Alborz

It is not that there is nothing to write about... It is just too great to write about
I love these mountains...

Vincent Bugliosi

I just finished reading this book and I can say I liked it very much. Not just because of the way Vincent Bugliosi thinks about the horrible Murderer Georg W. Bush but also because of the facts he describes about the USA:

Page 323:
"I know it has been inculcated in us that America is the greatest nation in the world. One of the cliches that Americans unconsciously embrace is that Americans are free, that we have freedom in America. We utter it with our thinking. But when you stop and think about it for a moment, the cliche lacks merit, not because it is nature, but because of what it implies-that the people of other nations are not free. After all, if we are just one of the hundred nations that are free, what is there to brag about or even mention?...
...There are some nations in the world where the people are not free, but aren't they in the decided minority?"

Fereydoon Moshiri's Kooche by Darya Dadvar

Here is another attempt to play Fereydoon Moshiri's "Kooche" this time by Darya Dadvar:
http://www.daryadadvar.com/Darya-Video/Kooche-Moshiri-Koocheh.html
I think this poem is lovely but I am not exactly sure what is in this poem that no music so far could be a real good match for it. I believe the poem itself is stronger than any music.

I also share my attempt for this poem (year 1999 - played today):
Kooche.mp3

Here is the lyrics in Persian:

کوچه
اثر: فريدون مشيری
بی تو مهتاب شبی از آن کوچه گذشتم،
همه تن چشم شدم خيره به دنبال تو گشتم،
شوق ديدار تو لبريز شد از جام وجودم،
شدم آن عاشق ديوانه که بودم،
در نهان خانه ی جانم گل ياد تو درخشيد.
باغ صد خاطره خنديد،
عطر صد خاطره پيچيد:
يادم آمد که شبی با هم از آن کوچه گذشتيم.
پرگوشوديم و در آن خلوت دلخواسته گشتيم.
ساعتی بر لب آن جوی نشستيم.
تو همه راز جهان ريخته در چشم سياهت
من همه محو تماشای نگاهت.
آسمان صاف و شب آرام.
...
يادم آيد تو به من گفتی: از اين عشق حذر کن!
لحظه ای چند بر اين آب نظر کن!
آب، آيئنه عشق گذران است،
تو که امروز نگاهت به نگاهی نگران است!
باش فردا که دلت با دگران است!
تا فراموش کنی، چندی ازين شهر سفر کن!
با تو گفتم حذر از عشق؟ ندانم
سفر از پيش تو؟ هرگز نتوانم
روز اول که دل من به تمنای تو پرزد
چون کبوتر لب بام تو نشستم
تو به من سنگ زدی! من نه رميدم نه گسستم.
باز گفتم که تو صيادی و من آهوی دشتم!
تا به دام تو در افتم همه جا گشتم و گشتم!
حذر از عشق ندانم. سفر از پيش تو هرگز نتوانم، نتوانم!
...
يادم آيد که دگر از تو جوابی نشيندم.
پای در دامن اندوه کشيدم.
نگسستم، نرميدم...
رفت در ظلمت غم آن شب و شبهای دگر هم!
نه گرفتی دگر از عاشق آزرده خبر هم!
نه کنی از آن کوچه گذر هم!...
بی تو اما، به چه حالی من از آن کوچه گذشتم...
فريدون مشيری

The Global Gender Gap Report 2008

"Economic, political, education- and health-based criteria"
These are the criteria the "World Economic Forum" website has announced for their research on The Global Gender Gap Report 2008 (see the report here).
A couple of interesting facts:
1- Iran is higher in ranking (better situation for women) than Turkey even though Turkey is claiming to be a part of Europe and supposed to be in progress and Iran has gone down since 1976.
2- Canada's rank is 31 and women in these countries are living more equally to men than Canada:
Namibia, Cuba, Sri Lanka etc.

Note that this does not mean that people (women and men) in a better rank country are living better situation than a country with lower rank. This ranking simply means they are living more equally.

I'm gonna miss you!

Oh Sarah Oh Sarah! I am gonna miss you and the jokes you intentionally make!! :)))
I will never forget the fun and joy you have brought to people's lives! You were amazing! When you said you could see Russia from Alaska and considered this as a prof for yourself to become a vice president! When easily let two comedians from Montreal prank call you and you believed it was Sarkozy from France!

