ASBAREZ Online [05-26-2006]

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05/26/2006
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1) First ANCA Telethon Raises $2.7 Million Communities Across the U.S. Unite to Support ANCA's Mission 2) Armenian Independence Day Festival in Little Armenia Sets Stage for Dynamic Celebration 3) Montenegro Referendum Sets Important Precedent for Karabagh 4) American Police Hand over Suspect to Armenian Counterparts 5) TAKE ACTION: Urge Judiciary Committee to Remove Hostile Amendment to Genocide Legislation 6) ARS Luncheon to Be Held at Ararat Home 7) 'The Armenian Adam Smith:' UCLA Holds Conference in Honor of Armenian Economist 8) You're Talking Nonsense, Mr. Ambassador: By Robert Fisk 9) Which One Is It: Alzheimer's, Depression, or Normal Aging Memory Decline?: By Dr. Haygoush Kalinian 10) Critics' Forum: Literature: By Hovig Tchalian 11) EIs: On the March Again: By Garen Yegparian 12) JUNE 6 ELECTION: CHOOSE, BUT CHOOSE WISELY!: By SKEPTIK SINIKIAN 1) First ANCA Telethon Raises $2.7 Million Communities Across the U.S. Unite to Support ANCA's Mission WASHINGTON, DC--In an overwhelming display of unity behind the Armenian National Committee of America's mission to educate, motivate, and activate our communities, Armenian Americans, organizations, and communities across the United States raised $2.7 million during the ANCA Telethon on May 21 with additional donations still coming in. The groundswell of donations came from the entire spectrum of the Armenian community demonstrating the widespread support for the ANCA's accomplishments and the desire to see its work expand further. "The Telethon was one of the ANCA's most ambitious endeavors to date, pulling together every part of our grassroots network, and the results demonstrate the overwhelming support for our mission to unite the community behind the Armenian Cause--Hai Tahd," said Ken Hachikian, National Chairman of the ANCA. "We are gratified by the confidence Armenian Americans across the nation have placed in us and pledge to the Armenian community that we will make every dollar count as we work to vigorously pursue and represent the interests of the community in the local, national and international political and policy arenas," said Hachikian. The Telethon touched a common emotional desire in people to support the Armenian Cause in all the different parts of our communities, regardless of organizational affiliations or politics. Countless organizations, volunteers, churches, community leaders, ANC local chapters, performing artists, Members of Congress, and state legislators from across the nation participated in the Telethon contributing to its enormous success. The Telethon also featured several documentaries that highlighted the various ANCA programs and results the ANCA has achieved over the years largely through its volunteer and grassroots network. In addition to hundreds of thousands of viewers who watched the Telethon on TV in all major US media markets, thousands--nationally and internationally--also watched the Telethon via a simultaneous webcast over the Internet and donated online. While the Telethon raised funds for the ANCA Endowment, it also served to expand the level of knowledge and understanding within the community about the important work that is being done on a daily basis by the ANCA. One of the ANCA's goals is to engage and activate more segments as part of the ANCA's grassroots network and the Telethon helped expand that reach. Donations are still being accepted for the ANCA Telethon and those interested in contributing should call 1-866-402-2622 (ANCA) or go to <; and click on the Telethon logo to make a donation online. 2) Armenian Independence Day Festival in Little Armenia Sets Stage for Dynamic Celebration --Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa, diverse entertainment, and vendors all a part of unprecedented 'block party' HOLLYWOOD--The Armenian Cultural Foundation has joined forces with the Armenian Youth Federation - Western Region (AYF-WR), in coordination with Los Angeles Council President Eric Garcetti, to present a dynamic festival in the heart of Little Armenia on Sunday, May 28, 2006. Though the festival is an annual event for the AYF-WR in celebrating Armenia's first independence, this year's celebration is unprecedented because portions of Hollywood Boulevard (between Vermont and Alexandria) will be blocked-off just for the event. The festival is the result of extensive teamwork between Council President Garcetti's office, the ACF, and AYF, and will include special visits by representatives of the Armenian Consulate in LA, and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. A variety of vendors, diverse entertainers, performers, writers, and organizations will be on hand from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, highlighting Armenian culture and raising awareness about Armenian history. Traditional Armenian food and artifacts will also be a part of the festivities, all in the tradition of celebrating Armenia's cultural wealth. "The Armenian Youth Federation celebrates and recognizes the importance of our nation's victories in establishing, after 600 years of oppression, the first independent republic of Armenia on May 28, 1918, which laid the foundation of today's independent republic," explains AYF-WR Chairman Tro Tchekidjian. Entertainment at the festival will also include performances by Element Band, Vokee, Sako, Ara Sahagian, Karnig Sarkissian, Nersik Ispirian, Paul Baghdadlian, Gor Mkhitarian, Ara Shahbazian, and many more. Various dance groups are also scheduled to perform traditional and contemporary interpretations of Armenian folk dances throughout the day. Organizations participating in the festival include the Armenian Relief Society, Shant Student Association, Homenetmen (Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts), and the Armenian National Committee of America. For more information on the festival, please contact the AYF Western Region office at (818) 507-1933 or visit <; 3 ) Montenegro Referendum Sets Important Precedent for Karabagh (PanArmenian)This week's referendum for independence in Montenegro demonstrated the international community's willingness to accept people's right to self-determination, setting an important precedent for Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR), said a statement released by its Foreign Affairs Ministry. The Foreign Affairs Ministry, which regards the referendum as a positive development, said: "We are convinced that respect of peoples' right