French President Sarkozy loses it on Lake Winnipesaukee

Childhood happy memories flooding back of the beautiful New Hampshire lake that is a serene slice of summer for many vacationing in New England. Not so for French President Nicolas Sarkozy who lost his mind over two American reporters covering his vacation Sunday, where he actually jumped onto their boat and read them the riot act in French.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy poses for photographers following a news conference on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro New Hampshire, USA, 05 August 2007. Sarkozy is vacationing with his family at the home of former Microsoft Corporation executive Mike Appe on Lake Winnipesaukee. EPA/CJ GUNTHERThe French connection went down on Sunday afternoon as Sarkozy and friends were in a boat on New Hampshire's Lake Winnipesaukee when he spotted Associated Press photographer Jim Cole and freelancer Vince DeWitt aboard Cole's boat, which was outside a buoy barrier monitored by the New Hampshire Marine Patrol.According to FOX News, "before Sarkozy spotted him, Cole had driven his boat up to the patrol boat, identified himself and received permission to be there.""He was happy and smiling and he waved at the security people as he was coming out," Cole said to FOX of the president. "And then he noticed us taking pictures and his happy demeanor diminished immediately." Sarkozy

Sarkozy

Sarkozy apparently had a change of heart as the two men who were snapping photos claim Sarkozy pointed toward them and his boat began moving in their direction. FOX reports that Sarkozy came next to Cole's boat, and the French president "clad only in swim trunks, jumped aboard and began shouting at them.""The president was very agitated, speaking French at a loud volume very rapidly," DeWitt said.Neither photographer could understand the words coming out of Sarkozy's mouth. Cole said that he asked whether any of the other passengers on Sarkozy's boat spoke English, no one responded according to FOX.

What about Nicolas?

According to FOX, "Sarkozy picked up DeWitt's camera but then put it down."Hours earlier, Sarkozy had spoken to reporters and said in French, "I am naturally ready to answer all your questions, and maybe afterward you will resume covering the news and other topics, and leave me tranquilly with my family." An AP reporter taped Sarkozy's remarks and had them translated, but the photographers did not hear the translation until after the altercation.A cease and desist request from Sarkozy was honored by Cole and DeWitt, who promised to stop shooting photos for the day. Sarkozy, according toFOX, "calmed down, reboarded his boat and continued out onto the lake with his party, followed by a boat carrying U.S. Secret Service agents."FOX reports that Sarkozy and his family have been vacationing at a lakefront estate in Wolfeboro owned by former Microsoft Corp. executive Michael Appe. The president was previously photographed relaxing dockside in his swim trunks.Lake Winnipesaukee Facts:* Means “beautiful water in a high place”. A second interpretation from Indian folklore is “The smile of the great spirit.”* 6 mapped shipwrecks* 55,685 acres of water, 240 miles of shoreline. * 625 billion gallons of water * More than 300 islands, largest is 750 acres * Elevation 504 feet above sea level. * Deepest point is 187 feet. * Location for 'What About Bob" film with Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss* Average depth is 43 feet. * Clarity in Wolfeboro Bay is 25 feet (Sechi disc transparency). * Freezes over between late December and early January.* It's the largest lake in New Hampshire * There are 365 islands of which 274 are habitable * It is 504 feet above sea level * Rattlesnake Island has the highest elevation of 400 feet * There are eight cities and towns that border Lake Winnipesaukee - Alton, Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Meredith, Moultonboro, Tuftonboro and Wolfeboro* Wolfeboro is the oldest summer resort town in the US * Number of islands that can be reached by bridge - six; Black Cat Island, Long * Wild animals in the Lake Winnipesaukee region: Otter, beaver, muskrat, mink, fisher, moose, deer, black bear, coyotes and bobcats

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JayAug 6th, 2007 - 23:28:17

Who gives a common rats ass. This is a story?!?!...people are dumb enough to get emotional about THIS story? Guys on vacation, gets a little un-diplomatic when his vacation is temporarily marred by paparazzi. Americans respond: Boo Paparazzi, Boo French. This is news?...really?

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Haydee ParisAug 6th, 2007 - 23:28:57

What you American folks may not know, is that a law protects private life in France. Sarkozy, whose children we never saw before the day he was made president (normal to us) is holidaying with his family. During his press conference he asked for tranquility, that's why he reacted to those journalists, or should I say paparazzi? There was no sound information in such picts, just intrusion into his private life. French people are pretty sick at this harrassment and I could sum up their reactions by 'leave them quiet'. Foutez leur la paix!!!!!!!!!!

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disgruntled American workerAug 7th, 2007 - 00:34:13

gee, I wish I was on Lake Winnipesaukee right now, having a vacation..
wait, a vacation, what's that?
where you can actually take a week, or two and chill with your family or do nothing?

THATS right, it's that crazy thing European types get to do the ENTIRE month of August, along with not worrying if they get sick or need time off for work..

silly silly me, back to work...make my corporate bosses richer so they can join Sarkozy for a Pernod by the pool...they never miss their seasonal 'vacances' mon dieu, Gstaad and St Barts awaits too...

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Bobby MacAug 7th, 2007 - 08:30:28

He showed a lot of restraint as far as I'm concerned. The guys in his trunks with his family after a rough election and these blood suckers seek him out.

What a way to make a buck!

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Ian LondonAug 7th, 2007 - 14:13:10

He's a bit nervous for a guy with a nuclear bomb. Very French, he and himself, nothing else.

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PeteAug 7th, 2007 - 15:05:42

This is not a problem of cultural misunderstanding. Paparazzi suck whether they are based in the U.S., Europe or anyplace else for that mater. I won't criticize the President's actions at all.

BTY Sam, based on your comment, you suck to...

Have a nice day.

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WolfboroiteAug 8th, 2007 - 21:11:50

'What About Bob' was filmed in New York State. Richard Dryfuss was in 'Once Around' with Holly Hunter which was filmed here in Wolfeboro. He enjoyed his visit here so much he wanted the lake in 'What About Bob' to be called Lake Winnipesaukee. Fortunately, we in Wolfeboro have a great many 'famous people' visiting here....and living here during the summers. They love it because they are left to enjoy their privacy. We also show respect for those who deserve it and ignore those who don't. Some of the comments made on this blog deserve to be ignored.

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