Taniel Varoujan

Quite ironic that a week after I post Vahan Tekeyan's poem a great tragedy happens in Instanbul with the death of Hrant Dink. It would have been fitting to post the poem after his death, since it speaks on the effects of genocide on the Armenian psyche.

Nonetheless, I have another poem that may apply to the situation. It is titled argaydz jrac (chrag), which means A Flickery Lamp. The poem is written through the eyes of a father whose son is about to arrive victorious from battle and subsequently marry his love. The father constantly tells his son's future bride to light the lamp, yet he ultimately realizes that his son isn't arriving victorius, yet fatally wounded. The last remark poignantly captures the sudden grief experienced by the father. This grief was experienced by me when I found out about Hrant Dink's death, and I'm sure the same can be said about Armenians all over the world.

ԱՌԿԱՅԾ ՃՐԱԳ

Յաղթանակի գիշերն է այս տօնական.-

Հա՛րս, եղ լեցուր ճըրագին:

Պիտի դառնայ կռիւէն տըղաս յաղթական.-

Հա՛րս, քիթը ա՛ռ պատրոյգին:

Սայլ մը կեցաւ դըրան առջեւ, հորին քով.-

Հա՛րս, վառէ՛ լոյսը ճրագին:

Տըղաս կու գայ ճակատն հըպարտ դափնիով.-

Հա՛րս, բե՛ր ճըրագը շեմին:

Բայց… սայլին վրայ արի՞ւն եւ սո՞ւգ բեռցեր են…

Հա՛րս ճրագդ ասդի՛ն երկարէ:

Հերոս տըղաս հոն զարնուա՜ծ է սըրտէն.-

Ա՜խ հարս, ճըրագըդ մարէ՜…

An english translation can be found here http://www.geocities.com/hjanoyan/poets/varoujan.html
Credit to Daniel Janoyan for the translation, his website is a gold mine of Armenian poems translated to english.

Vahan Tekeyan-Armenian Poet

I've recently begun reading Armenian poetry with the help of Dr. Kevork Bardakjian's Reference Guide to Modern Armenian Literature. We have a mini library of Armenian books and poems in our house that my grandfather brought over from Beirut and I was perusing through them and I found an old piece by Vahan Tekeyan called Hayerkoutyoon (or Hayergoutyoon) which translates to Ode to Armenia. It was published in Cairo in 1943 and is a collection of his works gathered up from newspapers. After reading through a couple of poems, I looked up Tekeyan in Dr. Bardakjian's book and read up on him, and immediately I had an affinity for the poet's works.

Tekeyan was born in Istanbul, but unlike his contemporaries Taniel Varoujan and Siamanto who were assasinated on April 24, 1915, Tekeyan was in Jerusalem teaching and therefore escaped death. He lucked out, and this realization is seen throughout his poetry and complements his lamentations for the death of his people.

Perhaps Tekeyan's character and poetry can be best described by Dr. Bardakjian,

"Tekeyan's poetry was on the whole cerebral, austere yet poignant, subtle and elegiac, distressful yet lyrical and dignified. There was something of the stoic in him; personal love remained elusive, and only dreams and hopeful anticipation of reciprocal affection periodically illuminated his otherwise sad life."

Here is one piece by Tekeyan entitled Piti esenk Astutzoh (We shall say to God). Here Tekeyan grieves over the death of his people by rhetorically asking God if he will once again allow the Armenians to enter hell (the first time being the Genocide).

Պիտի Ըսենք Աստուծոյ

Թէ պատահի որ այսօր անհաւասար այս կռուին

Չըկարենանք դիմանալ և ուժասպառ, ոգեվար

Գետին ինկած՝ չըկրնա՜նք ոտքի ելլել վերըստին

Ու յաղթէ՛ մահը կեանքի ոգորումին մեր երկար

Թէ լըրրանա՜յ այս ոՃիրն ու վերջին հայը փակէ

Վըրիժավառ իր աջքերն՝ որն յաղթութեան չողջունած...,

Ահ, թո՛ղ այժմեն երդուըննայ իւրաքանչիւրը մենէ՝

Որ հանդերձեալ կեանքին մէջ երբոր գտնենք մենք զԱստուած

Ու երբոր Ան՝ երկրային մեր մեծ ցաւին փոխարէն,

Ուզէ ըզմեզ ըսփոփել, վարձահատո՜յց մեզ ըլլալ...

