We're all busy these days. Work, families, hobbies, etc. When we make time for Armenian community stuff, it's interesting how people choose their projects. Church functions, lobbying on behalf of Armenian issues (see Arsineh), Youth Groups, etc. While I freely admit that my "Armenian Time" revolves around The Label and this log due to time constraints, it is amazing how many Armenian Diasporans have given so much toward the "Armenian Cause". Of course, the "Armenian Cause" is a general term and can mean a lot of different things. Nevertheless, they've contributed toward building something- an Armenian community, an identity, a system where young people could grow up Armenian outside the homeland. That generation did a great job. But then, there are those that have been numbed into a daily routine, and really don't have a clue how to contribute toward the Community anymore. Maybe it's a lack of leadership, I don't know. I like to look at those people doing nothing these days, but, with a passion to do something, as the "X-Factor" people in the Armenian Diaspora. Igniting their Armenian passion can lead to some interesting things. Just look at the people on the "other side" of this log for inspiration.

Last night, I went to Sepal in Watertown. It's a nice Middle Eastern restaurant around the corner from the Hairenik Building and down the street from the ACEC. The walk down Bigelow street on a Friday night is pretty cool as you've got the Greek church on your right, a Protestant Armenian church on your left, an Armenian Apostolic Church on the "Artsakh Street" sidestreet on your right, some apartments on your left as you walk down further, a sportsbar "Donohues" on the right and finally, the Hairenik building at the end of the street. The street is usually quiet, but active. Armenians coming in and out of the Hairenik building or parking in a parking lot and popping into the Armenian Cultural Center around the block is a familiar scene and an endearing image for those who are not from the Boston area. Or, if you are in your 40's and 50's and want to get lung cancer, pop into the "Gentron" and grab some kebab, drink some beer, and play backgammon in the smoky filled room.

But, back to Sepal. On Friday nights, it's not packed and you can actually sit and talk comfortably. I met with two Armenian friends of mine who have passions in different areas of life. One is an expert photographer and the other is a passionate music fan and writer among other things. Both are in their early 40's. The photographer contributed toward the upcoming Gor album by volunteering his time and resources to do a photo shoot of Gor. We've been working together on this project for about a year and last night I had the opportunity to hand him the finished product. It was a nice moment finally seeing what we had worked on for so long. The photographer is fairly well known around these parts and is very active in the Armenian community. My other long time friend is someone I've just reconnected with. I've asked him to produce an album for Pomegranate in 2004. Knowing his meticulousness and understanding of fine music, he has presented an absolutely amazing choice of an artist which will be featured on our label. The choice is a slight departure from our rule of only having our artists be from Armenia. But, more on this later. It's been interesting seeing his enthusiasm for the project grow as he gets more involved with it. Given the right resources, this guy is going to produce a world class album because so many of his musical passions have been ignited along with his love of Armenia. There are so many of these people out there. Grab them, and get them involved.

A snapshot of a typical Friday night in Watertown, MA.