One World Church and Oprah Winfrey

There is only one reason for this video denunciating the views of Oprah Winfrey and that is the United States 2008 Presidential Election.

Oprah's views about spirituality haven't changed.

I believe the fear is that the hardcore Christian views of the Republican's fear the Oprah endorsement. Funny enough, tonight I was studying for a semiotics exam in Paris...and I could not help but shake my head in dismay at the coding envolved in this video.

The video is constructed like that of a cult. It's like the scientology videos.

Democracy is great. True democracy gives all people a voice. It gives people an opinion. Political Science says that politicans usually go to the center of public opionion b/c that's where all the votes are. The political process..in and of itself...cannot allow politicians to speak freely and openly.

However, I think that it is quite the pity of free-speech for someone like Oprah to be used in this way. At the end of the day, I hope that people learn to make their own choice. Oprah is right about this: (in my words) educatio is everything.

Don't just read my blog. Don't just read anything. Read lots of things. You're not too busy. Your life depends on these desicions.

The Secret

Okay. Many people are skeptical about The Secret. I ask why? Why not be open to an idea, a philosophy about the way you think? We are bombarded with messages every day about polticial unrest, economic instability, our physical appearance, our everything...

In February 2007 my dear friend Ramon Fuertes told me about The Secret. I went home and watched a 20 minute into I found on google videos. I went to the local Thai place "Star of Siam" in Long Beach, CA for some takeout and went back home and bought the online version of the video.

I wanted to jump out of my seat. This made sense. What images and feelings you hold in your mind....often become your reality. So concentrate on holding images and thoughts of what you want.

I had a terrible job. I worked as a Senior Consultant for a Life Insurance company that should be known as Dinosaur of America. I worked for a VP who could never close any of my deals....but lambasted me for not being able to do so. I had always been told to lead by exampe....and here I was in a situation where GOLF would have helped me more than absolute skills. It was miserable.

So I focused on things I wanted. I wrote them down....and many things I accomplished.

I got my annual bonus.
I used it to pay my tuition to do a MBA in Paris, France.
I thus moved to France.
I got a job doing Marketing Consulting which I have continued to do part time online while studying.
I was recently promoted to Marketing Director.
I have a small flat in Paris
I have the cash to pay my way.
I have been able to travel a bit.
I'm happy
I'm healthy
I've overcome some obstacles in relationships....

When I'm stressed or a little lost, I put on The Secret. I put it in my PC DVD drive and listen while I work. Sometimes I go to sleep listening to it.

What can I say? Last year I hated where I lived in Los Angeles. I hated my job. I hated NOT working in marketing. I hated what I perceived as a lack of culture. I clearly wasn't happy. Oh and I was involved in a ridiculously BAD relationship.

A year later I can say, I'm nearly done my masters. I've gotten a promotion in marketing while studying abroad. I love the city I live in....well I wish my apt was bigger...but I did keep saying I didn't care if I lived in a shoebox..... What you say..... When visualising the scene of driving...I visualised driving in Paris. Well I'm not driving...I was tired of driving. But I live in Paris, and I walk along the streets I visualised. I love it.

I got out of the bad relationship. I realized why I got into it in the first place. I see relatioships in a totally different way.

I have lost almost 20 pounds. People ask how, I tell them the truth. I decided I was really a THIN person.

Sometimes I see my reflection and it makes me giggle.

When I watch movies like The Devil Wears Prada and I see Paris, I laugh hysterically and nearly cry...I LIVE IN PARIS.

The Secret...don't knock it until you have really really tried it.

Give it a shot. What is the worst that can happen. It kinda works? Even if it only "kinda works" you will still be better off, no?

Sometimes we are searching for people to tell us it will be okay. The Secret will tell you that. Listen to it over and over. Listen to it while you work, study, make dinner, try to fall asleep.....

Think about it. Philosophize about it. Give it a chance.....

...and then you can write a blog about how much better your life is.....

I live in PARIS!!!!!! (insert squeal here).

love

K

they have a great respect for THE almighty

I am disgusted that the President of the United States of America seems to value his rights to freedom of speech more than the constitution's notions toward separating church and state. laws cannot be formed based on religion - but he can freely speak his ideas. But to me, it is offensive for the President to stand at a disaster site and say these people will be okay because "they have a respect for the almighty."

to me, this is just as offensive of a boss favoring those who play golf or have a male anatomy. Yes, that I have endured in the workplace. But alas, there is a fine line between separation of state and slander...and I choose to be more respectful than the President of the United States of America.

Generally, many people in the western world take issue with Saudi Arabia's religious impositions on people - restricting their rights to free will and freedom of speech. But this President, who went to war for democracy and freedom....is just as guilty as his Saudi friends.

Is it too much to ask, President Bush, that you exercise some manners by respecting that not all who live in your country hold the same religious views? We are obliged to pay the same taxes, to abide by the same rules/laws. We do however have religious freedom. I do not believe in your God. But I have, however, minored in philosophy as a part of my Bachelor of Science at Eastern Oregon University. I have studied other religions. In fact, even growing up in the Roman Catholic school system in Canada, I studied Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam and Christianity and many of its sects aside from Catholicism.