Իր այդ շնորհն ապաժամ մենք մերժելով ուժգնօրէն՝

Պիտի ըսենք. - «Մեզ դըժոխք, դըժո՜խք ղրկէ՛ անգամ մ'ալ.

ՉԷ՞ որ զայն լաւ կը ճանչնանք, զայն ճանչցուիր մե՜զ շատ լաւ,

Եւ Թուրքերուն յատկացո՛ւր արքայութիւնըդ ամբաւ...:»

Alpha Epsilon Omega Scholarship Fund

Well it feels good to be back and blogging, especially after the fact that our little en devour was noted in the AGBU Magazine.

Although there are some interesting things happening around the world today, I will not talk about them. As the title of this thread is pretty much self explanatory, you probably already guessed what I am going to talk about today; yes ladies and gents it's our very own Scholarship Fund .

The idea was brought up in one of our chapter meetings by our fellow brother Edgar K., and we all liked it; in fact we liked it so much that we decided to offer a scholarship to our studious and socially aware Armenian males who are graduating from high school this year. Of course to make sure that the awarded amount goes towards purchasing books and university units and not rims and cigarettes the student has to show not only a proof of his acceptance to one of the six eligible universities, but also a proof of attendance. Only after that he will get the scholarship award ($500).

Since this is the first time that our organization is doing such a thing, we decided to keep the award amount relatively small. If it turns out to be a "great success" (I had to quote Borat somewhere), we will do this again next year and most probably offer a higher award.

So if you or anybody else that you know, are an Armenian male, graduating from a high school, with an 100% intent of studying in either CSUN, UCLA, Cal State LA, UC Irvine, Cal Poly Pomona, or UC San Diego, please do not hesitate for a second and grab the application form from AEOSF.ALPHAEPSILONOMEGA.ORG, complete it by following the instructions, and send it to the address provided in the application by March 13, 2007.

Armenian Independence as seen through the eyes of Sport

I came across an article by chance yesterday on armenianow about the decline in Armenian athletic performance at the Olympics since independence, the article can be found here:

http://www.armenianow.com/?action=viewArticle&AID=1910&IID=1111&lng=eng


To summarize, Armenia has been quite a source for gold medalists during its tenure in the Soviet Union, but ever since independence the infrastruce and resources necessary to train athletes have disappeared. Dodi Gago, the current chair of the Armenian olympic committee, is promising a return to excellence, but mainly by attracting foreign athletes to compete for Armenia for cash incentives (he is also building up resources as well).

I couldn't help but see this as a microcosm of Armenian independence. Although independence is what we all dreamed of, some of the vital tools for success and sustenance blew away with the collapse of the Soviet Union. It just reminds me that it's always easy to point out the negative influence of communism, only to forget the most apparent benefits that existed back thenn.

Groong and Orbelli

I just wanna take a break from politics and point out an excellent resource for news and other info, Groong news network. www.groong.com

This site is great, it's a news mailing list that covers headlines from Armenia and pretty much all over the world, kind of like google news but it predates it. In addition to news, groong has a lot of topics on history, political analysis, culture, and a databank of treaties including the Armenian Constitution. But I have to say one of my favorite sections is Ruth Bedevian's Armenian House Museum Series http://www.groong.com/orig/armeniahousemuseums.html

In Armenia most of the houses of famous poets/writers/painters etc.. are converted into museums (kind of like Shakespeare's house in England). Ruth Bedevian traveled throughout Armenia to these houses and wrote about them including the history of such individuals. I checked out her description on the Orbelli Brothers House and I was blown away. Talk about an Armenian version of the Rockefellers or Kennedys, these guys made huge contributions to science, literature, history, and most of all their people. Their family dates way back and one of the family members was even buried at Noravank Monastery in Armenia. They seriously put us on the map with their contributions. I urge you all to read up on these guys and other famous Armenians.

