Notre Dame Is Back | December 2, 2024

Summary

This CNN 10 episode covers a variety of fascinating stories. It begins with the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, five years after a devastating fire, highlighting the efforts to rebuild this historic landmark. The episode also explores the critically endangered European eel and a school project in Somerset focused on conservation. Additionally, viewers are introduced to a controversial $6.2 million banana art piece, 'Comedian,' and a heartfelt shout-out to Lakeside High School's Dragons in Ashtabula, Ohio. The program blends history, environmental activism, and quirky art stories to keep viewers engaged.

Takeaways

• 😀 Notre Dame Cathedral's restoration is nearing completion after a devastating 2019 fire, with its grand reopening scheduled for December 7th.
• 😀 French President Emmanuel Macron praised the workers involved in the restoration, calling it the 'construction project of the century.'
• 😀 The renovation of Notre Dame was funded entirely by global donations, totaling around $737 million.
• 😀 The cathedral, which has stood for over 860 years, has survived revolutions, world wars, and Napoleon's coronation.
• 😀 European eel populations in Britain have decreased by 95% due to overfishing and barriers in rivers that prevent migration.
• 😀 A group of school children in Somerset are involved in a grassroots effort to conserve and protect European eels by reintroducing them to natural habitats.
• 😀 Eels are crucial to the food chain in freshwater ecosystems, and their decline threatens biodiversity.
• 😀 A banana duct-taped to a wall by artist Maurizio Cattelan was sold for $6.2 million at an auction, raising questions about the nature of modern art.
• 😀 The artwork, titled *Comedian*, continues to spark debates due to its simplicity and unconventional concept.
• 😀 A shoutout was sent to Lakeside High School in Ashtabula, Ohio, as part of the broadcast's closing segment, showing support for the school's community.

Q & A

What major event led to the renovation of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris?

The renovation of Notre-Dame Cathedral was initiated after a devastating fire in April 2019, which caused the collapse of its roof and iconic spire.

How long did it take for the Notre-Dame Cathedral to be rebuilt after the fire?

The renovation of Notre-Dame Cathedral took five years, with the project aiming for completion by December 7, 2024.

How was the renovation of Notre-Dame Cathedral funded?

The restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral was funded entirely through global donations, with an estimated cost of 700 million euros ($737 million).

What are some of the treasures that survived the Notre-Dame fire?

Several priceless treasures survived the fire, including the cathedral's bells, a crown of thorns said to have been worn by Jesus, and the rooster statue that once topped the spire.

What is the environmental status of European eels, according to the script?

European eels are critically endangered, with their population in Britain declining by 95% in recent decades due to overfishing and barriers in their migration routes.

How are students in Somerset contributing to the protection of eels?

Students in Somerset are part of a grassroots movement to protect eels by raising young eels (elvers) in the classroom before releasing them back into the river to help restore the population.

What historical significance does eel consumption hold in Britain?

Eels have a long history in Britain, with their consumption dating back to the 11th century when they were even taxed by William the Conqueror in 1086.

What was the controversial artwork auctioned for $6.2 million?

The controversial artwork, titled 'Comedian', was a banana duct-taped to a wall by artist Maurizio Cattelan, which sold for $6.2 million at auction.

Why did the buyer of 'Comedian' choose to eat the banana?

The buyer of 'Comedian', a cryptocurrency entrepreneur, purchased the rights to the artwork and chose to eat the banana, highlighting the absurdity and market value of contemporary art.

What message does the CNN 10 episode convey about community involvement?

The episode emphasizes the power of community involvement, particularly through the young people in Somerset who are learning about conservation, and the shout-out to Lakeside High School in Ashtabula, Ohio.