Just changing your words a little would be so much more embracing the freedom of the citizens of the country you are supposed to lead: they believe in "an" almighty. Sure say they have faith in a greater power. But "an" suggests there is only one, your's.

And by the by, I'm amazed at how many times you stammer and say "uh..." when you've had a few years of experience speaking to the world.

Well during the debates of Obama v. Clinton, I hope someone remembers when bringing up former President Clinton's escapades...many people believe there's reason to impeach bush too..

who's gonna sit in the oval office?

I must say i'm a little amused to read articles bemoaning Bill's quest for another trip in the White House via the election of Hilary. What's different between that and G DUB following his father? Clearly there's nothing in the US Constitution that places restrictions on running based on the presidency of relatives. Sure this influences the element of elitocracy that exists in American politics but its constitutionally allowable.

We should stop talking about Woman Presidents and Black Presidents and talk more about QUALIFIED candidates. What candidates will represent the Republic and all it's inhabitants? Who will repair the image of the nation and Americans to foreign states? Who will tell the truth about Iraq. Who will put Americans back on the agenda ahead of American politicians pork barrel buffets?

Who can bring about another record peace-time era during economic growth? Who can help stablize the economy? Who can do a job well enough to avoid the debauchery of Michael Moore?

The problem with finding good politicians is in the design of the beast. A certain amount of politicking is necessary to win. A theory of political science says that politicians must find what will make the largest contingency happy enough to vote for them; not to convince the population at large of what they REALLY want/need, steer them in that direction and somehow manage to capture their vote. The dreamers and passionates want the candidates to go out on a limb of truth, of courage. But scientifically speaking, that's unlikely to get them elected.

anaem medical for carte de sejours

sorry to tell you but it may make you feel like cattle. first i was rushed into a room for weight and eye exams. later disrobed from the waist up for a chest x-ray. then i had to meet with a doctor. the bad news...at 5'7" and 165lbs i was told to lose 25 lbs. i'm not sure i see where the 25 pounds will come from...but i will continue on my path of slimming down. the good news....i'm healthy. more good news...you will probably be reminded that there are free preservatifs (condoms) available. ahem!

persistence pays off.

sometimes you just have to persist. I had a vonage account for several years which I LOVED. Our relationship soured when i chose to move to another continent. For five months ...well actually about six months I tried to terminate my service. I tried to stop billing by AMEX....and I tried to email, write and call Vonage. It was really annoying. I finally submitted a complaint via the Better Business Bureau. Finally just now I received an email indicated my account was (finally) terminated that I refund was being issued. Oddly the song, "White Flag" by Dido was playing...when I got the email. I thought it was funny....persistence.

Thank you vonage for righting a wrong. I respect that.

at least someone understands - and Thank You Egypt

A direct quote from an article on CNN.com - John Ging, head of the United Nations Relief and Work Agency in Gaza, called the exodus "the desperate acts of a desperate people." http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/01/23/israel.gaza/index.html


hallelujah! Someone understands! They're not throwing rocks and making rockets because of their nature....they've been repressed, depressed, alienated ... for generations.

Palestine

Only a newspaper under the thumb of the Israeli Embassy's PR machine could print a story in which they say the only time that Palestine is on the front page is for violent acts and that the PR machine known as Hamas has outfoxed the Israeli's.

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1705816,00.html?xid=feed-cnn-world

No, this is not the time to debate the name "Palestine". That said, the truth is that Israel keeps finding excuses to; build around Palestinians - suffocating them, refuse issue of building certificates and tearing down houses that are built without - all the while with many many still living in UN Refugee Camps, and (best of all) they continue their illegal occupation.

The truth is that the Palestinians are not an innately violent people. And the Israelis are not so peaceful. As long as Israel occupies land siezed in 1967 I will consider them the agressor. The state of Israel began as an idea, then a de facto state, then a torturer.

I say torturer because the "state" of Israel continues to suffocate the lives of Palestinians and all the while accuse them of being violent. Find me an intelligent person that wouldn't start to heat up and boil over when their everyday life was disrupted on many levels by a trumped-up de facto state created and sustained by funding of foreign countries...that stifles your economy, blocks your travel to employment and education, restricts water...while next door to you, in their de facto state....your Israeli neighbors have swimming pools, lots of drinking water, no travel restrictions.....ability to travel within their own de facto state and well...the world!

I don't think it is reasonable to expect an entire supressed people to live next door to such wealth and remain quiet and completely peaceful. Really! People in a poorer Los Angeles downtown city area were OUTRAGED by the lavish building of Our Lady of Angeles Cathedral adjancent to abject poverty. It's not surprising. If that causes such uproar....imagine the other.

