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:-)

A group hallucination or Psycalogical effect of peers!

Apparently, The new Iranian President has had a "religious vision" while giving speech in UN!! This is quite shameful on one hand, on the other hand hilarious!!

1. In English you can read here!
2. In Persian you can read here!

I have been reading the Da Vinci Code written by Dan Brown. I meant to buy it when I was back in Canada but the packet version of it; I couldn't find there. then, recently, a friend who also sometimes read this weblog recommended me again to buy it. Funny enough, here I found English version cheaper and in packet size!
moving on, this book really talks about the fact about Christainity and the means of that religion! What has happened after Jusus was dead.
I would highly recommend it. Although there are many people who are against it, I tend to think it is quite true!
whether true or not, but as I have always said; religion: A group hallucination where human wishes to see always a "thing" higher than him/herself!
with all due respect to our religious friends.

If tomorrow never comes

I used to say "if there is no tomorrow...". but I heard this song "if tomorrow never comes...and honostely brough me to tears! It is from Garth Brooks. I will send the song to the list I have been sending my songs to.

Sometimes late at night
I lie awake and watch her sleeping
She's lost in peaceful dreams
So I turn out the lights and lay there in the dark
And the thought crosses my mind
If I never wake up in the morning
Would she ever doubt the way I feel
About her in my heart

If tomorrow never comes
Will she know how much I loved her
Did I try in every way to show her every day
That she's my only one
And if my time on earth were through
And she must face this world without me
Is the love I gave her in the past
Gonna be enough to last
If tomorrow never comes

'Cause I've lost loved ones in my life
Who never knew how much I loved them
Now I live with the regret
That my true feelings for them never were revealed
So I made a promise to myself
To say each day how much she means to me
And avoid that circumstance
Where there's no second chance to tell her how I feel

If tomorrow never comes
Will she know how much I loved her
Did I try in every way to show her every day
That she's my only one
And if my time on earth were through
And she must face this world without me
Is the love I gave her in the past
Gonna be enough to last
If tomorrow never comes

So tell that someone that you love
Just what you're thinking of
If tomorrow never comes

Unfortunate time for Iran and Iranians

I honestly do not know when we are going to learn a lesson and move on! When we are learn from past and create a better life for ourselves. I am starting to cry! Everyday you see something negative about Iran and Iranians on TV on mind of people and so on. It is very unfortunate.
I was just watching a musical concert on TV. This Chinese guy come in and plays Piano with his father who plays an ancient instrument of China son’t know the name but something like Iranian Kamncheh, which has two strings, though. It was all right, but the sound seems a little like sawing on my soul! (Sohan keshidan be roh!) There is not a day passes by and you are not seeing or hearing about achievement of Chinese and Arabs (Qatar, Emirate, Bahrain, etc.) around the word. Like Peleh and Marradona have participate to inaugurate a soccer stadium in Qatar. (Just read that in www. Iran-varzeshi.com).
What do we do? Noting? How do we present ourselves in the world. A country whose president wishes another country to be eliminated from face of Earth!
…
Talking about music and culture, back in Canada during years of 1996 to 1999 there was this Iranian musician (conductor) who gathered a group of talented musicians and setup “Symphony of Nations”. He used to perform in Glenn Gould studio almost every few months something mixed of Iranian (The legend of my father’s land, from Kamkarha for example was one to mention) and western conductors. The program when started there were very few who attended. Later, I would even meet ex-Mayor of Toronto or politicians there who would come and enjoy the music. This was a great step forward. Since then I have not seen anything close to it.
It was something to introduce our cultural values. I think we should make this statement not everyone looks like President Ahmadi Nedjad!
We are lacking behind in art and music scenes around the world. We are truly under represented. The only Iranian I see on MTV Europe is Aarsh and his Indian tone, Boro Boro. How come we have not more. But I can see many Spanish and Indians! We have done almost nothing. Our government is so preoccupied we itself, so forget about that. So, we should do it. An example is LA community, for the past 27 years, large LA musical community has done nothing to become like Spanish speaking counterparts!
We should do our part, to end this under representation or as I say no representation!!

Viva La Swiss and Trinidad and Tabogo!

Hora! Switzerland is going to World cup! I am not racist but beating Turkey is something to remember!
Also, Bahrain got eliminated!! isn't that nice:))
We got the hot water back, but just stopped working again!! isn't that nice, too:))

Do not take things for granted!

1. Do not take things for granted! they may be there may not be there any other minutes!what I really mean is that know, percepting anything you see or feel may has a start, expire date and an end. So, use it, don't get excited around it so not knowing what or how to use it! Just use it properly!
having said that right now I am getting frozen! My hand my nose seems to be frozen!! for past two days we don't have any hot water not to mention our radiotors are frozen and my room is the coldest room here around the house!
So, apparently our heating system is needed to be replaced and from what I undesrtand we will not have any hot water for next few days! funny enough this is taking place now that the weather is getting quite cold here in Switzerland!

Iranian Community of Toronto!

This is picture I took about 3 weeks ago when I was in Toronto. It is taken from many many advertisements of Iranian community in Toronto.
I tend to believe from every 5 Iranian in Toronto, 1 is at least in business of reat estate, morgage providing, or immigration consulting area!
I have to add perhaps, resturant and convenient store, too!

Not only Me...

1. There was a hocky game right about 20 min. from where I live between Canada and Switzerland. Unfortunately, I couldn't go becasue I am busy tomrrow with couple of presentation. Canada won 2-1. quite friendly, not much of pushing ans shaving and body cheking that you'd see in NHL.

2. Siting in my office late evening, this German guy walks in. He is asking why am I working late. He then sees a paper on my desk about Osteoporosis.
He says: Oh, you know that is why I keep telling my girl friend to drink Milk, everyday!!
There is this expression in German for women, who do not drink Milk, by giving birth to every child they lose a tooth!!(who knows what is that!)
...
Just made me wonder I am not the only one recommends to drink milk!
so, DRINK MILK, Be HAPYY!

Me, and a Swiss medical Doctor

1. In March of this year, the editor of Book called We are Iran contacted me to add part of my weblog into this book. Do not know if they ever did. but now they e-mailed me and told me the book is out. I saw this report on it, in Persian BBC.

2. Last week, I visited an internal medicine specialist in university hospital in Zurich when first I felt my flu symptoms are prevailing! As I said I went there and after an hour and encountering a weird Doctor who said I have viral flu and should rest with some simple medications. Not much happened. However, he also ordered me to get a blood test. And he gave me an appointment, if I don’t feel better I should come back to see him!
In any case, this past Friday I catch real cold. Running nose and sinus pain and the usual cold symptoms of cold. So, I rested the entire weekend and today Monday I went back to see the doctor.
My appointment was half an hour after the hour. After staying in waiting room for about 45 minutes. He comes out of his office and tells me he is sorry he was on the phone and had forgotten about me sitting outside! However, I have to tell you Doctors acting very cultural. They smile, shake you hand and introduce themselves!

