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04/14/2006
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1) Communities Mobilize in Support of Armenian Cause
2) ARF Hosts “Armenians and the Left” Conference
3) Turkish Station Follows ‘Ararat’ with Panel about ‘Armenian Propaganda’
4) Stephen Mann to Visit Yerevan in May with New Proposals
5) Prelate’s Easter 2006 Message
6) Southern Nevada Armenians to Commemorate 91st Anniversary of The Armenian
Genocide
7) Armenian Navy Band Wins World Music Award
8) The British Blue Book And Denial of The Armenian Genocide: The Continuing
Saga
9) LACC to Screen ‘Ararat’ in Commemoration of Armenian Genocide
10) Armenian Genocide Benefit Show at Henry Fonda Theater
11) Youth Gathering on Palm Sunday
12) Jerry Tarkanian: Coach… Legend… Champion: By John Krikorian
13) Missed a B: By Garen Yegparian
14) ICE HOCKEY, SELF DISCIPLINE AND EASTER: RANDOM THOUGHTS: By Skeptik
Sinikian
15) Genocide Events Calendar
1) Communities Mobilize in Support of Armenian Cause
–Enthusiasm builds toward nationwide Telethon on May 21
WASHINGTON, DCCommunities across the nation have begun a major mobilization
effort in support of the first ever nationwide telethon for the Armenian Cause
to be broadcast on May 21. The groundbreaking initiative’s purpose is to
propel the Armenian Cause and issues facing the Armenian American community to
a new level of success. Organized by the Armenian National Committee of
America (ANCA), the proceeds from the national telethon will go toward
broadening the scope and resources with which major Armenian issues are
pursued
within the halls of Congress, the White House, and state and local governments
around the country.
“We are fortunate to enjoy the support, confidence, and enthusiasm of the
vibrant and growing grassroots network of Armenian Americans around the
nation,” said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA’s Washington, DC
headquarters office. “We are making major strides on all fronts and have
those
who oppose justice for the Armenian nation on the run. Now is the time to put
more resources behind our efforts which will raise the stakes and score major
victories for our people.”
Communities across the country heeded the call to action several months
ago as
the ANCA Telethon planning process began. Today there is a major public
awareness campaign underway in every Armenian community and logistical details
have been put into place so that the Telethon will be broadcast wherever there
are Armenians in the US as well as on the Internet. Utilizing many different
technologies, the Telethon will perhaps mark the most ambitious effort in the
history of the Armenian American community to boost advocacy efforts for the
Armenian Cause.
Pledges for financial support are gathering steam as churches, community
centers, schools, and a broad-based coalition of community organizations have
mobilized members of the community in support of the Telethon. “This is a
historic moment as we look to invest more deeply in strengthening our
communities here in the US,” said Aram Sarafian, member of the ANCA Eastern
Region Board of Directors. “By increasing the resources we put behind our
efforts here in the US we will achieve greater victories in securing justice
for the Armenian genocide, defending the rights of our communities, and
ultimately securing the freedom and future of Armenia and Karabagh.”
One of the ways the ANCA Telethon is reaching out to the community is by
phone. Thousands of phone calls are being made every week to notify
members of
the community that the Telethon will be taking place and asking that people
tune in to their local television broadcast. To make a pledge for the
Telethon
in advance, call (866) 402-ANCA.
2) ARF Hosts “Armenians and the Left” Conference
–Fisk announces plans to speak in Turkey
NEW YORK–The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) concluded a
weekend-long
conference titled “Armenians and the Left” on April 9, when featured speakers
Robert Fisk and Noam Chomsky spoke at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology
in front of a crowd of 750 about War, Geopolitics, and History: Conflict in
the
Middle East. During his lecture, Fisk explained why the Armenian genocide must
be [known] in order to understand how the region has been condemned since
World
War I to foreign intervention, chronic war, and mass slaughter.
The conference began on April 7 at the New York Society for Ethical Culture,
where over 1,000 people attended a lecture by Fisk about the Middle East
and US
journalism. The crowd featured many out-of-town guests, including twenty
members of the Armenian Youth Federation of Canada as well as individuals from
Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Boston, and Los Angeles. The conference’s main
events took place on Saturday, April 8, when twenty activists, scholars, and
opinion makers gave presentations at the CUNY Graduate Center in Manhattan.
Six
separate panel discussions took place on a variety of critical topics,
including human rights in the Caucasus, women and political power,
globalization and imperialism, Armeno-Turkish dialogue, Armenian political
identity, and reparations for mass crimes against humanity. The day ended with
Robert Fisk and David Barsamian’s presentation about “War, Propaganda, and the
Media” in the presence of all the conference attendees.
Fisk also promoted his most recent book, “The Great War for Civilization,” in
which he dedicates an entire chapter to the Armenian genocide that he
described
as “the first Holocaust.” In his column last weekend for The Independent, Fisk
took up the case of John Evans, the US Ambassador to Armenia, who is being
forced to retire over his affirmation of the Armenian genocide during a speech
he gave last year in San Francisco. After rebuking the Bush Administration for
its imminent dismissal of Evans, Fisk announced
his plans to travel to Van and other areas of Western Armenia to promote the
Turkish language edition of his book.
