System Show in Massachusetts

My wife and I just got back from the System of a Down show in Worcester, MA with opening acts Bad Acid Trip (didn't see them) and The Mars Volta (Saw Them). Arsineh has already gone into detail with great pics from the other shows in the past. Being a casual SOAD fan only because they were Armenian during their first album, my appreciation for their music grew with Toxicity. Then, Steal This Disc, and now Mezmerize. I didn't feel like driving to Worcester, MA tonight, but since I had the tickets, we went. Killer show, one of the best I've ever seen. In fact, I can't remember a concert so intense from start to finish. I am afraid that everything I write from this point on will be cliched, so, I will just stop here. I've seen a lot of shows, this ranks up in the Top 3 all time, any genre. Forget the Armenian connection, this was about music.

While there at the concert, I ran into about a dozen Armenians. I knew some, and others I met for the first time. I stopped by the ANCA (Armenian National Committee) table manned by Arin Gregorian and Christine Arvangian. They were getting people to sign Armenian Genocide related petitions and there was a Dennis Hastert letter in there somewhere. Amazingly enough, Arin said that he had more people sign the petitions at this one concert than 4 years at AYF Olympics combined. Glad all four Diasporan Armenian members of System of a Down are teaming up with the ANCA to educate the throngs of non-Armenians at the concert (over 6000) about Armenian issues. The ANCA table was right next to the Axis of Justice table. Both tables were full with interested people.

Blog Wars, The Diaspora, and the Outside Perspective, Part One

I know a lot of people read these blogs here on cilicia.com. Probably more so than any other Armenian blog out there. So, I'd like to put aside the seemingly frivolous album cover chatter and Pomegranate Music propaganda for a minute and bring up a few subjects I've been perplexed about over the last few months. Please feel free to comment, and please, have the KNATAGS to use your real name. The anonymous stuff is pretty weak. I can't even take the comments seriously. Bring something to the table, and put your name behind it.

As I prepare for my annual trip to Armenia next month, this time representing www.yerazart.org, (last year, the Tufenkian Foundation) I've almost coincidentally been an active participant in various Armenian related blogs across the WWW. So, Armenia is on my brain as of late, aside from the music stuff. Quite frankly, I am almost in shock as to the content I have encountered. Please refer to the end of my blog for a taste of what I am taking about. More to come in future blogs. However, today, I had the pleasure of driving some of my absolute closest friends to the airport on their way to Armenia- Baykar and Narine Dervishian. Baykar was born here and this is his first time to Hayastan. I have been after him for four years to go, and, now with his Hayastansi via Glendale wife of one year (she has lived here for 17 years), they are on their way. For Narine, it is her first trip back in over 17 years. They were both nervous, but, excited. Also, another bunch of my close friends (including the co-best man at my wedding, Josh Tevekelian) are heading to Armenia as well. In fact, they should be there right now at the airport in Yerevan. For one of them, Shant, it is his first visit to Armenia. The other, Bolo, has been, but, it has been a while since he last visited. 1993, if I am not mistaken. I've known these guys since I was 12 or 13 and met two of them at AYF Seminar (and ARF organization). Josh, I met at Camp Hayastan (another ARF affiliated cultural entity).

The other night I saw an acquaintance (Lucine)I met through Baykar and Narine at the couple's home a few days back where she just came back from Armenia. It was her first time there since she left Armenia in 1992. So, Hayastansis going back for the first time since they left, American Armenians who are going for the first time, and a few of us going for the umteenth time to do whatever we do. It is really amazing to see how deep, and rich our Diaspora is. And, amazing in other ways to see how focused and preserved the Armenian identity is here in the States ( and globally, for that matter) with the will to WANT to go to a place that has been outlined in our dreams, stories from forefathers, and from friends.

So, from my perspective in Boston, with friends living all over the US, I see an increased interest in visiting Armenia. Additionally, the number of youth programs spanning the AGBU to ARF to the ACYOA and beyond, young professional groups, and professional organizations with Armenian non profit organizations mobilizing to become active and productive focusing on Armenia directly, it is something I have never witnessed in my over 20 years of various activism in the Armenian community. This isn't even mentioning the number of Diasporan Armenians that have said goodbye to their comfortable salaries here in the US, and moved to Armenia to seek personal, community, or professional clarity. In almost all cases, the drive to go to Armenia is twofold, to see the homeland first, and then to ask what they can do to help.

What is amazing to me, is in perusing the Blogs on our vast WWW, the amount of negativity, baseless Diasporan bashing, and clear misunderstanding that is out there. I will detail in forthcoming logs the Blogs I feel that are questionable in their content, information sharing, and general intent. In closing, I will say that there are more than 3 million Diasporans out there, including those who left Armenia in the last 15 years who are now Diasporans. There is a lot of history, pain, cultural loss, and positive productive activity out there that many people may not be aware of from places such as (let's just pick a random place, for example), Vermont.

