Since Lena mentioned that Canada is an OSCE member, my friend (Nigol) and I dropped by the OSCE office to sign up as observers for the upcoming elections. Unfortunately, we were rejected since Armenia does not have a Canadian Embassy to represent us. We decided to seek an organization instead, but that was a useless effort as well.

Until the Canadian government decides to show a little more interest and presence in Armenia, we�re going to have to deal with our embassy in Russia. It�s too bad, considering there are quite a few successful Canadian-Armenian repats/expats who have launched various businesses and factories throughout Armenia (Gorciqapah, Parev Yergir, Grand Tobacco/Sun/Candy, Gem Corp., etc).

As far as Ara�s comment about God making us suffer once again, I have to comment. God does not necessarily teach us lessons. �Djagadakeer� (�fate�) is a word I keep hearing over and over again in conversations in Armenia. But most of the time we just make the wrong decisions and later blame God for a negative outcome.

On a different note, I just heard that Fred Rogers has past away. Rest in Peace Mister Rogers.