Moving-crazy October

Bright sun today, in fact we had a very nice weather this October, + today’s Figaro Edition has special pages on the leitmotiv Official Year of Armenia!

Rather crazy weeks those past weeks… everything happening all together in a short time… lots of works and news for me, so here’s some stories for you !

Quickly about the famous law’s more or less pleasant suites : I wrote to France 3 (A national public TV channel) to express how shocked I was by a show supposed to be a debate on the subject. In fact it was a ridiculous swindle (clearly no debate, only those against the law had the opportunity to express themselves). I got an answer though : it wasn’t exactly answering to the point I raised (I guess that they couldn't answer anything for that), but it announced that another debate was to take place on the subject before the end of the year. So I wrote again, to repeat again the true problem and hoping that there would be a real debate next time. We never know if it can be useful somehow, so never hesitate, there’s a real need for raising our voice when we think we’re right. And the fight against the genocide denying is right.

Pleasant confirmation of this point in the new album of a French singer Tété (that’s his name – needless to say I recommend him). The back of his new album’s jacket (le sacre des lemmings) had that note “Ne jamais sous-estimer le pouvoir du déni” (never under-estimate the power of denying). Tété is on tour in France, already sold out for his December’s Paris date, but he’ll be back in April, where I’ll take my chance. Maybe I’ll write him too, it’s also important to say when you appreciate! :o))

Next can be titled : “haygagan kordz or lack of consideration ?” It’s about the lack of preparation in my town hall (where I work), for welcoming correctly the mayor of Artachat, the Armenian twin town of Clamart.
The Armenian assistant of the mayor simply came in my office one day at 12h00. He knows I’m Armenian and often ask me when some Armenians of Clamart have town planning questions. This time he asked me if I would be able to translate the meeting between the Mayor of Artachat (came from Armenia) and the mayor of Clamart, as the usual translator wasn’t available… The meeting was to take place the same day at 16h00.
“EH ? And you’re looking for a translator only NOW ?!”
With another Armenian colleague we passed some emergency phone calls and finally found someone able to translate correctly. But during this, when I imagined myself trying to translate eastern Armenian with my western Armenian, I felt very much ashamed for Artachat and, as for me, like the clown of a bad joke… was also rather angry against this miserable organisation…

CHENE … More delighting was the next day’s story when I met some members of the Chêne association, for a paper I had to do, again in emergency, for France-Arménie magazine (bi-mensual French magazine I sometimes work for). Chêne helps rural development in Armenia and Artsakh, and organises each year since 15 years, during a week end in december, a braderie for selling the haygagan products born thanks to this help, amongst over sales. One can find excellent Christmas gifts ideas at that braderie and the profits are reinvested in Armenia, everyone’s happy.
I keep a precise memory of the first time I learnt about the association, in december 2001 when I had to cover the annual braderie for Ayp.fm radio (at that time I used to work for the student’s show). When I presented myself that day, looking for Hovahness Kultcheyan, the president of Chene France at the time, he was just in front of me and immediately wanted to give me a dry apricot coming from one of the village they helped in Armenia, “asor ham@ naye aghtchigs” ! He was so proud of that product sold at the braderie… This man is pure dynamism and generosity, a rare combination. Since 2001 he’d always saluted me kindly at the braderie without really remembering who I am. I never had the opportunity to reminding it to him (always busy when I met him at the braderie, again needless to say I go there each year since 2001).
Anyway this time, aysinkn this month, I interviewed the 2 ladies of Chêne in charge of the traditional Armenian craft industry, for a focus on the special exposure they’ll organise this year (Official Year of Armenia) at the Samuel Moorat Mkhit' Varjaran of Sèvres (the annual braderie also takes place there every year). …
During their interview, the same Kultcheyan had to interrupt us for asking something to the ladies. We began discussing of this year’s event, and at the end he asked me when the magazine was to be published. This is where I manage to mention something that remind him 2001. The transformation of his face was really funny ! As if he re-discovered me and again was so happy of it ! :o)))

At that present moment, this re-discovering was also strange for me, because in 2001 when I met him, I’d just finished my studies and was looking for a job… and now I’m getting ready for changing job ! I’ll work for another town hall next January. So, on the work side, I’ll leave this town where I grew up personally and professionally. This ain’t nothing after nearly 5 years of work !
It’s a photo taken today (I had the office’s camera on me, for checking something in town). A nostalgic and sunny Autumn : I went to primary school in the building behind that car of the town hall. Ending of a period, for beginning something else.
Another confirmation that times are changing… (Tété sung that too !)