Basing the Diaspora on a few or many encounters in Yerevan at Cafe's and Restaurants (and, of course, there is nothing wrong with that, is there?) certainly does not sum up the Diasporan Experience and their ability or desire to work in tandem with their Hayastansi counterparts in Armenia. In fact, my encounters with well-intentioned, very polite, and downright incredible non-Armenians in Armenia and here in the States who "adopt" Armenia as a place to study, live in, or find themselves within, has puzzled me as to what their motivation is to be among us. I continue to ask myself, and now the readers of this blog, what is the draw to our culture. And in some cases, I am truly stumped at the generalization put in print or via blogs by our Odar friends and foes. Or, just the misinformed.

Let me give you one example of a Blog that has captured my infamous fancy. www.blogrel.com Let's leave it at that for now, get some of your comments, and then next time I'll pick up and develop my ideas a little further. Basically, what I am asking, is how do Armenians (Diaspora or otherwise) feel about things mentioned about us from the outside perspective. Do you feel they have sufficient information to make value judgements on our Experience? I am not judging, just asking.

Lastly, let me give you a quick taste of an Anti-Armenian comment made by some unknown guy in Cleveland, OH named Tim Russo. I won't dignify publicizing his website, however, here is a quote from the guy.

"And here is where I will now piss off both my Armenian and Jewish friends. Both diasporas have a hardline element, which spend a great deal of time, money and effort stunting the growth of each homeland by forcing their vision of their pet issue on its politics. For Armenians, it is the struggle with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. For Israel, it is the settlements. Both are ethnic homeland arguments that eclipse every other issue.

The effect of following a diasporan-reinforced Karabakh hardline in Armenia has been the utter destruction of the country's democracy, the isolation of Armenia's economy, geopolitical paralysis in the region...you name it. The effect of a diasporan led Israeli settlements hardline? Where would you like me to begin?

When I was in Armenia, it broke my heart to watch a country with such potential simply rot because American hardliners played out their political pet peaves on the backs of average Armenians. Diasporans who (a) weren't born there, (b) wouldn't even live there, (c) would eventually come back to the states and sit in their air-conditioned SoCal living rooms surrounded by their Armenian trinkets, stroke this carefully quilted version of their ethnic destiny at an incredibly high cost...a cost they themselves never actually pay. But it wasn't really my problem."

Or, in a seemingly out of place blog on his experience in Armenia, he retreats to reminicing about his "good ol days" in Armenia. Play close attention to the innuendo between "civilized Europe" and the "animals" comment.

Tim Russo again says,

"So imagine you are a new arrival in Armenia, you just flew in from some civilized place in Europe, bright-eyed and bushy tailed, fresh on the ground to help save the world with some international aid organization, looking to make a good impression on your new co-workers. Said co-workers pick your jet-lagged body up at the airport, and instead of sensibly taking you home to bed at 1 a.m. they throw you into a party with a bunch of drunk animals dancing in a circle shoving liquor down their throats. Somehow, it seemed as appropriate a welcome to Armenia as anything."

Here is Tim Russo's email address, tjrusso@gmail.com

I personally and openly challenge Tim Russo to fly to Boston next year to attend an April 24th commemoration here in Boston or New York. I will introduce him to Armenian Genocide survivors. Then, after that, he wants to talk about a "price to pay", I will listen. Lastly, I openly wonder (and strongly doubt)if Tim Russo has been to Karabagh and met the Armenian residents who were attacked via missle and grenade launchers from Shushi and had to defend their land. Not to preserve an identity, but, merely to survive.

System on Tour

Another spinning 48 hours of Systemania. I drove down with a fellow ANCA volunteer to Hampton, Virginia (the absolute Southeastern tip of Virginia... 3 hours away from my house) to man the ANCA booth at System's show. All worth it since we got to watch their entire set from backstage. Well worth it.

Three hours of sleep and a full day of work later, a much larger group of us headed for Baltimore, Maryland (1 hour North) for their next show. This time, others worked the booth while I came with camera in hand. Taking photos at these shows is much more stressful than I realize when out of the moment, but last night, I don't even remember listening to the first three songs because I was taking photos. That's a shame, but I still enjoy it through that perspective that few get to experience. Anyway, here are the photos from the show. Needless to say, they rocked the house!

Their follow up album "Hypnotize" to their 2 disc set will be out in November. Their success may be unpredictable and bizarre, but there is no doubt that System has made their mark in music history. I hope everyone is enjoying it as much as I am. You can see all my photos from this show at http://www.digitalrailroad.net/Arsineh.

