mardi 30 octobre 2012

Soirée Halloween

In what has now become a tradition, AEU-YC and CEPA held their annual Halloween Party on Friday 26 October. All contacts were invited and flyers and info sent out to both American programs in Strasbourg and our usual partner universities (UDS: LEA, English, Law, IEP, EMS). The event was organized and coordinated by CEPA personnel, AEU-YC volunteers and a medley of students. Special thanks to Georgian College (Canada) hospitality students for the buffet, as well as the students from West Viriginia, Georgia and Strasbourg for the amazing decoration that set the tone for a gruesome party.The costumes were fabulous as we will show as soon as we collect pictures.(Anyone who would like to send in pictures or a comment about the evening please contact the email address listed on this blog. ) Looking forward to many more cross-cultural events to come, Petra Christov


lundi 29 octobre 2012

Avants-première

Avants- premières (gratuites) d'un film sur l'Alsace au cinéma UGC STRASBOURG le 6 et 9 novembre. (Ce film est  également programmé pour une diffusion sur FR3 ALSACE les samedis 3, 10 et 17 novembre 2012 à 17h30.)


vendredi 15 juin 2012

Summer recipes for adults and kids

In France there is a lot of talk about cupcakes. Often, however, after speaking with North Americans, our friends realize most of the cupcakes actually available around town don't correspond to what you would get in North America or the UK.

I myself have never been much of a cupcake fan as I come from a very Eurocentric environment in my hometown back in the US and we spend a lot of our time laughing at the people in Georgetown, Washington DC, who line up all the way out of the shop itself and up 33rd Street for a block or more, so patiently, religiously almost, for that famous cupcake. Yes, the holy place in Georgetown is on the corner of 33rd and M Street Georgetown Cupcake.
(Of course there are many places where you can get cupcakes, but there is always only one place that is the place. In DC things don't change that fast, but I am guessing that in NY the place is never the same place.)

I admit, I have never had one of those Georgetown Cupcake cupcakes, but the story goes that two women opened a teeny tiny itsy bitsy shop on 33rd street a couple of years back and became so famous they opened a big corner shop on 33rd and M. I don't know where they are now- in the pictures they are working very hard in the kitchen and I have heard they serve the customers themselves - this is all somewhat of a myth to me - but their success makes me want to picture them on a beach somewhere : ) Ok. So although I am no connoisseur in the art of cupcakes, I do know what a cupcake is not. And it is not what you get around here. The main problem is that the dough should not be a genoise and the topping is not some kind of butter fluff but has a very specific consistency and feel.

Now, I am put on the spot by a group of super smart 6th graders who won't let anything go by. As we bet on the existence or not of a French word: "timoré"- they claimed the word didn't exist and I assured them it did and meant "fearful"...so the bet was who would make cakes or rather as one student- Claire insisted: cupcakes!!!! So, after checking up the word in the dictionary, the kids found that Ms Christov was right, although she is American, but it meant "shy" according to the available resources and not "fearful". An arbiter was appointed who came to the conclusion that there was a tie. Both myself and the student in question have to make cupcakes for Monday, June 18th. Haha, they sure got their way. And now I have just finished doing my homework and have found what looks to me just the right thing: Beach and Shark cupcakes!!!!!

I have not made them yet but will post the recipe below (it is Martha Stewart's recipe that I copied from the link) and link for anyone who wants to test this recipe and give feedback on their impressions. You will see that the Shark and Beach cupcakes are actually basic vanilla or chocolate cupcakes with a twist.

Happy baking,

Petra Christov


http://www.marthastewart.com/269032/shark-and-beach-cupcakes?czone=food/best-cupcake-recipes/our-best-cupcakes&center=276944&gallery=274599&slide=269032

