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Post by scout on Jun 6, 2011 12:50:26 GMT -5
Why don't they use the proceeds from the sale of the carpet to repay the Monegasques for all the money that they are out giving these two the most expensive wedding in history? Their spendthrift ways will be their downfall. Spending and wasting money just because you can is never admired.
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Post by emmeline on Jun 6, 2011 13:06:02 GMT -5
My God, these two seriously need medical attention! (when they think they need media attention)
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Post by paca on Jun 6, 2011 13:07:37 GMT -5
I told you the medical term for this condition is Folie a deux ou a plusieurs. Comes when a couple is socially isolated. At least one of them is obviously instable as she keeps redoing her face. Pair that with Alberts desperation of trying to stay in power and you have perfect soil to work with for a psychosis; others around them are desperate too, so it just spreads around in the palace. Luckily the rest of Monaco has not caught it yet. Caro should really look into this and see whether she can get Albert admitted to treatment; Trashy is surely the driver in this madness, but Albert will probably not be cured either. I am serious. Albert has psychological problems or is totally kept isolated in his own little bubble from any negative talk or press if he really believes that his wedding hysteria is shared by his people. He needs to be committed if he thinks the world cares - as the Monaco media has been professing. I've known from the beginning that Charlene suffers from Narcissistic Personality Disorder. This is no joke this woman seriously do have this disorder. oh, I'm quite serious too. Trashy is obviously a mental case. Her need for all those surgeries etc etc is clearly not healthy. NOt at any age but surely not at her age. ALbert is not a strong character. Rainier has often stated that as have many people who had to do with him. He is living in social isolation. He has a speech problem which causes insecurities. He had a difficult relationship with his father and has all his life spent in a bubble. On his own he would have needed some help to handle the situation. but with trashy by his side they are completely out of control. And there are enough people like Stahl around them to fuel their delusion.
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Post by paca on Jun 7, 2011 4:33:39 GMT -5
LOL now they are claiming that all people from SA are behind her. I guess they are trying to take a page out of Marys book now. Funny that they have to tellthe Monegasques. Maybe they realize that no one wants to come to the wedding and are now hoping if they claim that trashy is hugely popular in SA that people would actually change their mind and say, oh well maybe that plastic botox woman who is wasting our money and prevents our schools from having enough money to give our kids the education they need to be able to have a life that does not imply to sell your body to some idiotic and fat old fart to be able to eat, is not the parasite as which we perceive her....this is bordering on a mass hysteria in the palace. These people are so incredibly desperate. They will not get people interested in her and the wedding by force feeding them crap...the French don't even make foie gras that way.... www.monacomatin.mc/node/546733
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Post by paca on Jun 7, 2011 4:51:26 GMT -5
LOL the teamspirit at SBM is very strong...yup especially when they threaten to strike ... and of course he does not want to give numbers.It is interesting that all of them avoid the topic and claim that the image will be worth it, which everyone with a functioning brain knows it's not. But it is still remarkable that the journalists keep asking and writing that question. Because they are sending a message to their readers and they are aware that Monegasques want to know and apparently there are people in the background pushing for the numbers to be made public. My understanding is that SBM will take on the charges for what happens on their premisses, so I guess they will have to add SBM to their wedding sponsors. www.monacomatin.mc/article/monaco/bernard-lambert-le-cafe-de-paris-restera-ouvert
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Post by MyAdia on Jun 7, 2011 8:02:48 GMT -5
LOL now they are claiming that all people from SA are behind her. I guess they are trying to take a page out of Marys book now. Funny that they have to tellthe Monegasques. Maybe they realize that no one wants to come to the wedding and are now hoping if they claim that trashy is hugely popular in SA that people would actually change their mind and say, oh well maybe that plastic botox woman who is wasting our money and prevents our schools from having enough money to give our kids the education they need to be able to have a life that does not imply to sell your body to some idiotic and fat old fart to be able to eat, is not the parasite as which we perceive her....this is bordering on a mass hysteria in the palace. These people are so incredibly desperate. They will not get people interested in her and the wedding by force feeding them crap...the French don't even make foie gras that way.... www.monacomatin.mc/node/546733OMG, these people have really hit a new low of desperation! Are they really that stupid to not realize they if they have to try to convince people that Charlene will benefit Monaco and that she will not destroy but enhance Monaco's image - that they are letting their readers know that obviously people believe the opposite is true! Good lawd, who is running this fiasco of public relations. They are trying to convince people that Charlene is a great role models for young girls of all social backgrounds - this is insulting! Yes, anyone can be a role model if you lie about their background. You cannot just put lipstick on this pifg Charlene Lynette Wittstock and expect this pig to be anything other than a PIG! Monaco is stuck with a plastic ignorant piece of trash and articles like this is not going to change that!