Worst Armenian CD Cover Nomination #7

The name of the album is "Top 10 of Rabiz, Volume 1", with the artist eventually disclosed as Grisha Aghakhanyan. I was very torn on putting this on the Nomination list because I actually think this is a great album from several points of view. Back in the late 1990's, a disturbing and absolutely hysterical album hit the Armenian market in cassette format in the name of our Nominee. I remember picking up the cassette for about a buck from some street vendor. At first, I dismissed it. But then, upon closer listen it became very clear that this was a comedy/parody album and I got the punchline/joke. I thought the album at the time was fresh, clever, and completely unique pushing forward the Rabiz culture (which I do not mind at all) in the faces of contemporary culture. In fact, if I were to compile list of the most influential Armenian albums of all time, this one would be on it. No kidding.

So, given the spirit of the album being comedic, I was conflicted to put this one out there. Since the other albums were actually earnest attempts are creating meaningful music with badly calculated images, it deserves our good natured chuckle. However, given that Grisha actually was playing a "role", the cover can be taken within the context of the joke. In any case, if people were to see the album cover and not get the joke, they would stop and stare at this utterly bizzare third world squatter in black pants, no shirt, and gold chains looking every bit the thug.

Anyway, here it is for you to debate amongst yourselves. Enjoy.

Pomegranate Music, Armenian Music, and iTunes

I've had a few emails asking me if music from the Pomegranate Music catalog is available in digital format. (Brace yourself, infomercial ahead!) Well, the answer is yes. All of our CD's are available on over 27 different digital distribution companies, the most high profile being Apple's iTunes. The Apple iTunes distribution spans the UK and Japan, as well as North America. The only one that is not available for digital download in our collection is Hover Chamber Choir's "Armenian Voices". If you don't care about liner notes and packaging and just want the raw music, you can't beat this method of downloading to your iPod or any other MP3 device. The best part is the cost, which doesn't top $10 per album. Apple keep 40%, CD Baby keeps 10%, and the rest is split between Pomegranate and the artist. If you are not sure which music to buy, iTunes has the "Pomegranate Music iTunes Armenian Music Mix" now featured. Anyway, just another option to try home made Armenian music recorded on location in Armenia (except Iakovos Kolanian's Shoror, which was recorded in Athens, Greece)

I recieved an email from Lilit Pipoyan today and hopefully she will ready to start recording soon in 2005. A few setbacks have delayed the recording process, but, she is one amazing person to watch out for in 2006. I also have a trip Armenia planned for September ( next month) sometime to work on a project for a non-profit organization dedicated to funding young Armenian musicians play music in Armenia. I would be working in a consultant capacity for this trip only. After I get back, I will detail things regarding the scope of my involvement with them. Last year I was hired by the Tufenkian Foundation to produce our Karabagh CD.

Over on my Armenian Music Review Blogspot, the next three reviews (new reviews every Tuesday) will include BBR-Bambir, Armenian Navy Band- Natural Seeds, Vardan Ovsepian- Akunc, and the best Aram Khachaturian CD on the market. One of these titles will get a rare 4 star review from me. Stop and by and find out every Tuesday.

And, if you are at work, and want to listen to Armenian tunes with a dash of international electicism thrown in for good measure, www.pomegranateradio.com Live, free webstreaming music 24/7.

I now return you back to your regularly scheduled program.

Worst Armenian CD (Back) Cover Nominee #6

I ran into this one while reading another blog. The person who posted it left a link to a website where I found the artist, Noem Movsesyan and this incredulous Ralph Maccio/Karate Kid style back tray cover. I cannot take credit for finding this piece of work (Katy Pierce wins that prize). But, I like to share, and here are the spoils. The album is called "Strange Eyes". The artist is Noem Movsesyan. His website is www.noem.am Thanks again, Katy Pierce. You can't stop the bad Armenian CD cover cop. This guy has been arrested.

When you go to Noem's website, you will see an interesting phenominon. The internet and marketing company, www.abide.am has actually done a great job in giving artists an internet website presence. There are a bunch of Hayastansi artists there to choose from. There are bios, internet chat times with some artists, prize giveaways. It seems to be following the Russian and American model of marketing. Cheap, overkill, and somewhat effective. You be the judge.

On a more grounded note, I have a meeting this Friday with a couple of very established local Armenian-Americans who have started a non-profit company aimed at developing Armenian musical and artistic talent from the ground up in Hayastan. The idea is to train them there by giving them funding and then when they are ready to hit the international stage, support them from that point on. Instead of letting talent get wasted, supervise their growth through funding and expert teaching. Then, set up concerts and exibitions here in the States and in Europe. It's an idea for now, but, I look forward to hearing how it can work. I may be playing a small or large role in the organization in the future. That's what the meeting is partly about on Friday. I have been looking to shift into a non-profit/NGO mode with Armenia in mind. Let's see how it goes.

Turk smuggling old books case

I've been wondering lately why Armenia is getting so much heat for this case. When I first read about it, my initial reaction was the opposite... the Turks are trying to sneak out old books and documents to use against us, or smuggle as they have been accused of. This measure of allowing them to access our archives is important, as they should allow us to freely access their's as well (which despite their claims that their's are open, that is not the case and you can ask Hilmar Keiser or Ara Sarafian). But the idea of them smuggling this stuff out of Armenia scares me.

