DOLPHINARIUM?

[Arpa]

DOPHINARIUM ?

 

Or is it Doltarium?**

 

Maybe I shlould have posted this under Comedistan!!

 

 

http://www.armenianow.com/sites/default/files/img/imagecache/600x400/dolphinarium_yerevan.jpg

 

 

Your thoughts about it.

 

My Yerkou Luma

 

First off, this may be the most harebrained project yet.

1. Some have objected that it is at a choice location right next to the Pantheon which will cheapen the Sacred Grounds.

2. How are they going to maintain the water? Even though some dolphins live in sweet water, majority of them live in salt water.

3. As a rule Dolphins are native to warmer climates. Where will they be housed when the water is frozen? In Lake Sevan or the Swan Lake?

4. Who will care for them? Are there dolphin specialists in Armenia? Are there veterinarians (animal doctors) who know about dolphins?

5. Can we worry about the Fish in Sevan?

56 The project is initiated by a Ukrainian company. How many dolphinariums are there in Ukrainia?

----

Original story;

http://www.armenianow.com/news/25013/dolphin_tank_construction_raises_concern_armenian_ecologists

Attraction or Exploitation?: Planned dolphin tank in Yerevan raises concerns

 

NAZIK ARMENAKYAN

ArmeniaNow

Gohar Abrahamyan

ArmeniaNow intern

News that a tank for holding dolphins and other sea animals is being built in Yerevan has raised concern of ecologists and animal-rights activists who say Armenia is not suitable for such an attraction.

The construction of the circular tank started last month, initiated by a Ukrainian organization – Nerum – on land leased by the Yerevan Municipality. It is being constructed in Komitas Park, near the “Pantheon”.

Silva Adamyan, Head of the Center for Bird Lovers NGO, says that Armenian climate conditions are not favorable for having dolphins here. “It is an exploitation of an animal,” she says. Further, no public discussion has been held on the use of public space. “Is there an expert’s opinion? Let them submit the documents allowing the import of dolphins.” Even those who welcome having the old park renovated, say that renovation of the run-down site should not be at the expense of endangering animals. Environmentalist Knarik Hovhannisyan points out, too, that the Water Resources Management Agency of the Ministry of Nature Protection of Armenia has not been advised of the dolphin tank, which would require 1,500 cubic meters of water. “This means that the water may be supplied by ‘Yerevan Jur’ (Yerevan Water) Company, and this means that the dolphin tank will be constructed at the expense of Yerevan residents’ drinking water,” Hovhannisyan says. While environmentalists try to find out whether legal requirements have been met, construction of the tank continues. Alexander Merlyan, Director of the Ukrainian Nerum Organization says the tank will be ready for use “in about two months”. If plans are fulfilled, the tank – five meters deep and 18 meters radius -- would house four dolphins, one sea lion and two seals. The complex would be built to accommodate 900 visitors.

 

And followups;

http://www.armenianow.com/social/environment/25362/armenian_writer_hunger_strike_dolphin_tank

See below that Vahan is described as an “eccentric bard”.

Starving for animals: Prominent writer to go on hunger strike against dolphin tank construction in Yerevan

 

Vahram Tatikyan says he will be on hunger strike until the dolphin tank is dismantled

By Siranuysh Gevorgyan

ArmeniaNow reporter

Vahram Tatikyan, an eccentric bard and publicist known as a staunch environmental advocate, says he will start a hunger strike in opposition to the controversial construction of a tank for holding dolphins and other sea animals in Yerevan.

The construction project that was initiated by a Ukrainian organization, Nerum, and now is in progress just off the city center – on land leased by the Yerevan Municipality in Komitas Park, near the “Pantheon” – has caused an uproar among local environmentalists and animal-rights activists who say Armenia is not suitable for such an attraction. Like a number of environmentalists and animal protection activists Tatikyan also thinks that dolphins and other sea animals will not survive in Armenia’s climate. Besides, he says, such a construction near the Pantheon, where prominent Armenians are buried, will “defile the spiritual aura of the place.” “Can you imagine a dolphin tank being built in the yard of an Etchmiadzin church,” says Tatikyan, referring to the seat of the Holy See of the Armenian Apostolic Church. He describes as “perverted” the idea of building a dolphin tank near the Pantheon. Construction began in August and 80 percent of the project has already been completed. If plans are fulfilled, the tank – five meters deep with a radius of 18 meters – would house four dolphins, one sea lion and two seals. The complex would accommodate 900 visitors. For many years the Komitas Park has been in a neglected state and many welcome the construction of a dolphin tank there. In response to concerns voiced by environmentalists, Yerevan’s municipality says that the new attraction will be fenced from the rest of the Pantheon, and sea animals will be provided with water which will be close to sea water by its composition. Tatikyan says he will start his hunger-strike near the construction site itself beginning October 20. He says he will stop talking in three days “to conserve energy” and is determined to continue his protest until the structure is dismantled. Late last month a representative of the Ukrainian company said the tank might be ready for use “in about two months”.

