archakhper

I don't mean to cause a nuisance, but our program is aimed at helping the Armenian youth. The event is tomorrow. The other postings could have stayed up until after the event. Since I notice that many meaningful discussions about our problems as a community take place on these boards, I wanted to offer some of the members an opportunity to do something about these problems. I was trying to reach as many readers as possible. Not everyone goes into every folder.

Mingle with Mentors at Minx Join us for some fun and mingle with the GenNext mentors AGBU Generation Next matches volunteer mentors with Armenian teenagers in the community. With a minimal commitment of time, mentors significantly impact a teenager's life. Find out why mentoring can be a fulfilling and life changing experience. We'll mingle, get to know each other and you can find out exactly what it takes to become a Generation Next mentor. You'll find that Generation Next is a family that you'll want to be a part of! MENTOR MIXER @ MINX February 1, 2007 Thursday 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Admission: FREE Appetizers will be served Age 19 and over Minx Restaurant & Lounge 300 Harvey Dr., Glendale, 91206 (818) 242 - 9191 www.agbugennext.org (626) 794 - 7942

Yeah, I have to agree with you guys on that. But the text is correct, whether the corresponding images are related--that's a matter for debate. But it is the only thing I've found online. I may have to go to a real library to do some research.

Dear Friend, Barev, Our Armenian youth need YOUR direct involvement in their lives. Kids in their early teens face a perilous journey on their way to young adulthood. Many of our Armenian youth must deal with the pressures of gangs, drugs, crime, sexual promiscuity, family dysfunction, and other ills plaguing the Los Angeles community. Here at Generation Next, our focus is prevention. By pairing kids with adult volunteers who devote just a little quality time, Generation Next reaches teens BEFORE THEY GET INVOLVED in any of these serious problems. We are looking for mentors, adult volunteers above the age of 19, who can spend a couple of hours a week to positively impact the life of young Armenians today. Please join us for an INFORMATIVE SESSION at the AGBU Pasadena Alex Manoogian Center and find out how you can make a lasting impact on your community and forever change a young Armenian’s life as well as your own! INFORMATIVE SESSION Thursday, December 14, 2006 7:00PM Opening Reception (refreshments) 7:30PM Orientation begins promptly AGBU Alex Manoogian Pasadena Center, Boyajian Hall 2495 E. Mountain St. Pasadena, CA 91104 Mentors and mentees alike commend the effectiveness of Generation Next: “The mentors really help a lot. And they teach me how their experiences were when they were a teenager…to me, it’s her being a guidance to me and helping me through this teenage path that I’m going through.” -Generation Next Mentee “I got into this program feeling that it’s going to be an obligation and burden…but you actually feel drawn and compelled to go. You create this synergy with your mentee and I have learned just as much from my mentee as he has from me. -Generation Next Mentor I’M BUSY! How much time does this take, you ask? As much as you wish to give, but a couple of hours a month can change an Armenian teen’s world. You’ll have fun doing it too; we go on hikes, rock climbing, comedy improv theatre, football tailgate parties, art exhibits, plays and much much more. Come with your friends, have some refreshments and find out about the exceptional family of men and women who are making a real difference in the world today! Just RSVP so that we may make arrangements: info@agbugennext.org or (626) 794 – 7942. Ara Arzumanian Director Armenian General Benevolent Union Generation Next Mentorship Program 626.794.7942 office 818.395.2252 cell p.s. Check us out online: www.agbugennext.org

Hello all, I wonder if anyone can help. I am looking for any flags, coat of arms, or other symbology of the five Armenian Meliks who ruled Artsakh during the 16th and 17th centuries, or as they are otherwise known, the Meliks of Khamsa. I found this quote from the "Eagles Nest of Freedom" page in the "History of Artsakh" section of www.armenianhighlands.com which reads: "In the sixteenth century in Artsakh a number of original administrative-political entities known as melikdoms or principalities were formed and ruled by the Armenian meliks. They were united in 5 melik states -- Varanda, Khachen, Dizak, Djraberd, Gullistan." Above this text is a small graphic which looks like it might represent some sort of symbol / flag / or coat of arms representing the Meliks. But I am not sure if that is what it is. Does anyone have this information or a lead on where I might find such info. Any assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I tried to go to your survey. But the link said that the survey is closed. In any case, I've been working with Armenian Youth in the LA area for the past 6 years, so if you want to get in touch with me I might be able to help. Let me know.

