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.

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!