In the news, the criticisms have all been directed at Armenia for having a "rediculous" law that no one knows about. Even Bob Dole sent a plea to Kocharian to release the Turk. Now the plot thickens as the trial proceeds. This guy is pleading guilty for smuggling. I'm sure there is SOOO much more to this story than I know or can follow from accross the world, but I'm interested in someone else's input with a more indepth analysis. I'm not saying I fall on a side, but why is Armenia getting so much heat for something that I frankly agree with. I don't like the idea of a Turk smuggling 300 year old books out of Armenia, even if he didn't know about the law. Is it just the type of treatment he is getting for the crime being extreme? That would be a different issue.

Kermess in Montreal

It was a brief weekend, but well worth it. I caught the late flight out of Washington for Montreal Friday night and was greeted by 2 of my good friends from Montreal, Perouz and Apo. Though I arrived after midnight, we still made time to go out for drinks and catch up. Apo was the face I saw every day for two years and I haven't seen him since January. Now he is running for parliament up in Quebec. My how we grow.

Anyway, it was a much needed break from the mundane life. I may have discovered a growing addiction in me to travel internationally. I have a thing for being in airports with signs in foreign languages. Might have to do with nostalgia or association with trips to Armenia. Who knows, but I dig it.

All of Saturday was spent eating. We got up and went to grab some croissants to eat at the apartment. Then we left to meet with others for crepes and hot chocolate (you read me... hot chocolate on a hot summer day). Then we met with another friend for coffee. Then we parted ways to get ready for Kermess... where we grabbed more food. I ran into some friends, old and new, local and international... some I recognized, some not at all. The furthest friend came in from LA. The oldest was someone I used to work with at the Armenian Weekly whom I barely recognized. He lost half his weight and shaved his beard... he had to tell me his name. It was a great new experience. I was slightly out of it because we had been eating all day and I wore the wrong shoes, but it was fun none the less.

The next morning was a quiet morning before I headed for the airport... and then the mess began. My flight was delayed... and delayed... and delayed... and finally cancelled, as I was scheduled to connect through New York, which was experiencing flash thunder storms. Better safe than sorry. I met a nice guy on the same flight and we decided to head back to town with my friends and enjoy another night in Montreal. We were, of course, led by our stomachs and grabbed more food. And then we caught an incredible French movie "C.R.A.Z.Y." which had me reading subtitles for 2 hours. Well worth it, what a great movie.

First flight in the morning had my name on it. Soon enough I was in DC again and rushing home to change and get to work. I tell you, this is a bad way to start a week... I NEED my Sunday wind-down time. Next week will be similar. The first System show is on Sunday night in Southern Virginia (2 hours away) and the second show is Monday night in Baltimore (1 hour away), so I'll be cranky all week. Can't wait to have a nice boring, sleep-filled weekend for once... Olympics is around the corner. Fat chance.

Anyway, more photos on the way with all the new events. Check out more photos from Kermess: www.digitalrailroad.net/Arsineh (fyi, you can't link websites from Macs. Why is that? So annoying!)

Worst Armenian CD Cover Nominee #5

Another Parseghian Records special. Quite simply put, are you ready to Tanqueray with this fellow? Or, how about hopping into the front seat of his DeLorean? The artist is Andranik Khatcherian and the album is called "Anidzvets Eem Doone" I don't know what Anidzvets means, but, Eem Doone means "In my house". I want to point out a couple of things. First, this guy is middle aged. Second, he has sunglasses on. But, it's not that he has sunglasses on, it's the way he is gesturing to them as if he is going to take them off to check you out. Third, the whole white suit collar being up 80's style is pretty scary. You put it all together and add the title of the album and you have a pretty funky scenario all on a CD cover. How these CD covers pass quality control over at Parsehgian Records (which always has their logo take up half the CD cover) is beyond me. Or, maybe they don't have quality control over there? Anyway, here you go, our Worst Album Cover search continues with the prize being a gift certificate for one hair cut at Super Cuts.

Out of Hybernation

I'M FREE!!! I've been hiding out in my cave the last couple weeks preparing the massive 250 page Ad Book for AYF Olympics and have officially decided I'm never doing that again. I have slept a total of 2-3 hours each night for the past few days and that's enough of that. But I can't WAIT 'til Olympics. I'm going to avoid the discussion on Armenian musicians, but I'm pumped for the diva herself... NUNE!

So where are things? As I said before, I'm going to Montreal, and I'll tell you, I'm looking forward dusting off the passport again. I haven't been outside these borders since the election and I can't wait to chill with my Quebecoi friends.

With regards to the Vanity Fair article, things are quiet on the media front since last week, which is annoying. But I'm excited to sit and watch the story unfold. Sibel seems to be the type who wont just fade away.

