots. Yes, we intentionally arranged the girls in the middle like that since they were colorfully dressed. Lisa and I can be kinda persnickety about pictures.



My brief stint as a bedouin



Ok, so you may notice this scarf in several of my photos. I bought it in an open air market in Cairo. The merchant had initially wanted 180 Egyptian Pounds (LE) ($1 = 5.6 LE), but I haggled with him (as is the practice in Egypt) and got him down to 80 LE. I really like my scarf. I knew I wanted a scarf like the one I had seen many local men wearing. One night we all decided to go to a big market in Cairo and we gave ourselves some time to split up and shop. I wandered around and happened upon a little shop much like the scores of others I had seen, except when the merchant at this particular shop called out to me to guess my ethnic heritage (as many merchants are wont to do), he actually got it right. So I thought that deserved something. I ventured into his shop and began looking at scarves. He did a rather impressive thing: to demonstrate its quality, he took a lighter to the scarf. And to my surprise, it didn't burn! I took a nice long while deciding whether I really wanted to spend money on an Egyptian scarf and trying to learn how to wear it. But in the end, I bought it. Rachel, Deborah, and Lisa eventually found their way to the shop I was in, and bought scarves, too. The men were always thinking that they were my wives. The merchant said of the girls, "Lucky man. You've got a fat wife, a middle wife, and a tall wife." If I had a Euro for every time I was called "lucky man," I'd surely have a goodly sum.



Here we are at the pyramids at Giza



deux pyramides



After P A R I S, could we resist?



Meet Charlie Brown. He's the camel.



Me on Charlie again



Here we are in the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. It really was at one time a fully functioning city. It is also carved into a canyon.



Fans of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade will recognize the Treasury at Petra. Here we are taking a picture in front of it. What you don't see in the photo is that 15 min. later, we were chased by snakes and giant boulders.



Petra, Jordan

PS: Anna, about coming to see you and Aaron in la Suisse, I've got a break coming up in mid-April. How about I try to come then?

I'm currently in Egypt. I'm in Dahab right now, off the coast of the Read Sea. I can see Saudi Arabia from the beach, just a 1 min. walk from my room! Also went deep sea diving and smoked a shisha. We leave for Luxor tomorrow and then on to Cairo. I climbed Mt. Sinai yesterday (not for the faint of heart!) and met some cool people, one of whom may even offer us lodging in Jerusalem when we go to Israel and another of whom wants me to visit in Switzerland!! Ok, gotta go lounge on the beach and do some writing. So long everyone. And to my habibis, hugs and kisses! I miss you SOO much :)

Don't expect to hear much from me until I get back. Laterz!