August 2004
August 29...............................To
top
* Free Iran on October 1st
This is the most important email that I have ever sent to people
that I love and the people that they believe in me. What I am saying
in this note is so simple but at the same time it is so hard to
believe. And I say, I would like to see a free Iran in 32 days.
Why? Because I am absolutely sick of waiting. One Iranian set
a date and I happen to like that date. I do not like any other
date,
I like the 1st of October of 2004. Check your heart and see whether
you like this date, and if you do, then declare this to all
people that you love and tell them that you like this date and
ask them
the same thing.
Why? Because they may like the same thing.
And if they do, they may tell that to their loved ones. The day
that
I receive an email from all of you that says that you like
to see a free Iran On October 2004, it would be the second most
beautiful
day of my life. The most beautiful day of my life is 1st
of October of 2004.
And I say after that date, we will have learned
a way
to create the most beautiful things in the world. We learned
to
be true to what we love and say it and NOT BE AFRAID and
do
what is right. We learned to trust each other and we learned
to spread
love.
If Iran does not become free on Oct 1st, it is because
not enough Iranians chose that date. We can keep play this
game until the majority of Iranians choose one single date.
Keep
this game simple, Please choose Oct 1st. Why? Because if you
are not
tired
of waiting,
I am tired of waiting. If you are not doing it for
yourself, do it for me.
Check your heart, is October 1st the right
date for free Iran? If not, what other date you will choose?
Is that
day
any better than October 1st, 2004?
I think this is
the coolest thing
I have ever said. Iran is a combination of two
words. Ir and An. "Ir" means
Mehr (kindness, love) and "An" means
land. Iran is the land of love. This movement is
about
love. Long live Iran.
Long
live the land of love.
I like to see every Iranian
gets this message of love and have opportunity
to choose the
day of October
1, 2004. This
email has gone to more than 50 loved ones...
many more millions are tired of waiting... This email could
be the very thing
that frees Iran!
-- Amir
To top
* Wanted: Persian journalist to cover America
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
The Center for Defense Information in Washington D.C -- a think
tank that focuses on a broad array of subjects beyond the world
of defense -- is looking for a Persian language editor-in-chief
for a new web zine publication focusing on coverage of America.
The project is not part of the US government's public diplomacy
efforts. The funding comes from private foundations, most notably
the majors,
such as Rockefeller, Ford, Carnegie etc.
Some background: The President of the foundation, a good fellow
whom I know well, Bruce Blair, came up with an innovative idea
to launch a Chinese and Russian news service a few years ago that
would focus mostly on covering America and American issues.
The rationale? Most foreign language media based in the US do
a good job of covering US policy vis a vis their home country,
but not such a good job of delving into American politics, society,
and culture, warts and all.
Well, the Chinese and Russian services
have taken off like wildfire, and have become major players in
both domestic media markets, in diaspora publications, and among
academics and intellectuals. One of their key strengths is their
independence (i.e lack of affiliation with US government).
They are looking to replicate these models with Persian and Arabic,
and looking for a chief editor. I told Bruce Blair I'd help him
locate someone.
Broadly, what they are looking for is the following:
A journalist to write, commission, edit, and direct a web-zine
in Persian focusing mostly on coverage of America, from the presidential
elections to culture to health care debates to foreign policy.
The editor would seek to put together, at first, three to four
analytical pieces and perhaps a couple of feature stories for each
issue.
Obviously, command of journalistic Persian is a must, but
beyond that, I get the impression they are open to all creative,
dynamic, hard-working people. He is looking for, in his own words, "a
self-starter with a touch of entrepeneurialism, willing to work
long hours, and a vision for expanding the magazine." I dont
suspect they will be paying a king's ransom, but it wont be bad
either.
If you know of anyone who might be interested, please feel free
to contact me, and I can tell you more about it and/or pass on
CV's to Bruce.
