http://www.recollets.com France News and Events Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:58:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en hourly 1 http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/bama-to-visit-southern-california-this-week/ http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/bama-to-visit-southern-california-this-week/#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:58:29 +0000 admin http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/bama-to-visit-southern-california-this-week/ The News Review: - bama to visit Southern California this week - Clinton warned Pakistan of aid cut if no deal - 11 suspects held for Northern Ireland killings - EU Links Israel Ties to Two-State Solution - Report claims CIA used ‘torture’ bama to visit Southern California this week [/goto.php?url=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5sYXRpbWVzLmNvbS9uZXdzL2xvY2FsL2xhLW5hLW9iYW1hLXRpY2tldHMxNy0yMDA5bWFyMTcsMCw3MzExMzg5LnN0b3J5] Los Angeles Times ‘By Michael Muskal2:22 PM PDT March 16 2009President bama will tour Southern California on Wednesday and Thursday with stops at town hall-style meetings in Los Angeles and Costa Mesa and a visit to “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. The town hall meeting will be open to the public and tickets will be distributed on Tuesday. bama and his Republican challenger Sen. John McCain of Arizona both appeared on late-night talk shows during the presidential campaign but bama’s visit is being touted by NBC as the first guest appearance on the show by a sitting president. Clinton warned Pakistan of aid cut if no deal Reuters Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told Pakistan’s president and opposition leader over the weekend U. aid could be at risk unless they defused a crisis over a top judge U. Related from Tianjigh : Clinton warned Pakistan of aid cut if no deal 11 suspects held for Northern Ireland killings The Associated Press Anti-terrorist detectives were interrogating 11 suspects in total after police detained two men aged 27 and 31 in a Catholic part of Craigavon on suspicion of involvement in killing a police officer March 9 in that town southwest of Belfast. Police said they later found two firearms belonging to IRA dissidents during searches in Craigavon. Nine other suspects have been arrested and kept in custody over the past week over the policeman’s slaying or the March 7 gun attack on off-duty troops outside the Massereene army barracks in Antrim west of Belfast. Under British anti-terror laws they can be held up to 28 days before being charged or released. EU Links Israel Ties to Two-State Solution Voice of America EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana urged Israel’s Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu Monday to craft a government that will embrace the long-standing goal of an independent Palestinian state living side by side with Israel. Netanyahu’s Likud party Sunday secured its first coalition partner the ultra-right Yisrael Beitenu party which favors reducing the land available to Palestinians in any final settlement. Israeli media report that Yisrael Beitenu secured leadership of the foreign ministry along with the ministries of internal security infrastructure tourism and integration of new immigrants. Also Monday a group of international war crimes experts called on the United Nations to look into allegations that both Israeli forces and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip violated humanitarian law during their recent war. Report claims CIA used ‘torture’ BBC News The findings were based on testimonies by 14 so-called “high-value” detainees who were held in secret CIA prisons. They were interviewed after being transferred to Guantanamo Bay in 2006. President George W Bush denied torture had happened and President Barack bama has banned US agents from carrying out such practices. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has an international role in monitoring standards for prisoners and trying to ensure compliance by governments with the Geneva Conventions. ]]> http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/bama-to-visit-southern-california-this-week/feed/ http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/luis-leon-sanchez-takes-overall-lead-in-paris-nice-2/ http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/luis-leon-sanchez-takes-overall-lead-in-paris-nice-2/#comments Sun, 15 Mar 2009 22:52:25 +0000 admin http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/luis-leon-sanchez-takes-overall-lead-in-paris-nice-2/ The News Review: - Luis-Leon Sanchez takes overall lead in Paris-Nice - Luis-Leon Sanchez wins Paris-Nice cycling race - France’s puppet rulers turn 20 - France puts a cork in alcohol sales to youth Luis-Leon Sanchez takes overall lead in Paris-Nice The Associated Press vernight leader Alberto Contador tried to keep up but ran out of steam 2. 