to self-determination is a cornerstone of conflict settlement and tool to establish political stability." The statement went on to note that the people of MKR were denied their right to self-determination after voting in a December 10, 1991 referendum for independence, instead being subjected to military aggression by Azerbaijan. "Further neglect of MKR people's right to self-determination... will postpone the prospect of finding a mutually acceptable solution and establishment of lasting peace in the region," continued the statement. The President of MKR, Arkady Ghoukassian, also commented on the referendum in Montenegro saying that it sets a very important precedent for his country. "If the international community is ready to recognize Montenegro's and Kosovo's independence, then I think it will be very difficult for them to explain, why they do not recognize MKR's," Ghoukassian said. Ghoukassian added that Karabagh has more legal and geographic grounds for expecting recognition of independence. "The people of Nagorno Karabagh have survived the war imposed by Azerbaijan and have statehood now. I believe we have all grounds for expecting international recognition of independence," he said. The President said he is certain the international community will recognize Karabagh sooner or later. "The sooner it does it, the better the chances for peace to be sustained in the region," said Ghoukassian. 4) American Police Hand over Suspect to Armenian Counterparts YEREVAN (Armenpress)American law enforcement officers handed over to their Armenian counterparts A. R. Yeranosian, 32, a resident of Yerevan who was wanted by Armenian law enforcement for an armed attack that took place on May 11 at a Yerevan café. Yeranosian was arrested on May 14 in Los Angeles and transported to Yerevan ten days later via Amsterdam. In the attack, Yerevan resident Ispirian was shot and immediately taken to the hospital. During the operation, the bullet was successfully removed and his life saved. The Armenian Chief Prosecutor's Office said that a criminal case has been opened against Yeranosian. If guilty, he will face between eight years and life in prison. 5) TAKE ACTION: Urge Judiciary Committee to Remove Hostile Amendment to Genocide Legislation The California State Senate Judiciary Committee passed SB 1524, the "Armenian Genocide Bank and Looted Assets Recovery Act" on May 9, granting Armenian genocide victims and their heirs access to California courts to recover bank deposits wrongfully withheld since the Armenian genocide. During consideration of SB 1524, the committee voted to accept a hostile amendment that attaches another act, SB 1765 to the Armenian Genocide Bank and Looted Assets Recovery Act. Vetoed three times by consecutive administrations, the attached bill entitles lawsuits to be filed for wrongfully repatriated Mexican Americans during the 1930s. As a result, the Armenian bill that had previously enjoyed bi-partisan backing and unanimous support since its introduction is now attached to a highly controversial and unrelated bill, endangering its ability to be signed by the Governor and become law. This bill would make the operation of its provisions contingent upon the enactment of SB 1765. What You Can Do: Introduced by Senate Judiciary Committee member Martha Escutia, the hostile amendment received the support of Committee chairman Joseph Dunn, and members Martha Escutia, Sheila Kuehl and Dick Ackerman. While the ANCA-WR supports the correcting of all historic wrongs, it urges the separation of the two distinct bills so that each is considered separately, based on individual merits. The ANCA-WR urges members of the community to contact these members of the Judiciary Committee to express disappointment with the hostile amendment and urge the senators to restore the separate status of each act. They can be reached at their Sacramento offices by calling: Senator Joseph Dunn (D-Garden Grove) - (916) 651-4034 - [email protected] Senator Dick Ackerman (R-Fullerton) - (916) 651-4033 - [email protected] Senator Martha Escutia (D-Montebello) - (916) 651-4030 - [email protected] Senator Sheila Kuehl (D-Los Angeles) - (916) 651-4023 - [email protected] 6) ARS Luncheon to Be Held at Ararat Home MISSION HILLS--An annual luncheon sponsored by the Armenian Relief Society of the Western US (ARS-WR) Regional Executive and its 26 chapters will be held Tuesday, June 6 at 11:00 AM, in the George Deukmejian Grand Ballroom at Ararat Home. Sponsoring the June luncheon is an ARS-WR tradition that provides financial assistance to the home--which provides assisted living, nursing, and convalescent care for hundreds of elderly Armenians. Entertainment during the luncheon will be provided by Allen, a violinist. Last year, his music inspired several residents, who were attending the luncheon, to dance. Allen, a social worker for the ARS-WR Social Services, is returning to bring some excitement to both residents and visiting ARS members. ARS members attending the luncheon will also have the opportunity to visit residents and tour the Ararat-Eskijian Museum, which is located steps from the banquet hall. The luncheon attracts ARS members, their friends, visitors, and residents. Everyone is welcome. To make reservations, please call the ARS-WR headquarters at (818) 500-1343. The Ararat Home Mission Hills campus is located at 15105 Mission Hills Road, Mission Hills, CA 91345. 7) 'The Armenian Adam Smith:' UCLA Holds Conference in Honor of Armenian Economist LOS ANGELESA conference titled, "Armenia: Challenges of Sustainable Development" brought together experts in economics, finance, and public policy to the University of California, Los Angeles earlier this month to discuss the achievements and shortcomings of Armenia's economy. The conference about economic growth, poverty reduction, and financial sector development in Armenia was dedicated to Professor Armen Alchian, a world-renowned Armenian-American economist and UCLA Professor. Professor Alchian, who was born in Fresno in 1914, received his PhD in Economics from Stanford University in 1943, served in the US Army Air Force during World War II, and joined the UCLA faculty and the Rand Corporation in 1946. Professor Alchian is widely known to his students and colleagues as the founder of the "UCLA tradition" in economics, a tradition that continues to this day. It emphasizes that individual behavior is self-seeking and "rational" and that this has many unanticipated consequences. Above all, Alchian is noted for the impact he has had on generations of UCLA graduate students, in no small measure through his first year course in microeconomics. Among his many well-known students is William Sharpe, who received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Science in 1990 for his work on finance. Professor Alchian continues to teach and has been at UCLA for 60 years. Alchian was born in 1914 in Fresno, California, where his father had immigrated from Erzerum. His mother was one of the first native-born Armenians in California, a member of the pioneering Normart family of Fresno. Alchian has vivid childhood memories of General Antranig (Ozanian), who lived with his family for several months in the 1920s, and of Mrs. Ozanian's constant fear that the lad might hurt himself as he played with Antranig's sword. 