PossumGirl

[quote user="Will the Conqueror"]As far as I am aware there is no reason why you cannot use any top up policy with any caisse. The problem is many caisses have their own top ups, indeed, some caisses (like the one I use) are mutuelles themselves, so obviously want to discourage you from using any products other than their own. This doesn't cause any problem for me in the pharmacy, as they are able to link my top up with my carte vitale so it all gets done automatically, but for many things you have to claim the extra 30-35%, or whatever, yourself from your top up insurer.[/quote] This seems logical to me, Will.  And, indeed, Mme. Groupama has told us that we don't have to change mutuelles.  However, both the Chamber of Commerce and our new accountant have told us that we do.  We're going to call the new caisse today (which, indeed is a mutuelle as well) and find out what's what.  I'm scheduled for some minor neurosurgery in April and want it all straightened out before then. PG

We've been covered by CPAM since we got here last year.  We have a mutuelle with Groupama.  But, we're now in the process of setting up officially as an individual enterprise, so we have to change our caisse. That's fine.  I understand that each type of business belongs to a specific category of caisse.  But what I find weird is that your mutuelle isn't necessarily okay to use with the new Caisse.  So, we will have to drop our Groupama policy in favor of something else.  It seems rather bizarre to not be able to use one insurance company rather than another. Mind, it's still all better coverage than what we were paying ten times as much for in the U.S., so I'm not complaining.  Just find it all a bit odd. PG

I'm with Christine!  This is just plain rude of her and she's taking horrible advantage of your husband. He's just too nice! PG

If both countries have an exchange treaty, then just choose which one you care about the least.  If  Australia DOESN'T have a treaty, then you have to use the UK license.  Believe me, it's worth it not to have to go through the process of applying for a license when you come from a place that doesn't exchange with France. PG

[quote user="SaligoBay"]  Along with George Bush and his right-wing fundamentalist pals. [8o|]    They're ALL just a bunch of narrow-minded bigots who have never been properly laid.  Then ordinary people on both sides can get on with ordinary lives. [/quote] I think you'll find that it's worse than that. They DO get laid and do lots of seedy and illegal things. But they're sneaky about it and PRETEND that they don't do them! PG

[quote user="Mochas"]Regarding Quillan's comment about Life Of Brian being banned in the USA, as it happens I saw this film in Los Angeles back in 1979 when it first came out. I was doing my wide-eyed tourist bit at the time and saw it at the cinema which used to be called Grauman's Chinese (can't remember its new name), the famous one with the stars' hand and foot prints in cement. I remember that it caused a bit of a furore at the time but I don't recollect any particular protests or talk of bans.The audience - presumably not all wide-eyed tourists - simply found it very funny. Maybe it was banned in some of the more fundamentalist areas? [/quote] Grauman's Chinese Theatre has been the Mann's Chinese Theatre for many years now. Mann's is a large theater-owning group in the U.S.  Still has the foot prints and decor though.  Most independent cinemas are gone in the big cities, except for the small ones that show foreign and cult films. Banning of movies, etc., in the U.S. tends to be done on a community by community basis.  Boston used to be particularly known for banning "offensive" material. PG

[quote user="Lori"]Well that makes me feel better since I am in the 40 group.  Felt fairly svelt in the States where nearly everyone is overweight (ok, maybe not everyone), but upon arriving here, am reminded every day how much smaller European women (and men) are than Americans.  Every time I go to try something on ! [/quote] And, almost everything I buy is too short!!  I'm like a giantess in my village! PG

[quote user="jond"]...and the trick about the micro regimes (and this is really quite clever, so there must be some people emerging from the French education system with some imagination intact) is that although it appears that they offer generous relief from tax & charges with the presumption of only 28% "taxable" income from turnover, in fact the goverment take is (on average) practically the same as it would be for more conventional regimes. This is because: [/quote] When we recently set up our business at the chamber of commerce, it was clear that if you don't mind a bit of accounting, for many people, a regular business is more interesting than a micro, precisely because of the micro's inability to deduct expenses.  Although, I suppose if you don't make a lot of money and really hate keeping books, it might make sense for some. PG

Please don't hate ALL Americans because of  these morons.  I must tell you though, that after some of this ugly stuff started in the States, JM and I were a little worried for a while. Everyone in our neighborhood knew he was French and we'd heard stories of people in other states (Texas comes to mind) having anti-France graffitti spray painted on their homes. Mostly, in L.A., people are very pro-French.  We got lots of "street-cred" in Hollywood for actually moving after the 2004 election! Randy

Oh, Christine!!! What a terrific card, thank you so much. Is that a cake that you made? We just came back from lunch out in Mirepoix and I'm going to be mostly lazy for the rest of  the day, since I can't actually work without a computer! Best, Randy

[quote user="Dicksmith"] The new Intel iMac is a wonderful machine, but still in short supply - my son works for Apple and he has been waiting two weeks for his. http://www.apple.com/uk/imac/ Much better spec, but a lot more expensive than a basic Dell, about £30 more than an equivalent spec (but includes built-in webcam and software and much more software, such as iLife, iTunes, iPhoto etc.) and much, much better looking with a smaller desk footprint.[/quote] Okay, the ugly truth is that if were just ME, I probably would switch to a Mac, although, that being said, I really know my way around Windoze.  Still, DH does NOT like change in the computer area.  He gets that kind of "deer in the headlights" look when I mention such things to him.  When I was taking my laptop apart yesterday, I told him to leave the room, because he looks so nervous about it all. PG