2 miles from the finish and was then passed by the main pack. Sanchez completed the 119-mile trek in 4 hours 43 minutes 34 seconds with fellow Spaniard Antonio Colom 50 seconds back in second place. Frank Schleck of Luxembourg was third. Luis-Leon Sanchez wins Paris-Nice cycling race The Associated Press Frank Schleck of Luxembourg finished second in the final standings trailing Sanchez by 1 minute. Sylvain Chavanel of France was third overall 1:09 back and Contador placed fourth 1:24 behind Sanchez. Colom beat Contador a fellow Spaniard and Schleck in a sprint on the famed Promenade des Anglais to take the last stage completing the 73. 9-mile trek in and around Nice in 2 hours 47 minutes and 49 seconds. Related from Yptulsa : Tulsa Wheelmen bring excitement to Tulsa cyclists France’s puppet rulers turn 20 AFP France’s longest-running comedy show “Les Guignols de l’Info” a satirical 10-minute newscast peopled by latex puppets is celebrating 20 years of cutting stars and the political elite down to size. Some three million people tune in daily to watch the show a mirror-image of France’s most-watched evening news show hosted by a puppet of its long-term anchor Patrick Poivre d’Arvor which has taken on cult status in France. “It is a badge of honour for a politician to have a puppet on the show the sign you’ve finally made it” said media commentator Jean-Louis Missika. France’s favorite Guignols puppet and the all-time star of the show is the former president Jacques Chirac caricatured as a roguish beer-guzzling Gallic everyman. Speaking to AFP Chirac paid the Guignols a wry tribute and said he still tunes in to watch the show which chronicled his political rise and two terms as president — and which some credit with getting him elected in 1995. France puts a cork in alcohol sales to youth Houston Chronicle And wine anytime well because we’re French. All this tippling has given authorities pause as studies show that a surprising number of young teenagers are knocking it back in a serious way often legally. France’s conservative government now wants to wean the country’s youths off the bottle with a ban on under-18 drinking. Lawmakers in the National Assembly the lower house adopted an amendment last week that would ban the sale of alcohol to teens under the age of 18 and fine the vendors up to $9400. They also voted to forbid the overnight sale of alcohol at gas stations thought to be a prime source of booze for the young. The amended bill still requires approval by the Assembly and the upper house of parliament the Senate. The new measures came three days after Assembly lawmakers voted to ban all-you-can-drink events in open bars popular with young people — while exempting wine tastings so important to the wine industry. ]]> http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/luis-leon-sanchez-takes-overall-lead-in-paris-nice-2/feed/ http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/luis-leon-sanchez-takes-overall-lead-in-paris-nice/ http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/luis-leon-sanchez-takes-overall-lead-in-paris-nice/#comments Sat, 14 Mar 2009 23:43:02 +0000 admin http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/luis-leon-sanchez-takes-overall-lead-in-paris-nice/ The News Review: - Luis-Leon Sanchez takes overall lead in Paris-Nice - France Germany call for regulatory system reform - France reiterates opposition to Tibet independence - RBS 6 Nations: England v France Luis-Leon Sanchez takes overall lead in Paris-Nice The Associated Press vernight leader Alberto Contador tried to keep up but ran out of steam 2. 2 miles from the finish and was then passed by the main pack. Sanchez completed the 119-mile trek in 4 hours 43 minutes 34 seconds with fellow Spaniard Antonio Colom 50 seconds back in second place. Frank Schleck of Luxembourg was third. Related from Lactose-quervo : Run From Cover takes alt-rock to a new level France Germany call for regulatory system reform MarketWatch EDT March 14 2009 HRSHAM England (MarketWatch) — Finance ministers from Germany and France continued to argue that global leaders should focus on reforming the world’s regulatory systems before launching more fiscal stimulus efforts following the weekend G20 summit near London. “It makes no sense to pump more and more money in our economy when we have to restore the confidence of the financial markets” German Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck said at a joint news conference with French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde. Lagarde said that “colleagues in the G20 moved in our direction” during the meeting on questions over supervision of hedge funds and large pools of private capital that make up the so-called shadow economy. The ministers also insisted that contrary to some bama administration officials’ comments European efforts to increase fiscal spending have been more than adequate. Between the European efforts and American efforts “There was not a major difference” Lagarde said. France reiterates opposition to Tibet independence Xinhua Foreign Ministry spokesman Eric Chevallier made the remark after Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao urged France to clarify its position on Tibet-related issues. “We have absolutely not changed our position. That is we support the territorial integrity of China and refused to accept separatism and Tibet independence” Chevallier said. Earlier on Friday when answering a question raised by a reporter from the French newspaper Le Figaro at a press conference after the closing of the Second Session of the 11th National People’s Congress in Beijing Premier Wen urged the French side to clarify its position on Tibet-related issues to facilitate the restoration of Sino-French relations. RBS 6 Nations: England v France RTE.ie If they can muddle through Johnson might possibly have the chance to jettison the dead wood - starting with his captain the hugely unimpressive Steve Borthwick and build a team around the few green shoots seen so far in this Championship. In this fixture history is on their side: France have never recorded a rout at Twickenham and their biggest margin of victory remains the eight points recorded in their 11-3 win 1951. However with France beginning to show some signs of life under Marc Lievremont and a newly pragmatic team selection policy holding sway they may struggle to maintain that record. Down the years many of England’s best performances against the bigger sides have been based on leadership. The concern is that Borthwick - inarticulate and patently insecure - does not provide that kind of rallying point. Creativity also remains a concern. ]]> http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/luis-leon-sanchez-takes-overall-lead-in-paris-nice/feed/ http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/johnson-says-england-can-beat-france/ http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/johnson-says-england-can-beat-france/#comments Sat, 14 Mar 2009 00:40:36 +0000 admin http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/johnson-says-england-can-beat-france/ The News Review: - Johnson says England can beat France - Carrefour to Reduce Prices in France - DIARY-France to April 14 - Health Highlights: March 12 2009 - Palestinian Anger Won’t Go Away Says France’s Le Monde - China’s Wen urges France to clarify Tibet stance - France earmarks $2.5 mln for Pacific projects Johnson says England can beat France Times nline This has been done so that correct url isgenerated if we are coming from a section or topic –>David Hands Rugby Correspondentdiv#related-article-links p a div#related-article-links p a:visited {color:#06c;}Whatever criteria you apply to England whether you regard them as a sidemaking progress or standing still - or worse in retreat - there is no roomfor manoeuvre tomorrow. France must be beaten at Twickenham and Scotlandnext weekend the final round of the RBS Six Nations Championship if MartinJohnson and his cohorts are to emerge with any credit any kind offoundation laid down during the team manager’s first season in office. Johnson denies that this imposes any more pressure than is normal ininternational sport. “You always want to win” he said with a shrug. Particularly in front of supporters who have seen little to cheer them up inthe past five matches at Twickenham. But even if Johnson’s reputation for which he gives scant regard does nothinge on success in these next two games his players need it to convincethemselves that the graph is pointing upwards. Carrefour to Reduce Prices in France Wall Street Journal lofsson said his priorities were “First France; second France; third France” — a reflection of the tough problems Carrefour faces on its home turf. In France Carrefour’s supercenters which the company calls hypermarkets and its discount stores are underperforming because their prices aren’t always competitive and some products don’t hit home with consumers. “The hypermarket is no longer king in the country that invented it” said Mr. lofsson who joined Carrefour from food and drink maker Nestle SA. DIARY-France to April 14 Reuters 1350 GMT—————–Monday March 30 2009————————– PARIS - Auction of BTF treasury bills. 1350 GMT—————–Thursday April 2 2009————————- PARIS - Auction of BTF treasury bills. Health Highlights: March 12 2009 U.S. News & World Report 5 times more per person than any other developed country yet the health of Americans lags behind those nations said the Associated Press. The report factored health measures and costs into a 100-point “value” scale and found that the United States is 23 points behind five leading economic competitors: Canada Japan Germany the United Kingdom and France. All those nations have public health coverage for their citizens. lags even further behind (46 points) when compared with emerging economic competitors China Brazil and India according to the report. Palestinian Anger Won’t Go Away Says France’s Le Monde Washington Report on Middle East Affairs It also needs to make peace with moderates. ” “The deaths of hundreds of people including scores of children cannot be countenanced. ” France’s l’Humanité of the same day described the attacks as “Israel’s war crime. ” The left-wing