Monthly Archives: March 2007

This “human beatbox” contestant on a French TV talent show has truly insane skills. He even manages to work in a sample of Kraftwerk’s “Numbers“! The clip begins at level “awesome,” and steadily proceeds into “utterly unreal.” Via

Scene from the 1973 movie La Grande Bouffe. This could be helpful: food writer Patricia Wells offers a downloadable French-English Food Glossary. For many diners, the restaurant menu can present a confusing and intimidating barrier to the pleasures of dining … Continue reading →

In an election year nothing works better for ruling parties than presenting rosy statistics. Unless those figures are damned lies. This week, the French Labor Ministry proudly announced that unemployment in the country fell to 8.4%, its lowest level in … Continue reading →

“the tv is broken” “a whistle in the air” “frankie” In the artist’s own words: Self made designer, I’ve been practicing design in an intensive way since 2006 and have already been involved in many project such as webdesign, flyers, … Continue reading →

According to Google Maps it’s a long journey: 5,261 miles (about 30 days 5 hours). The awkward bit is stage 27, from Long Wharf in Boston to the roundabout in Le Havre: Swim across the Atlantic Ocean (3,462 miles). Route … Continue reading →

If all goes well, the French TGV will break the world rail speed record next Tuesday. Update. During a warm-up test, the train already scored an unofficial top speed of 549 km/h 568 km/h (353 mph), beating the 1990 record … Continue reading →

Who can be happy in suburbs like this? Excerpts from the Guardian: Trapped in squalor, young voters long for a candidate to give them hope. Natalie Kouyate approached the graffiti-covered entrance of her decaying tower-block just as a large rat … Continue reading →

Sister Marie-Simon-Pierre was suddenly cured from Parkinson’s disease. French nun’s “miracle cure” puts John-Paul II on fast track to sainthood. A French nun said today that she was inexplicably and suddenly “cured” of Parkinson’s disease — a case that could … Continue reading →

Edit Piaf sings Milord. (Video with English subtitles.) Édith Giovanna Gassion, aka Édith Piaf (December 19, 1915–October 11, 1963) was one of France’s most loved singers, who became a national icon. Her music reflected her tragic life, with her specialty … Continue reading →

In case you’ve followed the much-publicized story of blogger Petite Anglaise: she won! Catherine Sanderson, aka Petite Anglaise, sacked for allegedly bringing her employers into disrepute in her blog, has won her case in the French labour court Prud’hommes. The … Continue reading →

“Jamel” is so famous in France that he has no need of a surname. In France he’s a stand-up but Jamel Debbouze had a personal war-movie mission. Interview in Times Online. According to some reports he’s the highest paid actor … Continue reading →

Citizen on acid: A 47-year old man in the East of France was so angry with newly installed parking meters in his town that he dowsed sixty of them with hydrochloric acid. Total damage: 130,000 euros. Police were warned by … Continue reading →

Riot police on stand-by in front of Sarkozy’s campaign headquarters. “Imagine tomorrow’s France” is the campaign slogan used by law-and-order candidate Nicolas Sarkozy. It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to see what “tomorrow” will bring under his presidency. Photo … Continue reading →

Bin Laden waits for stock prices to climb. I’m not sure how reliable this is: Al-Qaeda Leader Osama Bin Laden promises not to target Airbus A380 super Jumbo Speaking to his followers via audio cassette Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden … Continue reading →

Too many diversions: the French sleep 90 minutes less than 50 years ago Nearly one in two French think they don’t sleep enough. Major causes: the increased travel time between home and work, and the time spent on home entertainment. … Continue reading →