'Armenia: Challenges of Sustainable Development' At the May 6 conference, Armenian Educational Foundation Chair in Modern Armenian History at UCLA, Professor Richard Hovannisian opened the day with an overview of the historical role of Armenians in the world economy. Turning to the Republic of Armenia, he highlighted the tradeoff Armenia has had to make since 1991 between pressures to privatize the economy and move swiftly to a full free-market system, on the one hand, and the inadequate preparation and negative social impact of these processes, on the other hand. As for the current conference, he stated: "After sixteen semiannual conferences on Historic Armenian Cities and Provinces and, more recently, on the Armenian genocide, the present one takes us in a new direction with a hard look at the immediate challenges facing the Republic of Armenia and its citizenry." He added that it was a pleasure to have the young organization, Armenian International Policy Research Group (AIRPG), serve as a cosponsor and noted that several of the participants were also members of that group, which seeks to facilitate public policy discussions in Armenia and in the diaspora and to foster interaction among researchers and professionals in economics, political science, law, and government. Professor Harold Demsetz, a long-time colleague and friend of Armen Alchian, also spoke, assessing Alchian's important contributions to development of economic theory, his major works in the field relating to consumer rationality and behavior of the firm, and his enduring legacy as a teacher and mentor. He lauded Alchian for his "clarity, originality, willingness to break free from old approaches," Professor Alchian then was introduced to a highly appreciative audience that rose to applaud him before he reflected briefly on his life and career. The first plenary session of the conference focused on the recent book on Armenia published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), "Growth and Poverty Reduction in Armenia: Achievements and Challenges," and was moderated by another prominent UCLA economist, Professor Michael Intriligator who called Alchian the "Armenian Adam Smith." The presenter, IMF's former mission chief to Armenia, Dr. Enrique Gelbard, outlined the key elements of Armenia's macroeconomic performance in recent years. While focusing on impressive aggregate growth and low inflation numbers in Armenia, Dr. Gelbard also emphasized the need for more structural reforms, particularly those in the governance realm, for Armenia to sustain this growth momentum. This was followed by comments from three discussantsProfessor William Ascher of Claremont McKenna College and AIPRG Advisory Board; Professor Daniel Mazmanian of the University of Southern California; and Professor Ara Khanjian of Ventura College and AIPRG. The afternoon session was chaired by Professor Lee Ohanian of UCLA Economics Department. The first of the three presentations, made by Dr. David Grigorian of the IMF and AIPRG, touched on the issue of low tax revenue collection in Armenia and factors behind this phenomenon. Subsequently, Dr. Federica Saliola of the World Bank and University of Rome III presented her work on business climate and firm productivity in Armenia in 2002-2005, and put that in perspective with Armenia's regional competitors. Finally, Nerses Yeritsyan of the Central Bank of Armenia and AIPRG discussed the achievements and challenges of Armenia's financial sector and laid out the Central Bank's ambitious plan of reforming the sector. At the conclusion of the conference, Professor Hovannisian made the closing remarks and the crowd gave a standing ovation to the 92 year old Armen Alchian, who listened attentively throughout the program. Mr. and Mrs. Vahik and Alice Petrossian of the Armenian Educational Foundation hosted the participants, other visiting scholars from Armenia, Great Britain, and Canada, and the UCLA Armenian Studies faculty to a post-conference dinner reception with a number of other AEF members. This conference was organized by the Armenian Educational Foundation Chair in Modern Armenian History at UCLA, Professor Richard Hovannisian, and the Armenian International Policy Research Group, Dr. David Grigorian, with support from the UCLA Center for Near Eastern Studies and Department of Economics. 8) You're Talking Nonsense, Mr. Ambassador By Robert Fisk (The Independent)--A letter from the Turkish Ambassador to the Court of Saint James arrived for me a few days ago, one of those missives that send a shudder through the human soul. "You allege that an 'Armenian genocide' took place in Eastern Anatolia in 1915," His Excellency Mr. Akin Alptuna told me. "I believe you have some misconceptions about those events..." Oh indeedy doody, I have. I am under the totally mistaken conception that one and a half million Armenians were cruelly and deliberately done to death by their Turkish Ottoman masters in 1915, that the men were shot and knifed while their womenfolk were raped and eviscerated and cremated and starved on death marches and their children butchered. I have met a few of the survivors--liars to a man and woman, if the Turkish ambassador to Britain is to be believed--and I have seen the photographs taken of the victims by a brave German photographer called Armin Wegner whose pictures must now, I suppose, be consigned to the waste bins. So must the archives of all those diplomats who courageously catalogued the mass murders inflicted upon Turkey's Christian population on the orders of the gang of nationalists who ran the Ottoman government in 1915. What would have been our reaction if the ambassador of Germany had written a note to the same effect? "You allege that a 'Jewish genocide' took place in Eastern Europe between 1939 and 1945... I believe you have some misconceptions about those events...' Of