ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
10/08/2004
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1) Publishers Call for an End to Turkish Penal Code Criminalizing
2) ANCA “Hye Voter Turnout” Campaign in Full Swing
3) Armenian Jerusalem Highlighted at UCLA Conference
4) AEF Honors Hacopian and Danielian as Educators of the Year
5) Karabagh Mine Clearing Specialist Visits San Francisco
6) Pyunic 2nd Annual Kef Night
7) Tidbits from The DINER
8) A Fist Full of Dollars or A Few Dollars More?
9) Hovig Remembered
10) THE ARTS
11) LETTERS
1) Publishers Call for an End to Turkish Penal Code Criminalizing Recognition
of Armenian Genocide
GENEVA (IFEX)–In a letter to the Dutch Presidency of the European Union (EU)
and to the President of the EU Commission, Romano Prodi, as well as incoming
President José-Manuel Barroso, the International Publishers’ Association (IPA)
seeks their assistance in calling on the Turkish authorities to abandon the
criminalization of the recognition of the Armenian genocide, a measure
jeopardizing freedom of expression and freedom to publish.
According to Article 306 of the new Turkish Penal Code adopted on September
27, a citizen who demands the withdrawal of Turkish soldiers from Cyprus or
declares that the Armenian genocide actually took place during the First World
War can be pursued by virtue of Article 306. Prison sentences range from
“three
to ten years.”
IPA President Ana Maria Cabanellas said: “The many reform packages adopted in
Turkey thus far are in part designed to improve Turkey’s freedom of expression
record by amending various provisions of Turkey’s major legislation. IPA
welcomes these changes. However, it is fundamental that these legislative
measures are implemented effectively. This effort must now include amending
Article 306 of the new Penal Code.”
The IPA was founded in 1896 and represents the publishing industry world-wide
through 78 national, regional, and specialized publishers associations in 66
countries. It is a non-governmental organization with consultative relations
with the United Nations. Its constituency is of book and journal publishers
world-wide, assembled into 78 publishers associations at national, regional,
and specialized levels.
2) ANCA “Hye Voter Turnout” Campaign in Full Swing
–Record Armenian American Turnout Expected on November 2
WASHINGTON, DC–With only a few weeks left to the November 2 Presidential and
Congressional elections, Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
chapters
have teamed up with activists across the country, as part of the ANCA’s “Hye
Voter Turnout” campaign, to make their last push to ensure record levels of
Armenian American participation in the electoral process.
Over the past several months, local ANCA chapters have been working within
their communities to raise awareness about federal, state, and local
candidates
and the issues facing the Armenian American community. A powerful tool in this
effort has been the ANCA Candidate Questionnaire, available on the ANCA
website, which has provided candidates from across the nation with the
opportunity to speak directly to their Armenian American constituents. The
ANCA
Congressional Candidate Questionnaire includes nine different questions on the
topics of the Armenian genocide; US support for Armenia and Karabagh;
US-Armenia economic relations; self-determination for Karabagh; conditions on
US aid to Azerbaijan; the Turkish blockade of Armenia, and; the US subsidy of
the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline bypass of Armenia. For an Adobe PDF version of the
ANCA Questionnaire, visit:
The ANCA has also teamed up with local Armenian Youth Federation chapters in
national voter registration efforts, working to increase the Armenian American
voice at the ballot box. Activists have set up registration tables at local
churches, community centers, and even local business establishments, providing
the forms and information needed to register. These efforts have made it easy
for young people to register through the ANCA voter registration website and
“Rock the Vote,” MTV’s youth voter education program.
At the national level, the ANCA has endorsed Senator John Kerry as clearly
the
better candidate on issues facing the Armenian American community. At the same
time, the ANCA–locally and nationally–continues to highlight the powerful
leadership demonstrated by a great many Congressional Republicans on Armenian
issues, notably by Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Joe Knollenberg (R-MI),
Genocide
Resolution author George Radanovich (R-CA), and Senators such as Mitch
McConnell (R-KY), John Ensign (R-NV), George Allen (R-VA), Elizabeth Dole
(R-NC), and many others.
Working with local chapters or Armenians for Kerry, the ANCA has spent the
past several months raising awareness of Senator Kerry’s 20-year record of
supporting Armenian American concerns–on issues ranging from recognition of
the Armenian genocide and self-determination for Karabagh, to increased aid,
expanded trade, and an end to the blockades of Armenia. The ANCA
endorsement of
Senator Kerry includes a full review of the Senator’s record as well as a
listing of the many areas in which President has disappointed the Armenian
American community. This text can be found at:
;pressregion=anca
The ANCA’s “Hye Voter Turnout” four-part strategy in support of the
Kerry-Edwards ticket was formally launched on August 28, with the Armenstock
2004/Kef for Kerry event in Massachusetts (). This major
day-long music festival featured leading Armenian musicians and speeches by
Armenian activists and elected officials, including Congressmen Barney Frank
(D-MA) and James McGovern (D-MA), as well as State Representatives Peter
Koutoujian and Rachel Kaprielian. Additional get-out-the-Armenian-vote
concerts are planned as part of the Kef for Kerry Tour of Battleground States.
