Archives
December 2004
December 31
* Relief mission to Sri Lanka
Ramin Ahmadi, cofounder of Iran
Human Rights Documentation Center in Connecticut,
and three other doctors, one of whom
is a Sri Lankan resident of his,
are leaving on a relief mission to Sri Lanka new
year's eve. Perhaps Iranians would like to help.
Below is the announcement that was sent by our center's assistant. --
Roya Hakakian
Dear Friends,
The ever-augmenting news of the tragic tsunami in
the Indian Ocean has shocked us, and the news of the slowness with
which governments
and major aid organizations are mobilizing relief efforts has frustrated
us almost equally. Most of us do not have much to give, so when
we do give, we want to know that the money will be used quickly
and efficiently and not sit in the account of a bureaucratic aid
agency.
So I want to let you know that two of my trusted colleagues, (a
doctor and a public health specialist) at my new job, the Iran
Human Rights Documentation Center, are going to leave for Sri Lanka
tomorrow with a small medical SWAT team, including two Sri Lankan
doctors and a Yale surgeon. They will stay for two weeks. Members
of the team have crisis relief experience in East Timor, and have
worked in Guyana, Nicaragua, and Uganda. The SWAT team will be
working directly with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health. They have
volunteered to be assigned to the most dangerous, hard-to-reach
areas where few relief workers have gone.
The sponsoring group, the Griffin Hospital Center for Health and
Human Rights (a Yale affiliate) is accepting donations to cover
the expenses of the team’s mission. Your contribution would
cover things like basic medical supplies (syringes, gauze, and
basic antibiotics) and transportation to blocked-off areas where
some survivors have spent days waiting for rescue workers to find
them.
Checks must be made out to "Griffin Center for Health and
Human Rights," and marked in low left-hand corner: "Disaster
Relief." Mail checks to Development Fund, Griffin Hospital,
130 Division St., Derby, CT 06418. If you are in New Haven, you
can drop the checks off with me and I will bring them to Derby
myself.
I am personally proud to have colleagues and friends willing to
drop everything in at a moment’s notice to embark on an experience
where their physical safety is not secure and which is bound to
be one of the most emotionally harrowing events of their lives.
It is people like them who sustain and renew us
all.
Best, Sophie Raseman
Program Coordinator
Iran Human Rights Documentation Center
New Have, Connecticut
Work: 203-732-7374
Cell: 203-500-7090
Permanent Email: sophie.raseman@aya.yale.edu
To top
December 29
* Calendar: Children of Persia
For past few years Children
of Persia (COP) has published a Persian/American
calendar. For this year
calendar, I did a call for art and invited artists to participate in an international
art competitions high lighting Persian Art & Culture.
The 2005 COP calendar is about Iran's customs, ritual's, and ceremonies.
This calendar has 12 beautiful art works from Iranian artists all over the world.
Moreover, Dr. Mina Marefat who is a scholar in Library of Congress has contributed
four pages of informative text to explain these celebrations and ceremonies.
These four pages are very informative that can be used for reference.
The calendar is $20 and can be purchased here. --
Negar Assari-Samimi
To top
* Green Card scam
Dear Iranian.com Friends,
Could you please share the following information with everyone
about an on going scam, so they will not become a victim
of this plot. The email I have forwarded to you below is a scam
that tries to receive money (so-called fee payment in the amount
of
$749.97) from innocent people applying for green card. Some people
who may not be familiar with these types of scams and devious plots
may become a victim. Thank you for your help.
