Versailles and its art

The Versailles Castle in France is one of the most beautiful royal monuments of France. This castle was the home for several kings like Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI and today when we think of France, we think of the Eiffel Tour and Versailles (the monarchy). The art we find in this castle represents well the time of the monarchy, and their lifestyle. Among the types of style we find the Classic style and Baroque style, and some imitation of the Greek mythology. We don't think of modern art because Versailles itself represent history thanks the antique architecture.
I had the opportunity to visit Versailles on Fri, Dec 19, 2008 and to my surprise several things have changed. I was glad to see how beautiful it look from the outside. As I entered I saw a extra room that was built to check-in. An extra service is also offered, they take your extra bags (if you are bringing you own good), and baby strollers, etc. I liked it because I had brought food and my bag was heavy and this way I had the opportunity to enjoy the visit without the extra weight. Once inside the castle I discovered Jeff Koons' art. I had no idea who this person was and yes I asked to the tourist guide about this artist and they gave me a pamphlet with his biography. The art exposed inside the castle had no relation with Versailles antiquity. The audio guide I had explained the relations between modern and classic art... I just couldn't believe it!
Among Koons' art exhibitions I saw a giant balloon dog (in metal), Michael Jackson and bubbles the monkey along with the pink panther. I ask, how is this relevant to Versailles art?. Michael Jackson in Versailles, who's idea was to exhibit this? I'm not denying the beauty of Jeff Koons' art, but the Versailles Castle was not the right place for it.
Two days earlier, while visiting the Louvre I've seen a group of people protesting about culture and how french people shouldn't forget about it. I didn't understand what was going on, but after seeing the art of Versailles I see why french people might be worried about their culture (culture is history). Jeff Koons is an American artist born in 1955, way after Louis XIV, Louis XV and even Louis XVI. Some of his work has been shown in Rockefeller Center and he also contributed a balloon flower shown at the 7 World Trade Center in New York City. He's a well known artist with great talent that has achieved a lot, but come on now, just because he is talented,he had to present his art in Versailles?. I don't agree with the decision made, and I find scandalous to see his art in a place like Versailles. We have to preserve culture in general and not disrespect it by comparing to modern art... I don't care how talented or well known the artist might be!

Engagements and diamond rings

Have you thought of the perfect marriage proposal? This is a very important step therefore for some people the proposal must be perfect. What perfect means? Well for some it means a romantic dinner and/or a trip with a diamond ring. Now, the question is, what do we know about diamond rings? Diamonds are gorgeous, but behind this beautiful jewel it hides violence and corruption. The truth is that in almost all markets we can find corruption and the diamond industry is not an exception. Countries like Sierra Leona, Angola and Congo are known for their black markets and abuse to mine workers. Workers rights are not respected and they earn little money for these beautiful gems, while we are paying exorbitant prices for it. Where does the money goes? The big companies that sell it, and this money is also often use to buy the government to look the other way (see movie Blood Diamond). When buying a diamond ring we must be careful, buying a certificated diamond might be helpful because it assures us that this gems hasn't been stolen. Conflict-free and free-trade diamonds are also an option but they are normally more expensive.
Now that we know a little more about diamonds, girls, do we really want a diamond ring? Nowadays diamonds are common and I certainly wouldn't want an ordinary gem. I think that over the years the big diamond industries have done a great job making us believe that our love can be represented by a diamond. The slogan "a diamond is forever" created by DeBeers on 1947, has become so popular that we even believe that if a diamond is forever so will be our love. I don't want to change people's ideas, but I do want us to think for a bit, I am not trying to kill romanticism, but that's the truth. Every woman is special and we deserve something special and I just don't believe diamonds are that rare anymore. I was reading "Miss Penguin" blog and story about diamonds and it was then I thought for us (women) an engagement can only be represented by a ring. After reading "Miss Penguin" story I thought of a friend of mine and her ideas about proposals; a 'perfect' proposal is when the boy goes down on his knee and asks the question by popping up a diamond ring.
I did some research on the 'perfect proposal' and you can find many ideas on how to tell that special someone how special she or he is, some are casual and other ones are just charming. Now I have some questions for you, how would you like your partner to propose to you? How about just a trip with no ring or how about some other jewel, like a bracelet or a necklace? Instead of diamonds why not pearls or some other gemstone. If you were to change the diamond ring for another precious stone, what would it be?

