Shall we see what we are good at?!

Flumserberg

From Cabin

1. Today was a sunny day in Zurich, (right now is snowing very hard!) after 3 consecutive days of snowing. Salman and I went Skiing to an area known as Heidiland or Flumserberg. Salman was experiencing his first feet on ski slops and he did well, considering all circumstances;-)
I think I had some idea about busy ski resorts when I was in Iran but today I experienced almost the same perhaps even more. We spent about 2 hours or more standing in line to get in into ski lifts. See photo one, this is just tip of the ice!

2. When I was younger all I could think of was to become a medical doctor or an engineer.
Not that my parents would think this way but the pressure I was feeling from society was perhaps the major decisive factor. Back in our high school years in Iran we were trained and programmed to memorize and remember 16 different subjects and many formula. We were tested on those subjects. And who was doing well was considered the good student per say. I always wondered what about the fact of life. What about ethics. I have to admit we had some teachers who were also giving some life lessons, but these were random and seldom. We were told directly or indirectly, how to become engineers and doctors and that was path of prosperity! If had chose another profession than those then you may have been doomed or perhaps you were not the popular kid. This was then and I am not sure about now, but I think not much has changed since then.
Many of us evaluate our position in the society by the degree we obtain success. By success we usually mean a person that is working as an engineer or medical Doctor!But the fact is, not all of us must become engineers or doctors. Consider an engineer or doctor who is not good at it? what would you think about it?

Many of us, on one hand has some kind of physical disadvantages (i.e. physically challenged or even not be able to master some curriculum because of certain dyfunctionality or not just liking it), on the other hand we may not even like the subject that we are encouraged to take a part! We may not even have the luxury, support or status of accomplishing such a task.
We, as a human being, are usually good at many aspects. So, if one can not be achieved; there are other venues to attempt on.
What I have learned all along my life if we lose a limb or cannot afford to achieve one goal, there are many path to work on. Human is multi-talented creature, if one investment fails, try to invest on other talent of yours! All and all give it try to different interest or opportunities and you will be surprised, how good you are in some of them.

There are three issues that I wished to mention:

1. Working in high echelon of a defined professional job may not make you happy, you should find what makes you happy. what suits your talent!

2. We should find out what we are good at. Not everyone is good at aforementioned jobs. We may perform much better in other available careers out there. Many issues may force us to try different course and venus. But that is life so, do not lose hope. Just pick something that is appealing to you. World needs different people with different thoughts. Imagine how boring it was, if we all were the same or thinking the same.

3.Learn class, how to interact with people, to respect ourselves and others.
Being ethical quite important, too!

In closing, according to Christian Calendar year 2005 is soon to end, so make a resolution to give it try to different venues until you find what you are good at. what you can achieve with it. Ok, if you already know ignore this or pass it to someone else:)

Happy new year 2006

1. I wish to wish everyone a healthy and prosper new year of 2006.
Happy New year Card!
Thanks to Nazbaroon for sharing the link.

2. I recently read that 85% of women in General prefer dark chocolate over a sex with partner! I have been wondering is this true! What is your 2-cents!?

3. If anyone has mp3 for the following song I will be happy to receive it:)
Title: Driving Home for Christmas
by: Chris Rea.

I'm driving home for christmas
Oh, I can't wait to see those faces
I'm driving home for christmas, yea
Well I'm moving down that line
And it's been so long
But I will be there
I sing this song
To pass the time away
Driving in my car
Driving home for christmas

It's gonna take some time
But I'll get there
Top to toe in tailbacks
Oh, I got red lights on the run
But soon there'll be a freeway
Get my feet on holy ground

So I sing for you
Though you can't hear me
When I get trough
And feel you near me
I am driving home for christmas
Driving home for christmas
With a thousand memories

I take look at the driver next to me
He's just the same
Just the same

Top to toe in tailbacks
Oh, I got red lights on the run
I'm driving home for christmas, yea
Get my feet on holy ground
So I sing for you
Though you can't hear me
When I get trough
And feel you near me
Driving in my car
Driving home for christmas
Driving home for christmas
With a thousand memories

At last!!

