Blog Masonry
France strikes a nationalistic note on Sanofi-Aventis
The talk at the World Economic Forum was of globalization and an enlarged European economic union. But nationalism may turn out to be the most important factor in determining the outcome of the largest corporate deal discussed in the halls of the forum.
Aventis, the large French pharmaceutical company, prepared last week to defend itself against reported plans by a smaller French drug company, Sanofi-Synthélabo, to make a bid for it. But even before Sanofi made any public offer, the French finance minister seemed to endorse the offer.
Canadians invade France and start buying real estate
Following in the footsteps of their British cousins, Canadians are buying up vacation property in France in droves.
They are mostly aging and affluent and don’t mind flying thousands of miles to bask under the French sun.
Taking advantage of e-mail and Internet armchair shopping, they are buying up old farmhouses in Provence, town houses in Languedoc-Roussillon, and even small castles in Midi-Pyrenees, as easily as they might buy property in the picturesque British Columbian interior or Gulf Islands.
Predictably, they say they are drawn to the charm of the French countryside by the local foods and wines, beautiful centuries-old buildings and enlightened French attitudes or the joie de vivre.
41 year old American male seeks male or female French penpal
Hello everyone,
I am looking for a reliable French penpal. I understand French fairly well.
It doesn’t matter if you are male or female.
I am 41 years old and live in the U.S.A. My hobbies: studying the French language, watching sports, photography, travel, and computers.
Please respond by email: ThirdBaseCoach@comcast.net
Can't remember this sweet treat…
A few years ago, I was introduced to a fantastic dessert/candy, but I can’t remember for the life of me what it was called, and i’ve done searches on the internet…but alas to no avail. I believe its a specialty from Lyon. They’re slightly sticky, come in ball-like shapes, are quite rich, but surprisingly, not too sweet. Does anyone know what i’m talking about??? IF so, pass on the info! Thanks 
18 year old female, Erin, love to chat…
Hello, my name is Erin, and I am 18 years old. I will be 19 in June. I live in Michigan in the United States. I love France. I love to learn anything I can about France. I love the culture, the history, and the language is very pretty. I have taken 2 years of French, so I know quite a bit. I will be attending college this August to further my education in French. I plan to become a French teacher. I would love to go to Paris more than anything. I am actually planning a trip there with my parents and my sister soon. To tell you a bit about myself…I love to do any outdoor activity like camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and 4-wheeling. Although, there are many other things I like to do as well. I love to chat with people, so if you are interested, please feel free to write me at…
A New French Friend??
Hello,
I’m a 25 year old Canadian female looking to improve her French. I absolutely LOVE France and the language. Someday I hope to live in Paris for at least a year and just immerse myself in the culture and fabulous way of life. As for now, i’d like to practice a bit of French without feeling intimidated or pressured. Perhaps you (male or female) would like to practice your English in exchange?
Hope to hear from you soon!
CG
Jacques Brel
Jacques Brel (April 8, 1929 – October 9, 1978) was a Belgian author-composer with such a strong power of expression in his lyrics that he has been considered a poet as well. He also had some minor activity as an actor and director. He was born in Schaerbeek, Belgium, a small city north of Brussels.
Charles de Gaulle
General Charles-André-Joseph-Marie de Gaulle (November 22, 1890 – November 9, 1970) was a French soldier and politician. He was the leader of the Free French Forces in World War II and head of the provisional government in 1944-46. Called to form a government in 1958, he inspired a new constitution1 and was the Fifth Republic’s first president from 1958 to 1969.
General Charles de Gaulle of France
Table of contents [showhide]Â
1 1912-1940: Military career
2 1940-1945: The Free French Forces
3 1946-1958: The desert crossing
4 1958: The collapse of the Fourth Republic
5 1958-1969 The Fifth Republic
6 1969 The retirement
7 Retrospect
8 Footnote
9 Works
France counts cost of health reform
Doctors, nurses and other health professionals have taken to the streets of Paris to protest against government plans to cut back on a health service which has a projected overspend this year of eight billion pounds. The other day, an American friend, recently returned to live again in Paris, e-mailed from her sick bed.
“This is why I like France,” she wrote. “I have bronchitis and the doctor has just been to see me in my own home.
“He stayed long enough to examine me thoroughly and carefully, prescribe some drugs, drink two vodkas, eat pistachios by the fistful, and then chat about his days as a young doctor on an ashram in India. And all paid for by the state!”