first post from Markham, GTA

wowo, I fianlly walked on Canada's soil! weather is cold here. It was supposed to snow last night. I can't sleep it is around 5:30am and I am up since 3:30 am!
After 4 days being in Switzerland now I am in Canada. Switzerland and Zurich in particular, is perhaps the example of a place called everything are in order! or "Madineh fazeleh"! not perfect but a lot better than were I have seen! everything is so nice and well situated. They take the best out of the smallest things they have. Compare to Canada technologically pe say I think on streets they are 10 years ahead of Toronto as far as I can see!
oh, have I mentioned that I had Sushi last night. good quality one!

I see lots of new homes and condos in Toronto are constructed but the street conditions are quite similar to our own Tehran! on the other hand, Zurich did not have any bump or "chaleh"!! here there are tons!
I think is is good for now. I don't have much of access to computer or phone. hopfully soon I get some!

Final thought; A farewell

The time has come and I am going out of this country for little while. Things so quickly changes in our life that we hardly get any grasp of them!
Tonight I am going away for a while. A journey that may change my entire life forever. A trip that is different from many trips I have gone through. I feel anxiety and nervousness. For the past 2.5 years in Tehran I established a comfort zone which I am soon passing from it and going to a hectic life of Phd and work, simultaneously.
Moving on, life passes by whether we want or not. So, enjoy every moment so that you do not regret it, later.
I wish everyone a passionate, healthy and successful life. I am not sure if I get a chance to write again in next little while.
This is my farewell for time being. Those who read this left me a comment, I thank you all. They all know who they are…
Take care… John bon jovi say it well: Never say Die, now I say never say Goodbye!
Lyrics:
As we stood there older than men
And younger than the boys (that's right)
We were as still as the wind
That blows on a hot August night
And you were lonesome
As a jukebox
But deadly just the same
I could be as gentle as a newborn
Then spit into the eye of a hurricane
And we knew how to laugh
And we knew how to cry
Yeah, we sure knew how to live
But we don't ever
Never say die
Never say die
I guess you'd say we had a pact
These words we knew so well (that's right)
Still they remained unspoken
And we'd take them to the fiery
Gates of hell
Once I was afraid of love
But when it's your brother
Those things change
'Cause love is just another word
For trust
So hear me when I say
Never say die
Never say no
You got to look them in the eye
And don't let go
When it's your own blood you'll bleed
And your own tears you'll cry
When you're brought up to believe
That it's the strong who survive
Never say die

Yeah, and we could run like lightning
Through the pouring rain
And we'll be standing like a soldier
Who comes marching home again
They ask what it is that I want written
On the gravestone where I'll lie
Tell them it's just my bones
That died there
So save the tears they'll cry
My spirit is still riding somewhere
Somewhere in this night
When it's these three words that come to me
As I kiss this world goodbye
Never say die
Never say no
You got to look them in the eye
And don't let go
When it's your own blood you'll bleed
And your own tears you'll cry
When you're brought up to believe
That it's the strong who survive
Never say die

How could I forget!!

How could I forget that yesterday was International women's day. with One day delay:
Happy International Women's day
Most important of all; Hoping for a day that we have International Men's day:)))

Is not that better if we do our own job properly? Criticizing Iranian work habit and more

1. Before anything I have to take this opportunity and wish everyone a healthy and happy Iranian new year. I won't be around to do this properly. So, this is it!:)
Thanks to Narges for sending me this flash for the Iranian new year.

2. Again this is another Link from Narges. It is quite funny.

3. One of the most entertaining and at the same time sad moments in my past two years residency in Iran has been the fact that so many or perhaps almost everybody do not perform their given jobs properly and completely as they are instructed!! There are not many employees who have initiation or motivation in doing their jobs I perhaps can claim that!

We usually interfere with one another job or instruct another but when it comes to our own job, we do not perform it to its full!

I suppose you have been in a simple family gathering in Iran where you will observe that everyone has her/his expert opinion on all discussed issues. As I put it they usually solve social, economical and urban problems of entire world and mostly Iran just in a few hours! This is being done by providing certain and expert decree and resolutions. And of course, if they are obeyed, life would have been different according to those expert consultants!! Perhaps it is even more dramatic to mention that none of these fellows have any background in sociology or economy or urban planning or architecture at all!

This has been the story I have been exposed to for past 2.5 years of me being in Tehran. We are a nation who considers themselves the smartest and the most elegant nations of all whom are aware of any right and wrong for everyone in the world. We know in and out of any event that is taking place around us. We are definitely opinioned but these opinions are enunciated and shouted before even someone wishes to hear!

I am sure you have been walking or driving on the street in Iran where there have been persons who interfere with your work. Suppose you are asking a person about an address. You will see everyone is trying to listen and help you out but not knowing what really the question is! Or even take the driving, for instance, someone scream at you and telling you why you are driving like this.
I think we suffer from a syndrome I call it “curiositinisim”!! This in turn makes people to divert from their real work and profession and have them to think and concentric on things out side their work! On the other hand, they mind
My father for instance has economy background but god forbids, he knows about civil engineering, world economy and laws and constitution as much as a professional in all those fields!

My mom, on the other hand, knows more about living abroad in any country than people who have spend more time in abroad than her!

Another interesting habit of Iranians in general is the way they get so close to each other or as I put it nose to nose. What do I mean? Let me provide an example:

I had traveled to Ahvaz about two weeks ago and we were in the airport waiting to pass the cavity search area to the transit section. All the passengers in the line were so close that you could kiss them on the chick or smell people breathe so vividly! We have not learned to provide an appropriate distance where people feel relieved and comfortable.
Oh, I just recalled this occasion when I had gone skiing after many years. It gets worse when it comes to those high class dudes and dudettes who run on your skis and boats when trying to get on the ski lifts. Or when driving; drivers get too close that you feel you can spit on their head if they let you!!

This way we usually spend so much energy to do things that has nothing to do with us. However, if we concentrate on the issues that our knowledge allows us, we may obtain decisive result. We may be even creating a promise land.

Dance with me

1. I watched the movie called dance with me. A romantic movie that has lots of dancing in it. I do not think the movie itself was such a amazing picture, however the dancing was. After many years not watching Salsa, rumba, tango and other ballroom dancing, I got a chance to watch some. Man; I do not even think that I can recall my own simple salsa moves! Good old days! Time flies!

2. Listen to Pyrouz and Shahrzad Sepanlou songs. Thanks to Solmaz for providing this link .

3. Thanks to Nedawho provided me with this link. These are event of Nourooz in your area around the world.

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