Deimos

For me the department made a deal with FT (“no money changing hands”) to get ADSL everywhere within an agreed timescale. Didn’t matter how remote you were. Also I believe ADSL2 (double the distance) is starting to get installed with could be run “extended reach”.

My impression is that different French Forums offer different things to different people. I have the impression that this forum has a higher proportion of participants who are resident in France (which thus makes it somewhat more useful for people after advice on France more “from the horses mouth” so to speak). Some (other) forums are more of a social “get-together” with little real substance. Whilst on this forum the presence of moderators is clear, they seem to act rarely and only when there is a clear breach of the rules. I know of one other forum where the webmaster will happily go in and edit individuals posts (with no comment on the post to that effect). I think this forum is thus less “controlled” than others (or maybe the participants are generally better mannered). There is a balance in a general interest forum between factual aspects and discussion aspects and both are valuable. Of course serious subjects where people have strongly held beliefs discussion may become heated on occasions (as it would in face to face contact). People not interested in discussion threads can just ignore them, though I find they often help keep me informed and help me develop my own thoughts (i.e. hearing other peoples opinions). I feel there is room for both and it works here – so keep it going as is (though maybe a little faster performance wise ?) Ian

I have today received the commune magazine (an annual or so event) and one excerpt from it regarding dogs: [Starts] DÉCLARATION EN MARIE DES CHIENS SUSCEPTIBLES D’ETRE DANGEREUX Les proprietaires de Pitbull, Boer Bulls (chiens de 1’ere categorie), Staffordshire bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Rottweiller et Tosainu (chiens de 2e categorie) doivent declarer leur animal a la marie de leur domicile en presentant les pieces suivantes : Certificat de sterilisation (obligatoir pour les chiens de 1ere categorie) Certificat de vaccination antirabique Certificat d’identification du chien Une attestation d’assurance garantissant la responsabilite civile du proprietaire ou du detenteur de l’animal. Also, in another bit …(la detention de chiens de 1ere et 2e categories est interdite aux mineurs). [Ends] Apologies for missing accepts and typos. Ian

Sorry, but just to see your post (first page to "Last Page") took an age.

[quote]Hi, We didn't change servers because of any trojan problems so I'm sure it isn't an issue with LF site, one of our servers has been playing up since we got it new and we moved to a backup server yest...[/quote] The problem was still happening first thing this morning. If you changed to a backup server yesterday, then this probably did not solve the problem (as it would have been fixed when you switched servers yesterday). Ian

I read a horrific story in today’s Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,1527196,00.html?gusrc=rss) in which an RSPCA spokesperson suggested that hot weather can make a dog a bit more aggressive (as well as loads of other things). Ian

Wow. Real lucky dip. I was fine this morning for 15 mins then all over the place. I find that a refresh before clicking a link does not help and that whatever you click it tends to take you back to a recently visited page. If fact on one page I just did a refresh and it jumped off elsewhere. Also, I agree with the comments about the speed of the site. I thought all these issues were meant to have been sorted out ages ago (last year ?). Would be nice to know if there is commitment from LF to resolve these speed and other issues or if its to be like this for the long term. Ian

I see that France has now been fined €20m plus a recurring 6 monthly €57m for repeatedly breaking European fish quota limits. The recurring 6 monthly fines continue until France demonstrates that is is complying with the quotas.

Cyclebum: I agree with your comments about stricter “big brother controls”. After the attack, Charles Clarke admitted that ID cards would not have helped prevent the attacks. However, I see today that he is now pressing for compulsory fingerprinting of all EU citizens who already carry an ID card. It then becomes more difficult for people to argue against any “security measures” as it appears that one is trying to hinder to security forces in preventing such attacks. I think that, if the government seeks to introduce additional security measures it is important that they justify such measures publicly rather than the “we can’t tell you why because it’s a secret” justifications we have seen in the past. Ian

To get back into the UK you need a Pet Passport (for each pet) AND blood test and 6 month wait after the successful blood test. You can get a Pet Passport with just rabies vaccination and that is good for movement between most EU countries. The UK (plus a couple of others; Denmark and Ireland I think) also require the blood test, 6 month wait and tick and tapeworm treatment. Many French vets will give you both the Pet Passport AND the old French PETS paperwork (when returning to UK). This is a good idea (and the reason I managed to get back into the UK for last Christmas – Pet Passport had errors but French paperwork OK). In France the Pet Passports were difficult to get last year but seem to be readily available now. Most vets should keep them “on-site”. The tick & tapeworm treatment is done 24 to 48 hrs before checking-in so you will need some paperwork quite quickly if you have already have the tick and tapeworm treatment done. When are you taking your pets back to the vet (and what for ?). My own vet didn’t complete the French PETS paperwork until the tick and tapeworm treatment just before departure (though I have found some Pet Passports at a different vet so already had those). Ian

I see the ban on US forces entering inside the M25 has now been lifted. British police, politicians and tourism officials were critical of the US ban, but I see it reported that John Reid (Defence Secretary) thought the ban “perfectly sensible”. However, the Conservative MP Andrew Robathan condemned the ban, saying: "I would have hoped our American allies could show a little more courage” (http://www.guardian.co.uk/attackonlondon/story/0,16132,1526894,00.html?gusrc=rss). Ian

Another aspect I find disappointing is the unjustifiable reaction that then follows (from some) against ethnic and religious groups (who publicly denounce such acts) For example, a comment from another forum (quote) “… I know it's irrational, but every time I see an Arab looking person with a black beard, I feel revulsion.”.