And why oh why does America continue to fund Israel? You could say that since the US supplies weaponry and funding to Israel, that perhaps they should bow down to Lebanon and help build what Israel destroyed last year. Hey why not? If it wasn't for such funding by the US Israel would not be able to stand on its own two feet.

And here is my disclaimer: Anyone who starts thinking I am anti-semetic must stop that drama immediately. I am merely opposed to the philosophy of giving a safe haven to one people and as a result displacing others. Futhermore, those given the safe haven became the aggressors themselves. Well at least their government did. But it was more important that they had a country after all.
K

anti american

I'm a Canadian living in Paris. I'm frustrated to share with you that I occassionally experience anti-americanism. I have even been accused of lying about my nationality.

For example, on Sunday I was walking along Rue Mouffetard. I was a NIKE posterboard...but I was out getting exercise and in the land of Liberté why should this be a problem? New digital camera in hand I was trying to get some pics to send to friends living vicariously though my abroad experience.

A Frenchman rammed into the back of my leg with his Velo (bike) and started to chastise me for walking along the middle of the narrow road. I quipped that the road is closed on weekends for pedestrians and I, like everyone, had the right to walk along the road. There was plenty of room for him to pass. He began berating me for being American and shouting about how he detests Americans. So what....he saw the sporty attire and camera and chose me as his target? Believe me, he is NOT the typical Frenchman. He's just an asshole. But I was shocked that he accused me of lying about being Canadian. Surprised he pushed me again. Surprised, as a woman, that he was surprised when I rightfully pushed him back.

Whether I am American, Canadian or North American is not the point. I was doing nothing wrong.

If anything I can tell you that my experience abroad has made me think a lot about the duty of citizens. There are many people around the world who chastise Americans abroad because of their discontentment with the American government.

Living in the US during 9/11 I became very curious about politics. I chose to complete my degree with a minors in political science and philosophy and a heavy emphasis on law. I berate the US Supreme Court for their judicial activism. I berate the government of such a strong country for allowing education to be so expensive many are ignornat of their own country's foreign policies. You see, it's not that Americans are ignorant or oblivious. Their own education system fails them. I took on a heavy burden of student loan debt because I wanted to be educated. Not everyone sees the possibilities. Not everyone has the opportunity to do what I did.

Nevertheless, freedom of speech and liberty to do not seem to entitle one to push me in the street because of their hatred of another country's policies. Talk about predjudice. I took on great studies, posed many questions... I learned to study the Constitution. I leared to write legal briefs. I learned to think philosophically. I learned to be open to different arguments against my beliefs and gut feelings.

And that said. I worked tooth and nail to move to France. This was a personal choice. For a long time, I studied the language, the culture, the ins and outs of daily living. And I made a choice to fork out a huge amount of savings to pay the tuition to complete a Masters degree in France. I plan on staying here.

To push a woman in the street because of preconceived notions is proof that a 40 something man is still in his infancy. Had I been more proficient in my language skills I would have told him that my grandfather spent 4 years in France during WWII away from a newly wedded wife to fight for freedom on the continent of Europe. My birthfather's ancestry is French. Since childhood I have wanted to live here.

I guess he is nothing but living proof that ignorance exists in all lands. And the only way to counter that ignorance is to build tolerance .... through education. And perhaps the occassional trip the doctor for a psych eval isn't out of the question for some.

But finally, when I recant such stories, in French, to my French friends.....they are embarassed and angered AND unsupportive of such irrational behaviors of their own countrymen.

Just as I am still embarassed and angered over the Canadian who attempted to charge me after Christmas for my invitation.

So remember.....the moral of the story: regardless of race, national origin, religion...etc....there are assholes and ignorant people everywhere. Do not you yourself generalize.

bisous!

K

Citi and other insitutions...no shock

In 2002 I began working for Wells Fargo Bank. I was constantly being pressured to source new clients for home equity and mortgages. I found that many of the consumers were taking on a dangerous amount of debt and insisted on consulting with them on the entirety of the papers they were signing. I was constantly in trouble with my manager "Mark" for not sourcing more clients.

I moved on to Citi as a Business Banking Officer early in 2004. The trend continued even in a business focused role. There was a lot of pressure to lend to anyone who could possibly meet the guidelines.

At the time, with a credit score over 730 I was offered a mortgage of half a million with a salary of only $40k.

I despise the fed for any bailout notions. I'm sure there were lots of people like me who could've made more commission had we been willing to ignore the obvious. People were buying more than they could afford and borrowing on 2nd mortgages beyond their means.

I was written up, I was given warnings, my job was threatened. But had more people acted with the common sense and professionalism that I did....the problem would never have become so great. Maybe someone should give me a bonus check for not having booked more risky loans. This is capitalism run a-muck. And even though i did my job - the fed is using my tax dollars to relieve the mistakes of idiots, selfish thieves?????

Please.