Armenian Educational Relief Fund

A while back I made a post about the Armenian Educational Relief Fund (AERF), an organization that was spawned by the brothers of Alpha Epsilon Omega, the Armenian Fraternity here in Los Angeles. Last summer they went and spent around 6 grand purchasing supplies for Kindergarten #7 in Armavir City and donating it all first hand. This year the organization is gathering up funds to renovate the same kindergarten plus two others. These guys do great work, they are mostly college students who raise the funds here in LA throughout the year and travel on their own expense to help out needy children. You can check out their pics from last summer's journey here

http://aerf.alphaepsilonomega.org/gallery.php

Petition

As some of you may heard, there is a petition on cilicia blogs to protest the leniency in a recent ruling to a man who drove over a 17 year old girl in yerevan. He pretty much got off with a slap on the wrist, this said a lot about not only the Armenian judicial system but on the lack of driving laws existing right now. Please sign the petition below so we can do something about this tragic situation:

http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/araz

No Resolution to Karabakh conflict before 2007 vote

Recent article on Armenialiberty.org here:

http://www.armenialiberty.org/

Kocharian rules out a resolution to the peace talks until the parliamentary votes in 2007.

While some may see this as Kocharian covering his ass, I see this as a shrewd move not only for him but for Armenia.


Being at the negotiating table is tough as nails. Not only do you have to appease the opposing side, but you also have to please the people (something that Ter-Petrossian failed to do that lead to his resignation). And let's not forget appeasing the Minsk Group while the international community is watching the process.

Aliyev does the same thing, so should every politician, you can't let an issue like this be used as leverage by your political opponents. It'll disrupt things at home and abroad.

New Armenian Lobby

Some news going around about the new Armenian Amerian lobby group by Cafesjian and Vartian (formerly the ED of the Assembly). Interesting, I tried to wrap my mind around it for a while:

1-Do we need another one? Probably not, but I suppose it won't hurt to add another voice in DC. The more groups there are, the better we can have our voice heard.

2-Is this divisive? Well, considering that Cafesjian is a member of the Assembly board and Vartian is the former ED, it seriously brings up some concerns. I'm sure the Assembly is a bit bewildered about this.

3-What are the motives? The fact that Assembly members (past and present) decide to split and form their own organization needs an explanation. Do they want power? Fame? Regardless of the intentions, I still see this move benefiting Armenians due to the increase in voice.

4-Ross Vartian-Man this guy came out of nowhere, wasn't expecting him to show up again. It's good to see him back in action though. I admire his efforts in establishing strong relations with the Republic of Armenia during his tenure with the Assembly. It's good to see Armenian organizations consulting the government of Armenia, will this new organization follow the trend? I hope.

Ultimately I'm stuck between two points to this issue. Either it's too divisive or it will add another dimension to the Armenian lobby. What does this organization have to offer that the ANC and Assembly lack? Perhaps Arman can provide an explanation (this is your cue to comment!)

AGBU Magazine

I read the latest on blogs in the magazine, which highlighted cilicia and a couple of others and also gave a list of blogs, and I saw that they included our humble blog in their list. Quite exciting, but it made me realize that I haven't updated this thing in a while (Arman you are guilty of this too). BTW, that AGBU magazine is great, I learned a few new things in their articles, and being the Armenian political junkie that I am, I greatly appreciate the journalism that the magazine puts in.

I especially read up on the article by Richard Giragosian on Armenia's relationship with Russia. Again, an excellent article covering a lot of important facets of Armenia's bilateral relations with Moscow, but I had to disagree on a few points. First, the article mentioned Armenia's emulation of Russia's political system and how it serves to the detriment of a democratic Armenia. Granted, the prevalence of corruption is a remnant of the old Soviet model, but Armenia can benefit from Russia's leadership in dealing with this problem. Putin, although consistently bashed in the western media, plays a strong hand when dealing with oligarchs and Armenian leadership can learn by example. Again, I ain't completely supporting Putin (that's Arman's job), but I do believe emulating Russia's government does have its merits.