I followed him into his physical check-up room, where there is this flat screen computer workstation and trauma bed. When he interviews me he types everything in computer. Even his prescription is done on computer and he just gets the print out!
Moving on, these are some of the conversation between us. And imagine he is talking with very heavy Germany accent!

Dr.: Entschuldigung, wie gefuellen Sie?
Me: I don’t feel that good, as you can see my voice is changed and I feel pressure in my sinuses, too.
Dr.: Ach, so. Es ist kein problem, kommen Sie mit mir! (then he grabs my hand and take me to the picture which is hang on the door! The picture shows sinuses and Bronchi of human.)
He starts by lecturing some in English some in German how the sinus get blocked and infection may take place! Can’t not believe it but this whole thing took about 30 minutes!
To interrupt him, I said thank you can we go on my blood test and see if there was anything going on with that!
Pulling up my result on computer screen, I see couples of numbers are in red. Then I go asking about them.
Me: what do they represent, Doc. These red numbers?
Dr.: Oh, those one, they are just slightly off where they are supposed to be! However, they can not be conclusive for anything, may be viral or bacterial infections!!
I see one of the largest numbers which apparently supposed to be less than 6 and it is 37! And I told him, this number is quite high, Doc.!
Then he goes,
Yes, but I would give you antibiotics if only this number is larger than 100!!
Then he stands up, walks around the room, thinks and goes, let me give you something to inhale as medication! Then he searches on internet for certain medication, goes to its information site! And reads,
“Oh, my boss has given this medication to someone!!!” And then all of the sudden he says no, what I have given you is good enough.
Starting once again explaining to me, it is not good to use antibiotics as they produce resistance and new medicine has suggested even if the mucus is yellow or green, it is not conclusive that may be bacterial infection…!!

All of the sudden, I stopped him from his ongoing preach…:
Me: Doctor, you are my Doctor, aren’t you?
Dr.: yes
Me: and you are not going to give me any medication, want me to wait until I feel really terrible! And you are saying it takes about 3 weeks to 2 months to get cleared of viral flu. right?
Dr.: Yes
Me (grabbing my backpack): So, bye bye Doc.
And I Walked out!!!

Economist report after Prisident Ahmadinedjad speech about Isreal! (In Persian)
Is the new president truly an exterminator? (Same Report in English)

I never understand some girls!

Last week, Friday night I stayed in to rest because I felt the flu is coming and I should rest. However, there was a big party in Zurich and none of these roommates of mine had notified me of it. Although I would have not gone, I felt ill.
Moving on, Saturday around 11:00 pm, it was a sunny day. I was sun bathing in my room. Putting my room in order, I saw my cellular phone is ringing! Looking at call display I see an unfamiliar number. After a few rings I pick up the phone.

Me: hello
E: I am E.
The connection got weak, so,
Me: I can’t hear you. Are you A.??
E: no, I am E.
Me: ahan, that is you. What is up?
E.: would you do me a favor.
Me: Sure.
E.: would you come and pick me up from Hospital. I do not feel well. I can’t hardly walk.
Me: are you all right?
E.: yes, please come and take me back home.
Me: Ok. I will be there in 45 min or less.

who is E. She is my housemate who is from Nederland. She is 24 or 25.
I have gone to Hospital and pick her up. I asked her, what has happened. With lot of short breath she goes:

Last night there was this huge party. There were about 700 people there. Oh, it was so much fun I think someone had put drug in my drink, because I couldn’t feel anything afterwards. At the hospital they told me if I have used drugs?! Considering I am diabetic, I looked for my Insulin shot after I felt bad. But apparently, someone had misplaced it, too. When I asked for it, people laughed and said can’t you do it some other time!! She goes unconscious after not injecting herself.
[If you are diabetic and do not inject yourself with insulin at certain time, you tend to have frozen muscle and hardly be able to move. You may go unconscious, too. Narrator]

Apparently, couple of her friends takes her to the Hospital. When she becomes conscious, they leave her in there!!
I should mention that she vomited during our return trip and was not feeling well at all. Walked slowly and I had to hold her arm to prevent her from falling down.
While about 20 meters from our place I see this Spanish guy (not the guy who is also my housemate, another one) who is fairly good looking, let’s say like Zorro, with shorter build and has a nice car passing us with his Argentinean friend being in the car as well. They wave and pass without any sort of bothering to stop.
She blushes and tells me. Oh, I am ashamed that J. sees me in such a condition.
I said they should be ashamed that they are passing by us seeing you hardly can move and still they did not stop! Was he last night with you in the party???

She continues: what would J. think! He is such a cutie, and I was almost falling for him last night, although my own Dutch Boy friend is sweeter! Yes, J. was there. He had couple of drinks, me too and he was talking quite sweet. Considering he has PhD and a car I was almost falling for him! I should be more careful, because I may fall for him!!
So, then I am thinking, a girl is poised by drug! People misplace her insulin shot.
She is left in hospital alone. A macho Spanish dude with his new VW car passes by us and waves to us. And she must get shameful that he may see her in this condition! I think I have no choice to draw this conclusion that girls fall for look and money! Men are not alone in this world who fall for good looks and figures!!

French connection…

FrenchKiss

1. Have you ever noticed that how many French related cultural things that we have? French toast, French kiss, French encounter, French girl, French bread and French food!! Ok, you add into this list as you wish.

I am not going to talk about any of the above facts! There are many others who do that, except one important issue, every French kiss makes you to lose 27 cal. Energy according to research in US. However, as I promised I am going to talk about my cousin relationship with his French husband.[dedicated to N. for who will soon tie the knot with French connection]

About 4 weeks a go I was invited to visit them in other part of Switzerland which is considered a French area.
I arrived at their place by noon for my Persian lunch after almost 2 months and a pleasant afternoon conversation. Let me tell you a little about them.
My cousin is a specialist in emergency medicine and a medical Doctor who works a little more than 60% per week in a local hospital. She is in my opinion French more than Iranian. she speaks French and Persian fluently. However, he is more comfortable with French.
Her husband is a French computer engineer who is now a manager in one of reputable companies in Switzerland. Having said that they have 19 month old child. Add to these three a spacious, modern and newly built apartment that its rented for more than CHFr. 20000 per month! Why not buying a house, that is another story and is none of us businesses!:-)

Moving on, when I arrived after usual exchange of words! I was talking to my cousin got noticed, her husband tends to disappear and appear! I wondered what is going on, I realized, he loves to play computer game!
According to my cousin, before they get married he used to drive to south of France, get on a plane to spend just a short weekend with my cousin. However today, if you tell him, dear H., would you come out and go for a walk, 60% of the time he would say, let’s watch a movie or perhaps go to play a computer game!!
My cousin loves to ski and before they get married they used to go skiing. He has even promised, before marriage, to go at least one whole week skiing every year. But today, he says I have always hated skiing!! He then has told my cousin to go scuba diving instead. She goes and bought the whole equipment. Today, he says yeh, let’s do that but not that often!!
According to my cousin, when you get married many things tend to change! No matter what you are or were!!
So, in any case, since then I have been thinking! How bad I am going to be!!