K

christmas contined...

so i got a text message that said, "hi I hope you are well. we never got to settle with you for xmas dinner. we settled with our mutual friend. please give us the 30 euros you owe us for dinner. thanks see you."

i answered so unpolitely, "well i hope you use the 30 euros for a book on ettiquette."

really? you invite me to dinner and bill me?

should I deduct the costs for the wine i brought .....not knowing i was being billed for dinner? should I deduct costs for cleaning up? should I deduct costs for the ignorant crap i had to endure? should i deduct for not reporting this clique's illegal purchasing of counterfeit bags in france?

oh wait...by the by....who the hell in their right mind would spend 180 euros for a six person fondue dinner?????? was there dom and i missed it?

american elections

today in paris i had to have a laugh. an american couple were visiting a popular bar and rue des grand augustins. they live in los angeles....apparently near pasadena. when queried about their views on Obama as the first Black President they responded, "We hope not." what humors me is that they were prior bragging about their relationship with a well known african american artist. so color doesnt matter when art's in play but it's a deciding factor for presidency? hmmm.

starbucks: a marketer's perspective...

I know a thing or two about the coffee business and I know that it can become a little too big. As Andy Resnick once said, Starbucks is a 300 pound gorilla. Starbucks has created something that was once luxury and now mass market luxury and slowly deteriorating to nothing more than mass market. Why? Well there is really nothing special about the Starbuck's experience. It frustrates me because I love the coffee business. Here are a few key points that need attention:

Customer Service: Those consumers that are the least price-sensitive (continuing to buy high priced lattes with rising oil costs) are those with higher salaries. Often these people have risen in their positios because of their ability to manage things such as time. They think strategically. Why stop at Starbucks for a meeting, lunch on the fly or for a quick cup of Joe if you must wait in line for more than 5 minutes? That's not reasonable. Let's look at it from a ROI perspective. A person who makes $75,000 per year USD makes about 60 cents a minute (based on 40 hour workweek). If it costs $3 to stand in line for 5 minutes for a $3 coffee-concoction amounts to $6. An article on Market Watch indicates that Starbucks has cited competition from McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts. When you compare the value of time versus the value of a good cup of Joe versus the value of time its easy to see how some might pass up the value of quality. Noting the above equation it person making a salary of $125,000 a year would have a cost of about $9.

Quality: When I lived in Los Angeles I frequently visited Starbucks. I love my coffee and I visited Starbucks more than any other places by virtue of the fact they are more of them. I have recently moved to Paris (and have visted in several occassions before moving). Although the consistency of beverages seems to be better in Paris - it is lacking on both sides of the Atlantic. I know that you can go to three Starbucks in the same neighborhood and get beverages of varying taste and temperature. If consumers have to decide between a consistently prepared $2 doubleshot Starbucks from 7-Eleven, and higher priced consistenly prepared beverages from the store itself- what is the payoff? Warmth?

Customer Service: Have you ever been to a Starbucks and been asked "What?" when you ordre a large? Have you met arguments when after waiting an extended period of time for a $4 concoction that did not meet your quality expectations - been argued with? Have you ever been treated rudely? Have you ever, after finally getting your beverage found that milk, sugar or other condiments have been depleted? Have ever arrived in a Starbucks for a simple filter-drip coffee, paid for the beverage and been told that you'll have to wait for it to finish brewing? (And occassionally been served a coffee before the pot finished brewing to have an "oddly" different tasting cup? Have you ever had a cup of filter-drip or espresso-based beverages that were lukewarm or extremely weak in comparison to your usual drink? Yes to all.

Environment: Something I can give McDonald's credit for on both sides of the continent is its ability to keep restaurants clean on both sides of the counter. When I visit McDonald's it is mostly from a brand management research perspective, I will admit. I find that consistentlytheir restaurants are clean. I cannot say the same for Starbucks. On both sides of the counter, often times it seems everything from the condiment stand, the espresso machine, the pastry case, the tables and the bathroom - everything is out of sorts. Have you visited a high-end luxury or mass-market luxury store and found it out of sorts?

A little aside: When I first visited Paris in 2005 I was astonished at the increase in quality and food selection in Parisian Starbucks. Offerings seemed to mimic the Parisian desire for smaller and healthier portions. Perhaps the product managers did most of the researh in times when tourism was at its peak - because by my arrival in summer 2007 it seemed that the offerings mirrored American preferences. The quality is still higher but with Boulangerie's next door - what's to stop someone from buying a quick good from a Parisian baker to bring to Starbucks?

Starbucks needs to look back on their history and reflect on their roots. They once had the ability to provide high-end quality (luxury) coffee beverages conveniently to the leisurely and those on the go. What's so special about mediocracy?

life in paris

It's days like today that make me thankful to be living in Paris. I spent the wee hours with an Italian friend...all strapping 7 feet of him. Maybe it's culture...but he was mild mannered, enthusiastic about life, talking about working long hours and how there ought to be a medium between leisure and capitalism. Nice. Too bad he wasn't a good kisser!

