Ceilings of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild - Musée Ile-de-France

Let's redecorate! Giggle!

Built by Baronne Ephrussi de Rothschild, this is one of the Côte d'Azur's legendary villas. Born a Rothschild, the baronne married a Hungarian banker and friend of her father, about whom even the museum's curator knows little. She died in 1934, leaving the Italianate building and its gardens to the Institut de France on behalf of the Académie des Beaux-Arts. The museum preserves the wealth of her collection: 18th-century furniture; Tiepolo ceilings; Savonnerie carpets; screens and panels from the Far East; tapestries from Gobelin, Aubusson, and Beauvais; Fragonard drawings; Boucher canvases; Sèvres porcelain; and more. The gardens contain fragments of statuary from churches, monasteries, and palaces.


TAKE A GRAND TOUR

Située entre Nice et Monaco, la Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild est un magnifique palais entouré de célèbres jardins, dominant la Méditerranée. Découvrez la Villa créée par la Baronne de Rothschild à la Belle Epoque qui présente une magnifique collection de mobiliers, tableaux et porcelaines rares. Le salon de thé offre une vue extraordinaire sur la baie de Villefranche. Un lieu unique dédié aux jardins, à l’art et à la beauté.

Proving the old addage that everyones home is their castle.... Pour moi, chaque maison de femmes est son château. Oui?

Homes For Our Troops - Building a Home For a Patriot in Elizabeth Colorado

Marine Lance Corporal Kade Hinkhouse was in Ramadi, Iraq in October 2005 when while patrolling on a late night mission, the vehicle in which he was riding as part of a convoy was hit by a dual stacked IED. The HUMVEE exploded, ejecting LCpl Hinkhouse and leaving him near death with injuries including a depressed skull fracture, collapsed lungs and a severe leg injury.

Airlifted to Landstuhl, Germany it was determined that his right leg required amputation and 45 % of his skull needed to be removed in order to alleviate the swelling, and to allow his brain to heal. Upon returning to the United States, LCpl Hinkhouse spent several months at Bethesda Naval Medical Center before transferring to Walter Reed Army Medical Center where he spent more than a year and a half recovering from a cranial plasti surgery to repair his skull, and enduring countless hours of rehabilitation.

LCpl Hinkhouse is pleased to be living in Colorado, near family. Kade enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and pretty much anything that has to do with being outdoors. He is a member of a shooting and team and aspires to one day get involved with the US Paralympics Shooting Team. LCpl Hinkhouse’s goal is to further his education, possibly becoming an X-Ray Technician. He and his wife, Becky are looking forward to starting a family and know that with the gift of a specially adapted home they will be able to focus on family and recovery as they look to the future.

If you want to volunteer to help build the house for Ret. Marine Lance Corporal Kade Hinkhouse, please come out for the sign up day.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Time: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Location: Highlands Ranch Ace Hardware
Street: 9579 S University Blvd
City/Town: Highlands Ranch, CO

Please come join us for a fantastic event! Kade and Becky Hinkhouse are having a home built in Elizabeth Colorado. Kade is a retired Marne. Please visit the H.F.O.T. website to read about the incredible work they do.

Be a part of the change you want to see. Make a difference in the lives of Veterans.

We would love for all of you to help us spread the word about this project along with helping to find donors of materials and labor and funds. This is going to be so much fun participating in the effort this home building project for a wonderful Patriot and his wife.

LINK TO HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS.ORG

Hope to see or hear from you!

Security on The Internet - Starting with Your Password

It amazes me when I run into people who are distresses because their identity has either been compromised, or they have been the victims of phishing on any of their Internet accounts. I find out it was due to some troll who got a hold of their password. Most people would not hand a loaded gun to someone to point at themselves, so don't make your passwords so very easy to guess!

Password Study

In the above linked article from P.C. World, the list will be an eye opener for some. They give some good advice, but to it, on the list of what not to choose as a password, I respectfully add.

1. Your dog, cat or pet's name. You love them, leave it at that.
2. Your birthday, I know it is your day! Pass up these easy digits!
3, Your anniversary, Sorry ladies, it is not a good way to get your husbands to remember it.
4. Family names. Like your last name, with say the day you were born on. Bingo!
5. Do not reverse names or titles of offices. This is a great place to start for hackers after an organization.
6. Change it often. This is not ancient Rome people, we do not have to carved these into stone. It is okay to change, change is good and safe.

Make it hard, make it safe, and write it down in a little journal book. So you can refresh you memory if it has been awhile since you have signed on to a particular account, or for your family should you join a heavenly choir, and your executor needs the numbers to your Swiss Bank Accounts.

Good Luck. May the Force be with you....you are going to need it.

Israel Answers The Call in Haiti

Israel proves again and again that it knows how to step up to the plate to help in a humanitarian crisis. Their field hospital in Haiti is like non other.