Dr. Bahram Roughani
------------------------
From: dvimmigrationservice@tiscali.co.uk
Subject: AMERICAN GREEN CARD VISA LOTTERY(CONGRATULATIONS)
To: dvimmigrationservice@tiscali.co.uk
DVLOTTERY.STATE.GOV
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520
www.dvlottery.state.gov
Dear client,
Congratulations, you have been selected as one of the lucky winners
on our internet screening machine, DV-2004-2006 USA national visa
lottery program. It is my pleasure to congratulate you on your
success in the America DV-2004-2006 VISA LOTTERY GREENCARD which
was applied and processed by our agency. Your visa lottery winner's
identity is ID-4200DV and your serial net visa passport with us
SNVPh700IU in this respect,you are directed to forward the
following requirements:
l Your present contact address(for correspondent)
l Your recent passport photograph :REGULAR MAIL:
You can also send your photo(s)
by regular mail. The photo must be between 1 by 1 and 2 by 2 inches (37-50
mm) square, with the applicant?s, spouse's,
or child's name printed on the back. Please mail the photos to:
Immigration Services:
PA/PL, Rm. 3206
U.S. Department of State
2301 C Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20720
Or Preferably, You Scann your passport photograph and send it
via email for faster processing. Clearance/acceptance fees ($749.97)
Details of requirements:
Your present contact address should be forwarded strictly to
our receieving email address for correspondent below:
(dv_immigrationservice_govcontact@euromail.net)
(dv_immigrationservice_govcontact@yahoo.com)
Alternatvely for faster processing, A scanned copy of your passport
photograph should be send via our recieving email address. Clearance/acceptance
fees payment ($749.97): we accept western union money transfer
as the only payment method due to some reasons from our past experiences.
(credit card is not acceptable,please.) Your western union or other
means of money transfer payment information should be forwarded
as directed on payment procedures through our new satelite attached
network order for security reasons as indicated below.
(dv_immigrationservice_govcontact@euromail.net)
(dv_immigrationservice_govcontact@yahoo.com)
Your payment confirmation shall be sent to you as soon as clarification
is done on your payment. Providing the above requirements will
assure you your visa lottery acknowledgement card and visa lottery
security code which we shall send to your email address.
Important notice :Please make sure you report and forward your
lottery visa code and acknowledgement card to the USA embassy in
individual country for your green card and other necessary claims.
According to the united state code of conduct and constitution
Vol.176/866 :Act 690SN guiding all immigration, green card permit
agencies if non-response after 5 days you receive this message
your winner's status shall reveal no interest and we would in response
refer your lottery code and acknowledgement card back to the USA
government/immigration service center.
We shall be anticipating for your reply soon.
PLEASE WE WOULD WANT YOU TO SEND ALL REPLYS TO OUR AGENCY EMAIL
ADDRESS
BELOW. FOR YOUR IMFORMATION OUR AGENCY ADVICES YOU TO CONTACT THE IMMIGRATION
SERVICE FOR YOUR REQUIREMENT PLS CONTACT THERE E-MAIL NOW FOR YOUR NOTICE:
(dv_immigrationservice_govcontact@euromail.net)
(dv_immigrationservice_govcontact@yahoo.com)
Thanks
MARYKATE PURCHIA
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Co-ordinator.
KELVIN POWELL
president note:your respond/reply is strictly recieved on our attached recieving
email network for security reasons.
To top
December 27
* Sayyad: Amoo Norooz
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Sara Sefeed,
Senior Editor, PersianMirror.com
LOS ANGELES, December 24, 2004 -- Legendary actor Parviz Sayyad
has returned to the studio to record for a new cartoon by the name
of Babak and Friends,
A First Norooz. Mr. Sayyad who has been loved
and missed by audiences worldwide, is the famous actor who brought
classic films to the Iranian cinema such as the adventures of Samad
and Hassan Kachal. Over the years, Mr. Sayyad has been quite active
in his role as an actor, performing in plays and making appearances
in his native Los Angeles and around the world. He has written
and produced many projects, including his successful film, the
Mission (Ferestadeh).
Mr. Sayyad will take on the role of Amoo Norooz in this classic
cartoon about Babak, a little boy who finds himself compromised
between his American life and his Iranian background. As Amoo Norooz,
it will be Mr. Sayyad’s job to educate Babak about his proud
and long heritage, and to teach him about the wonderful traditions
of Norooz. The actor is very excited to be part of a project that
promises to be a heart-warming and engaging tale in a modern and
cosmopolitan world.
Conceived by writer/director Dustin Ellis, A First Norooz is
the story of a young boy named Babak, who is taken on a long journey
to understand and appreciate traditions like Chahar Shanbeh Soori
and Norooz. "We are very excited to have Mr. Sayyad working
with us on this project. He is a legend in the Iranian film industry
and brings a voice of authority and tradition to the character
of Amoo. He could not be more perfect for the role. We are happy
to bring Mr. Sayyad back to the fans around the world." said
Mr. Ellis.
