Em

Considering the superficial masses that inhabit Los Angeles, it is nice to meet people who are real. I am thrilled to keep running into strangers who have not sold out; who are not spellbound by the artifice and farce that L.A. dishes up. There's hope yet!

Axchka Yerq@- Alla Levonyan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htaxuXzs-00 I'm not the biggest fan of Alla. Bayc es clipov ajk@s mtav! The video clip is a reenactment of certain scenes from "Inchu E Aghmkum Get@". At around 3:20 Armen goes to Seda's house to bid her a final farewell. She is not home. He gets upset, picks up a piece of chalk and writes her name (Seda) on the wall. It is such a simple gesture. But it is so real. This moment in the actual film has become the definitive and earliest memory of romanticism/ love that I remember. I was quite young when I saw it first, and it left quite the impression on me. I saw this clip on Armenia TV the other morning and it made my day. My compliments to Alla for copying such a great film. Of course, the song isn't too bad either!

MosJan, is that house in Big Bear/ Arrowhead? The furnshings remind me of all the houses we have stayed in during our trips up there.

I don't know how to SAFELY respond to his. I like Harut a lot. And he looks nothing like my "gay" present. Azat, Azat. You're never around, but when you do show up, you cause so much trouble. You must have been a fun kid!

I'm sorry to turn this topic to a very sad one, but I just heard about the fatal death of the following Armenian girl. She was apparently texting while driving on the 134 freeway. She leaves behind a young husband and her year old daughter. May she rest in peace. I don't care about gender, race, age, etc.. I hope we all think about these types of tragic incidents the next time we turn our eyes to our phones, food, make-up or reading material while driving. This hit close to home because just the other day, I was reading a mapquest printout for directions- while on the feeway. I was kind of swerving into the next lane. I could have surely caused an accident and harmed myself or another person. I know it was very foolish but I did not want to miss my exit. I wonder what kind of urgent message she just had to relay via text. I am certain it was not worth her life. Astvats hoqin lusavori.

Ashot?

Happy Birthday Maral! I hope it was a good one. Last year I was ready to send a good looking gentleman bearing a gift, but Qerri and others said he looked gay. So this year I am keeping my "gay" present to myself.

Mersi, Movses jan. Muys tarva skizber@ noric kharcnem. If you are still willing to lend it to me, I will borrow temporarily 'til I get one of my own. I really want to try to learn to play. I think I will have more time in a few months. Thank you again for the offer.

Dazan!!! Bayc yete yes liney, afton aj kashel ktay u et vayri kakajneri mej knnjey! Vor amisner? Early summer?

My latest obsession: Cat Power Remember Me Lost Someone Love and Communication Can somebody please teach me how to play the guitar? Please?

Mos, yerani et "tsaxkepunji" original@ gtney. It's Saryan, 1946, "Field poppies".

Thank you for the responses. With time and some "ruminating" I realized that I did not do the right thing. I guess it's true that you should alwyas trust your intuition/ gut feeling. The team would not have heistated in excluding me had I not "protected" it. So much for loyalty, huh? And Anoushik jan, what you brought up merits a very long and leisurely discussion over some good food. But I identify with and understand exactly what you brought up. And I think that people like you and I are changing our parents and even relatives by just living our lives differently than theirs. By not repeating or perpetuating certain out of place or inappropriate actions, notions, ideas, etc. We all need time, it's hard to change and grow. It is just hard for us- the children; the first generation of diasporans.

The majority of vehicle drivers in Armenia are male. And we all know how safe it is to drive there! ~ It is my general observation that when a guy has told me or some other female that she can't drive, it usually means that he thinks she isn't driving fast or risky enough. Don't we women understand that we can save a whole 5 seconds by zooming in and out of lanes at 60+ mph on surface streets with no regard to pedestrians or other drivers? And don't we know that traffic lights are "suggestions" and that men are genetically programmed to be able to drive whereas we have to be taught? What's wrong with us women? On the whole, women are more cautious, men are less patient. We are bound to drive differently. ( I do not fit my own stereotype. ) I do agree that some people should NEVER EVER have been licensed to drive. Especially on L.A. freeways.

I was an unwilling participant in an “altercation” and being the “good ARMENIAN GIRL” I am, I closed my eyes and mouth and let it go. I could not have stopped or alleviated the situation, but I could have voiced my disapproval. I could have done more than just dismissing it because it was “expected” of me. Now I feel like a fraud. I know that I went against everything I “stand for and believe” in. Had someone else told me they had done what I did (kept quiet), I would look down at them with pity and disdain. But on my own skin it feels different. After the fact, I can judge my actions, but they wont change the result. I cannot shake the feeling that I am a hypocrite in this regard. Now I am very much conflicted. I hate that I was “pressured” into not doing something and I succumbed to the pressure. Sometimes the line between doing the “right” thing or the “wrong” becomes so relative that it confuses me. So my question now is, was it right to “suck it up and take one for the team”?