2. I have been thinking what is expectations of female partner from male! I have been thinking...thinking...thinking! not much! just a few to name!
2.1. Not to unclean the washroom!
2.2. make the dinner!
2.3. listen to what she says carefully!
2.4. however, does not do what she says!
2.5. love her family and parents!
2.6. No matter what always under any circumstances even lie, love her!
2.7. tell her she looks wonderful no matter what!
2.8. Make love so often to her as she wishes!
2.9. your turn....:)

Got a flu not an avian flu though!

1. Since I am back from Canada about two weeks ago, I had been feeling weak and not energetic. So, finally by this weekend I got this nasty flu which gave me bronchitis and I got fever and usual things! Today I went to see a doctor here, and he said: “must be a viral flu. We wait to see what happens!”
Being in biomechanical engineering field I am more realizing how powerless our doctors are when it comes to curing many illnesses.
I saw a funny caricatour in local newspaper, showing two boys with skeleton outfit try to scare a woman becasue of Halloween, then a chiken comes in and they run so, fast that are not in the picture, anymore!!:) happy Halloween!

2. Joschka Fischer,57, the foreign minister of Germany finally, after I think living together for two years, with his Iranian girl friend, Minu Barati, 29, got married. This is his fifth marriege! read the news
here.
If you wish to see their picture together!

3. Everytime I am not in front of computer I think of many things to write but as soon as I in front of computer, all the topics disappeares from my head.

4. Ahan, this link about violence on women in Iran. Interesting, worth looking at.
Rashti(Iranians from North) are nice people in general:)
I think we have forgotten that women can also conduct violence towards her men partner. While I was in Canada I met a guy who is around 50 years old who has recently immigranted to Canada with his wife and two kinds. One night he came to my friend's house and stayed all night, we wondered what could be the problem and realized to our surprise that his wife regularly beats him and swearing at him and this very time she had thrown him out of house!!

5. Back in Iran I had this colleage at where I was working who was from Margheh, North west of Iran. He once said something which I am not sure if this is an Persian expression or not.
He said a lunatic throws a rock inside deep sump and no wise men can take it out. Yek divaneh sangi ro mindazeh tahe chah, Saat aghel nemitonan daresh biayran!
This is exacetly, what happened here. First, President Ahmadinejad said, ;
this is what Khatami has said!

Ever changing face of Toronto

1. I am little more busy as school has started here. and I am supposed to take graduate courses and you guys know how much work that is! So, be patient with me. patient is a viture it is told.:)

2. When I was saying Khatami was alright... Read the Financial report here!


3. Before you read the following article I have to write disclaimer, anything you read in the following text is my own and my dog's opinion. The dog passed away few years ago! so,...
So, you are more than welcome to criticized it:-)

I went back to Canada after almost 3 months being away. The city I usually go to is Toronto. Toronto is known for its multicultural fad among all other cities in Canada. Perhaps, I can claim that you can see there from any nationality you ever think of !

The first thing that would capture your eyes as soon as you arrive is the fact that you could rarely see any white population! It seems they are in minority more than ever. The city is filled with Indian, Chinese and Iranians. Contrary to 12 years ago when I first arrived in Canada where many Iranian would come and dwell in downtown, the North part of Toronto is more or less in hands of Iranian immigrants.
About 12 years ago there had not more than 3 to 5 Iranian restaurants established now perhaps in every corner you can see an Iranian restaurant!
One of the significant changes is the fact that new community is not what so ever similar to the old immigrants who used to come, study, learn, improve and then enter slowly to the society for different hierarchies as they aimed for. What we were skill-less immigrants. However, the new generations of immigrants are rich and skilful. The new comers who are trained back home are directly injected into Torontonian society. What this means is that as soon as they arrive they buy a house, a car. Soon after, they take their own leap to society and start to promote their own individual values based on their previous perception from around the Iran. They are implementing proudly these attitudes by saying “this is a free country”! These new comers almost never get a chance to learn many differences between new country and their own country per say.

I have always been under impression that knowing history of art (Da vinci, Renoe, etc.) would promote class and culture. It gives a language and topic to exchange and convolute with others. These cultural values would reach its heights if it is combined with ethics and respect. However, I felt these values are quite changed among the new Iranians who are residing in the Greater Metropolitan Toronto.
Many study new profession because they are competing by one another not that they wish to learn. Talking to many I get to know it didn’t seem that they are involved with art and history (beside their own profession) or how to interact with other based on respect. They have become successful but in one dimension, of course this is my perception!
I would like to provide couple of examples. My instances are based on my observation on culture of driving and traffic. 13 years ago when you were driving in Toronto hardly you could hear a single horn coming out of cars. However, this past week I heard on average 10 car horns per couple of hours of driving! Many fellow Iranians have no idea about the right way yield. If you yield when turning left, they bang on their car’s horn to tell you, hurry up showing their anger with moving their hands or bad mouthing you!! Toronto traffic used to be only during rush hours. Now it is all day around! (This is not only because of Iranians, non-Caucasian and other immigrants are also big contributors to Toronto’s traffic).
I could see rumor similar to Iranian society back in Iran is still deeply rooted in Iranian-Torontonian community. It has even got worse in some extend since the community is small compare to Iran and gossip travels quite fast.
I observed many girls have not adopted positive aspects from both cultures. They are gone to extreme to either side.
On the positive notes any Iranian store is available in Iran is also available in Toronto. From Tavazo (all dry fruits and pistachio store) to Alborz, Nayeb restaurant! And many others that you ever think of.
There is no place that at least an Iranian wouldn’t work there.
According to my friends now if there is an Iranian night club, it is located all the way in north part of city. People go in masses, so there is big line up or completely sold out night. Those days, 1993 or 1994. if there was a night club, it would be in down town and usually not more than hundred people would show up if any.

In my humble opinion the gap between the old comers and the new comers is becoming larger as older society is melted into the other part of society and new immigrants have their own safe heaven among themselves. More and more I could see segregation among different levels of Toronto society. Stick to your own was major concept I could sense that and the fact of being suspicious of other races were evident. I would think that in long run such a society may suffer from many major set backs, not to mention divisions among the immigrants and cultures may create cultural conflict; as a result a deep rooted violence may be generated. What I believe we can see in England's today!

Greetings from Canada

Greetins from Canada. I am here for the past few days and will be back to Switzerland in 2 days!
not to forget I wish to write on many things if life and time persmits.
1. The new generaion of Canadians from Iran, India and of course China in ever changing face of Toronto!
2. Something about when I was young and in a boarding school! which I can't remember.
3. something about what a female partner expects from a relationship. (by the way, this should be written by females!)
4. Observations of my cousine's life and her French husband!

haven't had to read anyone's blog and hopfully will be doing so, soon.
:-)

Silence ce vous plaire!