-- Afshin Molavi
August 25...............................To
top
* Unsaid
I just heard a PBS interview with the head of the National
Endowment for the Humanities, Dana Gioia, who's better known
as a poet. He
recited one of his poems, "Unsaid":
So much of what
we live goes on inside--
The diaries of grief, the tongue-tied aches
Of unacknowledged love are no less real
For having passed unsaid. What we conceal
Is always more than what we dare confide.
Think of the letters that we write our dead.
-- Jahanshah Javid
To top
* Mad Scientist
My son Alexander's daycare is across the road from my office.
So, every morning I drop him off at his "school" before
going to work.
The morning drive is a great time that we have together, and
a good chance to talk; about everything and anything.
This morning he says "Dad!"
I look at him in my read view mirror, "What sweetie?"
"When I grow up, I want to be a scientist."
Going into a momentary parental dream sequence, I respond, "You
can be anything you want to be, son! You can be a scientist,
a doctor, a lawyer - pay scale and layoff possibilities in
mind, of course, I don't mention engineer as an option!"
He adds, "Do you know why I want to be a scientist dad?"
"Why do you want to be a scientist?"
"Because, I want to create the biggest robot monster!"
Oh my, how do I answer this one! "Then people will call
you a Mad Scientist!"
He thinks for a few seconds and responds, "Dad,
didn't you say I could be anything I want to be?"
"Yes dear, anything!"
"Dad," he says, "I want to be a Mad Scientist!"
-- Ben Bagheri
To top
* DeepnetExplorer.com
i just downloaded the most amazing web browser. it is called "deepnet
explorer". (www.deepnetexplorer.com)
it is a browser that mimics IE and then is also a P2P engine
and newsfeed reader that uses RSS feeds of the all new agencies.
you
can have it as your bowser to download music and videos and also
indicate what you like in terms of news and it feeds it down
to your browser.
it truly is amazing, download either the old version or the beta
of the new version.
-- Ramin Tabib
To top
* Cairo calling
Golden Thread Productions invited to perform in Cairo
San Francisco - Golden Thread
Productions has been invited to present
a play from last year’s ReOrient Festival at the 16th Cairo
International Festival for Experimental Theatre in September 2004.
Karima’s City, by Egyptian-born Seattle playwright Yussef
El Guindi, received its first fully-staged professional production
under the direction of Arlene Hood at the New Langton Arts theater
in October 2003. The highly-prized invitation to perform the piece
in Cairo comes from Egypt’s Ministry of Culture which sponsors
the multi-day festival, which kicks off on September 20th and concludes
September 30th.
Based on a short story by Salwa Bakra, one of Egypt’s pre-eminent
feminist writers, Karima’s City explores the breakdown of
an idealistic, strong woman as she attempts to stave off, and fight
against, the destruction of her city and environment. It was developed
with dance and movement, and performed on a bare stage. This 50-minute
ensemble piece speaks to universally shared human values. Various
characters, including the neighborhood trees, are performed by
the six-actor ensemble. Dance and movement, absurdist and cartoon-inspired
characterizations color the minimalist piece.
Golden Thread Productions is the only theater company in San
Francisco, and possibly the United States, dedicated to exploring
the Middle
Eastern culture and identity as represented throughout the globe.
The company is made up people from around the world who share
an interest in the Middle East. Performing in Cairo is a dream
come
true for this company that has been producing plays in the Bay
Area since 1997.
One of the premiere events of its kind, the Cairo Festival last
year presented works from 43 countries, including 16 Arab nations
and 27 others, representing a broad range of theatrical groups
and styles. American theatre organizations have participated
only rarely throughout the Festival’s history. In 1999, San Francisco
dancer Joe Goode was invited to bring a piece. Prizes are awarded
in a variety of categories. Performances are held in venues ranging
from Cairo’s Opera House to converted halls, with individual
translation devices provided to overcome the difficulties inherent
in a polyglot setting.
Golden Thread Productions is a
San Francisco Bay Area ensemble dedicated to exploring Middle Eastern culture
and identity as represented throughout the
globe. We define
the Middle East broadly and inclusively.