Also, the article also portrays Armenia's reliance on Russia for security in a negative light. Although Russia greatly benefits from the alliance, Armenia does so too. The Russian base in Gyumri offers protection from Turkey (even though the chance for military conflict is low, it's still substantial to warrant protection from Russia), and although Russia supported Azerbaijan as well as Armenia during the Karabakh conflict, Armenia right now still needs Russia's military support.

There's a lot of Russia bashing going on, and yea the Soviet Union produced was the bad guy in the Cold War, but you know what? It did more to protect Armenia than any western country during the time. While Britain backed the Azeris during Andranik's campaigns in Zangezur and the American Congress overturned the creation of Armenia with its borders in the Treaty of Sevres, Russia offered the best protection against Turkey. Yea, they did screw us with Karabakh, they ain't perfect, but overall give Russia some credit, since the West doesn't do much either.

Armenian collective conscience

So I forgot that I blog here again, and apparently so did Arman...

It's tough to keep a blog that's solely devoted to politics and Armenian news, since when I don't see anything worthwhile to talk about I just don't blog here. My current schedule is a mess too, school is ruling my life with a wrath that it hasn't had in a long time, and most of my free time is spent sleeping (I have gone out once in the past 1.5 months).

Right now I'm sitting in my room with a really annoying fly buzzing around me. It's a big one too, which should make it an easy target but for some reason I haven't been able to swat it down (I like to swat flys out of the air instead of waiting untill they land since it's more fun). This is pretty much my break from studying.

Some news about the apparent anthem being changed, it's been shelved, woohoo (whatever). Making a big deal about nothing... which reminds me of this one guy in Glendale...

Stepan Partamian is his name, he is known for having very controversial views on Armenians and bashes us all the time. He had a one man show at the Alex Theatre a while back, and me and Arman went. Neither of us like the guy but we thought it would be interesting to see this show. It was more of the same from him, just talking a bunch of nonsene, whever you get a big group of Armenians together to talk about our culture/politics, you really don't get anywhere. Granted, Partamian is bringing these issues to our conscience, but do we really need someone to do that? There are a TON of people in the Armenian/Diasporan community who merely talk, and in the end people are satisfied with having a good discussion. Yet how many of these guys who bring up issues do anything about it? I suppose I'm guilty of doing this too by talking about it, but I'm not reaching a wide audience and getting on a high horse about it, which leads me to my next point...

Armenians lack leadership. When was the last time we had a good leader? And I'm NOT talking about military leaders or fedayis (Monte Melkonian, Zoravor Andranik). Those guys were great, and I respect their sacrifices, but can we say Armenia has had a good leader in government? Politics? Anything other than military? Karen Demirchian maybe, or maybe not. I must be forgetting someone. There is a sense of insecurity in the Armenian collective conscience, and I think having a good leader will be a big step forward in rectifying this issue, while having someone just bring up the same old issues to the spotlight will not do much.

Armenia-Diaspora Conference

The latest Armenia-Diaspora Conference went underway last week with a resounding success (if you define success as getting a bunch of Armos together in one room to do what they do best: talk). I honestly didn't follow it too much, but I did hear about Catholicos Aram I and his speech denouncing the government and corruption. That was nice to hear, but about every year it's the same old same old. This, along with the Conference on Dual Citizenship, was the big meeting this year between Armenia and its Diaspora. I really don't see too much coming out of either conferences, but the Armenia Diaspora conference DID include a section devoted to rural development, which was Kocharian going up on stage and proclaiming that Armenia needs more money... you have to give it to the prezo, he's a straight shooter.

I was just sad that I couldn't attend the conference. I know I know... with all the dirt that I'm throwing it sounds weird, but it would be hilarious to be in that room. Just think of it, everybody who is anybody in the Armenian spectrum is in one room and they all want to get their ego trips out. I only get a watered down version of this as I go to the ArmeniaFund telethon... but that is for a good cause whereas this is just... well... like I said, ego trips.. and networking, can't forget about networking. But yea, I heard that some (if not most) of the people were sleeping during the conference.. just another reason to attend!