newspaper charged that “Tel Aviv is provoking a potential blood-bath” and blamed Washington “warmongers” for blocking a U. resolution calling for a cease-fire. Also in France the center-left Libération on Jan. China’s Wen urges France to clarify Tibet stance Channel News Asia “We hope the French side will make a very clear-cut stand on Tibet-related issues to help Chinese and French relations recover as quickly as possible” Wen told reporters. “This not only serves the interests of both China and France but also the interests of China and the European Union. Relations between China and France nosedived after French President Nicolas Sarkozy met with Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in Poland in December last year. China opposes any government figure meeting the Dalai Lama whom it accuses of being intent on achieving independence for Tibet after 58 years of Chinese rule. Related from Zjkjw : US interferes in China’s internal affairs with Tibet resolution France earmarks $2.5 mln for Pacific projects Xinhua “Just under 100 projects have been approved. Those projects are relatively small which also allows to best use the credits since each project can be examined very finely” Roussel told ceania Flash. The steering committee consists of 10 members five of whom are representing France’s three Pacific countries and territories (New Caledonia French Polynesia Wallis and Futuna) the other five being from the three French ministries of verseas Foreign Affairs and Finance. The selected projects are dedicated to the regional integration in the Pacific with a stress on fostering more contacts and exchanges between the French Pacific entities and the rest of the region mostly English-speaking Pacific Island states. Editor: Zhang Xiang. ]]> http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/johnson-says-england-can-beat-france/feed/ http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/health-highlights-march-12-2009/ http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/health-highlights-march-12-2009/#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 20:10:33 +0000 admin http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/health-highlights-march-12-2009/ The News Review: - Health Highlights: March 12 2009 - France puts a cork in alcohol sales to youth - 2 convicted in France on sex tourism charges - France strikes deal with Mexico on prisoner - DIARY-France to April 14 Health Highlights: March 12 2009 U.S. News & World Report 5 times more per person than any other developed country yet the health of Americans lags behind those nations said the Associated Press. The report factored health measures and costs into a 100-point “value” scale and found that the United States is 23 points behind five leading economic competitors: Canada Japan Germany the United Kingdom and France. All those nations have public health coverage for their citizens. lags even further behind (46 points) when compared with emerging economic competitors China Brazil and India according to the report. France puts a cork in alcohol sales to youth The Associated Press And wine anytime well because we’re French. All this tippling has given authorities pause as studies show that a surprising number of young teenagers are knocking it back in a serious way often legally. France’s conservative government now wants to wean the country’s youth off the bottle with a ban on under-18 drinking. Lawmakers in the National Assembly the lower house adopted an amendment Monday that would ban the sale of alcohol to teens under the age of 18 and fine the vendors up to $9400. They also voted to forbid the overnight sale of alcohol at gas stations thought to be a prime source of booze for the young. The amended bill still requires approval by the Assembly and the upper house of parliament the Senate. In a double-whammy legislators voted to ban the sale of tobacco for those under 18 the latest step in a progressive crackdown on smoking. Related from Peternorberg : Beer Buzz: Brooklyn Local 1 2 convicted in France on sex tourism charges MSNBC The court in eastern Colmar also ordered 71-year-old Robert Chung and 51-year-old Jean-Marc Malgarini to pay fines of euro70000 (US$89500)and euro50000 (US$63930) respectively. Prosecutors argued in the trial that the two men together had victimized about 50 girls aged around 10 years old in Thailand and Cambodia. Story continues below ?advertisement |. France strikes deal with Mexico on prisoner International Herald Tribune The case of the woman Florence Cassez dominated attention Monday during an official visit by Sarkozy who came to Mexico to strengthen economic ties. Sarkozy said Cassez had told him that she wanted to return to France to finish her sentence for three kidnappings in 2005. Sarkozy and President Felipe Calderón of Mexico said each country would appoint legal experts to the panel to determine if the international law allowing such transfers would apply in her case. Sarkozy said that he was seeking to help Cassez because she was a French citizen who wanted to return home but that he did not have an opinion about the court's verdict. DIARY-France to April 14 Reuters 1350 GMT—————–Monday March 30 2009————————– PARIS - Auction of BTF treasury bills. 