Last but not least, is my current subject of investigation for FA, discovered by my brother in his lost village of the center of France. He went to a concert of a bluesman musician who occurred to be nothing else than Armenian, of course, Gaspard Ossikian. Apparently a genius that already played with the bests in US (if someone knows about him, I’ll take the info!) Of course he talked with him a long time after the hamerk, and then my brother called me to ask if it could be a subject for FA. And of course it will ! I shall meet him soon if everything goes on like well.

Promising new horizons again !

Ecco, long text, but it’s a nice glimpse on the Autumn’s beginning here, definitely special October this year !

My Cousin Pte. Varant Sarmazian

My cousin, Pte. Varant Sarmazian of the Canadian Army giving an interview on CBC's "The National" from Kandahar, Afghanistan...

Wow..

Alright, I will confess: I simply forgot that I'm a blogger here. And of course, I remembered right now, as I try to write an assignment for my Judicial Institutions and Civil Procedure class, due tomorrow. ;)

Many many things to say.
First, a brief recap of the Armenia trip this past summer.
As I had mentioned, the AGBU project was a tremendous success, and my internship at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was great too. I definitely learned a lot, and can't wait to go back (probably not in 2007, though).

As for my impressions of Armenia, I won't go on for too long about them. I saw the same good most people see, and the same bad most people see. The bad angered me, but didn't discourage me. Every witnessed injustice is a motivation. I plan to put my education and career to good use, instead of using it as an excuse to run away from our problems.
If I am to draw one conclusion from my trip, it is simply the confirmation that our only salvation is through statehood. Any work we can undertake to strengthen this statehood is good. Anything that weakens it is, well, bad. Note that I am not talking about the government when I mention the State. I will not elaborate on my exact feelings about the government we currently have, but will just state that it is high time that we (the diaspora) participate in the development of an active civil society in Armenia, and not just in Turkey.

Turning to the community events chapter...
Hamazkayin's Ani Barakhump had a show on Sunday, which I went to. Speaking only of the second half (the first half were the youth dancers), I can't judge it artistically, because it was a sort of 'contemporary modern dance' choreography, of which I am not particularly a connaisseur. I must admit that I didn't quite understand what was happening, but it was a solid effort by the dancers, and generally a good (and much improved) technical performance. They also introduced great Jazz Gomidas music. Vartskernin gadar. They had a solid full house, as usual.

This weekend, it is our turn to have our show. On October 28 and 29, Garni Barakhump will perform at the Leonardo Da Vinci Hall in Saint-Léonard. I do believe that there are a few tickets left, so come support us if you're in town. I can guarantee that you will have a good time! Gotta love the pre-show excitement!

On Friday, November 3, the A.G.B.U. Scouting group that held the project at the S.O.S. Village will be hosting a presentation in A.G.B.U.'s Dervishian Hall at 7pm. There will be a short power-point presentation (which will be presented by yours truly), followed by a 40-minutish video of our time and work in Armenia. It should be rather interesting, and it would be a pleasure to have as many of you among us as possible. I'm a firm believer in this kind of youth-led projects, and I hope that they can receive wider support within the community.

Scouting is going strong yet again this year. We are now at 60 cub-scouts (that's the age 9-11 branch, of which I am one of the leaders). The commissionner for our district was at our gathering last week, and told us that we (the A.G.B.U. Scouting movement) are one of the two biggest groups in the province, the other one being......the Scouting movement of Sourp Hagop.
I'm hoping to hold at least a couple of joint events this year. Desnenk...

About the anthem: GREAT NEWS! Mer Hayrenik has its place in history, but we need a proud and arrogant anthem, which Khachaturyan's provides. Let us hope the lyrics will live up to the music. I disagree with the idea that the anthem should be something kindergarten kids can sing. We have "glorig mlorig shakar hats" for that. ;)

Adgé zad, life goes on. I am slowly becoming more comfortable in law school, and am head over heels in love with my Public International Law class. I'm also thinking of joining our university's chapter of Amnesty International, which is way too silent for my taste.

Oh, Tata is coming to town on November 10. Can't wait!