The animation project has been in production for over 8 months
and is in full swing according to Norooz LLC, the production company
that has put the project together. A first of its kind, A First
Norooz boasts a group of talented storyboard artists and animators
with backgrounds in companies like Nickelodeon, Time Warner, and
Disney. The cartoon is high quality and traditionally significant,
explaining the onset of the Iranian New Year, Norooz, which ushers
in the coming of spring.
Babak and Friends -- A First Norooz is being produced in both
English and Persian with feature extras promised on the DVD. The
30-minute movie is scheduled for release in March 2005, just before
Norooz celebrations around the world. The film will be premiered
in Los Angeles, New York, and London and screened in select cities
around the world before and during Norooz. For purchase information
and screening locations visit babakandfriends.com.
To top
December 21
* Hoder at Stanford Wednesday
Doostan e aziz,
Please join us for an evening with Hossein Derakhshan
(Hoder), an Iranian blogger who currently resides in
Toronto and publishes "Sardabir:Khodam" at
i.hoder.com. Hossein has created
a tutorial on how to create a weblog and has encouraged many
Iranians develop their own weblogs. Date: Wednesday December 22, 2004
Time: 6:30PM
Location: Timoshenko Lounge - Stanford University
Address: 230 Ayrshire farm ln. Stanford, CA
6:30
Socialize
7:00 Hoder: Talk and presentation
7:30 Questions and answers
We will then leave to a nearby restaurant for
dinner/dessert and informal chat. Please feel free to
forward this e-mail to your friends who are interested
in this subject.
Cheers,
-- Ahmad Anvari
To top
December 16
* Support Rudi! As you would know, Ms. Rudi Bakhtiar is one of the
wonderful Iranian American journalists working with CNN. She has
played an
important
role
in fundraising and advocacy activities for Iranian children.
She is on leave now from CNN and a friend who knows
more about this suggested
that we send an email in support of Rudi, asking CNN about
the reasons
for her absence and letting the CNN management know that we
care for Rudi,
miss her reporting and want her back ASAP. I think we should do this. How many Iranian American
do we get to see on international TV stations as a serious professional
reporter who still cares for human rights, women and children in
Iran
as well as in the US? This is the link at which you can send
a short message to CNN, it takes
a couple of minutes only.
-- Nayereh Tohidi
To top
* Characterizing the Iranian-American community
In my
previous articles, I have always advocated a better characterization
of the Iranian-American community. Now is the chance for our community
to come together and take a good look at itself. The Iranian Studies
Group at MIT (ISG) has launched the "
Iranian-American Community
Survey 2005", an online survey on the social characteristics
of the Iranian-American population, and tries to understand the
different aspects of the community, including family Characteristics,
inter-community and intra-community Interactions, cultural affinities,
emotional ties to the homeland, and assimilation in the United
States. The need for such a survey came from the realization
that the needs, concerns and nature of the Iranian-American community
cannot be
understood merely by looking at census data or related information.
Community leaders have long realized that despite a history of
success stories of Iranian-American individuals, and the high educational
and economic status the community has been less cohesive than many
other ethnic groups in the U.S. There seems to be a serious
shortage of understanding of the Iranian-American community‚s
needs and concerns, and the obstacles that prevent it from coming
together as more cohesive community.
A similar survey was held in the summer of 2004
by a group of Iranian-American organizations with BAI Voters Association
taking the lead, focusing
on civic participation. This survey would provide additional,
complementary information about the community. By sharing our survey
information
and resources with other Iranian-American organizations and individuals,
we hope to get a better picture of the needs of our community. Tens of Iranian-American organizations, academics
and community leaders were consulted for designing the survey.
Many of them provided
feedbacks on its development and design. The survey is to be
carried out between January-March 2005, and is scheduled to be
repeated
annually, to enable the tracking of changes in the community
over time.
The ISG is looking to reach out to as many Iranian-Americans
as possible to fill out the survey. We hope to spread the word
to every possible member of the Iranian-American community,
to provide us with their input on their needs and concerns. Every
additional response will help us construct a better picture
of
the needs and views of the Iranian-American community. We urge
all Iranian-Americans to forward this to as many of their Iranian-American
relatives, friends, colleagues and acquaintances as possible. The
survey is currently
open to the public. The survey is a follow-up
on a
series of ISG reports released in February 2004 on the socioeconomic
characteristics of the Iranian-American community, which received
nation-wide coverage, and was widely publicized within the community.