3) Turkish Station Follows ‘Ararat’ with Panel about ‘Armenian Propaganda’
Kanalturk, a private, Turkish television station broadcast Thursday Atom
Egoyan’s film “Ararat” for the first time in Turkey.
Although a spokesman for the station said the film would be shown “with no
cuts or censoring,” several scenes and some dialogue were removed from the
film. Scenes that were deleted included Turkish soldiers setting Armenians on
fire and the rape of an Armenian woman by a Turkish soldier.
Before showing the film, a presenter warned the audience that the film
contained lies and propaganda.
After the film, the station aired a panel about the “truth.” Hrant Dink, the
editor of the Armenian language weekly Agos, was to appear on the program, but
reportedly changed his mind at the last moment. The remaining participants of
the panel claimed that the film was based completely on Armenian propaganda.
Egoyan’s film about the Armenian genocide deals with the members of a
contemporary Armenian family, who are faced with both Turkey’s denial of
genocide and their own individual plight.
4) Stephen Mann to Visit Yerevan in May with New Proposals
(Combined Sources)Steven Mann, the American co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group,
will visit Yerevan with new proposals for a resolution to the Karabagh
conflict, said US Congressman Jim Kolbe in Baku. He will arrive in Yerevan in
May, said Anthony Godfrey, deputy US Ambassador to Armenia.
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov said he was presented with
unspecified “new proposals” on Karabagh last week during a meeting in
Washington with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. He told Trend news
agency that Baku will respond to those proposals during Mann’s upcoming visit
to the conflict zone.
During his visit to Azerbaijan, Representative Kolbe also said that as one of
the countries co-chairing OSCE Minsk Group, the United States supports a fair
and long-lasting solution to the Karabagh conflict, stressing that
long-lasting
peace and economic development in the region depends on reaching a solution to
the conflict.
5) Prelate’s Easter 2006 Message
On The Feast of The Resurrection: Let Us Go to Emmaus And Beyond
It is Easter once again.
The good tidings and message of the Glorious Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus
Christ, uplifts us all. With the defeat of evil and death, goodness and life
inspire the world with new hope.
On the day of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, He came across two
men walking from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus, and discussing the recent
occurrences. As Jesus approached them, they did not recognize Him.
The Lord asked what they were referring to and why they seemed sad. One of
the men, Cleopas, said “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not
know
the things that have happened there in these days?” When Jesus asked “What
things?” they told the story of Jesus of Nazareth, the prophet who has
condemned to death and crucified by the chief priests and rulers. The men had
hoped that He would be the redeemer of Israel. They continued, “Yes, and
besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some
women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early morning and did
not find His body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision
of angels, who said that He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to
the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not
see.”
Jesus replied, “Oh foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the
prophets have spoken!” He began to explain all the Scriptures, beginning with
Moses, that foretold of what would happen to Him. As they reached Emmaus,
they
asked Him to stay the night with them given that it was getting late. At the
table, He took bread, blessed it, and offered it to them. Their eyes opened,
they recognized Him, and He disappeared. They immediately returned to
Jerusalem where they found the disciples and said, “The Lord is risen
indeed!”
And they told of how Jesus had been revealed to them and of the breaking of
bread. (Luke 24:18-35)
Dearly Beloved, this appearance of our risen Savior is the greatest
message of
brotherhood and Divine attention directed to mankind. He appeared only to
simple and modest individuals. The only thing that is known about them is
that
they were followers of Christ and they loved Him. For these reasons alone
they
became worthy of seeing Him, for they became spiritually renewed by His words
and by the breaking of bread.
Indeed, the Holy Scriptures and the breaking of bread make up the spiritual
foundation of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and are the source of Christian
renewal for our faithful.
The Glorious Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ is not only a historical
fact but also a reality in our everyday lives. Through the Holy Scriptures
and
the breaking of bread, our Heavenly Father abides in us eternally, lives with
us, and through us.
This Easter and Eastertide and throughout the upcoming year, let us join
together and walk to and through Emmaus, as disciples and followers of Christ,
so that we may also be worthy of seeing Him.
As travelers to Emmaus, let us go out to Jerusalem and to the four corners of
the world to spread the hope and joy of the Resurrection of our Lord.
Filled with the mystery of the Resurrection, as we study the Scriptures and
through the breaking of bread share the Holy Communion, let us collectively
invite the Lord to abide within us and live with us.
May the joy of the Resurrection be the daily miracle in our individual lives,
and also for Armenia, Artsakh, and the diaspora.
Together, let us renew the hope of the Resurrection in our lives, so that
through us He may renew the lives of others.
The triumphant message of the Resurrection of Christ is an invitation for us
all to follow in the path that the Church leads us, in accordance with the
faith of our forefathers. Every morning and every evening, through the
singing
of psalms, prayer, and reading of the Holy Scriptures, let us praise His name
and glorify Him.