1. I think you are familair with this song. I have been listening to new accustic version. anyone interested, let me know I send you the mp3.

Hotel California

On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair
Warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air
Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light
My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim
I had to stop for the night
There she stood in the doorway;
I heard the mission bell
And I was thinking to myself,
'This could be Heaven or this could be Hell'
Then she lit up a candle and she showed me the way
There were voices down the corridor,
I thought I heard them say...

Welcome to the Hotel California
Such a lovely place
Such a lovely face
there's Plenty of room at the Hotel California
Any time of year, you can find it here

Her mind is Tiffany-twisted, she got the Mercedes Benz
She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys, that she calls friends
How they dance in the courtyard, sweet summer sweat.
Some dance to remember, some dance to forget

So I called up the Captain,
'Please bring me my wine'
He said,'We haven't had that spirit here since nineteen sixty nine'
And still those voices are calling from far away,
Wake you up in the middle of the night
Just to hear them say...
Mirrors on the ceiling,
The pink champagne on ice
And she said 'We are all just prisoners here, of our own device'
And in their master's chambers,
They gathered for the feast
They stab it with their steely knives,
But they just can't kill the beast

Last thing I remember, I was
Running for the door
I had to find the passage back
To the place I was before
'Relax,' said the night man,
We are programmed to receive.
You can checkout any time you like,
but you can never leave!

2. If you ever wondered, I have been quite silence for past week the reason is that I have been busy with work. Therefore, didn't have time to update. I was visting my cousin and her French husband last weekend and I wished to write about some of my perceptions of their life. but I have to leave that for some other time that I have a little more time.

Life is unfair!... No kidding!

I am not going to talk or nag about why I think life is unfair to me and this and that!
I want to talk about Iranian women football players who received the silver medal in West Asian women’s tournament. I mean they received that despite so many veils they have to wear during a game unlike their opponents. We tend to appreciate lot of things in normal conditions but we forget to honor the work of these women who would make a difference in Iran’s long run environment with their demand. Good for them.
2. I wonder:
If I can do that ever! get married, then divorce then find a girl 16 years younger than me and have a baby with her! Read Kat and Tom here. I think the only problem for me at the time being is to get married for the time being; anyone?!!
Would that be possible He always took them from me!!! Lucky this Tommy Cruisie!, first I loved his first wife and he got married to her!, then the second one when Dawson's Creek show was on!! Ok, I wanted to swear at him for all that, but lucky B. is the better world or perhaps good for him!!! I am not Jealous! am I?!!

Sign at one entry of tunnel!

Coworker at Work! 

Another excursion to the construction site of lagest tunnel in the world

1. Once again,I am taken to a short day trip along side with our department. This time to St. Gottardo tunnel which is in construction underneath of Alp mountain in south of Switzerland. The trip was great and I will post some pictures here. I am not sure using "blogger software" I am unable to send many pictures at the same time.

2. RIght now in the house I am living, there are several small parties going on!
3 Girls from Germany, Holland are in one room, having girls talk, I hear music coming out of their room! Another room all orientals from China, Thailand are gathered and havng party they are playing music Chinese one! Another room Brazilian group is having gathring!! after making a spicey food, that made all of us to cough for a few mintues! and not the last but perhaps the least of all!!!!, I am here alone typing these non-senses!!:-)

3. Big Congratulations to our blogger friend Cyrus Zamani is technically a real Dr.
best of luck to him and hope to hear from him more and more!

St. Gotthardo tunnel 

My apologies for not writing!

1. I am quite busy these day. I will travel to Canada, soon. For past few months I have been raveling quite like there is no tomorrow! Guys do not wish anything, I have always wished to travel a lot, and now I am getting it!!

2. I wrote this article last year for Iranian. I think it worth reading it, now. Specially for our Grazie ancora Friend.

take it easy, you never know I may write again!

I need a link list

1. Interesting link
2. Labor of LAB! an interesting story!

Soap Opera in Guesthouse number 15 & opposite sex expectation!

1. Akh, that my political write up gets no attention! my rating goes down, it is all about rating!! However, …let move on…:-))
...
2. Right now, I am trying to sleep, since the entire day I have had meetings and reading trying to understand some abstract concept (of course for me, not for any of you).
The house I am living in made out of wood. I am not sure if I told you about Brazilian guy who lives right down a floor underneath of my room. There is this British girl also in next door, who is short, blond and chubby!
For the past few weeks she has been trying hard to pick up this guy who also take advantage and no says no. Funny enough that the other day, he was in the kitchen with me and explaining about his dentist girl friend who is coming here from Brazil in October. Now, I have to hear the sound of the girl who is apparently telling story about her OKtober fest weekend in Muenchen! They talk so loud that I hardly can sleep! I do not get to the details!

2. What do we expect from our opposite sex in a relationship!
I start with me, my comment area is open to yours!
1. Prepare food for me!
2. Clean own residence!
3. washing our cloths!
4. not to forget Ironing them!
5. hum, let me see, the other things that a man expects, of course!
am I fair?:-)
now, is your turn:-)

What about them (Iranian people!)

skinhead, deadhead, everybody gone bad
situation, aggravation, everybody allegation
in the suite, on the news, everybody dog food
bang bang, shock dead, everybodys gone bad.

all i wanna say is that
they don't really care about us
all i wanna say is that
they don't really care about us
Michael Jackson!

The story of cat and mouse continues in regard of Iranian nuclear watch dogs! Now, Iran is saying no! Standing firm not to listen to rest of world in regard of nuclear power! Funny it is Iran praises Indian prime Minster for being on her side. But less than a day India Representative in International Atomic Energy Agency cast her vote for sending Iran’s dossier to UN security council!!
Of course, this type of politics that Iran does, shows high head in Iran since it is standing against everyone else in world and asking for her rights!
but I wonder about Iranian people! I feel for them. This whole scenario seems very familiar, doen't it?
It reminds me the time when Mr. Rafsanjani was in power. Are we going to have another sanction, where people will receive their everyday needs (food and prescriptions) in 10 time higher prices than current ones? Isn’t this what many people were saying that it took place when Mr. Rafsanjani was in power? Is it this how he and his close allies got wealthy?
History tends to repeat itself in Iran! And we tend to have short memory! Another UN sanction, high prices, big time smuggling! These all sound familiar to me!
I tend to think when I said Khatami era was something to remember, I was right!
Read Iranian newspapers head lines here!

Sad moment of my life!