 

**

Definition of DOLT (and some synonyms);

: a stupid person — dolt·ish\ˈdōl-tish\ adjective — dolt·ish·ly adverb — dolt·ish·ness noun

 

Origin of DOLT

probably akin to Old English dol foolish

First Known Use: 1553

Related to DOLT

Synonyms: airhead, birdbrain, blockhead, bonehead, bubblehead, chowderhead, chucklehead, clodpoll (or clodpole), clot [british], cluck, clunk, cretin, cuddy (or cuddie) [british dialect], deadhead, dim bulb [slang], dimwit, dip, dodo, idiot, donkey, doofus [slang], dope, dork [slang], dullard, dumbbell, dumbhead, dum-dum, dummkopf, dummy, dunce, dunderhead, fathead, gander, golem, goof, goon, half-wit, hammerhead, hardhead, ignoramus, imbecile, jackass, know-nothing, knucklehead, lamebrain, loggerhead [chiefly dialect], loon, lump, lunkhead, meathead, mome [archaic], moron, mug [chiefly British], mutt, natural, nimrod [slang], nincompoop, ninny, ninnyhammer, nit [chiefly British], nitwit, noddy, noodle, numskull (or numbskull), oaf, pinhead, prat [british], ratbag [chiefly Australian], saphead, schlub (also shlub) [slang], schnook [slang], simpleton, stock, stupe, stupid, thickhead, turkey, woodenhead, yahoo, yo-yo

Antonyms: brain, genius

Related Words: booby, buffoon, fool, goose, loony, lunatic, madman, nut, zany; loser; gawk; featherbrain, scatterbrain; beast, boor, cad, churl, clown, creep, cur, heel, jerk, skunk, snake, stinker, villain; bimbette [slang], bimbo [slang], himbo

Near Antonyms: egghead, intellect, intellectual, sage, thinker, whiz, wizard; polymath, Renaissance man; sharpie (or sharpy)[+]more

[Zartonk]

Absurdity is reality.

[Ashot]

http://hyeforum.com/index.php?showtopic=16480&view=findpost&p=278413

[Anoushik]

This demonstrates that Armenians don't have their priorities set straight. Dolphinarium in Yerevan? Seriously? When more than half of the citizens in Armenia are struggling to eat?

 

Ridiculous.

[Ashot]

Che Anoushik jan, now it's less then half that are struggling to eat, besides it's a tourist attraction... not to mention it's a Ukrainian project and financed by Ukrainians... the only thing that Armenians did is dedicated the place, licensing and collecting the taxes from them!

[Anoushik]

OK, less than half.... Armenia should be so proud.

[Anoushik]

... look, I'm not trying to bash Armenia. I've always been supportive of my birth country, and have always stood by my father's ideals about that country in that we have to be optimistic about its future and also be forgiving about why it's in such a state as it is. But it's going to be twenty years since Armenia became independent. And there is no progress in site. In the contrary, the economy has completely worsened and the food prices have gone up. The food actually costs more over there in American dollars than here! And to top it off, they are building a dolphinarium? For whom? For what? When are our ridiculous ambitions going to stop?

[Ashot]

Food Prices Jumped to Record High in December

 

Global food prices rose to a record high last month, overtaking even the levels seen during the 2007-2008 food crisis.

 

The UN Food and Agricultural Organization said its food price index rose to 214.7 points last month, an increase of almost 4.2% from November, according to The Financial Times. The index tracks the wholesale cost of commodities including wheat, corn and meats.

 

In 2007 and 2008, rocketing food prices caused riots in countries including Haiti and Bangladesh and helped boost inflation in many large economies.

 

Abdolreza Abbassian, senior economist with the FAO, said the current situation is "alarming" and warned "it will be foolish to assume this is the peak."

 

In developed economies, companies including McDonald's (MCD) and Kraft (KFT) have raised retail prices to cope with higher food costs.

 

The price of agricultural commodities has jumped after a series of poor harvests caused by adverse weather. The situation only got worse when major produces such as Russia and Ukraine imposed export restrictions.

 

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — Food inflation will “accelerate” during the final months of 2010 and into the first six months of 2011, especially for meat, cereal and dairy products, the U.S. Agriculture Department said Monday.