Charlene Wittstock, a new ambassador to South Africa Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The future princess arouses passion, emotion and pride of his homeland. Meeting with those who embody this new momentum
Tweet More than fifty million South Africans already support Charlene Wittstock, the former top athlete. Prouder than ever, South Africa is behind her. Big cities like Durban and Johannesburg busy to organize large rallies.
There, many young girls, very different backgrounds and multiple identities, identify with those who will join the Prince Albert II.
It must be said that the Principality, with the glamorous image it projects, is always so much dreaming. And it's not Miss Wittstock will remove the Rock's prestigious image. Quite the contrary, with the royal wedding, Monaco shines, and Charlene is not foreign to this infatuation. The young South African thirty-three seduced his countrymen here as there.
Along with disabled athletes
The stubbornness that she guessed, by her past high-level sports, leaving people in limbo.One wonders: what cause the service will she swing her temperament?
Friday, May 27 at the Amber Lounge Fashion evening held at the Meridien Hotel, Charlene was officially inducted into the Special Olympics ambassador.
The foundation, created in 1968 by the Kennedy family, supports 3.7 million athletes with disabilities worldwide. Her struggle could be summarized in this sentence, she threw two of them present at the evening: " I will never let you fall . "
A partnership with Fight Aids?
Regarding the possible actions that could lead Charlene, also his fight in the Special Olympics, speculation is rife. Everyone hopes in his heart that Charlene will carry out charity work in a particular area, like Princess Diana or Grace Kelly.
Charlene could get into the environmental cause. The young woman shared with the Prince that same interest in preserving wildlife and flora. Jason Hartman, South African artist, thinks it most certainly will start in "the fight against poaching and the ivory trade in Africa."
Another hypothesis, that a partnership with the association Fight Aids Monaco of Princess Stephanie. AIDS is endemic in South Africa, has reached a very critical threshold of 11% seropositivity in the population. The country, which shows the sad world record contaminated with HIV, with more than 5 million HIV-positive, could attract the attention of its new ambassador.
In all cases, it is almost certain and natural actions will be taken to her native country.
A few weeks before the royal wedding, the rainbow nation of Mandela sky has eyes for Charlene! Princess of Monaco, the young woman will also be the new ambassador to South Africa on the international stage. Tweet
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Post by MadameConcorde on Jun 7, 2011 8:21:20 GMT -5
Why don't they use the proceeds from the sale of the carpet to repay the Monegasques for all the money that they are out giving these two the most expensive wedding in history? Monegasques don't pay income tax. Residents don't pay income tax. Contrary to France, the head of state can't be caught spending the people's tax money as there is no such things as income tax. TVA (VAT) does not count. It falls in a different category. Businesses pay hardly anything. See here: www.monte-carlo.mc/index-fiscalite_monte_carlo-fr.htmlGrimaldi Albert Deux has a personal fortune. He can certainly pay for the wedding himself. The sponsors, the press, etc. will cover whatever extra costs.
