Believe

Oscar night came and gone. The night of glamour and sophistication. I got a chance to watch a few minutes of the entire program. It was all right, did not get impressed by Chris Rock's performance.
But the highlight of the work was duet of Josh Gorban and Beyonc who performed the song named "Believe" and it is from original soundtrack the animated movie called:"Polar Express". Here are lyrics.

Children sleeping, snow is softly falling
Dreams are calling like bells in the distance
We were dreamers not so long ago
But one by one we all had to grow up
When it seems the magic's slipped away
We find it all again on Christmas day

Believe in what your heart is saying
Hear the melody that's playing
There's no time to waste
There's so much to celebrate
Believe in what you feel inside
And give your dreams the wings to fly
You have everything you need
If you just believe

Trains move quickly to their journey's end
Destinations are where we begin again
Ships go sailing far across the sea
Trusting starlight to get where they need to be
When it seems that we have lost our way
We find ourselves again on Christmas day

Believe in what your heart is saying
Hear the melody that's playing
There's no time to waste
There's so much to celebrate
Believe in what you feel inside
And give your dreams the wings to fly
You have everything you need
If you just believe

are there intrinsic difference between sexes in aptitude of science!

Just recently Mr. Lawrence Summers President of Harvard University has made a comment that has generated controversy between all layers of intellectuals.
On a speech that he was giving for the topic of: Why women aren't better-represented in science and engineering positions at top universities.
He said the following statement: “There are issues of intrinsic aptitude ... I would like nothing better than to be proved wrong.”
He also said that three main reasons that women in general do not do well in Math and Science is the fact that:
1. They would like not to get into top jobs!
2. There are issues of intrinsic aptitude for women towards science.
3. Discrimination of men against women in general.
According to an statistics from American science association in America from every 10 women 1 would pursue Phd.
I heard one of the main reasons is the fact that women have tendency to have a family and spend their time with family.
I think these findings has rested my case in regard of women's family perferance y comes over everything and for men work comes first!
Read CNN report of Summers's speech.

and Now rain in Tehran

currently, the rain is puring down in Tehran. The sound of water drops keeps me from falling sleep. and I am listening to the song called I do my crying in the rain. This song originally was sang by a group in 1960's and then in 90's a-ha sang again.

I'll never let you see
The way my broken heart is hurting me
I've got my pride and I know how to hide
All the sorrow and pain
I'll do my crying in the rain

If I wait for cloudy skies
You won't know the rain from the tears in my eyes
You'll never know that I still love you so
Though the heart aches remain
I'll do my crying in the rain

Raindrops falling from heaven
They could never wash away my memories
Since we're not together
I look for stormy weather
To hide these tears I hope you'll never see

Someday when my crying's done
I'm going to wear a smile and walk in the sun
I may be a fool, but till then darling you'll
Never see me complaining
I'll do my crying in the rain

Since we're not together
I look for stormy weather
To hide these tears I hope you'll never see

Someday when my crying's done
I'm going to wear a smile and walk in the sun
I may be a fool but till then darling you'll
Never see me complaining

I'll do my crying in the rain

Sex, lies, and Shesh kabab, Part 3

This is third part of Sex, lies and shish kebob story. I think I could call it story of all Iranian perhaps in abroad or inside Iran, one way or another. It is hilarious!! read on and find out, why? dudes!!
...
It was obvious who wore the pants in that relationship. The guy was another victim of the Zan Zallil Syndrome and he was too much of a coward to stand up and tell the girlfriend like it is. I felt a strong connection with the guy due to our intense male bonding episode earlier. We guys are stupid like that. Just because we spend a few minutes sharing something primitive but personal, we automatically become best friends. So, I figured what the heck, I'll help the dude.
...
Read the rest here.

Discipline vs. values

I have lots of profound memories from my school years especially when I was in high school. Though it was not a coed school, things were so imaginative and young. We had not to worry except perhaps for Konkor (the general university entrance exam) and the rest of kids’ things. I have to admit that those years prepared me for today. However, they had little to tell me what to expect and what we should do in our personal life. We have never been thought about how to enjoy life, respect future generation and live in global community.
Moving on, I have been thinking that today young students in school have totally different attitude. Today’s school no longer advocate physical punishment or sever disciplinary action which were used to be common in old days. What makes me wonder is have we thought values to these students if we decided to reduce discipline and other means?
What percentage shall we consider in school for disciplinary actions and values per say? How shall we convey these values to students? What are these values? Who would set up these values?
In any case, Cat Steven has nice lyrics about old school which I think is great for this short essay.