System's tour is in motion, along with the ANCA booth and I hear it's going very well. I'm officially ready for "Hypnotize" as I have worn out "Mezmerize" beyond reason. Seriously, I could perform the songs myself at this point.

But back to the Ad Book, the process of creating this thing brings with it an experience like no other. I did this in Boston a few years ago as well and it has opened me up to a very emotional aspect of the Armenian communities that few people really get to see. Allow me to explain. The Ad Book is not just a book of ads for businesses, though it has those as well. People often buy ad space in support of the AYF for the games, placing messages of well wishes, etc. Many put messages in memory of loved ones, many introduce their children to the communities with photos. Many place a political or educational message, some people are just silly... and I do have a personal favorite that had me laughing for days a couple years ago.

So this 250 page book of messages not only allows you to get to know the community, it also exposes people's love for their families, community, and happy memories. It's amazing to me what this organization has done over the last 72 years to bring Armenians from all over the world together. We had an ad placed from a family living in Singapore, another with a photo of their family that had so many people it barely fit on the page without turning everyone into a dot, another of a group of guys from DC who all moved and live in LA together, and continue to maintain loyalty to each other for over 20 years after meeting through the AYF and travelling the world together. It's times like these I start to embrace our community despite all the things wrong with it. No collective group of people is flawless. The same problems will always surface. But I truly believe that few communities have such large intricatly woven networks of people where a common passion bonds EVERYONE involved. I realize I am such an emotional sap. But it can make the world so much more interesting.

Worst Armenian CD Cover Nomination #4

LA Armenians can only gasp when they see the Worst Armenian CD Cover Nominee #5. The artist is the incomparable Robert Chilingirian and the name of the album is "New York Style". Remember, we are just commenting on the album cover, and not the person. In this latest masterpiece, we have Robert looking very tough, New York Style, of course. Please note the mullett that has been out of style since the late 1980's (Armenian Pop artists are usually about 8 years behind the curve). Also, please check out our hero's tough-guy chains around his neck. This is classic stuff. we have 5 more to go, and then an open internet vote that will take about 1 month to determine the winner. The internet winner will get a gift certificate to "Super Cuts".

THE ARMENIAN DOT COM



About an hour ago, I had a chance to speak to a friend of mine who is going to be performing a live show about his experiences as an Armenian talk show host in Glendale. I plan to bring him to Boston in January 2006, when the show will be ready to tour. To get a quick view of his website, please check out www.thearmenian.com Stepan Partamian just got back from his first trip to Armenia and will be incorporating his experience there into this one man show. Many in Glendale, CA know who he is and apparently he is quite the controversial figure. I had a chance to be on the set of his show there on Glenoaks Blvd when I was on tour with Iakovos Kolanian this past spring.

Stepan knows everyone and everyone knows Stepan. He likes to "Bash Dem" (Armenians) and often engages in contentious banter on the airwaves. He took us around to a few of the "National Monuments" for the Armenian people, Glendale's own Conrads Restaurant and Carousel Restaurant- where about 60% of the clientele were Armenian on the days we were there. Not a white shirt in the crowd in a sea of designer black shirts and jeans. The Armenian Gadfly, as I like to call him.

Worst Armenian CD Cover Nomination #3

Here you go folks, Worst Armenian CD Cover Nomination #3- Rich and Connie Shelengian are the artists, the name of the CD is called, "Oud Vibrations". Remember, we are just poking fun at the cover, not the music or the actual people. The music is pretty good, actually. Also, keep in mind that part of the nomination process includes not only the album cover design, but the accompanying title to the music. In this case, it is "Oud Vibrations". www.cdbaby.com/shelengian if anyone is interested.

Housing and the Worst Armenian CD Cover Nominee #2

Is it me, or can I not see the sexy bitch factor in Paul Baghdadlian here on the left. The Worst Armenian CD Cover Nominee #2 is now up with some more reviews on my new blog, Armenian Music Review
Pure Parseghian Records. New Reviews every Tuesday, new Worst Armenian CD Covers every Sunday.

I continue to find the issue of housing in Armenia fascinating and particularly enjoyed Der Hova's log as well as Onnik Krikorian, Raffi Kojian, etc comments string. As a Diasporan who visits about once a year, I am always surprised to find so much activity in the real estate sector upon my visit. The build up is really amazing to see. Since I have some close friends that live in Armenia and Diaporans who visit often and have purchased property there over the years, it seems only natural that there is a new housing boom. The fact that there are displaced residents and people who can't afford to buy a place in Armenia seems to be a somewhat universal problem. But, since jobs are so scarce, traditional mortgages don't exist on a widespread scale, and a wide divide between rich and poor in Armenia, it seems to be an uphill battle for any resident to own. And, in many cases, for Diasporans since they have to put down cash in full to purchase. However, I thought that under the Soviet system, every family was assigned an apartment (sometimes two, with dacha's). Thus, in theory, everyone once owned an apartment converted into a condo, overnight. Obviously, times got very tough and people were forced to sell cheap to leave Armenia and find their future elsewhere, etc. So, I really don't have a full grasp on issues that are local to Armenia, or just real estate growing pains, inflation, and housing booms that have hit many areas of the world. To be sure, you can't buy a $20,000 condo in downtown Yerevan anymore with a fully renovated home and all the latest bells and whistles like you could 5 years ago. Those who did certainly risked losing their investment during times that were not as prosperous, took a chance and made a great choice.

