Deimos

I use several. Meteo France is good but limited to today and part of tomorrow on a department level (unless you pay them money). I also tend to use http://fr.weather.com which goes to department level and gives you 10 days (also the same organisation UK site http://uk.weather.com/ also covers French departments and can give you the weather through the day for the next couple of days as well as the day weather for the next 10 days). I also like http://www.xcweather.co.uk/index.php which is more of a current weather (as reported live from automated weather stations across France and the UK). It does give the wind forecast but (being small minded) I like it as I can see what my own weather is like and the check what is happening in the UK (and be very smug about French weather). Ian

Tresco “or your French much, much better” Unfortunately almost certainly not. There was one person there who spoke excellent English and helped when I needed. She seemed very aware of the complexities of language and aware of when people were using more difficult language and just quietly told me what was going on in the “harder bits”. I tried to join in the conversation a bit (but could not really add much) so more listened (with help). I do find I can understand a lot more than I can speak, particularly when I know what is being talked about. If I don’t know what the subject is then I can be completely lost. A few weeks ago at the vets (who I normally understand OK) the vet asked me if I had washed my car. I knew every word he used but just could not understand it mainly because I had no idea what the subject was – I was not expecting it. Had he asked me how my dog was then probably fine. (Sorry – sidetrack). Regards Ian

Quite Tresco: “I prefer to view the kind of governmental aid proposed by Gordon Brown (raised by taxes) as reparation, rather than simply aid” I would agree with that, from the historical involvement of the west, from the ongoing exploitation of the developing world by the developed world, and the disruption to the world weather patterns callused by western pollution (Global chilling) causing failure of the rains and thus famine. I agree about the debt relief, etc. but am unsure about the IFF. It seems to me that the IFF is a “fudge” that makes it look like more money is being given than really is. It would seem to be just storing problems up for the future (i.e. when aid we give goes to paying IFF draw-downs rather than getting to the country still requiring aid). It also seems a fudge to make it look like we are closer to meeting the United Nations Millennium Declaration yet without giving any extra aid in the longer term. I also imagine that the IFF would be charging interest, fees, etc. so it means more aid money going into the hands western bankers. I also hope that whilst Africa is the current focus, that poverty in other countries around the world will not be overlooked by the “phrase of the day” and that what is being talked about for Africa will be a bit more widespread (i.e. to include other countries with similar problems outside Africa). Ian

I was actually invited to an dinner party the evening after the French No result (me being the only British person present) and of course they were all talking about the result. Some voted Yes, others No and one Yes but meant No (influence from a daughter being more important). The reasons they gave included protest at the domestic situation (economy, un-employment, etc.) – as Quillan mentions above, but also a feeling that greater “unification” could only work if all countries went along with it. One example that emerged (probably partly because I was a Brit) was – why have a European Foreign Minister when one country may decide they didn’t like the “European Policy” and e.g. gave the European policy “the finger” and e.g. went off with e.g. Potus. They were not harping on about Iraq but clearly, he UK ignoring the UN was still clear/fresh in their minds and they question the same thing happening again but with Europe being ignored this time. One thing they did express was concern that other countries would interpret the voted and the French being “ant-European” and even those that voted No did not want to be thought of as anti-European. (Not my opinion, just the opinion of French expressed to me at this dinner do). Ian

One aspect to the UK’s recent election that I consider lead to a poor turnout is the increased use of technology. Parties were using the same software systems as for US elections which allows them to very closely target specific parts of the specific marginal seats which actually determine the outcome of the election. This, none of the parties were particularly interested in convincing “the general public” – only those voters in specific areas of specific marginal seats. No wonder people were not interested in the politicians as (generally and except for a very few people) the politicians were not interested in them. Ian

Did you use a nationwide or local firm and if nationwide who were they and did they do an OK job ? I need to get my attic done before starting a conversion and any recommendations are much appreciated (otherwise its “pin in Yellow Pages”). Thanks Ian

I saw quite a few last year (e.g. one every couple of nights) last year in 72/37 Ian

Yes you can (I’ve done it several times). There are two types (or rather 3). The big spinning disk (which most people don’t seem to use). The drum (which is what I always use) and the edge sander (a smaller disk that does up really close to the edges). I got mine from a nationwide chain of hire companies called KiLoutou (www.kiloutou.fr). the web site shows where all their outlets are, with maps, opening hours and telephone numbers. They hire by the day (or 24 hr period). Thus, collect at e.g. 15:45 and you get it back by 16:00 next day for one day (which means you can avoid the busy times when professionals go in to collect first thing). You will probably have to go to Poitiers (I had to go to my nearest city as none of the smaller more local equipment hire places had them). Regards Ian

I’ve had the “baked bean” type ticks left around the house (though none yet this year) – in France. Frontline does not stop the tick attaching to a dog but kills it before there is a disease risk (2 days or so).