1. Not many read the previous article about shabe yalda!

2. I have been told by many people that you are a "nice" person! I was almost going to kill myself (hypotethically saying)! But I am guessing it was about the time that being nice paying off!
Today, my roommate, the girl from Niederland, had asked her parents who came to pick her up to bring me a basket full of native cookies and cheese of Niederland!
She handed me these in my surprise and said, thank you for being around and being such a 'nice' friend all along! I didn't give anything to anyone, please do not tell anything to the other guys int he house!!
Interesting enough, My boss got me a present as well and said: I figured since you are not going to Iran I get you a book that takes you there! he got me this book called "The Physician" by "Noah Gordon". Apparently, it is about a Physician from west who goes to Iran learns how Iranian do medical surgery!
and everyone was telling me that I have been so nice since I have been arrived!!! and willing me to continue being around!

3. Tomorrow, our department is holding a multicultural lunch! I am making Zeresh-polo ba morgh! The hardest has been making rice!! Here although they call the rice Basmati but horrible rice! and I think I didnt do a good job! At least I will take some Shiraz Wine so that would compensate for my loss!:)

Yalda around the corner!

I think it is good to know where does the Yalda night come from.
This is an old Persian trandition so, we shall read about it here.
So, enjoy reading this infomative article.

SHAB E CHELEH (YALDA FESTIVAL)