With so much energy I have I honestly feel old now! I am not sure how does life is treating me but if I ever feel sad then all the movies on TV, on my computer and rest turn to be sad!
So, today is Friday evening and didn’t go anywhere because many of these guys who I know here have gone to Germany for October fest! I didn’t feel like drinking the entire night, so I didn’t go! Moving on, one thing to all of you do not stay home on Fridays night and watch movies!
So, all and all in these moments that I feel pity for myself, I also had borrowed a movie from this local library last week which have not had a chance to watch it until tonight.
Being a big fan of Charlize THeron (I once wanted to go to LA just to ask her out, after Devil’s advocate movie!! But I passed! I know; I am crazy!) got this movie called "Head in the clouds". Very sad and heart braking movie! Charlize Theron shows an excellent performance.
The changes she is going through is amazing and the gesture she reflects is even more astonishing! It is about love, lost, war!
I think people can draw many conclusions but one is perhaps the most important one "do not burn your candles in any price at both ends"! Anyone who believes will not live a full life(I always thought so!) and just lives for couple of years is not doing anything to prolong his/her life in the right way!
Another one: Do not create a dysfunctional family for yourself and your children, you ruin everyone!!

Beautiful movie but sad! Damn another sad movie on TV! What is with Fridays all sad movies are played on Fridays??!!
Thanks for having this blog to nag otherwise,...

who is dumber?

I reiterate what I previously wrote.why do we need nuclear energy when we have so much other and green energy available?
Watching CNN on TV and Madam Amanpour interview with Dr. Ahmadi-nedjad (Iranian president) I came to couple of conclisions!
1. Which were dumber, Amanpour or Ahmadi-nedjad! You may ask why? Simply the questions she asked were usual and routine questions and the answers He gave were the usual ones! So, unless you have some brain problem why would you reiterate same questions; especially, you Madam Amanpour!
2. Madam Amanpour, I wonder rather than telling “what you say is very much confrontational Mr. President”, you could easily talk about the fact that all these first world countries have problem with disposing nuclear waste, have you ever given any thoughts on that area? Do you think you can give guarantee to world and Iranian people that no accident likes "Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster" would take place? Or to have nuclear energy you do not really have to enrich the uranium, technically! why would you like doing so!?
Unfortunately, She sounded like she is Bush and he sounded like he is himself!

A day of excursion!

1. Once a year in the institute I work the entire institute having this excursion to go to different places and site seeing then come back to the institute and have dinner! The occasion of this was yesterday. This is being done for people to get to know Swiss culture and heritage and learn about hiking (something that these guys die for!) We saw couple of heritage monuments and old spinning company but two was the highlights of the trip. A place that they used to be brewing beer and damp-train (I call it CHU CHU train.) The CHU CHU train was amazing because we did not just visit it, we were taken to mountain to visit some area with it and it was such memorable experience since you could sit outside and enjoy the Alpine natural sceneries!
Something interesting about spinning company was the fact that even Swiss people were into slavery! They used to bring in blind and deaf people to move the wheels when they did not have power of water to rotate the wheel!

2. Today in Zurich, I saw many young boys and girls with smile are distributing apple among people!
When I ask what the occasion is? I was told: in a few day people are voting for European union and new countries that are joint. In any case, I enjoyed the way they are persuading people to go to ballet boxes.

I may post some of the pictures soon.

3. Two public advertisements for all to have a healthier life:

3.1. A link for our concerned Women!

3.2. Human spine loses its water content inside intervertebrae disk (Hamon disk keh ma migim) due to regular pressure received during a working day. The rate of fluid loss is approximately 10-20%. Fluid loss during daily loading is regained during overnight rest, and it has been postulated that this diurnal fluid exchange is critical for disk nutrition!
So, sleep well at night if you wish to have pain free spine!:-)
These messages were brought to you by Alireza's public announcement company:-)

Not such an amoused day

1. I am not sure how many of you remember the singer guy from 80’s whose name is Nik Kershaw. I only liked one or song of him. The one probably is tip top of his work is called "wouldn’t be a good". You can listen to some of his work in this site.(You, must have flash)
anyhow, now I feel like listening to it. I used to listen to this song to feel better and when I was writing exams!!
These are the lyrics:

I got it bad
You don't know how bad I got it
You got it easy
You don't know when you got it good
It's getting harder
Just keeping life an soul together
I'm sick of fighting
Even though I know I should
The cold is biting
Through each and every nerve and fibre
My broken spirit is frozen to the core
Don't wanna be here no more

Wouldn't it be good to be in your shoes
Even if it was for just one day
Wouldn't it be good if we could wish ourselves away
Wouldn't it be good to be on your side
Grass is always greener over there
Wouldn't it be good if we could live without a care

You must be joking
You don't know a thing about it
You've got no problem
I'd stay right there if I were you
I got it harder
You couldn't dream how hard I got it
Stay out of my shoes
If you know what's good for you
The heat is stifling
Burning me up from the inside
The sweat is coming through each and every pore
Don't wanna be here no more

Wouldn't it be good to be in your shoes
Even if it was for just one day
Wouldn't it be good if we could wish ourselves away
Wouldn't it be good to be on your side
Grass is always greener over there
Wouldn't it be good if we could live without a care

2. Watching At first Sight on TV makes you to think and get a little sadder than I am! I need to cry!!...This movie reminds me of "Biede Majnoon" (Willow Tree) that was and is on the screen in Iran and Toronto film festival from Majid majidi.
... and now I am watchingMolly. Ajab, melodramatic movie, need to cry!

3. to all dudes and dudette in Canada, what the heck are these people talking about? I have been only a few months away and you guys are giving in!:-) Thank you "Dalton" for not letting this to happen!:-)

2& 3

2 & 3. Some of you are impatiently waiting for these two. Or may not! I say why I think I prefer Iranian women over non-Iranians!
Actually the whole story started like that:

My supervisor and I were in Alicante, Spain for about 2.5 hours before our flight and before even the check in counter opens up. After we finished with our boarding pass and check in procedure we had about 2 hours left. So, we did some walking around and windows shopping plus drinking espresso.:-) About an hour and half before the scheduled flight we went to transit area and took a sit in the second row where a monitor was showing Zurich. Where monitor was located underneath of it, there was this small glass door which we were not able to see inside. And there was this desk there which to our understanding was a place that crew will lead us to plane! The whole hours we sat there and watching that door and we didn’t see anyone going in or coming out! Then it was about 10 minutes before to our flight time I said there must be something wrong! I went to look inside the glass door and I saw to my disbelief that a desk is situated inside that small corridor and two crews are standing there!! I ran towards them with my supervisor told them, what is going on and they said we have been calling you!!! I said what you are talking about! Anyhow, they said we should wait there since they have to contact the Capitan and see he would let us in. I have to say that the plane was standing about 100 meters from the corridor which was taking us to the bus. They don’t have one of these connecting corridors there!
Anyhow, after 2 minutes negotiation Capitan refused to take us onboard!! We came back to the main airport area where we had to buy another ticket and fly to Basel than Zurich! Basel is about an hour from Zurich. This has never happened to me, before!!(SO, do not make fun of me:-))
Moving on, on this occasion my supervisor realized that when we arrive in Basel it will about 11:00 pm. So, he called home and talked to his wife explaining the situation and asked her if she can pick us up from the Basel airport. According to my supervisor she has said I have to see, let me see if I could come and pick you up!! Then, I suggested, it is all right we can go to Zurich by train and she can pick you up from there. He called again and told her my suggestion and she liked it and looked at computer to see when the last train is leaving from Basel to Zurich. Later I realized where my supervisor lives is little far from train station and therefore, he was afraid that there would be no train by the time we get there. Of course, there are occasions that you may not be able to do so due to some prearranged businesses. But this family I know they have two children one is 19 and one is 16! So, there is no small child in the house hold. In any case I am not going to judge them.