-- Torange Yeghiazarian
To top
* NOW2004.US: Activist design
Dear friends,
As a result of a personal resolution earlier this year and a
personal challenge to convince myself that I can do something
that would
go beyond "one November vote" activism, I have taken
on a project with two other dear friends lately. After much thought,
I decided to fall back on what I know and what I do best (or so
I think) : my skills as a designer and communicator of ideas.
I
came up with three anti-Bush graphic design ideas in a bold and
abstract form. We have applied these three designs to a series
of apparel, giftware and house ware items that you can purchase
on-line. I spare you all the details since our web site explains
everything you need to know including our mission statement, wishes
and promise: //www.NOW2004.US
I have to add our merchandise is fulfilled though Cafepress.com
service. Although, it is convenient and economical for us to
not invest in inventory, taking orders on-line, shipping, customer
service, returns, etc. (all handled through them - not us), we
pay a steep base price for that service for every single item
sold.
Therefore, our mark-up is usually with $2 to $5 for each item
you see in the stores. This money will help us with site maintenance
and hosting costs and we will share a portion of proceeds with
other like-minded Anti-Bush organization like MoveOn.Org and
Americans
Coming Together (ACT) in an effort to insure a Democratic
victory in November.
Moreover, our web site has a great Blog (Web Log) feature that
will showcase timely, alternative news pieces about the ongoing political
discourse from a Liberal and Democratic point of view. I hope this
will be something that is worth your visit in the future on
a regular basis . Please feel free to bookmark it and add your
comment about any pieces you read there as you deem fit. The more
participation, the better: www.now2004.us/blog/
And ....The final word ( ...Hurray!!! :-) :
- If you decide to purchase anything, you have my gratitude
and respect for helping our common cause. You are the best!
- If you decide to help us by simply forwarding this message
and its accompanying web site links to others within your circle
of family and friends, I appreciate your consideration and
effort in spreading out the word.
- If you decide to do nothing at all, I understand your disagreement
and appreciate your civility. No matter what side of the isle we
stand on, our destiny is the same. I just believe in different
qualities in the leadership that will influence shaping that destiny.
That's all.
I appreciate your time for reading all of this post and spending
some time to preview our web sites at the the links above.
I am forever grateful for knowing and having access to people
like you.
Best Regards,
-- Amin Atlaschi
Los Angeles, CA
To top
* Foreign policy attitudes
My name is Brian Bezner and I am a senior at the University of
California, Irvine and I am currently collecting research for my
thesis. The title of my thesis is, “Foreign Policy Attitudes
of Iranian Americans Living within the United States.” In
order to collect the most comprehensive data it will be important
for me to conduct a survey of the Iranian-American community. This
survey will ask questions, such as age, gender, religion, income
level, education level and most importantly, how long you have
lived within the United States.
I will be working with Mahmoud Ghaffari, an Iranian-American
that I have become good friends with and who inspired me to write
this thesis based on several conversations we have had regarding
his experiences. He has lived in the United States since 1982 and
has held several management positions in various consulting firms
and is currently working for Boeing as a project manager for aircraft
broadband connectivity. He also holds an adjunct faculty position
at several local Universities in the Telecommunication and computer
science departments.
There have been several changes since 1979 and the fall of the
Shah in Iran and there have been several different stances that
the United States has taken with regards to Iran. I feel that it
is important for all of us to gain a mutual understanding of the
feelings of the Iranian-American community based on the different
demographics I have outlined above. If your organization would
be willing to help in our research and have a survey distributed
and competed by your members please contact me. I appreciate your
time and look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Brian Bezner
6411 Seabryn Drive
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
(310) 541-9206 home
(310) 849-7733 cell
BrianBezner@aol.com
August 20...............................To
top
* Solo in Africa
A good old friend emailed the note below on October 14, 2003.
