Nahzi's Corner

"I Have Been Changed For Good"

2011-12-08T10:41:00.000-08:00

It has been a week since I saw “WICKED” on stage but there is one part, and lyrics of one song, that has been playing in my head ever since: “For Good” a song of friendship sang by the two principle female characters towards the end of the play. Sharing its lyrics is the least I can do…..

(Elphaba = The Green unattractive “Wicked Witch of the West”):
Im limited
Just look at me - Im limited
And just look at you
You can do all I couldn't do, Glinda
So now it's up to you
For both of us - now it's up to you...

(Glinda = The beautiful and popular “Good Witch of the North”):
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you...

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

(Elphaba):
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made from what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend...

Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/for-good-lyrics-wicked.html ]
But because I knew you

(Glinda):
Because I knew you

(Both):
I have been changed for good

(Elphaba):
And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I've done you blame me for

(Glinda):
But then, I guess we know
There's blame to share

(Both):
And none of it seems to matter anymore

(Glinda):
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood

(Elphaba):
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a bird in the wood

(Both):
Who can say if I've been
Changed for the better?
I do believe I have been
Changed for the better

(Glinda):
And because I knew you...

(Elphaba):
Because I knew you...

(Both):
Because I knew you...
I have been changed for good...

Click here to listen to it....

Aria.... (Part II)

2011-12-01T20:43:00.000-08:00

When I blogged about Aria back in early October, he and his band, For All I Am, were hopeful to be able to raise the needed funds to go on their first tour. Their hopes and dreams have come to be their reality!

They started their tour a couple of weeks ago and the audience keeps growing as they play at each new venue. I have been following them on Facebook and enjoying the messages left by fans:
- Melody: best night ever ! it was fun hanging out and talking:) come back soon.
- Hailey: so proud of you guys. i love you all to too much♥ show everyone what youre made of :)
- Gabby: I'm 'that girl with alcohol poured down her shirt'. Lol, loved you guys last night♥ wore the shirt I got today.
- Katie: You guys were amazing in Lansing! You made a fan out of me, plus your drummer is hot as fuckk.
- Katherine: saw you dudes lastnight it was fuccckin SWEEEEEEET
And last but not least:
- Garrett: so... i got lost on the way home from your show sunday and all i had for company was your EP. night well spent ha come back as soon as possible

An article/interview was just published about them in "Highwire Daze" on 12/1/11. Less than TWO months ago their hope and goal was to buy a van to go on tour. The way they are going, they’ll need a jet soon!

=================================
My Blog @ Iranian.com

2011-10-04T23:24:00.001-07:00

How many times have we watched a new artist being interviewed on the red carpet, on his/her way to an award show, talking about their excitement and disbelief of even being there and saying how they were just a viewer, watching that very same program on television the prior year!

I say this because when an unknown artist or band is paying its dues and performing for small audiences, no one really knows which band will turn out to be the Beatles, the Doors, and the Rolling Stones as they were ALL upcoming, promising acts before we even knew how to spell their names!

Here is a band with just that kind of a story. Five guys who got together at some one's garage and started playing their instruments when they were about 12; Aaron on drums, Mario played bass, Tom & Chase strummed on their guitars and their young band leader, their vocalist was no one but a man of our own, Aria Yavarinejad. They were quite serious about their band, "For All I Am" which "symbolizes the ideology of giving something, EVERTHING you have, all the time, regardless of who you are, the hardships you endure, or the misfortune you face."

They played anywhere that welcomed them until they were noticed. Someone contacted them and wanted them to perform, professionally.... They now have a manager (Outer loop Management) and are working on getting an agent. But meanwhile, they are getting ready to go on tour!!!! They are now college students and have reached out to their fans for support. I asked Aria, what is your goal and he responded, "To change everyone's lives through music" and I added, what is the Band's goal and he replied, "To become bigger and better."

Although their style is metal and hardcore and it may not necessarily be the music we listen to but these guys, and Aria in particular, are definitely my kind of men: principled, adamant, driven, positive, go getters, and very focused about what they want to achieve.

They can use our support for making their tour happen. They certainly have mine....

Look for yourself....

My Blog at Iranian.com

Poetry...

2011-07-31T01:30:00.000-07:00

This poem by an African kid, was nominated for the "Poem of the Year" in 2005.

"When I born, I Black, When I grow up, I Black, When I go in Sun, I Black, When I scared, I Black, When I sick, I Black, And when I die, I still black... And you White fellow, When you born, you pink, When you grow up, you White, When you go in Sun, you Red, When you cold, you blue, When you scared, you yellow, When you sick, you Green, And when you die, you Gray... And you call me colored???........."

==========================
My blog at Iranian.com

Inspired by Catherine

2011-07-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

Checking my emails has become a morning ritual. I was moved and inspired by what I had received from my friend, Mitra.

It was a rather old short documentary about a climber, but by no means it was dated! The video depicts the 28 year old solo rock climber, Catherine Destivelle, who against the advice of the natives climbs a sandstone cliff in the Mali desert, solo and with no equipment whatsoever, other than her hands and feet and a chalk-filled pouch to dry her sweaty palms which reminded me of the opening sequence of one the Mission Impossible movies showing Tom Cruise hanging from a cliff!
Her beauty was attractive, her smile and generosity at minute 2:07 was heart-warming and her tenacity, focus and determination throughout the film was awesome.