We have a new president: Barack Obama

"Yes, we can", the crowd said when Obama presented himself after projection votes stating he was the new president. After eight years under the Republican party, Democrats finally showed victorious. It took 21 months and a lot of hard work to be where we are now. Obama is the first African-American president in US history and I think this is the type of change the US was aiming for.
"The road ahead will be long. I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight" (CNN, Transcript) said Obama, who is focusing on the people to make our country a better country. I know this victory upsets others, but we must remain united because this is our country and divided we won't go anywhere. Candidate McCain even offered his support to Obama,we should all follow his example. This is the country we all love and we need to make efforts to put end to our differences and obtain the prosperity we all want. I believe McCain held himself with a remarkable demeanor and this is what we all need to do.
This is the beginning of a new era for the US - We should be grateful to be living this, it took years and hard work to have women and African-Americans to vote and now we have an African-American as a president, but this is what change is all about. It was a difficult campaign, but everyone's efforts have paid off and now its time to focus on fixing the problems. Like Obama said "And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too" (CNN, Transcript). Let's not forget it.
Every four years when a new president is elected a new journey begins and this is no different, we must believe!

Un bebé a todo precio

Hoy en día gracias al avance de la medicina, nosotras las mujeres podemos tener hijos a la edad de lo imposible-la vejez. Querer ser madre es una prueba muy grande, no importa la edad. Pero hay muchas mujeres que aun siendo joven no pueden concebir, y recurren a las opciones que sus doctores y la medicina les ofrecen, ¿pero que tan capaces somos de afrontar tales pruebas?
¿Sabía usted que una vez que se detecta el problema de no poder tener hijos, la pareja (especialmente la mujer) debe asumir una serie de estudios? Este proceso puede ser fatigoso y hasta difícil de seguir ya que hay que esperar, semanas, meses y hasta años. La verdad es que ser madre vale la pena, pero también hay lados positivos y negativos cuando se afronta lo inesperado. Las mujeres somos mas susceptibles a aceptar la respuesta de nuestro medico, cualquiera que esta sea. Aun si es el hombre el que tiene la dificultad, somos nosotras que vamos a sufrir, y cuando la decisión de querer tener un bebe a todo precio es establecida el largo y doloroso camino solo empieza. Muchas mujeres llegan hasta obsesionar con ese bebe tan deseado que olvidan a su pareja y las consecuencias.
Proceso - El proceso de tener un bebe, requiere dos personas, y la pareja debe ser fuerte para poder hacer frente a ese problema. Muchas de las parejas pierden la felicidad por lograr tener un hijo, muchas han perdido los valores que tenían como pareja. Supongo que muchos de ustedes has visto la serie de televisión ‘Sex and the City’, en esta serie Charlotte una de las amigas de Carrie se obsesiona con tener un hijo que pierde a su esposo, ya que él se cansa de los tratamientos. Esta serie no forma parte de la vida real, pero lo que se ve ahí muestra como en realidad muchas de las mujeres reaccionan a la idea de querer ser madre a todo precio.
Historia, la vida real - Hace una semana atrás en la televisión francesa el programa ‘Tout une histoire’, presento el caso de varias mujeres y muchas de estas habían logrado tener hijos a una edad avanzada. Una de las participantes había quedado encinta a la edad de 46 años su esposo era varios años mas joven que ella y pues ella pensó que todo iría bien, si algo le pasa a ella (ella que era la mas avanzada en edad) su esposo aun joven podría cuidar del bebe. Tres años mas tarde su esposo muere y su hija no logra conocer a su padre (ella tan solo era una bebita). La mujer comenta que su vida fue dura porque muchas mujeres a su edad ya se van desgastando más fácilmente, y el cuidado de la niña no fue fácil. Ella se sentía mal cuando la iba a ver a la escuela porque la gente se preguntaba si ella era la madre o la abuela. Estos tipos de sentimientos son comunes y aunque no todas las mujeres pasan por la misma situación; hubo muchas madres en este programa, que aunque contentas de ser madres decían que pensarían dos veces antes de hacer lo mismo otra vez.
En estas últimas semanas la televisión francesa ha hecho mucho enfoque a las mujeres que optan tener hijos sin importar las consecuencias. Según ‘tout une historie’ muchas mujeres cada año pierden la vida por querer tener un hijo (mas aun a la vejez). La experiencia de otras es quedar en el coma, pero ni siquiera esto nos frena. Muchas parejas europeas van en buscan de ayuda a las clínicas en España donde se les da la oportunidad de tener un hijo “in Vitro”. Hay otras que acuden a Grecia donde no hay una lista de espera como en España, cualquiera que sea la esperanza ahí van las parejas.
Regalo de Dios - Creo que tener un hijo es el regalo más grande de Dios, pero mujeres hay que pensar en todo. No podemos segarnos, ni darle la espalda a la verdad. Hay que examinar las opciones, si realmente queremos ser madres, hay que estar conciente que este trae riesgos. La comunicación es vital, hoy en la día con el avance de la medicina podemos saber si el bebe que tanto deseamos es posible, y si no lo es, examinar las alternativas y sus puntos bajos es importante. Si ya estas en el vejez, cuales son las consecuencias que algo vaya mal. Todas tenemos derecho a la felicidad de un bebe, pero no le robemos esa felicidad a nuestro bebe de no estar presente para verlo dar sus primeros pasos, decir mama y hasta verlo crecer.