1350 GMT—————–Thursday April 2 2009————————- PARIS - Auction of BTF treasury bills. ]]> http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/health-highlights-march-12-2009/feed/ http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/france-puts-a-cork-in-alcohol-sales-to-youth/ http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/france-puts-a-cork-in-alcohol-sales-to-youth/#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:08:49 +0000 admin http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/france-puts-a-cork-in-alcohol-sales-to-youth/ The News Review: - France puts a cork in alcohol sales to youth - France strikes deal with Mexico on prisoner - EU court backs France in TV licence fee spat France puts a cork in alcohol sales to youth The Associated Press And wine anytime well because we’re French. All this tippling has given authorities pause as studies show that a surprising number of young teenagers are knocking it back in a serious way often legally. France’s conservative government now wants to wean the country’s youth off the bottle with a ban on under-18 drinking. Lawmakers in the National Assembly the lower house adopted an amendment Monday that would ban the sale of alcohol to teens under the age of 18 and fine the vendors up to $9400. They also voted to forbid the overnight sale of alcohol at gas stations thought to be a prime source of booze for the young. The amended bill still requires approval by the Assembly and the upper house of parliament the Senate. In a double-whammy legislators voted to ban the sale of tobacco for those under 18 the latest step in a progressive crackdown on smoking. France strikes deal with Mexico on prisoner International Herald Tribune The case of the woman Florence Cassez dominated attention Monday during an official visit by Sarkozy who came to Mexico to strengthen economic ties. Sarkozy said Cassez had told him that she wanted to return to France to finish her sentence for three kidnappings in 2005. Sarkozy and President Felipe Calderón of Mexico said each country would appoint legal experts to the panel to determine if the international law allowing such transfers would apply in her case. Sarkozy said that he was seeking to help Cassez because she was a French citizen who wanted to return home but that he did not have an opinion about the court's verdict. Related from Mexview : France strikes deal with Mexico on prisoner EU court backs France in TV licence fee spat Reuters “The Commission did not commit an error of assessment infinding that the commitments made by France corresponded to theappropriate measures formulated by it” the European Court ofFirst Instance said in a statement. French commercial broadcaster TF1 (. PA) had complainedthat repayment of the audiovisual licence fee by France to twopublic television channels France 2 and France 3 constitutedillegal state aid. (Reporting by Huw Jones editing by Dale Hudson). ]]> http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/france-puts-a-cork-in-alcohol-sales-to-youth/feed/ http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/france-strikes-deal-with-mexico-on-prisoner/ http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/france-strikes-deal-with-mexico-on-prisoner/#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:05:19 +0000 admin http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/france-strikes-deal-with-mexico-on-prisoner/ The News Review: - France strikes deal with Mexico on prisoner - France to raise the legal drinking age to 18 - France honours WWI veteran - 4 bidders in race to host 2016 Euros - South Africa: France SA Partner to Fight Against Transnational Crime - How France Sees Its Nuclear-Powered Future - Sailor Finishes cean Race After 121 Days at Sea France strikes deal with Mexico on prisoner International Herald Tribune The case of the woman Florence Cassez dominated attention Monday during an official visit by Sarkozy who came to Mexico to strengthen economic ties. Sarkozy said Cassez had told him that she wanted to return to France to finish her sentence for three kidnappings in 2005. Sarkozy and President Felipe Calderón of Mexico said each country would appoint legal experts to the panel to determine if the international law allowing such transfers would apply in her case. Sarkozy said that he was seeking to help Cassez because she was a French citizen who wanted to return home but that he did not have an opinion about the court's verdict. France to raise the legal drinking age to 18 AFP Deputies in the National Assembly late Monday approved an amendment to a health ministry bill raising the legal age limit from 16 to 18 for both alcohol and tobacco sales bringing France in line with most of Europe. With underage drinking on the rise across Europe according to a recent study the French bill which still needs Senate approval would allow mayors