Anonymous asked: "You're not saying you'd vote for her simply because she's a woman, and not because of her merits (or lack of in this case) are you?" My reply: After the whole Sarah Palin ordeal I have to admit thta I shoul eat my words. I was kidding about backing Hillary solely for her gender. I really did support her for mostly getting it right. Politics is politics. No one is the PERFECT candidate, no one can change the system. But I was backing her since she was a woman who was QUALIFIED to do the job. She wasn't being sold to me as the "pretty hockey mom" . I am shocked that this woman (Palin) may actually become V.P. She believes "books are dangerous; abortion is murder (EVEN in instances of rape and incest); evolution is wrong; war is right"; and gays can be "cured" through HER religion. Her entire position is based on her religion. It's scary. (And I'm religious ). Choosing her was a very smart choice by the Repubs. Now the brainless, spineless female sheep have a "woman just like them" they can identify with. I cannot fathom that an intelligent, educated woman who values her right to make decisions about her reproductive health would ever give Palin a chance to take office. The media is so busy discussing her looks, personality, her daughter that the important issues are swept under the rug. And the Democrats are pitifull in their handling of her. They are playing nice. "They are runnig a clean campaign." I fear they will be handed a "clean" loss by the American people. They are underestimating the opponent and the unintelligence of the average voter. That is why they stand a big chance of losing. Really all they need to play up is the INCOMPETENCY of the last 8 yrs of Bush & Co. The Republicans have drug this country to it’s knees and they still stand a real chance of taking office for at east 4 more yrs. Only in America could this happen. If the Democrats don’t wisen up I am going to change my political affiliations or move to Europe. That is my rant. Thank you for indulging me.

http://postsecret.blogspot.com/ Online "ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard". Content is for adults. Some entries are silly, some tragically sad, others hopelessly romantic, a few quite bizarre. New entries on Sundays. They have books of their "best of" entries. I like:

HaPpY BirThdAy AsHoT! Sut, stic banner chem grelu..yerazanq merazanq .menak mi qani poqr kich mich ban em tsankanum kez hamar: 1. Aroghchutyun (yerkar kyanq, glxnerits@s anpakas) 2. Mi qich pogh (dont forget "sharing is caring") 3. Mi lav Hye xeloq, hnazand, sirunik aghchik ( kez nor kin..yerqel chimatsogh! ) 4. Mi qani hatel poqr balikner yev... 5. Mi qichel azat zamanak vor forumium aveli shut shut masnaktses That should be enough to keep you busy and content for the next 365 days! Iskakanic miayn lavn u barin em tsankanum kez hamar. Or@t hajeli vaylum.... (I don't even know if that is correct in Armenian, but you get it right? )

Did anyone just watch Saakashvilli on CNN? Wow, I was waiting for him to start crying. He is a one man propoganda machine attempting to scare Americans of "big bad Russia".

Local News Coverage MEMPHIS CONGRESSMAN STEVE COHEN SHOVES ARMENIAN AMERICAN JOURNALIST OUT OF PRESS CONFERENCE MEMPHIS, TN - Memphis Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) today forcibly removed Armenian American journalist Peter Musurlian from a press conference, apparently frustrated by repeated calls to explain his Congressional opposition to legislation recognizing the Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). "Apparently we need to send Congressman Cohen a copy of the first amendment as well as the state penal code," stated ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "Physically throwing out a reporter committed to getting the facts on his opposition to genocide legislation, is nothing more than a high school bully tactic and is conduct ill-befitting a Member of Congress." Musurlian, who works for a public access TV station in Burbank, California, in addition to running his own production company, Globalist Films, had traveled to Memphis to document the days leading up to the contentious August 7th Democratic primary between first-term incumbent Steve Cohen and challenger, former civil rights lawyer, Nikki Tinker, for LA based Horizon Armenian Television. Following a series of unanswered interview requests filed earlier this week, Musurlian attended several public Cohen events on Tuesday evening, documenting his campaign activities and looking for an opportunity to speak with the Congressman. Musurlian's efforts to participate in a Wednesday press conference, hastily called by Cohen at his own residence, were cut short when a volatile and clearly agitated Cohen forcibly shoved Musurlian out the door, slamming it in frustration. Throughout the process, Cohen made disparaging references to Musurlian's Armenian heritage, and proudly stated his opposition to human rights legislation commemorating the Armenian Genocide. That resolution, H.Res.106, has over 200 Congressional cosponsors and was adopted by the House Foreign Affairs Committee last October. Following Committee adoption of H.Res.106, Cohen was a leader amongst a handful of Democratic legislators opposing full House passage of the resolution, going so far as holding a Capitol Hill press conference against the human rights measure. "Genocide must be universally condemned - whenever and wherever it occurs. Rep. Cohen's opposition to Armenian Genocide recognition today, begs the question: Which genocide will he oppose commemorating tomorrow?" noted Hamparian. In the weeks leading up to tomorrow's primary, Armenian Americans in Memphis and across the U.S. joined Emily's List and the Congressional Black Caucus PAC in supporting challenger Nikki Tinker. Tinker, in response to an ANCA Congressional Questionnaire, pledged to support House passage of Armenian Genocide legislation, as well as legislation to put an end to the ongoing Genocide in Darfur. The ANCA has endorsed Tinker and encouraged community support for the candidate, resulting in over $35,000 in contributions, a large portion donated through http://www.actblue.com/page/armeniansfornikki, organized by Memphis activist Dany Beylerian. Rep. Cohen's actions against Musurlian were the top news story throughout Wednesday on Memphis television and radio stations. Links to the raw footage from the Cohen shoving incident and local news coverage are available on the ANCA website at www.anca.org . Polls for the Congressional Democratic primary are set to open at 7:00am (Central Time) on August 7th.

