cafebabel.com

Italian spritz aperol: the future’s orange

('Eva Vanhee',) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:00 -0000

The Italian-born spritz aperol has gained official international recognition, being classed as a ‘new drink’ by the international bartenders’ association. We took this as an excuse to try out the sparkling brew, which the Italians will tell us is anything but new

Megaupload, FBI, anonymous: internet battle over copyright

('Annie Rutherford',) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:15:51 -0000

After a vast legal process in the American courts, the internet platform megaupload was closed down on 19 January. Is it a copyright struggle or the start of a third world war? One Frenchie looks for a more differentiated approach

Steve James: 'In the 80s, I can’t imagine anyone wanted a documentary-making career'

('Helene Bienvenu',) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:22:46 -0000

The American director perhaps best known for his 1994 film Hoop Dreams is in Amsterdam for the city’s international documentary film festival. We talk 'new media', starting out in the eighties and why an oscars snub doesn't matter when you've got good old Europe to fall back on

Brooklyn-based pop band Chairlift: once 'music for haunted houses'

('Annie Rutherford',) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:45:30 -0000

Patrick Wimberly and Caroline Polachek probably never thought their music would end up on a commercial for an apple product. After meeting the duo in Paris, we are advised to go back to the future, turn the sound down on a silent film and crank up our headphones to their fresh electronic pop offering

How an Italian boy became a ‘happiness coach’

('amare.ca',) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:16:45 -0000

Born in the land of ‘la dolce vita’, Bergamo-born Frank Ra, 32, travelled Europe before publishing a book on happiness. He offers his thoughts on spiritual scepticism, being a former erasmus student or ex-pat and how ‘no place is perfect unless we accept it with all its features’

The rise of divorce parties in Europe

('Isabella',) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:15:00 -0000

Inspired by a trend from the United States, an increasing number of companies and services are being established in the UK, France and Germany. Amongst the European Union member states, divorce was not possible until 1970 in Italy, 1981 in Spain 1995 in Ireland and, most recently, 2011 in Malta

'Hitler in Hollywood': American European cinema conspiracy

('Molmash',) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:00:10 -0000

Everyone knows it deep down inside; there's no way you can overshadow a Hollywood motion picture, it's pure utopia. But once upon a time European cinema had a glorious and prosperous future. So what happened? This Franco-Belgian docu-fiction tackles the question of a conspiracy

Environment: the maggot in Steve Jobs’ apple

('ZoeBBee',) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:25:40 -0000

While tributes to its CEO Steve Jobs flood the web, don't forget Apple’s lack of green credentials

Twitter feed: reactions to Steve Jobs death

('English language version of cafebabel.com',) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0000

The CEO of Apple was without a doubt the biggest genius of the last decade. He passed away after suffering from pancreatic cancer at the age of 56 over the night of 6 October. Social networks such as facebook and twitter have overflooded with 2.0 tributes

REM ‘call it a day as a band’ after 31 years and 15 albums: editors pick

('English language version of cafebabel.com',) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:07:47 -0000

The American rock group are as old as the most sprightliest of us here at cafebabel.com HQ in Paris. They formed in Athens (Georgia!) in 1980 and announced their split on 22 September. Here’s a video ode to some of our favourite songs for today’s soundtrack

Stalking Obama in Detroit: getting all 1930s French socialist on us?

('Helene Bienvenu',) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:04:27 -0000

French photojournalist Helene Bienvenu and filmmaker Nora Mandray recently moved to Detroit from Budapest and Los Angeles to write and direct a documentary. On the way, president Barack Obama visited Michigan’s largest city on the first Monday in September, which is a version of Europe’s 1st May bank holiday

Libya after Gaddafi: Europe’s Iraq?