Yalda, a Syriac word imported into the Persian language by the Syriac
Christians means birth (tavalud and melaad are from the same origin).
It is a relatively recent arrival and it is refereed to the "Shab e
Cheleh Festival", a celebration of Winter Solstice on December 21st.
Forty days before the next major Persian festival "Jashn e Sadeh";
this night has been celebrated in countless cultures for thousands of
years. The ancient Roman festivals of Saturnalia (God of Agriculture,
Saturn) and Sol Invicta (Sun God) are amongst the best known in the
Western world.
In most ancient cultures, including Persia, the start of the solar
year has been marked to celebrate the victory of light over darkness
and the renewal of the Sun. For instance, Egyptians, four thousand
years ago celebrated the rebirth of the sun at this time of the year.
They set the length of the festival at 12 days, to reflect the 12
divisions in their sun calendar. They decorated with greenery, using
palms with 12 shoots as a symbol of the completed year, since a palm
was thought to put forth a shoot each month.
The Persians adopted their annual renewal festival from the
Babylonians and incorporated it into the rituals of their own
Zoroastrian religion. The last day of the Persian month Azar is the
longest night of the year, when the forces of Ahriman are assumed to
be at the peak of their strength. While the next day, the first day of
the month "Day" known as "khoram rooz" or "khore rooz" (the day of
sun) belongs to Ahura Mazda, the Lord of Wisdom. Since the days are
getting longer and the nights shorter, this day marks the victory of
Sun over the darkness. The occasion was celebrated in the festival of
"Daygan" dedicated to Ahura Mazda, on the first day of the month
"Day".
Fires would be burnt all night to ensure the defeat of the forces of
Ahriman. There would be feasts, acts of charity and a number of
deities were honored and prayers performed to ensure the total victory
of sun that was essential for the protection of winter crops. There
would be prayers to Mithra (Mehr) and feasts in his honor, since
Mithra is the Eyzad responsible for protecting "the light of the early
morning", known as "Havangah". It was also assumed that Ahura Mazda
would grant people's wishes, specially those with no offspring had the
hope to be blessed with children if performed all rites on this
occasion.
One of the themes of the festival was the temporary subversion of
order. Masters and servants reversed roles. The king dressed in white
would change place with ordinary people. A mock king was crowned and
masquerades spilled into the streets. As the old year died, rules of
ordinary living were relaxed. This tradition persisted till Sassanian
period, and is mentioned by Biruni and others in their recordings of
pre-Islamic rituals and festivals. Its’ origin goes back to the
Babylonian New Year celebration. These people believed the first
creation was order that came out of chaos. To appreciate and celebrate
the first creation they had a festival and all roles were reversed.
Disorder and chaos ruled for a day and eventually order was restored
and succeeded at the end of the festival.
The Egyptian and Persian traditions merged in ancient Rome, in a
festival to the ancient god of seedtime, Saturn. The Romans exchanged
gifts, partied and decorated their homes with greenery. Following the
Persian tradition, the usual order of the year was suspended. Grudges
and quarrels forgotten, wars would be interrupted or postponed.
Businesses, courts and schools were closed. Rich and poor became
equal, masters served slaves, and children headed the family.
Cross-dressing and masquerades, merriment of all kinds prevailed. A
mock king, the Lord of Misrule, was crowned. Candles and lamps chased
away the spirits of darkness.
Another related Roman festival celebrated at the same time was
dedicated to Sol Invictus ("the invincible sun"). Originally a Syrian
deity, this cult was imported by Emperor Heliogabalus into Rome and
Sol was made god of the state. With the spread of Christianity,
Christmas celebration became the most important Christian festival. In
the third century various dates, from December to April, were
celebrated by Christians as Christmas. January 6 was the most favored
day because it was thought to be Jesus' Baptismal day (in the Greek
Orthodox Church this continues to be the day to celebrate Christmas).
In year 350, December 25 was adopted in Rome and gradually almost the
entire Christian Church agreed to that date, which coincided, with
Winter Solstice and the festivals, Sol Invicta and Saturnalia. Many of
the rituals and traditions of the pagan festivals were incorporated
into the Christmas celebration and are still observed today.
It is not clear when and how the world "Yalda"; entered the Persian
language. The massive persecution of the early Christians in Rome
brought many Christian refugees into the Sassanin Empire and it is
very likely that these Christians introduced and popularized "Yalda"
in Iran. Gradually "Shab e Yalda" and "Shab e Cheleh" became
synonymous and the two are used interchangeably.
With the conquest of Islam the religious significance of the ancient
Persian festivals was lost. Today "Shab e Cheleh" is merely a social
occasion, when family and friends get together for fun and merriment.
Different kinds of dried fruits, nuts, seeds and fresh winter fruits
are consumed. The presence of dried and fresh fruits is reminiscence
of the ancient feasts to celebrate and pray to the deities to ensure
the protection of the winter crops.
The Iranian Jews, who are amongst the oldest inhabitants of the
country, in addition to "Shab e Cheleh", also celebrate the festival
of "Illanout" (tree festival) at around the same time. Their
celebration of Illanout is very similar to Shab e Cheleh celebration.
Candles are lit; all varieties of dried and fresh winter fruits will
have to be present. Special meals are prepared and prayers are
performed. There are also very similar festivals in many parts of
Southern Russia that are identical to "Shab e Cheleh" festival with
local variations. Sweet breads are baked in shape of humans and
animals. Bon fires are made; dances are performed that resemble crop
harvesting. Comparison and detailed studies of all these celebrations
no doubt will shed more light on the forgotten aspects of this
wonderful and ancient festival, where merriment was the main theme of
the festival.
Happy Shab e Cheleh.

A Yalda night with Iranians in Bern!

Salman and I went for the first Iranian food in couple of months to a Restaurant in Bern that held an occasion for Yalda night.

First of all, there were not many Iranians just about 25 people. Most of them were middle to the upper age. About 5 people from Switzerland in this group.
There was this old lady with his 16 years old dog. The dog had cataract and was blind and he couldn’t hear I think either!!! I diagnosed him as soon as I saw the dog!!His owner an old lady confimed my diagnoses!!

We were seated at an old man's table who was about 74 years of old according to himself. However, we had a great conversation. People who know me, know that I enjoy historical stories.
After a casual introduction we were listening to some stories that he told us and quite amazed me and I think I don’t ever forget them.

Let me introduce this gentleman. A 74 years old looking like santa Caluse has a PhD in Political science and International law from Tehran university. He had represented Iran in UN during late Shah and Banisadr (New government after revolution).