On the day of the climb, she was accompanied by many women of the village and the modernized witch doctor who carried a jazz trumpet under his orange floor-length rope.

She started her ascent while the witch doctor played a tune with his trumpet, accompanied by chants of the villagers cheering her on.
By the time I was 5:05 minutes into the video, I caught myself all tensed, holding my breath and mentally pushing her forward!

In this 4th of July weekend, I am inspired by her sense of independence. Watch and listen to the comments and you will see what I mean and tell me how it moved you!

My blog at Iranian.Com

To you it is a backyard, to me it is my GARDEN!

2011-07-02T14:11:00.000-07:00

I had a hundred ideas for my " GARDEN" when I moved in 17 years ago. My friend made fun of me and the way I talked about that small space. You see, it was "backyard or balcony" to visitors, but to me it was going to be my GARDEN.

Years have passed. Some of the ideas came to life and most of them did not but I still feel the same about my garden. This year in particular, it is lush and covered by flowers.

I was thumbing through the October '10 issue of "ReadyMade", a magazine filled with ideas and instructions for everyday life, and I came across a paragraph referring to gardening in small spaces and a related website: Life on the Balcony. The website is filled with suggestions, easy to follow instructions, and videos for gardening in small spaces.

I checked it out and instantly knew I have met someone who realizes how I feel about my "GARDEN".

"Saved by Beauty"

2011-06-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

"Saved by Beauty": Iran's remarkable contradictions

Review by Mariel Kennison

Table of Contents

First Pages

Roger Housden talks about his experience - You Tube

Love in the Time of Cholera

2011-02-20T19:05:00.000-08:00

If you have visualized painting-like style of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's writing, you will SEE, what you had imagined, in every shot of this film: "Love in the Time of Cholera" adorned by a lovely soundtrack which includes two songs by Shakira, requested by Marquez: Despedida and Hay Amores.

Starring: Javier Bardem, Giovanna Mezzogiorno & Benjamin Bratt

Location: Where else but Columbia..........

My Blog at Iranian.com

Will This Song Make it Big????

2010-12-22T01:11:00.000-08:00

There have been several occasions in my life that I watched an unknown (or not well known) artist and felt convinced that he/she will become famous or a song for that matter. Prince, John Mellencamp (who was known as John Cougar at the time) and Pink are PERFECT examples of such artists and When Doves Cry (Prince), Jack and Dianne (John Cougar), Family portrait and Just Like a Pill (Pink) were songs that became chart toppers.
I had the same feeling yesterday when I heard "Jar of Hearts" by Christina Perri. I think this is going to become a famous song.
Well let's see how accurate I am. Here is the lyrics and the video. What do you think?

I know I can't take one more step towards you
Cause all that's waiting is regret
And don't you know I'm not your ghost anymore
You lost the love I loved the most

I learned to live half alive
And now you want me one more time

And who do you think you are
Running 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart
You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
So don't come back for me
Who do you think you are

I hear you're asking all around
If I am anywhere to be found
But I have grown too strong
To ever fall back in your arms

I learned to live half alive
And now you want me one more time

And who do you think you are
Running 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart
You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
So don't come back for me
Who do you think you are

And it took so long just to feel alright
Remember how to put back the light in my eyes
I wish I had missed the first time that we kissed
Cause you broke all your promises
And now you're back
You don't get to get me back

And who do you think you are
Running 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart
You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
So don't come back for me
Don't come back at all

And who do you think you are
Running 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart
You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
Don't come back for me
Don't come back at all

Who do you think you are?
Who do you think you are?
Who do you think you are?
======================

My Blog at Iranian.com

Naughty Little Boy!!!

2010-12-16T13:52:00.000-08:00

West Side Story

2010-12-06T03:19:00.000-08:00

I fell in love with the film many years ago and tonight I went to see it on stage again. It was a rainy night, the Pantages was packed and filled with the familiar music and the lyrics we all knew too well.

It is ironic that I watched Scorsese's "Gangs of New York" last night where conflicts of "Natives" and all other gangs of immigrants of over 150 years ago were portrayed and here I was, at the opening number of the West Side Story, witnessing continuation of the same theme in the same town (Natives = The Jets against The PRs - Porto Ricans).I guess it is a never-ending saga that although may look and sound a bit different here and there, but like an epidemic, it has clawed its way throughout societies big and small, third world countries or super powers alike.

My blog @ Iranian.com

Pink Dot (Gift of Life)

2010-11-17T11:05:00.000-08:00

When I went on line to help my brother renew his driver license, I had no idea we will end up spending hours discussing what our preferences are after we each die. It all started with the question in the renewal application about donating organs. The little pink dot some of us affix to the back of our driver licenses to let the police and medics know we are an organ donor. It feels weird to listen to your younger brother tell you what his wishes are about his remains but it is a conversation we all should have.