I saved it hoping to respond one day. Then as I was preparing
this section
last week, I lost the photograph he had attached to his
email. I forgot to save it... I felt a great sense of loss. The
picture showed
him
and his
friend
-- both shirtless and in shorts -- sitting
in
the back of a fishing boat basking in the sun off the coast
of Dakar, Senegal. -- J. Javid
Javid Jan, long time
no news. Where are you? Chetory? ...
I am in Dakar (lovely place for west African standards) and am
fine. But, in the wild west Africa, (my) business as usual: Liberian
crisis goes up and down. After 10-15 years of civil war, ups-downs
have become the country's favorite motion, I'd say!
A failed coup
was announced last week in Burkina Faso and Guinea Bissau's military
junta has appointed a pro-holy See businessman as the interim
chief. Halleluiah!
In the meantime and on a more positive account, I have improved
the way I prepare truffle pasta and am developing a sort of acquaintanceship
with deep-sea fishing in the Atlantic.
A for love affairs my boutique has been closed for a while. I
am afraid it's turning into my good memories at this point! I met
someone in Tehran while ago but I see no prospect because of typical
Iranian family oriented hypocrisy. So solo in Africa, don't know
for how long more but really wish not too long.
Give me news pls.
Ghorbanat,
R
To top
* IRI
in Vancouver
Recently, I visited a friend in Vancouver. Since my previous visit
two decades ago, the city has changed to a big metropolis with
many hi-rise buildings, beautiful recreational areas, and fantastic
views of the Pacific Ocean. Huge capital investments by the Hong
Kong merchants during the 90's, and more capital investments
by the Iranians gangs affiliated with the IRI, in recent years,
are the major force behind the development of this city.
The number of Iranians living in Vancouver has increased dramatically
in recent years. Apparently, a large percentage of the members
of the Government of Islamic Republic of Iran, their relatives,
and those affiliated with them, have chosen Canada as their second
home country. Thus, they have invested heavily in real state, banking,
and other lucrative businesses, mainly in Vancouver and Toronto;
after they received their Canadian Green Card.
While giving me a tour of the Vancouver, my friend pointed
to some hi-rise buildings, and told me that the local Iranians
jokingly call these buildings by the name of their owners: Rafsanjani
Bldg., Sadegh Tabatabai Bldg., Mousavi Bldg., Khamenei Bldg., etc.
These IRI gang try to keep a low profile. They do not mix with
the Iranian locals, and keep their socials to a close circle.
But once in a while the daughter of Rafsanjani or other members
of the gang have been spotted in the shopping centers or recreation
areas.
According to my friend, these people have made a hell in Iran for
the Iranians, while they have chosen heavenly locations of the
world such as Vancouver for their residence, by investing the stolen wealth
from Iran.
I think the Iranian nationals are carefully watching the Canadian
Government, and its response to the murder of Zahra Kazemi
by the agents of IRI, to see whether Canada puts her financial
gains above her morals, in supporting the Human Rights and dignity!
-- Arash Nikbin
To top
* Khomeini: poet
of repute
Respected Sir,
As Salaam Alaikum,
I have learnt that u have published extensively on Islam, Iran
and Khomeini.
I desperately need u'r help.
I am a research scholar of Allahabad University, India. I have
been given the topic of "Imam Khomeini as a poet
of repute" as
research subject and there is dearth of reference material
on the subject. I have written many times to the Iran Culture
House in
India in this connection but they have not responded.
It would be very kind of u if u may kindly send/email me all
the relevant information and name of books relevant
to my subject (in English or Persian) and from where to
get them.
Ur guidance in any other manner is also welcome.
My email address is zeenatsyeda@yahoo.com
I shall be highly obliged to you.
With warm regards,
Zeenat Syeda
c/o S.A.Husain
709/541,Attarsuiya
Allahabad 211003 (U.P)
India.
Ph :91(532) 2651263,2651198
To top
* The
Philosopher
My name is Hamid Karimianpour (for more details please view
here)
About 3 months ago I launched a philosophy website called The
Philosopher. During these 3 months the site has received a total of 1687 hits.
