Upcoming lecture to explore how stone tools helped shape human cognition

What can prehistoric stone tools tell us about the cognitive abilities of early humans? This is one of the many questions Svetlana Kuleshova will seek to answer in an upcoming lecture hosted by the Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique de Monaco later this month.

The Association Monégasque de Préhistoire, in collaboration with the Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique de Monaco, has invited Svetlana Kuleshova—a doctoral candidate affiliated with the University of Paris Nanterre, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, and the Center for Language Evolution Studies in Poland—to deliver a fascinating talk on the links between the development of stone tools and breakthroughs in human cognition on Thursday 30th January at 6pm.

Entitled Ce que les outils en pierre nous disent sur la cognition des préhistoriques ( or ‘What Stone Tools Tell Us About the Cognition of Prehistoric Humans’), Kuleshova’s lecture will explore how material culture reveals the evolution of human cognition and communication.

Through her work, Kuleshova examines the intersection of prehistory and linguistics, using archaeological approaches to study the cognitive development of prehistoric humans. Her research focuses on lithic tools as a lens to understand the emergence of language and complex thought.

The lecture will take place at the Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique on Boulevard du Jardin Exotique. Attendance is free, but reservations are essential due to limited seating. To reserve, call +377 98 98 80 06 or email map@gouv.mc.

Read related:

Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology hosts ‘The Butterfly Effect: The Prehistory of Animals’

 

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Photo source: Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique

Monaco encourages residents to embrace Dry January

This January, Monaco is inviting residents to join the Dry January challenge, an initiative designed to take a break from alcohol for the month and explore the benefits of cutting back.

Dry January, which began in France in 2020, is all about rethinking drinking habits and seeing how life changes without alcohol for a few weeks.

Improved sleep, increased energy, better concentration, lower blood pressure, and clearer skin are just some of the reported benefits. Financial savings and a fresh perspective on drinking habits also make it an appealing challenge.

Reflecting on alcohol consumption

Public health statistics reveal that nearly a quarter of adults consume more alcohol than recommended guidelines, which suggest no more than two drinks a day and not drinking every day. Dry January offers an opportunity to recognize patterns and identify moments when drinking might be more of a habit than a conscious decision.

The initiative is not about permanent abstinence, but rather about taking a step back. Many participants find that after the month, alcohol consumption naturally decreases, with positive changes lasting well beyond January.

Resources available in Monaco

The official Dry January website, dryjanuary.fr, provides tools and inspiration, including tips, shared experiences, and alcohol-free cocktail recipes to support the challenge.

In cases of alcohol dependency, stopping abruptly can pose risks. Monaco’s Centre de Soins d’Accompagnement et de Prévention en Addictologie de Monaco (CSAPAM) offers confidential assistance for individuals facing addiction challenges. The center provides medical evaluations, risk-reduction strategies, and tailored care. Located at 7 bis, avenue des Ligures, CSAPAM is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, and can be contacted at (+377) 99.98.27.97.

Starting the year with healthier choices

Following the indulgence of the festive season, Dry January is a chance to reset and explore how social occasions and relaxation can thrive without alcohol. 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

 

February laughs with Alex Vizorek at the Smakelijk! Comedy Club

Smakelijk! Comedy Club

Belgian comedy genius Alex Vizorek will take centre stage in Monaco this February as the Smakelijk! Comedy Club returns to Le Méridien Beach Plaza.

The Smakelijk! Comedy Club at Le Méridien Beach Plaza in Monaco is set to return in mid-February for two special nights featuring Alex Vizorek as the headline act. Vizorek, a comedian renowned in Belgium for his sharp wit and on-point cultural commentary, will share the stage with two additional comedians on 14th and 15th February. Their names will be confirmed in early 2025.

Alex Vizorek has been a prominent figure in the Francophone comedy scene for over 15 years. His critically acclaimed one-man shows, including Alex Vizorek est une œuvre d’art and Ad Vitam, have earned him widespread recognition, with the latter earning him a nomination for a Molière Award in 2022.

In 2024, he performed alongside Aure Atika and Hippolyte Girardot in the production A.D.A.: L’argent des autres at the Anthéa Theatre in Antibes. In addition to his stage work, Vizorek is a seasoned radio host, recently joining RTL after 12 years with France Inter, and is also the author of several children’s books.