  1. Shark and Beach Cupcake 
    Martha Stewart
    Happy times with kids call for cheerful cupcakes. Easier to serve than cake, cupcakes require no slicing, no plates, and no forks -- and every child gets her fair share of icing.
    The designs on this page start as Chocolate Cupcakes or Vanilla Cupcakes iced with Swiss Meringue Buttercream -- perfect for spreading in thin layers or sculpting into thick mounds (and licking from the bowl).
    The cupcakes can be baked a week ahead and frozen, but decorate them no more than a day before serving. Set up an assembly line, and put kids in charge of affixing candy eyes, gumdrop cheeks, and other trimmings. Pack the cupcakes in a shallow plastic container, and stuff crumpled waxed paper in between. Then dole them out and watch kids marvel for a second before opening wide!
    In June, look out for blue paper fins slicing through icing waves. Some might prefer a sandy beach, so stand a drink parasol in a dune of icing dipped in finely ground graham-cracker crumbs.
    Vanilla Cupcakes
    Makes 24
    IngredientspastedGraphic.pdf
    1. 3 cups all-purpose flour
    2. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
    3. 3/4 teaspoon salt
    4. 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (1 1/2 sticks)
    5. 1 1/2 cups sugar
    6. 4 large eggs
    7. 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    8. 1 1/4 cups milk
    Directions
    1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pan with paper liners; set aside. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated and scraping down sides of bowl, beat in vanilla.
    2. Add flour mixture and milk alternately, beginning and ending with flour. Scrape the sides and bottom of bowl to assure the batter is thoroughly mixed. Divide batter evenly among liners, filling papers about 2/3 full. Bake on the center rack of the oven until tops spring back to touch, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
    Topping: Swiss Meringue Buttercream for Cupcakes
    Makes about 9 cups, enough for about 28 cupcakes
    Ingredients
    1. 2 1/2 cups sugar
    2. 10 large egg whites
    3. 4 cups (8 sticks or 2 pounds) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
    4. 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    Directions
    1. Place sugar and egg whites in the heat-proof bowl of an electric mixer. Set bowl over a pan of gently simmering water, and whisk until sugar has dissolved and egg whites are hot to the touch, about 3 minutes. Test by rubbing the mixture between your fingers; it should feel completely smooth.
    2. Transfer bowl to mixer stand. Using the whisk attachment, beat on high speed until mixture has cooled completely and formed stiff and glossy peaks, about 10 minutes.
    3. Add the butter, one piece at a time, and beat until incorporated after each addition. Don't worry if the buttercream appears curdled after all the butter has been added; it will become smooth again with continued beating. Add vanilla, and beat just until combined.
    4. Switch to the paddle attachment, and beat on the lowest speed to eliminate any air pockets, about 5 minutes. If using buttercream within several hours, cover bowl with plastic wrap, and set aside at room temperature in a cool environment. Or transfer to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator, up to 3 days. Before using, bring buttercream to room temperature, and beat on the lowest speed with the paddle attachment until smooth, about 5 minutes.


dimanche 27 mai 2012

Babysitting

I'm looking for a baby-sitter for my 2 boys who are 5 1/2 and 10 years old. They go to the International School in Strasbourg. The job is after school from 4:30 or 5:00PM to 6:30 or 7:00PM at our house in Illkirch. And maybe on school holidays...Position filled

dimanche 13 mai 2012

French Pianist lives with wolves in New York state





Soirée Dansante


GRANDE SOIREE DANSANTE
la musique de l'Amérique, du Nord au Sud
Samedi 19 mai 2012 à 20 Heures
Hôtel Holiday Inn 20 Place de Bordeaux 67000 STRASBOURG
-----------
L’excellent groupe MOVING animera cette soirée musicale, en vous proposant différents styles de musique (Jazz, Latin, Rock & roll, madison, western...)
Si vous aimez danser ou simplement passer un bon moment, ne manquez pas cette soirée qui se déroulera dans le cadre prestigieux du Holiday Inn et qui promet d’être aussi festive que la précédente.




Prix d’entrée, incluant un repas américain - Hamburger, Chips et Coleslaw, Apple pie (boissons non comprises) : 22 € membre de l’Association Alsace Etats-Unis ou Etudiant

To register, please respond by email ASAP


jeudi 26 avril 2012

American Football Lesson

Ever wanted to learn how to play American Football?

Well...
The American Football Association, Le Geant, is making it happen
Friday, May 4th at 8pm




More info at www.le-geant.fr
Meet at the Stadium in Souffelweyersheim
Bring a bottle of water

jeudi 19 avril 2012

Experiences Abroad

Gregg Surette, an American student, was studying International Business, French and Accounting at the University of Boston when he got the opportunity to study in France for a semester during his junior year. He studied at L’Institut de Formation Internationale in Rouen which was the sister school of his University.
He says he really enjoyed having this experience and would definitely do it again, but maybe as a single person this time.

Here is a testimony from the other side of the fence.

mardi 17 avril 2012

BBQ at the Chateau on April 23rd

Is it summer yet?

Not quite....but you'll have an early taste of it with the BBQ that 
the Comité Jeunes Association Alsace Etats-Unis, CEPA and the Georgia State University students  are organizing at the Chateau de Pourtalès

Save the date, Monday April 23rdand don't miss it because it will be a great way to kick off the summer !

Start around 3pm. Beach Volleyball, Soccer and more.
 5 euro fee, food and drinks provided.

Spread the word and bring your friends!