And when you couldn't differenciate Afghanistan and Iran! To be good in something you need to try hard enough. But you did not even try and you were awesome... because you are simply funny! Oh Sarah!
So, don't feel bad and don't compare yourself to the others. Try to concentrate on having fun only!!
Oh Sarah! Sarah I'm gonna miss you and I do hope that you never decide to come back in politics!!

Palin again 2!

We realize that more and more Americans are starting to see the light there and understand the contrast. And we talk a lot about, OK, we’re confident that we’re going to win on Tuesday, so from there, the first 100 days, how are we going to kick in the plan that will get this economy back on the right track and really shore up the strategies that we need over in Iraq and Iran to win these wars?

Watch it:

Your hair

There is no need for comb to walk around in your hair
Prevent strangers to enter these limits

Don't question me if I come around your quarters days and nights
Because butterflies always go around the candles

Hey! cup-bearer take the wine jar around and bear
So, I be drunk and the tavern go around my head

Your hair is silky smooth and they tell me not to love it
But how can my heart beat without loving it?

"Majnoon" did not go to deserts as much as I do
Love is not a simple thing, only real men can go in this world

Who ever is in love and sees his beloved one with others
Will go to those horrible desert and wilderness

Hey "Vahed" don't waste your life with being slightly
Gnostic is someone who lives wisely

Translator: Goldoon
Poet: Ali Agha Vahed

Original Poem in Turkish:

شانه دولانسین


زولفونده نه لازیم ، گؤزلیم ، شانه دولانسین ؟

قویما او حرمخانه نی بیگانه دولانسین

عیب ایله مه ، کویوندا دولانسام گئجه گوندوز

شمعین گرک اطرافینه پروانه دولانسین

ساقی دولانیم باشینا مئی جامینی گزدیر

سرمست اولوم ، باشیما میخانه دولانسین

اول زولفه کونول وئرمه ، دییرلر منه ال چک

اونسوز نئجه بس بو دل دیوانه دولانسین

مجنون نه برابر منه صحرالره قاچدی

عشق اهلی اودور عرصه ده مردانه دولانسین

اغیار ایله اؤز یارینی همدم گؤرن عاشیق

دوشسون او گرک دشت و بیابانه دولانسین

سرخوش لیق ایله عؤمرونی صرف ائیله مه « واحید »

عارف اونا دییرلر کی ، حکیمانه دولانسین

شاعیر : علی آقا واحد

Who is taking the advantage?

Iran is playing a more important role and is to be defined with a new external image in the world. It is not necessarily good for Iranian people though. Firstly, there are obvious facts that can prove Iran has the tools to have a more effective influence in the middle east both politically and economically. The new tool which is implemented after 1978's revolution, is religion. There is also energy market in which Iran has an important role.
After invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq by the USA, two major enemies of the Islamic Republic have been destroyed. Therefore, Islamic Republic took the advantage of this and developed their influence in these countries using the tool "religion". And now by funding Gas Cartel, with contribution of Russia and Qatar, they are trying to initiate another big tool to have more share in decision making.
Having said these, there are Iranian people who want peace, better economical situation and freedom. I hope there will be some ways to give people more of what they want. Iranian people need to re-define themselves in this whole new world and have a bigger share of happiness.

Tremendous

A vice president 'runs' Senate?!! And then some people calls other people something! Sorry! can't give more details:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jvdMZgcE6Zu0Gff9sLV_K_6PLtoQD93VJAVO0

KT

Don't try to understand

7 years ago...lost and replaced. Replacment needs care and attention. But there is not enough care and attention. So, expected to have what had before. So miserable. So damaged. When lose don't seek...don't replace. Acceptance is the most valuable stage. Take time to accept and to put extra care. For yourself, for the others. Don't replace. If do lose.
Mistery of replacement - if ask lose

Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama

I'm also troubled by, not what Senator McCain says, but what members of the party say. And it is permitted to be said such things as, 'Well, you know that Mr. Obama is a Muslim.'"Well, the correct answer is, he is not a Muslim; he's a Christian. He's always been a Christian."But the really right answer is, 'what if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country?' The answer's 'no,' that's not America."Is there something wrong with some seven-year-old Muslim-American kid believing that he or she could be president?"Yet, I have heard senior members of my own party drop the suggestion, 'He's a Muslim and he might be associated terrorists.' This is not the way we should be doing it in America."I feel strongly about this particular point because of a picture I saw in a magazine. It was a photo essay about troops who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan."And one picture at the tail end of this photo essay was of a mother in Arlington Cemetery, and she had her head on the headstone of her son's grave. And as the picture focused in, you could see the writing on the headstone. And it gave his awards -- Purple Heart, Bronze Star -- showed that he died in Iraq, gave his date of birth, date of death. He was 20 years old."And then, at the very top of the headstone, it didn’t have a Christian cross; it didn't have the Star of David; it had crescent and a star of the Islamic faith. And his name was Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan, and he was an American. He was born in New Jersey. He was 14 years old at the time of 9/11, and he waited until he can go serve his country, and he gave his life." – Colin Powell on Meet the Press, October 19th, 2008

A good lol

An Arab family were considering putting their grandfather in a nursing home. Since most of the facilities were completely full they had to put him in a Jewish home. After a few weeks in the Jewish facility, they came to visit Grandpa."How do you like it here?" asks the grandson. "It's wonderful! Everyone here is so courteous and respectful", says Grandpa."We're so happy for you. We were worried that this was the wrong place for you. You know, since you are a little different from everyone".
"Oh no! Let me tell you about how wonderfully they treat the residents here" Grandpa says with a big smile. "There's a musician here . . . he's 85 and he hasn't played the violin in 20 years but everyone still calls him "Maestro' !"."There's a judge in here . . . he's 95 year old. He hasn't been on the bench in 30 years and everyone still calls him 'Your Honour' !". And there's a physician here . . . 90 years old. He hasn't been practicing medicine for 25 years but everyone still calls him 'Doctor'!". "And what about you Grandpa ?" asks the grandson. "And me . . . I haven't had sex for 35 years but they still call me 'The Fucking Arab' ".

How to get her

Almost dying doesn't change anything. Dying changes everything.

Jon and Canadian election

lol
http://watch.thecomedynetwork.ca/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart/full-episodes/october-15-2008/

Nature

You will be given what you ask for. That's for sure. Watch out for what you wish for. Because it may come true. And not surprisingly it will!

Modesty

Nice lady in neighbourhood sees me on the day of a job interview. She is so kind to give me some pieces of advise about how to think for this interview and what to say "to these Canadians"! She has a fine English accent and is trying not to make me feel bad for the suggestions I am taking. I am pretty surprised with what she tells me: "Modesty means nothing to a Canadian! Please don't say I might be able to do the job. Say I am sure I can do it!" She knew Iranians are usually modest but this was not the part that surprises me. What surprised me was the fact that she was not happy with "these Canadians" not appreciating modesty the same way as we do!
I love my neighbours by the way.

To the new beginings

Change is always good. The energy that is being injected to your life through the changes you've made or you've accepted is unique. Nothing can compare to this energy. Give yourself some time to feel the change and to understand the good things it is bringing to your life. You should open your heart and close your eyes to be able to control the flow and take the advantage of this positive energy lifting you.
Cheers to the new beginings... to you.

What a change! Goood!

I am really impressed with the progress Ali Daei is making in his approach to answer press questions. He looks pretty calm and logical thinker despite the fact that he did a little bit of apple polishing for the Islamic Republic! He showed that he really has the capacity to be a great leader.

Ref. Ali Daei's interview with Adel Ferdowsipoor in live TV show 90 on 13/OCT/2008

Plays

We all play; Sometimes just to have fun, and sometimes just to ignore what we should do or shouldn't do.
Sometimes we lie to cover our asses and sometimes we just lie to continue the play we have started. Perhaps because we enjoy it too much or we are dirty enough to continue the God damn play!
There are a few things that are irreversible though; the lives we destroy, the trusts we lose and the hearts we broke.
Play, but care for others and respect them. Be honest, at least to yourself.

Dayereye Zangi

I liked piece of this filmfarsi (Persian Movie): Dayereye Zangi. No nonsense episode as some of the new movies. Watch it if you get a chance.

Movie recap: Body of Lies

Not only I agree with James Berardinelli a top critic saying about "Body of Lies":

For those who care about there being more to a thriller than pointless car chases and over-edited fight sequences, Body of Lies offers a satisfying dose of truth

But also I loved all plays including Golshifte Farahani's. The story was well developed although some part of it was not as fast paste as I was hoping it to be.