Dear Friend, Barev, Our Armenian youth need YOUR direct involvement in their lives. Kids in their early teens face a perilous journey on their way to young adulthood. Many of our Armenian youth must deal with the pressures of gangs, drugs, crime, sexual promiscuity, family dysfunction, and other ills plaguing the Los Angeles community. Here at Generation Next, our focus is prevention. By pairing kids with adult volunteers who devote just a little quality time, Generation Next reaches teens BEFORE THEY GET INVOLVED in any of these serious problems. We are looking for mentors, adult volunteers above the age of 19, who can spend a couple of hours a week to positively impact the life of young Armenians today. Please join us for an INFORMATIVE SESSION at the AGBU Pasadena Alex Manoogian Center and find out how you can make a lasting impact on your community and forever change a young Armenian’s life as well as your own! INFORMATIVE SESSION Thursday, December 14, 2006 7:00PM Opening Reception (refreshments) 7:30PM Orientation begins promptly AGBU Alex Manoogian Pasadena Center, Boyajian Hall 2495 E. Mountain St. Pasadena, CA 91104 Mentors and mentees alike commend the effectiveness of Generation Next: “The mentors really help a lot. And they teach me how their experiences were when they were a teenager…to me, it’s her being a guidance to me and helping me through this teenage path that I’m going through.” -Generation Next Mentee “I got into this program feeling that it’s going to be an obligation and burden…but you actually feel drawn and compelled to go. You create this synergy with your mentee and I have learned just as much from my mentee as he has from me. -Generation Next Mentor I’M BUSY! How much time does this take, you ask? As much as you wish to give, but a couple of hours a month can change an Armenian teen’s world. You’ll have fun doing it too; we go on hikes, rock climbing, comedy improv theatre, football tailgate parties, art exhibits, plays and much much more. Come with your friends, have some refreshments and find out about the exceptional family of men and women who are making a real difference in the world today! Just RSVP so that we may make arrangements: info@agbugennext.org or (626) 794 – 7942. Ara Arzumanian Director Armenian General Benevolent Union Generation Next Mentorship Program 626.794.7942 office 818.395.2252 cell p.s. Check us out online: www.agbugennext.org

Dear Friends, Barev, Our Armenian youth need YOUR direct involvement in their lives. Kids in their early teens face a perilous journey on their way to young adulthood. Many of our Armenian youth must deal with the pressures of gangs, drugs, crime, sexual promiscuity, family dysfunction, and other ills plaguing the Los Angeles community. Here at Generation Next, our focus is prevention. By pairing kids with adult volunteers who devote just a little quality time, Generation Next reaches teens BEFORE THEY GET INVOLVED in any of these serious problems. We are looking for mentors, adult volunteers above the age of 19, who can spend a couple of hours a week to positively impact the life of young Armenians today. Please join us for an INFORMATIVE SESSION at the AGBU Pasadena Alex Manoogian Center and find out how you can make a lasting impact on your community and forever change a young Armenian’s life as well as your own! INFORMATIVE SESSION Thursday, December 14, 2006 7:00PM Opening Reception (refreshments) 7:30PM Orientation begins promptly AGBU Alex Manoogian Pasadena Center, Boyajian Hall 2495 E. Mountain St. Pasadena, CA 91104 Mentors and mentees alike commend the effectiveness of Generation Next: “The mentors really help a lot. And they teach me how their experiences were when they were a teenager…to me, it’s her being a guidance to me and helping me through this teenage path that I’m going through.” -Generation Next Mentee “I got into this program feeling that it’s going to be an obligation and burden…but you actually feel drawn and compelled to go. You create this synergy with your mentee and I have learned just as much from my mentee as he has from me. -Generation Next Mentor I’M BUSY! How much time does this take, you ask? As much as you wish to give, but a couple of hours a month can change an Armenian teen’s world. You’ll have fun doing it too; we go on hikes, rock climbing, comedy improv theatre, football tailgate parties, art exhibits, plays and much much more. Come with your friends, have some refreshments and find out about the exceptional family of men and women who are making a real difference in the world today! Just RSVP so that we may make arrangements: info@agbugennext.org or (626) 794 – 7942. Ara Arzumanian Director Armenian General Benevolent Union Generation Next Mentorship Program 626.794.7942 office 818.395.2252 cell p.s. Check us out online: www.agbugennext.org