The apparently boring conference was followed by an apparently cool military parade to celebrate Armenia's 15 years of independence. Now that's a way to celebrate a holiday, forget fireworks...

DC stories

I came back from my two month internship in Washington DC this past week. I must say I'm not too thrilled with this blog not being updated, Arman isn't holding down the fort since he is swamped with classes/finals/midterms, no rest for the wicked eh Arman ;P.

So what do I have to say about DC? Eh... not my kind of town, but my internship was great. Working at the Armenian Embassy turned out to be a blessing, I learned so much about Armenia that I got a new perspective not only on Armenia's status, but in politics in general. The people at the Embassy were great to work with as well, and I am going to miss working there. But on to more politics..

The Lebanon Israeli conflict sets the background here for some interesting stories. Just two weeks before the fighting started, I was interning at the World Bank with ATHGO international, http://www.athgo.org/default.asp, where I heard the Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Farid Abboud speak. I later walked up and asked a quick question regarding Lebanese stability in regards to its sectarian politics. The Ambassador was very optimistic about Lebanon, stating that the country will manage. I told my mother this and we were both a bit skeptical about it. Soon after the fighting started, I call my mother and she jokingly tells me that I should go back to the Ambassador and sarcastically ask him how come Lebanon can't manage. How ironic.. but my Lebanese tails don't end...

One of our fellow interns turned 21, so to celebrate we went to a Lebanese restaurant. I later ask the waiter if he is Lebanese (knowing the answer would be yes) and tell him that my mother was born and raised in Beirut and then ask him what he thinks of the situation in Lebanon. He said Lebanon's hope is for the next generation to go back and proposes that I should do so, being under the impression that I was Lebanese. I tell him that I'm Armenian and he simply responded, "you should still go back, whether it's Armenia or Lebanon." Now back to the World Bank...

One of the moderators of the panel that was going on was the Economic attache to the Embassy of the Czech Republic in DC. I was later speaking with him and he reiterated was the Lebanese waiter said about the next generation going back.. that even though the opportunities are available in America for educated Armenians/Lebanese/Czechs/, the only way the homeland will be changed is if the younger generations go back.

So here I sit, in Los Angeles, the Mecca for Armenians leaving Armenia/Iran/Lebanon, and I was trying to put all of this together. With all the Armenians that left Armenia, how many of them will actually return permanently? My boss at the Embassy and I were both sure that at least half if not more will not return, and my boss replied, "Armenia doesn't need those that won't return, it's the other half that it needs." Ever since returning from Armenia I've been considering going to Armenia one day and living there, even though it won't happen for a very long time. Yet I'm sure that Armenia's troubles today can be overcome once the next generation of Armenians, whether they be from Los Angeles, Lebanon, or Armenia itself, will play an enormous role twenty to thirty years from now. So, here's to the next generation of Armenians :).

We Have a Winner!!!!

FRANCE 1:1 ITALY
(Penalty FRANCE 3:5 ITALY)

Well after 64 matches the World found their new soccer champion....Italy. IT was an intense game that went into the 30 minute extention period, where no goals were scored and thus the game was decided by penalty kicks. France's chances of winning this game could have been much higher if Zidane did not act like a mongrel idiot and did not hit the Italian player on the chest with his head; apparently because the Italian said something derogatory towards him. No one yet knows what was exchanged verbally between those two, but I am sure whatever it was it was not worth to screw your own team on the World Cup final game; that's what Zidane did.

Zidane received a red card and was kicked out of the game, rightfully so, that kind of behavior has no place in soccer. Zidane disappointed millions of people and he backstabbed his own team and nation with his selfish action, hence he stayed in the locker room when his team was receiving their second place medals. Not a good way to go into retirement for a soccer legend.

I, like many Armenians that I spoke with, was crossing fingers for both of the teams, and whatever the result I was going to be happy. Not counting Zidane's idiocy this was a great and memorable game. Lets hope Armenia will make it into the 2010 World Cup.

Armenia To Export Oil?!

