Two Million Alcoholics in France
The French may be a little weak at sports, but when it comes to alcoholism they hold every possible record. A report placed on the government’s table these days reveals, among other things, that two million French people are alcoholics. Another three million are defined as “drinking too much.” Alcohol kills 40,000 people a year in France, through illness and accidents. And citizens spend tens of billions of francs a year on the bitter drop.
The special team of researchers appointed by the president of France reveals an intriguing fact: the average French alcoholic is losing his historical image as a “wine drinker.” Average wine consumption per person fell from 177 liters in 1959 to 95 liters in 1977. But beer consumption, for example, rises by five percent every year, along with consumption of hard alcoholic drinks, among which whisky, popular with more and more French people, stands out. The change in drinking habits does not change the results: 40 percent of those admitted to psychiatric hospitals. 20–40 percent in general hospitals. A quarter of suicide cases. And finally: about a third of road accidents. All these are results of alcohol consumption in France.
Jesus in Moscow
The Soviet Union will produce seven million models of Jesus over the next five years. This does not mean the figure of the father of Christianity, but jeans bearing the holy name. These trousers were once the subject of a lawsuit by the Vatican, after an advertisement distributed in Europe showed a girl wearing rather provocative jeans, with the name “Jee-sus” written on them in a not very modest place, saying: “If you love me — follow me.”
The Soviets, who have now acquired the production rights, apparently decided that if there is no choice and they have to give in to the youth who want jeans, they might as well kill another sacred bird on this occasion.
Brigitte, Friend of Animals
“Brigitte Bardot, Friend of Animals” is the name of an illustrated children’s book that makes use of Brigitte’s work to save wild animals to introduce children to the former star in the company of every kind of animal imaginable.
It is hard to know whether the book will increase awareness of love for animals, but Brigitte is still so photogenic, and the poses (excuse the expression) so successful, that it is quite clear why many parents hurry to buy this book. After that, they can work out with the child who will read it first.
Giscard’s Talisman
The talisman that French President Giscard d’Estaing has recently been inseparable from is an ivory bracelet he wears on his right wrist.
A tried-and-tested charm for political success?
Kissinger Makes Money
Since leaving his political posts, Henry Kissinger has shown a healthy business sense.
Not long ago, he received the sum of one hundred thousand francs (about 1.3 million Israeli pounds!) for taking part in an interview on French television. Another fifty thousand francs went into the pocket of the former secretary of state in exchange for a single lecture in Monaco.
Television · 2008
Gideon Kouts’s special report from Damascus for the Mabat news program
Journalist Gideon Kouts reports to Channel 1’s Mabat program from Paris after returning from Damascus, where he was part of the press delegation accompanying French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Kouts describes being received as an Israeli journalist, the appearance of the city, the heavy security at Assad’s presidential palace, and the four-way summit held there.
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