New techniques to find a job

The economical crisis isn't getting any better and some of us have already felt the side effects of it. I want to thank Nicolas Schriver for showing me this video that I will show you as well. I find it somehow ironic. I don't know if some of you know how illegal people work in the U.S, but I'll tell you. Every morning illegal immigrants go to supermarkets and/or places like Home Depot to wait for someone to come and offer them a temporary job (this job could be a one day thing or if luck is on their side a week). It's very common to see these people early in the morning and they go home like any other worker late at night. The video you are about to see shows professional people doing what immigrants do. The job offers are for professional, but they use immigrants techniques to obtain one. If you are curious to know more just type 'immigrants in home depot' and you'll see what I'm talking about. Here's the video:

The job
envoyé par trescourt

Skinned Alive

Months ago I received an email titled "Mira la crueldad del ser humano" (Look at the humans cruelty), I wasn't interested in reading it , but finally after looking at it for months and months I decided to check it. Once I opened the email and read it I knew I needed to talk about it. The email presented a video and photos of animals being skinned alive, and it shocked me and it hurt me... just watching what they were going through. It just morally wrong, these poor animals are 'denied the simplest acts of kindness'. They are given the worst treatment, and condemned to an excruciating death.
While doing some research I found articles stating that "animals rights" are often debated because certain scientist question if animals feel pain. The argument is that 'language is needed to communicate pain', but how could that be? It might seen ridiculous to compare an animal to a human being, but I must! So what do we say about people who can't talk, they don't feel pain then because they can't communicate it. How about babies, they don't talk either, so they don't feel pain! Animals might not be able to talk but I'm sure if you pinch a dog, you will hear an howl. In the video we can clearly see these animals feeling pain and its devastating to see how they look hopeless with enough strength to give their last glance to the camera. In Chinese Fur Farm, these animals are kept in deplorable conditions, a real living hell.
According to PeTA the fur trade industry is untraceable, and China seems to be one of the main exporters of fur. Fur all around the world is exported and imported and no one knows where it comes from and although when a fur garment label says the product was made in Europe, this is not completely true. It is more likely that the animal was raised and slaughter somewhere in China an then exported. The Fur Trade Association says that animals are killed quickly with no pain, but even this statement is not true. It exist several institutions such as PeTA, Care for the Wild and SPA (Société Protectrice des Animaux) that are asking for help to stop this horrible mistreatment to animals. I invite you to take couple minutes of your time to check the full report I found "Furreport", also at the end of this blog you can find a video, so please be aware of its content (it's cruel and disturbing), if after the video you will like to learn more on how to prevent animal mistreatment please click on the link below .