[quote user="Chezshells"] A year old!!! get it fixed or is it being already. Is it a laptop? maybe the bios has lost its settings (bad battery) if you know how have a look and try and find the hard drive. We bought a laptop last year in sale and got 300 euros off on the last one.     [/quote] I am hoping to have it fixed.  I'm pretty sure that it's a mechanical issue with the hard drive from the way the problem plays out.  It is a laptop and I know where the drive is, but I was unable to get it out myself.  I was going to take the drive out and try to blow some air in it to clean it.  I"m pretty sure that a combination of construction dust and Border Collie hair have gotten in through the keyboard and caused the problem. You can tell that all the data is still intact, and that it's just a mechanical problem. PG

[quote user="peebee"]Hi PG,  I bought a Dell PC the week before Christmas, it was a reasonable price and was delivered within 48 hours of placing the order.  I  had it out of the box and working within about 20 minutes.  I have even had two phone calls from them asking if all was o.k.  On the whole I have been very happy with the purchase and service received.[/quote] Thanks.  I'm pleased to know that the service is good as well. Always a big issue anywhere. PG

[quote user="Dicksmith"]I hate to say this as a dedicated (obsessional?) Mac user, but the Dell deals include flatscreens, and going by the one I got, they aren't at all bad.[/quote] I'm not against the idea of a Mac, but we've been on PCs for a long, long time and all of our stuff is on them. I just hesitate to switch over in case of incompatibility issues. That said, glad to hear the good review of the Dell. PG

[quote user="viva"]Apologies for slightly diverting topic( only be a minute I promise) My monitor keeps conking out for no apparent reason, but computer is ok-ish but needs updating when I can afford it! Is it cost effective to just buy a new monitor and if so where from ? [/quote] I would say that you should invest in a nice flat screen monitor.  Even if you buy a new computer eventually, the monitor will still be good.  As to where, well, I'm deciding on that myself! PG

[quote user="Christine Animal"]Heck, I'm starting to think EVERYONE is younger than me! Why?  I'm older than you.  I was just wondering if you are Aquarius (Verseau). [/quote] I am indeed Aquarius, Christine.  BD is on Friday the 3rd. Randy

Yes, I've thought about Dell. I've heard both good and bad.  One thing I found out today is that you can order them with an English operating system and an American keyboard, even here in France.  I'm a touch typist and don't want to have to learn a new keyboard. Even the UK keyboard is different from the US one. PG

My computer (a Toshiba only a year old!!!), decided this morning that it no longer has a hard drive.  I played with it for a bit, opening it up and looking around, cleaning it up, etc., but it was clear that this was something requiring some spare parts.  So, it is now in the computer hospital, hopefully totally repairable. However, if that turns out not to be the case, what places have you all found that have the best prices on new computers?  Anyone bought in Andorre?  And what have your experiences been with that. Thanks, PG

[quote user="Russethouse"] Dont be depressed - I'm older than both of you - but why should people who cannot see you, have never met you and are unlikely to, make a judgment about your age ? If I come across as 'matronly' then I have earned it - I was a nanny and am a mum - my charges and children had/have many faults, but not gratuitous rudeness. [/quote] Gay, I think the 'Net somehow brings out rudeness in people.  Perhaps because it's so faceless.  I know many, many friendships that were ruined by email and forums! Randy

[quote user="Christine Animal"]So are you Aquarius like me...  it's my birthday too in a few days, though I am a little younger than Gay  [A][/quote] Heck, I'm starting to think EVERYONE is younger than me!  I will have to console myself with dinner out in Mirepoix and perhaps a St. Honoré from the patisserie next door. Randy (also known as PG)

[quote user="Russethouse"] As for the jibe that I am matronly I will tell Mr O' Fyle the same thing I told the person in the UK who in an unwarranted sales call enquired how I was coping getting out of the bath - I'm only 25 [;)] [/quote] Now I'm really depressed.  I'm going to be 53 in a couple of days... PG

Strangely, I remember lying in my bed, which faced the wall next to the door.  My mother used to leave the door partly opened, and I remember the light on the wall making a pattern that seemed to me to look like a train. PG

[quote user="Christine Animal"]I haven't read His blog, just the first line, there are more important things in life to do.  But if you do not admire Him and His Blog, then say nothing... Compris?      [:#]   [;)]   [/quote] A wise woman you are, Christine! PG

[quote user="Tresco"]PG If anyone has a right you do. I thought yesterday you were very restained. I've just dashed something off, but i'm now worried that the guy is actually deranged.     [/quote] If I answer to him, it will only get ugly and I think that as upsetting as it is, I have to let this be a part of the "life's too short" category of things.  I'm lucky that I actually HAVE a life and don't have to get my jollies by slagging off faceless strangers in an online forum! PG

I will not respond.  I will not respond.  I will not respond. http://tinyurl.com/8qgjm PG (breathing deeply and counting to 10)