Affordable overseas calling with smart phones

The New York Times ran an excellent article on January 7, 2010 by Joanna Stern on linking cell phones and smart phones to Internet based calling services for affordable overseas calls to the US. Titled "Cheap Mobile Calls, Even Overseas' this is very useful information. Here is the link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/07/technology/personaltech/07basics.html

Paris Cookbook Fair

This event will be a feast for foodies. The Paris Cookbook Fair will be on from Feb.11-15 featuring the top cook books and wine books from 136 countries. There will be award ceremonies, cooking demos, lectures and more. American David Leibovitz, author of excellent books on Chocolate and recently, "The Sweet Life in Paris" will be one of the featured authors, as will Boston's celebrated chef Barbara Lynch with her new book "Stir, Mixing It Up in the Italian Tradition".

Sounds delightful. www.cookbookfair.com

Vintage (cars) and Great Sales! January in Paris...

January is decidedly not a post-holiday slump month in Paris. The cultural calendar is rich and full and life is good. There are two particularly notable events in January that will be engaging if you are lucky enough to be in Paris.

Les Soldes. The bi-annual BIG sales events (other is in July) will kick off Wednesday January 6th and run for five weeks. Sales periods are regulated in France and this is the mother of all sales including top luxury stores and quirky small boutiques. Visit your favorite stores and scope out the things you love, go early in the sale and you may be lucky!

For vintage automobile enthusiasts, the annual Traversee de Paris antique and classic vehicles event is a must-see. This year, January 10 is the date for the 500 plus car, motorcycle, and bus 'tour' de Paris. Starting in Vincennes and running out to the Trocadero fountains and Eiffel Tower area (Place Jacques Rueff), this is an event that pulls together a glorious mix of cars and more.... Bugattis, Renault 4 CVs, vintage Citroens and more. The cars pass through the Marais, Montmartre, and up the Champs Elysees. Bundle up and get out and enjoy this one!