Deimos

As they look like a small organisation, you can take some satisfaction in that they are having to pay for the domain name they have registered to keep the registration going. The registration expires 22/Feb/2007 so if you can wait until then (note in diary) I would expect them not to bother to renew (if you have not purchased it before then). Ian

Quote: “The days of people registering McDonalds and trying to hold McDonalds to ransome are long gone” Have you seen what Nominet have done to one company. This company registered itunes.co.uk (some time ago), paid, kept the registrations, etc. going – all according to the rules. They did not use it for anything abusive and did not break any written (or unwritten) rules nor good practice, nothing. (The company concerned actually registered it in 2000 – 5 years ago). However, Nominet seems to have decided that Apple are “more deserving” and have taken the name away from the company and given it to Apple (no compensation, nothing the the company that registered the name). Looks like its going to court now. So even if you do get a good URL, don't reckon on keeping it if a big business wants it (at least with Nominet). Ian

Like yourself, when I started with Wanadoo dial-up I did find it slow. However, I had to change my modem a couple of times and found that with a different modem the speed was very different. Different modems seemed to hold the line open better and worse (one modem I took back as it was so useless). I actually ended up calling out France Telecom to sort out the line and after their visit things worked much faster. Certainly in my case it was the line/modem. Once these were sorted it was pretty much the same as I used to get with dial-up ISPs in the UK (BT, Tiscalli, etc.) I have noticed (now on ADSL) that their e-mail servers can be slower at responding at certain times of day (e.g. 8:30am to 9:30am) Ian

Another aspect may be that, as a business grows, so there becomes a threshold where the workload is too much for the existing staff. Thus one either turns away work or risks employing another person in the hope that business will continue to grow such that there will be enough work for the new employee (and hoping that the increased work you see is a sustained growth rather than a “blip”). I can see how cautions employers may be reserved about the risks of employing additional people they cannot lose (easily/cheaply). Also, higher unemployment probably means that there is a lower staff turnover, people keeping their jobs for security. Were there a higher staff turnover, maybe employers would be a bit more confidant about risking taking somebody on as, should the growth by a “blip” then in all probability somebody would leave before too long and then not be replaced. I’m sure that being able to “shed” staff is not the only reservation. Many jobs have additional costs (office space, desk, van, tools, etc.) but at least there are more “one off” costs whereas an employee’s costs go on and on. Ian

I believe it is quite popular in the UK with teenagers. Called “Geo…” something (i.e. name starts with “Geo”). Not done it myself but I know of a few parents who think it a good idea as it helps get their children outside and away from games consoles/computers. Ian

Fluffy bunnies -> -> Happy bunnies

You can check coverage and channels offered by TNT at http://www.tnt-gratuite.fr/ Ian

I’m planning on using it to convert an attic. To my mind it must be lighter than wood and less prone to getting invaded by bugs. I’ve just got to work out spacing, etc. One question. For a “suspended” ceiling (i.e. no floor above), can one use the metal and if so, does one use larger or special ceiling “beams” (or does one just support the standard "wall" beams with string down from the purlins). (Ian. Your Brittany Gites web site descriptions of plasterboarding are very useful. I have finished of the tape and joint for a room the previous owner had plasterboarded and at times wondered if I was doing things correctly. From you description I was - it is just hard work, messy and takes time. However, I was very impressed with the finish you can get and see no need to skim). Ian

The difference between Telerabis and PhoneExpat.com is that Telerabis requires no account, no set-up, nothing. Just use it now. They have no idea (and don’t need to know who you are). Call costs can be very low (e.g. UK 0.014€ TTC per min off-peak). Phoneexpat.com needs to “take over” your telephone line and thus will handle all your calls (preselection). You thus need to set it up in advance and they then notify France Telecom that they are handling all your calls, etc. The announcement on Telerabis is to tell you what to do (as you may have no prior knowledge as you have received no paperwork, signed nothing, etc.) You can ignore the announcement and just dial away. Negatives with Telerabis are that you have a long prefix number to dial (or you need to sort out how to program it into your telephone). Ian