With these Easter messages I invite the Armenian faithful, and especially the
clergy and servants of our parishes, educational institutions, and
organizations to travel with us to Emmaus and beyond, and may today and every
day be an occasion for us to pray: “Lord Jesus Christ abide with us.”
With these prayers and wishes let us proclaim:
Christ is risen from the dead.
Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ.
Prayerfully,
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate Western United States
6) Southern Nevada Armenians to Commemorate 91st Anniversary of The Armenian
Genocide
LAS VEGAS–The Armenian American community of the Greater Las Vegas Area will
commemorate the 91st anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915-1923 on
Sunday, April 23 at the Christ Lutheran Church in Las Vegas.
“The Armenian Genocide–the first genocide of the twentieth century–was a
systematic, premeditated extermination of over 1.5 million Armenian men, women
and children beginning on April 24, 1915,” stated Hriyr Dadaian, Chairman of
the Armenian National Committee of Las Vegas. “We honor the memory of the
victims of this crime against humanity every year to remind the world of the
lessons of what happened to prevent future genocides from taking place.”
Joining the Las Vegas Armenian American community in commemorating the
Armenian genocide will be Senator John Ensign (R-NV), Congresswoman Shelley
Berkley (NV-1), Congressman Jim Gibbons (NV-2), Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman,
among other distinguished guests. The Armenian Apostolic Churches of the
Western Prelacy and Diocese, the Armenian Evangelical Church – Las Vegas, the
Armenian-American Cultural Society of Las Vegas, the Armenian National
Committee of Las Vegas, the Armenian Relief Society – Las Vegas Shoushi
Chapter, the Homenetmen – Las Vegas Artsakh Chapter, and the UNLV Armenian
Students Association will be participating in the commemoration. Armenian
National Committee of America Board Member Raffi Hamparian will be the keynote
speaker of the commemoration.
The official program will begin at 1:30 PM on Sunday, April 23 at the Christ
Lutheran Church located at 111 North Torrey Pines Drive in Las Vegas. Requiem
services will be conducted by clergy from the Armenian Apostolic Churches of
the Western Prelacy and Diocese and the Armenian Evangelical Church of Las
Vegas.
The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most
influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in
coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout
the
United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively
advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of
issues.
7) Armenian Navy Band Wins World Music Award
YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow)–Armenia’s favorite exotic ensemble, the Armenian Navy
Band won last week the “Audience Award” of the prestigious BBC World Music
Awards. Armenian Navy Band was selected as a finalist two months ago through
online voting by fans.
Four groups, including three others from Brazil, Iraq and Italy, were judged
by a panel of music critics and Armenian Navy Band came out on top. The
group’s
founder and percussionist/vocalist Arto Tuncboyaciyan appeared at the BBC
Awards ceremony and gave a 20-minute performance.
The 12-member group is led by Tuncboyaciyan and has become popular for its
interpretations of traditional Armenian songs. Tuncboyaciyan composes all of
the songs, which in his words, “have the sound of my life.” Tuncboyaciyan’s
original compositions express the sound of past generations, with a modern
twist; this is what he calls “avant-garde folk.” The music is infused with
sounds of Armenia and Anatolia and fused with elements from different musical
genres, including jazz.
The Armenian Navy Band represents the synthesis of Arto’s musical journey and
life experiences. As an ensemble with particular virtuosity, it also has great
ability to perform live music and compositions taken from both the tradition
and modern culture of Armenia.
The musicians of this ensemble, which are some of the best musicians
living in
Armenia, range from ages 20-45. The instruments vary from traditional: duduk,
zurna, kemanche, kanun; to contemporary: trombone, alto sax, tenor, soprano
sax, trumpet, bass, drums, keyboard, and piano. The members of the band
include
Arto Tuncboyaciyan, Anahit Artushyan, Armen Ayvazyan, Armen Husnounts, David
Minasyan, David Nalchajyan, Tigran Suchyan, Norair Kartashyan, Vartan
Grigoryan, Arman Jalalyan, Vahagn Hayrapetyan, and Artyom Manukyan. This
ensemble together with the unique vocals and percussion of Arto creates a
musical journey to the past and present, bringing sound into the future.
To learn more about Armenian Navy Band, visit
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8) The British Blue Book And Denial of The Armenian Genocide: The Continuing
Saga
Last year, on the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, the Turkish Grand
National Assembly (TGNA) mounted a campaign against the 1916 British
Parliamentary Blue Book. Disguised in terms of improving relations with the
republic of Armenia and resolving the Armenian genocide issue, Turkish
Parliamentarians claimed that at the root of the Armenian genocide thesis were
British propagandists during World War I and the TGNA requested that the
British Parliament rescind the 1916 work.
This official Turkish onslaught, which is still in progress, reflected the
continuing cynicism of Turkish authorities when addressing the Armenian issue.
The soft language of peace masks a more disturbing agenda. The main
culprits in
this effort remain Sukru Elekdag, the former Turkish ambassador to the United
States (now a member of the TGNA), and his long-standing ally, Justin
McCarthy,
a long time denier of the Armenian genocide.