('Culturissima',) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:13:11 -0000

The post-Gaddafi era is taking shape around the national transition council, which is currently in control of Tripoli. Uncertainty about the future is already taking hold though, with fears that Libya could become a new Iraq. This time it falls to Europe to avoid repeating the post-Saddam disaster

French-American folk musician Redeye: 'I was a bit unsure about country music'

('English language version of cafebabel.com',) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:47:53 -0000

Guillaume Fresneau is relatively unknown except for his outing as part of French band Dahlia. Moving on from the rock direction, he exclaims why it's good to be independent, travel and find yourself. His five-track EP 'Be The One' was released in February 2011

Poland, Lithuania, Romania: inside Europe's Guantanamo Bays

('Ems_8674',) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:00:00 -0000

A white horse struggles to drag itself along after abandoning the exhausted body of Vincent Gallo through the snow. The animal is soiled with human blood. Such is the breathtaking epilogue of Essential Killing, the latest feature length film from Jerzy Skolimowski, where the American actor portrays a Taliban deported to a secret CIA base hidden in a forest in Mazovie, Poland. In the screenplay by the Polish writer, the prisoner still has the possibility to escape. Terrorist suspects who land in total secrecy in the airport of Szymany in Poland do not have such luck. An investigation ensues.

China's rise and Europe's decline

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:59:36 -0000

On 14 February China overtook Japan as the world's second largest economy. Signs and portents of the arrival of a new great power were everywhere from the middle of January 2011

Obituary: US diplomat Richard C Holbrooke, Bosnia’s broker

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 17:05:04 -0000

The young aspiring journalist, eighties banker and current US ‘Af-Pak’ (Afghanistan and Pakistan) special envoy has died aged 69 in Washington on 13 December. Snapshot of a man who helps us trace American interest in Europe through his time working with four democrat presidents. For young Europe it's the passing of a man who was a part of so many lives but yet not at all

Assange arrest: Swedish, Swiss, Spanish and German reactions

('euro topics',) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:46:56 -0000

WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Julian Assange was arrested in London on 6 December on charges of rape. Commentators suspect US pressure behind the arrest, as punishment for Assange's publishing of secret US documents. European press review

Five questions about the Korean conflict

('victor escandell',) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:45:00 -0000

On 23 November North Korea turned the heat up with the first attack on South Korea civilians since the end of the war in 1953. There were four casualties on Yeonpyeong Island. Spanish journalist Alberto Lebrón explains why diplomacy is working with the weapons loaded

Get your summit hats on: Lisbon gets translantic

('English language version of cafebabel.com',) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 07:30:00 -0000

The Nato summit in Lisbon between 19 and 20 November marks ‘one of the most important summits in history', according to the BBC. cafebabel.com Brussels snagged an interview with US ambassador to the EU William E. Kennard

Young Europeans remember 9/11

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:38:28 -0000

It’s eight years since the attacks which killed 2, 752 people, destroyed the World Trade Centres and damaged the Pentagon on 11 September 2001. The cafebabel.com editorial team share their memories from across the waters on the event which shaped America and the world today

German clown Marenka: 'hit a woman and it's almost taboo'

('Jessie L.',) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:41:48 -0000

For seven years, the 37-year-old has acted in German-language performances throughout Europe, a trade she refined in Hannover, France and California - how does her public react to her clownish mishaps?

Julie Gray: Europe scriptwriting Hollywood

('Nicholas Newman',) — Fri, 21 May 2010 15:52:27 -0000

An average 90 minutes film will consist of 90 to 100 pages of A4. Of the daily lorryload of unsolicited scripts that Hollywood film production offices receive, only one in every hundred scripts will be looked at. The LA-based scriptwriting consultant is in Oxford to talk tips, trends and Hollywood disappointment

The Office, Spiral: tour of European TV shows, American style

('Nicola Potter',) — Mon, 03 May 2010 11:10:00 -0000

A lack of resources, ambition or originality mean that national TV series across Europe pale into insignificance beside hugely successful American shows such as House or Dexter. There are however some exceptions

Malviviendo vs Lisa Kudrow? The rise of EU web series

('James Friscia',) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:56:06 -0000

On 21 April, the UK screened US web series 'Penelope Princess of Pets' on Channel 4, whilst the former Friends actress has found success via the internet. Since 2007, young filmmakers in Spain and elsewhere are exploring formats in the competitive audiovisual world, boasting a more innovative, transgressive spirit than their TV counterparts

TV: can Europeans reverse the dominant American trend?

