Thursday, June 08, 2006
A fantastic place called TAM-TAM
Every sunny Sunday, the eastern slope of Mont-royal, is the place where the coolest people in the world gather, playing Tam-Tam or any sort of percussion that can create a moving afro-rhythm. Then, the rest of the crowd, already big-time high, dancing to this rhythm or just lying on the green grass and enjoying their Sunday afternoon!
The mood is so relax and friendly, you can hardly recall that you’re in always busy North America, and the style of the people, gives the impression of being in 60’s. it’s truly amazing.
Another interesting stuff about Tam-Tam (that’s not the name but that’s what people call it), is a game, very much like a Medieval Paintball in which geeks, dressed in ancient armors, equipped with foam-made war fare, simulate a medieval war! It’s so funny you’ll laugh your ass off…the two groups stand in front of each other, bump on their shields and attacking each other while screaming….
I’m going to gradually update some of the photos that I took from them, in my flickr. So , Check it out
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
World Cup…
Dear friends, guess the final scores of Iran’s three matches…I will announce the winner at the end of the competition.
A. Iran Vs Mexico
B. Iran Vs Portugal
C. Iran Vs Angola
Rules:
The exact result: 20 points
The winner and the correct goal difference: 10 points
Only the winner: 5 points
Good luck
A. Iran Vs Mexico
B. Iran Vs Portugal
C. Iran Vs Angola
Rules:
The exact result: 20 points
The winner and the correct goal difference: 10 points
Only the winner: 5 points
Good luck
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
a Haiku
New Year’s Day
Everything is in blossom!
I feel about average
The snow is melting
and the village is flooded
With children
Don’t worry, spiders,
I keep house
Casually
Issa
Everything is in blossom!
I feel about average
The snow is melting
and the village is flooded
With children
Don’t worry, spiders,
I keep house
Casually
Issa
Uncomfortable situations
That’s an invitation for you to share funny uncomfortable situations you have recently experienced . Be sincere, be impolite, be my guest!
So let me start first…
Public Bathrooms are among the very few places, I believe, should be separated based on genders. Men and women using the same public bathroom, BAD IDEA! and I tell you why.
To start with, every time you want to leave the bathroom to a lady, you’re faced with this dilemma: “Should I leave the toilet seat up or should I put it back down?”. Sounds funny ha?! Now, If you leave it down, she’d think you’re a pig, actually peed on the toilet seat, but if you leave it up, then she’d still be thinking, you’re just a natural stereotype male pig! You see, it’s not that funny!
Anyway, unfortunately mixed bathroom is the case in our office and today, when I entered the bathroom to wash my hands, it was like I entered the site of a medieval battle field where thousands of people got killed and their bodies have been left under the scorching summer sun for weeks! As if the guy had eaten some dead rats for breakfast!
Any way, I washed my hands as fast as possible, while holding my breath, and as I was getting out of the bathroom, guess what? I found myself, face to face with the only girl in the office whom I actually have a crush on, waiting to go after me!
Ok…I’m waiting for your bloopers!
So let me start first…
Public Bathrooms are among the very few places, I believe, should be separated based on genders. Men and women using the same public bathroom, BAD IDEA! and I tell you why.
To start with, every time you want to leave the bathroom to a lady, you’re faced with this dilemma: “Should I leave the toilet seat up or should I put it back down?”. Sounds funny ha?! Now, If you leave it down, she’d think you’re a pig, actually peed on the toilet seat, but if you leave it up, then she’d still be thinking, you’re just a natural stereotype male pig! You see, it’s not that funny!
Anyway, unfortunately mixed bathroom is the case in our office and today, when I entered the bathroom to wash my hands, it was like I entered the site of a medieval battle field where thousands of people got killed and their bodies have been left under the scorching summer sun for weeks! As if the guy had eaten some dead rats for breakfast!
Any way, I washed my hands as fast as possible, while holding my breath, and as I was getting out of the bathroom, guess what? I found myself, face to face with the only girl in the office whom I actually have a crush on, waiting to go after me!
Ok…I’m waiting for your bloopers!
Monday, June 05, 2006
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Movie of the week - Part Two
Wu ji (Promise)
If you have a reasonable tolerance for a corny Chinese fairy tale, can stand not-so-pleasing-to-the-ears Mandarin for two hours and can overlook some far-less-than-perfect special effects, invite your eyes to one the most extravagant feasts of colors and visual magnificence!
The latest work of Chen Kaige, was so unbelievably beautiful that I was frequently laughing out loud, just to discharge my self from the unbearable endless load of beauty, from heavenly landscapes, to every little colorful details in outfits, armors and even wall papers. Add to those, an exquisite music, and a gorgeous actress, and you will have an exhibition of everything your senses could wish for.
Just sit back, forget about the story and let your senses explore this sensual orgasm. (Why the hell I do sound like the commercials for shampoo!?!)