to ban take-away sales of alcohol at night in their towns. The law will also outlaw open bars seen as encouraging binge-drinking as well as alcohol sales in road service stations after 6:00 pm. But the French wine lobby breathed a sign of relief after the text was amended to exclude wine tastings and industry fairs from the open-bar ban. Lawmakers also backed down on contested plans to expand a 1991 ban on alcohol adverts to include the Internet. France honours WWI veteran AFP France’s Ambassador to Britain Maurice Gourdault-Montagne said Patch embodied “the ultimate sacrifice made by hundreds of thousands of troops in World War I. “In a ceremony at the nursing home where Patch lives in Wells the ambassador made him an officer in the order of the Legion d’Honneur praising his efforts to keep alive the memory of the war. “In spite of your great age you have unstintingly and relentlessly given your time and testimony participating in numerous events devoted to the duty of remembrance that any country owes to its people” the ambassador said. “The gratitude we feel goes far beyond anything we could give you back” he added before pinning the medal to Patch’s jacket alongside seven other medals. 4 bidders in race to host 2016 Euros The Associated Press Individual bids from France Italy and Turkey and a joint proposal from Sweden-Norway were made before the deadline of midnight on Monday. UEFA said in a statement Tuesday it would consider “any previous experience of relevant member associations cities and venues in organizing multi-venue sports events” before confirming an official list of bidders in the next month. Candidates must then prepare a bid dossier by Feb. UEFA’s executive committee will choose the host in May 2010. South Africa: France SA Partner to Fight Against Transnational Crime AllAfrica.com French Ambassador to South Africa Denis Pietton said the three-year cooperation agreement will encompass a substantial financial commitment of more than R15 million to the SAPS. He added that this agreement will focus among other things on the reinforcement of South African boarders and at the enhancement of specialised detective and investigative departments as well as continued development of forensics. “France is honored to share its expertise with the SAPS in order to which will among other things support its preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and thereafter. “Through this cooperation France hopes to enhance its valued relationship with SAPS” Mr Pietton said. Relevant LinksSouthern AfricaConflict Peace and SecurityCrime and CorruptionEurope and AfricaSouth AfricaInternational TerrorismThis agreement forms part of French-South African police cooperation formalized in 1998 with a view to support public safety and train South African police officers. The two countries undertook to co-operate in the prevention detection suppression and investigation of crime including corruption and organised crime illicit trafficking of firearms ammunition explosive and poisonous substances as well as human trafficking. How France Sees Its Nuclear-Powered Future U.S. News & World Report In this France far outpaces other countries with Japan second at about 34 percent of its electricity. Nuclear power supplies about 20 percent of the electricity in the United States where public anxieties and high costs have prevented construction of new reactors since 1979. Now around the world nuclear power is getting a fresh look as an alternative to using oil natural gas and coal that produce climate-changing carbon emissions. Related from Yolog : France to send huge nuclear fuel shipment to Japan Sailor Finishes cean Race After 121 Days at Sea New York Times At age 58 he is the oldest sailor to finish the grueling solo race and only the second American. Wilson endured 121 days at sea. ]]> http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/france-strikes-deal-with-mexico-on-prisoner/feed/ http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/france-honours-wwi-veteran/ http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/france-honours-wwi-veteran/#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:40:14 +0000 admin http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/france-honours-wwi-veteran/ The News Review: - France honours WWI veteran - France to raise alcohol drinking age - Czechs eliminate France in Davis Cup - France’s Bartoli takes Monterrey title - Dudi Delivers Sela Leads Israel in Davis Cup Win; France Upset - Millo-Chluski out of France Six Nations squad France honours WWI veteran AFP France’s Ambassador to Britain Maurice Gourdault-Montagne said Patch embodied “the ultimate sacrifice made by hundreds of thousands of troops in World War I. “In a ceremony at the nursing home where Patch lives in Wells the ambassador made him an officer in the order of the Legion d’Honneur praising his efforts to keep alive the memory of the war. “In spite of your great age you have unstintingly and relentlessly given your time and testimony participating in numerous events devoted to the duty of remembrance that any country owes to its people” the ambassador said. “The gratitude we feel goes far beyond anything we could give you back” he added before pinning the medal to Patch’s jacket alongside seven other medals. France to raise alcohol drinking age USA Today Lawmakers also voted Monday to forbid the overnight sale of alcohol at gas stations. The amendments are part of a vast hospital reform law that still must be passed by both houses of Parliament. The drinking age in France currently varies depending on the type of alcohol involved and the place of sale. But anyone 16 or older can order beer and wine in bars. Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published broadcast rewritten or redistributed. Czechs eliminate France in Davis Cup United Press International Stepanek topped Simon 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 7-6 (7-0) at Cez Arena in the Czech city of strava to give his team an insurmountable 3-1 lead in the best-of-five competition. France’s Joe-Wilfried Tsonga edged Jan Hernych 6-2 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (7-0) in a later match closing the final score to 3-2. The Czechs will go against Argentina in the cup quarterfinals in July. © 2009 United Press International Inc. All Rights Reserved. France’s Bartoli takes Monterrey title United Press International 18 2009 at the Dubai Championships. Bartoli cruised to a 6-4 6-3 win over Li at the Sierra Madre Tennis Club. The Frenchwoman who was seeded No. Related from Zxyangchen : Chinese duo into Monterrey pen last four Dudi Delivers Sela Leads Israel in Davis Cup Win; France Upset Tennis-X.com And yet further evidence of the decline of the once great tennis power Sweden. Israel now gets thrown to the wolves as they host Russia in July. As for the other ties everything went fairly according to form except France! I had France beating the Czechs and then winning the entire Davis Cup (woops!) but credit to Tomas Berdych and Stepanek who clutched-up when needed to secure the win. Despite their depth France I felt made the right moves putting Gilles Simon and Jo Tsonga out there in singles but I counted on the French to win the doubles which didn?t happen. No surprise for the U. as Andy Roddick held firm leading his team into the quarterfinals against Croatia. Millo-Chluski out of France Six Nations squad AFP He will be replaced by Louis Picamoles of Montpellier. Millo-Chluski has an Achilles tendon problem in his right foot which flared up in his club’s weekend loss against Perpignan national team doctor Jean-Philippe Hager revealed adding he had returned to his club for treatment in a bid to get fit for the match with Italy on March 21. Picamoles 23 and who will join Toulouse next season has ten caps under his belt. He came on from the bench during the earlier loss to Ireland and the win over Scotland last month. ]]> http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/france-honours-wwi-veteran/feed/ http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/zimbabwe-pm-seeks-botswana-care/ http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/zimbabwe-pm-seeks-botswana-care/#comments Sat, 07 Mar 2009 17:50:50 +0000 admin http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/zimbabwe-pm-seeks-botswana-care/ The News Review: - Zimbabwe PM ’seeks Botswana care’ - Bashir pledges to push forward peace process - West 89th Suspect’s Cousin Arrested n Suspicion f bstucting Justice - Economy health care are themes of weekly videos - Phish Dusts off Deep Cuts in Return to Stage - Florida State’s NCAA penalties: It’s not so bad unless you are … - Former first lady leaving ICU after heart surgery Zimbabwe PM ’seeks Botswana care’ BBC News A source close to Mr Tsvangirai told the BBC he was exhausted and needed time to come to terms with events. His MDC party says it will carry out its own inquiry into the cause of the crash. But officials have said nothing to suggest they suspect foul play. Mr Tsvangirai has previously spent time in Botswana while in opposition. Bashir pledges to push forward peace process Xinhua “We are a family no matter where you are from north or south” said Bashir who is wearing colorful folk costume and a feather coronal of the south. The rally attended by thousands of representatives of southern Sudanese parties and tribes was organized by the government in support of the embattled president outside the capital’s Friendship Hall. “We will never allow the breach of the peace process” Bashir said adding that “we will never return to war. ” A large number of people were transported from the country’s semi-autonomous south and one truckload of plastic chairs were dispatched ahead of the rally. West 89th Suspect’s Cousin Arrested n Suspicion f bstucting Justice MSNBC The home was owned by Summar Brown Crawford’s cousin. Cleveland police said they have arrested Brown in connection with obstructing justice. Story continues below ?advertisement |. Related from Cannabisfanclub : Police calls: Mansfield man found with marijuana in his sock Economy