Monthly Archives: September 2007

“She looked nice, and I was just being friendly.” When Delima met Odile: Delima, an orangutan in a Malaysian wildlife sanctuary snatched a French tourist’s backpack and pulled off her shoes, socks and pants. The tourist, who asked to be … Continue reading →

Found on TrekLens: a great shot by French photographer Stephane Demange. No details are given about this picture. It was taken in November last year, so it wasn’t a French summer. The girl’s name also remains a mystery. View original … Continue reading →

Agrandir le plan Geopipi knows the needs of city strollers, and uses Google Maps to tell them where the nearest public loo is. Click on a little green person for the exact address. The site has pipi maps of many … Continue reading →

Sarko the Unwanted. In Sannat, they like the old guys a lot better. A dent in presidential pride: French village says ‘non merci’ to Sarkozy portrait Defying an age-old tradition, a small village in central France has voted not to … Continue reading →

Forbes Traveler has a neat article on hotels around the world that go beyond just being accommodations for the night: they also made history. Two Parisian hotels made it to the list. Ritz Hotel Marcel Proust penned sections of “Remembrance … Continue reading →

The makers of Monopoly may regret this initiative: French want MontCuq on the next version of the game Democracy works! Hasbro, makers of Monopoly, asked the French to decide which towns and street names should appear on the next version … Continue reading →

From Mechanix Illustrated, August 1950: another French invention that didn’t really take off. Gear-Shift Shoes are the result of 14 years of research by Louis Brunet, 70, of Tarbes, France. He says they take the “climb” out of “climbing.” Soles … Continue reading →

For all those women who aren’t perfectly shaped: Wonderbra launches Nipples Wonderbra has just launched their new Nipples bra. It’s supposed to be the first bra which creates the same look as if you didn’t wear one. For the moment … Continue reading →

After fake Rolexes and Nike shoes the Chinese are now faking an entire city: This version of Paris looks deserted. There are no bristling shoppers, no cafe terraces, and nothing that smells like fresh-baked croissants. That’s because it’s a fake. … Continue reading →

French food culture succumbs to fast foods and larger portions So it turns out that French women do get fat: French men also. But most troubling to a country that prides itself on an extraordinary approach to life and eating, … Continue reading →

Pascal Payet, the convicted murderer who escaped from prison by helicopter on Bastille Day (14 July), was caught in Spain this weekend. His recent chopper breakout was the second one in six years, so expect a new spectacular escape in … Continue reading →

Maud Fontenoy: “I am touched by Sarkozy’s confidence in me” It wasn’t a male chauvinist sexist attack: Sarkozy was just testing a ministerial candidate French yachtswoman Maud Fontenoy, who has been solo-rowing and sailing across several oceans, is to become … Continue reading →

Gardon was France’s heaviest bull in 1998. The lady weighs a lot less. Yann Arthus-Bertrand is one of France’s most accomplished and internationally renowned photographers. His website is not only a feast for the eye, but also very generous. All … Continue reading →

[youtube]zNqskkKMkFQ[/youtube] Yesterday, the great French mime player Marcel Marceau died at the age of 84. This 5:26 video is a homage to the master who once said “It’s good to shut up sometimes.” News story (BBC) | Bio (wiki) | … Continue reading →

The Wright brothers were the first people to fly, right? Well, according to this excellent article in mental_floss, that may not be quite true. For example: French inventor Clément Ader distinguished himself as the first to develop stereo sound, among … Continue reading →