Best places cited to snooze at UN<\/p>\n
UNITED NATIONS (AP): The United Nations is known for its
\nmarathon talkfests that can put even the most seasoned diplomats
\nto sleep. Now there's hope for an antidote.<\/p>\n
Former French Ambassador Alain Dejammet has done a service to
\nall his colleagues by writing a 14-page, tongue-in-cheek guide to
\nthe best places at UN headquarters to escape the boredom and
\ncatch a catnap.<\/p>\n
"Sleeping at the United Nations," a pocket-sized guide in
\nFrench with a kitty on the cover, was one of Dejammet's parting
\ngifts before leaving the post in March after four years for a new
\nassignment.<\/p>\n
The dry-witted ambassador ranks 12 lounges, consultation rooms
\nand sitting areas around the UN complex on a scale of 1-20 for
\ntheir comfort, light, calmness and frequency of use.<\/p>\n
In fine Michelin fashion, with his own personal touches thrown
\nin, Dejammet then gives an overall ranking, ranging from "ill-
\nadvised," (known by its symbol of !!!) to "exceptional" (which
\ngets a **** ranking).<\/p>\n
"Impression of being in an abandoned monastery, in spite of
\nthe snores," Dejammet wrote of the periodical room at the UN
\nlibrary, which got three stars: very agreeable.<\/p>\n
The conference room of the European Union liaison office got
\nhigh marks for comfort: "Abundance of coffee and delicious little
\ncakes."<\/p>\n
But it lost points for calmness. "Even without meetings, a nap
\ncan be interrupted at any moment by the sudden arrival of a
\nEurocrat demanding details of the French position concerning the
\npromotion of rights of young girls in crises affecting land-
\nlocked countries," he explained.<\/p>\n
The UN Meditation Room, which sits across the street from UN
\nheadquarters, earned the worst score. Its blue Chagall windows
\nevoke a "draculesque crypt," while the squeaking sneakers of
\ntourists allow for little meditation, he wrote.<\/p>\n
Only the French office at the United Nations, which France
\nuses for private consultations, earned four stars and the
\nunflinching praise of Dejammet who evoked a Matisse masterpiece
\nin saying it was where everything was "luxe, calme et volupte" -
\nluxurious and calm.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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