Yup, thats right....or is it?
Well according to Transeuroenergy Corp. of Canada our beloved country has the potential to export oil. The Canadian company firmly beleives this because of the amount of the oil that our neighbors have (if they have it why shouldn't Armenia logic), and because the idea that Armenia might have oil is not a new one at all. During the 1970's Soviets tried to find new oil spots in Armenia but it was not done for economic gain but for ecological, hence the budget was small and the program was cancelled. Americans too were looking for oil in Armenia in the late 90's, and the only reason they stopped was because the owner of the comapany died.

Now people imagine if we have oil (also TRY to imagine that our government does not screw this one up..I know it is hard), things will be good for Armenia VERY, VERY good. The experts say that even if they dont find oil in Armenia (Armavir region mainly) they are sure that we will have natural gas (this is easier to extract), which is still very good for our budget. Armenia is a small country if such oppurtunities arrise and if they are managed right, I do not see why Armenia cant be the next Qatar or Kuweit. The only down side to this will be the environmental issue, but lets be honest here, from the winter of 1992 Armenia stopped caring for its environment. Maybe the money from the oil can be used to make Armenia cleaner.

I am very excited about this, the oppurtunities will be endless for our little country. No poor people, well equiped schools, new TOYS for our boys in the military, kick ass healthcare, you name it.

Weeeeee.New ACTION Film Out

Well yesterday I learned that a new action film based on Karabakh War came out in Armenia and Artzakh. Well I KNEW that this film is going to come out, in fact I was waiting for this film to come out for 2 years already. Finally it is here, and it seems that the audiances are loving it.

I am sure you heard about the Armenian "action hero" Gor Vardanyan, the guy who made 3 action flicks mostly using his karate school's trainees as actors and as stuntsmen. This fourth film has the highest budget yet at 3.6 million US Dollars. It also has a deeper story that explores one of the most important episodes of Armenian history, The Karabakh Conflict. While I like Gor's last two films for their true depiction of today's Armenia, I was hoping that this one will truly out perform the others; and it seems that it only did that partially.

As of yet I did not see the film myself just read reviews here and there, but it seems that two of the biggest problems in the Gor's movie's are still present; his acting and the use of prosumer tape equipment instead of a goof old film camera (or at least a good HD pro cam). His acting REALLY needs to improve and they REALLY have to try to shoot their movies on film (I know I know it is more expensive and harder to edit bla bla bla...etc).

Other than this I am dying to see this film myself. I hear people applauded the film when it was shown in Yerevan, and that gives me hopes. In you my dear readers should watch it ALSO. More updates to come when I ACTUALLY SEE THE FILM.

Armenians together

This is my first blog in DC, I arrived yesterday and got to know everybody. Quite a diverse group of armenians, a few from Los, a good group from michigan, and some hayastanzees. Being that there were Armenians who spoke western, eastern, turkish, or not at all, it was very interesting seeing everything merge into one good group. That being said, I feel quite torn.. growing up speaking western I'm accustomed to speaking as soon as I see an Armenian.. but now I found myself being happy to speak Eastern as soon as I saw a couple of hayastanzees. I have to admit my time in Armenia and me living in LA really has made an impact on me. I introduced some of the midwesterners to Armenchik, Hayasa, and Hay Tgek and they loved it. Yes I am emphasizing the differences between Armenians, but there is a silver lining here.. here's a group of very diverse Armenians coming together and sharing what makes them Armenian. For me, it's living in LA after coming staying in Armenia, even though I am western by origin. I've come to realize a long time ago that there the differences between western and eastern and meaningless, and my experiences so far have reinforced this.. I just hope that nothing will come in the way of us being united as there has so many times in the past.

Boycott Turkey...And More

I would like to start with saying that Levon is kind of right about me being at fault for not posting for a long time. I have a good excuse though; nothing major took place in the “Armenian”* world that I had thoughts on. Levon did cover the Krekorian election, so I was happy. But now I see that this whole Boycott Turkey campaign is getting interesting and I have a few thoughts on it.

