Pairing up the young and old in Paris

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Housing is expensive in Paris and there are a lot of old people living on their own. So the city is promoting a plan to pair college students with the elderly as roommates. Genevieve Oger visits one such pair. Download MP3

France’s unemployed get makeovers

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Some of France’s long-term unemployed are getting makeovers and image tips, courtesy, in part, of the government. Genevieve Oger reports from Paris. (Photo: Genevieve Oger) Download MP3

Takashi Murakami in Versailles

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The palace in Versailles is among the most visited sites in France. People come to see its extravagant décor. But starting Tuesday they can see something else there as well. An exhibit of Japanese contemporary art that has some French traditionalists up in arms. Genevieve 0ger reports from Versailles. (Photo: Genevieve 0ger) Download MP3

• Chopin’s piano maker
• Another prime minister for Japan?

Pink Triangle survivor speaks out

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The man believed to be the last surviving person sent to a concentration camp for being a homosexual decided to speak out. He’s 97 now, and has just published a book about his experience. The World’s Genevieve Oger has more.
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• More on the Pink Triangle
• Last Known Gay Holocaust Survivor Speaks Out in New Interview

French find they need cooking lessons

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The French value fine cuisine, but it turns out they don’t cook that much anymore. And they’re buying a lot of their meals ready-made at supermarkets. So the city of Paris is offering cooking lessons. Genevieve Oger reports from Paris.

Fictional French philosopher

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French celebrity intellectual Bernard-Henri Levy is experiencing one of the most embarrassing moments of his career. In his latest book, he quotes a philosopher, known as Jean-Baptiste Botul. Turns out Botul is a hoax. Genevieve Oger has more from Paris.

Bienvenue at the love café

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Some singles are getting a little tired of Internet dating sites, where people are not always as they present themselves. In France, many are looking for new ways to meet that special person – in person! One of them is to attend a Café de l’Amour, or “Love café”. They’re get-togethers in French cities where people go to hear a speaker talk about love and maybe meet that special someone. Reporter Genevieve Oger attended one. Download MP3

Paris wine auction

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La Tour d’Argent, one of Paris’ fanciest and oldest restaurants, is auctioning off 18,000 bottles of wine next week. The restaurant’s wine selection is considered one of the best anywhere. Genevieve Oger reports from Paris. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• La Tour d’Argent homepage

Urban beekeeping

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It’s been rough going for honeybees in recent years. A phenomenon called Colony Collapse Disorder has been killing them off en masse. It’s still not clear what’s causing the bee deaths. Though there are some suspected culprits: pesticides, parasites and lack of biodiversity. Yet bee colonies are thriving in unexpected places like French cities. Genevieve Oger has more from Paris.Download MP3

• Photos
• Wikipedia: Colony Collapse Disorder

Tourism hurting in France

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Economic hard times have caused many tourists to rethink their travel plans. Genevieve Oger reports from Paris that not only have fewer tourists visited the French capital this summer — they also spent less time and money while there.

Tarzan in Paris

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We end today’s show with a visit to an exhibit at the Quai Branly Museum in Paris. It’s a look at Tarzan of the Apes. Correspondent Genevieve Oger checks it out.

Tarzan goes to Paris

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We end today’s show with a visit to an exhibit at the Quai Branly Museum in Paris. It’s a look at Tarzan of the Apes. Correspondent Genevieve Oger checks it out.

France cuts meal tax

The French government has slashed its high tax on restaurant meals in an effort to help out ailing cafes and restaurants. Reporter Genevieve Oger has the story.
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French encouraged to turn on the charm

Genevieve Oger reports from Paris on a program to boost tourism in tough economic times. The City of Paris is encouraging Parisians to turn their homes into Bed and Breakfasts, and to become charming hosts. Listen