De lav,
Pari getsek,
Vrouyr

Mshagooyti Amis

It's October!!!! Somehow, it's always a great month for me... First of all, it's a month after school starts, so all the students start getting into the groove of our "system", and everything starts becoming a routine (which we LOVE in our classroom). Second, it's Armenian Cultural Month! All month long, we get to focus on and integrate Armenian Culture in everything we do! For example, today we learned about Martiros Saryan, looked at some of his paintings, and did some Saryan-esque watercoloring of our own! Friday is our big Armenian Culture celebration where we will eat khorovadz (or kabab), and bake fresh lavash, wear Armenian head-dresses, sing and dance!

Another reason why this month is GREAT, is because we get to set our clock back ... I think that's supposed to happen some time soon! Even though it'll be darker soon, it'll be a nice change to wake up to a brighter sky. :) (not to mention, sleep that extra hour!) haha

Ya sure... so there's this "pointless" holiday called Halloween at the end of the month, whose main motives are to destroy our health, diets, and teeth. AND..make us spend unnecessary amounts of money on decorations, costumes and candy! Good thing our school doesn't celebrate this so-called "holiday".

Oh ya, let me not forget to mention that this past weekend I went to the AGBU Arvest 2006 event at the Union Station in Downtown LA. I have to say I was quite impressed with the eclectic taste of art which was presented by various artists. It's so great to see how our culture and heritage influences us all, especially when it comes out so creatively! Of course, I didn't purchase one of the $100 tickets which included live performances, but rather went to the free open exhibit in the afternoon instead... Everyone I know who had gone to the evening "gala" event appreciated the art and performances.

Still working on my definite plans to move to Armenia this summer... We're going to start our non-profit which will be supporting the school we're opening, so if anyone can help us in that aspect, we'd REALLY appreciate it.

Other than that... I'm going to Armenia for the holidays :) (that shouldn't surprise anyone) haha

TSUH! :)~

The new step of France

Raffi's yesterday's post gave the prime news yesterday, and because of connexions problem i became a partially anonymous commentor yesterday (amot indzi!) ... Votchinch !

Just wanted to add :

Shafak and Dink have the opinion of the inside-Turkey ones that try to change things in another way : they're oppressed for their sayings but still try to deliver the message. It's very noble, and understandable.

But here in France, i don't think we'd had to take such a law if Turks didn't came mintchev hos for threatening french-armenians that only want to commemorate their deaths, and were followed by french authorities in this. The denying caused "troubles to public order", and it's nice that it won't be so easily tolerated.

Sad law for freedom of speech indeed, but remember that the same already exists in France since more than 20 years about Shoah's denying. Journalists here, even if supposed to be neutral, are rather agree with the fact that this law was useful despite of the freedom's hurt : it avoided us to see really embarrassing theories of some crazy minded people (embarassing for the one who listen).

With such a law for Armenian genocide we can hope to see the same disgusted feeling amongst non armenian ppl in front of denying actions...

Plus, we should never forget that this "criminalisation" of denying has a present and future utility : why does a Government should be afraid of genociding a ppl if he can deny it freely ? As a crime genocide IS never to be confessed ! So, even with proofs, if it's possible to genocide and deny without problem, why stop genociding ?

For the Armenian genocide, there's still much work to do, as long as medias will go on oppose the 2 versions of this fact.

But, just to motivate all of us for keep on the fight : since 2 weeks and for a change, the words of Chirac Hayasdanoum about genocide, this project of law, Armenian Genocide and Turkey's anger are equally often mentionned in France's medias. So that the Genocide is becoming more and more obvious for the World, as well as the unbearable attitude of Turkey more and more isolated.

Return to Blogging- CD Review

CD Review
By Raffi Meneshian
Winds of Passion: Divine Liturgy
Garni Records, 2006

The Divine Liturgy of the Armenian Church is considered the finest example of spiritual music from Armenia. Given its complex melodic structural range, immediacy, and compositional wholeness, it has often been considered the masterpiece composition from Armenian icon Komitas. The thought of even transcribing this essential work to any other instrument would be deemed madness. However, risk-taking and innovation are often words that are attributed to producer and Garni Records label owner Stepan Partamian, who commissioned the Divine Liturgy to be transcribed and recorded for a duduk quartet. Released in early 2006, this CD could be one of the most important Armenian recordings of the last decade.