My wife and I want to live in San Francisco at some point in our lives. While on vacation there this past year, we decided to look at some 1 and 2 bedroom condos in the city. They start at around $600K and move up from there. We won't be moving there anywhere soon and would have to rent in the Bay Area.

Yesterday, on a beautiful Saturday in Boston, we decided to go with a broker and look for places in Boston to maybe upgrade from our own 1 bedroom condo in Dorchester ( a section of Boston). Two bedroom condos in Dorchester (a rough, but, up and coming artsy multicultural area of Boston) start at around $300K in one of those triple decker deals. Mind you, Dorchester is no Back Bay, South End, or Brookline. It is one of the toughest areas of the city, however there is a rush of investment and gentrification going on here. So, we have to stay put for now, even though our place has gone up about 25% in one year.

The New Armenian Music Review Blog Is Up

Hi Folks,

I have posted my first three reviews on my new Armenian CD review blog Armenian Music Review Here is a taste of it with others to follow. I have a back catalog of about 30 reviews I have stored on my computer that I have kept for this blog. Comments are welcome as I will be modifying the format based on the reader requests/feedback. We are looking for reviewers that can write 200-300 work critiques of Armenian Music CD's. I am particularly interested in reviews from lesser represented Armenian genres such as rap, metal, punk, and music made in Armenia. And then, there are the more pop, classical, and mainstream stuff, etc. The ultimate goal is to create a resource so your help will be needed. You can email me if you are interested. I have also added the first nomination of the Worst Armenian CD album cover Award. We will have 10 nominations, and crown a winner in November 2005. The winner will be chosen via an online internet vote. Please send me your nominations in the form of a GIFF or JPEG along with why you think it is funny.

I finally read the Vanity Fair article on Sibel Edmonds today and "Denny Boy" (Scumbag Dennis Hastert). Let's think of a way to collectively screw this guy politically with some grassroots action. The ANC usually does well with this stuff. Follow their lead. The best thing to do is the forward this story to everyone on your email lists and also email the story to all of your local newspapers to have them pick up this story and run with it. US News picked it up and hopefully it can find more legs.

The Interpreter

So many thoughts, not enough words. That's my reaction to the Vanity Fair article. Here's a brief overview for those who don't have time to read through the incredible 10 page article of this woman's story.

If anybody ever saw the movie "The Interpreter" with Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn, some of you may have asked the question my sister raised, "Why hasn't this happened for us?" The storyline was this. A UN interpretor returned to her booth to gather her things after hours when she overheard through headphones a secret conversation on the floor. She decided to report it for futher investigation. The response was to shut her up before opening a can of worms.

Well it seems to be exactly what happened in this article. Sebil, an Iranian born Turkish woman (I guess she might be half Azeri), came to America for its freedom and found something completely different. She started translating wiretap recordings for the FBI from Turkish. Another Turkish woman was hired to do the same, but apparently this other womans relationship with the American Turkish Council (ATC) was concealed in her background check because she was very involved with them.

So the other woman was pushing to have specific lines assigned to her, specifically the Turkish Embassy. The request was granted. At this point, she was free to decide which recordings were passed along to be investigated... which were "pertinent." Many tapes from the Turkish Embassy were marked as "not pertinent."

Sibel looked into it herself and listened to the tapes herself, finding discussions of "Denny Boy's" (US House Speaker Dennis Hastert) price to block the genocide resolution in 2000. She decided to go up the ladder within the FBI, and threatened along the way. Her family in Turkey decided to fly to DC to stay with her in fear of threats they received from the Turkish government... obviously.

So as she continued to dig, she put her situation at risk and was fired from the FBI. Sibel decided to take legal action, but the second she attempted to do so, Ashcroft slapped the term "states secrets privelege" citing that the case poses as a national security threat.

Sibel is now represtented by lawyers at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and is taking her case to the Supreme Court. She has also reached out to other "whistle-blowers" to create a coalition. Not noted in the article, but reported on the US News & World Report website, they will begin an ad campaign "targeting government officials who have allegedly endangered national security. The newspaper ads, which could be launched as early as two months from now, would name officials, their titles, their salaries, where they work, and their alleged or documented wrongdoing, says Edmonds."