If you have a reasonable tolerance for a corny Chinese fairy tale, can stand not-so-pleasing-to-the-ears Mandarin for two hours and can overlook some far-less-than-perfect special effects, invite your eyes to one the most extravagant feasts of colors and visual magnificence!The latest work of Chen Kaige, was so unbelievably beautiful that I was frequently laughing out loud, just to discharge my self from the unbearable endless load of beauty, from heavenly landscapes, to every little colorful details in outfits, armors and even wall papers. Add to those, an exquisite music, and a gorgeous actress, and you will have an exhibition of everything your senses could wish for.
Just sit back, forget about the story and let your senses explore this sensual orgasm. (Why the hell I do sound like the commercials for shampoo!?!)
Movie of the week - Part one
UNITED 93
Remember that glorious scene in Bowling for columbine where Michael Moore, connects some of the most notorious US interventions in third world countries, like Iran, El Salvador and Chile from one side and the creation of Taliban and Bin Laden by CIA from the other side, to 9/11, sarcastically with the background song of What a wonderful world? Or that episode from 11'9''01, in which Ken Loach, who recently won the Palm d’or for The wind that shakes the barely, compares September eleventh 2001 to September eleventh 1973, when the airplane we thought was going to hit the world trade center suddenly turned out to be the one, was going to bomb Allende’s presidential palace? Or Sean penn’s short, overwhelmingly poetic and stunningly beautiful episode in the same movie?
Well, if you wish to see something quite different, see United 93, in which Paul Greengrass , has managed to make an extraordinary documentary-type movie, very much similar to his master piece Bloody Sunday.
The movie is simple, realistic and quite unlike anything else that we have seen so far. There is no love story, no degusting toast, no cheesy emotional speech of any kind, no hero, no irritating wise guy or superman, no criticism, no sarcasm, no bombarding audience with boring facts, and most of all, no demonizing of anyone whatsoever.
It’s just a real story, being told as non-judgmental as possible with performances so natural and believable that you can put yourself in place of anybody, from terrified passengers to puzzled and desperate personnels, in the control rooms.
Paul Greengrass, knowing the event itself has all the necessary elements for an emotional thriller to it, by simply retelling the September eleventh, has created a true masterpiece which is extraordinary observant, emotional and breathtaking.
So far, one of the best movies of the year.
Remember that glorious scene in Bowling for columbine where Michael Moore, connects some of the most notorious US interventions in third world countries, like Iran, El Salvador and Chile from one side and the creation of Taliban and Bin Laden by CIA from the other side, to 9/11, sarcastically with the background song of What a wonderful world? Or that episode from 11'9''01, in which Ken Loach, who recently won the Palm d’or for The wind that shakes the barely, compares September eleventh 2001 to September eleventh 1973, when the airplane we thought was going to hit the world trade center suddenly turned out to be the one, was going to bomb Allende’s presidential palace? Or Sean penn’s short, overwhelmingly poetic and stunningly beautiful episode in the same movie?
Well, if you wish to see something quite different, see United 93, in which Paul Greengrass , has managed to make an extraordinary documentary-type movie, very much similar to his master piece Bloody Sunday.
The movie is simple, realistic and quite unlike anything else that we have seen so far. There is no love story, no degusting toast, no cheesy emotional speech of any kind, no hero, no irritating wise guy or superman, no criticism, no sarcasm, no bombarding audience with boring facts, and most of all, no demonizing of anyone whatsoever.
It’s just a real story, being told as non-judgmental as possible with performances so natural and believable that you can put yourself in place of anybody, from terrified passengers to puzzled and desperate personnels, in the control rooms.
Paul Greengrass, knowing the event itself has all the necessary elements for an emotional thriller to it, by simply retelling the September eleventh, has created a true masterpiece which is extraordinary observant, emotional and breathtaking.
So far, one of the best movies of the year.
1. My favorite 101
I start my favorites with a song called “Green Grass” by this young beautiful Brazilian, Cibelle, from the album The shine of dried electric leaves .She sings in Portuguese, obviously, and also in English and French.
Although those in Portuguese, with a hint of Bossa Nova, are more typical of her, I can’t stop listening to this magnificent song, Green grass, which is immensely romantic, simple, melancholic and down right delicious. Very much suitable for this beautiful rainy Saturday evening.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Discussion of the week- Episode one
In most developed countries, a pregnant woman carrying a baby with Down ’s syndrome (the inoffensive term for rather rude and irresponsible word of Mongol!), is allowed to have an abortion. In England as an example, more than 95% of women, trapped in this condition, have used their legal right, terminated the life of their unborn children.
There are many people oppose to that decision, among which many families who have first hand experience dealing with Down’s children. They’re arguing, having a slow or crippled rate of growth, even though in the brain, doesn’t make those babies any lesser form of human being and certainly doesn’t give us the right to terminate their lives and some of these babies, having a chance to lead their lives, can live a long, happy one and can bring joy to their families as well. Depriving them from living, is killing someone just for being different.
Considering the fact that our world is being ruled by people with much more serious brain defects than Down’s syndrome, it seems not a bad argument. (Just kidding!)