So when you take a moment of prayer for the people of Haiti, also thank God for the Israelis. The people they serve certainly are.

Cyber Attacks - Clinton and Google Respond

So Secretary of State Hillary Clinton calls for Internet freedoms, inquiry into cyber attack at Google. Which I think is a noble idea, in theory. Recently, China announced that it was opening up the Internet highway to it's citizens via the acceptance of Google.

Right..excuse me If I do not jump up and clap like everyone else.

I'll believe that when I see it. I noticed many kudos given on facebook at this announcement where I first heard of it. People were just full of happy thoughts. I kept my comments to myself because I just didn't want to break anyones bubble by being the one cautionary pessimist..... or is that realist?

You know the "yeah right person, I will believe it when I see it ."

Why would China want access? It is such a controlled society. Have they all of the sudden decided to throw the baby out with the bath water? Oh wait they do that to their innocent baby girls. But I digress, they have spent generations of 'educating' their people on government propaganda. The very idea of extending a branch of the great tree of knowledge, Google is a joke.

Think...

What does allowing China access to Google do for them? It allows them to move unfettered amoung us to collect data, and that is exactly what they have in mind. So having invited Google to come partake of the Chinese market may look to the average person like progess, but to many of us who look a little closer at Internet security.

I say stop the bus!

Which is exactly what is happening now. Thank-you, Google.

From The Washington Post

Mrs. Clinton is quoted as saying, "We look to Chinese authorities to conduct a thorough investigation of the cyber intrusions that led Google to make this announcement," she said. "We also look for that investigation and its results to be transparent."

You knew that was coming? Right?

I love it when they use the word, 'transparent' in government. It is such an oxymoron. To some it means they will get all the facts. To me, it is diplomacy speak for "nothing, nada, not a chance."

Clinton said, "Cyber attacks, a form of censorship by some governments, should be punished." Call me old fashion, but I consider countries who attack others govenment's agenies, from the Department of Interior to the White House, and their Internet infrastructures an act of Cyber-Terrorism, if not WAR. They do not deserve to play in the playground with the other kiddies with unrestricted use of the Internet. They have to earn the trust. Why make cyper-spying any easier on China?

Clinton goes on to say, "countries or individuals that engage in cyber attacks should face consequences and international condemnation." She goes on to said. "By reinforcing that message, we can create norms of behavior among states and encourage respect for the global networked commons."

"Condemnation"...Oooh that hurts, not really, and you and I know it.

Her speech, however, was broader in scope than the Google incident. She outlined principles that address technology and diplomacy. She said freedom of speech, over Twitter, Facebook and other applications, was vital for people to gather information and spread information, (like a virus), as seen on the ground in Iran after elections sparked demonstrations. She said the freedom to assemble translates to the ability of people to connect over the Web.

Do you really want to reach out and touch everyone?

Hold the bus here. Wow, if we lived in a perfect world where everyone had good intentions and played fair, why this fairy tale statement would apply. But the truth is we don't. Disinformation is sometimes more important and damaging that the truth, just like corrupting a database. It has always been a part of any communication from any government. Check your history books, if you don't believe me.

I say, let the Chinese prove they are worthy of "the circle of trust." Oh and don't hold your breath!

(Note: Mother Ducks foot is on the neck of one of her babies...)

Remember if it walks like a Peking Duck, acts like a Peking Duck, it is still Chinese and it probably has a virus.

President at One Year - A la Jon Stewart

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
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That's right.

He is not, nor was he ever "magic." He has done a better than average job considering it took George Bush 8 years to put us in the mess we found ourselves in.

I will give President Obama a B+.

I am still willing to go on a little faith in the man.

Haiti Fights Ignorance and Hatred

There have been amazing stories of survival coming out of Haiti. The video below shows people stuck in between the floors of a building. The dust hasn't even settled and the hate is spewing from every faucet mouth on T.V.



Today, police had to use tear gas and rubber bullets said my local affiliate for NBC because people are becoming desperate. According to reports, the U.S. has 1700 troops on the ground and another 7,000 more on the way. Former President Clinton was there viewing the damage himself and fearing for the living. "The country is broken," said one soldier.



There have been calls for relief answered by millions of people all over the world. It has been estimated that it may take up to 10 billion dollars to repair this little island country. Medical supplies are almost exhausted. There are no antibiotics. People who had simple fractures are now faced with amputation. If something doesn't start happening quick, Haiti will soon be a nation of amputees.

So why then would someone like Pat Robertson weigh in with the opinion like the one below on January 13th?

You can go see the horse speak if you want here




Rachel Maddow is right, "this is the unintended consequence of your 1st Amendment right." Hate. Does it bother you that this man who so many say speaks to God is quoting the Devil? Think about for a minute.

Are you with me?