course, the moment such a letter became public, the ambassador of Germany would be condemned by the Foreign Office, our man in Berlin would--even the pusillanimous Blair might rise to the occasion--be withdrawn for consultations and the European Union would debate whether sanctions should be placed upon Germany. But Mr. Alptuna need have no such worries. His country is not a member of the European Union--it merely wishes to be--and it was Mr. Blair's craven administration that for many months tried to prevent Armenian participation in Britain's Holocaust Day. Amid this chicanery, there are a few shining bright lights and I should say at once that Mr. Alptuna's letter is a grotesque representation of the views of a growing number of Turkish citizens, a few of whom I have the honor to know, who are convinced that the story of the great evil visited upon the Armenians must be told in their country. So why, oh why, I ask myself, are Mr. Alptuna and his colleagues in Paris and Beirut and other cities still peddling this nonsense? In Lebanon, for example, the Turkish embassy has sent a "communiqué" to the local French-language L'Orient Le Jour newspaper, referring to the "soi-disant (so-called) Armenian genocide" and asking why the modern state of Armenia will not respond to the Turkish call for a joint historical study to "examine the events" of 1915. In fact, the Armenian president, Robert Kocharian, will not respond to such an invitation for the same reason that the world's Jewish community would not respond to the call for a similar examination of the Jewish Holocaust from the Iranian president--because an unprecedented international crime was committed, the mere questioning of which would be an insult to the millions of victims who perished. But the Turkish appeals are artfully concocted. In Beirut, they recall the Allied catastrophe at Gallipoli in 1915 when British, French, Australian, and New Zealand troops suffered massive casualties at the hands of the Turkish army. In all--including Turkish soldiers--up to a quarter of a million men perished in the Dardanelles. The Turkish embassy in Beirut rightly states that the belligerent nations of Gallipoli have transformed these hostilities into gestures of reconciliation, friendship, and mutual respect. A good try. But the bloodbath of Gallipoli did not involve the planned murder of hundreds of thousands of British, French, Australian, New Zealand--and Turkish--women and children. But now for the bright lights. A group of "righteous Turks" are challenging their government's dishonest account of the 1915 genocide: Ahmet Insel, Baskin Oran, Halil Berktay, Hrant Dink, Ragip Zarakolu and others claim that the "democratic process" in Turkey will "chip away at the darkness" and they seek help from Armenians in doing so. Yet even they will refer only to the 1915 "disaster," the "tragedy," and the "agony" of the Armenians. Dr. Fatma Gocek of the University of Michigan is among the bravest of those Turkish-born academics who are fighting to confront the Ottoman Empire's terror against the Armenians. Yet she, too, objects to the use of the word genocide--though she acknowledges its accuracy--on the grounds that it has become "politicized" and thus hinders research. I have some sympathy with this argument. Why make the job of honest Turks more difficult when these good men and women are taking on the might of Turkish nationalism? The problem is that other, more disreputable folk are demanding the same deletion. Mr. Alputuna writes to me--with awesome disingenuousness--that Armenians "have failed to submit any irrefutable evidence to support their allegations of genocide." And he goes on to say that "genocide, as you are well aware, has a quite specific legal definition" in the UN's 1948 Convention. But Mr. Alputuna is himself well aware--though he does not say so, of course--that the definition of genocide was set out by Raphael Lemkin, a Jew, in specific reference to the wholesale mass slaughter of the Armenians. And all the while, new diplomatic archives are opening in the West, which reveal the smell of death--Armenian death--in their pages. I quote here, for example, from the newly discovered account of Denmark's minister in Turkey during the First World War. "The Turks are vigorously carrying through their cruel intention, to exterminate the Armenian people," Carl Wandel wrote on 3 July 1915. The Bishop of Karput was ordered to leave Aleppo within 48 hours "and it has later been learned that this Bishop and all the clergy that accompanied him have been... killed between Diyarbekir and Urfa at a place where approximately 1,700 Armenian families have suffered the same fate... In Angora... approximately 6,000 men... have been shot on the road... even here in Constantinople (Istanbul), Armenians are being abducted and sent to Asia..." There is much, much more. Yet now here is Mr. Alptuna in his letter to me: "In fact, the Armenians living outside Eastern Armenia including Istanbul... were excluded from deportation." Somebody here is not telling the truth. The late Mr. Wandel of Copenhagen? Or the Turkish Ambassador to the Court of St. James? Article Courtesy of Harry Koundakjian 9) Which One Is It: Alzheimer's, Depression, or Normal Aging Memory Decline? By Dr. Haygoush Kalinian From time to time, we all forget where we left our keys, walked into a room not knowing why we went there in the first place, or have trouble recalling what we ate last night. If we are elderly, our first thought or fear is "Am I getting Alzheimer's?" Well, not necessarily. There are over 100 conditions that mimic dementia (memory and thinking problems), which are actually reversible and treatable. These are sometimes called "pseudodementia"--"pseudo" meaning "not genuine or false." In other words, disorders or conditions that mimic dementia-like symptoms. For example, reactions to medications could produce effects symptomatic of cognitive decline such as, emotional distress or depression, vision and hearing problems (undetected problems of vision or hearing may result in inappropriate responses, which may be misinterpreted as dementia), nutritional deficiency, endocrine abnormalities (hypothyrodism can cause confusion that mimics dementia), infections (older people can develop infections that produce a sudden onset of confusion), subdural hematoma, normal pressure hydrocephalus, brain tumors that cause mental deterioration, or stroke. The reason an elderly person's memory is not as sharp as when he/she was younger could also be subsequent to normal aging process of the brain. As