Boston, MA: After reading Shooshig's latest logs, I decided to check out the Arlex wish list to see what that was all about. I know many people that work at Arlex (a law firm) in Yerevan, Armenia and noticed their outstanding work first hand while visiting Armenia in May of 2001. Started by Diasporan Armenians and now consisting of a blend of Armenian residents and diasporan Armenians, the law firm is a model of excellence in what can be achieved when resources are directly focused on Armenia. I am interested in supporting the Hover Choir due to my interest in music and the arts. However, the general fund sounds like a great place to start in making a donation. I have decided that instead of spending money giving gifts to friends and family this year, I will instead write all of my loved ones a card and tell them that I have send a donation to the Arlex Wish List in their name. I feel kind of funny giving people gifts they really don't need. Instead, I'd rather spend my money toward a worthy Armenia cause. The Arlex Wish List, I assure you, is a great idea due to the fact that I know the money is going to go where it should... directly to the people.

The "Yeraz" CD is continuing to turn heads in the Armenian and non- Armenian press. I was contacted by the local NPR affiliate in Fairbanks, Alaska interested in featuring "Yeraz" in his regular world music program. It has also been chosen as a "Critics Pick" on the CD Baby world music section of their website. In addition, Pomegranate Music has been contacted by a number of distributors ready to pick up our label for nationwide distribution here in the U.S. and in Europe. It's really interesting to see how non- Armenians have been taken by Gor's music. Recently, there was an article written about Gor and his debut CD on ArmeniaWeek.com by Lawrence Ritter. While I have been deeply interested in Gor's lyrics and style of music, I learned through that article about the meaning of one of the songs, Gechdod Btzer (Stigma). I was shocked as to how Gor has decided to tackle such a taboo subject in Armenian society.

I am torn whether to visit Armenia during my Winter Break from my MBA program. I have about six weeks and want to take a three week trip to Yerevan to check up on some artists I am scouting as well as solidifying some upcoming projects for the label. Right now, we have Lav Elie up on the board as our next release, featuring the music of a very talented musician named Mher Manoukian. The genre is Armenian Rock and progessive in its sound and feel. Anyone from Hayastan knows who Lav Elie is and should be happy to know that they are currently working on their debut worldwide CD for Pomegranate Music. I'll keep you posted on the recording process and how "Yeraz" is doing on the charts.

I'll try to talk a little more about the local Armenian community in Boston, MA next time. I've lived here 12+ years after moving from Chicago in 1989. It's a fascinating scene as far as Armenian stuff goes. More next time...