health care are themes of weekly videos USA Today He also pledges again to bring the federal budget under control:”Like every family going through hard times our country must make tough choices. In order to pay for the things we need — we cannot waste money on the things we don’t. Phish Dusts off Deep Cuts in Return to Stage ABC News coliseumBy JSH L. DICKEY AP Entertainment WriterHAMPTN Va. March 7 2009 (AP)The Associated Press1 commentFNT SIZE. Florida State’s NCAA penalties: It’s not so bad unless you are … rlando Sentinel Gasp the Noles got hammered headlines will proclaim. The NCAA rocks FSU pundits will say. Former first lady leaving ICU after heart surgery The Associated Press The 83-year-old wife of former President George H. Bush had surgery Thursday to replace her aortic valve at Methodist Hospital in Houston. Hospital spokeswoman Gale Smith said Barbara Bush is expected to be moved out of intensive care on Saturday although she could remain in the hospital for as long as another week. ]]> http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/zimbabwe-pm-seeks-botswana-care/feed/ http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/shark-kills-french-surfer-off-new-caledonia/ http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/shark-kills-french-surfer-off-new-caledonia/#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:47:43 +0000 admin http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/shark-kills-french-surfer-off-new-caledonia/ The News Review: - Shark kills French surfer off New Caledonia - President bama plans European trip for spring break - France announces bid to host Euro 2016 - Starbucks to launch coffee in France Germany - Robin Williams — actor comedian endurance athlete and Tour de … - Carla Bruni ready to add to France’s first family Shark kills French surfer off New Caledonia Los Angeles Times According to local police the surfer’s arm was torn off and his leg bitten as he tried to board a boat with his friend. The surfer who was studying in the New Caledonia capital Noumea died shortly after being transported to shore. It is not known what type of shark was responsible. –Pete ThomasPhoto: Great white shark swims near caged divers off south Australia. President bama plans European trip for spring break Los Angeles Times The president has already visited such exotic spots as ttawa Ft. Myers Denver Phoenix Camp Lejeune Elkhart–and tomorrow he adds Columbus hio to the exciting list where he will swear in some police officers. The first couple will visit Britain Germany France and the Czech Republic between March 31 and April 5 meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy German Chancellor Angela Merkel NAT officials in Strasbourg France and Czech and European Union officials in Prague at trip’s end. We’ll publish the complete White House statement on the jump below. As you read it see if you too notice the striking absence of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s name from the detailed announcement of the national leaders that bama will confer with. All it mentions is bama’s meetings with "British leaders. France announces bid to host Euro 2016 The Associated Press “We are now officially candidates to host the 2016 Euros and we launch the bid today” French federation president Jean-Pierre Escalettes said during a news conference. Italy’s federation said last week it was also interested in hosting the 2016 championship after losing out to Poland and Ukraine for the 2012 tournament. Scotland and Wales abandoned plans for a joint bid due to the global economic downturn but Sweden and Norway are said to be still considering a joint bid. UEFA the sports governing body for Europe has announced plans to expand the tournament to 24 teams for 2016. Starbucks to launch coffee in France Germany BusinessWeek and food maker Kraft Foods Inc. said Thursday they will launch packaged Starbucks coffee in France and Germany. Related from Cupocoffee : Starbucks to launch coffee in France Germany Robin Williams — actor comedian endurance athlete and Tour de … Examiner.com " For several years during Lance Armstrong’s seven-year winning streak at the Tour de France Robin Williams usually arrived at the race and stayed for a few days as the event moved into the Alps or Pyrenees. Williams usually visited the U. Postal Service team van near the stage start cities. He mingled with the press (I did a few group interviews with him. Carla Bruni ready to add to France’s first family Hindu “I would like (to have a baby with my husband) but I don’t know if at my age it would be possible” the 41-year-old Italian model-turned-singer said. Carla who married the President in February 2008 following a whirlwind romance already has an 8-year-old son from the philosopher Raphael Enthoven. The 54-year-old French leader has three sons from two previous marriages. The supermodel who had the reputation of a “man eater” seems to have settled down well with the flamboyant President. ]]> http://www.recollets.com/2009/03/shark-kills-french-surfer-off-new-caledonia/feed/