Only a few weeks ago, at a special symposium on improving Turkish-Armenian
relations, Sukru Elekdag gave an update on his efforts to co-opt the British
Parliament in the denial of the Armenian genocide.
In his talk at Abril Bookstore, Ara Sarafian, the British archival historian,
will provide an update to the activities of Turkish authorities in the United
Kingdom, and discuss the main lines of opposition to Turkish efforts. The
event
will take place at 8:00 PM on Tuesday, April 18 at Abril Bookstore.
The speaker, Ara Sarafian is an archival historian specializing in late
Ottoman and modern Armenian history. He is the director of the Gomidas
Institute (UK) and editor of Gomidas Institute Books. His publications include
the critical edition of the famous 1916 Blue Book, The Treatment of Armenians
in the Ottoman Empire 1916-1916 [Uncensored Edition]. Over the past year he
has
advised a group of British Parliamentarians who have opposed the efforts of
the
TGNA to deny the Armenian genocide. Sarafian was also a participant at the
Istanbul University symposium on Turkish-Armenian relations (March 15-17,
2006).
Abril Bookstore is located at 415 East Broadway, Suite 102, Glendale, CA
91205. For more information, call (818) 243-4112.
9) LACC to Screen ‘Ararat’ in Commemoration of Armenian Genocide
–Special reception honoring David Alpay, star of “Ararat,” will be held
following screening
Canadian actor David Alpay will be the guest of honor at a special reception
held at LA City College (LACC) at 4 PM on April 23, following a screening of
the film “Ararat,” in which he plays the lead role. The reception is part of a
commemorative program being held to raise awareness of the Armenian genocide.
The LA City College Foundation is presenting this educational screening of
Atom Egoyan’s 2002 film “Ararat” and the reception for Alpay at LACC’s Camino
Theatre, located at 855 N. Vermont Avenue in East Hollywood. Steve Maradian,
president of LACC and cosponsor of the event, noted that the afternoon’s
program is being held in recognition and understanding of the Armenian
genocide, in which 1.5 million Armenians lost their lives.
Critics have called “Ararat” one of Atom Egoyan’s most provocative films to
date. The film depicts the estranged members of a contemporary Armenian family
who are faced both with Turkey’s denial of their catastrophic past and with
their own complicated present.
In the film, David Alpay portrays a young man, Raffi, who, after being
interrogated by a customs officer, recounts how his life was changed during
the
making of a film about the Armenian genocide. A resident of Toronto, Alpay has
appeared in a number of movies and TV shows since his debut in “Ararat.” The
film also features actors Charles Aznavour, Eric Bogosian, and Christopher
Plummer.
A Canadian filmmaker and four-time Cannes Film Festival winner, Egoyan, has
written or directed over two dozen movies, and is one of the most well-known
filmmakers of Armenian descent.
The event will serve as a fundraiser to set up scholarships for Armenian
students in the field of theater and cinema/TV at the college. After the film
screening, a buffet reception will be held in the adjacent Caminito Theatre
and
attendees will have the opportunity to meet Alpay.
This program is one in a series of educational and cultural programs the
college offers in an effort to understand and bring focus to the diversity
found on the campus.
For tickets and reservations, call the LACC Foundation at (323) 953-4011 or
(323) 953-4000, ext. 2490.
10) Armenian Genocide Benefit Show at Henry Fonda Theater
The Apex Theory, a critically acclaimed Los Angeles-based band, has organized
“Izabelle’s Scar 2006: An Armenian Genocide Benefit Show” dedicated to raising
awareness about the Armenian genocide. The band will be joined by various
artists and organizations dedicated to promoting human rights on Sunday, April
23 at the Henry Fonda Theater in Los Angeles.
The Apex Theory hope to help raise money and bring more awareness to this
issue with this event. Also participating in the event are Amnesty
International, Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), Axis of Justice,
and Darfur Relief Fund
At the event, The Apex Theory, Harout Pamboukjian, Onesidezero, Human, and
others will perform. The end of the night will feature a jam session with John
Dolmayan (System of a Down), P-Nut (311), Djivan Gasparyan Jr., Khalfani
(Burning Star), and Kobol. The program also includes spoken word and special
appearances by Knowledge the Wordsmith, ACRS, Maria, Jibilian, and DJ
Edward K.
(Pro-Tez).
Doors open at 6:00 PM. For more info contact [email protected].
11) Youth Gathering on Palm Sunday
The Prelacy Youth Central Directorate Committee held its monthly joint
gathering on Palm Sunday, at the Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church of
Encino. With Armenians participating from all Churches of the Western Prelacy,
participants had the opportunity to learn more about the ACYA and to receive
the Word of God.