Hey thanks for the good info...anyone else got any other links on this subject?

I totally agree with your evaluation of the situation...but i would also like to add that there are definitely some sort of lucrative opportunities here to take advantage of this waste. Some locals need to step in and instead of waiting for job creation, create a job for themselves. All it would really take is: two guys, a truck, a cheap track of land on the outskirts of the city and you have a scrap metal business, which I'm sure can be marketed to the multitude of construction companies currently operating in Armenia. But the question still remains in my mind....how does this comment of yours fit into this conversation??? Oh and Shaunt, I'm still waiting for an answer on the looting business. And Mos Jan, you beat me to it, I was just about to post the same article

hehehehe ...good point accelerated I don't know where you get your information from ASALA Van Operation...when you say things like "He Probably was in Karabagh" I don't know if you are just making gramatical errors or if you really have no idea what you're talking about. If you check any reputable Armenian sources that reported on the Artsakh Liberation War you will see that Monte had an immense impact on the succesful outcome of that war. It cannot be debated. He has been recognized by the Armenian nation as a national Hero in the same pantheon as Andranik Zoravar. So please tell us how he was a traitor.

I don't know how many of you have heard of this. But an excellent new Encyclopedia on the Artsakh Liberation War has come out. Well, I suppose the most accurate English translation of its title would be: Encyclopedic History of the Artsakh Liberation War. This is an excellent resource on our recent history. I would suggest that everyone who can get a hold of it buy a copy. I believe that only 500 were printed. Before it arrived in stores, I went to the bookstore and asked for them to hold a copy for me once it arrived. When I went back two weeks later, the only copy he had left was the one he was holding for me. I haven't had a chance to read much of it, I've only read a couple of entries, but it is an exhaustive work with a multitude of information, much of which would be difficult if at all possible to find through conventional means. We owe a great expression of grattitude to those scholars that worked on this monumental tome.

The Armenian courts are busy prosecuting looters? Where'd you get that info? Do you mean the American courts? as in a reference to New Orleans?