RSVP as soon as possible and feel free to contact us if you have any questions!

jeudi 12 avril 2012

Experiences Abroad

Pamela Telepeni, a French student, was in her 2nd year in Applied Languages (LEA) at the University of Strasbourg, when she got the opportunity to study in the US for a year. She had several options but  chose to go to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. She says she really enjoyed having this experience on her own and would do it all over again without a doubt.
Here is her testimony.

mercredi 11 avril 2012

Balboa Dance Demo

Check this out, pretty impressive!

Flash Mob

Lindy Hop has never been so cool


Film Review


Les Intouchables


An incredible film that will catch your attention from the first minute and put a smile on your face. The movie, based on a true story, is a very touching comedy about an unusual friendship of a rich aristocrat quadriplegic (François Cluzet) and a young man from the ghetto (Omar Sy). I would define it as the best movie of the year 2011, or at least this is a hot candidate. The film is an amazing combination of black humour and dramatic scenes on the background and a comparison of the two completely different worlds. It is full of really powerful and moving moments; it is dynamic so you enjoy every image from the very beginning to the end. The cast was phenomenal as well, even though according to the book, the real “Driss“ is Arab and not black. But to my opinion, it does not have anything to do with racism as a few criticisms pointed out. The director Olivier Nakache had to face the race problems as well as the problems of disability. It was a very hard task, but he did a fabulous job – the film reached the second highest turnout in French cinema and an enormous popularity all around the world. No matter how old you are, this is a powerful movie that is worth being seen on the big screen. 

Ludmila


mardi 3 avril 2012

Places we like - Moab, Utah

Moab is a city in Utah that is well known of outdoorsy people. It is the center of all fun, aka rock climbing, kayaking, biking, camping, hiking, rafting and even skiing or snowmobiling. It is also the motherland of Arches and Canyonland National Parks.
This place is heaven without a doubt: the landscape is absolutely amazing and boredom is absolutely impossible there.
All year round, Moab is an adventure!


lundi 2 avril 2012

People who inspire us




Tariq Ali is a chef in the Michelin Starred Restaurant Gramercy Tavern in New York City. However, before starting culinary school, he traveled the world, which changed his life. 
Here is his testimony.




lundi 26 mars 2012

Tests for College Applications

After taking the decision to study in the US, you will have to get ready to take a few tests in order to apply for College.
The SAT is mandatory for anyone who would like to go to College in the US, any student (American or International) graduating from High School has to take that test to get admitted. As for the TOEFL or TOEIC, only International students have to take it to prove that their English is good enough to follow in class.

Here is a description of each test. Read it thoroughly and start training for the test as soon as possible!

vendredi 23 mars 2012

College Applications


Any student willing and able to study abroad will find a suitable place at one of more than 3000 American colleges and universities
First, you must have a clear idea of what you wish to study and where in the US you would like to be located. There are also financial considerations to take into account, as studying in the US can be expensive and varies enormously from institution to institution. Field of study, geography and cost will help you narrow your selection.

samedi 17 mars 2012

Movie Night at the Chateau

On March 21st we will be having a movie night in Salle Melanie at Château de Pourtalès
Come join us and bring your friends!


Free entrance
Snacks and drinks will be provided

mardi 13 mars 2012

A Year in Wyoming

Here is the story of my year as an exchange student at the University of Wyoming.
Never thought I would spend quite some time there...but it turned out to be one of the best experiences in my life!

mardi 6 mars 2012

lundi 5 mars 2012

Lindy-Hop Evening, February 20th

The evening was great fun. A great turn-out with 20 French students and 15 Americans. We are sorry we had to turn students down, but the nature of the event made it necessary to limit the participants so we would all still be able to move around without getting too many bruises! 

Special thanks to College Swing (Jérôme and Véronique), to Gabi and Kira from CEPA for helping us organize the event and to all the students who were amazing good sports (and super special thanks also to the Humber and Georgia State students who stayed and helped clean up afterwards).

We hope that the music and Lindy, the beautiful place and the incomparable atmosphere have helped make connections. 

Looking forward to seeing you all again for a movie night in March.

Swingingly,

Petra and Justine
Comité Jeunes, AEU


"A unique experience. Great fun too!"
Nora

“The evening was so much fun. I met some great people!”
Luca

“It was so interesting to learn Lindy-Hop and make new friends.”
Emma




                                                         

mercredi 8 février 2012

Swing Night - February 20th

Ever wanted to learn how to dance?
The Youth Committee makes your dream come true on February 20th.

We are happy to announce that our famous Swing Night at Chateau de Pourtalès is back this year again.
Don't miss it because it will be a fun night to remember!

The limit is set to 26 participants so go ahead and email us at comitejeunesaeu@gmail.com to register!
There will be a buffet with wine, cheese and grapes. 

See you there and spread the word!


Registration is mandatory
6 euro fee charged for off-campus students 
(free entry for students staying at the Chateau)