by Minter Dial | Apr 22, 2007 | Politics
I just came back from the voting “urn” in the 17th arrondissement in Paris. I must say that, were I to have voted, I might have found the process somewhat “shocking.” After arriving at the designated locale, you are asked to pick up white paper...
by Minter Dial | Apr 21, 2007 | Politics
In these French elections, as an American, I do not vote. Nonetheless, I must applaud several internet-based initiatives, enabling voters to evaluate which candidate best corresponds to one’s own opinions via a series of questions. The computer simulation then...
by Minter Dial | Apr 20, 2007 | Politics
We are 24 hours away from the French elections and I feel compelled to add a new comment. I read an article by Cyrille Lachevre entitled “La faiblesse de la compétitivité française,” in the Figaro on April 12, 2007. Other European countries are making...
by Minter Dial | Apr 12, 2007 | Health, Leadership, Politics, Travel
As is my wont on any first time in a country, I love to jot down the first impressions that hit me… if only to confirm some generalizations and, probably, regurgitate very obvious observations. First surprise, the “noise free” Stockholm (Arlanda)...
by Minter Dial | Apr 7, 2007 | Politics, Travel
In Paris, as in most metropolitan centers, parking is at a premium. As we approach the Presidential elections, there is usually a lot of hope, if not rumor, that all traffic violations will be pardoned. This year, it appears that the main presidential hopefuls have...
by Minter Dial | Mar 31, 2007 | Politics
Have you ever read John Train’s “Most Remarkable Book of [Real People’s] Names”? Most recommendable. You will find that a married couple was called Doctor and Doctor Doctor. Then to list but a few of the enormously weird names out there: Gaston...