the body ages, so does the brain. When the body ages, it becomes physically more difficult to perform. When the brain ages, it becomes slower and loses its ability to think efficiently. The proportion of US citizens older than 65 years of age is growing steadily. It is estimated that 20% of the population will be over 65 years of age by 2030. This aging of the population is expected to bring an increase in the incidence of depression and dementia. It has been estimated that as many as 10-20% of people over the age of 65 may be affected by chronic brain syndromes with a rise of 25% when individuals over the age of 80 yeas old are considered separately. As many as 4 million people have an intellectual impairment severe enough to meet the criteria for dementia." Although depression and dementia have many similarities, they also have important distinctions. How to differentiate between dementia and depression? "Dementia" is a syndrome consisting of disturbances in distinct cognitive functions. The main symptom in dementia is memory loss, but other functions are also affected, such as orientation, reasoning, problem solving, judgment, visual-spatial performance, language, and change in personality and emotions. Dementia is an acquired disorder with evidence of decline in cognitive functions from a previous level of function, as demonstrated by history and cognitive testing. As a result, social, occupational, and functional abilities can deteriorate. The most common "pseudodementia" and the most easily misdiagnosed is that associated with depression. General internists and family practitioners fail to recognize major depression in up to 20% of their outpatients with the disorder, either as depression misdiagnosed as dementia or vice versa. The ability of primary-care physicians to recognize and correctly treat depression is important since only approximately 20% of people with depression are treated by mental health professionals. This is especially crucial since both disorders especially depression, are treatable and misdiagnosis may cause an individual with potential full cognitive function to be unnecessarily confined in long-term care faculties. While cognitive and behavioral difficulties (i.e., forgetfulness, bad mood, slow thinking) in depression are similar to those with suspected dementia, performance on neuropsychological tests offers a distinct profile. To diagnose dementia, a complete medical and neuropsychological evaluation is recommended and a complete patient history is very important. It is of vital importance that the physician understands the differences between depression and dementia. What is Alzheimer's disease? Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative and progressive brain disorder characterized by memory loss and problems with language, planning and organization, reasoning and judgment, spatial abilities, and changes in personality and behavior. It occurs most often in individuals over the age of 65 years. A person's chance of developing the disease increases with age. Individuals 85 years of age and older have the highest rates of the disease. While there are several types of dementia, Dementia of Alzheimer's Type (DAT) is the most common form seen in the elderly and may be the single greatest source of dysfunction in people older than 85. Researchers have estimated that approximately 360,000 new cases of DAT will occur each year. More than 4 million Americans have DAT, and this number is expected to triple over the next 20 years with increasing life expectancies and the aging of the "baby boomers" generation. Women are more likely than men to develop DAT, partly due to their longer life expectancy. Although there is no cure for DAT, effective medical and behavioral treatments are available. These treatments may help to slow the progression of the disease. Early diagnosis is important for managing the effects of the disease. The average time between the diagnosis of DAY and death is 8-10 years, but this can vary from person to person. Therefore, legal and financial arrangements should be made regarding the individual's estate and ongoing care. What happens to the brain when it ages? With advancing age every organ of the body undergoes alterations in one way or another. The brain is no exception. Effects of aging on the brain are well-documented. The brain's volume is at its peak until the age of 30 and declines gradually over the following decades. Some structures are affected more than others. Cortical atrophy (shrinkage associated with decrease in number and size of nerve cells) first shows up in the 40s, followed by dilation of ventricular size in 40s for men, bur not until 50s in women. Studies have shown modest age related changes particularly in areas responsible for storage and retrieval of memory (i.e., temporal lobe, hippocampus, and basilar-subcortical regions). For every decade after the 40s, the hippocampus loses 5% of its cells. This is very important as the ability to learn new information, retain and recall at a later time is processed by the cells in the hippocampus. Other brain changes seen in nondemented "normal" elderly persons include the presence of senile plaques and neurofibrilary tangles, abnormalities associated with Alzheimer's disease. However, there is a distinction between normal aging and Alzheimer's disease based on the distribution and extent of those features. Major cognitive changes that occur with aging appear in nonverbal learning and memory, retention of verbal material, reaction time, visual-spatial processing speed, and concentration. These cognitive changes do not necessarily have to mean impairment affecting daily living or quality of life. Even healthy elderly people show age-related decline in some cognitive functions. Research has shown the regular aerobic exercise may slow the rate of cognitive decline and even reverse it. Increased blood flow during exercise provides for better oxygenation of the brain. Even playing video games may be good mental exercise for older person as it can speed up reaction time. Evidently, exercise and healthy lifestyle are not only good for general physical health, but also helps the brain work efficiently. For more information on these and other neuropsychological disorders, please visit: 10) Critics' Forum Literature An Archive in A Footnote: The Legacy Project By Hovig Tchalian Now that the tumult of events surrounding Genocide commemoration has subsided, it is worth taking pause and considering the aftermath. The inevitable moment after (especially once the celebrations of May 28th also