The stories:

1. He said while in process of getting PhD, there were many students from different side of spectrum, left, right, middle and nationalist. According to him, once a student was defending his thesis which was about Reza Shah and his contribution to the new Iran. Apparently he had praised him to death without ever criticizing him. Then a student asks why didn’t you say anything about his wrong doing. Then they start getting to back and fort argument and things picked up and voices were hearing. To their surprised: students bang on the desk demanding: “Here is not place for political debate!!!”. This was said in a faculty of political Science!!!!! Amazing, isn’t it!

2. He said students were getting PhDs those years without knowing why do they get the PhD for? They were not thought how to develop inferring or systematic decision making or what were the intention of being there and study, what policies they are following as a representative of Iran and many fundamental questions. He was saying we were getting degrees with out having any ability of knowing of how to negotiate or inferring about any issues.
He continued that he was representing Iran in UN once in the assmbely and apparently they had to vote for certain resolution. He asked what should be Iran position in this issue from other team members. He was told that he should call Tehran and ask them!!
He calls Tehran and he hears this: “How should we know!? Have a look at Turkey’s representative, whatever they vote for, you do the same!!!!”

He was saying, imagine the representative of Turkey was often looking at us for voting issues!!!
This was hilarious when I heard! He was saying this was the fact at almost every UN assembly they were in!!!!
Amazing things we hear. He exchange numbers with Salman. He said I say more of these stories in a meeting some of these old guys have at a some restaurant!! We promised to attend those as we could!

Read and you be the judge:)!

read this Link.
and you be the judge (In Persian). what did I say before?
read at least three stories:
1. death of student in mistery house!
2. The jungle scenario of the young Dr. and the heair dresser! (this one triple star)
3. Death penalty for those who have started XXX homes(I like this name)!

Podcast and no excuse to learn English or any foreign language!!

Since I can remember I have been always fascinated by this idea of the fact being at the same time in different locations! Do what I want whenever. I think if I live long enough, I may see that. How, you wonder? Ok I leave that to some other time that my sinuses are not infected! bad cold I catched 2 days ago!

I go with this one, now you can listen to many good or not so good radio programs on Podcast! What is the Podcast?
You know I love listening to radio. Especially, CBC radio is my favorite radio because of type of information they provide. Now for those who are busy, who are having slow internet connection, they can simply download the Podcast of the program they wish and listen to it. How? Go to this link.
Before that you have to download the Juice software and just follow the procedure. then, you can listen to programs on your mp3 player, as and when you wish and learn the best possible English pronunciation(Canadian, eh?;-).
Have fun. everything is explained for those who do not know.
So, no excuse to learn English and use Podcast!:)

p.s. for those in Iran: you need a software to download the joice first, like getright. After you have downloaded that software, you can simplay use Juice, which will download files whenever you are online. Afterwards you can transfer it to you mp3 player or on your compuer and listen to them.

Praying for Time!

1. The first not that important news! did you know that about 20 years ago "Last Christmas" by Wham was filmed here in Switzerland!! I mean the video! It was said on TV, today! I didn't know it either!!

2. Another not that important news: I am going Skiing tomorrow early moring with one of my boss who apparently used to be in Swiss National Ski team!!

3. Praying for Time from Album "Listen without Prejudice"; by George Michael.
anyone interested I think I can send this song to him/her.

These are the days of the open hand
They might just be the last
Look around now
These are the days of the beggars and the choosers

This is the year of the hungry man
Whose place is in the past
Hand in hand with ignorance
And legitimate excuses

The rich declare themselves poor
And most of us are not sure
If we have too much
But we'll take our chances
'Cause God's stopped keeping score
I guess somewhere along the way
He must have let us all out to play
Turned his back and all God's children
Crept out the back door

And it's hard to love
There's so much to hate
Hanging on to hope
When there is no hope to speak of
And the wounded skies above
Say it's much too much too late
Well maybe we should all be praying for time

These are the days of the empty hand
Oh you hold on to what you can
And charity is a coat you wear twice a year

This is the year of the guilty man
Your television takes a stand
And you find that what was over there is over here

So you scream from behind your door
Say what's mine is mine and not yours
I may have too much but I'll take my chances
'Cause God's stopped keeping score
And you cling to the things they sold you
Did you cover your eyes when they told you
That he can't come back
'Cause he has no children to come back for

It's hard to love there's so much to hate
Hanging on to hope when there is no hope to speak of
And the wounded skies above say it's much too late
So maybe we should all be praying for time

If the problem hit home then...