Remember the days of the old schoolyard

We used to laugh a lot, oh don’t you
Remember the days of the old schoolyard
When we had imaginings and we had
All kinds of things and we laughed
And needed love... yes, I do
Oh and I remember you
Remember the days of the old schoolyard
We used to cry a lot, oh don’t you
Remember the days of the old schoolyard
When we had simplicity and we had
Warm toast for tea and we laughed
And needed love.. yes, I do
Oh and I remember you

You were my sweet love, my first sweet love
My lovey dove, my love lovey dove
No matter what place, whichever the place
I still see your face, your smiling face
In childish dreams, inside my dreams
Like king and queen, God save our dreams
N’though time may face, though time may fade
It ain’t never too late, to learn about love
Learn about love

Remember the days of the old schoolyard
We used to laugh a lot, oh don’t you
Remember the days of the old schoolyard
When we had imaginings and we had
All kinds of things and we laughed
And needed love... yes, I do
Oh and I remember you

A job with satisfaction!

Back in Canada when I was working for ATS Canada in a small town called Cambridge. I had time in evenings to spend for my own. One of my hobbies was to hang around in the central library of Kitchener and read anything that I could get my hands on. During this time I read books like Samarkand by Amin Maalouf storey of how Rubaiyaat were put together by Khaayam; From Palace to Prison by Ehsan Narghi and a few other books. As I was getting more and more involved with the library I get to know people who were running the library. During this time of readings I had observed that lots of students come in to do their home works, however they usually sit somewhere that other people sit in to read newspapers or books. In fact, they had to sit in general area. Therefore, I felt a place for students who wish to do their homework is quite necessary. So, I suggested setting up a homework centre. Then I started to spend time for this volunteer work after my day job. After almost a month the centre opened up. I put quite lots of efforts in teaching new comers and students who needed help. Once a guy who had showed up several times before, invited me to participate in the science competition that was held in his school than his parents!!
So, I spend about one year there and this was something I was looking for everyday. This was a gratifying job which was providing amusement to my daily life.
I felt we better do what we enjoy most. And Do things that give us satisfaction. Perhaps this is something to learn from.

Couple of motivational thoughts!

1.In Iran the government constantly talks about the enemy. The enemy of people and state.
In US, government talks about the terrorist and the danger of terrorism. Which ever channel we turn to they usually refer to those as enemy of US people and the world!
I wonder have we ever thought that we, as people of our own country, are the enemies of ourselves with what we do upon ourselves and others!!??!!

2. If you love somebody, set her/him free. If s/he comes back s/he is yours forever. If not s/he was never yours to begin with!!

Funny explaination and little present

1. While waiting for part 3 of Siamack Baniameri story to be released. I found it amusable to link the way he has described himself to the public eyes. He has published a hilarious book called IraniCAN dream. Here is the link to his autobiography.

2. I have not had a chance to listen to Cesaria Evora work for the past two years. She a great Portuguese singer who sings mellow songs. I am big fan of her style and voice. One of her famous songs which have been sang by many I believe is called: Bésame Mucho. Here is the text and little translation of it. I dedicate this song to all great lovers of the World and for St. Valentins's day:-).

Bésame, bésame mucho
Como si fuera esta la noche
La última vez
Bésame, bésame mucho
Que tengo miedo a perderte
Perderte después
Bésame, bésame mucho
Como si fuera esta la noche
La última vez
Bésame, bésame mucho
Que tengo miedo a perderte
Perderte después
Quiero tenerte muy cerca
Mirarme en tus ojos
Verte junto a mí
Piensa que tal vez mañana
Yo ya estaré lejos,
Muy lejos de aquí.
Bésame, bésame mucho
Como si fuera esta
La noche la última vez
Bésame, bésame mucho
Que tengo miedo a perderte, perderte despu
----------------------------------------------
A rough translation:

Kiss me, kiss me a lot,
As if tonight were the last time
Kiss me, kiss me a lot,
For I'm scared to lose you, to lose you afterwards
I want to feel you very close, see myself in your eyes, see you near me
Think that maybe tomorrow I'll already be far, very far away from you...