The tour includes stops in the key swing states of Wisconsin–October 8,
Michigan–October 23, Florida–October 24, and Pennsylvania–October 29. For
additional information, visit:
The second element of the ANCA plan was the “Friends for Kerry Postcard
Campaign,” which debuted at Armenstock. This campaign circulated tens of
thousands of pre-addressed postcards which were sent by Armenians in solidly
pro-Kerry states like New York and California to fellow Armenians in twelve
swing states: Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Ohio, New Hampshire, Michigan,
Missouri, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. The
postcard urges voters to “compare the records of Senator Kerry and President
Bush on Armenian issues, to weight the importance of your ballot for the
future
of US-Armenian relations, and the please consider casting your vote for the
Kerry-Edwards ticket on November 2nd.”
The third part of the ANCA plan is a series of “Calling for Kerry”
weekends on
October 9-10 and October 30-31. Building on the postcard campaign, local
activists are teaming up with Armenian Youth Federation and Armenians for
Kerry
chapters in hosting gatherings and “cell phone parties” to reach out to
thousand of Armenian American households in sixteen swing states. In addition
to supporting the Kerry-Edwards ticket, activists will highlight the need for
strong turnout for friends of Armenia in Congress, both Democratic and
Republican. The fourth and final part of the ANCA effort is a grassroots
“Canvassing for Kerry” program that will go door-to-door to getting out the
vote for John Kerry and other friends of Armenia on Election Day.
3) Armenian Jerusalem Highlighted at UCLA Conference
LOS ANGELES–The fifteenth in a series of conferences on Historic Armenian
Cities and Provinces, sponsored by the Armenian Educational Foundation
Chair in
Modern Armenian History, the theme of the upcoming conference is “Armenian
Jerusalem and Armenians in the Holy Land.”
Conference organizer Professor Richard Hovannisian, noted: “The Armenian
presence in the Holy Land dates back to the early Christian centuries, and it
is certainly fitting that scholars from around the world should gather at UCLA
to discuss their findings on various aspects of that long and continuous
history.”
His Eminence Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, is
the honorary chairman of the conference, which includes papers on art and
architecture, the manuscript collection and library of Saint James Monastery,
the history of the Armenian Patriarchate and the Armenian Quarter of
Jerusalem,
relations between the Patriarchate and the Cilician Armenian kingdom, Greater
Armenia, and other Christian churches. More contemporary issues include the
history of the Armenian community of Jerusalem and the Holy Land during and
after the Armenian genocide, literary themes, Jerusalem’s significance for
Armenians worldwide, and new directions for future research.
The international conference will be held on the UCLA campus, in the Court of
Sciences (CS 50), on Saturday, November 6, and Sunday, November 7.
The conference schedule and program are as follows:
Saturday, November 6–9:30 AM-1:00 PM
UCLA Court of Sciences (CS 50)
Armenian Jerusalem and Armenians in the Holy Land–An Introduction
Richard G. Hovannisian, University of California, Los Angeles
Armenian Monasteries in the Holy Land in the Seventh Century
Nina Garsoïan, Columbia University, Emerita
The Cathedral of Saint James and Its Collections
John Carswell, Oriental Institute, Chicago, and AUB, Emeritus
The Manuscript Collection of Saint James Monastery
Abraham Terian, St. Nersess Seminary, New York
Armenian Patriarchal Succession in Jerusalem
Haig A. Krikorian, Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem Support Organization
The Armenian Lords and the Kingdom of Jerusalem, 12th-13th Centuries
Claude Mutafian, Université de Paris-Nord
Relations of the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem with Greater Armenia,
14th-15th Centuries
Sergio La Porta, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
2:00 p.m.5:30 p.m.
The Patriarchal Reign of Grigor Gandzaketsi Paronter (1613-1645)
Roberta R. Ervine, St. Nersess Seminary, New York
Armenian-Greek Church Relations in Jerusalem and the Patriarchate
of Constantinople in the 17th Century (in Armenian, with English summary)
Albert Kharatyan, Institute of History, Erevan
The Armenian Mosaics of Jerusalem: A Reconsideration
Christina Maranci, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Mkrtich Khrimian and the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem
(in Armenian, with English summary)
Emma Kostandyan, Institute of History, Erevan
The Armenian Legion and the End of Ottoman Rule in Palestine
Robert O. Krikorian, George Washington University
Genocide Survivors in the Holy Land, 1917-1919
Vahram Shemmassian, California State University-Northridge
Sunday , November 7–1:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
From Armash to Jerusalem: Patriarchs Eghishe Turian and Torkom Kushakian
Vartan Matiossian, Universidad del Salvador, Buenos Aires, and Hovnanian
School, New Jersey
The Armenians of Palestine, 1918-1948
Bedross Der Matossian, Jerusalem and Columbia University
Armenian Literary Figures in Jerusalem
Osheen Keshishian, Glendale College and Armenian Observer
The Armenian Ceramics of Jerusalem: Three Generations since 1919
Nurith Kenaan-Kedar, University of Tel-Aviv
The Calouste Gulbenkian Library of the Armenian Patriarchate
Sylva Natalie Manoogian, University of California, Los Angeles
New Directions in the Historiography of Armenians in Jerusalem and the Holy
Land
George Hintlian, Director, Christian Heritage Research Institute, Jerusalem
The Centrality of Jerusalem for Armenians Worldwide
Sossie Andezian, National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), Paris
Photographic Exhibit by Richard and Anne Elizabeth Elbrecht of Davis,
California
The conference is open to the public at no charge. Parking is available on
the
UCLA campus in Parking Structure No. 2. Entrance from Hilgard Avenue at
Westholme.