end) brings up the difficult but enduring question--"What now?" or, more skeptically, "Is this all there is?" An ambitious project, sponsored by the Hamburg Institute for Social Research and The Rockefeller Foundation, offers perhaps the most satisfying and propitious answer--allowing the act of remembrance to outlive the moment of its inception. The Project consists primarily of a website (<;www .legacy-project.org) that, as the site's own description puts it, "will build a global exchange on the enduring consequences of the many historical tragedies of the 20th century." In essence, the site archives the various reactions to the historical tragedies of the previous century, in the hope of preventing their future occurrence, or at least dampening their detrimental effects on society. The website's "events index" provides a comprehensive alphabetical list of the nearly 25 "events" included in the archive--from "African Conflicts," Apartheid, the Armenian genocide, and the "Cambodian Killing Fields," through the Holocaust and the struggles of "indigenous peoples," to the two World Wars. Admittedly, the strand tying all these "events" together--the issue of social injustice, broadly conceived--is somewhat tenuous. And the categorization scheme may be suspect. (What about "indigenous peoples" constitutes a set of "events"?) Perhaps a better way of linking these various themes together is under the even broader theme of remembrance, the complex "legacy" that gives the project its name. According to the website, "the Legacy Project offers a channel for mutual recognition across generations and geography. Through scholarly research and innovative presentation, The Legacy Project will create new--and shared--frameworks for cultural expressions of loss, drawn from Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Our work will help define the language of human loss--its forms, its symbols, its grammar... The Legacy Project seeks a collective, retrospective reflection on the losses that constitute the legacy of the last century." The real value of the project--the genuine goal of active remembrance and comparative historical study facilitated by the creation of a central archive of various human injustices--is overshadowed by the quite ambitious but nonetheless diffuse goal of defining "the language of human loss," a goal arguably more akin to academic studies than to historical reality. The site nonetheless admirably achieves its more modest goal of preserving the poems, plays, speeches, films, historical commentary, and a host of other reactions to the tragedies that have defined our century and the prior one. Unlike the more strictly historical mission of, say, the Zoryan Institute, which carries out the important work of preserving the commentaries of Genocide survivors and legal and historical documents related to the event itself, the Legacy Project preserves the reactions of the generations that succeeded them. By doing so, it carries out the equally important work of archiving in one place what would otherwise constitute a scattered series of footnotes, the "secondary" memory of the historical events that record the shock registered in the minds and hearts of more than a century's worth of indirect witnesses. In this sense, the website performs the much-needed function of commemorating the act of commemoration itself--testimony to the enduring will of those who would see the tragedies halted and continual fodder for all of us looking for a viable answer to the question with which we began, "What now?" The selections included on the site are nothing short of remarkable. As of the last viewing, the website includes virtual exhibitions of "Frank Stella, the Polish Village Series;" "The "Art of Afterwards;" and a study of "Echoes of the Guernica." There is also a "Virtual Symposium" of Holocaust-related issues, as well as the discussions of the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. The site also includes a searchable database of the various literary, artistic and film materials included on the site. Excerpts of the work of Armenian poet and writer Peter Balakian are represented, as are the enigmatic and powerful historico-philosophical ruminations of the German-Jewish cultural critic, Walter Benjamin. Despite the Legacy Project's sophistication and the breadth and depth of its archives, there are nonetheless some glaring omissions in its website content. A search for Atom Egoyan or his film, "Ararat," for instance, will return no results. And there is a noticeable dearth of items about the Genocide more generally. Luckily, the remedy is readily available. The website provides the following email address for feedback and suggestions: [email protected]. What better way to make one's voice heard while helping transform the footnotes of the Genocide and other historical tragedies into a growing archive that will survive the few weeks of their commemoration? Hovig Tchalian holds a PhD in English literature from UCLA. He has edited several journals and also published articles of his own. You can reach him or any of the other contributors to Critics' Forum at [email protected]. This and all other articles published in this series are available online at <;www.critics forum.org. To sign up for a weekly electronic version of new articles, go to <;www.cri ticsforum.org/join. Critics' Forum is a group created to discuss issues relating to Armenian art and culture in the diaspora. 11) EIs: On the March Again By Garen Yegparian It's election time again and our good buddies, the Electoral Idiots (EIs) have ventured forth anew to wreak political ruin for our community. This time around the stakes are higher, not just city council seats, but a State Assembly seat; in California; one of only 80; governing some 36 million people, almost 12.5% of the US population. For those not living in California's 43rd Assembly District, this may seem remote, irrelevant, and possibly an outright waste of ink, but please, read on. You may come to change your mind since the issues arising in this race can teach universal lessons. And see my recommendations for statewide elected office and a smattering of other races. Let's establish, affirmatively, what our community's goals should be in the electoral realm. It will serve as a reference point for evaluating EI behavior. It seems simple and straightforward to me. We should develop interested, talented people. We should advocate strong engagement with the broader host communities we live in on the political level. We should break down barriers to civic/political