Pledge to go fur-free at PETA.org.

France vs Tunisie: un match honteux

Hier avant le match de football, France/Tunisie, la Marseillaise a été sifflée. Je trouve cela scandaleux et irrespectueux. Ces types de comportements montrent que les gens manquent d’éducation. Il faut respecter le pays où on vit, et être reconnaissant. Ce pays a donné des opportunités à tous ces tunisiens et le moindre geste de gratitude est de respecter. Aujourd’hui, Roselyne Bachellot, la ministre des Sports, a dit que si ce type de comportements continue il va falloir arrêter le match. Je pense que c’est une décision un peu extrême, mais il faut trouver une solution. Plusieurs ministres ont communiqué leurs indignations et pensent prendre des mesures pour éviter des problèmes similaires. Selon « le nouvel Observateur », une enquête est ouverte et des mesures gouvernementales ont déjà été annoncées. Des vidéos vont être analysées et les coupables vont affronter au moins « 6 mois de prison et 7.500 euros d’amende ».

Apparemment la fédération du football a voulu éviter des problèmes et pour cela ils ont présenté un jouer français, un tunisien, ils ont aussi eu des chanteuses franco-tunisiennes, pour montrer au public que ce n’est qu’un match amical… mais même cela n’a pas aidé. Je pense que les gens doivent penser à la chanson de Faudel ‘Mon Pays’ où il dit « Je ne connais pas d’autre terre que celle qui m’a tendu la main » Il ne faut pas oublier ces paroles… peut-être cela peut aider à donner des valeurs à la Marseillaise. C’est sur que la décision que les ministres veulent prendre, comme d’évacuer le stade avec « 80 000 personnes » n’est pas facile, mais c’est impératif de trouver une solution.

The New Facebook

It has been awhile now since we use the new facebook, and although Mark Slee says this is for the best, there are users that don't share the same point of view. I personally don't like the new facebook, but I continue using it because it's all I know. Groups like Petition Against the "New Facebook" and Keep The Old Facebook! are trying to argue that the new look of facebook is not working as before. The access to the old facebook is impossible and I believe that is what the users regret. I read many comments saying 'we should have the option to choose which one we like better' (old or new facebook), however that isn't an option. I think that what makes it harder to adjust is the fact that we have so many tabs and everything is all over. Apparently the new layout is ssupposed to keep our profile organize, but we are all use to the old stuff, it was suitable for almost 1,657,385 members part of the group Petition Against the "New Facebook". The problems are several (List of problems) and enumerating them will take me a while, but something that really bugs me is that some of the applications available on facebook are also on myspace. We signed up for facebook because of its unique layout, and now its like any other site. The constant changes are getting confusing and it seems like every time I login there is something new and I must learn it. "...over time, we think people will appreciate the advantages of the new design and the new features it offers" says Mark, but what are these advantages? I would say more like disadvantages. Our suggestions to Mark were to solved certain problems facebook had, not to create a new facebook.

Presidential Debate - 09/26/08

On Friday’s presidential debate the main focus seemed to be international affairs. I must admit that the condition in Iraq is important and we must know what our next president would do, but isn’t the economical situation even more important? Candidate Obama appears to be concerned and interested in improving our situation, which I personally like. I think the US has changed…we can barely afford living and sending our kids to school. We don’t see America as the country of dreams, but of nightmares.

Going back to the international issues, our international image had degraded over the past years and republicans pretend to care. I believe the war in Iraq hasn’t got any better and we are losing more and more soldiers in a lost cause. It’s time for us to understand that we can’t safe the whole world. We have lost plenty already and those soldiers that have come back don’t even count with the government’s aid to heal their wounds. I agreed with Obama, the war hasn’t been quick or easy. McCain however thinks that we are somehow winning because of some sort of strategy, he even accuses Obama by saying: “Sen. Obama refuses to acknowledge that we are winning in Iraq”.