Ok, I am not sure what was the status of my advisor family but, as far as I can understand if my wife wants me to be picked up I definitely will do so anywhere possible. Not to mention I’d go myself before she even say anything! I think that is what I would expect from my wife, too. I have seen many non-Iranians who gave priorities to work over their family. Many non-Iranians after they are married live like roommates!
I think if I ever get married I truly try to support her and I most definitely expect the same. I think many Iranians women are great in supporting their husbands. I believe Iranians in general are more sensitive and supportive to their spouse than non-Iranians.
Of course, there are exceptions everywhere! Do not shot me, please! This was my own and my mini-me opinion!:-)

Back in one piece!

Arzam be hozore Olamaa, to all my daily readers, where shall I start?! I shall start from somewhere!

1. The city called Benidorm. A tourist based city in south of Spain on coast of Mediterranean sea. What else, you would say? Must be something, ya? Actually, no! The city can be referred to as a small Manhattan! A city with very ugly high rises with no local preservation of its old characters! Beaches full of people and no space to your sight!
That is of course is why I do not recommend a vacation there.

We arrived to Benidorm from Alicante airport. The next day, we had registration and usual stuff at the hotel. So, I did the procedure and after I received my package, I hanged my badge on my neck and looked at it! It was stated on the tag, Alireza...from Swaziland!

So, I laughed a little bit without being aware that this country even exists on face of earth! The first day passed and it was by the afternoon of the second day! This French guy approaches me and says: ”oh, oI caen not help it, but wonder, where in Swaziland (pronounced Swozioland) do you study!? I looked at him with exclamation in my face, this is funny, I am not from Swaziland, I am from Switzerland. He continues without much attention to me; “yes, OI waos watching a program on Television couple of weeks ago, and OI know that your king has 18 wives!!(all with French accent, that is why the spellings are changed!)
I did not care and I walked away.

The next day, I was leaving my room and going to the hall of conference right in the elevator an old lady gets on the elevator.
With heavy South African accent she starts: "oh, We are neighbours! how do you live in that country by the way? I heard there is a big depression! And I didn’t know they have university, too!! She said if you go back, come to South Africa and visit us!! To my surprise she said I didn’t know that Swaziland has white people, too." By this time we arrived to the first floor and I politely smiled and walked away!

It was the same day and I once again on the elevator. I have this I am not sure looks that children, unlike women, get attracted to me! Anyhow, this Spanish family gets on the elevator with me. After usual HOLA, the child comes and gets my right leg and smiles! Then I smile back. All of the sudden, the mother sees my conference tag and with rounded eyes says, Swaziland! Women, she said! I tried to explain in English and all of the sudden she started to pull her child by force from my leg! As soon as the elevator's door opened up they jumped out! This time I got really pissed off and walked to the registration booth and asked to have my badge changed! To my luck, they said the printer is out of tune! So, I continue wearing the badge and enjoy the comments from people!!

3. Ok, number three comes later since I have to talk about why we missed our plane.

4. Let me get to number 4 from my previous post! You may think so, after writing that story about Iranian women I have got tons of proposal and compliments! De, you made a mistake!
Statistics of replies:
10 people including your comments and e-mail appreciated that I wrote the essay and gave me a comment.
One person jokily proposed!
And about 6 to 7 e-mails complained.
Some of complains:
I should write like this what else. Iranian men have always taken advantage of Iranian women!
I bet you want to buy a heart of an Iranian girl otherwise you guys never write anything like this!!
Who do you think you are making fun of Iranian girl!!

So, drawing a simple conclusion: I should not write about Iranian women and appreciate them. However, to kill the hand of enemy which is coming out of sleeve of imperialism I keep writing!!! stay tune for the next time!:-)

I just got back!

1. Do not go Benidorm, Spain! Terrible place for vacation unless you want see British and Irish hooligan looking people and British over 80 years of age and 100 kg of weight!
2. We missed our plane because of stupidity of Alcante airport and unfamiliarity with their boarding system. I think the story I wrote in my blog came true! Missing a plane is now part of it!!! I just got back right now which is 12:35 am after 13 hours being under way!
3. I will write why I still think Iranian women and men are nicer when it comes to relationship!(this is a reminder)
4. I shall also write about feedback I received via my e-mail in regard of my previous writing about Iranian women!
5. ok, that is it, I'd better get some sleep.

Spain I am coming!

1. Signing off from Switzerland, Spain I am coming!

2. Is not it amazing in land of freedom I get an offer to go along with a bald phd guy to watch a carton movie called Madagascar!! (Very funny, though between you and me!!)

3. I am going to write something short about Iranian girls. Since I have not much of time (no, I am not going to die, it is late night and I am leaving early morning for Spain!) I will make my story short and to the point!

Being in three continents and meeting many girls I have to come to this conclusion that Iranian girls, if not the best, but perhaps one of the best to know and perhaps to get married to (the latter I haven’t done but I think I can extend my experiences to that!) for Iranian guys and perhaps non-Iranians. Yes, I was saying, please don’t get there, I know that Iranian girl are perhaps more hairy than their western counterparts!! (with all due respect) but you know somehow we feel more comfortable and of course edger with them than with non-Iranians!! They are caring, loving, and sensitive! They give you confidence; (simply accepting you as you are but pumping you for more!!!!)
They give you hard time but want you to love them every moment! They try very hard to please you, even if you are completely out of it! No other nationality has complexity of Iranian girl who has lived, or lives in double standard world and still feels confidence! Of course, they are smart and intelligence. look how many of them are phds or who got Nobel Price (an Iranian woman, not man)! All and all they are perfect match for non-tolerable Iranian guy!! all I think they should not be doing is not lose their confidence! I hope that is good enough for now!
Signing off, I have a lot to do, need an Iranian girl who do what I do right now, Ironing, preparing my suitcase and etc.!! ok, just kidding, babam jan... I do it myself, do not bite please!!

Dedicated to all people who are under stress or stressed out!

