In further American lunacy, a Republican succeeded in renaming French Fries “freedom fries” and French toast “freedom toast” in House of Representatives restaurants in Washington. Other restaurants in America are following suit. Ohio Congressman Bob Ney ordered the menu change. The move is to symbolize the anger that some lawmakers feel over French opposition to a U.S.-led war on Iraq. Ney says French fries will return when the French government comes around. Sacre Maroon.

Too bad French fries aren’t French. They’re from Belgium. Americans better be careful. Many things aren’t as French as they seem.

French’s Mustard

Americans were introduced to French’s mustard almost 100 years ago during the St. Louis World’s Fair of 1904. The yellow sauce became forever linked with another brand-new American innovation, the hot dog. It’s the number one mustard in the States. Or it was. Pass the relish.

Mr. French

On the TV show Family Affair, Giles French was the dedicated butler of Manhattan bachelor Bill Davis, plus the children Cissy, Buffy and Jody. French wasn’t French. He was born in the West End of London, and he met Uncle Bill for when Davis was working on a project in London. French spoke Arabic and once worked for the shah of Morocco.

French Poodles

The poodle has been known throughout Western Europe for at least 400 years, but its origin is controversial. Dog folks aren’t sure if it was developed in France, Germany, Denmark, or the ancient Piedmont. True, France has now been officially recognized as its country of origin, and the breed occupies a special place in the affections of the French. In France, they call a poodle the “Caniche,” or duck dog.

It could be a mistake lumping poodles in with rottweilers and pit bulls on the no-go dog list.

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