Without wanting to hijack this thread, but; I have a three phase supply to the house and the “master breaker” device (old box with a small black and a small red button on it that seems to disconnect the house from EDF). This box has a small plastic window with something saying “20” inside. Am I correct in assuming that this means I have 20A on each phase (i.e. absolute may of 60A on all 3 phases, but each phase limited to 20A) ? Many thanks Ian

I got flooded now over 18 months ago. Neither Marie will declare a “catastrophe natural” (though one did offer to write to the insurance company). Insurance company is doing everything possible to delay/avoid a 1500 euro claim. I’ve had 3 inspectors round so far. One spent all his time “inspecting” my policy documents looking for any clauses that might “get them out of paying”. The 3rd inspector only visited the other day and was wittering on about a “declaration de catastrophe natural”. One of the inspectors had a massive argument with the builder who had quoted (I thought we were going to have a fight and realised I had no film for my camera). My own opinion of French insurance (from my limited experience) is that even if they should pay out, you will have to wait for ever and will have no end of grief. (see – its even driven me to become a cynic). Hoping you get a more positive outcome, regards Ian

I’ve also been using Telerabis for quite some time. Their evening rate is quite a bit cheaper than e.g. the “famous Skype” (or rather SkypeOut – PC to a telephone). With Telerabis I like that you don’t need an account, don’t need to pay anything in advance, etc. Slight (though to me minimal) negatives are that you still pay (very little) for un-answered/engaged calls. I have found that you can start dialling the number the moment their announcement starts and you do not need to wait for it to finish. Telerabis quality is good, never had a call disconnect part way through, etc.. A couple of times the first dial to the 0811 etc. Telerabis number has not connected, but the next re-dial worked fine (but this is literally only once or twice). Ian

As a breed they are not uncommon in France and there a loads of pups around. If you could let me know which department I can make enquiries and PM/e-mail you some breeders who may have puppies available. Ian

You need to remember that the UK has a “Special Relationship” with the US. Thus, when it comes to discussing climate change, etc. the US did not invite the UK to its secret talks (over the last 12 months) – to the point where the UK was not even aware that these secret US/Australia/china/India/south Korea were even taking place. I guess we’ll find out what these countries agree between themselves later today. Ian

One thing you need to check is which ISPs will offer what speeds to you. You use the word “village” (and I assume thus rural’ish). As ADSL is installed, not all ISPs offer service (or have may limited speed offerings). For example, I got ADSL last Sept and Wanadoo were the only people offering any service at all for the 1st 7 or 8 months. Now one other ISP is offering service with a choice of two speeds. The distinction is whether or not you are degrouped. You can check (maybe only after the ADSL is installed) on http://www.degrouptest.com/. It is not always completely up to date but may help. I use Wanadoo (the only company offering me service when ADSL was installed), but I was with them pre-ADSL. I would not recommend them as “best” but most of my problems have been with the phone line cable (and trees) rather than Wanadoo itself. Don’t like (and don’t use) their software and also don’t like paying premium rate numbers for telephone support. They also ignore every e-mail I have sent them However, when paying relatively low amounts of money per month, you cannot expect free “everything else”. For me Wanadoo have been OK. Ian

And today it is now reported that the police now say that Mr Menenzes did not wear a bulky jacket. Also, the police now admit that he did not jump a ticket barrier as claimed earlier. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/attackonlondon/story/0,16132,1537613,00.html?gusrc=rss) Ian

I see that the police have now been given permission to shoot dead SUSPECTED suicide bombers without verbal warning. Reported in the Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/attackonlondon/story/0,16132,1536770,00.html?gusrc=rss. There now appears confusion as to whether Mr Menenzes received any verbal warning before he was shot. Last night in a speech in Malaysia, Ms Booth told an audience it would be "all too easy" to undermine Britain's "deeply held values" with an unduly hasty response to the attacks. The remarks could be interpreted as a shot across the government's bows as it drafts emergency anti-terrorism measures. (in case you didn't know Ms Booth AKA Cherrie Blair !!) http://politics.guardian.co.uk/cherie/story/0,12713,1537013,00.html?gusrc=rss Ian