Here is a unique chance for our community, let's
make it a joint success.
-- Ali Mostashari
To top December 11
* Bad ideas, good argument
K writes: Jahanshah Jan, You know I love everything you
do with Iranian.com, and especially
your openness to controversy and impolite ideas on
the site, but I
really think we need to be careful to moderate the
anti-Arab racism
that some of our community is prone to in the discussion
over the
Persian Gulf.
Of course, I'm just as upset about this issue, and think
it's
important for us to be active on it. But not to the extent
of
resorting to racist claims about or representations of
Arabs. The
flash satire piece that went onto your site recently
is really
unacceptably racist.
If such a depiction of Arabs showed
up in a
major newspaper it would rightfully be condemned by
all - we need
to hold ourselves to higher standards. After all, those
outside
don't care about the distinctions we pretend that exist;
Iranians
have as much oil, and wear the same damn abayyas that
Arabs do!
Ghorbanat,
K
Reply:
I agree K Jan. The level of anti-Arab sentiment
among Iranians is so deplorable, it's comical. Their just
as
juvenile towards Jews, Bahais, Blacks, Hispanics... you
know what I'm talking about.
And the Persian Gulf! Why don't we put as much time and
energy into saving someone's life or releasing a prisoner
of conscience from jail or help refugees who have been
stuck in camps in Turkey and Pakistan for years and years.
Believe me there's a lot of stuff I don't publish that's
ten times worse than the stuff you see. But in the end
there's no escaping it. These views exist and the only
way they can be moderated or reversed is when they are
brought out in the open and challenged.
You think an article is racist or promoting ideas that
are irrational and dangerous to the rest of us? Well,
don't complain to me. RESPOND to them aziz. Stop thinking
that
racists and warmongers and people with nothing but
hatred in their hearts are not worth your time. THAT's
how THEY
succeed. Good ideas don't spread on their own. They
are EXPRESSED.
Besides, sunshine is the best disinfectant, someone
said. Or something like that :o)
Cheers
Jahanshah Javid
K replies: of course you're correct i should write to
them first - however, the
link that goes to the website that the flash animation
i'm objecting
to seems not to work. i don't know who to take to task!!
thanks as always for your balanced approach - but i do
respectfully
think that even in an open forum like iranian.com editorial
limits
should be set that make certain kinds of ideas unacceptable.
but
that's just my opinion!
and i totally agree that this persian gulf issue is a
silly
distraction. i've had some emails back and forth with
trita parsi
taking issue with NIAC making such a big deal of this,
while
ignoring the OFAC travesty that i think is much more
important an
issue for our community.
did you see the excellent LA
Times article
on OFAC a couple of days ago? i should write something
for the
iranian on this...!
K
To top * For Shab-e Yalda
December 22, 2004 will be the anniversary of the first
Minute for Peace, which was observed globally by people
of every creed and culture on Dec. 22, 1963.
We urge
world leaders to speak out for this event. This will
result in new hope and a new beginning for the whole human
family. Let us now acclaim the true heroes who bravely
oppose the warmakers and sometimes are killed for their
peace efforts. (Example: Martin Luther King, Jr.)
Minute for Peace Day occurs on the Winter Solstice. In
ancient history the Winter Solstice was a time for rejoicing.
The days before that, kept getting shorter. There was fear
this would continue and leave the world in darkness. But
on the December Solstice the days started getting longer. Now
people knew the dead leaves on the trees would yield their
place to new leaves in the Spring.
On this great day of opportunity a new faith, hope and
love can replace the dead leaves of the past and inspire
cooperation for our common good. Together we can provide
a new beginning for the human family -- a time to forgive,
forget and start anew. A look at the Minute for Peace observed on December 22,
1963, can increase our vision of possibilities.
December 22, 2004, will be the fortieth anniversary of
the first Minute for Peace -- a universal radio and TV
broadcast which ended the period of mourning for President
John F. Kennedy. On that occasion (December 22, 1963,
at 1900 GMT) the recorded voice of President Kennedy speaking
the year before at the United Nations implored, "Together
we can save our planet."