Luckily for Natalie Cole, a young mother-to-be had! I just watched the videocast of an interview with Natalie Cole on Larry King Live. She was there to be interviewed about a book she has written, "Love Brought Me Back". This was a follow up visit to their previous program in March 2009 when she had shared her medical problem with the viewers. She had had kidney problems for years and was on dialysis. She had announced how she was on a long waiting list of hopeful people with similar dilemma. Somewhere out there, an expecting mother who was watching the show with her aunt turned to her and said, “she seems like a nice lady. I wish there was a way we could help her.” Lo and behold she died as she was giving birth to her child due to complications with the delivery. She had one of those pink dots on her driver license and had made sure everyone knew about it. Her aunt remembered how her niece was touched by Natalie Cole’s story and you can guess the rest. The young lady’s kidney was a “perfect match”. But when Natalie Cole was called in by the special unit at the Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, she was at her sister’s death bed and she refused to go to the hospital immediately! Natalie’s sister, Carole or Cookie as she was known, died the following day while Natalie was being given another chance for life by receiving a kidney from a dead woman! Sometimes, the circle of life can be quite awesome!

That donor lives on through the recipients of her organs. I wonder whether Nader or I will get the opportunity to act out what we discussed on the eve of his birthday a couple of weeks ago and more importantly if we will have the privilege to give the gift of life to someone. Nevertheless, I am glad we had the conversation.

Donate Life California 8213 Organ Tissue Donor Registry

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/about/donateLife/donateLife.htm

My Blog at Iranian.com Iranian.com

In Celebration of Dance

2010-11-07T15:15:00.000-08:00

Iranian.com

2010-11-06T04:05:00.000-07:00

Havana Marking's documentary, "Afghan Star" portrays the "American Idol"-style television show in Afghanistan that had become a national obsession and the act of voting for ones favorite singer is in fact a new practice of democracy. The movie also examines the tribal culture of Afghanistan as reflected in the backgrounds of the four finalists (2 of them women) and the public's responses to their performances. The most intriguing contestant, Setara Hussainzada, is a defiant young woman from Herat in her early 20s. During her final performance, she flouts taboos by letting her head scarf slip and doing a brief little dance for which she received death treats!

The British award winning director of this film, Havana Marking, is presently making another documentary about Setara and what has happened to her since the competition.

"Afghan Star" took 2009 Sundance Film Festival by storm. It was nominated for "Grand Jury Prize" in the category of World Cinema Documentary and won the "Audience Award", as well as the "Directing Award", in the same category.

How would I top such reviews: " A remarkable documentary" - San Francisco Chronicle, "One of the most hopeful and heart-rending movies I've seen this year." - Boston Globe, "Fascinating and, when you see Afghan versions of Simon Cowell and Co. reacting to tryouts, a reminder of how fame and the thirst for it is the same in any language." - New York City Daily News

This is the link to an entry Havana Marking made on The Huffington Post in early 2009 after winning the awards. Who can summarize the whole experience better than her?

Click here for the TRAILER of the Afghan Star

My Blog at Iranian.com

Kamancheh @ The Getty

2010-10-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

My friend and I had the privilege of attending a musical event at the Getty Center last night (Sat 10/23/10) where Mani Bolouri, an Iranian musician, was being featured.

On the printed handout, he was introduced as a composer and a virtuoso player of the Kamancheh and gheychak who began his musical studies at the age of ten under the guidance of his grandfather, an Ashegh (traveling musician) who taught him Armenian folk music. He received his MA in composition from Tehran Art University.

In 2006 Bolouri joined the Lian Ensemble and their performance of one of his compositions "Creation" at the Holliday Celebration at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles in during the holiday season of 2008 was broadcast live on KCET.

Last night, he was accompanied by Pirayeh Pourafar, the well-known tar player as well as two percussionists of the Lian Ensemble. They played 8 pieces to a hall packed by Iranian and American audience who applauded them enthusiastically.

Jaay-e shoma khaly!

My Blog at Iranian.com http://www.iranian.com/main/member/nahzi

To Iraj, Nasser, Kiarash And All Those Who CHOSE To Leave...

2010-08-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

I was in the middle of reviewing a credit card statement of all things when this video started to play (shaere tamam shode.shahin najafi .lyric:mehdi moosavi). I don't know at what point I became transfixed. All I know is that when it was over I noticed my hand holding a pen in mid-air, motionless in amazement! I hadn't put the pen, or my arm for that matter, down on the desk. It was frozen, perhaps because all of my brain power was overtaken by the senses to watch, listen and digest what was on the monitor.

I know another blogger at IC has already posted this video but I just had to share my experience with you as well. The similar breathtaking feeling when I was watching some scenes of the "Trainspotting". Have you seen THAT?

My blog at Iranian.com : http://www.iranian.com/main/member/nahzi

Tala Rassi, Designer of "Freedom"

2010-08-24T23:21:00.000-07:00

I was so impressed by what I heard and saw in a post at the Iranian.com
Tala Rassi's arrest at a houseparty in Tehran when she was only 16 instantly shaped an everlasting idea in her head to design with freedom in mind!
Click here to watch the video ==>> Iranian.com

A Tribute to Professor Seyhoun

2010-08-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

Thirty-five years ago, I used to go to the Lincoln Library, on Vozara Street, every Wednesday afternoon. The icing on the cake was a visit to the Seyhoun Gallery few steps away where I got to see paintings, and sometimes painters. I would stand there, look at each painting and daydream. You see, I was just a teenager!

What I didn’t know at the time was the connection of that gallery to the man I later learned to be the best known Iranian architect, Houshang Seyhoun, the designer of so many buildings and monuments throughout Iran.