It used to be that if you have the Wanadoo software you can sign-up online. They used to do a “pay as you go” service. I’m unsure about their current offering, nor what support they offer for Mac’s. You used to be able to download their software or you will certainly be able to get a CD at a FT shop. However, you mention “deepest rural”. It may be that the drop-outs are due to occasional telephone line interference (or the like). Such things can also cause the modem link to runs slow. If those are you major problems then it may be that it is the telephone rather than the ISP. I used to get drop-outs on Wanadoo dial-up – normally during/after rain and particularly with both wind and rain. Eventually FT traced the problem down to where the phone line was running through trees and the branches were rubbing the cable (probably rubbed through the insulation and letting water in “they said”. As they were my trees it was my responsibility, etc. Ian

[quote]The plumber tendering for putting a boiler and central heating in our house came up with an alternative that would cost an extra 7,000 euros. I asked for a translation / explanation of what this was f...[/quote] Generally operating a heat pump takes energy, though you get more out than you directly put in. The figures most often quoted are for every 1Kw (electricity) put in you get 4Kw out. Thus you will still get running costs, though these would be about a quarter of using electricity to get the heat. (My understanding at least). Ian

The DEFRA web site does give a telephone helpline number so you could try calling them +44 (0)870 241 1710 (Monday to Friday - 8.30am to 5pm UK time). However, there are two aspects to consider: leaving the UK (DEFRA) and entry into France (not DEFRA’s responsibility). (Sorry I cannot be more help) Ian

I think the problem with N/K is that it may have been after the blood test/”initial rabies vaccination” rather than before. I would suggest that the date be entered as before XX/XX/XXXX (the date being the date of the rabies vaccination before the blood sample was taken or even earlier if possible). When I returned t the UK for last Christmas my two dogs’ Pet Passports were rejected at the ferry port in France as the vet has made several errors. They said that (at that time) loads were being filled in wrongly by vets and being rejected. Fortunately French vets have been advised to issue the old French PETS paperwork as well as Pet Passports for people travelling to the UK and in my case, this French paperwork was fine so I could still travel. But then I wrote what you had written and saw you actually have the certificate of microchipping Ian

Didn’t one of the major soft drink manufacturers try something along the same lines in the UK several years ago ? Something about mineral water that was really tap water but they put in some “additives”

[quote]"this type of thing just helps the terrorists achieve their aims. An innocent person has been killed in cold blood." Yes but it can also be turned around. People from the asian/muslim community will ...[/quote] I don’t know how well that will work as an indirect inducement. From one of today’s papers: The Muslim Council of Great Britain warned last night that the 'terrible, tragic mistake' could have serious consequences. 'We got lots of hostile emails saying: "How dare you criticise the police?" - and now we hear that he is innocent,' said media secretary Inayat Bunglawala. 'We of course understand the police are under a great deal of pressure and it's a race against time to capture these four suspected bombers. But it is absolutely vital that their rules of engagement are very, very stringent and that this terrible mistake does not occur again.' He said the police needed to encourage public confidence and co-operation from Muslims and others. 'For that co-operation to occur, the police also need to be seen to be making every possible endeavour to ensure they are going after the right people.' Ian

Another possibility is to ask your local vet. There was a horse with nasty bleeding growths that was being badly troubled by flies and it was reported to a local vet who sent somebody out to check. Don’t know what finally happened. In theory you can report animal abuse to the local police, court authorities or (as said above) the local animal welfare organisations. Your complaint should then be taken to the state prosecutor (who may pursue legal action). You can always write to the state prosecutor yourself. As for anonymity – I have no idea about how open the organisations are about who made the complaint. Ian

From today’s Guardian “Armed officers are instructed to shoot at the head, not the chest, when facing a suspected suicide bomber, to disable them faster. The change follows advice from the Israeli police”. Triggers can work both ways. A trigger can be set to go off when pressure is released rather than applied so killing somebody may in itself just cause any bombs to go off rather than prevent it (simple spring). I can appreciate how difficult it is for the police officers yet, this type of thing just helps the terrorists achieve their aims. An innocent person has been killed in cold blood. Whilst the police force clearly have different motives, in both this and the terrorist bombings the result is the same – innocent people die. The world has to address this madness and in my own opinion the west’s attitude to non-western cultures and the developing world just encourages these things. Experts have commented about how the US/UK/etc. invasion of Iraq has made it much easier for the terrorist groups to recruit – are we reaping the results of our own actions ? Ian