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Post by MyAdia on Jun 7, 2011 8:23:50 GMT -5
LOL the teamspirit at SBM is very strong...yup especially when they threaten to strike ... and of course he does not want to give numbers.It is interesting that all of them avoid the topic and claim that the image will be worth it, which everyone with a functioning brain knows it's not. But it is still remarkable that the journalists keep asking and writing that question. Because they are sending a message to their readers and they are aware that Monegasques want to know and apparently there are people in the background pushing for the numbers to be made public. My understanding is that SBM will take on the charges for what happens on their premisses, so I guess they will have to add SBM to their wedding sponsors. www.monacomatin.mc/article/monaco/bernard-lambert-le-cafe-de-paris-restera-ouvert Good lawd, have these people escaped from an insane asylum???!!! Do they really believe that any expenses put into this trashy made-for-tv wedding will be recouped from the positive image that FatAl and Trashlene give on their wedding day? SBM alone will have 700 employees working on the wedding days (plus others) and they are going to take out the seats of the Opera House for FatAl and Trashlene can have a dance floor and Lambert , head of the SBM, says the cost doesn't matter because the world will be watching this wedding. Monaco is in deep shit and won't recover if these people actually believe this dribble they are saying because Monaco is being run by a bunch of loonies! How many people will work for the wedding? Everybody cares. This represents about seven hundred employees, plus external aid. Esprit de corps is very strong in SBM ... What about casinos? The Casino de Monte Carlo will be closed on July 1 and 2. The building is already undergoing its transformation. The seats in the Salle Garnier are removed from this weekend to set a floor for the dance after dinner.
How much these multiple facilities and organizations? I'm not talking in euro. The setting of this marriage will be broadcasted worldwide. In terms of image, it is essential. We expect to experience a unique event. We must create a festive air to the Principality shine, even more.
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Post by MyAdia on Jun 7, 2011 8:30:40 GMT -5
Monegasques don't pay income tax. Residents don't pay income tax. Contrary to France, the head of state can't be caught spending the people's tax money as there is no such things as income tax. TVA (VAT) does not count. It falls in a different category. Businesses pay hardly anything. See here: www.monte-carlo.mc/index-fiscalite_monte_carlo-fr.htmlGrimaldi Albert Deux has a personal fortune. He can certainly pay for the wedding himself. The sponsors, the press, etc. will cover whatever extra costs. True, Monaco doesn't have income tax, but Albert is NOT paying for this wedding. The Monaco government is paying for it - which has been stated in an article. Already, Albert has far surpassed the government's originally budget of 4 millions euros, which was mentioned by the Minister of State in an article I posted. The cost of this wedding does affect the people of Monaco and their livelihood especially since the Monaco government has announced its largest budget deficit ever. It is a problem for the people since their seems to be no budget and no mention of cost for this wedding.
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Post by paca on Jun 7, 2011 9:39:59 GMT -5
Why don't they use the proceeds from the sale of the carpet to repay the Monegasques for all the money that they are out giving these two the most expensive wedding in history? Monegasques don't pay income tax. Residents don't pay income tax. Contrary to France, the head of state can't be caught spending the people's tax money as there is no such things as income tax. TVA (VAT) does not count. It falls in a different category. Businesses pay hardly anything. See here: www.monte-carlo.mc/index-fiscalite_monte_carlo-fr.htmlGrimaldi Albert Deux has a personal fortune. He can certainly pay for the wedding himself. The sponsors, the press, etc. will cover whatever extra costs. the problem is he does not. It is coming right out of the budget that is usually destined to pay for schools, hospitals etc. The new hospital building has been cancelled due to money problems, the schools are only accepting resident children as of this year due to lack of money to spend on schools. Monaco receive an enormous amount of French tax money each year for what they claim Monaco spends in France. They do not pay France or French citizens any TVA in return for buying in Monaco. Carrefour alone must be making them millions. Albert never intended to pay his private money for the wedding. He considers this a state investment. he is selling it as such. Btw there is also the tax habitation which Monaco does have, as we received a rather high bill whilst still living in Monaco. And businesses do pay less tax then in France, but they do pay and it is only a few percent less then in France. Due to the high realestate prices it does not make Monaco that attractive for regular companies to invest. Mostly they are constructions to avoid paying taxes elsewhere with majority investment outside of Monaco. They do take money from these companies though for allowing them their shady business. Whenever these companies want or need anything they receive a list of where they have to send a check first and how many zeros there ought to be before the comma. People in Monaco pay every day by buying overpriced products, paying overpriced rents. They would be better of paying taxes. At least those who actually need to work for a living.