For further information, see
<;”
or contact Professor Richard Hovannisian: [email protected]
Telephone: 310-825-3375 (a.m. hours)
4) AEF Honors Hacopian and Danielian as Educators of the Year
GLENDALE–The Armenian Educational Foundation bestowed Dr. Armine Hacopian and
Hasmik Danielian with the Educator of the Year Award for 2004 during an
October
3 luncheon at the Sheraton Universal Roof Garden. The Educator of the Year
Awards, along with the Lifetime Educator Achievement Awards, recognize
outstanding educators who have made exceptional contributions to the
Armenian-American community.
Dr. Armine Hacopian has been in the field of education for 35 years as a
teacher, ESL specialist, counselor, and administrator for Los Angeles,
Burbank,
and Glendale Unified School Districts. She is a consultant for Guiding
Leadership to Success Consulting and many other organizations. Since 2001, she
has served as a member of the Glendale Community College Board of Trustees,
where she has also served as President of the Board. She serves on the Western
Prelacy Board of Regents of California Armenian Schools and is also a
member of
the Armenian Relief Society. Dr. Hacopian was one of the co-founders of
Chamlian Elementary School.
Hasmik Danielian has been in education since 1979, having worked for the
Claremont School District and then Glendale Unified School District. She has
been a tutor, teacher, teacher specialist, dean of students, assistant
principal, and principal at both middle and high school levels. This past
year,
Danielian was selected by the Association of California School Administrators
to serve on the prestigious Western Association of Schools and Colleges as a
commissioner representing school administrators in California.
5) Karabagh Mine Clearing Specialist Visits San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO–Bay Area Armenian-Americans learned about efforts underway in
Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR) to rid the country of dangerous landmines.
Kurt Chesko, the Program Officer for the demining agency HALO, gave a
presentation to the Bay Area community recently about the magnitude of
landmine
problems in Karabagh, and efforts to clear them. The event was hosted by the
Bay Area Armenian National Committee at San Francisco’s Vaspouragan Hall.
HALO has been working in MKR since 1995, when it conducted an 18-month
program
surveying the region and equipping and training deminers. By 1999, deminers
had
successfully cleared hundreds of mines. HALO returned to MKR in 2000 with a
fresh project to re-equip, provide additional training, and establish a “mine
action center,” to collect and maintain information about the mines, safe
routes, etc. In addition to landmines, unexploded ordnance is also cleared.
In Karabagh, where both Azeri and Armenian forces laid minefields, access to
prime agricultural land in many areas is denied; many farmers and villagers
have been wounded by accidental detonation of the hidden mines. In the first
quarter of 2004 alone, mines were responsible for 8 deaths and 10 injuries in
Karabagh. Aid organizations in the region have also been forced to restrict
their operations due to fears of landmines on or just beside roads and the
presence of unexploded ordnance.
Chesko, who spent two months in Karabagh this past fall, explained there are
several kinds of mines in Karabagh. The most common is the “Osean 72,” which
explodes when stepped on, throwing shrapnel in all directions. The worst,
however, are the extremely destructive anti-tank mines, carrying 10 pounds of
explosive, and are not easily detected by mine clearing equipment.
HALO employs a team of 186 local Armenian men and women in Karabagh including
mine clearers, medics, drivers, and teachers who educate communities on how to
protect themselves against the landmines. The deminers are organized into
units
of 8; many are former soldiers. The deminers typically receive two to four
weeks training; medics or those needing training to clear other types of
ordinances, like grenades and small rockets, get longer training.
“We’re not clearing the mines they need for defense,” said Chesko. “Those on
the front lines are not touched. Those areas are not a priority for us.” He
also said that neighboring Azerbaijan which has a similar or worse mine
problem
has refused HALO’s offer of demining and has expressed strong opposition to
the
ongoing demining efforts in Karabagh.
Chesko’s photo slides reveal the damage caused by exploded mines: a farmers
flock of sheep killed, villagers without limbs, damaged farm equipment.
The deminers are able to clear approximately 18,000 square meters per day. To
date, 11,000 acres in have been cleared in Karabagh. HALO projects an
additional four to six years of demining to rid the problem in Karabagh.
The HALO Trust (Hazardous Area Life Support Organization) is a not-for-profit
NGO with over 5,500 mine clearers in 9 countries in Central and Southeast,
Africa, the Caucasus, and Balkans. HALO’s 2004 budget for Karabagh is
financed
by the Dutch government ($574,000), USAID ($450,000) and the Cafesjian Fund
($60,000). Of these funds, HALO allocates 7% to administrative expenses, and
93% goes directly to clearance efforts. Karabagh’s deminers are paid $175 per
month.
