All About French-Speaking Countries



The French Language.

Roughly around 200 million people around the world speak French. This number includes people who speak French as a native language, as a second language and students of all ages who do not live in a francophone (French-speaking) country but have learned French. In fact French as a foreign language is the second most commonly taught language worldwide after English. It is also the only foreign language that can be useful throughout the world as well as in the United States. French comes in second after English on the list of the world’s 10 most influential languages. Proof of this is the pivotal role French holds. It is one of the official working languages in dozens of powerful international organisations such as the European Union (EU), United Nations (UN), World Health Organisation (WHO), World Trade Organisation (WTO), and a host of other worldwide institutions.

The French language of today is a direct result of long periods of evolution. France, throughout its long history, had been invaded by different ethnic tribal groups. The most distinguished of these are the Franks. They adopted the Latin being spoken at that time. Thus, the French language is a descendant from Latin. It is also known as one of the Romance languages which include Catalan, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. They are called such because their parent tongue Latin was the language of the Romans. Over the years, the early French language has undergone changes in words and grammatical structures. It has evolved into today’s global French.

Frenchspeak – Here, There and Everywhere

The French-speaking world spans the entire globe with its language heard in all the continents. Aside from English, French is the only language spoken as a native or first language on 5 continents.

In Europe, French is the official language of France, Luxembourg, Monaco, Belgium and Switzerland. France with a population of more than 60 million is one of the most modern countries in the world. It is one of the predominant leaders in the European Union. French is a co-official language in Switzerland. This picturesque country is one of the world’s richest countries. It is the centre of many international associations. Belgium, in the half past century, has emerged as a progressive European state. Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is home to the headquarters of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

In Africa, the French-speaking countries include Algeria, Burundi, Benin, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Comoros. Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Guinea, Madagascar, Morocco, Rwanda, Togo, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Tunisia, Mauritius, Reunion and Seychelles.

In the Americas and the Caribbean, French is spoken in Canada, Haiti, French Guiana, Martinique and Guadeloupe (these last three are French territories).

In Australia and the Pacifics, Vanuatu and the overseas French territories French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis and Fortuna are French-speaking.

In many other countries, French plays a significant role either as an administrative, commercial or international language. Some of these countries are Andorra, Argentina, Brazil, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Egypt, Greece, India, Italy, Laos, Lebanon, Mauritania, Poland, Syria, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom (Channel Islands), United States particularly Louisiana and New England, the Vatican City and Vietnam. Clearly, the French language is spoken everywhere.

Convinced now to learn global French? It is quite easy. Browse through this site’s French Language Program and master French in the best place – the comfort of your own home.

Bonne chance! Good Luck!

By: Philip Nicosia

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Wouldn’t You Be Happy To Find A Pure Plant Remedy For Quitting Smoking?



Myrtle therapeutic-grade essential oil is a soft, gentle oil that is a wonderful choice for clearing the mind and clarifying the body. It has a clear, herbaceous scent somewhat similar to eucalyptus and smelling it can be very soothing. It has been researched for normalizing imbalances of the thyroid and ovaries as well the benefiting the respiratory system. Myrtle therapeutic-grade essential oil has antimutagnic, antispasmodic, stimulating, and decongestant properties.

People who meditate often used therapeutic-grade essential oil of myrtle for its calming and uplifting qualities. It has often been suggested that using myrtle oil can be helpful for those seeking to overcome self-destructive behavior, particularly those who need help quitting smoking.

Plant Origin: Tunisia, Morocco

Extraction Method: Steam distilled from leaves

Modern Uses: Some powerful self healing secrets and general uses:

· Myrtle is known to be a pure plant remedy for getting rid of addictions and addictive behavior and is quite emotionally cleansing.

· When diffused, it is beneficial for relieving stress, calming fear and reducing nervous tension. Myrtle is known to be elevating euphoric to some people.

· It is great for cleansing to the outside of the body, as therapeutic-grade essential myrtle oil is a popular treatment for acne and oily skin.

· It is useful for its astringent properties and can also be useful in shampoo for those with oily hair.

· Myrtle is thought to be a useful aid for psoriasis, inflamed, or irritated skin but should be used in a diluted; 1-3 drops in 1/2 oz of any quality vegetable oil, as it can cause skin sensitivity.

· In addition to topical uses, myrtle oil may be used as a dietary supplement or aromatically.

· It should be diluted, one drop to four ounces of rice or soy milk when used as a dietary supplement.

· When used as a dietary supplement, therapeutic-grade essential myrtle oil is beneficial in balancing the glandular system, especially the thyroid and ovaries.

· It has been researched and is be beneficial for asthma, chest infections, sinus infections and colds.

· Used aromatically it combines well with many other therapeutic-grade essential oils such as rose, jasmine, lavender, eucalyptus and the citrus scents.

· If you have a cold or chest discomfort, adding myrtle oil to your clean humidifier can make the warm, moist air even more effective.