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Post by paca on Jun 7, 2011 10:10:46 GMT -5
Monegasques don't pay income tax. Residents don't pay income tax. Contrary to France, the head of state can't be caught spending the people's tax money as there is no such things as income tax. TVA (VAT) does not count. It falls in a different category. Businesses pay hardly anything. See here: www.monte-carlo.mc/index-fiscalite_monte_carlo-fr.htmlGrimaldi Albert Deux has a personal fortune. He can certainly pay for the wedding himself. The sponsors, the press, etc. will cover whatever extra costs. True, Monaco doesn't have income tax, but Albert is NOT paying for this wedding. The Monaco government is paying for it - which has been stated in an article. Already, Albert has far surpassed the government's originally budget of 4 millions euros, which was mentioned by the Minister of State in an article I posted. The cost of this wedding does affect the people of Monaco and their livelihood especially since the Monaco government has announced its largest budget deficit ever. It is a problem for the people since their seems to be no budget and no mention of cost for this wedding. exactly and this wedding is having negative consequences on the surrounding communities before it even took place. All surrounding communities have problems with their school budget. It is every year the same procedure that classes are being closed due to budget cuts. the problem is that although the classes get closed, the children are still there and want to go to school. for decades Monaco has provided for a certain number of children from these communities if the parents were working in Monaco. This was not only to help those communities, but also to be able to offer an efficient schoolsystem to Monaco residents. Also France is doing a lot of work for Monaco, i.e. educating their teachers, supervising their schoolexams etc. WIthout the cooperation of France, paid for by tax money of people residing in these communities, Monaco would not be having an effective school system. Monaco is switching from a mutual give and take system that was established under Rainier to a take only system. That is the first step to suicide of an economy. Monaco is a protected and thus controllable market. BUt it is in no way autarc. It can not exist on it's own but it is acting as if it can survive without the help of the region. Refusing to continue the give and take, they are putting the surrounding communities in perril, which these will not forget. Beausoleil only needs to block a few main roads for construction work and Monaco has a major traffic problem, which also has economic consequences. If they want they can stop access to the Odeon tower construction site. All they need to do is claim there is a problem with a pipe in the road due to the heavy trucks. How do you think the monaco investor would like that if they can not continue construction work for weeks or maybe even months, because the Beausoleil community does not have the manpower nor the money to tend to the problem straight away....For the moment officials are not saying much, but they are listening to what people say. And these people have to stand for election so they have to listen to people. And if living conditions in Beausoleil get worse due to the way Monaco acts, you will see consequences. The mayors of the region are closely connected. they will think of sth. Monaco should not underestimate these people. For the moment they still have power, even if Estrosi would like to take them all in so he can ask for more money in his bank account...or rather that of his wife....
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Post by MyAdia on Jun 7, 2011 12:28:11 GMT -5
Well, after all the days for the Citizens and the first day after the residents could get their tickets for the Eagles Concert - 7000 tickets (to 3500 people) have been picked up. Monaco is counting this a success since almost haf of the tickets are gone. From Monaco Telecom:
Eagles: places to retire! June 7, 2011 - 13:03 By B. Ulrich
As we know, Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock invite the eve of their civil marriage Monegasques, residents, commuters and workers in the Principality to a special concert of Eagles. The enthusiasm is real and promises a wonderful evening. But attention first come, first served! This is an application of the future royal couple: "We would welcome the Eagles." A request to Zeghdar Selim, head of Monaco Live Production, among other organizer of the last great concerts that took place in the Principality (Muse, ZZ Top ...). A nice gift since the group who composed the legendary Hotel California is on tour in Europe, but without passing through France. An excluded what! Are therefore invited all those with a strong link with the Principality. Places are already out at the Louis II for Monaco (30 May 11 June), as well as for residents (from June 6 to 11).Concerning the inhabitants of surrounding communities and people working in Monaco office opening is scheduled from June 14 to 18 To date, 7,000 seats have already been withdrawn. But each "segment" of guests will have its quota of seats. However, regarding the latter, knowing that only 15,000 will be distributed in any reservations, it will be fast. First come, first served. A formula is also valid for the placement: indeed, the audience will sit facing the stage, but the seats are not numbered. Rest assured, that everyone enjoy the festivities, two screens of 24m ² will frame the show and another will serve as a backdrop.