 

U.S. food companies have already started to raise prices to blunt price spikes for a number of commodities, including corn, wheat and coffee.

 

“Although inflation has been relatively weak for most of 2009 and 2010, higher food commodity and energy prices are now exerting pressure on wholesale and retail food prices,” USDA food economist Ephraim Leibtag said.

 

Pork prices in 2010 are now forecast to rise as much as 5.5% over 2009, compared with the Aug. 25 estimate for an increase of up to 4%, the USDA said in its monthly update. Beef prices are expected to increase up to 3.5% against the previous 3% gain.

 

Meat prices have been going up, following a painful restructuring for U.S. meat companies that slashed output and bankrupted smaller hog producers. This has driven up lean hog and live cattle prices in the futures market over the past year. Lean hog prices have begun to ease lately.

 

Overall, the USDA left its 2010 forecast unchanged for food prices to increase 0.5% to 1.5% — the lowest rate of annual inflation in 18 years.

 

It further maintained its 2011 forecast for food prices to rise 2% to 3% over 2010. Dairy prices are expected to be up as much as 5.5% over 2010. Butter prices have been surging, up 19% over September 2009.

 

When commodity prices rise for a prolonged period, it normally takes several months before those price gains find their way into the supermarket.

 

Inflation comes at a tricky time for brand-name U.S. food makers, most of whom have been reluctant to pass along higher commodity costs.

 

They are still coping with tight-fisted shoppers and rising food stamp usage. How consumers will respond to higher prices is uncertain after brand-name food companies cut prices this year to woo shoppers.

 

General Mills /quotes/comstock/13*!gis/quotes/nls/gis (GIS 35.80, 0.00, 0.00%) said last week it plans to raise prices on one-fourth of its breakfast cereals, following a 25% jump in wheat prices so far this year. The USDA expects cereal prices to rise 1% to 2% in 2010.

 

Sara Lee /quotes/comstock/13*!sle/quotes/nls/sle (SLE 18.35, 0.00, 0.00%) in August said it was hiking prices for its breads and deli meats. J.M. Smucker /quotes/comstock/13*!sjm/quotes/nls/sjm (SJM 63.40, 0.00, 0.00%) , Kraft Foods /quotes/comstock/13*!kft/quotes/nls/kft (KFT 31.34, 0.00, 0.00%) and Starbucks /quotes/comstock/15*!sbux/quotes/nls/sbux (SBUX 32.70, 0.00, 0.00%) have all raised coffee prices.

 

Could it be that living in the US you don't notice the raise in price? If the international prices are high why do you think importing into the country will be lower? Besides, the local products produced in Armenia are now way being near the prices in the US. Let's say the bread - how much does a bread cost in LA? A single մատնաքաշ in LA is worth $1.50 which is equivalent to 540amd. While in Armenia a single մատնաքաշ is worth 100amd.

 

I could go on describing in detail what comes after what, but you would have to be here to understand and see it yourself. Don't believe what family friends or relatives tell you. Trust me I know better, I see better and I can explain better then anyone who has not seen America and/or Europe. People tend to tell the wrong information trying to make you feel sorry for them, they all are trying to run away from here, due to the fact that they are not able to become GAGIK TSARUKYAN in a couple of days. They all want to be millionaires within months or even days, not realizing that this is not the way life is. Do people in Armenia know how people in the US struggle on daily basis? Heck no. Do people acknowledge how hard it is to make money in the US? Heck no. So, Anushik jan there are things to think twice, and why not have a Dolfinarium, Restaurant that has everything made form ice and what the heck - world's largest Disney Land coming soon to Armenia - has it not been enough to push away the tourist from Armenia? isn't it time to attract them? Persians, Russians, Americans, French, Germans and many more come to Armenia to visit and spend money, why not attract them just like the US, well let's not compare ourselves with the US how about Turkey, look how they attract tourism...

[Anoushik]

Ashot, I think it's very offensive to say that people in Armenia complain because "they are not able to become Gagik Tsarukyan in a couple of days". Gagik Tsarukyan is Gagik Tsarukyan. He's just one person, and good for him that he's rich. In America we have billionaires and plenty of millionaires. Good for them. But then there are the representatives of the middle class who live with dignity and respect. The fact is that the "middle class" in Armenia - and by that I mean well-educated people who work in the medical field, who teach in schools, and who teach in universities - in Armenia does not exist. Sure, there are the doctors, the nurses, the teachers, and the professors, but they are getting mere pennies for their hard work. There is no standard pay rate and everyone's getting paid according to the "connections" they have with their managers and bosses. Yes, the same is in America, based on connections with various salaries, but again, here people can make an honest living. Tell me, does $300 justify enough monthly salary for university professor? Are those people supposed to survive on only մատնաքաշ and water?