From the get go I have to say that Tania is right…sorry Levon. When we say boycott Turkey we should also try to help the potential consumer choose the alternative product. And the AYF pamphlet did a pretty good job of presenting the substitutes to the given Turkish product. If such a product/service is not produced by Armenia, it is surely produced by some other NON TURKIC country. The stores that Levon mentioned carry clothing made in Ukraine, Greece, US, and other countries. For tourism we can give Armenia as substitute or if the person rather wants to have access to sea Greece or Italy are the places to be.

I personally try to distance myself from everything Turkish (although I would like to learn Turkish, always good to know the enemies’ language), be it a Turkish TV channel or Turkish chewing gum. But I was not like this all the time, especially in Armenia during the HELL years. WHY? Well it is simple, goods in Armenia were either made in Turkey, Russia, or Iran. The ones from Turkey were illegal imports, but no body cared if it is illegal or not or if it is from Turkey or not, PEOPLE HAD TO SURVIVE. Today it is much easier to have a Boycott Turkey campaign in REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA, since the situation with goods has improved and we can find other cheap substitutes from other countries or MAKE OUR OWN (and I see this taking place in Armenia now). I believe that this is something that even Kocharian’s useless government can do, and if the campaign gains some momentum in the Diaspora it will spill over to Armenia and even in to other Armenian Diasporas around the world.

*There was a major victory for Armenian’s all around the world when the Armenian Olympic Chess Team took home the gold medals. Yup we beat China, which came in second. Just Imagine this people, a country with 2 million population beats a country with a population of 1250 million. This is beyond amazing. Congrats and more future victories to our champions. I was also happy to see so many people attending the concert dedicated to the champions, shows that people still have some spirit in them.

Levon the lobbyist?

Ok so this blog hasn't been too active so I'll fix that with an update. Naturally, it is ALL Arman's fault for not blogging... that being said let's continue..

I leave for DC on Sunday, I will intern for the Armenian Embassy. Wasn't thrilled to find out that I'll work there but it's ok as long as I make the most of it and have a good time in general.. beats being in a congressman's office that's for sure. Now being in the political capital of the world will present an ideal opportunity for some lobbying of my own... yes you heard me. I have been working with a couple of brothers from my Armenian fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Omega, on a boycott turkey project (Shameless plug-in coming in 3..2...1) OH! btw, here's the website :)

www.boycott-turkey.com

So broswe around, register for the forums, and find out how to identify turkish goods :). Now what does this have to do with me lobbying? Well, if you followed my directions hopefully you found an online petition (this may not be up yet so don't be too hard on yourselves if you don't find it). I'll be carrying this little petition around and soliciting such esteemed people such as the Armenian ambassador to the United States for signatures (oh I have no shame....). I will also be posting Boycott Turkey refrigerator magnets (be sure to get them while they're hot! available in both Armenian and English, plz donate) Ok enough with the plug ins and solicitations for now...

So please check out the campaign; as always, comments and criticisms are VERY welcome :).

World Cup and Paul Krekorian

Ok so I haven't been blogging and Arman has been bugging me to post something so I'll give you all a brief catch up with my life.

I'm almost done with finals, and I will be leaving for DC on the 18 via redeye flight (yippie). I eagerly await the arrival of the World Cup, I'll be rooting for Argentina, Brazil, and any other nation in the Americas (except USA, go Iran!) and African region, screw Europe. I figure, the rest of the world always gets nothing in politics, so at least let them have their glory in international sports. Arman will be rooting for Italy, I'm surprised he is actually cheering for a country that isn't Armenia. I'd expect him to at least root for Czech Republic since he lived there, what's the deal Arman? Now if only Belarus was competing...

I finally saw the Xmen movie, crap.. I'll save you the lengthy review. Other than that, I have a week to do nothing, but tomorow I'll be volunteering for Paul Krekorian. Ironically, I was at my history department's banquet last saturday and overheard two professors talking about the Krekorian/Quintero race. Now I doubt they live in the district, and for that reason it is quite interesting to see that this campaign has been making some noise. A lot of dirty playing going around so I am not surprised... politics... Anyways, I encourage the readers of this blog to check out his website and if you are qualified to vote for him (live in Glendale, North Hollywood, and Burbank) I encourage you to do so.

http://www.paulkrekorian.com/

Good luck to Paul :)