June 30, opening doors is scheduled at 19.30. The first act will be Jason Hartman, a South African singer that we have already seen in the Brasserie at the Monaco Grand Prix. The artist is known for his victory in Idol, New Star South African version. Then 22h, typically up to rock California, while the Eagles song, which despite a somewhat chaotic path reached into his boat. Certainly intense moment, a nice introduction, and a first communion for Monaco and her new royal couple ...
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Post by MyAdia on Jun 7, 2011 12:57:35 GMT -5
so trashy get's her own account for people who want sth off her to pay in. What happened to the German company that claims to do the carpet? How much carpet do they need? Monaco isn't that big. Besides do they honestly think that anyone wants to buy a shred of their carpet? It's not the Berlin wall and it is not an event of historic magnitude. I'm sorry, but these guys have lost all sense of reality and belong into the loony bin. There must be some psychological term for their joint condition... Paca, a German rug company Ruhr is actually manufacturing the carpet. It seems that Albert, Charlene and the palace are trying to deceive the people by only mentioning the local Monaco carpet company so that they can continue to say that the are using all local vendors to keep the money in the local economy. Also, according to this German version of the Riviera Times article, the carpet will be cut, up in 300 pieces, signed, framed and auctioned off to benefit Albert's foundation and Princess Charlene's future Foundation (which I'm sure the Narcissistic Conlene will set up as soon as she has the title since she has been talking about it since the engagement). Praytell, where will the find 300 suckers (most likely ass-lickers) to buy the carpet?
Red carpet for Royal Wedding comes from the Ruhr 6 June 2011 Rolf Liffers
The Bochum carpet designer Jan Kath designs are the carpet, step over the Prince Albert II and Charlene Wittstock to the wedding. In close collaboration with Fashion for Floors, the world's unique store design concept for carpets and floor Culture from Monte-Carlo-designed, award-winning designer of the exclusive creation where the royal couple will begin their journey together.
The red carpet for the Royal Wedding in Monaco come from Germany. To the creation of the famous designer Jan Kath Bochum are Prince Albert and his fiancee Charlene Wittstock on 2 July proceed to the altar.
This was confirmed Kath's spokeswoman on request. For more information on the specific task they could not give up arrangement of the palace, however.
Jan Kath is one of the leading international carpet designers.His unusual creations that combine such patterns with oriental minimalist design are already in Arab royal families as well as rock star Anthony Kiedis.
From the textile trade Kath had a few years ago, "fed up": A chance led him to the carpet design. Today, the artist creates pieces outside the mainstream, handmade carpets as floor coverings are Egenter a shame.
With the creation of the PRINCIPALITY do the long-term partner for Fashion Floors and Jan Kath the magic of this great moment can continue to live after the wedding. After the festival is the 550 square meter carpet, a gift from Fashion for Floors to the pair, divided into 300 individual pieces that are signed by the newly wed couple. Each unique piece is framed and auctioned. The proceeds will benefit the foundations of Charlene and Albert.
Those who want to experience the world of Fashion for Floors Carpet in Germany, this may continue to do so in Germany: In July, the first German concept store for Floor Couture in Frankfurt am Main.
Read more about the wedding in the Principality and the pair of you in the June edition of the Riviera Côte d'Azur Zeitung.
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Post by paca on Jun 7, 2011 13:20:57 GMT -5
yeah I was wondering where Moghadam was suddenly getting all those people to do the job in Monaco. Besides they are not a manufacturer really. They sell oriental carpets and the son has started to design modern carpets. They have them produced somewhere else, possibly in Germany as although they are originally from Iran the family came to Monaco via Munich. I often go past there on my way down to the beach and I have to say that I have yet to see anything on display that I find tasteful and worth buying. They use animal skins, mostly from Africa, combined with other materials.
as for the 300 pieces, well I am sure that they will find somebody to buy them. Sounds to me that they are using only a small portion of the carpet and most likely those 300 pieces will be done separately already framed and delivered before the wedding takes place. I am sure that the entire carpet will be rolled up and stored for another occasion.