Chesko plans to return to Karabagh next year.
6) Pyunic 2nd Annual Kef Night
Proceeds to benefit programs for disabled children in Armenia
LOS ANGELES–The Los Angeles chapter of Pyunic, the Armenian Association for
the Disabled, will hold its 2nd Annual Kef Night on Saturday, October 16, with
live music and dancing by the John Bilezikjian Band, along with an extensive
silent auction offering Armenian art and décor.
“Kef Night is one of our most important fundraising events of the year. The
evening’s proceeds will provide much needed funds for special programs to aid
disabled children in Armenia,” says Pyunic president Sarkis Ghazarian.
Several Pyunic programs will benefit from Kef Night, including the Summer
Camp
at Lake Sevan, the Early Intervention Program, and the training of disabled
athletes for international competitions. Four Pyunic athletes recently
competed
alongside 3800 other participants from 136 countries in the 2004 Paralympics
Games in Athens, Greece.
Representing the Republic of Armenia at the Games were archer Marine
Hakobyan,
wheelchair marathoner Onik Hovakimyan, powerlifter Gevorg Karagashyan, and
swimmer Mariam Sahakyan. Pyunic athletes have participated in the last five
Paralympics including Salt Lake City in 2002, Sydney in 2000, as well as in
the
Los Angeles and New York City Marathons.
“With the generous support of the Diaspora, Pyunic has been able to provide
training, assistance, and opportunity for disabled Armenian athletes to
compete
in the international arena,” reveals Ghazarian.
Founded in 1989 to help the disabled children of the devastating 1988
earthquake in the Republic of Armenia, Pyunic has become the leading
non-governmental organization assisting individuals with physical and
psychological challenges, as well as promoting welfare and assisting in
shaping
public awareness for the disabled. Pyunic provides humanitarian aid, social
services, career training, and annual summer and winter teaching camps for
children with disabilities.
Kef Night will begin at 8PM, at the Baghdasarian-Shahinian Banquet Hall
located in the Glendale Homenetmen Ararat Chapter at 3347 North San
Fernando in
Los Angeles. Tickets are $35.00, and include gourmet appetizers and
entertainment. For reservation, call Lorig Sivazlian at 818-517-1208.
To learn more about Pyunic and its programs, contact Sarkis Ghazarian at
818-785-3468.
7) Tidbits from The DINER
By TATUL
As I entered Costa’s Diner for a quick yet filling breakfast, that was to keep
me going until dinnertime, I noticed my old friend Marty sitting in a corner
booth. Marty has been a fixture at the Diner as far back as I remember. Over
the years, this landmark eatery has changed several owners, somehow keeping
its
basic Greek menu and character.
Marty is usually seen breaking bread with his close friend Arty, but today he
was having his Greek coffee alone, looking a bit under the weather, sitting in
a corner booth with his usual pile of newspapers scattered on a table large
enough to accommodate four. He invited me to share it with him.
“Marty, you look a little tired,” I said as I squeezed into the seat facing
him. Are you OK?”
“I am a little. . . bushed,” he hesitated, staring at the front page of the
newspaper on top of the pile, where large photos of Bush and Kerry took up the
top half of the page. Noticing that I too was looking at the contenders’
smiling pictures, he kind of smirked and shook his head.
“Heckle and Jeckle,” I joked, sensing his disapproval and annoyance. “Don’t
let it bother you, we’re all in the same boat.”
He looked at me for a moment, seeking a measure of seriousness in my
demeanor.
“Not quite,” he said, “Heckle and Jeckle were harmless, bumbling cartoon
characters, funny looking birds that made us laugh when we were kids.
This,” he
said poking the pictures with a forefinger the size of a nachwurst, “is more
like ‘Flim-Flam’ riding a white elephant and ‘Flip-Flop’ trotting after him on
a lame donkey–while the boat, as you put it, is leaking!”
I chuckled and told him it was very well put, and that I agreed with him
wholeheartedly. Seeing the waitress standing over me, I quickly ordered a
western omelet and some orange juice; I wanted to hear Marty’s obviously
strong
feelings on the ramifications of the impending ordeal of US presidential
elections.
Marty took a quick sip of his coffee and pulled out another paper from the
pile, and pointed at a news item about the worsening situation in southern
Sudan, under Secretary of State Powell’s picture; with a bold lettered heading
stating: “Powell Calls Massacres In Sudan GENOCIDE.”
“Well?” I said, after glancing at it, “What’s the problem?”
“What. . . is the problem. . . ?” he repeated in obvious amazement, “Is that
all you have to say?”
“Well,” I said, “it seems to me that, based on all available information on
the tragic events, the Secretary of State has made the right assessment. . .
don’t you agree?”
“That is not the point. . . !” he growled, “whether you or I agree; it may
very well be a genocide, but with what moral authority, an administration that
consistently denies and obstructs the recognition of the planned murder of one
and a half million Armenians as genocide, suddenly, decides to call the
Sudanese massacres ‘Genocide’ while still calling the Armenian genocide
‘Massacres.’ Can you explain that to me?”