Did you install the Wanadoo CD (which used to set-up Outlook Express automatically) or set everything up manually. Have you got the correct server names for the Wanadoo SMTP and POP3 servers ? Have you done a “test connection” (I believe its available in Outlook Express) and if so are both SMTP and POP3 servers failing ? Sorry, only questions no answers ! Ian

If you check in your CONFIG.XML (see above for location) and look for the MicVolume (in greater than/less than angles brackets) and if is up around the 200 or more (and not above 255) then ignore the CONFIG.XML. If less than around the 200 point then try increasing it (i.e. by editing the CONFIG.XML as described above but only the MicVolume bit) Its quite involved and quite technical so only do it if you are confidant as making a mistake can destroy your Skype settings and require a re-install. Always make a copy of CONFIG.XML before editing it “just in case”. If the CONFIG.XML is a 200 or more, try searching for a Mic Boost option on your sound card settings. Windoze Control Panel, Sound and Audio devices, Device Volume (or just the Volume control) and Microphone Advanced Options. Unfortunately it can vary between different sound cards (and can sometimes be quite well hidden). It is a check box that makes a significant boost to your microphone volume. Ian

Are you talking about wet or dry food. I can recommend Burns Dry Food as it is high quality without loads of additives, not too hard (mine find Hills a bit hard to crunch) and is meant to be good for dogs with sensitive digestions (and is available in both UK and France). Many French dry foods seem to have very high protein levels. If you are unsure, the French distributor can send you samples to try. Where I am it is no more expensive than supermarket food (as the delivery costs are not so bad – though I’m not too far away). If you want details of the distributor in France (and the person you buy it from) and want to call them to discuss, PM me and I will let you know. (I am not commercially involved in dog food supply in any way, though feel it inappropriate for me to publish somebody else’s contact info and thus maybe advertise on their behalf). Sorry I cannot suggest anything else. Regards Ian

I also composed a reply (on my PC) before I found I could not reply to Forum Admin's post. It is a disappointment as it was both a serious and important subject being discussed and I think those participating (in the discussion/debate) were (mostly) ignoring the "personal exchanges". I appreciate that tidying such a thread might be a fair amount of work (don’t know about that aspect) but it does seem a shame that the “Oh yes you did, Oh no you didn’t, …” bunch effectively succeed. That said, this site is not as bad as some when it comes to such “personal exchanges”. Ian

Not an expert myself but I believe that the chemicals are pretty nasty and a lot of precautions are necessary. I use the DIY stuff for being “very thorough” (e.g. treating the end grain when I cut treated timber and small patches, etc.). For a significant area I would probably try and get it done professionally. However, I am not an expert and do want to treat an attic (before converting it) and thus would also be interested in what others say.

Chirac is now the most unpopular President of France since polls started being taken. His “approval rating” has now dropped to 26%. Villepin does not receive great approval either with 58% of people believing that he will not understand their problems and 74% believing he will not be able to resolve them (poll for Libération). However, he (de Villepin) does manage an “approval rating” of 41%. The current government is the most unpopular for 20 years and is considered to be a general rejection of the French “political elite” that people say has been growing over the last few years. We live in interesting times ? Ian

I agree very rude and inconsiderate. Out of interest, do the “no shows” ever try to set-up another appointment again ? Ian

The special hooks MDW mentions earlier in this thread as beat as there is no squeezing of the tick involved in removing it, thus minimal risk of regurgitation whilst still attached and thus lower risk of infection.

256 will be zero volums, 255 should be full volume (mine runs at 255). i.e. 256=0. A big difference (to Skype) re 255 and 256.

Yes. I have a French pup (born end Jan 2004) and I returned to UK for Christmas Dec 2004 having gone through all the procedures. I “cheated a bit” in that I asked the breeder to have the pup micro-chipped rather than tatoo’d (which helped but is not a big deal). Basically the normal procedure is: 1. Micro chip dog 2. Rabies vaccination 2b. Many people give a 2nd rabies vaccination a month after the first as this increases the success rate for the blood test – but this is not required. 3. 1 month (or so) after the rabies vaccination, vet takes a blood sample and sends it to approved laboratory for analysis of rabies antibody levels. Basically this is checking that the dog has acquired immunity to rabies. If test is OK, continue to 4 below if not, re-vaccinate, re-blood test until a blood test passes. I believe most animals pass the blood test 1st time so its not a big problem 4. Once blood test OK, you need to wait 6 months from the date the successful blood sample was taken before you can enter the UK. 5. Between 24 and 48 hours of check-in with your transport company (to travel to UK) dog must be treated for ticks and tapeworms with approved treatments by a vet (recorded by vet in Pet Passport). Provided the rabies vaccinations are kept up to date (the Pet Passport has a “Valid To” date for each rabies vaccination) then the blood test does not need to be repeated. However, miss (or late) rabies vaccination and blood test and 6 month wait must be repeated. If you dog is tattooed and already vaccinated there are special case rules that allow the dog to be micro-chipped a bit later (check this with DEFRA and get the dog micro-chipped a.s.a.p. in the procedure as its much better to have as much of the paperwork as possible with the microchip number on rather than tattoo number). Everything must be recorded in the animal’s Pet Passport. Procedures are totally inflexible. When travelling TO the UK, everything is always checked and everything strictly enforced. Travelling UK to France, things are not always checked and its much more relaxed. This procedure is unique to entering the UK (plus a couple of other countries) and does not apply to movement between most European countries where no blood test, no 6 month wait, no tick & tapeworm treatment, etc. is required (just Pet Passport and rabies vaccination). The above all applies to entering the UK without putting you dog into quarantine (which can still be done). I have taken my dogs back and forward to/from UK several times (I have one UK dog and one French dog) and in practice it is not as difficult as it sounds provided the paperwork is right. I did once have my Pet Passports rejected (as the vet had made an error when they were initially issued) but fortunately my own vet (France) had issued me with the older French paperwork as well and that was accepted without problems. If your vet is not aware of the procedures, maybe try and find one who is. If you have other questions, do ask (and double check with DEFRA as they set the rules and have a helpline, etc.). Hope this helps Ian