As one of the first of its kind, this event marked a historic day for the
Armenian Church Youth Association. The first ever joint gathering was held
just
last month, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, at the Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church of Montebello. Five
more joint gatherings are scheduled, one per month, in cities across the State
of California. The youth gatherings are a part of a campaign by the Central
Directorate Committee of the ACYA to spark a spiritual revival in Armenian
youth. It will provide a bridge to those who have been seeking and have yet to
seek the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Sunday’s event began at five in the evening. In attendance were Very Reverend
Father Muron Aznikian, Rev. Razmig Khatchadourian, Holy Martyrs Board of
Trustees Chairman Levon Arabian, and ACYA Central Directorate Committee
Chairman Gregory Martayan. Opening remarks were made by Manuel Achekian of the
Holy Martyrs ACYA Executive Council who welcomed the guests, after which Rev.
Khatchadourian conducted the opening prayer.
Rev. Khatchadourian expressed his continuous support of the ACYA and its
mission. ACYA Central Directorate Committee Chair Gregory Martayan then
welcomed guests on behalf of the Western Prelacy Central Youth Executive.
The most important and profound part of the evening came from Very Rev. Fr.
Muron Aznikian. In his dialogue about how to achieve eternal life through the
gates of heaven, Very Rev. Fr. Aznikian spoke of how good works and faith go
hand in hand. “Faith without work is useless; both together will help us
achieve righteousness.” A question and answer period followed the dialogue,
during which the Very Rev. Fr. Aznikian addressed issues relating to baptism
and its role in the cleansing of sin.
Present from the Western Prelacy ACYA Central Directorate Committee were Ani
Daglian (Holy Martyrs, Secretary), Sona Hagopian (Pasadena, Treasurer), Hratch
Yesayan (Glendale), and Hagop Tchagaspanian (Glendale). Present from the Holy
Martyrs Executive Committee were Maria Abrahamian and Sevan Keushkerian.
The Central Directorate Committee of the ACYA will be hosting events in every
city where the Western Prelacy Armenian Apostolic Church has an established
church. The next lecture will take place May 14 at St. Mary’s Armenian
Apostolic Church of Glendale, where Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian will speak
about “The Virgin Mary according to the doctrine of the Armenian Apostolic
Church.”
The monthly schedule of the Armenian Apostolic Church Youth Association’s
lecture series can be found by accessing the Prelacy’s website at
<;www.Weste rnPrelacy.org or by requesting
materials from your local church office. On July 9, the ACYA will be
sponsoring
an event in San Francisco, and on August 12 there will be a Grape Blessing
joint gathering in Fresno.
The Armenian Apostolic Church Youth Association’s goals are: to instruct
Armenian youth and young adults on the doctrines and traditions of the
Armenian
Apostolic Church; to raise awareness of spiritual, religious, ethnic,
cultural,
and national heritage; to promote Christian love among members, so that they
may manifest that love through harmony, mutual respect, and dedication,
striving to become better Christians and ideal citizens; and to nurture
dedication and loyalty towards the Armenian Church, so members can take an
active role in the betterment and progress of that institution.
For more information about the ACYA, please contact the Western Prelacy at
(818) 248-7737 or your local parish priest.
12) Jerry Tarkanian: Coach… Legend… Champion
By John Krikorian
Jerry Tarkanian, former basketball coach of the 1990 NCAA Championship UNLV
Runnin’ Rebels, will give a free lecture sponsored by the Friends of the
Glendale Public Library, Thursday, April 20 at 7:00 PM. Tarkanian will discuss
his revealing and hilarious autobiography “Runnin’ Rebel: Shark Tales of
‘Extra
Benefits,’ Frank Sinatra, and Winning It All.” Tarkanian visits the library to
talk about college basketball, recruiting wars, his friendship with Frank
Sinatra, and how he won a $2.5 million lawsuit against the NCAA. Parking at
the
Marketplace lot across the street from the Library is free for three hours
with
validation from the library. For more information, please call (818)
548-2042.
“I am an Armenian. That doesn’t mean a lot to a lot of people, but to
Armenians, it means everything. And for good reason.” Chapter 2 of Jerry
Tarkanian’s recently released book, “Runnin’ Rebel” begins with these
words. He
is the controversial, colorful, winningest college basketball coach and this
April, he is coming back to his local Armenian roots. “Tark the Shark,” a
nickname he earned because of his infamous sideline towel chewing habit, will
be at the Glendale Public Library at 7:00 PM on Thursday, April 20.
From his birth in Ohio, early years in Pasadena, Fresno, and finally his rise
to college basketball fame in Las Vegas, Jerry Tarkanian has taken the values
and lessons he learned from his family, his Armenian roots, and early mentors
with him. His track record is highlighted by 19 seasons as the legendary coach
of the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels, with a remarkable 778-202 record. Jerry was named
“college basketball coach of the year” in 1983, 1987, and 1990 with 17
appearances at the NCAA “big dance.” Either in spite of or because of all of
these remarkable accomplishments, Jerry’s frequent habit of stirring up
controversy–crossing the NCAA in his recruiting practices, his scorecard of
NCAA penalties, and other general acts of rebellion–has led him to become one
of the most memorable and beloved college basketball coaches of his time.
Born in Ohio, Jerry admits to not focusing seriously on basketball until he
arrived at Pasadena City College as a coach in 1966. This career move was
perhaps inspired by his early passion for Pasadena. When he was 14, Jerry’s
father died tragically from tuberculosis and his mother moved the family to
Pasadena in 1944. In his book, Jerry recalls of Pasadena as a city with one
freeway leading to Los Angeles, hardly any smog, and full of orange groves.