We were both silent for a minute, lost in unyielding memories and dark,
tormenting thoughts that lead to the perennial frustration and anger of the
diasporan Armenian. Marty broke the silence:
“You know what?” he said, “As much as I don’t trust any politician, I have to
say, that when a ‘flop’ side is leading to disaster, there is nothing wrong in
heading to the ‘flip’ side, even if one has to ride a lame donkey to do it.”
“Amen!;” I replied, “No more flim-flam!” and I washed down the last bite of
the omelet with orange juice, thinking how much better it would taste with
some vodka in it.
8) A Fist Full 0f Dollars or A Few Dollars More?
By Skeptik Sininkian
Since the Vice-Presidential debate earlier this week was about as exciting as
watching paint dry, let’s talk Turkey instead. I read an article this week
about Bob Livingston former member of Congress from Louisiana, now turned
professional slime ball and lobbyist for the Republic of Turkey. The article
(Livingston Group’s Access Opens Doors for Turkey, Influence, September 29,
2004) was an eye opener for me because although I’d known that Livingston
was a
hired gun for Turkish propagandists, I’d never known the extent of his
influence or his greed.
The article details how the Livingston Group (Bob’s lobbying firm) received
1.4 million dollars between the months of February and July of 2004 from
Turkey
to lobby on its behalf. It was money well-earned considering that trying to
sell the Republic of Turkey based on its merits to anyone with a brain is more
difficult than trying to sell an ice maker to an Eskimo. I can’t understand
how
anyone can still trust Turkey or actually believe that they are a reliable
ally. Although the article on Livingston was well written and informative,
even
its author Kate Ackley, referred to Turkey as an important US ally in the
Middle East. Just to be sure that the definition of ally hasn’t changed since
9/11 (it seems as though everything else has), I looked it up in the
dictionary
and sure enough, it said “ally: One in helpful association with another.” Who
knows, maybe the definition of “helpful” has changed or maybe “helpful” in
Turkish means “screw your friends over when they really need you.”
Now be nice! I know what you’re thinking about poor old Bob. Bob probably has
a family to feed and a house or houses to pay for and so what if he hails from
a state that is best known for its swamps and the slimy things that call it
home. But I have to admit, it fascinates me how someone with such a
prestigious
past and proud name (Bob is related to Robert R. Livingstonthe same
Congressman
who negotiated the Louisiana Purchase for President Thomas Jefferson) can sell
themselves out for a few…a few…uh…million dollars? I guess money can buy
anything, even a former Congressman. I should put that on my shopping list as
soon as I win the next Lottery jackpot”Skeptik, remember to buy lavash, house,
new car, some low-fat yogurt, yacht, and former member of Congress to do your
bidding.” I wonder if Livingston would be so willing to lobby for Turkey’s
corrupt and inept ways if he were getting paid in Turkish Lira instead? I’ll
save you the trouble of doing the conversion. 1.4 million Turkish Liras is
equal to roughly 93 cents American.
This scenario actually reminds me of a story I read about the great British
playwright George Bernard Shaw who found himself at a dinner party, seated
beside an attractive woman. He turned and asked, “Madame, would you go to bed
with me for a thousand pounds?” The woman was obviously embarrassed, and
indignantly shook her head. Shaw would not be turned down. “For ten thousand
pounds?” he asked. “No. I would not.” “Then how about fifty thousand pounds?”
he continued.
The colossal sum made the woman pause, and after further reflection, she
coyly
replied: “Perhaps.” “And if I were to offer you five pounds?” Shaw asked.
“Mr. Shaw!” the woman exclaimed. “What do you take me for!”
“We have already established what you are,” Shaw calmly replied. “Now we are
merely haggling over the price.”
Now I would like to take this last part of my column to openly beseech Mr.
Livingston to forget his wanton ways and walk back into the light.
Mr. Livingston, wherever you are, if it makes a difference, I’ll offer you
double what the Turkish Government is paying you if you lobby for Americans
instead and maybe a few Armenian issues while you’re at it. By the way, can I
write a personal check? I can’t guarantee it will clear but it will at least
help you carry you head up straight and help you sleep better at night. If
you’re still not sold on the idea , here’s an added incentive. Your horoscope
says you have a second chance. That’s right! I looked up Bob’s birthday and he
was born on April 30, which makes him a Taurus. Please refrain from any jokes
involving bovine manure. Seriously, behave yourselves. So here’s Bob’s
horoscope for October 6 and October 7:
All conditions are right for a reunion, an apology or a request for a second
chance. Whether you’re issuing or considering, think it over carefully.
Then if
it feels right, go for it.
<;
It might be hard to stay off the phone this morning, especially if you’re
angry but give it a shot. If you can wait until tonight to talk, you’ll have
some valuable cosmic help to get you over the hump.
<;
Bob, I’ll be waiting for your call. And if all else fails, heck, I’ll pay you
in Armenian Drams. At least it will be $2799.07 more than you’d be making than
if you got paid in Lira.