('Dave Keating',) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:45:00 -0000

As an American, there’s few places you can go to escape your home country. Sure, you can trek to an uncontacted tribe in the middle of the Amazon, or climb to a mountaintop in Tibet. But if you’re anywhere in civilisation and you turn on a TV, chances are it won’t take you more than a few minutes to find some American programming. It’s everywhere

Renewable energy: Europe's economic and mythological reign

("naomi o'leary",) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:44:11 -0000

In January 2009, the interruption of natural gas supplies to 18 European countries due to a spat between Russia and the Ukraine was a chilly wakeup call to the reality of energy dependence. Energy historians and directors explain more

Happy tax day, Americans: though Europeans get more for their money

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:27:15 -0000

There is a perception that the poor Europeans are overtaxed serfs. But a closer look reveals that this is a myth that prevents Americans from understanding the vast shortcomings of our own system; 15 April is the day that income tax returns are due in the States

EU-US: 'If this was Formula One, Europe would still be working on its motor'

('euro topics',) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:30:00 -0000

US president Barack Obama will not be attending the EU-USA summit planned for May. The official explanation given is that he wishes to devote himself to domestic problems. The German, Belgian and Czech press, however, suspects that he doesn't want to waste time in Europe, which still hasn't found a collective voice

Europe vs the US: seven reflections

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:27:17 -0000

It’s been a year since Barack Obama was inaugurated president of the United States on 20 January. But despite his inspiring speeches, he is no Franklin Roosevelt, and even if he were, he needs 60 out of 100 votes in the US Senate to pass anything. Since the end of world war two, a power has emerged with the real potential to carry the world forward

European expats in New York job illegally

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:00:00 -0000

For those seeking adventure in Manhattan and co, the restaurant business offers an easily-found job and good money thanks to the tipping culture - a stack of advantages, that is, for those who want to live beneath the law

Spot.us: 'anarchist' American news website that will save journalism

('Alexandra Baxter',) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:32:33 -0000

Only 11% of readers currently pay for online news sites. Of the remaining 89% who don’t pay, another 11% think that they would be able to start paying for their services within the next 12 months. A glance across the Atlantic at the community-funded journalism alternative set up by a young American

Economic crisis: how G20 summit in Pittsburgh will go down in history

('euro topics',) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:06:53 -0000

On 24 September, heads of state and government of the 20 leading industrial and emerging countries come together in Pennsylvania to sketch out a new global financial order. The French, Spanish, Luxembourgish and Swiss press hopes for the best, but voices few expectations for the G20 summit

Fredo Viola: 'Downloading is an attitude that kills the music'

("naomi o'leary",) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:09:56 -0000

The London-born New Yorker, 39, owes his blossoming musical career to the internet, a small digital camera and the music file-sharing site EM411.com. We chat to the man with Sicilian roots upon the release of his first album, The Turn, which unites pop, electro and songs of devotion

European versions of 'Nobody puts baby in a corner'

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:28:58 -0000

On 14 September American actor Patrick Swayze died of pancreatic cancer, aged 57. Generations of teenage – and grown-up girls – knew him as the hunky dance teacher of the 1987 film Dirty Dancing, a cult hit in Europe

I quit Facebook - even Bill Gates did

('Astrid vW',) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:14:15 -0000

More than 250 million people have registered themselves on Facebook. This spectacular number will soon be surpassed; the social network is growing at a rate of 5 million users a week. Nonetheless, the giant is not unstoppable. Its critics are also multiplying, and some are choosing to log off the network for the final time

Swedish Pirate Party MEP Christian Engström: ‘Europe is stronger than the US’

('Waldemar Ingdahl',) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:43:53 -0000

The newly elected pirate MEP, 49, a former computer programmer from Stockholm, talks about the EU-US relationship, eyes turning towards Sweden again and Europe’s second wave of pirate parties. Part I in a special edition marking the six-month Swedish presidency of the EU

Herman Dune vs. Vandaveer: transatlantic anti- & alt-folk

('Lindsey Evans',) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:00:00 -0000

An American plying his trade in Europe and a Franco-Swiss exporting his ‘anti-folk’ to the American continent – that place where a guy called Dylan’s first notes were heard. Interviews