Happy Birthday dear Anoushik. Hoping for all the best for you always. May you be surrounded by loved ones and enjoy your special day.

Hi guys! Everybody in L.A. area ok? What an earthquake! We were "rolling" on the ninth floor in our office building. No damages except to our nerves. I hope that one was not a precursor to a bigger quake. There have been 27 aftershocks since..wow! Is it true that it was felt all the way out in Vegas?

Happy Birthday to all of our dear HF members.. Movses, Azat, Sip, Armen and our Qerri Edward. The cool people are evidently born in July. And the 27th is the coolest day on the calendar! So Qerri is the coolest! I hope you all had loads of fun and were surrounded by your nearest and dearest.

cnn.com Senator tries to keep valedictorian from deportation Arthur Mkoyan, 17, came to U.S. with family in 1995, but they never gained residency Sen. Dianne Feinstein introduced bill at the same time Mkoyan graduated. Bill must pass House and Senate and be signed by President Bush to take effect. FRESNO, California (CNN) -- Plans to deport an Armenian high school valedictorian in Fresno, California, were put on hold Tuesday after Sen. Dianne Feinstein took steps to make him and his family legal U.S. residents. Valedictorian Arthur Mkoyan, 17, may be deported to Armenia with his family if a Senate bill isn't passed. While 17-year-old Arthur Mkoyan celebrated at his Bullard High School graduation ceremony, the Democratic senator introduced a bill on his behalf in the Senate. "I'm just excited," Mkoyan said. He hopes to study medicine at a state university in the fall. "It's really amazing they're going to do this, because it's going to stop everything." The family arrived in the United States in 1995 on six-month tourist visas, said Virginia Kice, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Settling in Fresno, Arthur's father, Ruben Mkoian (he and his son spell their last names slightly differently), worked as a truck driver. The teen's mother worked in a jewelry store, and the family set about living their lives, which soon included a younger brother for Arthur. Mkoian believes that if they were to return to Armenia, his family would be subject to reprisals because of his attempts to expose corruption at the government agency where he worked. After the family's visas expired, they applied for U.S. residency. That application was denied, Kice said. Immigration wheels turns extremely slowly. An immigration judge finally ruled in 2002 that the family had no legal right to remain in America. Academic plans threatened by deportation The family tried again by applying to the Board of Immigration Appeals; that was rejected, also. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last year denied their petition for a hearing. "I would remind people that this family had ample access to due process," Kice said. "The case has been in litigation for more than 10 years. Immigration experts on every level determined that they had no legal basis to be in the United States." Mkoyan doesn't know much about Armenia. He feels like an American teenager. "I haven't been in Armenia since I was 2, so I don't really know anything about the place," Mkoyan said. "All I've seen is just videos my mom has watched on the Internet." Watch the teen talk about how much he wants to stay in the U.S. » Mkoyan and his mother, Asmik Karapetian, learned that Feinstein was fighting for them when they returned home from graduation. The senator's office left a message on the family's answering machine. "It gives you a little hope that maybe it will pass and maybe we can stay," the teen's mother said. Both houses of Congress would have to pass the bill -- and President Bush would have to sign it -- for it to take effect. However, the bill's introduction is enough to halt deportation, which was scheduled for June 20. "As a matter of policy, we won't proceed with a deportation as long as a private bill is pending," Kice said. But the odds remain long against the family staying in the United States. There is "almost no chance" that the family's quest for a private bill will succeed, said Daniel Kowalski, editor in chief of Bender's Immigration Bulletin. "Very few are being passed," he said. Of the 21 private immigration bills introduced last year, none was enacted. None of the 117 introduced was enacted in 2006. The year prior, 98 were introduced, and four were enacted.

Ayo.

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