Skeptik Sinikian is not compatible with Taurus but is still willing to give
any partnership a try. Having his coffee grinds read, he was told a little
bird
will bring him news from a far away placehopefully Louisiana or Washington,
DC.
He can be reached at [email protected] or at
<;
9) Hovig Remembered
“. . . I know that when I reflect back on this experience I will feel ecstatic
about the work we accomplished, the things we saw, and the bonds we forged.”
–Hovig Saghdejian, Ayroum 2003
By Shant Minas
Hovig Saghdejian volunteered on the Land & Culture Organization’s July 2003
Campaign in the village of Medz Ayroum, a small village near Armenia’s
northern
border. As 13 volunteers living in one small house for the course of the
campaign, we came to know Hovig very well in a very short time. Hovig’s sense
of hunor, piercing intelligence, sharp wit, positive attitude, warm heart,
boundless energy, amazing work ethic, and party-hearty personality were both
unique and unmatched.
No description of Hovig can begin without due respect for his unmistakable
sense of humor. Throughout the four weeks in Armenia, Hovig made people laugh
in a village where laughing did not come easily. There were diaspora Armenians
from all over the world, as well as many locals, all of whom had very
different
ideas of what funny was; yet, Hovig made us all laugh all the time–the
kind of
laugh where you find yourself holding your stomach from the pain of laughing
too hard, and laughing just as hard two days later as you recall the same joke
or witty observation.
Hovig could communicate equally well with locals as with the volunteers,
perhaps better than anyone else in the campaign. His Western dialect was a
non-issue; Hovig adjusted his accent so that locals and others could clearly
understand him. Understanding even the heavily accented dialects of some
villagers was a welcome challenge for Hovig. Moreover, typically volunteers
whose roots are in Western Armenia tend to have a more difficult time
developing an immediate affinity for the land, the locals, and the culture
in a
far-off village. Not so for Hovig, who felt right at home from the start. He
loved the villagers, respected them, honored them in toasts and speeches, and
humored them in his prototypical way. They gladly returned the favor to Hovig.
He was arguably the most popular, well-liked personality among our villager
friends.
Hovig was a most positive-looking individual. In the toughest of times, Hovig
always maintained a positive, cheery outlook–his light, humorous disposition,
and optimism was contagious. We all picked up from Hovig’s good spirits. He
was
a close companion to us all; his warm heart was also contagious. He spread his
friendliness and love around the village and made the campaign a happier
place.
His work ethic was second to none. Even on the hottest, most tiring of days,
Hovig would be found taking up the most difficult, taxing of jobs at the
worksite. If there was a physical challenge, Hovig would be first in line
ready
to take it on. He was not one to shy away from a difficult task but rather
would volunteer for them. Part of his willingness to accept the tough
challenges in that campaign came from his excellent work ethic. He was
there to
serve his people and gladly accepted the task.
It is never a complete description of Hovig if no mention is given to his
love
of parties and the good life. For almost one month in Armenia, Hovig and the
heart of any party were inseparable. Hovig always attracted a crowd to a party
with his generous smiles, poetic toasts, patriotic chants, knee-slapping
humor,
and brilliant personality. He never refused a good drink or sat out a
meaningful toast. For Hovig, life was a celebration.
Hovig displayed some very remarkable characteristics; he was equally at ease
singing a patriotic Armenian fireside chant as he was reciting an original
urban rap score. He balanced the well-integrated, liberated American thinker
and the tradition-bound Armenian better than anyone else.
In conversations with Hovig, one would readily note his anxious
willingness to
serve Armenia in more significant capacities in the long run. Hovig was
destined to serve the Armenian people proudly–both his community in Fresno
and
in Armenia, as Hovig was a born leader. His departure is a tragic loss
borne by
the entire Armenian race.
Words cannot describe the spirit of Hovig Saghdejian. He was among the
greatest, grandest of men, Armenian or not. We will live with our fond
memories
of our departed friend deeply embedded in us, for Hovig was an unforgettable
figure who made a deep and positive impact on his friends and family. We are
all better people for having known Hovig Saghdejian. The world became a duller
place with his unfortunate passing.
Hovo, thanks for the memories G.
10) THE ARTS
–HORIZON TV HOSTS GABO EXHIBIT
GLENDALE–Horizon Television will be hosting a fundraising art exhibition at
the St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church in Glendale, CA featuring the
works of
Gabo (Gabriel Manoukian) on October 15-17.
Gabo, born in Yerevan, graduated from Yerevan’s Fine Arts and Drama Institute
and is a member of Artist’s Unit of Armenia.
Art critic Henrik Igitian says, “At first sight his art shocks with its
unexpectedness. What is it? Fantastic pictures, heroes from tales? There has
not been anybody like him in our national art scene, and never will be. This
classifies his style of art as even more difficult. He is very unique.”
In an interview to Hayatsk Yerevanits in January 2001, Gabo discusses his
beginnings in Yerevan during the 1970s, with its painters, artists, poets,
musicians. He also discussed the College of Fine Arts after Panos Terlemezian,
where he was trained in painting techniques. He says had a good teacher, who
saw all bright colors in the young painter and his fairy-tale world, as if
Gabriel was playing between real and unreal worlds.
