Pumpkin High Art

You've got to love his sense of humour, a Halloween rift on Damien Hirst's 100 million dollar skull

You can make it too, by spraying a small pumpkin with silver paint, and then encrusting $40 worth of fine rhinestones.

Sarkozy divorce captures headlines over the general strike

Looks like Sarko has timed the news of his divorce (from second wife Cecilia) to mitigate the ire of strikers and citizens. The full general strike, to protest his plan to overhaul France's public sector, has been relegated to second page world-wide with the divorce announcement (which we have been awaiting for some time) making headlines.

On strike for 24 hours:

all rail service
most subway service
bus service
most taxis
many museums

Even the opera was canceled...

Vandal punches hole in a Monet at the Musee D'Orsay.

But frankly, how stupid is that? To organize la Nuit Blanche, when many cultural institutions are open (and clearly vulnerable) on the same night as hooligans abound-France having staged both rugby and soccer matches that same night.

Best chocolates in Paris

I have forgotten the name! But it is on the left hand side of the road that leads out of the Place des Vosges towards Boulevard Beaumarchais, rue Pas de Mule, you really can't miss it.

Why it is the best chocolate of Paris:

1. They make tiny little bite size pieces, not the kind that are so big that you bite in and then want to throw the rest away.

2. They have a wonderful selection of creative chocolates such as cardamone and green tea and licorice flavored with pretty decorations on top.

3. They have chocolate covered confit de ginger ALL YEAR ROUND, not seasonal.

4. I brought them to a highly discerning group of friends, and they agreed that they are the most scrumptious!