· It is also a nice addition to bath salts and oils added to bath water when you need a calming influence and alleviating body acnes or if you have a chest or sinus infection.

· Therapeutic-grade essential oil of myrtle is considered safe to use on most people other than infants and very small children.

· It can cause skin sensitivity, so it should be diluted 1-3 drops in 1/2 oz of any quality vegetable carrier oil before being applied to areas of sensitive skin like the face and neck.

As with all therapeutic-grade essential oils, take care not to get myrtle oil in your eyes and make sure you wash and rinse your hands thoroughly, before and after working with the oil. Keep all therapeutic-grade essential oils out of the reach of children.



This entire article is available for reprint electronically or in print, for free, as long as it is done in its entirety, and the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated. E-mail to: ghgs@youngliving.org.

By: Emma Sanford

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Santana – Moonflower – Rock Music CD Review



The exceptionally talented Rock artist Santana has released him CD entitled Moonflower. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Santana fans, and Rock fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Moonflower Santana’s artistic excellence is on full display as Santana has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work to date.

It’s a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I’m more than happy to announce that’s exactly what I must say about this one. There simply isn’t a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.

Santana is one of those musicians that has the ability to just win you over with him talent. The kind of artist it’s really a treat to be able to listen to.

Overall Moonflower is a solid release. Quite possibly Santana’s best to date. Really sensational from beginning to end. If you’re even mildly into Rock music you’ll enjoy this CD.

While the entire CD is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 1 – Dawn / Go Within, track 4 – El Morocco, and track 9 – She’s Not There.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 8 – Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen. Good stuff!

Moonflower Release Notes:

Santana originally released Moonflower on September 30, 2003 on the Legacy Recordings label.

CD Track List Follows:

DISC 1

1. Dawn / Go Within

2. Carnaval

3. Let The Children Play

4. Jugando

5. I’ll Be Waiting

6. Zulu

7. Bahia

8. Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen

9. Dance Sister Dance :: Baila Mi Hermana

10. Europa (Earth’s Cry Heaven’s Smile)

DISC 2

1. She’s Not There

2. Flor D’Luna :: Moonflower

3. Soul Sacrifice / Heads, Hands & Feet

4. El Morocco

5. Transcendance

6. Savor / Toussaint L’Overture

7. Black Magic Woman – (single version)

8. I’ll Be Waiting – (single version)

9. She’s Not There – (single version)

Santana: Carlos Santana (guitar, congas, timbales, percussion, background vocals); Greg Walker (vocals); Tom Coster (Fender Rhodes piano, Hammond B-3 organ, ARP synthesizer, Mini-Moog synthesizer, vibraphone, marimba, background vocals); Pablo Tellez, David Margen (bass); Graham Lear (drums, percussion); Raul Rekow (bongos, congas, surdo, percussion, cowbell, background vocals); Jose “Chepito” Areas (congas, timbales, bell tree); Pete Escovedo (timbales, guiro, maracas).

Producers: Carlos Santana, Tom Coster, David Rubinson, Glen Kolotkin.

Recorded at CBS Studios, San Francisco, California and live at Hammersmith-Odeon, London, England between 1976 & 1977. Originally released on Columbia (34915). Includes liner notes by Hal Miller.

By: Clyde Lee Dennis

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Moroccan Style – Tips For Creating Lavish Moroccan Theme Oasis



With several official languages, Morocco is a crossroad of many cultures and styles.Often used as a source of inspiration for painters, writers and hippies, Morocco can be seen as a captivating oasis. The Moroccan style is now hot in the US, imposing its magic in the exclusive pueblo designed homes of Santa Fe including California and its introduction into New York.

Here are some basics for creating the Moroccan touch to your home, loft or apartment:

* Look for the vibrant colors red, green and blue found in the sea of the area and also gold, yellow, and silver from the surrounding desert.

* Create a tropical atmosphere by bringing the outside indoors by using exotic plants, terra cotta tiles, and (if approved by your landlord ) textured walls.

* Moroccan home accents and the world famous Moroccan light fixtures such as Moroccan lanterns, Moroccan wall sconces, Moroccan pendant, Moroccan chandelier, Moorish lantern, Moorish wall sconce, Moorish pendant. These Moroccan lighting can be either on top of Moroccan tables or free standing to hanging.

Moroccan Lighting:Moroccan light fixtures are unique from any other country in the world. Handcrafted in the crowded Medina of Marrakech, Fes, and the magical city of Casablanca, Moroccan light fixtures also know as Moorish lighting are the pride of the artisans that skillfully carve them from quality solid Moroccan brass while surrounded by snake charmers and the smell of market spices.

Whether your ambition is to create a complete Moroccan style, Moorish interior, Mediterranean style interior design, Moorish home decor or just have a Moroccan touch, Moroccan lanterns, Moorish lanterns, Mediterranean lighting, Spanish light fixtures will ad that unique Moroccan element to your home.