In 1978, he held his first private exhibition in Yerevan, and then in
1984, in
Moscow. The exhibition, which opened in the Modern Art Museum of Armenia in
1998, greatly surprised people. His works were later displayed in New York,
London, Las Vegas, Bulgaria, and Switzerland.
Gabriel Manukian uses surrealism and abstraction. He explores places for his
characters and conceives characters that become owners of these places. He
reforms people, birds, animals, fish, flowers, and everything that exists in
nature.
“Of course there are cars and people and kids, but he doesn’t duplicate
nature,” Igitian has said. “Manoukian’s paintings are likable even to
children.”
Friday, October 15: 6:30-10:00 PM
Saturday, October 16: 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Sunday, October 17: 11:00 AM-6:00 PM
–HARVEST GALLERY PRESENTS ZAREH
GLENDALE– Harvest Gallery will present a solo exhibit by artist Zareh from
October 15 through 24.
Known most often by his first name, Zareh Meguerditchian was born in Syria to
Armenian parents, who later moved to and raised him in Lebanon. Young Zareh
became interested in art at a very early age, drawing elongated animals on the
walls in his house; fortunately for his mother, his early artwork was in
pencil.
Zareh’s art represents endless transformation and evolution. “Completion and
perfection do not exist. Art is an expression relative to environment and
period,” says Zareh. Immigrating to the US in 1983, he completed his education
at UCLA and Barnsdall Art Center in Los Angeles.
Since 1988, he has participated in numerous group and solo exhibitions
throughout Southern California, and has staged several live, public exhibits.
These have included “Turkish Soup Made with Armenian Bones” (1998) and “The
Red
Trees of the Armenian Genocide” (2001), in commemoration of the Armenian
genocide of 1915. The most recent in this traveling series, titled “Marry the
Priest,” was in response to the sexual abuse of priests of their young
parishioners. His shows and exhibits have garnered much media attention and
accolade–both print and television.
The opening reception will be on Friday, October 15, from 7:00-10:00 PM.
Gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. To learn more
about the artist, visit <; For
general information about the exhibit, call Harvest Gallery, (818) 546-1000.
Harvest Gallery: 938 North Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA
–FIRST CAME YEVAYLEN, THEN NAYEV, AND NOW DAGAVEEN
Berberian’s New DVD Released
Vahe Berberian’s latest one man show, Dagaveen, the hilariously engaging
monologue, has been released on DVD and video. Berberian performed Dagaveen
for
over four months at Rococo in Pasadena and has taken his show on the road to
various cities in the US and abroad to packed audiences.
“Dagaveen’s structure is very close to my previous monologues Yevaylen and
Nayev,” explains Berberian. “There are some personal stories, along with
meditations on being an Armenian in America and finally, about the importance
of laughter.”
“This the first time we have produced DVDs along with the videos, and they
include a 10 minute interview with Berberian, where he candidly speaks about
his art. We produced the video for two reasons–for those who missed the
performances and for individuals who couldn’t get enough,” says producer Betty
Berberian.
Written and performed in Armenian by Vahe Berberian, the one hour and twenty
minute long Dagaveen is directed by Ara Madzounian.
Berberian has performed Dagaveen in different pockets of Armenian communities
in California, Armenia, and the East Cost. Within the next few weeks he is
scheduled to have shows in Toronto, New Jersey, Boston, Paris, Montreal, among
other cities.
The DVDs and videos are available at most Armenian bookstores in California.
It can also be purchased via email at :[email protected] or by calling
(818)981-6725.
11) LETTERS:
Dear Editor:
It should surprise few who read our community’s newspapers and bulletins that
our largest grass roots lobbying organization and several other boutique
Armenian-American political groups (AADLC, Armenian-Americans for Kerry, and
Armenians for Kerry) have thrown–symbolically and otherwise–their full
weight
behind the Kerry-Edwards campaign. Now, it seems, that Skeptik Sinikian has
thrown his hat into the fray with his liberal-leaning columns. If this is a
bolt from the blue to you, just look back to the 1996 presidential campaign
and
the endorsement of President Clinton over long-time community friend and
supporter, Senator Robert Dole.
While the Clinton endorsement could be explained away as an exercise in
political expediency–a la Clinton was going to win, anyway, so why burn any
bridges–it’s interesting to note that the principle reason for not lending
support to President Bush was ignored when President Clinton received our
community’s backing. If memory serves, President Clinton never recognized the
Armenian genocide as candidate Clinton had. That being said, only the most
mendacious in our community can say with a straight face that a President
Kerry
would buck this trend.
So letss take a look at some of the other factors that really matter to the
hardworking, industrious members of our community. Over the past three and a
half years, after tax incomes have risen 11 percent, home ownership is up, and
over 1.5 million jobs have been created since August 2003. Why? Because
President Bush forced Congress to lower taxes for all Americans, including
Armenian-Americans. All Americans have been given the increased spending power
that has enabled our GDP to grow by more than 5 percent over the last three
quarters, the fastest rate of growth in nearly two decades. Add to that the
fact that productivity grew at the fastest 3-year rate in more than 50 years
and one would be hard pressed to take seriously Senator Kerry’s doomsday
diatribe of “economic decline.” Despite Senator Kerry’s doomsday proclamations
of “Hoovervilles” sprouting up across the US, unemployment has gone down
further to 5.4 percent–a full .2 percent lower than it was in 1996.