A Minute for Peace exhibit at the 1965 Worlds Fair increased
interest and resulted in daily Minute for Peace broadcasts
on many radio stations. These featured the ringing
of the UN Peace Bell, a statement by a world leader about
ways to foster peace and understanding. This was
followed by a request that listeners add their prayer and
commitment to help foster peaceful progress on our planet
>>> Full text
To top
* 4 out of 5 prefer phone sex
A few months ago a friend introduced me to an internet
site which is basically a chat room with voice and video
capability. He said this was a great way to meet Iranian
women from the comfort of one's living room and without
the need to get dressed up or pay a $20 cover charge. So, I gave it a try for the first time back in October
of this year. It was great. You could listen to the latest Iranian
music, or enjoy classics from decades ago as people played
their favorites. You could also listen to people talk or
tell jokes.
Believe it or not, in many cases, people would get into
fights and swear to each other left or right. This was
the most fun in a few cases.
But all of this is besides the point. In a matter of 3-4 weeks,
I had gotten to know 5 girls and shortly after chatting
we started talking on the phone.
To my amazement, 4 out of 5 of these girls (sounds like
a dentine chewing gum commercial) directly and indirectly
proposed to have phone sex after a few phone calls. Actually,
in 1 case, during our first phone conversation. This
may have been coincidental, who knows.
What is up with that ? These women were all in their
late 20s and mid 30s. I am almost 40 myself. Why would
you want
to have phone sex at this age? If one is that starved for
sex, wouldn't it be better to indulge in the real thing?
I know there are issues with STD and AIDS but I think we
have gotten to a point where internet is causing more distance
between people instead of getting people closer and its
creating more lonely people. Thats a pity.
For me, I am officially
retired from that chat site. I rather get dressed up
and pay the $20.
Faramarz To top
* Corrupt blessings
A note written by a
friend, Parviz, based on a recent report: "Transparency
International, An international human right NGO".
-- Iraj
Have you seen recent list of countries based on corruption?
This list is prepared by Transparency International,
An international human right NGO.
Our country is standing 87th among 145 with a score
of 2.9 out of 10. A total "F" from every aspect
and a big shame!
Let's have a look and search for some common factors,
its fun: Firstly: Religion -- and Islam on top of the list
-- is supposed to be a good source of ethic codes in
everyday life.
This is what we have learned from the day we could pronounce "gha
gha", and even with some codes in our genes! Right?
Now look at the list: The country at the very end of
the list at 145th is Bangladesh with a score of 1.5!
A very
big "Moslem" country. Go ahead and search more:
the first Moslem countries appearing in the list are
Oman and UAE (my residence country) with a score of 6.2.
In other words, there is not a single Moslem country
in
the top 28.
Go further: Saudi
Arabia, Islam's motherland is at 71st with 3.4. Other
major Islamic countries or countries with a Muslim majority
are: Syria at 71st, Egypt
at 77th, Lebanon at 97th, Libya and Palestine at
108th,
Yemen at 112th, Iraq and Pakistan at 129th, and Indonesia
at 133rd.
Secondly: Old history is supposed to be a positive
value against bad social habits such as "corruption",
right?
Now check the list: Greece and Italy being the oldest
civilizations of the Western hemisphere are taking
the worst situations among the European countries, Greece
at 49th with score of 4.3 and Italy at 42nd with score
of 4.8!
Now shift to Asia: China at 71st with 3.4,
Iran
at 87th with 2.9, India at 90th with 2.8, move to
America: Mexico (remember Aztecs) at 64th with 3.6.
On
the other
extreme some of the countries with a very fresh
history are standing very tall: New Zealand at second
with
9.6 (second only to Finland), Singapore at 5th with
9.3 and
Canada at 12th with 8.5 (Salute to these new
babies of history who are standing very tall).
Thirdly: Oil as a natural blessing is supposed to bring
wealth to the countries and wealthier countries as
a result are supposed to be less corrupted. Right?
Wrong again: Many of the most corrupt countries are
oil rich: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Iran in
the Middle East, Venezuela in South America and Nigeria
and Libya in Africa!
I do not want to make theories, I just want to make
some points. Look at the irony: the blessings are indeed
curses!
Did you notice the link? Our beloved country is enjoying
all 3 blessings! Who should we blame?
Parviz
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