Last night I had the privilege to attend an event presented by the Society of Iranian Architects and Planners in tribute to Professor Houshang Seyhoun at the Bing Theater of Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

I had asked a friend if we should go there earlier than the start of the program to stand in line. But she had replied that the theater has 600 seats and there should not be any problem finding a seat at 6 o’clock on a weeknight. What she perhaps did not take into account was the popularity of Professor Seyhoun. The hall was filled within minutes after the doors were opened and many were unable to come in

The celebration was like a variety show filled with live music, documentary films, lectures, announcements, and congratulatory messages from dignitaries, friends and family members topped with his graceful presence on stage. What better way to end the program than to see and hear him in person, standing there tall and dignified at 90.

My blog at Iranian.com = http://www.iranian.com/main/blog/nahzi/romantic-you

For The Romantic In You

2010-07-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

My gift to you all with the hope that it touches "the romantic" in you:

The closing song of "Prince Caspian - The Chronicles of Narnia"

Video: "The Call" By: Regina Spektor

Lyrics:

It started out as a feeling
Which then grew into a hope
Which then turned into a quiet thought
Which then turned into a quiet word

And then that word grew louder and louder
‘Til it was a battle cry
I’ll come back
When you call me
No need to say goodbye

Just because everything’s changing
Doesn’t mean it’s never been this way before
All you can do is try to know who your friends are
As you head off to the war

Pick a star on the dark horizon
And follow the light
You’ll come back when it’s over
No need to say goodbye

You’ll come back when it’s over
No need to say goodbye

Now we’re back to the beginning
It’s just a feeling and no one knows yet
But just because they can’t feel it too
Doesn’t mean that you have to forget

Let your memories grow stronger and stronger
‘Til they’re before your eyes
You’ll come back
When they call you
No need to say goodbye

You’ll come back
When they call you
No need to say goodbye

MY Blog at Iranian.com

160 Years After Bab's Execution on July 9, 1850

2010-07-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

I had heard and read that the Germans who were born after the WWII were/are embarrassed by how the Jewish people were treated by their government and the prior generation during the war. I used to think I knew what that embarrassment was all about until today!

Today, I experienced a similar feeling as I was listening intensely to a rendition of Bab's last few days and how he was treated and executed in Tabriz 160 days ago, today! (7/9/1850) And Bahais are being discriminated against, arrested, jailed and executed to this day in Iran.

Today, I truly and deeply experienced how the Germans of my generation feel when they say that they are embarrassed by the actions of their government and their people.

I felt ashamed today....

An Operatic Surprise!

2010-06-26T23:33:00.000-07:00

I was so moved by the the video my friend had emailed me that I had to share it with you.

"On Saturday, April 24th, 2010, over 30 members of the Opera Company of Philadelphia chorus along with principal cast members from the upcoming production
of La Traviata converged on the Reading Terminal Market Italian Festival.

Wearing street clothes and blending in with the crowd, the artists swung
into action after the first orchestral strains of the famed "Brindisi" were
piped through the market, giving a rousing, surprise performance for
hundreds of delighted onlookers who were there to enjoy the Italian
delicacies and the everyday treats that the Reading Terminal Market has to
offer. The four-minute piece won a thunderous ovation that included both
laughter and tears from the audience . . . . "

My blog @ Iranian.com

Ida Saki Received Presidential Scholar Award

2010-06-26T23:32:00.000-07:00

Ida Saki was the Iranian of the Day a couple of weeks ago. The nation was mesmerized by her performance on a televised dance competition

Ida–along with nineteen other National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts’ (NFAA) YoungArts finalists–was named a U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts award recipient a few weeks ago!She has decided to withdraw from "So You Think Yoiu Can Dance" competitions.

My Blog @ Iranian.com

In Celebration of Dad's Life

2010-06-16T23:08:00.000-07:00

Today is the 24th Anniversary of my father’s passing and in celebration of his life, I share this video with you in which Anthony Quinn celebrates his life by a dance.

My father loved to dance and was usually the first on the dance floor at any celebration. He shared that love with my mother who continues to go dancing twice a week and planted the seed in my brother and I and it seems he has passed it on to his daughter, Naomi who has been attending dance classes since she was just 2 years old.

So here is to you dad with all my love, Your Nahzi
My Blog at Iranian.com

Leo arrived on June 11, 2010

2010-06-11T21:42:00.000-07:00

Leo Ilghami, son of Okhtay and Luda is here...

Two tiny feet, That wave in the air...
Two tiny hands, That tug at your hair...
And an adorable little face, A bundle of joy to love and embrace.

A Special Screening of "For Neda"

2010-06-08T00:39:00.000-07:00

My friend, Shohreh Aghdashloo, had graciously invited me to attend a special screening of HBO's documentary, "For Neda". I had already seen the documentary but I went to watch it with people and to see and experience THEIR reaction.

The screening was followed by a panel which included the narrator: Shohreh Aghdashloo, the director of "For Neda", Anthony Thomas and a young man who sat next to him. By the time the session was over, it was obvious that beside Neda, in fact, he was THE star of the evening. He was Austin Heap. The 25 year old IT consultant who took it up on himself to keep the flow of information open during those sensitive weeks of last summer following the election in Iran.

When the government of Iran blocked Facebook and/or internet, he took various technical steps to provide bypasses to the people in Iran who needed to access the internet to get the news and the footage out of the country. When after a few days the government blocked that as well, Austin designed a system that enabled the people in Iran to keep in contact with the rest of the world which he explains in detail in the movie.

