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.

Little things counts!

1.I have been thinking that whenever I talk to a couple who have recently got married. The guys complain about the limits have been set on them after getting married. Some even go further and described it as being in prison or having chain on their legs!! However, I hardly hear complains of a married woman about any kind of limitations! I always wonder why?

2.An old guy opened up his heart to a young man. The young man noticed that the old man’s heart was consisted of broken pieces and pieces that do not fit in the right places! The young guy perceives and pointed out the old man’s missing pieces on his heart. The old guy said:
You meet up with many people along your life. For every person you meet you give them a piece of your heart and replace that piece in your heart with a piece you receive from their heart. This way they are always part of your heart. The pieces you see that are not fit or are empty in my heart are the pieces that I have given but I have not received anything for replacement!

3.Little things count in a relationship. I honestly believe in it. Do not need to spend lots of money or buy him/her something to fascinate him/her. Just do the things that help your partner to acknowledge your cooperation and understanding. Give him/her space and you will see the miracle!

Two photos:

Mount Tochal

A group of hawkers in Vali Asr Ave.

Young, Old, Retirement, and democracy!

I have noticed that in Iran age of retirement does not technically exist. Look at our government and state figures and in particular an entity called “Canceller of Guardians”. By looking at their age it simply reveals that their average age is over 65 years old!! This is surprising in a country that about 70% of its working force is youngster that their age is among 19-29 groups.
Are they afraid of the fact that young generation is not going to be bonded to revolution’s principles?
From psychological point of view, older people are always saying that young are not what they were. The same comment is made from generation to generation and it is always true. Today, comparing to the old time, young are better educated they have better means to analyze problems and they have more freedom to think. They get exposed more to one another opinion because of utilizing new technologies, and most important of all, they get a chance to look into matters from different point of views because of this easy information and ideas swapping.

Today, because of fast growing of technology, we percept this differences more vividly.
The young grow up faster and experience responsibility much earlier than their parents. The old always assume that they know best for the simple reason that they have been in this world longer. They do not want that their values being questioned or threatened.
And this is precisely what the young are doing. They questioning the assumptions of their elders and disturbing their complacency. A generation ago our precedence took the matters into their hands and decided for us; they choose revolution and war. Should not we question the rightfulness of their decision making?

The old are used to emphasize on solitary decision making. For instance, head of a family or state would think what is good or bad for the entire family and citizens without much of consultancy. I always wonder why the previous generation used so much violence when they could easily solve problems through negotiation and tolerance. Traditionally, the young generation has looked into elders for guidance. Today, the situation can be reversed. One of facts that they can learn from youngsters is the fact that enjoyment is not sinful. Enjoyment is principle one could apply to all aspects of life. It is surely not wrong to live in present time and get synchronized with world and enjoy life. As today someone put it “we should help the living for sake of death.”

A first hand experience I can provide is from my own father. My father who is around age of 72 and still trying to make himself busy with jobs that are perhaps not very appropriate for him to follow up at this age per say! I have told him a few times, why do not you let me take care of them, and his respond is sure, I let you do it, but can you do it!? What I realized is the fact that he wants me to follow his shoes in doing or directing any given job. If I do otherwise, it is not technically considered the job is being done!! Something I personally refuse to do is to follow up my parents’ way of solution to provided problems.

I wish to relate what I said to the fact that our mentality is not democratically developed. That is why many parents wish to directly, or indirectly get their children do what they wish them to do. This at heart is against democracy. Many of Iranians, not all, pretend to be democratic but at their hearts they are not. Pretending to be an advocate of social equality and group decision making but at their heart being far from it. This is what they have been grown up with. So, starting from our family why not practicing democracy right at home with family and friends. So, as it has been said “everything runs in family”!

2. I travel almost everyday with taxi. I am beginning to conclude that many women are self-conceit or selfish. Once I was sitting at back of the taxi where 3 adults have difficult time to fit in. A woman put up her purse between me and herself taking some room that I could use to not lay on the guy beside me. This problem has occurred to me several times!