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Post by margarita on Jun 7, 2011 16:32:00 GMT -5
"I am sure that the entire carpet will be rolled up and stored for another occasion." sure - it will be rolled out at Nice airport the day Cashy (and Albert?) + Trashy's workshy family have to leave Monaco. From THAT carpet I will buy a piece! And I guess it will sell well. Or will it be a fly-away carpet? Germans are famous for technique and innovation!
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Post by MyAdia on Jun 8, 2011 12:22:45 GMT -5
According to Jason Hartman, who gave a lot of interviews before he flew to Monaco to slurp off of ALbert, Andrea Bochelli is also performing at the Eagles concert. Also, Point de Vue had mentioned that he and Paul McCartney was performing at a convert for the wedding. Excertp from this TVSA article:
The Monaco wedding: all you need to know Monday, June 06, 2011 by Tashi Tagg ... While all this is going on, Idols 5 co-winner Jason Hartman is in the action too. He's currently in Monaco performing with his band, while working on a song that the couple will very probably be using as their first dance.
He left South Africa before the Monaco Grand Prix last Sunday - I chatted to him just before he flew off:
Tashi: How did it happen that you're singing at the wedding? Jason: I know Wayne Riddin, who was her swimming coach, and he obviously knows her. The connection was made, I think Charlene's mother was quite a fan [of mine] - it just came up in conversation and Wayne said: "Look, I know Jason."
I went across last year in August/September and we just became really good mates and I saw her again recently when she came out for the Midmar Mile and we had a connection and she's invited me across now which is pretty amazing.
Tashi: So have you actually written the song? Jason: I'm busy writing it, it isn't finished yet, I'm going to play it for them and see what they say. It would be nice if they're keen to have it as their first dance kind of thing - I've got a really nice song for them so hopefully they take it.
Tashi: So it'll be the first dance they dance to once they're married? Jason: Yes, that's the plan.
I've got a full band there - a five-piece band, my dad and brother are in the band and my godfather and a Ugandan guy on base. We're going to be performing throughout June - at different clubs, yacht parties so we're booking ourselves as we go.
We're playing at a concert at the Soccer stadium on the 30th June. The Eagles are playing that - they're the main act of the night so we're opening for them, which is a huge honour for us.
That's a free concert for the public before the wedding - it's a massive stadium, Andrea Bochelli is another one of the artists who'll be performing. A whole of artists will be performing so it's going to be incredible performing on that stage as well.
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Post by paca on Jun 8, 2011 12:56:45 GMT -5
hmmmm so why did the palace pr keep Bocchelli a secret? I am sure he is a bigger draw then Hartmann to people here...well, maybe they heard that I almost ran over him with a pram about a decade ago when he left the restaurant downstairs and are fearing that I might pull a similar stunt and jeopardize their precious concert
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Post by MyAdia on Jun 8, 2011 12:57:51 GMT -5
Now the florists is talking- well they just asked this woman to do the flowers. From Mid Libre
Ales Evelyn Rollin will participate in the floral decoration of the royal wedding in Monaco Midi Libre 08/06/2011
Evelyn Rollin florist Ales. She was selected to participate in the floral decoration of the marriage of Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock.
"It will be a great experience. But for now I know no more." It must wait for Wednesday before the ceremony known its true role in this unusual marriage.
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Post by smt on Jun 8, 2011 13:23:53 GMT -5
That's what I was afriad of. BTW, I'm on my way to D.C. ... got an invitation to attend the Welcoming Ceremony for the Chancellor of Germany on the South Lawn of the White House tomorrow AM. I'll take a look around and make sure that none of the carpeting is being cut up into pieces to pay off the national debt! Have fun!! Please don't give Congress any ideas about the carpet! The carpets are safe in Washington. The future of Social Security? Probably not so safe!