I woke up a bit late and after a coffee I ventured off on a typical walk. Out of pure curiosity I decided to try the French McDonald's pancake w/ ham and cheese: I'm sure it would've been better if it actually had ham! Ooops. Not that great. But you know curiosity is curiosity. I walked for quite awhile, picking up a "barquet" of mushrooms for a surprising 1 euro along with a corgette (zucchini), and onion. I stopped at Champion for some smoked sausages and headed home to make a concoction of the above with a quattro fromagi cheese sauce and a handful of pasta.

Finally with some energy (caffeine included) I headed off on RER C to Village Thiais to visit IKEA for some basic items. Sixty euros later and I feel like my studette is a little more me.

My day around this event involved:
-finding my missing Bose silicone ear bud covers while waiting for the new (Bose gets A+ for customer service)
-a few completely french conversations
-Asha's back!
-Pablo the Brazilian is thinking of moving already
-Pablo reminded me that men are sometimes great about showing up at the right moments
-a lesson in sizing at Esprit in Thiais (lovely staff)
-some rather greasy Chinese in the latin quarter
-Ealy, Chantal, Brendan, Dominique, Amy and Phillipe
-ciggies now on the sidewalk
-a studette that is now a little more mine
-some martini and vino
-changing seats a few times on RER C to Choisy-le-Roi
Alas....another day in paris.

invitation to dinner

I had an interesting Christmas dinner. I'm a Canadian that recently moved to France. I met a nice American-French couple. The American girl has a Canadian friend who came to Paris for Christmas and wanted to have a Christmas dinner: they invited me. I went for the fondue dinner party and brought a couple bottles of wine: 1 red, 1 white. During dinner a comment was made that we should "pay" for our dinner. I thougth alcohol was involved. It seemed so strange to me to invite guests to a dinner and then ''charge" them.

Today I happened to check my voicemail messages. I'm very bad at that. I had a message from the Christmas Fondue Dinner Organizer requesting that I pay her somewhere between 23-40 Euros depending on how many people showed up for dinner.

I have to say this is the first time in my LIFE someone has invited me for dinner and after requested payment. I was not consulted as to the selections for this "festivity". I was not with the invitation advised that in lieu of a pot luck we were expected to make MONETARY contributions. It's very shocking to me.

I have invited many people to my home in the past and have only ever said when ASKED, "bring a bottle if you'd like".

Am I crazy or is this "proper decorum meets rock-bottom"?

Seriously, it disturbs me.

In retrospect this person provided enough for at least 10 people let alone the 6 attending. They were not cooking with any sort of skills. Who in their right mind uses Toblerone bars to melt for chocolate fondue???

Should I take a discount for having helped the hosts (by the way not the same people asking payment) for cleaning their kitchen twice between courses and for brining wine?

If this person had approached me and said, "Hey we're having a fondue Christmas dinner and you will have to pay 23 - 30 euros"... I would have laughed to myself and said, "Thanks. I have other plans." I would have been more happy to pay an experienced chef such euros and had a dinner without the insults that I happened to endure. Yes. That's another story!


Don't mistake me. I'm not cheap. In moving to France, I gave away about 95% of the contents of my apartment. I wanted to help people rather than profit from a garage sale. This my way of thinking. Seriously, I gave away nice, perfect condition clothes such as business suits, furniture, fixtures....you name it.

I'm curious about your thoughts. Do you think I'm being unreasonable in thinking this is rude behavior at best? Even if I had received the message before the Christmas Dinner and declined; the culprit would have been on the hook for just the same. In the message she left, she claimed to be unsure of my COST becuase she was unsure of those attending.

I'm wondering if this is the new trend: invite people to dinner, decide solely what gourmet or non-gourmet items I would like to consume and then send a bill???? Round up based on those I invited and did not show.

Is this a classic case of give expecting to receive???

Again, I stress that i am not cheap. I was invited to a by-invitation-only New Year's party at a local bar in Paris. I was told upfront; the party will include unlimited champagne, dinner and desert preparted by a local 2 star Michelin-rated chef, with a DJ for X price. I cordially paid and attended....no disappointment from the wonderful host and chef?

But I'm supposed to pay 23 to 30 euros for an invite a fondue party....but informed that a price was involved after accepting invitation?

I say here clearly in cyberspace. When I invite people to a party, I expect people to only bring a bottle of wine if they CHOOSE or some other beverage they would prefer. In all my years of partying ...this is by far a FIRST.

After consultation with Candian, American and other friends, I have yet to find one person who was NOT shocked by this.

This blog is more of a request than anything else; a leave from my normal ramblings. FYI - I recently transferred my blogging from orble.com to blogger.com.

I'm currently in Paris, France studying a Masters degree in Luxury Brand Mangement. I'm seeking scholarship resources for two purposes (Paying cash for my Masters has now left me with few options for studying French!):

1. I would like to study at Alliance Française or La Sorbonne...and I would like to find scholarship or lending opportunities

2. I am considering a MBA at ESSEC and am also seeking scholarship, lending, grant opportunities

I have student loans from the US from completing my undergrad and a marketing certificate. Although I cannot claim exceptional academic standing I can say that I completed my undergrad and marketing certificate while working fulltime. I am currently working on a consultancy basis in marketing while completing my Masters. I have a good grasp on French - but would like to become Advanced-level/Profiicent/Bilingual. I am considering the MBA at ESSEC to advance my management education and also because I would like to teach as a professor part time.