Austin said: "... Freedom is something you have to fight for... The more brutal they (the government) got the more determined I became to not give them the power to silence the people...... Here I go being from a 24 year old, spending my time playing video games and hanging out with my friends to all of a sudden having to maintain open communications for the entire country."

All panelists were warmly received by the audience and were applauded again and again but it was Austin that truly moved everyone with the passionate comments he made: "I have been asked why did you do it. You are not Iranian. I told them, what difference does it make."

To watch the entire documentary click here.

My blog at
Iranian.com

Who But A Mother Can Think This Way?!

2010-06-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

It has been almost a year since Sohrab and many others were killed. This is the video I posted to my page on Facebook back then and I am rebroadcasting it in honor of what his mother, Ms. Fahimi, has just said in an interview with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran. Click on the following post to see the video:

Ahay to keh beh khaabi, Ameegh o sard rafti
too ghalba SABZ moondi, Agar cheh zard rafti....

Shab o rooz peesh-e mani, To hanooz pish-e mani
To hanooz too sofrey-e, Del-e darvish-e mani...
To hanooz pish-e mani
To hanooz pish-e mani

Source: International Campaign For Human Rights In Iran
"Ameneh Khatoon (Parvin) Fahimi is the mother of Sohrab Arabi, a young protester who was murdered in the aftermath of last year’s disputed presidential elections. In an interview with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, she said that she would forgive the blood of her son on the condition of the release of all political prisoners.

Referring to the implicit threats from security officials, Fahimi said: “The sorrow of losing Sohrab, and likes of Sohrab, is dreadful and unforgettable. I thank all the young people who have courageously stood up for the likes of Sohrab so they would not be forgotten in time. While the security forces were at my home [recently], cautioning me not to be “seduced” to come out of my house to memorialize my dear son on the anniversary of his martyrdom, or to give speeches on the occasion, I tell them I would forgive the murderers of my son on the unconditional release of political prisoners.”

She said, “I lost Sohrab for the crime of freedom, love, and peace. Let remain and live the rest of the children of this land.”

She concluded her interview with a resolute poem.

The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran has also learned that in the last few weeks families of some of those who were killed after the elections were threatened not to conduct any public ceremonies for the anniversary of their dead family members. "

My other Blog at: Iranian.com

"I Am Alive When I Am Making Movies"

2010-06-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

I just watched the video of the interview with Jafar Panahi and couldn't wait to share it with you.

My other blog at:
Iranian.com

Pain, Anger, Sadness And Frustration Delivered Through Dance

2010-06-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

Ida Saki is an 18 year old Iranian American whose recent performance on a dance competition was breathtaking.

The choreography of a part of Ida's dance reminded me of a scene in the movie, "White Nights" in which Misha (Michael Baryshnikov) is dancing on a bare stage in an empty theater for his old girl friend (played by Helen Mirren) where he was pouring his heart out to her via dance and movement.

Just watch both videos and free your feelings and emotions and let the music and their dances take over and move you.
My Blog @ Iranian.Com

"For Neda"

2010-06-04T00:05:00.000-07:00

FOR NEDA is a documentary film written, directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Antony Thomas.
Iranian journalist Saeed Kamali Dehghan worked secretly inside Iran to locate and film interviews with Neda's family for the first time, while Thomas interviewed current exiles, including a friend of hers from her university days and Arash Hejazi, the doctor who was at Neda's side when she was shot and who held her as she died. FOR NEDA also includes videos, photos, private diaries and letters supplied by her family.
The film is narrated in English by Oscar Nominee, Shohreh Aghdashloo and will be aired on HBO on June 14th
FOR NEDA is the story of Neda Agha Soltan whose tragic death on June 20th, 2009 came to symbolize for many the struggle in Iran.

The documentary in full length

It only SEEMS to be "ALL about sex"!

2010-06-03T21:56:00.000-07:00

I must admit I didn't know what Shortbus was all about. I was going through the DVDs at the library a few days ago and the picture caught my attention. The quote on the cover lured me in: "An exhilarating trip. An erotic hot button of a movie." That was it. That did it. I didn't need to know any more!
Fast forward to this evening...
It may at times seemed like a compiled shots of animalistic lust but in fact there was no five consecutive minutes that went by that the movie did not deal with deep human emotions and psychology of mankind.
Don't take my word for it, "...unquestionably the most sexually graphic American Narrative feature ever made...", "It is not about sex but about sexuality", "...not about scoring but about living..." and "Brims with so much fun and heartbreak" are but just a few of the reviews I read about it afterwards.
The writer/director, John Cameron Mitchell, casually takes the audience through about 10 people's lives, ending the whole shabang with a Fellini-like carnival.
I warn you it is quite sexual and graphic but believe me it only SEEMS that way!

ISIS Conference 2010 - Fri 5/28/10

2010-05-28T23:49:00.000-07:00

"Women World in Qajar Women" was the topic of the the first session I attended today. I have always been curious about Qajar women and my interest was deepend as I read Mrs. Foroough Shahab's "Sehezar O Yek Shab" followied by Masoud Behnoud's "Amineh". So you can imagine how thrilled I was, when I read in the program, that one of the first sessions in the conference is dedicated to this subject.

Dr. Nahid Mozffari reported about a digital archive project having been started at the Harvard University and its main goal is to locate and digitalize as many material related to the Qajar era as it can. Their website, www.qajarwomen.org, has just been established a couple of weeks ago to share the first batch of digitalized documents and pictures with the public.

