posted by Charles H. Russo on Oct 11
Today the UN Security Council issued its first-ever “Presidential Statement” on Burma. Such a statement is agreed by all members of the Security Council, including China and Russia, but is not a resolution and is not binding in any way.
“This is a first step, when what Burma needs is a concrete measure,” said Aung Din, former political prisoner and executive director of the US Campaign for Burma. “We hope the Council follows this move by implementing an arms embargo that stops countries from shipping weapons to this regime.”
In the statement, the Security Council “unanimously and strongly deplored the use of violence against peaceful demonstrations in Burma. The Security Council emphasized importance of the early release of all political prisoners and remaining detainees. It also called on the military regime to create conditions necessary for a genuine dialogue with Daw Aung san Suu Kyi, all concerned parties and ethnic groups, to achieve an inclusive national reconciliation.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Oct 11
So I was at a meeting where sixty of us were packed into a tiny space. Next to me was a woman with a little doggy on her lap (only in France). The dog seemed a little tense during the meeting as it barked at a few people (or ghosts). As everyone stood to say a closing verse about peace and serenity, the dog leaped over and bit me on the leg.
After some newly made friends looked after me, a nice pair of French people came over to ask me to translate something for them (which also involved peace and serenity). Was there a message? As I did so, they noticed I was injured, and they offered to take me to the clinic or fire department. I declined their kind help, but was intrigued with the idea of going to the fire department for help. And I might actually need to do something about the bite.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Oct 10
In Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Hippodrome de Longchamp, Paris, the Irish horse Authorized was the favourite. Jockey Lanfranco Dettori rode Authorized to won the Juddmonte International Stakes in York, England in August, among other key races in the UK. Pictured prior to the Arc, Dettori looks worried, as though sensing something’s not quite right with the horse. Authorized went on to a disappointing finish in the Arc.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Oct 10
October is International Breast Cancer Awareness month, and last night I planned a Think Pink party for the American women’s organization, AAWE. This Think Pink was in celebration of strength, femininity, awareness and survival. We decked the clubhouse out in feathery boas and girly pink Gerber daisies. The bar was stocked with pink froo-froo drinks (appropriately called “Pink Ladies” ) and ice cold ros?. Members had a chance to perfect their pucker at the lipstick bar, or tap into their inner O’Keefe at the art bar, where they were encouraged to create their own pink masterpieces for the Art Wall. There was also an information stand stocked with gift bags of literature and handouts on the resources available, in English as well as in French, for women who have been affected by breast cancer in Paris and the surrounding areas. Visit Imaginis Women’s Health Resource online for more information on breast cancer and other women’s health issues.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Oct 9
Way back in 2003, the United States suffered a serious embarrassment. I
posted by Charles H. Russo on Oct 7
I woke up this morning numb from the neck down. My eyes were burning, my head was pounding and there was a drone in my ears that sounded like a thousand angry locusts. I was beat up and bruised, but I was alive.
Yesterday was my son’s 6th birthday, and we had 9 (neuf, nueve, neun, ?) wild, sweaty, sticky, stinky little boys (and one little girl) at our place for a Dinosaur birthday party. And I made it out alive. And do you know HOW I made it back from the other side? Because I planned a well-run, well-thought out, well organized, yet FUN birthday party, that’s how. The pissy tone is due
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Oct 7
Famed jockey LaFranco Dettori in a quiet moment pre-race on Saturday at Hippodrome de Longchamp, Paris.
Riding Anna Pavlova, Dettori takes the top prize Saturday in the Prix de Royallieu Hotel Hermitage Barriere de la Baule.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Oct 3
As said in a previous post, the Eastern part of Paris is still little known by tourists, but it has gotten better since a couple of years. The Canal Saint Martin area is, like the Aligre Market area, a residential neighborhhod, full of
posted by Charles H. Russo on Sep 30
Photos of giant balloons at an exhibition in Centre Pompidou, Paris, by Jordana Shalhoub.
Balloons
Since Christmas they have lived with us,
Guileless and clear,
Oval soul-animals,
Taking up half the space,
Moving and rubbing on the silk
Invisible air drifts,
Giving a shriek and pop
When attacked, then scooting to rest, barely trembling.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Sep 27
The 13th Annual Paris Salon de Chocolat is coming up, so I’ve put together a little ditty that I like to call Un Mariage en Chocolat. Enjoy…
The Dress -The highlight of the Paris Salon is the chocolate fashion show. These wedding dresses are actually made with chocolate- either painted on, or woven into the material.
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