I almost threw up when I read this: "Prime Minister Jean-Claude Raffarin and conservative government have pledged to cut value added tax (VAT) on sit-down restaurant meals to 5.5 percent from the standard 19.6 percent." (Emphasis most definitely mine)

And France has to ask the EU's permission to lower its own meal tax?! Michael, you most assuredly mad Belgian, are you sure you support this whole EU thingy? I'll be glad to send you an application for U.S. citizenship.