Any ideas/suggestions are great appreciated!

To anyone that happened upon this blog because you are considering education abroad - do it! It is perhaps the best decision I ever made. If you would like more information about how I made it to France, email me, I will be more than happy to answer questions.

Bonne Année!

Kimberly

moving to paris

Well there are many bureaucratic things to navigate in France. Let me share some insight that may make the move easier. If you are moving to Paris it might be wise to get a temporary flat to give you some time to assess the different arrondissements...aka...neighborhoods or boroughs. Websites to consider for apartment hunting: craigslist.com (be careful there is some fraud - try only to use for temporary housing - and be careful of how you are paying!)pap.fr (you may be asked for "caution" and "gaurantie parentale" which are "security deposit" and "parental guarantee" - no it doesn't seem to matter your age....Many Parisian landlords are skeptical of foreigners. fusac.fr (means For USA Contacts - but is ultimately a resource for English speakers) If you use this - call people the moment the new listings become available. Also google the American Church in Paris near Pont d'Alma. You must go in person to look at classifieds - they are posted daily. (Not the American Cathedral - that is something else). Don't be surprised if you are asked for ridiculous deposits. The law requires that everyone have renter's insurance. If you are a student you can get discounts. I finally found a website that allows you to complete the whole transaction online - even with an American or Canadian credit card. If you are a student check out http://www.assurances-etudiants.com/index.asp You should try to open a bank account as quickly as possible. It will make your life easier. I tried to open an HSBC France account from the U.S. - but the people in the U.S. would not follow through on the process. If you are in NY I imagine the proces might be easier. They said I had to open an account in the US first which is not true. So I will be writing to them about that. There are many banking options in France. Just beware that many student accounts have restrictions about using your debit card online etc. Free banking is scarce. Expect to pay a monthly fee. If you will be needing to wire money from the US - Citibank has a relatively easy means of transferring your funds from a US bank account to French bank account online. To get your Carte de Sejours you will have to provide amongst many things proof that the electricity bill is in your name. If you have the luck of having the contact info of the person moving out you can jointling writer a letter to EDF advising them of the change. You will need to tell them the number on the meter. Once it is changed to your name you can set up an account online to record your usage to make billing more accurate. If the phone line is still "active" in your apartment you can go online to one of the ADSL providers to get a bundeled phone/wifi-internet/TV service for 30 euros. There are many choices and I do not know who is really the best. I chose Freebox because their online process seemed the easiest. The problem is having internet in the interim. If you have a wifi card - do a serach for connections. If you find a FON connection - go ahead and use it. If you have a US credit card you can buy 5 days at a time for 2 dollars per day - not euros. The only annoyance is that each day you must activate a new PASS - which means you will have to login to the FON website and click on passes and go through the procedure as if you are buying a new subscription until you see a link for "Check my status". If you are planning on living here for awhile - stock up on passport sized photos. You will need them for you Carte Orange (bus pass) ... sure you can get a Navigo online from ratp.fr but it takes awhile so you will probably need to get a Carte Orange at first. Just go to a metro station with a photo and ask for your first Carte Orange and give them a photo. They will understand. The Navigo is cheaper and more convenient...so order it as soon as you can. but while getting that first Carte Orange ask them for a "carte a poche" - a little metro map that will fit into your metropass holder. Learn french phrases. When you go to the bakery in the morning it is necessary to say "bonjour madame or bonjour monsiers (pronounce messieur) before asking for what you want. Even if you speak french they will know by your accent that you are a foreigner. If they speak English they are just trying to practice or be polite by making things easier for you. If you want them to speak in French - just tell them. They will happily oblige even though they want to practie their English. Well that's all for now. More later!Ciao.