Sitting at my notebook, checking my e-mails while wearing my over fitted cloths drinking a comforting drink (not to name it, though for those in Islamic countries!) and looking outside of window and thinking this is day either I have to go walking or tennis playing. The whole profound thinking is shattered by a sound of a phone ring. I ran towards the phone without ever thinking what will come next I pick up the phone. My eyes are almost popping out. I am asked whether I am ready or not must get ready to go to the airport! And I hear the voice without me confirming or saying much pronouncing: “…see you in 15”. I ran to grab my PDA look at the dates. I could swear the flight was tomorrow and the presentation was later the next day!
Frantically, I changed cloths and threw some clothing into my suitcase and thinking what has really happened that I missed such an obvious date! Being pick up in front of my house I started to tell “you can’t believe this to the colleague…”. On the way to the airport I try to reduce my anxiety and make myself to clam down, but without much success.

It wasn’t too much that I had no talk ready, or even that I was in such a rush, as it was that I just wasn’t mentally ready to be traveling or thinking about preparing any presentation. As an engineer my life has a certain rhythm, and every trip or project has its own predictable rise and fall, its preordained sequence of programmed events. Now the routine has been shattered, and I was at sea, adrift without a rudder. I was supposed to be enjoying the day with a tennis game and relaxing mood per say (too much for that!)!

On the airplane I tried to focus on thinking about what I might say in the presentation and how I can defend my points, but my thoughts were a jumble. On the top of the jumble, something else was hanging over my head! It took a little while to identify it, but when I did, I felt I had moved into the twilight zone. I realized I was experiencing déjà vu, but not from anything that had ever actually happened to me. Oh, have I fall in sleep? Some one is pushing and shaving me. I was living out a dream, one that I had experienced several times in the past a dream where I am supposed to give a presentation but I have forgotten to prepare anything.
While feeling pulling and shaving, I opened up my eyes and realize that my door is getting knocked on!
Who is it? I asked. Thanks for waking me up! Oh, yes, let’s go playing tennis, dude.

These types of dreams include the ones that I am in university and have an exam the next day and I haven’t prepared anything for it are common between many of us! Talking to many friends and others they have same dreams, from time to time. What I wonder although I have never missed such a dates I still see these type of dreams. I wonder if this isn’t something socially communicated ancestral memory. Perhaps, I am lucky that I do not day dream as much as I used to back in early years!

But back to the plane, that was enough of mumbling, I have presentation to prepare! Or am I supposed to get ready for a tennis game!!

Lessons to be learned!

When it comes to support and getting along we are the worst nation on earth! This is according to my own experiences for past 16 years living outside as well as inside of Iran. Indians more or less get along pretty well; if help needed they wouldn’t take back their supporting hand, Chinese I think most of you know how close they are. Of course, Germans, Americans and Brazilians must be added to the above pool.

It has been about a month since this Brazilian guy has moved here to our guesthouse. It is so amazing that I see everyday new Brazilian knocking our door to invite him for a party or just to say hi. For the past few days that there are three of us in the house and practically there are two of us since Spanish guy has gone camping in middle of Switzerland, these so called Brazilian have taken over our house! (This is my nagging part!)
They come in hang around in corridors, talk very loud in their own language and then go out and come back and make very deep fired food that the entire house smells like Oil!(I do not get this love these guy have for deep fried food!) Ok, let me get a little more into details about the original topic!

In fact, there are 2 girls and one guy (For those in North America it is not even close to "two guys and a girl and a pizza place").
The guy is my housemate, of course, and the two girls live in other guesthouses. They hang around so friendly that it makes me wonder if we (Iranians) can ever be so close to provide any support they do to one another! In Canada, for example, it was so difficult to get couple of girls and boys together for a night out or hang out. After a few sessions, you see girls are gossiping about other girls and boys do the same about their counter parts!
Here these Brazilians simply come over and laying down on the bed of the Brazilian guy watch TV! Imagine, my tongue is sliced and forbidden to talk, such act was implemented by one of our own girls and boys!!!!(I think I would stop discussing about it)!

I had opportunity talking to one of Iranian students here who enunciating about the same issue. He was saying he hardly talks to his Iranian classmates because they are so snobby! Talking to the other part of spectrum, I suppose, I am sure they would have their own reason for not hanging out with their own country man!

Where I work, for instance, there is no Iranian to my knowledge except two professors who are in civil engineering and physics department, respectively. Almost since the first time that my boss introduced me to them, they tend to ignore me if they are passing by me!

Culturally, I think we have long way to go. We have not been able to tolerate our own! We have not accepted what we are and who we are. We have a big conflict of cultural values right between ourselves.

Let’s work on that area we may prevail the fact of tolerating ourselves at last!

Miracle of new glasses!!

1. Once again it is the weekend and I have not shaved my face (I usually do not shave on the weekend as my skin gets sensitive).
Walking on streets people were looking at me with lots of fear! I could read that in their eyes! Even when I got on a street-car an adolescent girl was quite suspicious on my looks. She wouldn't take her eyes off me with that suspicious look! until a miracle happened!!! I had ordered a new glasses and I picked it up! I have no idea what happened. But amazingly right after I have worn it, girls were looking at me smiling, one of them even blink at me to my surprise!! Believe me I could see the face gesture of people before having my glasses on, I wasn’t blind!! But I call this miracle of glasses!!

2. Here has got quite cold, probably it is around 5 to 8 degrees. people are wearing pullovers!

Getting proposed to is like...

1. I tend to forget my own anniversaries! I mean 2 years ago in Aug. I started this weblog! and I totally forgot about it. Happy birthday weblog!

2. Some people think that getting proposed to is like buying a real estate! So, what is the matter is the location location location my friends!!!
1. take your loved ones some place romantic
and then hear the proposal!!

(Please do not try this at your domestic household I take no responsiblity for the statement above what so ever!!!:-)<

Spanish dinner night by one of my roommates!!