Given the immense challenge put forth by producer Partamian, he tapped into one of his most reliable brands in the area of duduk work hiring the LA –based Winds of Passion duduk quartet, led by Ruben Harutyunyan. With all four members originally from Armenia, the Divine Liturgy was inherently part of their collective soul. The project took over 14 months to complete while Partamian embarked on a grassroots campaign by raising over $30,000 to pay for the expenses. Asked for his reaction to the music, the controversial producer said that “people who understand music will be blown away, while a more mainstream music fan won’t appreciate this”. In many ways, this is exactly how Partamian likes it. And, in almost all cases, he always presents a quality product. This generous DVD style booklet, liner notes, and photos are elegant and about as good as you get in the business.

In terms of the music, Ruben Harutyunyan has pulled off coup in transcribing this music for duduk. Given that the duduk is the most “Armenian” of all musical instruments, it also has an eerie resemblance with the human voice. The soulful lament and uncompromising dignity of the Armenian spirit shines throughout this recording. While some with astute listening skills may catch a note or two slightly off-key, the cohesiveness and smooth execution of the performance is truly astonishing. Credit players Vardan Harutyunyan, Grigor Harutyunyan, and Gevorg Karapetyan for following the lead of Ruben and creating an atmosphere of pure musical bliss from the first note until the last. Although it is recommended to listen to “Divine Liturgy” by Winds of Passion in one whole sitting, there are several abruptly standout tracks such as “Surb Surb” and “Amen Yeghitsi”. Winds of Passion have reached their artistic pinnacle with their rendition of the Armenian “Divine Liturgy”. The recording is destined to be a classic in any genre.

The State of the World

http://www.miniature-earth.com/

Choose a language and see the world on a smaller scale.

The show Yeraz is going on !

Yeraz is an Armenian danse troup founded 2000 in France (Alfortville) by Christina Galstian-Agoudjian, an ex-danser of the national ballet of Erevan who arrived in France in 1990 (if I’m not wrong), after the yergrasharj. The young dansers of the school are performing since years their first show “Parfums d’Arménie” and the success is only growing on, in France and all other the world ! For example last year they won the price of best troup danse at the Bulgarian festival of folkloric danses (where a dozen countries where represented)

I went to see them for the 3rd time last Saturday (with friends that never saw them before) but was still touched by their energic and graceful movements, and my friends adored too. I was also delighted to see a few changes in the show : evolution evolution great evolution ! To tell the truth Armenian danse for girls looked rather boring for me… until I saw Yeraz… this is where I understand all the interest of it. So sisters, sincerely sorry for my lack of interest and go on keeping the good work !

Anyway, it’s in the mean time traditional and innovating Armenian danse. An inspired creation telling our story in a very expressive way, we literally vibe with the dansers on stage and get out really enthousiast ! :o)
Christina has worked on theather with Simon Abkarian (one of the best actor I know) and in fact this is truly an aspect she works on totally. Respect of Armenian danse codes is still there though, cause twice a year they invite choregraphs from Armenia, just to “load” the last up-dated bases !

I advise you to go on their website for having an idea of their work, and you’ll understand why when you’ll learn that the husband of Christina is Antoine Agoudjian, a photograph that also has done great exhibitions this last year…

Enjoy !

Life's Simple Pleasures

Are we facing danger with Raffi warning of controversy (what could it be?) and did he say “more” controversy (meaning, there was old controversy – how Dynasty. lol). We are all anxiously awaiting your return (6 years – congratulations!). I am all about logging the things that make life worth living for those times we want to trade opinions on thought provoking subjects, a story that made a day great or, as I will do today, share with you one of my greatest pleasures in life.

So, shall we?

When you live in a walking city, it’s easy to get seduced by the shops you pass by….it’s really how I discovered Manhattan. Ercole at ABC Home and Carpet, John Derian Company, the flea markets, furniture restoration stores, fabric shops, and one of my absolute favorites, the endless culinary pleasures. Overhearing someone’s enthusiasm about a great book on the subway that you find just as thrilling really makes me feel like I get a new lease on life every time. Peculiar as it was, once I learned my way around, realized the worth of messenger bags, and accepted that for better or worse the corner deli was going to be my BFF (Best Friend Forever) it became more manageable. It was an extraordinary experience but I still don’t know what possesses most people to settle down there. So, back to LA.

In LA the word “drive” is always operative – we are a car culture, often fighting traffic on endless stretches of uninspiring freeways. We hear what the radio DJ’s and advertisers tell us we should read or watch. I can go days without really coming into contact with the insanity of strangers and turning back to check out something new I drove by is, well, not gonna happen. The problem? My little black book of “go-to” places is outdated so I’m not on top of things like where to get great late night sushi like I normally might be. But, today I feel like I made a little bit of headway.