Many philosophers across the world have already published their
work on this site.
Please consider publishing the following excerpt
on The
Philosopherwebsite. Please feel free to ad to or edit the
excerpt:
The
Philosopherwebsite promotes thoughts on philosophy
and ethics. Thinkers
and philosophers like David Newman from Western Michigan
University and Professor Jens Saugstad from University of Oslo
in Norway have published their work on The
Philosopher.
There is a manifold of websites and print publications on various
philosophical topics around the world. However, many thinkers
experience obstacles in reaching out to the world with their views
and ideas,
either because they cannot get their work published unless they
have earned a name or because the publications do not reach a
significant number of readers. Far too many good ideas and thoughts
are wasted
in this way.
The Philosopher website provides philosophers,
students of philosophy, and whoever else with an interest in the
topic to write
and publish letters and essays. It also provides a library
on vaious philosophical topics.
To view the site, click
here.
The
Letter section of this website is dedicated to give thinkers of all kinds the
opportunity to publish their ideas. Simply email
us your thoughts in letter format and we will publish it in the Letter
section. Alternatively click on Guest
Book and write your views and ideas.
Any comments will be appreciated.
-- Hamid Karimianpour
To top
* Shohreh Azar
Entertainment Weekly, 6 August 2004: Has your book club
read that best-seller Reading
Lolita in Tehran yet? The movie's on the way, and House
of Sand and Fog show stealer Shohreh Aghdashloo is perfectly
cast as the Iranian prof who teaches forbidden Western classics
to seven female students. "When I was reading it," says
Aghdashloo, who was born and raised in Tehran, "it took me
on a journey that I deliberately chose not to takeback in 1979,
when I left Iran." Aghdashloo, who likes Jane Austen ("I
think she is the best writer of all"), also has a regular
gig on 24 next season....
-- Sent by
Payman Arabshahi
To top
* Persian Chorus
Dear friend, Hamvatane aziz,
Persian Chorus in Berkeley is recruiting a number of new members
for our 2004- 2005 season (starting September 2004) with positions
available
in the following sections/voices:
- Soprano (2 seats)
- Alto (1 seat)
- Tenor (3 seats)
Interested individuals must have previous or current music experience/background,
be familiar with musical score reading, and demonstrate a solid
understanding of rhythm. Last but not least, having a sensitive
ear for musical pitches is a big plus. For information on audition
requirements, please refer
here.
Persian Chorus started with a few members in October 2003. The
ensemble had its first performance as part of the UC Berkeley Nowrooz
show and received outstanding feedback from the community. Persian
Chorus provides a great opportunity to learn score reading, improve
breathing and vocal techniques, and sing the songs you always wished
you could sing. The ensemble meets twice a week with the following
schedule:
- Wednesday: Sectional for women (7:00pm to 8:30pm)
- Wednesday: Sectional for men (8:30pm to 10:00pm)
- Sunday: Group rehearsal (7:00pm to 10:00pm)
All rehearsals and sectionals are held at the Persian Center
in Berkeley (2029 Durant Ave.)
Our season starts on Sunday, September 5, 2004. Attending all
the rehearsals and sectionals is a mandatory requirement for all
members. Interested individuals should contact persian_chorus@yahoo.com
Happy tunes,
-- Artin
To top
* Bi-monthly gay/lesbian gathering
Dear Friends,
HOMAN LA is pleased to announce the first of what we
hope to be regular bi-monthly social gatherings,
starting on Tuesday, 14 September, 2004, at 7:30 p.m.
Please hold this date and let us know if you plan to
attend this dinner with HOMAN board members and other
friends on that evening.
We will meet at a local restaurant in Los Angeles.
Please rsvp to this email address at homanla@yahoo.com so we can send you a reminder closer to the dinner,
and so we know how many people to expect.
We hope that you can make it!
HOMAN-LA Board
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