SOOOO to wrap up, what does this mean for us? It seems that this may be exposed as a bigger issue of corruption within Congress, FBI, etc. and as the Armenian genocide issue is at the root of the issue, that subject will be carried with it. Already the few news organization who have covered the story have all gone into the genocide resolution, which is interesting because there is no solid evidence that Hastert actually was paid off. However, enough is out there to scream and shout corruption that it deserves further investigation. What this ALSO does for us is completely destroy Turkey's credibility in their argument against genocide, make it harder for them to conduct such campaigns, and throws another mark against them at a time when they are already under scrutiny for human rights reform for consideration of them joining the EU. It's TERRIBLE news for Turkey, but knowing the way of the US, unfortunately the reality may be that Hastert gets away with it, just knowing how things happen in this government. If DeLay, Carl Rove, and the endless list of corrupt officials in this government (and it ain't a Democrat vs. Republican thing, Cong. Wexler (D-FL) is just as dirty and paid off by the Turks as Hastert I'm sure) have walked away from their scandals, it's entirely possible Hastert will do the same, especially since his voice was not recorded. But an investigation might bring light to the whole thing.

ANYWAY, I really recommend picking up a copy if your eyes are hurting from reading that poor quality PDF. It's such a fascinating story, and inspiring at that. This Sibel Edmonds woman seems to have really stood a solid ground against the worst. She must be one fearless and determined woman to pursue this.

And for those of you who might be asking the question in your heads, as far as I know, the ANCA, Armenian community, everyone I know of, learned of the whole story when Vanity Fair hit the stands. No one I know had anything to do with it.... which makes it all the more fascinating.

Will report developments as they come.

Vanity Fair article: Turks Boasted of Payments to Hastert

MUST READ!!!!!!!!!!

http://pogoblog.typepad.com/pogo/files/vanityfair_clean.pdf

or

vanityfair_clean.pdf

Oh My!

What a fricking day!

I finally found the sparks I have been in need of to fuel my mundane Armenian life lately. It came from a few unexpected and somewhat familiar sources. The first was a good old fashioned debate on the GlendaleChick blog Raffi Kojian has referenced on the other side. The dialog begins on her "The Daddy Syndrome" and continues in the comments section. Nothing like a little debatin' to get the blood pumping. I definately recommend the log to those who want a fresh perspective or Los Armenos. And, in some logs, even more expanded borders. Highly entertaining. The other blog I highly recommend is the One World http://www.oneworld.am/blog/ It's got great interviews and thoughtful commentary and photos on contemporary Armenian issues. These blogs are popping up everywhere. But, these two are the best for various reasons.

The other blog news is that later this month, I will be launching an all Armenian Music blog. It will be limited to CD reviews of Armenian Music CD's with star ratings. I will eventually catalog all of these and create a database of these reviews to be used as a reference for people who want a little direction on what to spend their hard earned money on. It will have a star rating system between Zero and 4. Hopefully, it can be a forum where people can some useful info. However, artists beware, I am a tough reviewer and any and all crappy CD packaging/stupid lyrics/and general BS that people don't know about when they crack open a $15 CD bought from your local Glendale grocery will be exposed! However, more importantly, I want to bring out the great stuff out there that doesn't get discussed often enough. Finally, I want to start a dialogue and exchange between local Armenian musicians and the Diaspora music enthusiasts by reviewing their local CD's as well. Let's see how it goes. Here is the new link...http://armenianmusicreview.blogspot.com . In addition to CD reviews, I will occaisionally have a special edition of the Worst Armenan Album/CD covers of all time. If you have candidates, please refer to the new blog link and send info as noted. A good reference point for bad album covers was established on this link http://porktornado.diaryland.com/albumcover.html This link is courtesy of Aram Hajian.

However, the real charge in the day was my conversation with singer/songwriter Gor Mkhitarian. The Pomegranate label will now be re-directing our focus and resources back on Gor in 2006 with a potential brand new recording in Armenian with some special guests people will enjoy hearing from. The plan is to combine our experiences and do a joint GorMusic/ Pomegranate Music production and have it recorded in Armenia. In a strange way, it kind of what I hoped for when we began working together about 4 years ago- to have each other work on equal footing. By overcoming some initial cultural misunderstandings on both ends, I think my own Hayastansi- Diasporan bridge has finally been built solidly in this artist/label relationship.

To my extreme surprise, in a parallel project, Gor sent me a rough draft of his first fully developed English language song set to the tune "Yeraz" with guest artist Oud Master John Berberian in his first potential appearance on a record in over 20 years. The result is electric and completely shocking. Gor's knowledge and English language speaking skills have improved dramatically, however it remained to be seen (or heard) how it would translate into song. The Vanazor Kid pulled it off and look for this English language indy-pop record to be released sometime next year. I think it has the potential to turn some heads. That one will be a Gor Music project. So far the single is called "Memory of a Breakdown"

We are hammering out a Boston date for Gor to perform in September/October in addition to his New York show at CODA in August. GorMusic.com for info on the NYC show.