Armenians, for centuries and by various means and circumstances, have found
themselves in foreign lands. The one constant is that we have prospered both
economically and socially. Trade and commerce have been integral components of
Armenian life throughout our history, and in no place have we prospered more
than in the United States of America. It’s difficult to drive down a street in
Watertown or Glendale and not see at least five or six Armenian-American small
businesses. Coincidentally, these very small businesses are the backbone of
our
economy, and the true engines of economic growth, creating seven out of every
ten new jobs.
In our own community, these are the businesses that often times import goods
from Armenia to sell to an eager Armenian-American consumer market in states
such as California and Massachusetts. Let us not forget that when tax rates
were lowered, so was the tax burden on the 90 percent of small businesses
organized as Subchapter S Corporations, partnerships, or sole proprietorships
that pay their taxes at the individual income tax rates. Cutting marginal
income tax rates allowed small businesses and our community’s job creators to
invest more of their money in their businesses to expand and create more jobs.
When Senator Kerry stands atop his soap box and seethes about “Benedict Arnold
corporations,” promising to raise taxes on only the rich, he’s talking about
raising the taxes of virtually all small business owners, many of whom are
industrious, hardworking Armenian-Americans.
It’s time that our grass roots and political organizations enhance their
repertoire by addressing some of the bread and butter issues that matter to
the
community they purport to represent. The same goes for columnists who hide
behind obnoxious pseudonyms.
Aram Zamgochian
Dear Editor:
I appreciate your response to Mrs. Savey Tufenkian’s letter (October 2, 2004)
regarding freedom of choice and freedom of speech. Jokes about notable people,
including presidents–Republican or Democrat–appear every day in newspapers,
magazines, TV talk shows, or even national news channels. This is the American
way of freedom of expression. Like all Americans, we read, perhaps chuckle,
and
forget about it. However, Mrs. Tufenkian’s outrage about “insult to the office
of the President” during a time of election campaign raises a deeper
concern in
me as an Armenian. My concern is that there are Armenians who support and may
vote for President Bush based solely on Party affiliation without scrutinizing
his performance.
As an Armenian, I believe that we have a lot at stake in this election.
Besides the fact that Mr. Bush has ruined the economy of this country, has
made
a mess of the people and countries in the Middle East, and has been
responsible
for the death of thousands of innocent people, he has done everything possible
to go against the interests of Armenia and the Armenian people.
To name just a few of his actions, he has tried to decrease the relief moneys
allocated to Armenia, he has tried to decrease the military aid funds to
Armenia, increased those to Azerbaijan, and, contrary to his pre-election
promise in 2000, he has yet to acknowledge the Armenian genocide. I am a
registered Republican, but we now have an independent Armenia surrounded by
hostile neighbors and her continued existence is of paramount importance.
Armenia needs support and financial aid, which this president has not and
will
not provide. Whatever aid we have received as a nation, we owe to our
supporters in Congress, not this president. As ARMENIANS, we have an
obligation
to think of what benefits our country, irrespective of our Party
affiliation. I
hope that all true Armenians remember what this president has refused to do
for
us in the past four years and, in November, cast their vote accordingly.
Elise Yacoubian
Glendale, CA
Dear Editor:
While I am usually a big supporter of Asbarez, I am very disappointed in the
direction this quality newspaper has decided to take. Objective journalism
seems to have taken a back seat to partisan politics. Asbarez has decided to
exercise its full first amendment rights of media bias over trying to be a
reliable source of updated news to its subscribers. (It looks like a
publication of the Democratic National Committee, and not only the editorials)
While I am knowledgeable enough in American politics to be able to tell the
difference of objective journalism and partisan spin, Asbarez is my main
source
for news from Armenia and I am not savvy enough to be able to tell the
difference for Armenian news. I hope it is not being done to the same extent
for Armenian news. I expect a certain amount of bias from any newspaper,
especially the official publication of any organization, but I sincerely hope
that the partisan spin can be taken back a notch to keep Asbarez as the leader
of all types of news for the Armenian-American community.
Kris Demirjian
Dear Editor:
The debate between John Edwards and Dick Cheney presented Americans a stark
choice.
John Edwards shared an optimistic vision for the next four years: genuine
leadership in the war on terror; an economic growth plan that creates jobs and
keeps them here at home; affordable health care for every American; a plan to
make America stronger at home and respected abroad.
But Dick Cheney had nothing to share but attacks and excuses. As the
architect
of four years of failed Bush administration policies, Cheney had a lot to
answer for in this debate. But he failed to explain those failures, instead
attacking John Kerry over and over again.
I want a plan for the future, not attacks and excuses. The vice presidential
debate made it clear that John Kerry and John Edwards are the right choice.
Zaven Aloojian
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