FOUR FRENCH BOOKS on the search for HAPPINESS

USPA NEWS - Contentment is a peaceful kind of happiness in which one rests without desires, even though every wish may not have been gratified : contentment in one's surroundings. Happiness results from the possession or attainment of what one considers good... Let's see Four different Books dealing with it...

Contentment is a peaceful kind of happiness in which one rests without desires, even though every wish may not have been gratified : contentment in one's surroundings. Happiness results from the possession or attainment of what one considers good... Let's see Four different Books dealing with it in some ways. All joys on earth are bittersweet. In other words, for every joy we experience, we also experience sorrow.

'LE PARTI D'EN RIRE - PIERRE DAC PRESIDENT' (The choice to laugh - Pierre DAC President) by Jacques PESSIS (Cherche-Midi Editions), the deceased humourist's adoptive son, who collected Pierre DAC's funny proposals but struck by common sense to become President of French Republic. It is important to mention that Pierre DAC was a French humorist/Actor and Résistance activist. During the Second World War, he was resisting against the French Occupation from London speaking on 'Radio Londres'. Creator in the 1930s of the humorous journal ' L'Os à moelle', Pierre DAC is also the creator of the expression 'Schmilblick' which is supposed to represent a rigorously full object being completely useless but can be used for everything.

He created also the world 'Chleuhs' designating the Germans during the Second World War. He also popularized the expression 'loufoque' which is the slang of Paris and Lyons butchers (first half of 19th Century). After the War, he composed a famous comedy duo with Francis BLANCHE concieving and animating the popular radio series ' Signé Furax' and 'Bons baisers de partout'. February 11, 1965, Pierre DAC declares himself as candidate for the Presidentials during a Press Conference at 'Élysée-Matignon' and the Tout Paris is present and applauds the hoax. He designates 2 famous Humourists, Jacques Martin & Jean Yanne, as Ministers, also René Goscinny (Asterix, Lucky Luke...). (Review by Ruby BIRD)

'VOTEZ, ELIMINEZ ! COLUCHE S'INVITE DANS LA CAMPAGNE PRESIDENTIELLE' (Vote, eliminate ! Coluche invites himself in the Presidential's campaign - Cherche-Midi Editions). The publishing Company decided, in this crucial political time I guess, to come back with one of the most famous French Humourist of the 20th Century. COLUCHE disturbed the political world with his humour, cynicism, sincerity and common sense. He was one of the best commentator of the political world and one of the 'most credible'. This French comedian and actor was definitely famous for his irreverent sense of humour. He began his entertainment career at the age of 26.

He became quickly known for his irreverent attitude towards politics and the establishment, incorporating this into much of his material. He was one of the first major comedians to regularly use profanities as a source of humor on French television.I n 1969, with Romain Bouteille he was present at the start of the 'Café de la Gare', meeting place of a group of young comedians practically all of whom were to become famous: Patrick Dewaere, Henri Guybet, Miou-Miou, Martin Lamotte, etc. Among the patrons of the Café de la Gare were Georges Moustaki, Raymond Devos, Jean Ferrat, Jacques Brel, Leni Escudero, Pierre Perret & Jean Yanne.

Later they were joined by Gérard Lanvin, Renaud, Rufus, Diane Kurys, Coline Serreau, Anémone, Gérard Depardieu, Thierry Lhermitte, Josiane Balasko and Gérard Jugnot. Coluche's first sketch 'C'est l'histoire d'un mec' (It's the story of a guy) was about the difficulties of telling a funny story. He quickly found success... When he started his solo career, he began to dress in his well-known outfit of white tennis shoes, blue striped overalls, a bright yellow T-shirt and round glasses. He was sacked by two radio stations for vulgarity. In a 30 October 1980 Press Conference at the theatre of his one-man show, Coluche announced his candidacy for the French Presidential Election... However, he withdrew after pressure from serious politicians.

In 1984, Coluche was awarded the César Award for Best Actor for his role in the film Tchao Pantin (1983) directed by Claude Berri, a film that mirrored his chaotic personal life. In September 1985, he launched the 'Restaurants du CÅ“ur', volunteers serving food to hundred thousands daily beneficiaries. Coming from a working-class family and a background of grinding poverty, Coluche fought for the equality of citizens. A law known as the Loi Coluche was passed in 1988, allowing large tax deductions (up to 75% in some cases) for individuals or businesses that donate to specified aid agencies (Review by Ruby BIRD)

'LES JOIES DU MONDE MODERNE' (The joy of modern world - Cherche-Midi Editions). The book is a compilation of some works of French cartoonist VOUTCH. This one worked for different magazines and claims that what makes him laugh are the dummies, those who generate absurd situations. He also says that he knows that when he finished a cartoon it is when he can't stand it anymore. He knows that the reader will consider that a drawing is good when he has not provided a very important effort to understand it. We need to simplify the work by the atmosphere, the composition, the colours...It should'nt be a work but a riddle... The reader is laughing because he's very happy (Review by Ruby BIRD)

'HISTOIRE DU COUP DE FOUDRE' by Jean Claude BOLOGNE (Albin Michel Editions). He is a Belgian writer, speaker, author of novels, historical essays, dictionaries. Sometimes, he mixes History & Novel. From 2010 to 2014, he has chaired the 'Société des gens de lettres'. He was elected Belgian literary Member of 'l'Académie Royale de Langue et de Littérature Françaises de Belgique' in 2011.... If love at first sight keeps all its mystery, the Author gives a relevant as much as an unexpected reading to it. Relying on many stories from History, Legends and Literature, ... His researches underline the following paradox : our time cultivates Individualism, Safety and the Rational but people only dream of PASSIONS... (Review by Ruby BIRD).