Moroccan lanterns can be viewed and purchased through sainttropezstone.com in different styles ranging from wall sconces, lanterns, chandeliers, to pendants great for indoor or outdoor use.
Moorish lighting and Moroccan lanterns by Saint Tropez Boutique are handcrafted from solid brass for longer durability and are pre-wired UL Listed for US consumer addition to that most of the Moorish lanterns, Moroccan wall sconces are customizable to fit your project.

For more information on Moroccan lighting, Moorish lighting, Mediterranean lighting, Spanish lighting contact Saint Tropez Boutique of San Francisco, California at:

By: David Calvin

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Mediterranean Landscape Design – Planning Your Outdoor Paradise



Mediterranean landscape design brings together the beautiful, lush European countryside and the relaxed, culturally rich lifestyle of small coastal villages to create an outdoor living area designed for enjoyment. This garden style is a perfect look for today’s modern California style architecture and complements Spanish, Tuscan, and other Mediterranean influenced designs as well.



A Brief History of Mediterranean Landscape Design

Gardening has seen its beginnings along the Mediterranean coast in ancient Arabia and soon spread to surrounding regions of the warm and breezy European shoreline. Throughout time, landscape design as we know it today has slowly evolved from the earliest Arabian gardens, drawing influences from Greek, Roman, and more modern Italian architecture and style.

Modern Mediterranean landscape design is as varied as the region itself. Some styles are rustic and relaxed, while others are lavish and sophisticated. With so many different styles to choose from, selecting the best design for your property can seem difficult. Consider the style and décor of your home, as well as your own personal tastes, as you look over the different types of Mediterranean garden styles commonly found in the yards of magnificent modern homes.

Spanish Mission and Spanish Colonial Revival Styles

Spanish missions were first established in southern California in the late 1700’s when the area was colonized by Spanish settlers. These missions were self-sufficient structures with extensive landscape designs including space for gardens, livestock, and outdoor living. This architectural style seen a rebirth at the turn of the 19th century and was closely followed by a renewed interest in all types of Spanish colonial structures and landscape designs.

The Santa Barbara revival style is also influenced by the Spanish mission and colonial designs. After a destructive earthquake in 1925, most of the city was rebuilt to reflect the original architectural style of the area, but on a magnificent scale with luxurious Mediterranean style homes in some of the world’s finest communities. These three styles have many similarities and are generally characterized by these attributes:

Simple, but elegant, structures built with stucco and adobe bricks and accented with vibrant clay roof tiles are usually the center of the estate . Distinct lines and patterns, symmetrical shapes, and clearly defined unity throughout the home and garden are an important part of these Spanish Mediterranean style residences. Gardens with lush vegetation, fragrant citrus trees, and serene palms are commonly seen as well. Both Spanish mission and colonial revival styles also feature landscapes with elegant walkways and romantic, flower-covered arches.

Moroccan and Andalusian Garden Styles

Morocco brings vibrancy and an air of mystery to Mediterranean landscape design. Moroccan style outdoor spaces are full of color, often featuring detailed mosaic tiling and bright, lush vegetation. Accessories with Moorish influence, romantic water features, and subtle lighting are the defining elements of Moroccan gardens.

Andalusian style homes and gardens are a unique blend of simple Spanish architecture and rich, Moroccan details. Citrus trees, accented by romantic roses and fragrant, relaxing lavender, and the rustic, adobe style architecture of colonial Spanish California, detailed with colorful mosaics, are common to the Andalusian design. Both Moroccan and Andalusian style landscape designs are ideal for the sunny, Mediterranean climate of southern California.

The Romance of French Country Gardens

The influence of France brought an even more laid back appearance to Mediterranean landscape design. Flowing curves and natural beds of colorful wildflowers are significant to this outdoor style. Useful vegetation, like vegetable and herb gardens, are also common, as well as shady trees that provide fruits or nuts. Romantic and secluded garden nooks that provide comfortable seating, along with a spectacular view, are essential to French country garden designs.

The Tuscan Garden Style

Italy’s contribution to modern Mediterranean landscape design comes from the artistic, yet simple, age of Old World Tuscany. The Tuscan garden style is a popular look for recent Renaissance trends in fine architecture and is well suited to the year round coastal warmth of southern California. This luxurious garden style features:

Lush plant life, including aromatic herbs and graceful climbers with colorful blooms. Natural, rustic materials like terra cotta and stone. Peaceful water features, garden ponds, and vertical wall fountains. Teak garden furniture or elegant wrought iron accessories.

Southern California is an ideal location for Mediterranean landscape design because of the inviting climate and beautifully diverse countryside. Affluent communities, like Orange County’s magnificent Irvine Ranch, are perfect examples of the luxurious possibilities of custom Mediterranean influenced outdoor spaces. A professional landscape design service can help you plan a garden that complements your home while meeting the needs of your family.

By: Allen Quay

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