As far as I understand it, the 6 months wait after the blood sample that gave a successful blood test result is only for going into the UK (and a couple of other EU countries). Each visit to the UK also requires a tick and tapeworm treatment between 24 and 48 hrs before check-in (by a vet and recorded in the Pet Passport. Again this tick and tapeworm treatment procedure is only for entry to the UK and a couple of other EU countries. Most EU countries just rabies vaccination and one month later (with Pet Passport) travel across borders freely (you need booster rabies vaccinations as per “valid to dates” in Pet Passport – which is normally annually in France). For entry to UK, blood test and wait 6 months from date successful sample was taken, then, provided you keep up the schedule of rabies booster vaccinations you do not need further blood tests nor further 6 month waits. Miss or be late on a rabies booster and another blood test and 6 months wait (from successful sample) necessary. Ian (DEFRA info available on http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm)

RayB: Are you by any chance an American (for from the US). The tone of your posts suggests to me that you may be. When people suggest “begs questions” to “pursue”. You seem defensive of the US position, suggesting that people have “blown the matter out of proportion”. As somebody has already commented, whilst this attack is quite horrific, Railtrack have managed worse over the years. US commanders are presumable appointed based on their ability to make decisions. I would be quite horrified to believe that US commanders can have “bad hair days” when so many lives (both under their command and e.g. Iraq civilians). I agree with the comment about the US command to stay outside the M25 being “giving in to the terrorists”. As many have commented, they (terrorists) win when they disrupt our lives. When people are too scared to e.g. visit London (spending money and keeping business going). This is exactly what the US have done (at least that is how I see it). All those working in London who have resolutely continues their normal lives (almost certainly with difficulty) are defeating the terrorists – the US troops who are told to stay out of M25 have allowed the terrorists to win. (Personal opinion not intended to offend) Ian

I would imagine the best telephone carrier would depend on where the bulk of your call costs would be to (e.g. local in France, national in France or International). I stuck with France Telecom though use other carriers for long distance and international (i.e. I did not subscribe to pre-selection with anybody). For example, calling the UK off peak is very cheap (1,4 centimes per minute) with Tele Rabais and that does not involve opening an account, nor paying “up-front”, etc. (I agree with the comment about AOL - mainly from their "privacy policy" and attitude) Ian

You might try contacting the: SPANIEL CLUB FRANCAIS 191 Domaine d’Aubigny 18700 AUBIGNY S/NÈRE Téléphone : 02 48 58 44 34 Fax : 02 48 58 44 34 Internet : http://www.spaniel.asso.fr

I have never heard of side effects from a rabies vaccination/booster (but that does not mean much – I’m not a vet, nor in that line of work). I would suggest you talk to your vet to double check. Also, when you moved to France there will have been quite a few other changes to your dog’s life. Climate (?), smells, territory, etc. and changes in behaviour may be related to stress from these other factors. I would also expect your dog’s age, how long and how set a lifestyle pattern he/she had in the UK, how long he/she has been in France, has his/her diet changed (to e.g. French dog food), etc. may also have an impact. If seeking behavioural advice in France I would offer one cautionary note. To an extent dog behaviour and training practice in France is probably behind current UK practice by quite a few years. Owners being “pack leader” and aspects of dominance are given great importance (a bit “Barbara Woodhouse” – just look at how readily available electric shock collars are in French shops). This is a massively sweeping statement and I am sure that it is unfair to many in France – just if you do contact anybody, check on their approach and methods. There is a specialist dog forum http://www.scallywagsdogs.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi which might be able to offer some advice (and can certainly recommend dog behaviour books). Ian

[quote]As I write it is reported that American forces based in the UK have been banned, by their commander, from going to London or travelling within the M25 for their own safety.Special relationship ?I sinc...[/quote] I have seen the same (http://www.guardian.co.uk/attackonlondon/story/0,16132,1526522,00.html?gusrc=rss). Gives quite a bit of info so it may easily be true. Sort of fits with Mr Bush’s attitude that “nothing that is not in the interest of the US”. Ian

