Dear fellow human and anyone else that subscribes,
How's things? All well, I hope!
Our electricity came back on on Monday afternoon – as I type on 11 November, there are still around 17,000 households in Finistere who have not had electricity since about 3am on 2 November. It is incredible how much damage the hurricane did and it is a salutary reminder of how powerful nature is and how much we are reliant on electricity.
Anyway, I am done with moaning for a bit! Let's start looking at some more positive stuff!
So, in this happy edition:
a bread dog
some funny stuff
something for the French residents
elevator news
...and more!
Take care and wrap up warm!
James x
URGENT FOR FRENCH RESIDENTS – FINAL DAYS FOR CHEAP ELECTRICITY CONTRACT
If you are resident in France and use electricity [insert amusing and puthy comment about not having electricity for days on end after the storm], you will know that prices are rising.
French electricity prices across all companies are often linked to the 'regulated' rate. This is currently 0,2276 €/kWh.
The consumer group, UFC Que Choisir, has run a number of 'groupe achat' campaigns over the years and their latest is currently live.
The idea is simple, they go to the electricity suppliers and ask them for their best price if they bring across tens of thousands of new customers.
Currently open is a highly competitive 12.1% off the regulated tariff offer - fixed for two years and with no contract lock-in.
However, there are two important things to note:
the offer closes on 15 November
it is only open to the first 120,000 customers
If you want to save money on your electricity without having the inconvenience of the very high tariff days on the Tempo tariff from EDF, this is probably your best option.
The link is here and I do not get anything if you sign up! (You can buy me a coffee, though, if you want!!)
Podcast Alley
As I have weaned myself off the misery of rolling 24 hour news radio, I have found myself spending more and more time listening to podcasts – something I was doing already but now my ears are rarely without some pod-based balm.
So, I thought I'd share some of my favourite places for aural pleasure. Links are all to Google Podcasts – but you can probably find them on your preferred, paid platform too.
Off Menu – I’ve mentioned it before on here but it’s too good not to mention again. Comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster invite guests to pick their dream starter, main course, side dish, dessert and drink, all cooked to perfection in the dream restaurant. The episode with the always epic Kathy Burke contains, in my opinion, the best use of the C word so far this century. Genuinely, it is dropped with the perfection of a world-class artist. I want it as a ringtone.
Inside Europe – Deutsche Welle's weekly English language round-up of what is happening across the EU (and sometimes beyond. If you're British, it's the news from Europe like you'd want it to be but aren't allowed because of the prevailing media landscape. A considered, non-sensationalist, in-depth approach. What news should be.
Athletico Mince – podcast with Bob Mortimer and Andy Dawson. If it became sentient, you'd have it sectioned for the protection of all involved. Nuts. “Oh Andrew, talking of ray guns...”
Got any favourites? Share them with me and I'll put them in a future newsletter!
Emergency Train Survival Ratio Pack
In what was the best over-reaction to a delayed train that I’ve ever seen, those of us on the cancelled and then delayed replacement Paris to Brest train on Monday night were treated to an emergency food box at Rennes.
To be fair, it was a clever way to keep everyone’s spirits up but, I think, anyone that had used trains in the UK between, say, 1995 and 2014, would be a bit perplexed that we got anything other than a vague apology for being a couple of hours late.
So, here’s what’s inside - first, on the inside lid, an apology and reminder that we can get a refund…
…then the contents!
A bottle of water, a taboulé, apple compote and…
…a caramel lolly…
…some nice biscuits…
…I’ve never known how to describe these! Sort of a wholemeal thick bread biscuit, a bit like toast… I dunno. There’s probably a word for them!
So that was nice!
Poo Update
Regular readers of this fun-packed email will remember edition 24 - Poo - when I poked a plastic stick in my poo. Well, the results are in – no bum-related cancer for me.
I'll be poking another stick in my poo in two years time. Make sure you stay subscribed for that instalment!
Check those buttnuggets! Remember - it could save your life and mean you get to read more of these newsletters. What a win!
Poor Badger
In case you missed it, the other day, I had just booked into a hotel for work and went into the lift to be confronted with this sign...
The staff found it very funny when I told them. They also asked me what the English is for a badgeur and, I'll be honest, I had no idea. I still don't. Any ideas?
It should go without saying but, please, never insert a card into a badger. Even if it asks.
Marks & Spencer’s Latest
Meanwhile, at the Marks & Sparks at Gare Montparnasse (that is now a Monoprix with a M&S corner, ever since Brexit made it unprofitable to run an M&S), prices have rocketed.
Four cookies are now an incredible 8€40...
Bravo, the Brectums!
Black Friday Deals - Annual Warning!
Talking of Brectums, if you are in the EU and find a great Black Friday deal in the UK (or elsewhere outside the EU) beware that, even if the item that you buy is not subject to import duties and/or VAT, it can still come with a handling fee from the carrier. This is often described as 'customs duties and/or VAT' but is actually a handling charge to check whether it has been properly declared for import into the EU. They work on a sampling basis – and this time of year is a rich source of revenue.
So, if you want to be sure of the price of your great deal, buy within the EU (or wider customs union).
Sorry, UK businesses – blame the Brectums!
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Domino
I found a domino on the floor at Clignancourt market.
It now travels with me. I don't know why.
US Election 2024
Well, looks like it's going to be a shitshow, so here's a video from happier, less crazy times...
I'm A Celebrity 2023
I won't be watching it because I very rarely have – but I weirdly seem to write a lot about it.
This year, in a surprising format change, instead of waiting for the bushtucker trial in the final episode, the producers are introducing the anus at the start of the series.
Also, it turns out that the Chief Brectum is so addicted that he can’t function without nicotine. *sad face*
Bread Dog
It's a bread dog. Like I said.
So, back on the train to Paris for work and, when I get back, the Christmas preparations can start to start! That said, we're already a few stollens in. Is that bad? I mean, is it really? If we weren't meant to eat them, surely they'd not sell them, right?
Have a great week!
James x
I think card reader would be an appropriate English word.