participation by members of our community. We should put forward for election those among us who have demonstrated competence and integration, as the culmination of the individual's and our community's efforts. We should actively dissuade those "not yet ready for prime time" from running. We should not be held hostage to the facile argument of "support me just because I'm Armenian." We should not tolerate those who run for office in our name but are unwilling to heed our community's needs. We should penalize those who act in ways detrimental to our interests. The cast of EIs is somewhat different than last year. Some are back for a return engagement, others are newbies. But what's ironic is that this time, they're not even running for office. They're just acting as spoilers for someone else. You gotta wonder what motivates some of these pathetic creatures. Is it money? Is it a moment of glory and visibility? Is it sheer sniveling? Is it the Homo Ottomanicus syndrome I've described? Is it hatred--of self or competing organizations and people? No matter, the outcome is the same--our community suffers. Here's the scoop. In the 43rd, whoever wins the Democratic Primary on June 6 has the November election locked up--this thanks to the last round of gerrymandering by the legislature. The 43rd is also home to the largest number of Armenians of any Assembly District in California. This is one we should truly have significant, if not determinant, sway over. This year, we even have a competent Armenian candidate, Paul Krekorian, not an EI such as those who played spoilers in Glendale's election last year. There is another candidate in the Democratic primary, Frank Quintero, along with one each on the Republican and Libertarian slates. Not surprisingly, the contested Democratic primary is generating some heat, but it has taken an ugly turn during the last few days. The County Registrar of Voters has been sending out letters to some voters in the 43rd requiring confirmation of their signature on the vote-by-mail (VBM) request form they had submitted. It seems the Registrar didn't like the signature; it wasn't close enough to the original. Here, let me share a story from my experience. Last year, I registered all four members of a family, my neighbors. When the time came to vote, they opted to VBM. Two of the four had no problems. One was able to vote, but only after extended discussions--close to two hours, via telephone, with the Registrar's office, with me. The other had to report to the City Clerk's office to be able to vote. Why? The Registrar didn't like the signature--not on the VBM form, but the original voter registration! Who gave these people the right to dictate what someone's signature ought to look like? You can see that the Registrar is not perfect. Couple this with the understandable difficulty many employees have with our names, and you've got a recipe for serious, ongoing headaches. Quintero's campaign has taken the Registrar's queries, chosen to interpret them as fraud, and promulgated this "finding" through a press conference on the steps of the Glendale post office. Among those in attendance and speaking was a bigot with a record of spewing anti-Armenian poison during Glendale City Council meetings. This creature "rhetorically" asked if it wasn't illegal for people to assist aging voters in their homes. Can you fathom the unmitigated gall? An Armenian organization noted for its virtual non-existence was also on display and spoke its piece. This show generated a lot of media coverage, the same media that was virtually silent (LA Times, Daily News, Burbank Leader) or favoring Quintero (Glendale News Press) through much of the campaign. Of course our EIs have chimed in, amplifying Quintero's spurious accusations through their organizations, TV shows, and plain old word of mouth. Have they no shame? Some of these Armenians may have legitimate PERSONAL concerns and interests in supporting Quintero. These could and should be quietly, discretely pursued. Most do not have even this excuse at their disposal. But duplicitously attempting to transform such concerns into our community's interests is the height of arrogance and selfishness. For example, the chair of the Armenia Fund has no business supporting Quintero when the bulk of our community is behind Krekorian. This demonstrates poor judgment that reflects poorly on and damages the credibility of a valuable institution we need to support our homeland. Organizations that have little or no support in the community are using this as an opportunity to promote themselves, hoping that if Quintero wins, the crumbs he'll toss their way will allow them to gain standing among Armenians. This latter class of people--better yet slugs--are those who would've sided with the Turks during the Genocide, as a friend poignantly observed. Quintero is fortunate to have these slugs at his disposal. They seem willing to do anything to divide our community and weaken it--whether now, during Genocide commemorations, or last year's elections. Krekorian's campaign has registered over 1500 new voters and helped thousands new to the voting process navigate their way through it. Naturally this scares an opponent. It seems to have driven him to the world of slime, and who better to provide it than our community's slugs? Over the next few days as these slugs "march" on, poisoning the atmosphere, ask them what, why, when, how, who. When they holler "fraud," ask them according to whom? Has the (faulty) Registrar said so? On what grounds? Has this case been prosecuted? Who's been found guilty by what court? Just poke a thousand holes in their arguments, it's not difficult, particularly when it's on one of the numerous call-in shows serving our community. Remember, this is about electing the most competent, decent, and forthcoming candidate, Paul Krekorian. Imagine what we can expect of a candidate who resorts to such slimy tactics during his campaign once he's elected? It does not become you, Mr. Quintero. Be sure to vote. Be sure to vote for Paul Krekorian if you're in the district. And take a look at my other picks in the accompanying box. I've only selected names when more than one person is running in a given party's primary. I won't pretend to explain my choices of candidates. It's far too messy for such a small space. Regarding Propositions 81 and 82, both introduce long needed programs, and the latter also has the added benefit of making the wealthiest among us pay their fair share. BALLOT MEASURES Proposition 81: Yes Proposition 82: Yes GOVERNOR Phil Angelides (Democratic) Arnold