My CD pick of the month is Arthur Ispirian's "Asum Em Te". Very smooth sound and great production values.

The Oud Legends Series with John Berberian show is set for November 5th in Boston with special guest Ara Dinkjian (Night Ark). You can all the details on Pomegranate Music in the next few weeks.

Things are finally moving...

Inspirations

I went to visit someone pretty special last Saturday, someone who was a huge part of my childhood and teen years: my piano teacher, Ms. Petrossian. I started taking piano lessons when I was 7 and continued for 10 years. She was a world traveled single woman who lived through her students. She was also elderly when I started. But now seems to be the same spirited, young-at-heart burst of energy, despite some age inflicted health problems.

I started lessons with my older brother and sister, but I became the serious one about it. The others went off to college and I stuck with it until I went to college myself. I started composing songs when I was 15. They were nothing special, but my teacher seemed to love when I went to her with a new song.

I know it's a bit cliché, but she has always been a source of inspiration to me in how she perceives the world around her. It's very much the "gratitude for all your dreams that have come true" mentality that seems infectious around her. I hadn't seen her for 11 years and my mother suggested we visit her. So we did, and she passed on her uplifting outlook on life to me. Somehow, her words of wisdom managed to humble me. When I see a woman almost 3 times my age still teaching lessons and smiling like she's my age, things fall quickly into perspective.

Otherwise, I had a barbeque at my house on Sunday for the DC summer crowd (ANCA, Assembly, AYF). For once, the weather was somewhat tolerable to stand outside for more than moments at a time. It has been a seriously unbearable summer, and I can honestly say there hasn't been one single NICE day since May. But the other night was nice enough to sit outside at least.

Yergir Trakhdavayr?

Uremn, the heat continues. As you can see, it's 1pm and I am being a smart Armenian and staying indoors for another 3 hours! :) This is supposed to be trakhdavayr.. ... :)

So the weeks are passing quite quickly! It's already August, and there is only one more month left for my trip. That's right, I've decided that it is a better idea to go back to Cali for another year, and return when my house is ready. I didn't think it would be right to stay and give 90% of the money I make to rent. I will go back, take some classes at the university, and save some money for my furniture... this is better.

Someone told me about a new law that Armenia has regarding repatriates. The law says that each spyurkahye moving to Armenia, may bring a container (containing one car) and not pay the 30% VAT. This is a huge deal! Good job Armenia!!!!! They are actually encouraging people to move here. There is an expiration date to this kindness though... 2 years within your move. I think that's fair! I will definitely be using this.... A friend of mine is in the process currently, and although he said he is having some difficulty, he said that as more people do it, the customs/cargo people will become more accustomed to it.

Last week I opened a bank account in Armenia. It was a very interesting experience. I sat on Marshot #50 and headed down Mashdots to go to a bank that a friend referred me to. The task was simple.... to open a bank account. I found the bank and walked in, and told one of the teller girls, "Ouzoom em hashiv patsel." She said, "Inch desag hashiv?" I wanted to say, the kind you put money in (DUH)... but I held back. I said, "Inch desag account-ner unek?"
She said, "Fizikagan account ek uzum?" ... Not knowing that there are imaginary vs. physical accounts, I looked at her with a blank/frustrated look. She laughed (at my face-rudely), and asked the guy next to her.. "Hasganum es?" .... Yes, I was beginning to get a bit frustrated.

After repeating the above question/answer session with the guy, finally a man from behind a desk--behind the 2 tellers, approached me and helped me out. He explained to me the different kinds of accounts, all the terms, and everything I needed to know. Then as we sat in the conference room, he helped me fill out the 5 forms he had brought out with him. Very helpful man! Finally, he informed me that they needed 24 hours to validate all the information and that I should return tomorrow to receive details about my account. I returned and found the same 2 incompetant tellers staring at my face. Finally, my customer service king appeared and I was able to finalize my account. I have an account... with $0 in it. Hahahahahaha

Last night I experienced THE RUDEST taxi dispatcher. I've been calling this same company for many years now. The dispatcher during the daytime is so nice and courteous, but last night I called and another female picked up, I'm assuming she is the evening one. I told her we needed 5 taxis, and gave her the address. She told me.. that's not how you say the address. (Does it REALLY matter if u say the number or street first???) Then I tried to explain where it was, and she rudely interrupted and said.. "I didn't ask for directions". Thennnn I asked her, how long it will take and she said, just wait. (again, rude). I called back 10 min later to find out the status, as 25 people were waiting on the street, and she hung up on me. WHY??? Do they not need business? So I guess people shouldn't call ELITE TAXI at 544-222.. since they are tooooooo good to answer customer questions or deliver service. Needless to say, we changed our destination and walked to another restaurant... and I didn't even bother answering her phone call when her 5 taxis didn't find us.

But this is Hayasdan! And we still love it! :)

TSUH! :)~