A trip to Ahvaz

1. I received an opportunity to take a trip to Ahvaz on behalf of where I work. Ahvaz is located on south west corner of Iran and it has hot and humid climate. This is the best time of the year to be there. In the morning the temperature raised to around 21 degrees and at night it dropped back to 8 to 9 degrees. Humidity was not more than 55% which is considered comfort zone for human.
I stayed at a place that was located in Kian pars. Apparently, Kian pars is considered a high class area in Ahvaz. It was quite interesting for me to see that the locals are feeling cold and try to keep the heaters on during such spring type weather. I was in Ahvaz for a irrigation project that is supposed to draw water from Karkheh river and convey it to the farmland for the farmers. Apparently this project has started about three years ago, yet to be finished! And at least 2 to 3 months hard word to finish preliminary work of construction and cement reinforcement. Have a look at the following picture taken from famous suspension bridge of Ahvaz on Karoon river.

and this one from Emaam Bazaar.

2. Yesterday afternoon I was going out and right by Velenjak gas station I saw two young dudes are fighting with a guy who has come out from passenger side of a Paykan with his belt waving in the air. What shameful scenery! It made me to be made. I saw so many fights on the street everyday that I honestly feel worst to be in Tehran! No, logic and ability to live and work side by side!

Beautiful day for outdoor activity

Today is Friday and the sun is shining in Tehran. It is such a sunny and calm day that I wished I had gone skiing! I wished I could enjoy my time with a day on outskirt of city. All my life I was looking for person I could go skiing with in winter or go around in summer. Be friend with and enjoy the friendship after all. It is difficult to …,
moving on, Today is Friday not the 13.! The last day in the year 2004. It is beginning of the winter and I expected to see a Friday which is cold and dark especially in the early morning. Contrary to my assumption it was a beautiful day, though lots of pollution, and with lots of sunshine. With all keenness that I had and wished I had gone skiing, since no soul agreed to come along, I choose to go walking on mount Tochal. So, beside the pollution that I observed on Tehran atmosphere, the rest was the fashion that I observed on top of the mountain from our young generation! Needless to say that it was MTV fashion!...
Wishing everyone an exceptional year ahead in 2005. 5,4,3,2,1...
...
Enjoy the following pictures:

A mentor and several personal conclusion!!

A woman who used to be a cheerleader and now a missile engineer!
Spectrum the main magazine of IEEE society in March of 2004 published an interesting article of a woman who is currently systems engineer at Lockheed Martin missiles and fire control in Orlando, Florida.
The story goes like this:
Being a woman in a male dominated field is just one way Olson stands out. When the honor society Eta Kappa Nu awarded Olson its outstanding Young Electrical Engineer Award in 2001, it cited not only her numerous professional achievement but also her skill as a sketch artist and photographer. “People suggest that you are either really creative and artistic or very logical and organized and scientific,” Olson says. “I do not hold to that philosophy-actually, the creativity helps to stimulate the scientific nature.” Growing up in Ohio, Olson says she was interested in anything having to do with math and science. She credits her father with getting her thinking about engineering. A Vietnam vet who earned a degree in mechanical engineering while holding down a full-time job.
Olson didn’t follow exactly in her dad’s footsteps, though. When she enrolled at Write State University, in Dayton, Ohio, she opted instead to study electrical engineering— “I guess that is the rebel in me”, she jokes. Though she was an honor student, she also left plenty of time for extracurricular. “I was involved in everything, I was a cheerleader. I was president of student honor society. I was in all kind of different clubs.
Upon graduation in 1989, Olson did not have a clear idea of how she would use her education. But having recently gotten engaged, she decided to follow her fiancé to Pennsylvania State University, in University Park, where he was a grad student. It occurred to Olson that she might also get a master’s degree while she was there, so she applied to the EE program. The department came back with an offer for a three-year teaching fellowship if she got her Ph.D.
“I hadn’t thought of getting a Ph.D. so I was thrilled,” Olson recalls. “And I had no idea what it entailed.” A more pleasant surprise came when she began working at Penn state’s Applied Research Laboratory. Though that research she got her firs real taste of engineering. “We actually built torpedoes and tested them against real subs,” She says. “I loved the application of science and math.”
Then she lands a job at Lockheed. As a wife and mother of three Olson says joggling the demands of work and home can be tough. “Lockheed is good about that, but you also have to be willing to stand your ground. There are times when people say, “You need to work on your off day.” On the other hand, if your child is sick, you take off and take care of them.” When necessary, Olson does put 12-hour days, and sometimes even longer ones. During a recent business trip to conduct wind tunnel tests on a new aircraft-mounted weapons system, the team had to work 16 hour days. “You just do it,” She says. Making time for yourself is also key, she says. Olson enjoys drawings and has entered her work in local competitions, she is also been teaching herself woodcarving and guitar. “Whether you have kids, or dogs, or you like to golf, it is important to be balanced.”

