Month: August 2017

The number of cases in France of contamination of eggs with fipronil continues to increase, according to the Ministry of Agriculture in a statement on Tuesday, August 15.

So far, 14 processing plants, two packaging centres and forty wholesalers have been involved in the scandal over eggs tainted with the banned insecticide.

Contaminated eggs are most probably still on sale.

“In the coming days, as analytical results become available, we will make public on the ministry’s website the name of all the contaminated products,” said Stéphane Travert, Minister of Agriculture.

“The marks, the lot number, their packaging and the date of placing on the market” will be specified. This will concern “batches tested and identified as contaminated with fipronil at levels above the permitted limit,” he said. The ministry has tried to clam fears by saying that the health risk is very low, partly due to French food habits.”

Eggs contaminated with fipronil have been reported in 17 European countries, and in Hong Kong.

Fipronil belongs to the phenylpyrazolechemical family and disrupts the insect central nervous system. Fipronil is used as the active ingredient in flea control for pets as well as agricultural pest control.

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French President Emmanuel Macron has filed a complaint against a tabloid journalist for “harassment and attempted invasion of privacy”.

The French leader is on holiday in Marseilles with his wife. The Elysee’s communication department said: “From time to time, the President went out, and this photographer followed him several times on a motorcycle. Security asked him several times not to do it, but he continued, sometimes at his own risk and peril.”

“On Sunday, he entered private property, which led to a complaint for ‘harassment and attempted invasion of privacy”. The complaint has been filed on behalf of the President,” a spokesperson said.

The photographer was reportedly held for about six hours in police custody on Sunday at a Marseille police station. He was released after “the usual verifications,” a police source said. The Elysée has denied pressurising television teams posted in front of the house occupied by the Macrons.

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The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco’s exhibition titled “Tubbataha, the Philippines’ UNESCO Marine World Heritage”, which features the images of Tubbataha Reefs captured through the lenses of renowned Filipino and American photographers, ends August 31.

The exhibition showcases photojournalists Tet Lara, Marissa Floirendo, David Doubilet, and Jennifer Hayes.

The 97,030-hectare Tubbataha Reef Marine Park in Palawan, the westernmost Philippine province is home to 72 percent of the world’s coral species and according to UNESCO, is “an excellent example of a pristine coral reef with a spectacular 100-m perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons and two coral islands”.

“We would like to help Tubbataha, using our images so the tourist can come. We can create revenue for the park so we could sustain the yearly expenses to protect it,” Tel Lara commented.

David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes are a photographic team for National Geographic Magazine, specialising in ocean environments. Their recent collaboration has taken them around the Philippines.
 
”Coral reefs are the jewels of our planet and Tubbataha is one of the best reefs in the world,” Mr Doubilet said.

The Philippines’ top underwater videographer and cinematographer, Marissa Floirendo produced the film “Tubbataha, a National Treasure,” which has the distinction of being one of the Choice Selection at the 2017 Wildlife Conservation Film Festival in New York City.

Prince Albert visited the site last year. His Serene Highness vowed to help protect the wetland of international significance.

The exhibition will run until the end of the month and be featured in the Philippines in late 2017 through the Ayala Foundation and Ayala Malls.

Tickets can be purchased online or outside of the museum (from €8 to €16).

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The International Competition of Fireworks reached its climax on Saturday, August 12, with a display from Australia, but it was the Austrians who won the contest.

Mayor Georges Marsan, surrounded by members of the jury, warmly praised the work of all the organisations for their technical and artistic prowess. Accompanied by his deputy, André J. Campana, President of the jury, he awarded first place to Steyrfire Austria, followed by Howard and Sons Pyrotechnics (Austrlia) and Arthur Rozzi Pyrotechnics (US). France’s 4 Pyragric picked up fourth place.

Following the traditional pattern of four shows, each representing a particular country, France opened the competition on July 22, followed by the Austrians on July 29, then the US on August 5 and finally Australia on Saturday.

Each show was evaluated according to strict scoring criteria ranging from pyro-musical design to final bouquet, through synchronisation, originality, choice of colours, choice of music – each criterion being rated from 0 to 10 points.

It was a difficult decision in the face of shows that have all shown great qualities, the judges said.

There’s still time for the general public to have a say with the opportunity to see or review each of the four shows online on www.monaco-feuxdartifice.mc. Viewers can then vote for their favourite. The firework team most favoured by the public will be awarded the Audience Award, which will be announced on Saturday, August 19 at midnight on the official website of the Competition.

The jury, chaired by André J. Campana, Deputy Mayor, was composed of Claude Bollati Communal Councillor), Axelle Amalberti-Verdino (General Agent of the Society of Authors, Composers and Music Publishers – SACEM), Jo Bullit (Artistic Director of the Théâtre Fort Antoine/Artist), Séverine Canis-Froidefond (Director of Urban Planning and Mobility), Edmond Putteto, former head of restaurant at SBM), and finally Danielle Marchadier and Mathis Chatillon, both passionate about fireworks.

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