I found myself at my good friend Alice’s apartment, and like inevitably always happens at her place, she lays out a spread for 10 when it’s just us. So pour some Prosecco and dig into the charcuterrie, crusty breads, and spreads when BANG…it was the toorshi (insert Armeniapedia.org link for toorshi here – anyone care to take a stab at it?). I say, “Alice, this toorshi is great. The kick it has is near perfect”. She turns in a nonchalant matter of fact way and says, “oh, it’s from the haygagan khanoot” pointing toward her courtyard which overlooks a deli on Glenoaks Blvd. I have driven by a great many times.

Needless to say we walked over and did some shopping. When you are like me and feel that contributions our Armenian ancestors have inevitably made to the development of our cuisine is far too underrepresented in the food world, it’s delightful to find a product like this. It allows me to imagine that the outcome was passed down through this family’s lineage and consequently part of our seemingly vague food history.

Most of what the grocery has is typical of what you would find at any of the Armenian Grocery Stores in the area – standard feta cheeses, deli meats, produce, and cassettes (wait, remember those?) but the hand pressed toorshi is really worth the trip so I wanted to share this food find with people who appreciate this sort of thing. It’s not like knowing the perfect sushi restaurant to go to at 2am if the need arises, but it’s a start.

Raffi’s Market, North Side of Glenoaks Blvd., One block east of Alameda

Year 6 Blogs on Cilicia start Tuesday October 10

I will be back from summer hiatus with a new series of blogs starting Tuesday October 10. More controversy guaranteed. See you then...

Padam, padam, padam...

So, most of the news mentioned it here (including "Le Monde") : the visit of our President Chirac in Armenia.
Even if I'm not a big fan of the man, i must confess that i'm happy of that, and it's really not that bad that he did this visit before leaving his presidential functions next year (presidential elections will take place in April here, Chirac can't be president again, and the race of the candidates has already begun).

Of course seducing easy blablas, of course not enough, but still it's something good that has been done, and it's the first time for France. It's also a lovely image of what it can mean for french-armenians : a happy and moving meeting of their 2 identities.
Hope we'll have some scoop-informations from the repatriates' log, about Aznavour's hamerk last night on Hanrabedutiun ;o)

Funny but quite normal in fact, today i'll attend 2 friends' birthday : one is armenian, the other is french :o)

One Mexican Armenian in Cabo:)

As I’m waiting for a meeting to start I thought I would share a story.

The warm weather is noticeably slipping away, even in Los Angeles where the change in seasons is relatively mild. So, when I was asked to be the +1 on a company retreat to Cabo San Lucas last week, who was I to refuse…summer weather stretched indefinitely, ridiculously good lobster, and if I surfed I would be one happy camper…but hey, two of three is great.

My first order of business was to scope out the people in our group and determine who would most likely be up for going on an adventurous scuba diving excursion with me. I gently zeroed in on two people who reside in Manhattan Beach and brought their boogie boards along for the weekend. It seemed like a no-brainer and my persuasion skills resulting in a trip to the concierge to set everything up. You don’t need to be certified in Mexico to go scuba diving…gotta love it!

So, last Saturday as we are walking into the scuba shop our new friend asks humorously, “Hey, isn’t that Glendale’s flag?”. I look over and see a little table top Armenian flag sitting next to the Mexican flag. You know what they say… when two Armenians meet…so, I ask and it turns out that Mike runs the Scuba Shop and is Mexican Armenian. He was born in Mexico City and has been living in Cabo for more than 10 years. Mike clearly enjoyed the opportunity to speak in Armenian to someone. His grandfather taught him the language as a child and dreams of one day visiting Armenia and learning to speak fluently. He is the only Armenian living in Cabo, however knows of many living in rural areas throughout Mexico. It felt so endearing to hear him express the innocence in the spirit of his heritage. If you find yourself in Cabo visit the scuba shop in the lighthouse and say "Parev" to Mike...you'll make his day:)

Unfortunately I didn’t have my camera to take a picture but it was pretty cool to meet this guy in a place I wouldn’t have expected to run into local Armenians (but, I still think Scuba Diving was a tad bit cooler!).

*Attached photo is from our room at Hotel Finnestra overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Isn’t that the life.