Food police in France go after Ketchup?

Check it out, restrictions in France on serving ketchup in schools:

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-france-ketchup-20111006,0,1095831.story

And we think the US government is paternalistic.

Weapons ownership in France

Here in the US, we argue over the right to bear arms and what the Second Amendment really means. In France, weapons ownership rather different. Based upon my research, weapons ownership requires a six month membership in a local gun club, with attendance and participation at the shooting range.

Here are links to two articles with good explanations of the process required to own weapons:

http://www.handgunforum.net/new-handguns-area/15611-firearms-ownership-france.html

http://www.brittany-internet.com/BrittanyNews/ShootingFirearms/tabid/59/Default.aspx

Car Wash in france

Unlike the US, car washes in France are self-service. In fact, I have yet to see a full-service car wash. My favorite are the blue elephant ones, which are all automated, so they do not require any employees. Again, another area where Europe is ahead and in a different place.

Here is the link to the address for the one in Cavaillon:

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?client=safari&rls=en&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=lavage+voiture+cavaillon&fb=1&gl=us&hq=lavage+voiture&hnear=0x12b5f78c23e0c31d:0x713d41454197b887,Cavaillon,+France&cid=14899436362109275496

Daica Duster - Very popular in France

It was noticeable this summer the increasing number of these cars/suvs. Originating from Daica in Romania, which seems to be owned by Renault. The price is right too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dacia_Duster

Relais Routiers - Where the Truckers eat in France

Over the summer, D's father kept talking about the relais routiers and how these were good places to stop for food along the road. After a little research the article link below explains the system very well, and why it works - price, food, and location.

http://www.weareneverfull.com/cafes-routiers-oh-to-be-a-trucker-in-france/

Leasing and buying cars in France

D. and I were discussing this the other day, whether someone can lease a car in France in the same way you can here in the US. Attached is the link to an article that explains the loans/banking system in France. So, the short answer is that you can get a lease, for 15% down:

http://www.french-property.com/guides/france/finance-taxation/banking/loans/credit-types/

So brilliant - electric car rentals in Paris

We are so far behind. Here is fantastic article about taking the Velobike concept and expanding it to plug-in electric cars for short-term rentals in Paris.

So brilliant:

http://www.france24.com/en/20110930-paris-launches-autolib-bluecar-bollore-all-electric-car-hire-scheme-velib