The story does not finish here. However, I would like to summarizeit here. There are several points in the story in my opinion. First of all, we should know that we live in 3D world; consequently, we should be also acting like a person who lives 3-dimensional world. So, be alert that you do not live your life in 1D or not even 2D and then regret your entire life. Second of all, if we want to have a developed society, we need to develop people who live first, on the other hand investing on people and have them adequately fostered. For doing so, we have to have a compassionate and caring family as well as other parts of society. Society is alike chain and if one does not work appropriatly, others also may get corrupted. The last not the least, Hey you, yes you, get married as soon as you can!!!

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1. There is something wrong with me?! definitely, there is!!

2. For Persian fellows who can read Persian. read the following link about a new sports that is becoming more and more common in Khomein. the birth Place of Mr. Khomeini.
New sport activity!
3. read Shab-e Yalda...

Happy Shab-e Yalda

first thing is first: something about Shabe yalda. quite informative. highly recommended!

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.

Criticizing a cultural value

I was reading an article about Professor Peter Wilderer, 64, the head of water quality control and Waste management at the technical university of Munich in Germany. The article was explaining that Professor Wilderer’s office and labs are tucked away in the back corner of the university’s research campus at Garching, near the Munich airport. According to the article many may think this out-of-way location, next to the city of Garching’s municipal wastewater treatment planet, might seem less than perfect, but Professor Wilderer can not be happier! He said: “It allows us to pump actual wastewater directly into our lab to conduct our experiments.”
It is quite amazing where others would see muck and nastiness, some like Professor Wilderer see opportunity.
The article went on talking about statistics of water and wastewater and problems associated with them. What catch my eyes was his insight into not only the wastewater and its methods of treatments, but also looking into affordable solution for which the community cultural values have been considered, too.
Professor Wilderer was explaining for the above reasons he is currently developing a project involving the development of affordable, single-home wastewater treatment and drinking waster supplies. But apparently there are complications abound-especially in the developing world.
And these problems are as likely to be cultural as technical!! Couple of interesting exampleshe indicated:
1. In India, Ganges River is considered holy by the Hindus. People pour in the ashes of cremated family members, and they use the river for drinking water and bathing!!
2. Some African tribal people believe that water originating from the sky is religiously clean, whereas water pumped from the ground is religiously unclean. They drink water from open sources such as ponds, but they refuse to drink from wells.
3. Some Muslim cultures are hesitant towards technology offered to them-including potable water processing and wastewater treatment.
Talking about cultural difficulties as well as technological ones indicated above I wish to open up and criticize something that has been apparently in our culture for many centuries and seems truly outdated.

Just recently, the father of a good friend of mine passed away. For his burial ceremony we went to Behesht-e Zahra cemetery. A place located south of Tehran mega city.
The process of burial starts with the fact that corpse is washed and gets ready for burial ceremony. This process is getting completed when the cadaver is carried on top of the hands of the close family on a simple carrier with shout of La-Elaha Elallah (There is no god except Allah). After the body is located in front of the crowed; people start to pray. After praying is done the body is transferred to burial area. I have to indicate the entire mentioned process is being done in very crowded area, since many people are there for the same reason.