1. Had a farily good day and exciting since I get lots of things working at work!

2. Ahmadi Nedjad (Iranian President) recommendation about Yahoo Icons after establishing Islamic government.

3. If you recall the story had all been started by me cursing my roommates and so, they got one after another disappeared from this hunted house that we all live in!! And now you read the rest of story as follows!!
...
What did you think?
No, no, no, I was just kidding.
...
The story starts like this. As I have mentioned I have this Spanish roommate whose birthday was yesterday. Tonight, apparently he decides to invite couple of co-workers for dinner, including me. The gathering was supposed to be starting at 8:00 pm. This was around the time I arrived. He indicated this is going to be Spanish and he will make Spanish food. What was he making, if you wonder: according to him, Spanish omelet! That is made of sliced potatoes plus eggs and onions. You deep fry the potatoes and onions as they become little crispy. Then add eggs and cook like there is no tomorrow in lots of oil! This was the recipe!
By the time I arrived he was frying the sliced potatoes with so much oil in pans that it seemed that the potatoes were soaked or washed by oil. The entire kitchen around the stew was oil saturated! and whatever dishes in the kitchen cabintes were avaliable were used making such a simple dish! Not that I complain, ever! It is friendly chat!(I have to admit that when I had gathering here with 9 people and made lasagna and salad and I didn’t make so much mess.)
Anyhow, add to this scenery the Spanish dude was going to his room and fighting with girl friend for an hour on the cell-phone every 10 minutes being around in the kitchen (do not have any idea, why?). So, finally around 10 the food was ready. But I had to help to remove some oil with technicality and trick! One way was using tissues like Kelinex! Another method was squeezing the omelet between two plates and let the oil run out!
Another thing I learned tonight was the fact there are Spanish wine that is sold in "Tetra pak boxes" like milks! He took those and added some orange juice into it and served as drink to us!
Moreover, I have learned some Germans are terrible people to make connection with. There were two German guys and a German girl who was girl friend of one of them. They were just talking to themselves and as soon as the dinner was finished they took off! No sense of humor what so ever! ok, just a frozen smile!
Oh, have to add this gossip; the British girl next door is in love with Spanish guy! Or at least this is what I percept!

Short note on Frustration!

For the past 2 days there is this gentleman who is president of LifeMOD software has come to train us about his software and how to use it. It has been 2 consecutive days of frustration since 80% of the workshops we have done one way or another had a problem, needless to say it wasn't converging. (If you wonder still 1.5 days to go!) He keeps telling us "I have never seen such errors before!!!".
You know after these 2 days sofar I have come to this conclusion that how amazing is the way our body is interacting. Simple flexion-extension of human lower torso and knee is heel of job in modeling. We have so much problem modling simple parts of body! Consequenctly, I also more and more realizing the fact that how important is someone's health. As I have always said health is number one issue the rests are spices!

Busy for a few days!

1. I think reading the following advertisment in one of the internet newspapers is informative. The short form of this message is that whomever wishes to take burden of his/her soul and have peaceful conscious must attend the classes by this Ojatoleslam Abtahi who will provide you with following items before you take part in classes plus you must sign and accept it!
Read it here (It is in Persian).

2. Starting tomorrow I will be quite busy with an intensive training, so I may not be able to write for a few days. As I by the time I get home I am dead!

3. The rain is still coming and finally flood took over! It is about the time! So, I'd better go see a Dr. It hurts!(Persoanl stuff!)

Why do I insist to clean the kitchen?!

The other day I was going to eat breakfast at my place I encountered the following animal (see above). I have no idea what is called, but I have also seen one in Iran. They usually crawl very slowly and as I far as I know they like to eat lettuce, vegetables and leaves. They have small black eyes with eye lashes and two antenna which can go inside and come out.
The first thing got my attention was how did he (ok, I wasn’t sure he or she, but I consider he!) got on cleaning clothing on kitchen sink!!
Then, the second experiement was that I realized he shows reaction toward camera flash and me being around!!
Anyhow, I take the matter into my hands and move him to outside with respect and smile! So, he doesn't feel bad!
Then, I asked my roommates about whether they have seen this animal. This is what I heard.
The Brazilian guy said: “I-Kh Saw-sh it, but I did not touch-sh it”. What was that anyway? He asked me!

The Spanish guy said: “I-hy Dihdn’t go to Kitchen when I saw-kh it!!”. "It looked Disgusti-ingsh!"

So, I think I was the only dude who wasn’t much afraid of that! could be becasue of age! Then I made recommendation please clean all surfaces after you have eaten!!

2. Rain keeps coming! check out this forecast for upcoming days in Zurich

3. Have you noticed the new President of Iran keeps calling Islamic givernment rather than Islamic republic government! In his speechs he has been calling in our Islamic government...I really feel bad for Iran and Irani!

These are days of my life!

1. Today something interesting happened. I went to do grocery shopping. At the entrance of the shopping store, I went to grab a shopping cart. I notice a middle age lady well dressed is returning the cart. Here if you wish to pick a shopping cart, you have to deposit 2 Fr. The lock is released and you can take the cart. Anyhow, I asked her if I could have her cart, so she doesn’t have to go to the trouble of plugging in the key and gets her money. So, I looked at my wallet and started to look for 2 Fr. Coin! To my surprise I did not have any!! Except .80 rappen, I didn’t have any coin and a bill of 50 Fr.! I told her, I am sorry I do not have any money. You can go on and get your money. She walked the way and said, oh do not worry about it! I was quite surprised with this attitude. Considering I have not shaved for 3 days and I look like Middle Eastern, dude!! this was something! I suppose she ran for her life, though!!

2. The rain keeps coming and coming. Actually it is pouring like there is no tomorrow! It has been raining since last night and going to rain until Tuesday according to the forecast!!

3. Two songs for entertainment:
3.1. I like the meaning of this song. It is from MOEIN.
3.2. This one is a jazz song by George Michael.
(To save any of the above songs, right click on the link and save it).

What have we done for our elders!

1. Today, I was sitting in train going to center of Zurich. In one of the stops this group of elders got in to the train. The common plastic bag in their hand made me wonder. When I focused closely on it, I realized it is advertisement for a company which manufactures a hearing aid. I got curious and started to ask about the event. The old lady explained to me that usually there is information sessions held for elders about what is necessary for them to be aware of. And in this case hearing aid is one of them. They would get information about how and where should be used. For who is necessary, etc. After this short conversation I thought by myself, my father definitely need a hearing aid. Why he doesn’t want to get one! Because from here and there has heard it is not comfortable to have one of them. On the other hand, a simple lack of information. Same thing I heard from one of my colleagues back in Iran about his grand father. Conclusion, we have problem by spreading useful information to our people in Iran. Of course, I am sure someone may say what have we done for young that now we should be concern about elders!!!

2. I went to this BBQ tonight which was held on top of the building known as Swiss engineering building. The host was International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience. What this is, is an organization helps all engineers around the world to find training jobs in abroad especially in western countries (including Iran). Of course, this is not the story I wish to talk about.
My story starts when I arrived to the place on top of rough. As soon as I walked in this is what happened.
I saw 3 Middle Eastern looking guys. They are standing by the entrance door. They turn to me and saying: “you look like a guy who speaks Arabic!”
Alireza: I am sorry [but] I do not speak Arabic.
One of those guys: Where are you from, you look Middle Eastern, though?
Alireza: I am from Iran.
One of those guys: Oh, Iran, Arabic, Iranian, almost the same, you should understand Arabic!!
Alireza: I am sorry I do not. You probably can speak Persian, though!!!
One of those guys: But are you a Moslem? aren't you? You must be Moslem!
Alireza: Sorry fellows do I care who has what religion, I don’t. and I am not here to talk religion. I can care less. And I walked away.

You know, I tend to really feel Arabs have this Muslim thing in their blood!! Because whomever I have meet, they start asking me after saying hi, whether I am Muslim or not!!!!