My two dogs have no problems with their microchips. One is British and was chipped in the UK a couple of years before I moved here and his chip has always read at the vet/ferry port without problems (in France). My other dog (French) again has not had any problems (though her chip may have only been read once in the UK – I didn’t see and they don’t always bother too much UK to France). Whilst the French and UK chip databases may not be connected, French authorities can find out which database a chip is held on (anybody can on http://www.europetnet.com/who/default.asp). It wont tell you the owner but will tell you which database the chip is held on so that organisation can be contacted by the authorities. May not be ideal but it is possible. I have no idea how widespread knowledge of this database is but when I keyed in my UK dog’s chip number it correctly identified the database and gave (through a link) the contact info for the Petlog operators. France is not a member of this database (yet) so it cannot be used to track down French chipped dogs. I guess there are two “issues” about use of the this database – do authorities know and if they do/did would they bother to use it ? Registering a UK dog with the SCC in France should be easy – but after a year and a half I have still not managed. My vet keeps coming up with different reasons why I don’t need to. Different reason every visit (a bit like the Monty Python Cheese Shop game). Last visit they did telephone somebody about it and then were going to get the forms. They are a good vet and very very thorough on e.g. Pet Passport procedures, etc. so it may be that my experience is not unusual ? Ian

When I had my dog covered in the UK I think it was about £150 (though that included 2 rabies vaccinations before the blood test to increase the probability of a successful result). Also that was in an area of the UK where veterinary treatment was expensive. If moving to France some people only do what is necessary to move to France as “they are not going back to the UK”. Then we see the “Home urgently needed for …” because they have to back for unexpected reasons and cannot wait for their pets to complete the 6 month wait. The only difference is a blood test which is not that expensive (compared to the cost of owning an animal) – and then you know you will not have any problems like some others do (you see such posts on quite a few of the French forums). For a dog it’s a microchip, rabies vaccination and Pet Passport document. To include the option to return to the UK then you only need to add a blood test (and 6 month wait after successful result). I personally find it really sad when pets need to be re-homed because their owners had not planned and paid that little bit extra “just in case”. Everybody’s plans can change through circumstances beyond their control. Ian

Article in todays Guardian I found interesting and amusing: Excerpt: "A group of French cleaning ladies who organised a car-sharing scheme to get to work are being taken to court by a coach company which accuses them of "an act of unfair and parasitical competition". The women, who live in Moselle and work five days a week at EU offices in Luxembourg, are being taken to court by Transports Schiocchet Excursions, which runs a service along the route. It wants the women to be fined and their cars confiscated" Full article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,1525590,00.html?gusrc=rss. (Could not work out what sort of smiley to use - amusing, frustrated, etc ?) Ian

[quote]It still has nothing directly to do with Wanadoo....Spammers use a "catch-all" name before the domain address i.e. [email protected] , [email protected] and so on.[/quote] They would have to be on a real flyer to guess my prefix to @wanadoo.fr. Even if I spell it out to people a couple of times they generally cannot get it right. I'm afraid I'm not yet convinced about the random "catch-all". I was surprised as I don't actually get SPAM on the @wanadoo.fr address, only these cheap software offers one every couple of weeks from real companies. Ian

[quote]The reason has nothing to do with Wanadoo....It's more then likely someone has your address in their address book/computer and has a virus etc and is just "piggybacking" wanadoo.fr. I get around 60/7...[/quote] Nobody has my wanadoo.fr address in their inbox as I have never told anybody it exists and never send from it - wanadoo and me are the only people who know it. Ian

To my mind there are no rights and wrongs with regards to keeping up-to-date with the news. There is nothing insular about not keeping up-to-date with UK events. One problem with news reports these days is that stories come and go very quickly. Personally I try to keep up with what is going on in the UK but occasionally do miss the news for a day or two (or three). These “missed periods” can mean that complete stories/events have passed me by. Also, I might miss the conclusions to a story that had started but was ongoing. It depends on one’s lifestyle and preferences. For example, I live in France but tend to keep up mainly with the UK news (rather than the French). I cannot get UK newspapers conveniently so I use TV and internet. My lifestyle is “irregular” so spending set times of day doing set things or watching set TV programs does not work for me. I am sure that others have similar issues. However, back on the topic of this thread, I found the Guardian article on “Who did the bombings and Why” interesting http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,6903,1525351,00.html?gusrc=rss. Doesn’t really give any answers but interesting anyway ? Ian

If you use Wanadoo.fr then they may be the reason. I have a Wanadoo e-mail account but never give the e-mail address to anybody (no personal pages, etc.) – rather I direct e-mail through my own domain (sending and receiving so nothing from [email protected] either). However, I regularly get e-mails offering cheap software sent to my wanadoo e-mail address. Other than these I actually receive virtually no SPAM/etc. e-mails (I’m careful who I give any e-mail addresses to). I don’t know if wanadoo UK do the same. Ian