“It
was just like paradise.” Today Jerry’s brother Myron and his wife Virginia
live
in nearby Arcadia with Jerry’s nephew and three nieces. Both are teachers, a
natural instinct in the Tarkanian family as evidenced by Jerry’s years as a
coach and mentor to his players.
The strongest motive for the Tarkanian family’s move to Pasadena in the
1940’s, however, was the small Armenian community that existed there. The man
who was originally to be named “Gregory” after an Armenian saint, but ended up
as Jerry because of his mother’s broken English, is proud of all the qualities
and traits he picked up from his family roots and still holds close to his
heart today.
Jerry Tarkanian is now happily retired in Las Vegas with his wife of almost
fifty years Dr. Lois Tarkanian, a City of Las Vegas Councilwoman. The couple
has two sons and two daughters. His sons have followed in his footsteps–Danny
played on his father’s first string at UNLV and became an assistant coach,
also
practicing law. Danny has now announced his candidacy for Secretary of
State in
Nevada, George is head basketball coach in Visalia, California. His daughter
Jodie is a nurse and a homemaker and Pamela is a special education
administrator in the Clark County School District.
In the end, Jerry Tarkanian may be the most colorful, but at the same time
gentle shark out there–from his strong belief in teamwork, education and
sportsmanship, to his local Armenian roots, family and love of the area that
contributed so much to his passion for coaching basketball. Early on, Jerry
Tarkanian learned a valuable lesson from one of his coaches. The coach, Jerry
said, “was an extraordinarily intense individual and he demanded equal
intensity from his players.” If that’s not the legacy of Jerry Tarkanian,
personally and professionally, then really what is?
13) Missed a B
Garen Yegparian
Just over two years ago, I gleefully wrote about the ousting of then Spanish
Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, one of those who energetically supported the
murderous adventure in Iraq. Then I dared hope that two other thugs, Tony
Blair
and George W. Bush, would be ousted.
But I missed a B, as in Italy’s Silvio Berlusconi. As of this writing, he
seems to have been dumped. However, it’s a squeaker of an election and the
results may not be clear for weeks, so it’s too soon to gloat. This would
likely further weaken Bush, at least on the international/Iraq war front.
With recent revelations of Bush’ subordinating matters of state security to
political/electoral machinations, calls for his resignation or impeachment may
grow louder and get more traction. Add to this the possibility that the
immigration-related-rights demonstrations (in which we should really be
involved since we suffer the same community impacts of current US law) could
grow. They could also morph into a broader based agenda of reforms. Now
consider the corruption of numerous Republican Congressional leaders (think
Jack Abramoff), and consequent weakening of the Bush regime’s influence over
the legislature, particularly as a lame duck president. Federal and statewide
elections are coming in November with their primaries around the corner. The
Republicans are feeling the heat generated by their misrule. The result? The
band of crooks occupying the White House could be reeling.
Why all this in April when Genocide issues should be foremost?
Exactly for that reason!
Do we matter enough? Can we raise enough of a ruckus, take advantage of the
above and other developments to corner the White House/Department of State
into
at least sitting on the sidelines and allowing passage of a Genocide
resolution
in both houses of Congress? Obviously, securing a simultaneous action by the
Executive branch would be even better.
As you read this, it’s less than ten days to the twenty-fourth. Our
communities’ attentions are actually focused on the issue. Might we channel
that into an explosion of pressure and achieve our goals?
For those of us who have a conscience and generally cannot tolerate the Bush
regime’s and its legislative cronies’ shenanigans, it might mean having to
suck
it up and shut up about these vile creatures in exchange for them doing the
right thing for once. Are we willing to make such a deal with these devils and
maybe even say something (shudder) nice about them?
Who’s going to take up this banner and lead the charge?
14) ICE HOCKEY, SELF DISCIPLINE AND EASTER: RANDOM THOUGHTS
By Skeptik Sinikian
I need to start off with an apology to all my readers. Last week I
introduced
a new idea called Skeptik’s New Rules and the abbreviation throughout the
piece
appeared as “SNL” instead of “SNR.” Now my editors are supposed to catch
mistakes like that but God bless them, they actually took my word for it this
time and left it as it is (If only they’d practice that behavior more often).
So I’m claiming my own mistake and admitting that the L in SNL stands for
Loser. I had a momentary lapse in spelling and grammar which is not too
uncommon in my creative realm but which usually slips under the radar
undetected. Not this time however… and my readers made sure of that. So one
more collective “I’m sorry” and “Thank you.” There. We are done. Let’s move
on.