Sex, lies, and Shesh kabab, Part 2

This is the second part of the story that I linked in my weblog Just on Feb., 11. 2005. For those who are interested, read the rest here...

Sex, lies, and Shesh kabab, Part 1

Siamak Baniameri is an interesting dude who writes in Iranian. Apparently, he is a lawyer who lives in America! His style of writing is satire and he nicely criticizes many cultural values (As moi does including myself!!).
I think this is great story and would like you to read. (I accidentally erased what I had written here so I had to rewrite it!) my apologies for those who left me a comment.
...
“You look like an honest guy. Tell me why you Persian guys are such asses? You go out and party like animals, you do your drugs, drink like fish, sleep with anybody you can get your hands on, but God forbid if a Persian girl does the same--she's then a whore and you're freakin' Virgin Mary."...
read the rest here

More snow until today

For the past four days it has been snowing like there is no tomorrow! Today, finally the sky cleared. However, we are told that it will snow again!!!
some more pictures:









2. Yousuf Islam formally known as Cat Stevens is famous singer of 70’s who turned to Islam during 70’s. He has recently remade this old song with Ronan Keating a young guy with a great voice.

Father
It's not time to make a change
Just relax, take it easy
You're still young, that's your fault
There's so much you have to know
Find a girl, settle down
If you want you can marry
Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy

I was once like you are now
and I know that it's not easy
To be calm when you've found something going on
But take your time, think a lot
Why, think of everything you've got
For you will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not

Son
How can I try to explain, when I do he turns away again
It's always been the same, same old story
From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen
Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away
I know I have to go

Father
It's not time to make a change
Just sit down, take it slowly
You're still young, that's your fault
There's so much you have to go through
Find a girl, settle down
if you want you can marry
Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy

Son
All the times that I cried
keeping all the things I knew inside
It's hard, but it's harder to ignore it
If they were right, I'd agree
but it's them you know not me
Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away
I know I have to go

February 08, 2005, Snow keeps coming!!

1. A picture is thousands words! Just I would like to say snow is still falling in Shemroon!!

Snow is still coming. This photo is taken today morning at 7:45 am! shemroon!

So much generosity from God!

Tehran in Snow

For past two days it is snowing in Tehran. I have to specifically say in Shemron. Though, today I was at work and looked at streets around valiast sq. and I saw no sign of snow there. In any case, in Shemroon we have got planty of snow. have a look at some pictures!

and snow keeps coming and coming!! After two days of non-stop falling. Still doesn't show any rest on snow behalf! Taken at the night of Feb.7, 2005.

snow in shemroon taken in the morning of Feb.7,2005!

which way is the sign! for the street on the right or left hand side!!

An unfinished essay…

When and Where

1. When You're Awake
The things you think
Come from the dreams you dream
Thought has wings,
And lots of things
Are seldom what they see
Sometimes you think you've lived before
All that you live today
Things you do come back to you
As though they knew the way
Oh, the tricks your mind can play

It seems we stood and talked like this before
We looked at each other in the same way then
But i can't remember where or when
The clothes you're wearing and the clothes you wore
The smile you are smiling you were smiling then
But i can't remember where or when
Some things that happen for the first time
Seem to be happening again
And so it seems that we have met before
And laughed before
And loved before
But who knows where or when

2. In my last write up I wrote about married couple and complain of men, in general, after exchanging vows and limitations they claim to be set on them . I have to indicate I never said that this is something 1) everyone does and 2) it is something bad or against the law or anything close to that. Or It implies that man hates his wife.
What I meant was the fact of the psychological state that men and women are usually in when such thoughts cross their minds. I think Pedram (who has not left any e-mail) pointed out correctly.
I also after careful thinking have come up with the following:
Men in general put their work first then family. This is something that society, in whole, call for. People expect the man of family to work bring in money and provide the necessity of life. On the other hand, women tend to scarify more and put their family at highest level. This major difference in mentality is something that causes the word like “what have I done by getting married” to come up men’s mouth. Technically, they wish to spend more time at work, socialize as usual, whereas women, on the other hand, realize the change in life style and adapt themselves to the new situation better and appropriately. So, of course there are people who are not categorized in the above statements. But I am talking in general. Please be advised that what I speculate is my own opinion and does not have any scientific support what so ever. Also, I do not mean that what those men are implying means that they hate their wives!! I would like to hear more about other reasons if anyone wishes to share.