On the other side of the spectrum, many believe that the life of the one with this syndrome is a wretched one, not only for the person alone, but for the family who will be doomed to bear an excruciating life-long responsibility. They also argue that, since some of these patients will outlive their parents, the devastating duty will eventually fall off on the shoulders of their brothers and sisters, who had no control over the decision in the first place. So it’s the right of every family, not to be forced, at least, to accept this huge task. Adding to this, most of these children, would suffer from serious physical defects throughout their lives and frequently should be subjected to some painful surgeries, which makes the life even more difficult for them and their families.
What do you think? Should parents be allowed to terminate the life of the fetus, knowing that the baby will be born with Down’s syndrome? And if you were in the same situation, would you do that?
There are many people oppose to that decision, among which many families who have first hand experience dealing with Down’s children. They’re arguing, having a slow or crippled rate of growth, even though in the brain, doesn’t make those babies any lesser form of human being and certainly doesn’t give us the right to terminate their lives and some of these babies, having a chance to lead their lives, can live a long, happy one and can bring joy to their families as well. Depriving them from living, is killing someone just for being different.
Considering the fact that our world is being ruled by people with much more serious brain defects than Down’s syndrome, it seems not a bad argument. (Just kidding!)
On the other side of the spectrum, many believe that the life of the one with this syndrome is a wretched one, not only for the person alone, but for the family who will be doomed to bear an excruciating life-long responsibility. They also argue that, since some of these patients will outlive their parents, the devastating duty will eventually fall off on the shoulders of their brothers and sisters, who had no control over the decision in the first place. So it’s the right of every family, not to be forced, at least, to accept this huge task. Adding to this, most of these children, would suffer from serious physical defects throughout their lives and frequently should be subjected to some painful surgeries, which makes the life even more difficult for them and their families.
What do you think? Should parents be allowed to terminate the life of the fetus, knowing that the baby will be born with Down’s syndrome? And if you were in the same situation, would you do that?
Discussion of the week- Introduction
As an attempt to make this blog, a bit more active and reciprocal, I planed to add another segment called “Discussion of the week”. In this section, you are welcome to comment on a rather controversial topic, introduced by me, every Friday night.
For the sake of discussion, more controversial, politically incorrect, stimulating and even devil’s advocate-type of ideas will be immensely appreciated.
Also to make it possible for the readers to follow the discussions, I’d appreciate that even if you don’t want to put your real name there, make a fake ID and use it constantly but please do not leave comments under the title of Anonymous!
P.S. Since all the ideas and comments will be published uncensored, I will accept absolutely no responsibility over their contents whatsoever.
For the sake of discussion, more controversial, politically incorrect, stimulating and even devil’s advocate-type of ideas will be immensely appreciated.
Also to make it possible for the readers to follow the discussions, I’d appreciate that even if you don’t want to put your real name there, make a fake ID and use it constantly but please do not leave comments under the title of Anonymous!
P.S. Since all the ideas and comments will be published uncensored, I will accept absolutely no responsibility over their contents whatsoever.
Check out Iran’s national team super cool football gear in Pendar’s super cool website. A brilliant and talented friend of mine that I absolutely can not figure out, why the hell is studying engineering?!
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Lonesome George
If someday, you find yourself in island of Pinta in the Galapagos and you come across a giant tortoise, you can confidently call him George!
How come? Well, sadly, he’s the last remaining of a species, once wandering around in the island in huge numbers. This 88 years old turtle is condemn living his long life in total loneliness and his death will put an end, not only to his life, but to a million-years- reach history of his race.
Where the ever-increasing catastrophic story of extinction is being retold every minute on this planet, the rather long life of this adorable creature, will keep us, humans, ashamed for years to come. A burning candle, symbolic of a planet in decay, a constant reminder of the earth, becoming more and more a Dorian Gray-ish! picture of our nice looking civilization!
We’re sorry Lonesome George, This planet was yours too and We will miss you.
How come? Well, sadly, he’s the last remaining of a species, once wandering around in the island in huge numbers. This 88 years old turtle is condemn living his long life in total loneliness and his death will put an end, not only to his life, but to a million-years- reach history of his race.
Where the ever-increasing catastrophic story of extinction is being retold every minute on this planet, the rather long life of this adorable creature, will keep us, humans, ashamed for years to come. A burning candle, symbolic of a planet in decay, a constant reminder of the earth, becoming more and more a Dorian Gray-ish! picture of our nice looking civilization!
We’re sorry Lonesome George, This planet was yours too and We will miss you.
Notice
From this week, every Saturday, you will find a small weekly article called “My favorite 101” in which, I’ll list my favorite music titles. Naturally since it will be purely based on my taste, I don’t expect that you’d like every title but you can try a couple of them to see if our tastes match. If they do, you can check it out regularly every week, for 101 weeks.
Also every Sunday, you can find a concise review about a recent movie, preferably still in theatres, called “movie of the week”, as I said before. Although occasionally, I will write about some new releases on DVD too and “Montreal report” will be published every Monday night, from this week on.
That was me, so what’s up with you?!
Also every Sunday, you can find a concise review about a recent movie, preferably still in theatres, called “movie of the week”, as I said before. Although occasionally, I will write about some new releases on DVD too and “Montreal report” will be published every Monday night, from this week on.
That was me, so what’s up with you?!
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