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Post by MyAdia on Jun 8, 2011 13:56:58 GMT -5
OMG, I don't know how much of this I can continue to report, because Albert and Charlene are so full of shit and themselves that is is beyond pathetic. Ducasse gave yet ANOTHER interview about htis meal which you will tink he is preparing the last supper for Jesus Christ. The Emperor and Empress will have another event on July 3rd - there really is no end to Albert and Charlene's extrvagance at the expense of the plebs of Monaco! What's funny is that Ducasse, like Stupid Al and Trashlene, keep saying that they do not won't to reveal the details yet they keep talking. Ducasse want us to know that Albert asked him in February to prepare he meal at a meeting in Paris that was under big secrecy. Who the f*ck cares who's cooking this meal and what it is! The world is not waiting in baited breath to find out - these idiots are the only ones talking or caring about it. Oh, I almost forgot, Ducasse wants us to know that Albert and Charlene care so much about the environment that the vegetables "will never suffer the indignity of refrigeration, being harvested just hours before the dinner."
For Monaco royal wedding, chef Ducasse looks localBy JENNY BARCHFIELD, Associated Press 8 June 2011
PARIS (AP) — With three triple-star Michelin restaurants and more than 20 other temples of haute gastronomy scattered around the globe, celebrity chef Alain Ducasse is used to catering to the rich and famous.
But the veteran cook admits his blood pressure is rising ahead of next month's royal wedding in Monaco, where he will prepare a multi-course gala dinner for Prince Albert, bride-to-be Charlene Wittstock, and their 500 A-list guests.
"I've done gala dinners before, but never an official meal for a head of state. It's a first for me," Ducasse told The Associated Press in an interview Wednesday in Paris.
Asked whether he was feeling daunted by the task, the chef nodded, although he vowed to "share my stress.
"I'm going to pass it along to those I work with," he said, laughing.
And with an estimated 350-stong team on hand for the July 2 event — which caps the two-day-long nuptial festivities in the tiny Mediterranean principality — Ducasse should be able to spread his stress widely.
While being careful not to divulge exactly what's on the menu for the three-course meal, Ducasse revealed just enough to make the mouth water.
"Prince Albert is very interested in protecting the Mediterranean, its flora and its fauna. It's something of an obsession," Ducasse said. "We decided to do something sustainable, local and ethical."
"It's going to be like the essence of the Mediterranean Sea, its tastes, its smells and its colors ... fresh line-caught fish, garden vegetables and fruits for dessert," he said.
Besides the Champagne, which comes from the eponymous region of northeast France, and a South African red wine honoring the bride's roots, nearly all ingredients will be sourced from a 6-mile (10-kilometer) radius from Monaco — a tiny concrete hive of high-rises, Art Deco casinos and five-star hotels.
The honey will come from Monaco's very own urban bee hives and the fish — all local species, none of them threatened with extinction — are to be line-caught hours before they're served up, Ducasse said.
The vegetables, a sun-drenched medley of local staples including tomatoes, peppers and zucchini, are being grown at the prince's own farm, and will never suffer the indignity of refrigeration, being harvested just hours before the dinner.
Ducasse said Prince Albert invited him to prepare the gala dinner in a mystery-cloaked meeting in the Monegasque embassy in Paris last February.
"I didn't know what it was about, but I was hoping it was about the wedding," said Ducasse, who was born in France but officially became a citizen of Monaco three years ago. "I told him, 'my lord, I took the liberty of already preparing a menu, so as not to waste time.'"
The menu got the princely stamp of approval: Both Prince Albert and Wittstock, a former Olympic swimmer, sampled the meal and "they liked it, which is a relief," Ducasse said.
He said he'll also be in charge of preparing the post-festivities brunch on July 3, in conjunction with Monaco's other celebrity chef, Joel Robuchon.
Still, the wedding — the first marriage of a Monegasque monarch since 1956, when Albert's father, Prince Rainier III, wed American actress Grace Kelly — is not the only thing on Ducasse's plate. The chef-cum-empresario was jetting off to Saint Petersburg, where he was to inaugurate the newest edition to his 20-plus restaurant empire and his first foray into Russia.
After that comes his breakthrough endeavor in the Middle East, a restaurant in Doha that's slated to open in the coming months.
Ducasse already runs establishments in Monaco, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong and France, where he runs the Jules Verne, a fine dining experience perched 410 feet (135 meters) up the Eiffel Tower. In the U.S., the affable 54-year-old has restaurants in Las Vegas, New York, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Ducasse holds an impressive total of 19 Michelin stars, according to company officials.
"I keep busy," the chef said with a wistful smile.
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