Schwarzenegger (Republican) LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Jackie Speier (Democratic) Tom McClintock (Republican) SECRETARY OF STATE Debra Bowen (Democratic) CONTROLLER Joe Dunne (Democratic) Abel Maldonado (Republican) TREASURER Keith S. Richman (Republican) ATTORNEY GENERAL Jerry Brown (Democratic) INSURANCE COMMISSIONER Cruz Bustamante (Democratic) SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION Jack T. O'Connell (Nonpartisan race) SENATE DISTRICT 20 Cindy Montanez (Democratic) ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 44 Anthony Portantino (Democratic) 12) JUNE 6 ELECTION: CHOOSE, BUT CHOOSE WISELY! By SKEPTIK SINIKIAN Every time it's Spring in Los Angeles it seems as though people act stranger than usual. Maybe it's the warm weather or hormones. Or maybe it's just the fact that I live in Glendale and the upcoming June primary elections are driving everyone nuts. I'm going to delve into this topic because I feel it's important that someone knows what's going on in their community, particularly when it comes to politics. To most Armenians, discussing politics means sitting in a backyard at a family barbecue and discussing the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts and tying that in to vague recollections of the civil war in Lebanon or remembering where they were when Khrushchev banged his shoe on the lectern at the UN or when the US Embassy was taken over in Iran. Don't act like you've never been part of any of these conversations! I don't even go to that many family barbecues and I've overheard more of these conversations than I'd care to remember. What amazes me the most however, is that whenever it comes to politics in America, domestic issues, Armenians are overall very apathetic. Unless a decision made in Congress raises the luxury tax on BMWs or Mercedes Benzes, they'd rather not vote or be involved. But over the last six years, this has changed in areas like Southern California and most visibly in Glendale where practically 8 of the city's 15 elected officials are Armenian. There's even an elected clerk and most people can't tell me what a clerk's responsibilities are! Even stranger was that three or four Armenians ran for that job! It seems as though insanity ensues whenever these elections roll around, be they in April or June. Lawn signs pop up in the most random places which make you wonder who in the world climbed up to the side of that hill to place it there and who did they think would see it or be impressed by it. "Look honey, the coyotes have endorsed Hovik Hovikian for Ombudsman of Glendale!" My favorite is the Armenian grocery stores that will try to appeal to everyone by putting up everyone's signs as though to say "We have no principles, we just want your money! Our lahmajunes love EVERYONE!!" I'd bet some of these places are the same ones that sell Turkish products instead of Armenian ones. So what does this mean for our community? Well, for one thing, there are a few important races involving Armenians on the state level. And no, it's not Senator Poochigian's bid for the Republican nomination for Attorney General. He's running virtually unopposed and will run away with the nomination. There's a race in Anaheim/Yorba Linda (President Richard Nixon's old stomping grounds) in which an Armenian-American, Marty Simonoff is vying for the Republican nomination. He's been active in the community and quite outspoken. Good guy and deserves any support the Armenians in Orange County and Montebello can give him. But the real battle royale is taking place in Glendale in the 43rd Assembly District where the election has gotten uglier than one of Michael Jackson's passport photos. Why has it gotten so ugly? Well, for one, Latino leaders see this seat as belonging to a Latino candidate even though Armenians outnumber Latinos in Glendale. The other reason is because one of the candidates, Glendale councilman Frank Quintero, has been using a handful of clueless Armenian to bolster his involvement in the Armenian community. That's all fine and dandy but when the opponent is an activist leader in the Armenian community like School Board President Paul Krekorian, then there is virtually no comparison. Krekorian is leading the race by many accounts--support amongst the Democratic party faithful, various polling, and general likeability. At one point he was even leading in money, but because some of our community members are more interested in their bank accounts than advancing the general public's interest, Quintero has raised over $100,000 from Armenian developers, banquet hall owners, and other business owners. Here's the list of folks that looks like the menu at the Chicken Ranch in Texas. (That's a brothel and yes I'm making that connection) Look at the names for yourself if you don't believe me. php?committee=1279156 This is an interesting site and you might even be interested to see who some our "community leaders" are looking out for our interests. Krekorian has worked his tail off for the Armenian-American students in Burbank and being a leading voice in the Democratic party in California when few other individuals were doing that. Quintero has been in a few marches and says "parev" on TV and some Armenians are ready to name their newborn daughter Frankush. It's insane and doesn't make sense. The election is June 6 and if you don't think that this is important than read the following article from Capitol Weekly--a Sacramento inside publication that tracks races. =743 So vote! Make your voice heard! Because if the right guy for the job (that would be Krekorian for my slower readers) doesn't win on June 6... well, let's just say that opportunities like this one don't grow on trees. I just hope that the Quintero donors realize their mistakes before it's too late. All of this election insanity and the Armenian community reminded me of the following anecdote. One day while campaigning against Dwight Eisenhower during the 1952 presidential election, Adlai Stevenson was approached by a female admirer. "Governor," she enthused, "every thinking person will be voting for you." "Madam, that is not enough," Stevenson replied. "I need a majority!" So tell your family. Tell your friends. Get out and vote. Because on June 6, being smart or committed is not enough. We need a majority! Skeptik Sinikian urges everyone go out and vote on June 6 and make the wise choice. If you disagree with Skeptik, you can reach him at [email protected] or visit his blog at <;www.si nikian.blogspot.com. 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