from one frenchman than from whole university departments of american studies. in any case, i was hoping you might want to start off today with some thoughts about the state of the world, u.s. french relations. whatever is on your mind. [ inaudible ] the first i think in my life, does this work? >> yes. >> can you hear him? >> not as well. can hear you, but not the ambassador. >> we're check -- >> is it on? >> working? okay. so, what i was saying is i think it's the first time in my life