This is just too good - for all those who love great design and are looking for reasonably priced unusual Xmas gifts, here is the Core77 Ultimate Gift Guide . Some of the captions are really funny, so I recommend careful reading for maximum pleasure.

France as cited in 'The Onion's Atlas of the Planet Earth"

I haven't written this! Just quoting from the Onion's new parody, Our Dumb World: Atlas Of The Planet Earth.

This is their entry for France:

"Home to Earth's entire population of 62.7 million people, every single one of the planet's 427 cities, and all of its history, culture and beauty, France is the only country in the world. Located directly in the center of the universe, around which everything else revolves, the nation of France is the sole beacon of life and civilization in an otherwise black and empty void."

No comment.

Strike Watch-major

Another transport strike is wreaking havoc in the French capital again since yesterday.

Being France, this is not particularly news, and I have nothing more to say, Here's a link.

Oh wait, apparently there is a change. The French, usually so supportive of unions and demonstrations, are fed up with the havoc created by these massive strikes and have withdrawn their support for the movements. According to one report, around 70% do NOT believe the strikers demands should be met.

One of the (what I find to be outrageous)demands is that the train drivers be allowed to retire at age 50 because, 'driving a train is dangerous physical labor'. Dangerous?

Question - As people are living healthily into their 80-s and even 90's, what do they intend to do with the second half of their lives? And who is to pay for it? They clearly seem to think that it should be the government. Isn't this a clear example of a whole population evincing passive-agressive behavior? A whole population that feels victimized? Is it the educational system that grooms them to be so angry and entitled? Wouldn't they be less disgruntled if they felt more empowered to help themselves?

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!