People, we seriously need to listen to what people say and stop supporting advertising that supports programs like the 700 Club. Put your pocket books where your convictions and values are. Where is your faith, your heart and your brain? The stupidity hurts here. This is a man who says he is a Christian. Oh and don't blame him because he is Protestant, and Haiti is 80% Catholic.

I was in a Catholic Store in Denver last week having a very rare piece of jewelry identified by some of the clerks there and what do I walk into? There on the store radio being blast for all who came into to reflect, buy baptism forms for Sunday School, pick up an extra statue or two for the church or home, was Rush Limbaugh. I kid you not. He was spewing so much anger and hate the little bit of time I was in the store, I finally turned to the clerks and asked them why they listened to him here in the store, a place of faith? (Or at least to purchase it.)

The young woman spoke first and said Rush Limbaugh was "conservative." The older man man who was helping with the research said, kinda sheepishly..."because he is pro-life." I looked at him first and said you think Rush Limbaugh is pro-life? He wants our President to stop the aid to Haiti. People are dying! What part of pro-life is he? Which life is more valuable? Born or unborn?

I looked at the young girl and said, "conservative?" What part of our Lord Jesus' life was conservative? What did Jesus do in Essenes that you think is represented in the filth and hate that spews out of Rush Limbaugh's mouth.

I mean really?

Well they both felt guilty, so I lightened up and made it a gentle teachable moment. I tell you one thing, I do not want to ever give the keys to the kingdom or my personal salvation to the likes of Pat Robertson and Rush Limbaugh.

So it up to you and me to do something for the people of Haiti. For whatever reason motivates you. Call and donate money to the American Red Cross. Before the likes of these two morons convince too many of their sheeple that the lives of people in tortuous pain in Haiti are not of value and shut down the aid. Who are they to judge?

( BTW)
Here is the piece of jewelry I was inquiring about. (above) It is actually not a woman martyred as was I was first told. It is a hand painting by Jacques Jean Veneer. It is at least 125 to 150 years old. I think I will contact an Auction House.

God Bless the people of Haiti.

Random Fun Shots by Christine McClintock

Not This Kind of Ice - This kind of I.C.E.

Recently a company was brought into the area I live to do extensive re-roofiing and repairs. The hails and number of hail storms this past summer did extensive damage through out the area of Colorado I live in. It is just a part of living in the West, known for it's unpredicatable weather. One minute it is beautiful here, the very next the skies may open up with a funnel cloud or two and the biblical hail. The picture below shows a good measure of it, but not as big as it can get. Watching hail the size of golf balls, or softballs, is just not something you forget. Neither does you house or your car. One might say, "It makes an impression."

Well, this isn't really a story about hail, or it's damage, as I would have told this story months ago. No, this is a story of the men who come to do the repairs and the attitudes they bring with them.

It is not uncommon here in Colorado to hear the chatter of men at work on a job site to be in Spanish. Many times I have been stopped and asked the time in Spanish, or directions. To which I respond in the language. It is one of the reasons I learned to speak it, as my Grandfather did. We live and work amoung people who either live here or travel to work in Colorado's agriculture, meat packing, roofing and construction industries. The labor pools that they used to say "no American would work in," but due to the downturn in our economy, I am not quite buying into that anymore. I volunteer at a homeless shelter, I know some Americans who would work if they were given the opportunity. I mean Americans here legally or as citizens of our country. I am in no way qualifying these homeless by their ethnic status.


So the pounding began about a week ago. I literally felt like a bobble head by the end of the day. I survived, if a bit frazzled. It would be over soon enough. Well, that was until I came out to my car on Saturday passed and saw it had been pinned in right behind it by a huge tractor that lifts men and the heavey supplies as well as the debris off the building. I was dressed to the nines and ready for an important function. There I stood with my hands full and looked at the dumb predicament I found myself in. After taking a deep breath, I loaded my car and began to look up to the roof top in hopes of finding someone who could move the tractor. I heard the chatter of men working away.

So I called up, first in English. No reponse. Hmmm I thought, well I need to bring out my Spanish skills I guess. So I called up.

¿Hola? - Hello? ¿Quíen es ustedes? Any one there?

¿Me puede oír usted allí arriba? ¿Hola? ¿La ayuda?

Not a a word, but they continued working and talking to each other in Spanish. I just went, "Oh boy! Shook my head a bit.

¡Hola Caballeros! Hello Gentlemen! ¡Ayúdeme! Help! It was a good thing I wasn't getting murdered. They would have ignored the whole thing, or would they?

¡Nada! Nada word. I was getting pissed now, so I layed on my horn and called out in between blasts.

¡Ahora, yo me enojaba! Muy enojaba!

I saw this young man standing with an Anglo trying hard to hide. So I walked up to them and ask the now very visable one..... Por favor,¿Dónde está su jefe?