caveat emptor @ zena

Should you visit or move to France please be wary of making large purchases from small shops. This is probably not limited to France - but I can't speculate about other countries. Upon arriving in France, I was bombarded with tasks. I had just started my Masters degree when I finally found an apt....aka...Chambre de Bonne. I chose location over size. I have not guarantees of staying upon graduation. Sure I know I will get a job because I believe in the wise words of Yoda "there is no try only do". Anyway, the bombardement led to my frustration with finding curtains for my new apartment. I visited a store "Zena" on Rue de Tournon and was persuaded to buy an Indian handmade textile for 75 euros. I was told at the time of purchase that I could return the item - in English. When I attempted to return the textile becuase it was not up to snuff...I was arrogantly told no. I can say arrogantly because after living here for 3 months you learn to distinguish between cultural differences and true arrogance. This led to a debate, hurling of insults (not started by me) and so forth. What surprised me was when I said, " Everybody accepts returns," the retort was "I am not everybody I am SOMEBODY. Really I AM SOMEBODY." Really? I quickly corrected the lady that if you need to proclaim you are "Somebody" you are only aspiring to BE Somebody and haven't quite yet arrived. Ok, I had to tell you because its just so funny. After being accused of tarnishing the garment I left with a credit slip in hand. Later a French friend insisted that actually the law requires her to accept a refund. And here are some other pieces of Consumer Law in the European Union (EU) to help you out. Items in store windows must have a price.If paying by credit card "carte bleu" the merchant must inform you in writing or verbally that they do not accept returns or have limitations. All items must have prices attached or displayed (accept in a few rare instances). Merchants must give you a receipt that detials each item you buy. This is important. If you buy vegetables at the vegetable stand - they will give you a print out of the cost per kilogram of every item and exactly what you purchased. If you get your hair done, they will outline the cost of each service provided etc. They are not by law allowed to give you a summary. And all prices must include VAT (Value Added Tax). So buyer beware (caveat emptor)! My suggestion going forward would be to ask merchants to provide their policy in writing. Or if you have any doubt about the purchase, walk away and think about it. You won't have any problems at large stores. But for some reason, as my French friends told me, some French hear an accent and begin to make up rules. I'm sure this happens everywhere. But take care so that you don't lose time or money. And don't worry about me, I am quite happy to provide information to France's consumer affairs to deal with this crappy way of conducting business.

earth risk management

The debate about Global Warming / Global Climate Change is something we're all familiar with. Greg Craven, a 38 year old teacher in the U.S. has made some short videos posted on YouTube that make a compelling argument: the risk of doing nothing is too great.
Does it really matter whether which scientists or policy makers are right? Do we need to find a solution to decided whether or not we should take efforts to protect the environment? In Los Angeles, for example, it seems contradictory for parents to take such huge efforts to find the RIGHT car seat. They're concerned about the safety of their child riding in the automobile. The contradiction begins when its a gas guzzling vehicle that spews out a bunch of toxic fumes for all those around us. Another contradiction? People focused on banning smoking becuase of the effects of second-hand smoke while burning up a whole lot of fuel and/or refusing to recycle etc etc etc.
I think a lot of us think in terms of all or nothing. Many countries in the world rely on mid-east oil. Why not reduce emmissions in vehicles...transport trucks, trains, buses, vehicles... What's the negative side of the argument? Greater cost. I heard the same argument about organic food back in the day. I decided to start eating mostly organic food, whole foods, natural foods - limiting my exposure to and use of chemicals in my food chain. What's wrong with that? Don't you think there is a possibility that lowered chemical use would be good for all of us? I'm not saying we need to eliminate all chemicals - some medicines are life saving, some chemicals make water drinkable, some chemicals make lifesaving protective clothing for people like fireman. But if we don't NEED to use the chemicals...why take the risk? Economics will work out the costs of using more natural products....as supply rises in many cases, the cost of distribution becomes more efficient and these products become more affordable for all.
ciao for now

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF_anaVcCXg

judgement....thy name is friend?

I'm tired of the phrase, "He/She has issues." Duh. Welcome to the human race. We all by nature have issues. We are imperfect. The way I see the world, there are two kinds of people: those trying to get better and those who are just pissed. I am happy to lend an ear to someone who is trying to breakthrough the next obstacle. Or soemone who is racking their brain trying to figure things out. I am however frustrated by those who think people with "issues" are somehow lesser. Oh sorry. Forgive me. I didn't get the silver spoon! As a friend recently said, "It's not where you are. It's how far you've come." I loathe, to some degree, people who think that all the troubled people are just incapable or somehow lesser than. The people who frustrate me are those that just complain and take no action. They frustrate me only because I know they are stuck wasting time and I wish I could help them see the light. The other people that frustrate me are the one's that are so judgemental they make it hard for some to move on. Here's a laughable scenario: Someone who grew up in a good family with all the "normal" elements the we loosely define as the White Picket Fence....and yet this person looks down on others who are trying to get beyond the barriers of not having this fence. It's an intersting study of the human mind. It's funny to watch people who have experienced relatively normal lives judge others who have not. They have no clue. They have absolutely no idea. They cannot relate. And yet they sit on their imagined throne casting judgement on all those lessor than. The irony? Those people are actually the weaker species and they know it. They know that if they were to endure some of the hardships of their friends/family/acquaintances they would break. And so their only saving grace is to judge.I find it increcibly ironic. A person who cannot comprehend any form of abuse because they were lucky enough to not have been exposed to it....judges all those who have endured such pain. Thanks. With age, I have learned to look at these people with empathy: how great for you that your life has been so wonderful that you think others have somehwow brought crap upon themselves! If only the world were so simple. If only we could all wake up and say, "today I will stop dwelling on all the negative experiences that formed my core as I was growing up and unable to look at my experience from an adult perspective." LOLI grew up in crap. I am angered to this day, at times i realize it still effects me. But even in these moments I realize how it defines me. I look at people with objectivity. Maybe too much sometimes. But we are all just souls. Why do some start off so far behind the pact, I dont know. Why cant we just forget what has happened to us - well for many its defined us. I for example can admit, I didnt grow up in bliss. It has affected me in crazy ways. But at the same time, I know that the only way I can heal myself is to deal with it. Understand it. And then I can break the cycle. The notion that anyone should just forget and move on...well that's when people end up doing crazy hurtful things.