The worst case, in my humble opinion, in regard of cultural and religious values takes place when the body is set into grave. When the body is in there, once of the following, son, son in law or brother no women (i.e. daughter or wife) though, can do this, must climb into grave and with every sentence of the person outside of the grave who reads the Koranic verses, opens up the shroud and brings up the face of the passed away person and also shove him/her to the side for at least tree times!! Consider this is being done when there is pile of soil on the side of grave and there is danger of sliding the mud! Not to mention the condition that close family member who is doing this is in it.
I personally feel that we should revise and relook into this matter of our life. We should perhaps review this for a better and less painful tradition for those who have lost a family member. In the end, I again and again indicate that this is an ever changing world and we should get used to changes or changes will be forced upon us!

Value of taste

1. I was watching a program on Deutsche Welle a few days ago. There was this report that Germany has started a program that is educating young students about food facts and how to enjoy food, in general. The report was explaining many young German students have tendency to eat fast food and in particular greasy food. German board of education has decided to include an extra course to school’s curriculum, of students as young as 11, to teach them about food facts and ways they can learn about food nutrition. As one of chef who was teaching the class put it:” we teach them how they can enjoy the food that has different taste and appearance”, “the art of eating and enjoying rather than devouring some greasy food like burgers in McDonalds”, “If they want to eat pizza what and how they shall enjoy it”. I felt this is one of those courses that our students in Iran can benefit a lot from it. Why? I tell you why?
Four out of every 5 people in western countries, if not all of them, have worked in food related services. As soon as they get to the age that they are eligible for work they start to work at places like McDonalds or Pizza hut, etc. There they develop character, means for treating food or developing taste while they are not in service, something that many of us in Iran not get a chance to learn or percept. Just pay a visit to a local Iranian Restaurant and you will see what I am saying in regard of services and food they provide. We spend lot of our time chewing, tasting and eating. At school all kind of courses are thought, so, why not a course about how to treat food, develop taste and enjoy this moment of our life, na!?

2. Couple of interesting links, thanks to Narges:
Yahoo Islamic Version!
check this one: Javad.
& for all new drivers: Drive like there is no tomorrow!

3. Leila has started prostitution right from 9 years old. He is on verge of getting executed in prision at age of 18! Read her story here (In Persian). Sad story, though.

4. and a song from Moody Blues: Autumn For Leila and those who are in same shoes as she is.

Forever Autumn
The summer sun is fading as the year grows old
And darker days are drawing near.
The winter winds will be much colder
Now you're not here.
I watch the birds fly south across the autumn sky
And one by one they disappear.
I wish that I was flying with them
Now you're not here.

Like the sun through the trees you came to love me.
Like a leaf on a breeze you blew away.

Through autumn's golden gown we used to kick our way,
You always loved this time of year.
Those fallen leaves lie undisturbed now
'Cause you're not here.
'Cause you're not here.
'Cause you're not here.

Like the sun through the trees you came to love me,
Like a leaf on a breeze you blew away.

A gentle rain falls softly on my weary eyes
As if to hide a lonely tear,
My life will be forever autumn
'Cause you're not here.

Pleasantville!