I was watching CSI series on TV.
I didn't see the beginning part of it, but some how one of the coworkers of the CSI team was buried alive by a psycho guy. besides, the story line and excitement of the TV show. you could see how worry all the co-workers were and trying so hard to find "Nick"(the guy who was buried) and get him back!
I was thinking the only way that high authorities in Iran would do anything about pollution perhaps seeing one of their loved ones gets sick becasue of pollution. So, I honostly wish someone that President Ahmadi nedjad cares about gets hit by pollution and eel sick. I know the problem is quickly they send him/her to europe or North America or some place with fresh air! but a wish is a wish!
...
and as I said it is so difficult for me to forget about Iran. I always think Iranians and Iran deserve better. We have been badly informed.

What can be done?

1. Tehran pollution is exceeding its limits. what is more important than health and fresh air? read the new in Persian here.
Now school are closed there are more young people driving on streets to pick up girls. Please open up XXX-houses! at least people get a break from traffic!
Our men and women are not human and don't they deserve a better life? how about childern? what has government done?

2. A military plane crashes in Tehran! read the story in here.
what government of Iran has done?

3. Economy is on verge of collapse and what is government of Iran doing?!?

I think we all know the answer to the above questions??

2 more reason for being in Switzerland:
1. Pizza Hut got bankrupt here about 2 years ago!!
2. People spend time eating lunch and they don't eat fast food as much as North America!

Why Switzerland?

1. Many, as well as myself asking why I chose to do PhD in Switzerland than in Canada.
1. Here I get exposed to four different languages (English, German, French, Italian)
2. Here they pay better than North America and they spend more!
3. You get exposed to some culture
5. You can Ski more often than anywhere else!
6. The bread is much better than North America (I love the bread!)
7. Access to different European counties and more convenient commuting structure than North America.
I think that is good enough for now!

Almost everyone who I went to Skiing with the last weekend!

2. This weekend I went skiing for the first time this year! To Les Diablerets.
Unfortunately, there was not enough snow and therefore only two runs were open and that was on glacier area.
We were about 77 people from different counties staying in a large chalet for 2 nights and 2 days.
The funny thing happened when we were returning from the resort on the train.

The train was quite busy. I was sitting with bunch of Chinese and Portuguese people. One of Chinese guys was doing palm reading telling others if they will get married soon or later. How many children will have and so on. In One of the stations A French spoken women with her 3 years old child came to our seat. Since all the other seats were taken and there was only one free close to where I was sitting. We cut her attention about these plam reading.
So, showing us her palm, she said could you tell me if I will have another child or not!
I then answered ( I know I was rude of me!!, and it was none of my business to say that!),
I: oh, this must be of not married girls. I think you are already married and have a cute child, why would you be interested in!?!
To my surprise she answered back quickly:
I have recently got a divorced! She said that with smile! (I got quite embarrassed). Then about 30 minutes she started to talk to all of us and about where she was coming from that afternoon. She had been there from Santa Clause market where children sit on lap of impersonating Santa Clause and tell him their wish.
After that conversation when we left the train. All of us were surprised and felt pity for her. The women sounded quite nice, polite, reasonable and classy. We felt what has had happened that she has got a divorce so quickly. Of course, I know there could be many reasons!
adding to that, I recently read that percentage of Swiss women getting divorce from Swiss man is about 45% and this rate goes up if they are married to foreign men!! Apparently about 70%!

I guess this is just a statistic, but something to think of!

3. I think there three types of German!!

1. A German
2. German German
3. German German German!!

The first group are all right, you can more or less get along with, the second group you have difficulty and the third group impossible to relate to!!! (Of course, this is just a simple perception of mine:-)