I almost forgot that there was one more unrelated portion of this week’s
column. This is a plug for a loyal reader known only as “Hrair” who asked me
to promote the Armenian Ice Hockey Team’s fundraiser this weekend at the
Pickwick Ice Rink in Burbank. I have to admit that when I read his
headline of
“Armenia v. Turkey in Iceland” I didn’t know what to think and thought it was
one of the many SPAM emails I receive and get ticked off about. But sure
enough, this was an actual email from a reader and he is part of an Armenian
Ice Hockey Team trying to raise funds to go and participate in a showdown
against the Republic of Turkey. Here’s a portion of his email:
“Hey Skep, Before I tell u the reason for my e mail, I just want to say
that I
love seeing ur editorial on the pages of Asbarez every Saturday. Thanks for
vending the frustration of many Armenian Americans. I just want to let u know
about a fundraiser this weekend at 10 pm at Pickwick Burbank. It’s a $5
fundraiser to help the Armenian Ice Hockey team have enough funds to fly to
Iceland. The International Ice Hockey Federation is having its annual Ice
Hockey games in Reykjavik, Iceland beginning on April 24th. The first game is
between the countries of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey on April 24th at 4
pm. I don’t know about this year, but last year Armenia ranked # 45 out of 45
countries that participated in the games. I hope you will can post this on
your
blog and maybe make your readers aware of the upcoming fundraiser and game.”
Hrair jan–consider it done! Tell Bjork I say “hello” when you see her in
Iceland and as for the game, kick some Turkish butt for all of us! If anyone
has any questions about the details (like which day this weekend the event
will
be) just email Hrair at [email protected].
By the way, can anyone tell me when it will stop raining? This is Southern
California and it’s supposed to only rain three days out of the year here!
What is going on? I’m sorry, that was the sugar high that took over. I’ve
been eating nothing but Cadbury Easter Eggs for the last three days straight
because one of my coworkers blackmailed me into buying boxes of candy from her
daughter’s Elementary school fundraiser. Right now, I’m sitting in front
of my
computer, eyes completely glazed over, unshaven, disheveled, and my mouth area
covered in chocolate stains like some sort of insane clown. It’s not a pretty
sight. I’m really jittery and have the attention span of a hummingbird on
three double shots of espresso! Let’s seriously try to move on…
I was at a loss for a topic idea this week. I didn’t know what to write
about
or comment on. I always reach this literary impasse every April as I’m faced
with the challenge of saying something that hasn’t been said in the last 91
years or trying to be clever with the obvious. Neither of these are
challenges
that I feel quite up to. I asked some of my readers during an online session
what I should write about. I got some great ideas and some you’ll see in
future articles. (The Church came up more than any other topic and pretty
soon,
we’ll have to talk about the white elephant sitting in the middle of the
room.)
But in the meantime, I thought I’d digress and write about something that had
to do with tolerance, temperance, and self discipline. After all, it is
April
and that means Easter and April 24–both days that signify rebirth and
commitment to eradicating evil from our lives. Both are days that require us
to focus on Christian values like self discipline, temperance and such.
In spite of their thematic similarities, all too often Easter takes a back
seat to the more immediate, Armenian-specific Genocide recognition efforts.
That’s too bad considering the message that Easter bears for Christians and
seeing as to how Armenians were massacred by the Turks in large part but not
solely because we were Christian. There’s a greater connection here and one
that we need to focus on and apply to our April 24 rituals of demonstration
and
activism. Easter is preceded by Lent, which when I was a kid, thought it was
called Lent because all we ate in our house was Lentil soup or “Vospi abour.”
I still don’t know where Lent comes from nor do I understand why Good
Friday is
called Good Friday but I DO know that Lent is marked by depriving yourself for
40 days from something that you derive pleasure from. It’s a way for men and
women to control their desires and for at least a month or so walk in the
steps
of Jesus Christ.
This idea of deprivation during Lent is an interesting concept and in a
lot of
Armenian traditional homes, it means going completely vegan for forty days.
That means eating NOTHING that comes from an animal for forty days. That’s
insane! If I go more than a week without eating cheese, I start feeling
like I
should move to Santa Cruz, start growing an “herb garden” in my basement,
listen to Grateful Dead albums and change my name to something like “Moonbeam”
or “Morning Dew.” But alas, this has been a tradition that’s been followed
for
centuries amongst Armenians. Or it was… until… Well, let me paint a clearer
picture for you–if you were to come to Glendale, home of the largest Armenian
population outside of the former Soviet Republics and you were to say, I don’t
know… go to ANY Armenian banquet hall during the 40 days preceding Easter, you
would find that NO ONE follows the vegan ways of the Armenian ancients. What
you will find is bands of chubby cherub like men with five o’clock shadows,
drinking themselves silly with vodka (that’s still vegan I guess) and stuffing
their sweating jowls with barbecued pork or chicken or beef. AND JUST IN CASE
anyone is even THINKING of getting on their high horse and blaming this on the
most recent immigrants (this is a code word for our poor
blame-them-for-everything Hayastantsis) then just go visit Raffi’s Kebab
(Glendale’s own Iranian Armenian Social Club) or Carousel Restaurant (The
Beirutsi, Hallebtsi, Western Armenian equivalent) and you will find the same
problems.