Round me (72) builders, plumbers, roofers, etc. tend to come round pretty quickly (couple of days) but getting a quote is quite a challenge. Used to think it was me, changed my soap and everything (then I found everybody has the same problem). However, even with those I know quite well now and have a good laugh with, still takes forever and a lot of chasing-up. Once having managed to get a quote and saying yes it can be even harder to get them to actually do the work. Ian

If your modem cannot get synchronisation, you can try calling France Telecom (dial 1013 and select internet (option 2 ?)). They can check you line and check your synchronisation state. In my case I used to have loads of problems with intermittent synchronisation. In the end FT send an engineer round. He found that going round every socket in the house and cutting off the wires that were connected in the socket but were not actually used improved the signal strength/quality (as measured by FT) and things got much better. Not suggesting that this is your problem but FT might be able to help more than Wanadoo. (And they did not charge me for the visit despite the fact that it was inside the house). Monday my ADSL line went again (no sync.) Called 1013, they checked, asked when they could send an engineer and at the earliest time I said the line just got better. When FT test the line they tend to get you to start disconnecting things and reconnecting them (e.g. disconnect ADSL modem, power off ADSL modem disconnect everything (incl. “this phone” and they call you back, etc.) so they might do a more thorough check than Wanadoo. Good luck Ian

My understanding is that there are two “classes” of such dogs. A Attack dogs Include: Pitbull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boerbull, Tosa Inu To keep/own an attack dog, same constraints as a Guard dog (see below) plus You can only have one if you already have one. You cannot get, buy or sell one. Must be castrates/spayed. Cannot go in public places. B Guard dogs Include Pitbull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boerbull, Tosa Inu, Rottweiler, Mastiff (must have a recognised pedigree (recognised by French authorities) The Staffordshire Bull Terrier included in Guard dogs probably by mistake so check if this applies to you). In the case of a guard dog: Must be adult to own one. Convicted people cannot own one Must register with local Marie (you can do this on behalf of the dog !!) Must be vaccinated against rabies You must take out 3rd party insurance Must be muzzled and on a lead in public places. The full (and up-to-date) regs are probably in the SCC site http://www.scc.asso.fr/. This is my understanding but I am not an expert. Use the above for guidance but double check with authorities, etc. as I may be out-of-date (plain wrong) or whatever. Sorry I cannot do the formatting to make the above readable.

You can. Don’t know where you get them but the people I purchased my house from have used them for a few things and they must have got (or nicked) them from somewhere.

Me too with tape measures and pencils (I have about 6 tape measures but can still never find one). Also with keys. I can put the down and two minutes later be searching for them

I used to be able to get it in my local Leclerc supermarket, but they stopped selling it some time ago and I’ve not seen it anywhere since. However, it did not smell the same as the stuff I used to buy in the UK (James Wellbeloved again) – much more “bitter” smell. I didn’t like it atall (hence I actually changed before the supermarket stopped selling it). I don’t know your dogs condition, but you can get Burns dry food in France (which is also available in the UK as well). If you want to consider this (which is pretty good stuff), though I’m unsure of it hypoallergenic aspects), I can let you know where to get it and somebody (expert) you can call re: its suitability. I’m not commercially involved with any dog food suppliers. If you want details, PM me as publishing somebody else’s telephone number/details is a) not a good idea and b) could be advertising. If thinking about bringing loads with you (and you are moving permanently, check the “best before” dates as after that vitamin, etc. content may not be up to what is said on the packet. Also, depending on where you live, be careful how you store it as before I purchased plastic dustbins, the mice loved chewing holes in the sacks to get at the food. Regards Ian