Whilst living in France is the dream for many francophiles, for some it is not without its pressures.  Now the Chief Financial Officer of France Telecom, Gervais Pellissier, has warned that the barrage of emails from smart phones and personal computers is stressing out employees.

For some it’s a token of the feminist struggle in France for others it’s sleazy postcards from the Côte d’Azur. Topless sunbathing was once the summer battleground of French post-1968 society – educated middle classes insisted that going “topless” was a women’s right, while family groups claimed exposed breasts would intimidate children.

Lance Armstrong believes he can win an eighth Tour de France title, well aware that after 4 years of retirement, his ageing legs are not as strong as they used to be.  The 37-year-old Armstrong won the last of his record seven straight Tours in 2005, and his unexpected comeback has fans worldwide eager to see if he can add another victory to his cycling legend.

One day France may be not the only place where you see people driving around with chickens in the back of their vehicles.

Scientists in Delaware, USA, have discovered a remarkable, unexpected and inexpensive way to store hydrogen fuel– using carbonized chicken feather fibres.

The question of storing hydrogen as fuel has traditionally been a enigmatic and expensive dilema. For example, a car with a 75 litre hydrogen storage tank made from carbon nanotubes or metal hydrides– currently two of the best ideas – would add $5.5 million or $30k respectively to the cost of that vehicle.

A storage tank made from carbonized chicken feathers, however, would only increase the cost by a mere $200. The green bio-material would also help to resolve the problem on how to dispose the 2.7 billion kilograms of chicken feathers generated each year by commercial poultry production.

A judge in Los Angeles on Thursday (7 May 2009) dismissed Roman Polanski’s bid to dismiss a sex bought against him 32 years ago because the fugitive director failed to appear in court personally to press his request.

In a brief hearing with no lawyers present, Superior Court Judge Peter Espinoza said he was finalizing an earlier decision for the record. So as to give Mr. Polanski time to return to the United States from France, he had earlier placed the order on hold.

Chad Hummel, Mr Polanski’s lawyer, notified the judge earlier this week that his client would not appear because he believed his presence was irrelevant to the dismissal motion.

The judge took the bench temporarily and said that since “Mr. Polanski doesn’t intend to submit himself to the jurisdiction of the court,” his motion for dismissal would be denied.

Hummel maintains that the issue of whether Polanski’s rights were violated in his 1977 case can be resolved in his absence. He has said he will request a review by an appeals court.

Mr. Polanski, now age 75, pleaded guilty in 1977 to unlawful sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl and then fled to France. He recently sought a dismissal on the grounds of misconduct by the now-deceased judge who had reneged on a previously arranged a plea bargain. Mr. Polanski risks arrest on a fugitive warrant if he returns to Los Angeles.

Talking on the behaviour of the now deceased judge, Mr Hummel said “The misconduct is plainly evident from the existing record,” . He also noted that Judge Espinoza’s refusal to dismiss the case is contrary to the wishes of the victim, Samantha Geimer, who joined in Mr. Polanski’s bid for dismissal. She has said she wants the case to be ended.

Judge Espinoza relied on the doctrine of fugitive disentitlement, which states that fugitives are not entitled to the processes of the court so long as they remain at large. He also cited the more than 30-years delay since Polanski fled.

Hummel contended the doctrine shouldn’t be used “to cover up misconduct and violate constitutional rights.”

Roman Polanski lives in France, where his film career has continued to prosper. He received an Oscar in his absence for the Director of the 2002 movie “The Pianist.” He directed such classic films as “Chinatown” and “Rosemary’s Baby” whilst living in the United States.

A recent HBO documentary about Mr. Polanski’s life uncovered new information about the judge’s actions in the 1977 case, which led him to seek dismissal.

Imagine you’re flying in a commercial jet and the pilot tells you he’ll be putting the aircraft on autopilot. That probably wouldn’t be a concern. But imagine you’re at your doctor’s office and he tells you that he’s just put his judgement on autopilot.

Two questions: Where’s the parachute, and where is the exit?

Unfortunately, doctors often simply go with basic procedures they’ve always used. But things change, and when doctors don’t stay on top of changes, patients sometimes suffer.

One perfect example of an autopilot medical mindset concerns the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test used to determine prostate cancer risk.  I’ve shared this warning several times before, but the mainstream still hasn’t picked up on it so it can’t be repeated enough: Men, if your doctor suggests a biopsy based on a high PSA level, he may be flying on autopilot.

The current financial climate has left may people looking for a personal financial rescue plan.  Particularly, those people who have decided to leave the rat-race and live their dream in France, are finding that their financial resources cannot accommodate the recent changes in currency values, investment returns and interest rates.  As a result, many are coming to the conclusion that it is necessary to return to the hurly burly of work if they are to survive.

But does that mean giving up their dreams?

For some the answer is “yes” – but in my view it doesn’t have to be so.

I have been involved in several different businesses throughout my “working” career and have long held the view that, in order to survive financially, it is important to generate income from several different sources and in different currencies.

In other words, I don’t believe in putting all my “eggs” in one “basket”.

You may have noticed on this web log (blog) that there is a significant lack of advertising.  Simply put, I publish the blog because I enjoy writing, I like to share my experience with other individuals and it seems that others like to read.  So this present post is the nearest thing to an advertisement that I have written.

If you are considering giving up on your dreams, read on…

Disneyland Resort Paris was built to give a creative joy and entertaining experience for children and family. It should bring happiness and excitement with sensual pleasure and opportunities to explore. A magical place that is filled with amusement, magic and personal memories. From the smallest child to the biggest kids of all ages, Disneyland Resort Paris has been turning dreams into reality for the last fifteen years.

The Paris resort is the biggest of the four theme parks in Florida, Tokyo and California. There are a number of original additions and features that make Disney Paris a must visit amusement park of all times. It has been designed a little like the California Park where the little paths and corners are concerned but some of the shows and features are completely new. The rides are more exciting, the most popular being the “Pirates of the Caribbean”.

We have all heard it said that “money is the root of all evil” and probably thought that was a bit of an exaggeration. But when we understand how money is created in the modern world we can then understand the main cause of many major problems: ever increasing taxation; pensions disappearing; inequitable distribution of wealth; inflation; national debt; currency crises and devaluations; recessions; depressions; and even the failure of government in a democracy to govern in the interest of its electors.

Money was invented to be a tool for facilitating trade, but has now become a tool used by the rich to govern the world. If you have any doubt about that, please read on.

By turning a long line of mirrors, the first solar thermal plant in nearly twenty years was launched last week in Bakersfield, California. Unlike solar photovoltaic systems that convert sunlight into electricity, this power system will focus sunlight on tubes that contains water. The light heats the water, creating steam that is used to power turbines.

At full capacity, Kimberlina will generate 5 megawatts of power, enough for about 3,500 homes in Central California. Although this is a small amount of energy compared with other utility scale power plants, this plant will serve as a gateway for a much larger solar plant.

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and Ausra, the manufacturer of the solar panels announced a purchase agreement in November, 2007 for a solar power plant of 177 megawatts. Once completed, the Carrizo Plains solar plant in Central California will generate enough power for 120,000 homes.

Solar technology is especially well suited for the American Southwest where huge amounts of sunshine make this region rich with solar energy potential. Air conditioners are accountable for a large amount of the electric load and the highest electric demand corresponds with solar radiation.

Ausra is well known for their claim that the total US electricity load (day and night) could be generated in an area that is 92 miles by 92 miles. This is made possible by steam storage, consequently allowing solar plants to operate after the sun has set.