The upcoming event marks the fifth chapter of the comedy series, which has already brought a unique blend of humour to the Principality. More than 300 people have attended previous editions, which showcased six Belgian comedians in the intimate setting of the hotel’s Belgian brasserie, Smakelijk!

See more: New restaurant: Croquettes, vol-au-vents, French fries… get into the Belgian spirit at Smakelijk!

There will be two performances each evening, starting at 7pm and 9pm. Each session will last approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. Tickets are priced at €35 for general admission, with a reduced rate of €30 available for Monegasque residents. Reservations can be made here.

Read related:

Gad Elmaleh to lead the laughs at Stand Up Monaco

 

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Photo source: Le Méridien Beach Plaza, Facebook

Monaco takes part in shaping the future of global food security at FAO Council

Tackling global food crises head-on, Monaco joined the 176th FAO Council session to address urgent issues in Gaza, Ukraine, and Lebanon, while backing reforms and EU efforts for sustainable solutions.

From 2nd to 6th December, Monaco joined the 176th session of the FAO Council in Rome, stepping up as an observer to tackle some of today’s most pressing food crises.

The session spotlighted the dire food insecurity in Gaza and the ripple effects of the war in Ukraine on global food systems. In response, the FAO is rolling out initiatives to strengthen local food systems in affected regions. Lebanon, too, remains a major concern, with its agricultural and food security situation continuing to decline. The Council adopted bold emergency measures to address these urgent challenges.

Marking the FAO’s 80th anniversary, discussions also looked to the future. Plans for organizational reforms kicked off, with informal consultations set for early 2025. Monaco will play a role in these talks, leading up to the next FAO Council session and the 44th FAO Conference this summer.

Monaco also backed key EU declarations during the session, pushing for action on global food and agriculture priorities while supporting the FAO’s mission to build a more resilient and sustainable future.

As a member of the conversation on global food security, Monaco continues to play its part in shaping solutions for a more sustainable world.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Photo source: Government Department of Communication

 

Beat the January blues at the Grimaldi Forum’s Electro Winter Party

The Grimaldi Forum will kick off its 25th anniversary celebrations on 16th January with the Electro Winter Party, an event set to host an impressive lineup of artists in the brand-new 3,000sqm Hall Pinède.

Headlining the event is Bon Entendeur, the French duo famed for blending retro sounds with modern beats. Their 2019 album Aller-Retour paid homage to the music of the 1970s, while their 2021 gold-certified album Minuit solidified their reputation as innovators in electronic music. After a successful 2024 tour, including performances at the Olympia in Paris and major European festivals, Bon Entendeur is set to bring their dynamic energy to Monaco.

Joining them is Parallelle, the sibling duo Thomas and Julien de Bie, known for their genre-defying music that seamlessly combines diverse influences. Adding a local touch is Monaco’s own DJ Baloo, whose sets fuse elements of hip-hop, techno, funk, drum and bass, jazz, and even classical music, promising an electrifying experience.

The event will run from 9pm to 1am, with standing tickets priced at €25 and lounge seating at €45 per person (for a minimum of four).

For more information about the event, click here.

Read related:

Grimaldi Forum Monaco secures another prestigious international award

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Photo source: Bon Entendeur, Facebook

Applications open for the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge 2025

The Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge 2025 is calling on students, fresh graduates, and early-stage startups to submit groundbreaking solutions for ocean conservation.

This unique initiative, organised by the International University of Monaco, Institut Océanographique de Monaco, Monaco Impact, and the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco, aims to inspire innovation and protect our oceans for future generations.

The challenge is open to students with entrepreneurial aspirations and graduates from all disciplines, as well as startups with less than three years of experience. Candidates must present innovative projects that focus on ocean conservation and sustainability.

Participants will compete for cash prizes to fund their projects, gain global exposure, and showcase their solutions to leading industry experts. Winners will also receive mentorship and resources to help bring their ideas to life or scale their existing businesses.

The challenge offers a unique platform to make a real impact on ocean protection, secure funding, and connect with a global network of like-minded individuals and organizations.

Applications are open until 6th March. To apply, click here:  https://bit.ly/3ZY4gWa

For more details about the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge, visit their website.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Sébastien Goldberg on Unsplash