Liked the part talking about middle east where Honi said: "This is where friendship matters..."

I strongly recommend this movie.

Jon and John

I think these guys are genius! I mean Jon Stewart and John Oliver;
Just take a look at this episode of the daily show and you really feel the gap in cultures and lack of information in America about other nations. One of the most impressive shows I've seen so far which is short and funny and direct to the point:
http://www.thecomedynetwork.ca/shows/showdetails.aspx?sid=3350

Election - Ethics

I wish they at least respect ethics and morality in attacking each other. I am talking about McCain and this lady Sarah Palin; They best reasons why Barack Obama is not a good candidate for presidency are rude and nonsense. I am really sorry they can talk like this to people. I am sorry that a man like GW Bush got selected but I would be really disappointed if McCain be the next president of the US.
Sarah Palin says: according to New York Times Barack Obama is a terrorist! - I do not need to know the reasons for global warming to solve this problem! - I am a good candidate because I have a strong foreign policy because from Alaska I could see Russia!

Besides, why they allow their followers to Boo when they say Barack Obama's name? Do they really understand morality and respect?

:(

Love of my life

Love of my life, you've hurt me,
You've broken my heart, but now you leave me.

Love of my life can't you see,
Bring it back bring it back,
Dont take it away from me,
Because you don't know what it means to me.

Love of my life don't leave me,
You've taken my love now desert me,

Love of my life cant you see,
Bring it back bring it back,
Don't take it away from me,
Because you don't know what it means to me.

You will remember when this is blown over,
And everythings all by the way,
When I grow older,
I will be there by your side,
To remind you; how I still love you
I still love you.

Hurry back hurry back,
Please bring it back home to me,
Because you don't know what it means to me.

Love of my life,
Love of my life.

Movie Recap: Blindness

Who can believe a valuable good book like blindness can turn to a boring and empty movie like blindness? I can say, the movie has shown non of the beautiful and deep aspects of the book. Not even close.
I suggest you go to a bar and chat with the bar tender instead of wasting your time and money watching blindness. Or you can go watch it if you have never read the book or you are not in love with the book.

Break

Take a break from being perfect and even from trying to be for a few moments everyday. Try not to see the deficiencies and just be happy. It feels much better if you can live like that all the time! This is why wine is the best thing in the world!

Movie Recap

Watched Larry Charles and Bill Maher's movie Religulous yesterday. I can say it is a great brave move (Eventhough I was expecting more arguments about the more stupid parts of the religons) Getting rated 65% by Tomatometer and 6.8/10 by Imdb it is a successful documentry.

The next movie for this week: Blindness.

Fake

I watched this man called Shahkar Bineshpajouh in this link:
www.shahkar.net/mimiram_high_quality.wmv
http://www.peykeiran.com/iran_news_body.aspx?ID=53271
I don't know what to say.. I am sorry!
Does he think people are stupid or what? The music like this does not need an orchestra that big! and the funniest part is, even the musicians are smiling and just showing they are playing fake! I was kind of a fan of this guy because of his couple of lyrics he wrote for Alireza Assar, but now, I am disappointed after watching this stupid fake show. Did you see the two singers and the crowd in a single shot? That was fake either! The only thing that was not fake is Shahkar Bineshpajouh's hand in air searching for some reality all the time!

Hooman Majd and daily show

I can say I loved this show! There are not many talks, shows or interviews out there that talk about the "right" of Iranians to have uranium enrichment in their soil.
You can watch it here:
http://watch.thecomedynetwork.ca/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart/full-episodes/september-29-2008/#clip97272
Hope you like it.

Smile has the most powerful effect

Smile even if you have failed
Smile even if you have debt

Look at the mirror and smile even if you have a big nose like me
I would even try to laugh, cause nothing is worth it to be sad

It is simple but powerful, smile to the end of me
Smile even if your beloved one cheated on you
Smile even if your girl loves everybody but you!

Don't mind even if you don't like what you read
smile it might help you see what I see

First Post

I don't even want to think about what to write in my first post. I just need to write. About all the things have been going on without a proper analyze. and even without any attention. I still think I have enough strenghth to carry on and to move on for the better me. I still feel my roots are not dead. I still have many dreams and many things that I die to have. These are the things I am going to write about. This time in English. This time for myself and for you if you care.

With love and with lots of hope
Goldoon