She had a slide show while sharing amusing stories about some of them. They are interested in locating and digitalizizng documents and photographs, letters, wedding and legal documents, art works, films in pirvate family collections as well as in libraries, old books in bookstores, and even oral history about the Qajar era in general and Qajar women in specific.

Dr. Mozaffari was able to trasport us to a different time and place and share fascinating stories in the short time she had. I so look forward to exploring the website to continue the journey on my own.

ISIS Conference 2010

2010-05-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

I have attended many Iranian as well as American conferences. The International Society for Iranian Studies (ISIS) conference I attended in Washington, DC 6 years ago was the best one I had ever experienced. That is why when I read that their biannuall conference is going to be just down the street from me I couldn't contain my excitement and I registered two months ago.

I went to the first gathering last night and will keep you posted about my experience this time in the upcoming days.

Video Report About Shoosh

2010-05-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

I just sat there and watched this short video in disbelief and learned how the government of Iran simply signed away the right to the French, in the 19th Century, to excavate in Shoosh and keep priceless artifacts!
My disbelief was bombarded with another feeling, PAIN, as I watched half way into the video and learned what had been done to a 12 ton stone head figure, in order to be able to transport it to France. I remember having seen this piece at the Louvre and here is a picture of it after restoration.
The short documentary manages to give out a lot of information in just a few minutes including referring to a castle that was built there by the French, "Acropol or Shoosh Castle".
The physical pain I felt in my chest has subsided but the wonderment has not been lifted yet!

No Wonder Even Michelle Fell For Justin Bieber!

2010-05-22T21:54:00.000-07:00

I had heard his name and seen his pictures.
I even knew he has millions of fans, including Michelle Obama!
But I just saw the video “Baby” for the first time.
Hellllloooooooooo…
No wonder he is the phenomena that he is!
He’s got the looks, talent and charm to demand an audience.
Enjoy: “Baby”

‘… Oh oh For you, I would have done whatever
And I just can't believe we ain't together
And I wanna play it cool
But I'm losin' you
I'll buy you anything
I'll buy you any ring
Cause I'm in pieces
Baby fix me
And just shake me till you wake me from this bad dream
I'm goin down, down, down, down
And I just can't believe my first love won't be around…”

And Let It Begin

2010-05-19T16:25:00.000-07:00

I am getting more excited by the minute. My five and a half year old niece, Naomi, is coming to LA for the first time and I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am and how much I am looking forward to it.
Fortunately, due to her age, she is NOT looking at "vacation" as a time to rest and relax because boy o boy am I filling her "dance card"!
My thrill transfers through my fingers as I am Googling my way through cyber space looking for exciting activities for her.

So far, I have come up with these:
Beauty and the Beast : A play for children. It is not as elaborate as the Broadway production but it is the same story.
Bob Baker Marionettes : A magnificent marionette show. I saw it years ago and it made an indelible impression on me. I feel so lucky that they are still around and I get to share it with another generation. Bob Baker and his puppeteers have been transporting children to wonderlands for the past 50 years. Wow....
Raging Waters : What can I tell you? A few years ago Mona and I spent THE BEST DAY of our vacation in Wild Wadi WaterPark in Dubai and we still talk about that day more than many other cities and countries we have visited together! So, let the truth be known. I will probably enjoy playing in the water just as much, if not more, than Naomi.
California Science Center : A great place to spend a day with or without children. And it is free! Can you believe it?

If you have any suggestion, appropriate for her age group, please let me know.

Come to think of it, the poor thing is only going to be here for about 10 days. I guess she will need a long "vacation" by the time she gets back to Miami!

A little "Melting Pot" Of My Own

2010-05-16T15:52:00.000-07:00

It has been said that the "Melting Pot" is a metaphor for a heterogeneous society becoming more homogeneous. Although it is principally used to describe the assimilation of immigrants to the United States but I am using it to describe the little potluck brunch we had at our building today.

I live in a building that has 7 units and although there are only 15 of us but somehow we have managed to have quite a "melting pot". We have people of different generation, gender, race, sexual preference, religion and not to mention origins and as far as the education is concerned we have a college freshman all the way up to a Harvard graduate physician.

But If you think the ROOM was colorful, you should have seen the table: Italian, Persian, Indian, American, Chinese and Greek food had created this colorful, aromatic feast that simply mirrored the diversity of the people in the room.
As J. Hector St. John de Crevecoeur put it in his "Letters From An American Farmer": "What then is the American, this new man?... that the American is one who leaving behind him all his ancient prejudices and manners, receives new ones from the new mode of life he has embraced, the government he obeys, and the new rank he holds.... Here individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men, whose labors and posterity will one day cause great changes in the world....." (Added note: he/she and men/women)
So today, my neighbors and I unknowingly personified what Crevecoeur wrote over 200 years ago. We enjoyed this "melting pot" so much that we immediately set the date for our next get together.

You would've loved it; The food, the atmosphere, the subtle sense of camaraderie and THE FREEDOM...

We Really Don't Know One Another....

2010-05-14T19:29:00.000-07:00

With apologies to my English speaking readers. I may occasionally have articles in Farsi. This one is a piece about gender issues in Iran today. Please indulge me and thanks for your patience and understanding.