Overall I believe Obama did better than McCain. I have to admit that McCain is stronger in International subjects…however that isn’t enough. Americans need a president willing to make changes in the health care system, in education, and it seems like Obama is eager to do some changes. For now what we must do is wait…it isn’t over yet, next week we have the vice presidential debate.

During a job interview

So the past couple of weeks I've had several job interviews. I won't say I'm an expert now, but I can say I have learned quite a few things. As candidates, we all try to prepare ourselves; it’s important we do so because first impressions count and because we want the job. The only problematic of it is that sometimes you prepare so well but the interview doesn't go the way you expected. So last week when I walked in to the office I was nervous, but I knew what I had to say, however the interviewer didn't. This wasn't the only problem; during the entire interview the recruiter showed strange recruiting techniques (if we can call it like that). She/He was very pessimistic about the fact I live thirty minutes away from the company. She/He also said I had a good resume, but because of my international experience she/he thought maybe I wouldn't like the position. She/He also said: "well maybe because you are American, writing in French might not come easy"... after having said I was competent for the job because I have worked in French company. When the interview was done I figured well I guess they are not going to call me back, for my surprise the very same day, more like an hour later, they called me for a second interview with head of the company. On the phone I was told the position was waiting for me, but they just wanted to introduce me to the director. I personally thought that after all I was a good candidate... but is it true? No!
- They needed a candidate right away, it didn't matter whether I had the profile or not.
- It did not matter if I live thirty minutes away.
- The problem was my nationality, but even though I might not be able to write in French... I was interested in the offer and they were willing to give me the job.
- They did not care about the fact I wasn't available that day for the second interview, they needed to see me and I had to make it a priority.
I consider myself a powerful candidate and although after the interview I didn't feel like I was, after all the events that took place the following day made me think I need to work for a company that values my qualities and appreciates what I can offer.

The Successful Resume

Have you ever wonder if your resume is "the perfect resume"? Want to find out?Ask your interviewers. I had quite a few interviews and when they said: "Do you have any questions?", I asked "What did you like about my candidature?". The first thing they pointed out was my resume. Thanks to Henri Kaufman, who advice me that the successful resume should have the logos of the company I've worked for. Why? Because those logos represent who you are, and you are those logos. Recruiters will remember you and your resume because you are giving a "brand", your professional experience are those logos. You must remember that your resume isn't the only thing you are working on... your cover letter also plays an important role. However if you do not think your cover letter is a high-quality one, work on your resume. Your resume will tell others why you are qualify for the position. In my experience, I could say that have worked, Sandra(*), the recruiter, knew who I was because of my "brand", I didn't have to say my name (I also added my photo to my resume). She had linked my logos to my face and she knew me... this shows how logos (symbol, insignia, badge) make your resume a remarkable one.




(*)Names have been changed for privacy.

Job Fairs

I recently discover the beauty of job fairs, here in France. I have to admit I had no idea how that worked, but I founded interesting because you are giving the opportunity to have a direct contact with recruiters. While looking for a job you must read the description, apply, send your resume and write a cover letter stating the reasons why you want to work for them. I consider that a little impersonal; I understand that today's society is very technology friendly and Internet has become "the way to communicate". However I think that job fairs open the door to a strong contact with recruiters (or even the company itself). Job fairs allow you to ask questions you couldn't ask otherwise, its true once you are giving an interview you have that possibility, but it is not the same. A cover letter can't really speak about you, you write your intentions and desires, but it doesn't make justice to your personality and you as a person. Once again I think job fairs do this, not only you can talk to recruiters, but you can accelerate the process of an interview. If a resume with a cover letter is send via Internet, you must wait two to three weeks to have a response (not necessarily an interview) about your profile. I sent several resumes and emails were sent stating that my candidature was going to be revised and if I had the profile, I would receive a call. After my visit to the "Salon Relation Client" I went home with several dates for job interviews, isn't that great? My resume was reviewed right away and I was offer positions and that's all you need after all the work done. Job search is not an easy task, it's a long and painful process.