Michael Jackson dies aged 50: eastern EU grab their crotch in tribute

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:48:42 -0000

On 25 June, the king of pop died after a cardiac arrest in LA. He remains a firm musical reference for the 'eurogeneration’ growing up in the seventies and eighties. Ukrainian folk rock, Lithuania’s late MJ and Bulgaria’s Wacko Jacko wannabe – soundtrack tribute in videos

Prague: Barack Obama and the giant sleeping radar missile bid

('Catherine Neilan',) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:44:34 -0000

Some construed the president’s 5 April visit to Prague as a promising sign for the future US-Czech relationship. Barack Obama spent a full day - out of a total of eight - in his first visit to Europe since his inauguration on 20 January. Then-prime minster Mirek Topolanek hailed ‘the European speech of the year’ in advance; but others in the capital disagreed

'Historic' G20 in London: a one trillion summit like no other

('c j',) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:44:06 -0000

On 2 April G20 leaders agreed on a mind boggling trillion dollar plan to tackle the global financial crisis. As US president Barack Obama heads to Strasbourg for a Nato summit, a roundup of the juice and conclusions

The Bronx, another European overseas department

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:56:23 -0000

Well, almost. As the fountain on the north lawn of the White House ran green in celebration of St Patrick's Day on 17 March, we take a look at how newcomers from Europe have breathed new life into old ethnic neighbourhoods in New York’s five boroughs, long a destination for immigrations. With the EU at 27 and Brussels far across the ocean, is Europe but an abstract notion?

Minute by minute: we stalk Hillary Clinton in Brussels

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:00:00 -0000

What relationship will Barack Obama's new America have with Europe? At a debate at the European parliament in Brussels on 5 March, the new secretary of state will chat to 150 young Europeans - including us. Follow it live from 10 to 11am on cafebabel.com - hit the refresh button as you go!

A Spanish Señorita at the Super Bowl: 'The best part? The adverts!'

('Darren Thompson',) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:54:19 -0000

The greatest event in American football has little cause to envy its European counterparts: showbiz steals the limelight from sport, seconds are worth a fortune, and tapas are replaced by nachos with cheese. The opinion of a Spanish girl in the States

Trade you my anti-missile shield for your Lisbon treaty

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:00:00 -0000

The incumbent EU president is still making itself the talk of the town. This time, it seems that the treaty will become a tool of pressure in return for the question of a little anti-missile shield. Latest tibit news from Brussels

Spaniard in Washington DC: Obama remakes America

('eugenie stephenson',) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:30:19 -0000

In America, the word ‘remake’ has two meanings - the simple act of rebuilding or redoing something, but also the creation of a new version of an old film. The storyline doesn’t change, but the characters are different. On 20 January at the Capitol, president Barack Obama wrote the perfect script for a new country. Testimony

Hormone beef versus roquefort cheese

('Matthew Pagett',) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Duties are to be doubled or tripled on French sheep's milk cheese and other "symbolic" European food products at the American border. Revenge... Latest titbits news from Brussels

Climate change, health, economy: three European tips for Obama

('Steven Hill',) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:18:09 -0000

The inauguration of the 44th president of the US on 20 January is starting to look like the most spectacularly dramatic debut since the Beatles arrived in New York. But soon the buildup and the hype will be over, and it will be time for Team Obama to produce

US warms up to the global climate change consensus

('Gaia Pianigiani',) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:00:26 -0000

As Barack Obama inaugurates his mandate on 20 January, environmental scientists prepare their guidelines for a greener approach to energy production and usage. Is America ready to make the same changes? The word from Union Square farmers market and climatologist Dr. Stephen H. Schneider

Bush's 'very dangerous' Iran one of Obama's 'biggest challenges'

('Kourosh Ziabari',) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:32:36 -0000

Bush and Obama's comments came ahead of Iran's official 'wait and see' statement on 15 January. Cynics boast that the president-elect has not enough authority to fulfill his promise of unconditional talks because of the traditional pattern of politics in US. As 'day one' approaches on 20 January, a young Iranian blogger paints the wider Iran-US picture

Europe blogs Barack Obama’s presidency

('Darren Thompson',) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:00:00 -0000

Everything is possible. From waking up to utopia, European bloggers are discussing a black man in charge in the world’s most powerful nation. On 20 January, Barack Obama became president of the USA. But what will happen to him tomorrow?