I had an opportunity watching the movie called Pleasantville. This movie is made in 1998 with some arguably seamless special effects! It is not an action movie though it has considerable action in it that makes you to think of. The story goes like this.
In the universe of "Pleasantville", a black-and-white Fifties sitcom, life is pleasant. The high school basketball team never misses a shot, nothing ever catches on fire (consequently, the firemen only rescue cats stuck in trees), husband and wives sleep in separate beds, high school sweethearts go no further than holding hands and getting 'pinned', and everything is in varying shades of gray.
One night, David finds himself fighting with his promiscuous twin sister Jennifer for the television remote, which is irreparably broken during the struggle. Before they know it, an ominous television repairman shows up at the door, and offers the two kids a brand new high-tech remote. However, David and Jennifer soon realize that it is not just your run-of-the-mill Radio Shack remote when they are magically transported to the world of Pleasantville.
After the initial disorientation, they realize not only are they now in black-and white, but they have assumed the identities of the television show's two teenage children, Bud and Mary Sue. They then meet their chipper television parents, George and Betty, who seem oblivious to the fact that their model children are not who they appear to be.
For David/Bud, it is a dream come true, living out his life in comfortable surroundings without the struggle or strife of real life. On the other hand, Jennifer/Mary Sue abhors her new environment, finding the local scene too bland for her liking. Being her usual forward self, she aggressively liberates the virginity of the captain of the basketball team, Skip (Paul Walker). Her reckless activities then begin a chain reaction that unleashes a torrent of unexpected changes in Pleasantville.
Unfortunately, the changes in the physical and social fabric of Pleasantville do not go unchallenged. As the town's residents begin to explore the joys of art, books, passion, and color, the dark side of human nature is also unleashed. Spearheaded by the town's mayor, a conservative black-and-white backlash is organized. Willing to do anything to maintain the status quo, their fear and paranoia lead to intolerance, hate-crimes, and violence against the newly colored.

I felt couple of real issues were discussed in this movie. First, changes are inevitable facts of our life. If we try to avoid, stop the changes that is useless act of desperateness. Either we want it or not changes take place. What is important is the fact that we live in the world that contains many people with completely different ideas and way of thinking. We should tolerate those differences between ourselves. We should not demolish or try to be boneheaded if things are not on way of our pleasure. As long as we accept logical rules we can have dialogue.

The movie ends with the fact that changes are taking place and they will stay. I felt the movie truthfully resembles our current Iranian society. There are group of people who are unwilling to accept that there is big difference between kids in 1980 and today ones. There are still people in society feel that things must stay the same.
The old guy with long beard can have the last say. He does not make mistakes. (Watch an Iranian movie).
We have to learn and accept that people can looked at world different angles and have different perceptions from the same issue. Let’s enjoy them as part of our life experiences. Different circumstances require different measures. World changes, so people in it. So, let us enjoy what we have and not regretting it a single moment.

Cultural values!!

I returned...:)

1. This is very cool site. I couldn't believe it!
Guess your sign!

2. Anybody?: God is a concept by which we measure our pain!

3.
1. A scene of fight because of an accident in an alley on North of Tehran, Shemran, the young guy was guilty. The young guy ran towards the middle age guy and starting to fist fight!

2. Two women starting to swear at each other, reason because one felt the other has jumped into the line where it was not her right!

3. A men insulting a police officer for being penalized and getting a huge fine for not having a seat belt on.

4. Two men are fighting with knife for an accident that took place on the wide and traffic poured street.

5. A car is stuck on the street where there is a heavy traffic, the driver of the car get off the car and opens up the engine side and starts to look around the engine for possible malfunction. People driving by start to bad mouth him!

6. You enter to an office, shop or governmental office; the guy acts snobby with no respect. Somehow we have to refrain ourselves from getting to the fight. Sometimes we can’t!

7. A guy is at fault in an accident with another car whose driver is a girl. He treats her like she is either less intelligent than other human in the society or that she is going to be at her service!

These are just a few of many thousand senses that are taking place in Tehran everyday. Why? Because we still act based on emotions and not from logical point of view. One would be the reason given. But the most important in my opinion is the fact of lack of cultural values. We still do not consider that individuals’ health is more important than valuable equipment in possession of us. Those are replaceable the equipment. What is not replaceable is health or human being, either physically or psychologically.

8. Brother Michael Jackson ham Baleh. This Aziz Jan-e Baradar ham Baleh, what shall I say! Michael is becoming a real Moslem! good for him/her (still don't know that)! (Thanks to Narges for the Links)