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Month: September 2016

Award-winning novelist at Princess Grace Irish Library

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/09/2016

Liz Nugent 5Liz Nugent, present Ireland Fund of Monaco Writer-in-Residence, was guest speaker Wednesday night and at the Princess Grace Irish Library in Monaco. The winner of Crime Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards in 2014 for “Unravelling Oliver” spoke about her recently published, second best-selling novel, “Lying in Wait”.
After reading excerpts and talking about her writing, she generously engaged in a prolonged question-and-answer session. With her exciting talent, and her humble and heart-warming manner, the new rising star of Irish writing regaled an enthusiastic Monaco audience.
“She is a wonderful writer with a unique voice and a deliciously dark sensibility,” says Patricia Deevy, the editorial director of Penguin Ireland, Liz Nugent’s publisher. “She has taken the crime writing world by storm and she is going from strength to strength.”
While being hailed as a writer of crime novels, Liz’s writing peels away the layers of the underlying psychology of her wide range of characters, from a judge to a drug addict, from an agoraphobic mother to a top model. Her books are page-turners from the opening line, like in “Unravelling Oliver”: “I expected more of a reaction the first time I hit her.”
With two run-away best sellers (“Unravelling Oliver” has been translated into eight languages already) it’s no surprise, except perhaps to the modest Liz herself, that she has been signed up by the prestigious New York publisher, Simon & Schuster for a six-figure sum, to bring these two novels to the American market. (Source: Francis O’Hara)

Monaco transport honoured for service

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/09/2016

bus2Monaco has long been a destination for visitors with a reputation for excellence, but the Principality is not resting on its laurels. The Monaco Bus Company (CAM) is often part of the visitor’s overall experience, and the quality of service is of great importance.
Now, after an investigation by a specialised French company, the Monaco Bus Company has been awarded the “Monaco Welcome Certified” label to mark its excellent standard of service. Part of the process was a series of visits by “mystery clients”, who tested the welcome aboard the buses on Monaco’s six routes and at the company’s offices at 3 avenue President JF Kennedy.
Since not everyone speaks French, part of the test was to see how drivers respond to questions from visitors who don’t speak the language. The cleanliness and general condition of the bus stops was another factor. CAM will wear this badge of honour for a three-year period, during which time more mystery passengers will be boarding the buses in the Principality.

Monaco chosen for European jetpack debut

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/09/2016

jetpackMonaco has been chosen as the venue for the European debut of the revolutionary JB-10 Jetpack, which will power a man into the sky above the Principality thanks to two jet engines.
After an unprecedented test flight around the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Jetpack Aviation team continues its global demonstration tour, which will include several surprise flights around the most emblematic monuments of Europe, with Monaco as the first stop.
Three demonstrations are planned to coincide with the Monaco Yacht Show. At the heliport of the Oceanographic Museum on Thursday, September 29, at the Fontvieille heliport on Friday, September 30, and from the heliport to a yacht off Fontvieille on Saturday, October 1.
All these displays are open to the public and take place at 5 pm, weather permitting.

The Jetpack JB-10 propels its user at more than 160 kph, can fly for 10 minutes and has a radius of 20 kilometres. The JB-10 has a wide range of potential applications and commercial uses and is the result of almost fifty years of development and testing. The JB-10 is the only operational Jetpack currently available on the market.

SBM Yuletide pastry contest

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/09/2016

Cédric Desideri, pastry chef at Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo. Photo: Facebook ThermesMarinsMonteCarlo
Cédric Desideri, pastry chef at Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo. Photo: Facebook ThermesMarinsMonteCarlo

The Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer is well on top of things for the upcoming Christmas season, and have just announced the winner of its own contest among its pastry chefs for the best Yule Log for the 2016 celebrations.
A jury of professionals, journalists and other talents unanimously chose the “Chestnut Log”, concocted by the young pastry chef of the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, Cédric Desideri.
The Pastry Chef of the restaurant L’Hirondelle des Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo pays tribute to his childhood forest walks with a combination of a light chestnut cream, a compote of tangerines and crisp praline. The price of the traditional log is €85, which serves six. Orders should be placed 24 hours in advance at L’Hirondelle, Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, 2 avenue de Monte-Carlo, T. +377 98 06 69 30

Art appeal for former minister

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/09/2016

Michel Roger, Former Minister of State. Photo: CentrepresseMonaco
Michel Roger, Former Minister of State. Photo: CentrepresseMonaco

Monaco’s former Minister of State, Michel Roger, who suffered a stroke last December worked tirelessly in the interests of the Principality in the very demanding position of “prime minister” for a number of years. The 67-year-old remains in hospital in Poitiers almost 10 months after being taken ill at his residence in Monaco.
A local figure in the Principality, who saw firsthand how difficult post-stroke recovery can be, especially for those who were active community members, is calling on artists, amateurs or pros, in and around Monaco to create a portrait of Mr Roger.
The art piece can be a sculpture, a painting, an illustration, an interesting altered photography, a collage using all sorts of techniques and materials, and the portrait can be realistic or abstract.
A private vernissage for the all submissions is being planned but will need the support of a Monaco association. Prizes will be awarded and the winning piece, to be signed by Prince Albert, will be handed over to Mr Roger’s wife.
There are lots of photos of Mr Roger, who served in office from 2010 to 2015, online to inspire creativity.
The Michel Roger initiative was launched in January this year as a monthly support system for the former official, and many people in Monaco have already participated.
The registration deadline is October 31, 2016. Contact michel.roger.initiative@gmail.com
Article first published September 22, 2016

Monaco defeat sends Nice top of Ligue 1

by: Cassandra Tanti
21/09/2016

OGC Nice striker, Mario Balotelli. Photo: Facebook OGC Nice
OGC Nice striker, Mario Balotelli. Photo: Facebook OGC Nice

AS Monaco suffered a rude awakening on Wednesday night, losing 4-0 in the local derby at Nice, a humiliating result that put an end to seven consecutive wins. Nice scored at intervals throughout the game, in the 17th minute, the 30th, 67th and 86th.
Mario Balotelli found the back of the Monaco net twice, eight minutes before the half-time whistle and again 22 minutes into the second half.

Monaco had pulled away in recent weeks to lead France’s Ligue 1 by three points ahead of the traditional league leaders, Paris Saint-Germain. But this early lead now seems to have been a lucky fluke, with PSG now reinstated at the top of the table on goal difference.

Colombian striker Radamel Falcao spent the night at Princesse Grace hospital after
getting caught in a sandwich” between goalkeeper Yoann Cardinale and defender Paul Baysse jbefore half-time.

“Radamel was caught in a sandwich and stayed on the ground with head pain for some time,” said coach Leonardo Jardim. “He’s gone to hospital for tests.”

Kyllian Mbappe, suffering a similar hit the head during the Villarreal match in August, had to sit out for four weeks.

Monaco’s next game is at home on Saturday, September 24, against Angers, starting at 8 pm.