Counterfeit = Theft

What do YOU define as counterfeit?

Let’s take a hard look at the realities of counterfeiting.
First ask yourself these questions; Would you knowingly use fake dollars, pounds or euros? Would you feel if you went to the make a bank deposit and the teller told you your currency was counterfeit and worthless? How would you feel if someone gave you a fake mortgage deed? How would you feel if you discovered an employee gave you counterfeit degree? I’m assuming most people will have a problem with AT LEAST one of these questions. Thus, you have a problem with fraud and/or counterfeiting. Counterfeiting is a form of fraud.
Yes, I find that the entertainment industry makes it difficult to define where the line is drawn. If I buy a CD is it illegal for me to copy it for the sake of preservation? But what if I lend somebody either copy? But we'll leave this discussion for another blog.
I had an interesting conversation in Paris on Christmas Day that provoked me to start writing more about the truth of counterfeiting. A "lady" who operates a tour company in Paris was bragging about a fur vest she bought for 5 euros. Sorry but that screams of several problems; animal cruelty, theft, smuggling… One of her clients chimed in that she had just purchased her first “Chanel” bag, then added that it was a fake “Chanel”. I'm currently studying in Paris for a Masters in Management & Economy specialised in Luxury Goods in Fashion. I've also been anxiously awaiting my Carte de Séjours (work permit) so that I can apply for a temporary job working with Chanel. My response to the statement about the fake Chael was: “Well that’s a whole other story and probably not a good conversation over Christmas Dinner!"
If you buy fake you buy counterfeit and you have in many countries committed a crime. In completed my Bachelor of Science in the United States. I was reminded day after day that plagiarism was a serious academic offence – stealing someone else’s intellectual property. I’m sure most schools around the world offer similar reminders. Even highschools. Thus, I’m fairly certain that a large number of people understand the nature of counterfeiting very clearly. Well people that design fake bags are stealing someone else’s designs. But if they in fact use a name like Louis Vuitton on their bag they are also stealing a registered mark – a trademark. It’s against the law.
I can imagine you find the cost of Louis Vuitton bag expensive if you are unaware of what craftsmanship is involved in it’s creation. If you find it expensive, I can imagine buying a different leather bag with similar colours. I cannot forgive you for buying a bag that is labelled “Louis Vuitton” and is not. There’s nothing about it that’s different from using counterfeit currency. Lest I remind you that currency was created to make trade easier. Currency was created so that you could sell your goods and then use currency to buy what you wanted rather than finding a buyer that had something you wanted/needed and bartering an agreement for exchange of goods/services.
There is a line that is hard to define in some ways depending on the laws of your country. The United States for example has some fairly lax laws that will allow for someone to replicate a design if enough changes are made and a registered mark is not illegally used. Imagine a Gucci or Coach bag and a fake made with similar designs but with patterns that are clearly NOT the Gucci G or Coach C. I admittedly have two accessories that are on the line. I have a pair of shoes that have a plaid pattern similar to the classic Burberry – but clearly not the same. In no way were these shoes sold with any reference to Burberry. I also have a scarf bought at Target that has similar with the same description. The fashion industry sometimes popularizes a certain colour or colour combinations that become POP culture. The line is very fuzzy. But if either of these items were labelled Burberry it would be an infringement on Burberry’s registered marks.
Go to google.com and search counterfeiting. You will quickly learn that there are many associations with drugs, terrorism, smuggling….. Things I’m sure most people do not want to be involved with. You pay your taxes, right? Taxes are almost never paid on counterfeit goods. The person selling the counterfeit goods might even charge you taxes applicable to your state or province – but they probably do not remit them to their prospective government….because it would be like remitting taxes collected from the sale of cocaine.
Do you think I’m exaggerating? I’m not.
Did you know that in France buying or carrying a counterfeit product like a fake Chanel bag is a CRIMINAL OFFENCE? You could be punished with 3 years of imprisonment and up to a 300,000 euros in fines. [LINK="http://www.comitecolbert.com/internet/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=236&Itemid=221%E2%8C%A9en&lang=en"]Really Long Link[/LINK]
Counterfeiting damages economies by evading taxes, stealing sales from the creator and job loss. According to teas scribos [LINK="http://www.tesa-scribos.com/industries-markets/luxury-goods.htm"]Really Long Link[/LINK] these luxury houses lose thousands of euros per year.
Pass it on.

[LINK=http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2007/12/03/counterfeit-luxury-goods-seized-they-may-look-real-but-they-re-not.aspx]Really Long Link[/LINK]