"Hmm, yo no trabajo aquí." I don't work here was his response. I love a good joke but a bold face lie never settles well. I told him

¿Verdad? Truthfully, ¿Realmente? Really? Sheesh I felt like 'K' in Men in Black!

Trabajaba aquí el otro día, yo recuerdo verle. I saw you working here the other day.

Ooops, you don't look all the same to all of us Gringos. He claimed to not know where the boss was. He had as he told me only come out as a day laborer, and there was no work. Okay, well let's go find El Jefe!

Not two seconds later, an Anglo in a huge monster of a white truck came rolling up. Well at least someone is getting paid here, I thought. I could tell he had attitude and so I asked him, ¿Hablas inglés? You speak English? Oh he was not amused. He gruffly answered, yeah! ¡Que bueno! Good!

Then I told him what I needed and asked him to move the tractor. I know he either wanted to tell me he didn't have the keys, or he couldn't move the truck. His authority as an Anglo had only been assumed. He knew the gig was up and like a bear got out of his comfy office on wheels and moved the tractor.

Whew! I could be on my way. I did notice as he whipped the tractor out he nearly took out a few cars. Temper! Temper! I was glad to be leaving. Later that night when I returned I stepped on on the the bazillion nails with plastic rings around the head to protect fingers. They look like little green saucers. Oye! I was ever so Thankful that I changed into my excercise skeetchers with the big thick tread.

I noticed later that weekend that my left back tire was going flat. So I brought it in for a check. Sure enough, it had one of the saucers and nails in it. So I had it patched. Life happens. Then the front left tire went. Okay, so I step into my property managers office and place a fist full of these little babies from the parking lot. Apparently, it has been quite the problem around here.

I was given a name and number to call. The phone rang and who should it be my luck is should be? The same Anglo in the monster moving office I had met the Saturday before.

Oh Joy!

I told him about my foot and car and asked if he could help me with the tires. He said, "Your the one who made such a F-ing problem this weekend! " "Really?" I said, "Moving a tractor, was a problem? He was rude and I knew he wasn't about to help me with the tires?

That is until I mentioned three little letters....."ICE"...No not these kind.

This kind.

You know the new and improved clipboard pushing immigration enforcement officers. He opened right up like a book, telling me they were from Honduras. I told him I could tell they were not local or Mexican, because I understood Spanish and their dialect was not common around here. He asked me not to call on him, he just contracted out for them. I told him I wouldn't call, that I was sure he was abiding by all the immigration laws. Snark.

He told me that he wouldn't give money to fix my tires for a week, and well that was a deal breaker with me. I told him, the tires were going flat as we spoke, and I want the $15.00 per tire, now. He was one unhappy bear, but he brought it to me in my managers office. Apologized and everything.

Great, problem resolved, I just need to go fix my tires. Wrong. That night when I went out to run to the store I found a baby stroller suspended from my American Flag. Yep, you are reading this right, now take it in for a second time, and try to imagine the dumbest way to desecrate an American flag. Bingo! You would have what I saw.

Now as a photographer, I should have reached for my camera, but I didn't, I was so shocked to see a stroller hanging from my flag. I took it down immediately and then called the police and filed a report. When they came out they had about the same dumb look on their faces. Really? I mean really? I took down the torn flag and will put another new one up when they are gone. On so many levels, the act of defacing an American Flag on our own soil should really get someones attention. It sure got mine.

My property manager did not take this incident well. She called the foreman and told him what was found and documented, and that if his guys touched anything of mine, they would be on the next bus to New Jersey. New Jersey?

Illegal immigrants from New Jersey? OMG, we are out sourcing to New Jersey now? That is the possible interstate transport of illegal workers. Wow, so the guy I first asked that Saturday where the boss was, was a 'day laborer from New Jersey!'

Boy, that is traveling a long way for a day job!

There are able bodied men and women in the State of Colorado who need a job! Do not give me the line that Americans won't do that kind of work, cause I am here to tell you I volunteer at a homeless shelter, and yes there are people who will flip burgers, who will dig ditches, who will roof a house. American or not, immigrants with work visas. Give them the job!

It really makes you wonder just who is selling our country out? Sometimes I think it is our own people. Who willingly and knowningly give jobs to save a few bucks, not considering the kind of people they are hiring and what they do when they are here in our country to work. I am for immigration reform, but we need a Govenor who will actually do it, fairly and right. All there ever has been is talk. I thought Governor Ritter was that man. I was wrong.

We will have to wait and see who comes to the office and Govenor Ritter has announced he is not going to run. Denver Mayor Hickenlooper wants the job. Is he the right man for the job? I am not going to hold my breath.


Copyright 2010 - All Rights Reserved Colorado Hummingbird

Quote of the Day - January 14th, 2010

In the depths of winter I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer." - Albert Camus

Colorado Photography by Christine McClintock

Enjoy a trip to my paradise.