Ecuador y sus embajadas en el extranjero

Los consulados y las embajadas en el extranjero estan para ayudar y proveer informacion necesaria a sus compatriotas al exterior. Sin embargo el consulado y embajada ecuatorianos en Francia no cumplen esa funcion, aparentemente, si usted y su famillia necesitan un documento o cualquier otro tipo de ayuda, debe regresar al Ecuador para obtener lo(la). Verdaderamente esto es una desilución porque como ecuatorianos fijamos nuestras esperanzas en entidades como estas en el extranjero. Un ejemplo de esto es la famosa apostilla, que sirve para dar valor (o legalizar) a un documento ecuatoriano al extranjero; asi que este documento pierde su validez sin la apostilla. Mi experiencia fue la siguiente, hace un mes visite el Consulado Ecuatoriano en Paris, FR y para mi sorpresa, segun la Sra. Falcones, el consulado no puede otorgar apostillas, y yo debia regresar al Ecuador para obtenerla. Me pareció algo estupido saber que el consulado que está aqui para representar a los ecuatorianos fuese impacaz de dar una apostilla (para una partida de nacimiento). No fue tan solo el hecho que no proveen la apostilla, pero el servicio, la Sra. Falcones fue irrespetuosa, malcriada y su profesionalismo estaba por los pies... vergüenza da de ver que ese tipo de personas trabajan al extranjero. Despues de horas de espera y de mi insistencia de ver al consul, lo cual logré, sali del consulado con la "famosa apostilla". Ella se comporto como si ella estaba encima del consul en frente de él y fue luego que el explico su situacion que nos permitio pagar por la apostilla (precio que ella trato de subir y que el consul le dijo que ella estaba equivocada). Pienso que personas como ella deben quedarse en el Ecuador por que da pena de ver que los representantes del Ecuador lo hacen quedar mal al extranjero, y es por ello que los extranjeros no nos consideran como un país desarrollado.

Proud of America: statement or question

While watching Fahrenheit 9/11 by Michael Moore, I started questioning whether or not this was true. I have to admit I was very upset by the film in general, and after some research I asked myself, Should I feel proud to be American? Is it true that others consider us brutal? I couldn't believe my eyes when I found articles that show the brutality inflicted to others in the Middle East. Then I thought, maybe Michael Moore in his film is letting us know everything the government has been hiding from us. I can go on and on asking myself , is it true or not? Instead I rather accept that this film has some truth to it. I am sure the crying of the Iraqi woman to Allah was real, when she saw all the pain that US forces has caused her and her family. In articles I found I read that US forces had carried our abuse and torture. I know we (as Americans) have suffered enough, many of us have lost family in 9/11 and even have family members fighting in Iraq, but because of all this pain we must be sensible to think that torture is not going to bring back what we've lost, the pain is not going to go away, what this war is creating is hate and more pain that anything.
The website "Proud to be an American", explains what a true American is and it is those acts explain there that makes us feel proud and not inflicting pain. Any act of torture should be punish, and those responsible should be held accountable for those shameful acts. There is no reason to think we are allow to injure others because we are in war or because they have harmed us. We should all feel proud to be an American and never have to question it.

Languages: Is it important for to speak more than one language?

In today's society we are finding more and more need of other languages. In Europe, for example, kids are learning a foreign language at age12, and by age 14, they must choose another one. I was amazed when I learned that, because in the US, students are introduced to another language at age 15. Once these American students reach senior year in high school they have a option to continue taking a foreign language; it's sad to say many choose not to. It's rare to find an American that speaks more than one language, however in another countries is common to find people that speaks more than one.
On Thursday, I went for an interview and I was told that the reason why my resume was found interesting was because of my languages skills. The interviewer said: "its rare to find trilingual people in the market". I always thought that learning another language was important, but I didn't really think that companies were so eager to find bilingual and trilingual assistants. Now I feel that i am worth much more than others.
I think that "us" as a future generation should value the importance of foreign languages, we should focus in learning about others. Languages are important, but also learning about the culture of these languages, will help us understand each other. We must be open to new things, to travel, to discover and be willing to learn.