ب" بسیار دور از هم قد کشیده‌ایم . هر یک بر فراز صخره‌ای بلند و دره‌ای عمیق؛ میانمان که با هیچ خاکستری پر نخواهد شد. جدایمان کردند؛ از روز اول مهر. با پوشش‌های متفاوت. مانتو و مقنعه و چادر تیره بر من پوشاندند و تو را با لباس فرم و کله‌ای تراشیده به ساختمانی دیگر فرستادند. من را به مدرسه‌ی دخترانه و تو را پسرانه . دانشگاه هم که رفتیم جدایمان کردند. با ردیف‌های دور از هم . نیمکت‌های خانم‌ها و آقایان. با درها و راهروها و ورودی‌ها و خروجی‌های خواهران و برادران . جدایمان کردند و ما بسیار دور از هم قد کشیدیم . در اتوبوس با میله‌ها و در حرم و امامزاده با نرده‌ها و در دریا و ساحل با پارچه‌های برزنتی... آنقدر دور و غریب از هم بزرگ شدیم تا تو شدی راز درک ناشدنی‌ای برای من؛ و من شدم عقده‌ی جنسی سرکوب شده‌ای برای تو. تا هر جا که دیگر نتوانستند جدایمان کنند، در تاکسی و خیابان، از زور ناداني و بیماری و عقده‌های جنسی، من در پي يك نگاه و توجه و متلك از تو باشم ... و تو خود را به من بمالی و برهنگی ساق پایم حالی به حالی‌ات کند و نگاه حریص‌ات مانتو ام را بدرد . جدا و بسیار دور از هم قد کشیدیم انقدر که تا پایین تنه هایمان معذب مان کرد خیال کردیم عاشق شده‌ایم و چون عاشق هستیم باید ازدواج کنیم و بعد هم با هزاران عقده‌ی بیدار و خفته به زیر یک سقف رفتیم . بسیار دور از هم قد کشیدیم. انقدر که دیگر نگاه‌مان نیز یکدیگر را خوب و درست ندید و نگاه‌های انسانی جای خود را به نگاه جنسیتی دادند درهمه جا. در محل کار، در محافل فرهنگی و علمی و حتی جلسات سیاسی . و من باید تقاص همه‌ی این فاصله ها را بپردازم . تقاص دوری از تو و بر صخره‌ای دیگر قدکشیدن را . تقاص تو را ندیدن و نشناختن را . باید که تنم بلرزد وقتی هوا تاریک می‌شود و من تنها در خیابانم؛ وقتی دنبال کار می‌گردم؛ وقتی تاکسی سوار می شوم . اینجا یک مستراح عمومی است به وسعت یک کشور. آخر سالیان است که در همه جای دنیا، فقط مستراح‌ها را زنانه و
مردانه کرده اند "
ویدیو در فیس بوک است
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/video/video.php?v=126320707378979

Help Me Make a Decision!

2010-05-12T17:52:00.000-07:00

"Those who are afraid to risk, won't get anywhere."
افرادی که از ریسک کردن میترسند، به جایی نمیرسند

We don't know how bad the oil spill crisis is going to get, or how much it is going to cost. But British Petroleum is one of THE big guys in the picture.

Let me ask you something: Some say it is time to invest in BP (British Petroleum), and some of the financial advisers say: "If you have BP stocks, bail out while you can." While others say: "Hold your nose and buy Bp stock".

Since the oil rig exploded last month, BP's stock as gone from $61 to about $51. I was gonna put an order through today to buy at $48/share (Its 52 week range had been $44.62 ~ $62.38). I didn't. I guess, I sort of chickened out!
That's why I am asking you. What do you think? Should I buy? At what price?

Lets say we had bought 105 shares at $48 today. That would have been $5,040.
I will watch the stock and will add to comments so you know how it is doing.

I am waiting.......

PS. As of the close of today (Wed 5/12/10), BP rose to $48.50 and the market value of OUR SHARES would have been $5,092.50

"I'm Just Thankful I'm Here"

2010-05-09T13:32:00.000-07:00

This piece is in honor of Mother's Day. May we grow old and have a spirit like this 80 year YOUNG woman.

'Britain's Got Talent' hosted a 80 year old mother of 7, grandmother of 13 and great grandmother of 4, who blew the audience, as well as the judges, away by her rendition of the French legend Edith Piaf's Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien (in English). You watch and judge for yourself.

When Simon Cowell asked her:"How many years have you waited to do this?" Janey Cutler simply replied: "I'm just thankful I'm here."

Live and enjoy your life everyone and grab on to ANYTHING that raises your spirit. I hope this short video touches you so....

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T01:36:00.001-07:00

Something New To Be Concerned With!

2010-05-09T00:37:00.001-07:00

A friend had posted this video on her wall on Facebook. I watched it in disbelief and it reminded me of something I witnessed many many years ago in Tehran.
One of my cousins owned "Daftar Machine" in Iran and it had the exclusive right to import, sell and service copy machines from a certain manufacturer. The biggest client was the government of Iran and the one with the biggest number of copiers was THE SAVAK (Secret Service Agency, Pre-revolution). First I must tell you that I have always been quite curious (heheheh) and now the rest of the story:
One day when I was at "Daftar Machine" and was looking over the technicians' shoulders as they were working on the various machines, one of them noticed that one page of document had been left in the machine, face down, on the glass. The problem was that the machine belonged to SAVAK. The young technician was so excited and said, "Oh, what are we gonna do... Let's just throw it out as though... " I was very young and I guess naive. I said, "Don't worry. I'll just call them and let them know that they have left a page in the machine." And that is exactly what I did without even TOUCHING the paper. I guessed that they will send someone over to pick it up! My guess was right in theory. I just didn't know that they will send as many men in several cars to come to pick up ONE SHEET OF PAPER!
True story...
I never did find out what was ON the paper though. So maybe I am NOT as curious as I think I am! ;) :)

Where and when the "River Ran Red"...