Mos Jan, thanks for keeping us up to date on this issue...here's the latest from Hetq: ------------ Najarians are now forced to take drastic actions [June 15, 2005] Last week Armenian-American businessmen and philanthropists Carolann and George Najarian were in Yerevan . They discovered that regarding their court case no progress has been made. They sent a letter to General Prosecutor Aghvan Hovsepyan expressing their surprise that nothing had changed regarding their case (See also: The Court of Cassation Will Hear the Najarians' Case). The Najarians have decided to appeal to the US Court System to defend their rights. In this case, the Republic of Armenia would be accused of wrongdoings. June 6, 2005 His Excellency Aghvan Hovsepyan General Prosecutor of the Republic of Armenia Dear Mr. Hovsepyan: After investigating our case regarding the fraudulent misappropriation of our property for many months, and after interrogating witnesses, including us, for scores of hours, the gathering of hundreds of documents and, after the humiliation of having to confront the criminal during the course of this investigation, your subordinates made an illegal decision to dismiss the case, and claimed that there was no crime committed against us, and suggested we go to civil court. The courts' ruling terminating your subordinates' illegal decision was appealed by your subordinates twice. The public court hearings on the case made it obvious that your subordinates have acted as the representative of the criminal through the whole process. The court hearings showed, as well, that the decision your subordinates made to dismiss the case was based on falsified evidence aimed at supporting the criminal while all key evidence and proof confirming that a crime was committed against us, was ignored. Specifically, one of the arguments used in court by your subordinates for defending the criminal was the fact that we offered him a settlement, a settlement which you personally led Carolann Najarian to believe was the only way to regain our properties during your last meeting with her. As a result of actions by your subordinates, and almost a two year long process over an obvious crime committed against us, our property has been expropriated and remains expropriated, while your subordinates continue helping the criminal to escape from justice. Three levels of Armenian courts confirmed through public hearings that our property was misappropriated and expropriated; your subordinates violated the law, deprived us from our lawful rights, impeded the fair investigation of the case and wrongly dismissed the case. However, instead of obeying court decisions after coming into force more than a month ago, your subordinates continue to violate the law, ignore the court decisions, and summon witnesses who previously gave accusing testimonies against the criminal, with the express purpose of exerting pressure on them to change their affidavits. They have also denied lawful petitions from our representatives to be part of the course of the case, have refused to name the criminal and now, even are trying to interrogate our lawyers in response to their lawful appeals – which is, as you know, illegal under Armenian and international law. We are also aware of your subordinates' attempts to illegally influence persons involved in the decision making on the case. The practice of protecting the criminal, keeping our property expropriated, violating the law and Armenia 's international treaty obligations and intimidating witnesses and lawyers thus destroying Armenia 's reputation by your subordinates must stop immediately. We demand the lawful and public hearing of this case. The continued denial of this, our lawful right, is forcing us to submit this case for resolution to international courts, a process which we have, up to now, patiently sought to avoid. K. George and Carolann Najarian

Barev Everyone, Phantom, What do you mean by "a career similar to Monte's"? Does that mean US Military service? I am in general agreement with Aaron. I feel this book is a powerful document and can be used as a powerful tool to inspire youth to take more ownership of their homeland. This is a very inspirational book and that's because Monte's life and actions were very inpsirational. As far as waiting for a certain type of leadership to emerge...that really doesn't make much sense to me...I feel my connection is more to the land and people and culture than to the political system. Which is why I plan on moving there. If it has problems, I need to work to make them better--not wait for other people to do it for me. You're right Aaoron, Monte didn't wait for others, he acted himself...I aspire to always be like that. Now here is the part of what I'm going to say that is going to be really unpopular: I don't feel that we suffer due to poor leadership. We have bad characteristics that are common to a great number of our people, that is to say we have a lot of bad traits, and our leadership simply reflect us. We have all sorts of leaders, good ones, bad ones, mediocre ones...they are reflections of us. If the bad ones are really bad, its because we are a people of extremes. Our immoral, "bad" individuals are horrible, and a lot of times our good individuals are excellent. We have people like Monte, Vazgen Sargsyan, Victor Hambartsumyan etc. and then we have people like the many traitors that contributed to thousands of deaths during the genocide, villagers that gave away the locations of fedayees, people like the killers of Oct. 27. Perhaps I haven't been succesful in fully expressing my ideas on this, but to sum it up: We don't suffer due to poor leadership, our leaders are a reflection of us. If they are selfish and incompetent its because we are selfish and incompetent. If they are hardworking and altruistic, it is because we are hardworking and altruistic. When we speak of our community and we throw in the word they...we begin to go off on a track that can not lead to improvement (read as self-improvement). We--not they. Finally, I disagree with most of Dr. Tchalian's review of the book. I think his main flaw is that he looks at it from literary critics point of view. This can be argued also. However, I think the book's real importance is in the real world application of it. Use this book to inspire the next generation as well as the current one (if there is such a thing as a current generation). And as far as his critical review goes, I'd argue against his position in that respect also. I don't mean to offend anyone, this is just how I speak/write.