The reason I bring this lack of self discipline up is because I am
noticing it
more with the older generation of Armenians. This year–more than any
previous
year–I am noticing younger kids take on the daunting 40 day gauntlet known as
“Lent” or “Bak” or “Bas” or whatever the heck people call it nowadays. Two
years ago, if I asked someone why they weren’t eating meat during the month of
March or April–they would have responded to me that they haven’t eaten
meat in
2 years since that special on Oprah on beef or that they are on some sort of
modified reverse Atkins diet. This year, I had at least seven people tell me
that they were actively trying to adhere to the Armenian Christian
traditions.
And the response I’ve heard from most people hasn’t been “Oh my God, are you
insane? Why are you doing that to yourself?” but rather an inquisitive desire
to find out more about these time honored centuries old traditions. That’s
good news. Let’s just hope that our Church doesn’t just take that to mean
that
there are more suckers willing to make large donations to the church
coffers.
We need to embrace all the strengths of our Christian faith if we’re going to
make it through another year of Turkish denial and fight for justice. So this
weekend, when you’re playing your egg games and having your Easter lunches or
dinners and finally breaking your Lenten fast, remember that you’ve come
out of
this stronger and that leading by example is the best way to lead. Those are
my thoughts for this week–from self-discipline to ice hockey and back–until
next time, stay classy!
Skeptik Sinikian is an aspiring couples ice-dancer who hopes to translate his
grace on ice to the hockey rink and participate in next year’s Ice Hockey
tournament in Iceland. Plus, he’s always really really wanted to go to
Iceland. If you have any questions, you can email him at
[email protected] or visit his blog at
15) Genocide Events Calendar
Monday, April 17
Three free screenings of Andrew Goldberg’s “The Armenian Genocide”
documentary
at the Egyptian Theatre. Get there early to make sure you get in. Most PBS
stations around the country (excluding Los Angeles’ KCET) will air the
documentary at 10:00 PM the same night.
6:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 10:00 PM
Egyptian Theatre
6712 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Tuesday, April 18
Ara Sarafian, a British historian specializing in Ottoman and Armenian
history, will speak at Abril Bookstore in Glendale about the campaign of the
Turkish Grand National Assembly to discredit the 1916 British Parliamentary
Blue Book.
8:00 PM
Abril Bookstore
415 East Broadway, Suite 102
Glendale, CA 91205
Tuesday, April 18
The Burbank ANC has organized a commemoration march from McCambridge Park to
Burbank City Council. There will be a candlelight vigil and a short program in
front of the Burbank City Council after 07:00 PM.
06:00 9:00 PM
McCambridge Park
1515 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
Thursday, April 20
AYF Valley Chapter presents the play “9 Armenians” followed by a video
collage
at Ferrahian High School.
8:00 PM
Ferrahian Armenian High School
5300 White Oak Ave.
Encino, CA 91316
Thursday, April 20
Annual Candelight Vigil by the Armenian Student Association of California
State University, Northridge. The program will include musical performances,
guest speakers, a video presentation, etc.
7:00-9:30 PM
CSUN’s Bookstore Lawn
18111 Nordhoff St.
Northridge, CA 91330
Friday, April 21
The Armenian Clubs from four of Glendale area high schools will hold the
Annual Armenian Genocide Remembrance Assembly at the Glendale High School
Auditorium. Each school will make a presentation at the assembly, ranging from
poetry readings to video clips and folk songs. Doors open at 6:30 PM.
7:00 PM
Glendale High School Auditorium
1440 East Broadway
Glendale, CA 91205
Friday, April 21
A night to remember victims of the Armenian genocide with cultural events,
songs and video clips, organized by the Armenian Center of the San Fernando
Valley.
8:00-10:30 PM
Avedissian Hall
Ferrahian Armenian High School
5300 White Oak Ave.
Encino, CA 91316
Saturday, April 22
“Rally against Denial” in commemoration of the Armenian genocide, featuring
special speakers and presentations.
7:00-10:00 PM
Homenetmen Glendale Ararat Chapter
3347 North San Fernando Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90065
Sunday, April 23
Annual Commemoration of the Armenian genocide at the Armenian Martyrs
Memorial
Monument at Bicknell Park, Montebello. This year’s remembrance event will take
place on Sunday, April 23 at 4:00 PM.
4:00 PM
Armenian Martyrs Memorial Monument, Bicknell Park
Montebello, CA
Sunday, April 23
2nd Annual Armenian Genocide Commemoration Concert featuring Slow Motion
Reign, Visa, Gor Mkhitarian, and Girair. The purpose of this event is to
educate the public about the Armenian genocide and to show appreciation to the
Armenian artist with music, paintings, and poetry. Admission is $10 with flyer
and $15 without. 21 and over.
7:00 PM
The Derby
4500 Los Feliz Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Monday, April 24
Protest, organized by the Armenian Youth Federation, demanding recognition of
the Armenian genocide in front of the Turkish Consulate.
4:00 PM
Turkish Consulate
6300 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Monday, April 24
Armenian genocide concert featuring Visa at Glendale’s Revo Cafe.
5:00 PM
Revo Cafe
1022 East Chevy Chase Dr., #A
Glendale, CA 91205
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