2010-05-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to seeing "River Ran Red", a documentary made by J. Michael Hagopian about the genocide of the Armenian people in early 20th Century.
http://www.imdb.com/video/wab/vi2764374553/

Tomorrow, I will let you know how it went.

Heavenly Foods

2010-05-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

A non-Iranian friend once wrote in an email to me: " it is all about food in your language, dear :) "
She was soooooooo right and she didn't even know half of it!

If you want to try to make if for yourself, here is a link to "Iranian Recipes" in English.
Bon Apetit :)

Fire of Love

2010-05-04T22:29:00.000-07:00

<<<=== Look into the fire...

Fire Of Love
by John Laset

Fire is love and love is fire;
And the fire is within me,
Burning brightly - lighting my way
Every day.
I know now where heaven is on earth;
And it is in your arms, warm and soft -
Full of the fire that burns our soul,
Making us one, making us whole.

It Was Like Visiting Old Friends...

2010-05-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

I am not a
"Trekkie"
but I must admit watching the latest movie "Star Trek" felt like visiting old friends I hadn't seen in a long time.

This latest movie, "STAR TREK" starts with Captain James Kirk's birth when he was simply "Jim" and works its was through how and under what circumstances he meets the other members of the crew of the SS Enterprise. It is quite interesting. We get to watch how each person gets to be on the ship and what makes them bond together and create the atmosphere we all got to watch in the TV series, "Star Trek". I mean the original one. The one that was created more than 40 years ago and it is still going strong.

Well, if you haven't watched it, I strongly recommend that you do, regardless of whether you are a "Trekkie" or not. If you get nothing else out of it, you will witness the formation of valuable and unique friendships.

Live long and prosper,
Nahzi,
Out.

Just simply adorable....

2010-05-03T15:08:00.001-07:00

My friend just emailed me his son's pictures. I wish he had given me some kind of warning. Can you imagine how I felt when I opened the email and saw THESE pictures? They just took my breath away. This is Luca the son of my friend Jean Paul and his lovely wife, Diana.

We have a saying in Farsi, "Baray-e laay-e Baghali Polo khoobeh". It cannot be translated literally but the message is: It is good enough to eat. Of course, the Farsi version is much yummier than the English one! But what matters is that at the end we get to eat Luca one way or another! (I hope his parents aren't following this web log!)

Amistad

2010-05-02T14:09:00.000-07:00

It felt quite different to watch "Amistad" this time around. I guess the ever present memories of the recent experience of the "Green Movement" in Iran over shadows my thoughts as well as my feelings, whether I am aware of it or not. I sat there clinching my fists at times, shedding tears at others and longing for those who have ever lost their lives for freedom.
In passing, one might think the movie is about some slaves on the board of a Spanish cargo ship: "Amistad" but lo and behold IT turned out to be one of the historical elements that developed to become the turning point of the American history in the early 1840s.
The ex-president, John Quincy Adams, represented the Africans in the case,
United States of America Vs. Amistad at the Supreme Court.
I wept uncontrollably as he turned to the Justices and said, "We desperately need your strength and wisdom... to triumph over our fears, our prejudices, ourselves. Give us the courage to do what is right. And if it means civil war, then let it come. And when it does, may it be, finally, the last battle of the American Revolution."
Is this what lays ahead in Iran? Is this what Iran and Iranians need?
Freedom cannot be given. It is our right at birth. But there are moments in time when it MUST be taken.

Her first trip to the wild wild west...

2010-05-01T22:34:00.001-07:00

My niece, Naomi is coming to LA for the first time and I am sooooo excited....

2010-05-01T21:05:00.001-07:00

First message sent from my cell phone as a text msg!
over & out,
Techno Naz.... :)

Hello Cyber World!

2010-05-01T17:43:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

This is where I intend to put my thoughts on "paper" and share it with you.

I have been writing all my life.

<<<=== Not quite at this age but since elementary school and I have shared them with people in many differnet ways, syber space is simply the latest. Who knows, maybe other ways of communications will be available in the near future. Meanwhile, let's go with this one:

Welcome to Nahzi's Corner

This is not my first picture but it is of the farthest time I remember! I have to start this blog from somewhere and what better place than one of my oldest memories. My mom tells me that one of our neighbors owned a DeKaVe (brand of an European automobile) and IT (DeKaVe) was one of the first words I have uttered! Perhaps that explains my lifelong fascination with cars, especially fast ones.

Another thing I remember about this picture is the color and softness of the coat. It was light lemon color, sort of close to beige and it was very soft and warm. I feel its warmth and comfort as I am typing these words. Sometimes, your mind can play funny games with you.

I leave you with this first of many entries to come. I will share with you my daily experiences, thoughts & memories and will try to have pictures for you too .

Your comments are welcomed and appreciated.

With much love, Nahzi (Sat 5/1/10)