[Anoushik]

And for building Disneylands and ice-sculptured restaurants in Armenia... no one will ever be impressed. Because Disneylands have been around for decades, and they are everywhere, likewise all sorts of entertainment that one can think of. Armenia is a wonder-land in the sense that it is one of the oldest countries in the world, and I bet tourists of all countries love to come to Armenia to explore its ancient ruins and its history. Rather than focusing on building a dolphinarium in Yerevan, Armenia should focus on how to preserve the thousands of churches and archaeological remnants that are in Armenia, and how to operate nice, decent hotels and lodges outside of Yerevan so that tourists can explore Armenia in comfort and luxury.

[Harut]

anoushik, you are such a communist...

[Anoushik]

I am a communist? In the contrary! Communism is a failure. It's because of decades of upbringing in Soviet Armenia that Armenians have the mentality that they have.

 

Edit: *of*

Edited January 21, 2011 by Anoushik

[Ashot]

Anoushik jan why must we always compare Armenia with America, how about we compare it with - Ecuador, Macedonia, Latvia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Peru, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Belize, Paraguay, Georgia, Turkey, Dominican Republic, Oman, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Maldives, Jordan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan Republic, China, Guyana, Albania, South Africa, Tunisia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Indonesia, Cape Verde, El Salvador, Tajikistan, Algeria, Vietnam, Syria, Bolivia, Swaziland, Honduras, Namibia, Vanuatu, Guatemala, Solomon Islands, Mongolia, Egypt, Nicaragua, Botswana, Sao Tome and Principe, Gabon, Iraq, Morocco, Lesotho, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, India, Ghana, Cameroon, Congo, Kenya, Cambodia, Pakistan, Comoros, Laos, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Togo, Nepal, Bhutan, Nigeria, Madagascar, Yemen, Mauritania, Bangladesh, Zambia, Haiti, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Benin, Tanzania, Djibouti, Uganda, Malawi, Angola, Guinea, Chad, Gambia, Rwanda, Central African Republic, Mali, Eritrea, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Niger, Sierra Leone and more

[Ashot]

By the way Anoushik jan, of it is offensive to say people "they are not able to become Gagik Tsarukyan in a couple of days", why is that they always count his dollars, not to mention no matter who you talk to they all want to become millionaires in no time, especially those who don't have money and want to do business with someone else' money. You should hear how they all complain at all times of everyone that has money business power, why do they all want to be the same - Your thinking is very beautiful, they way we want to see our people - personally I love it too! However, that is not how people think in here, they always say - why must Flan Fstan have the business or the power why not me, instead of making their own ways around they must always count others' money. Which all leads to the same point once they get into power they monopolize the same way they used to look at and complain.

 

I won't argue on perspectives, it's different for you because you are far away, you would need to live here for couple of months to understand how these people think and act! It's sad, I hate it too, but this is something we would need to live with! I am willing to do so.

[Anoushik]

Anoushik jan why must we always compare Armenia with America, how about we compare it with - Ecuador, Macedonia, Latvia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Peru, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Belize, Paraguay, Georgia, Turkey, Dominican Republic, Oman, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Maldives, Jordan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan Republic, China, Guyana, Albania, South Africa, Tunisia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Indonesia, Cape Verde, El Salvador, Tajikistan, Algeria, Vietnam, Syria, Bolivia, Swaziland, Honduras, Namibia, Vanuatu, Guatemala, Solomon Islands, Mongolia, Egypt, Nicaragua, Botswana, Sao Tome and Principe, Gabon, Iraq, Morocco, Lesotho, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, India, Ghana, Cameroon, Congo, Kenya, Cambodia, Pakistan, Comoros, Laos, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Togo, Nepal, Bhutan, Nigeria, Madagascar, Yemen, Mauritania, Bangladesh, Zambia, Haiti, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Benin, Tanzania, Djibouti, Uganda, Malawi, Angola, Guinea, Chad, Gambia, Rwanda, Central African Republic, Mali, Eritrea, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Niger, Sierra Leone and more

Those are all either corrupt states or third-world countries.

 

By the way Anoushik jan, of it is offensive to say people "they are not able to become Gagik Tsarukyan in a couple of days", why is that they always count his dollars, not to mention no matter who you talk to they all want to become millionaires in no time, especially those who don't have money and want to do business with someone else' money. You should hear how they all complain at all times of everyone that has money business power, why do they all want to be the same - Your thinking is very beautiful, they way we want to see our people - personally I love it too! However, that is not how people think in here, they always say - why must Flan Fstan have the business or the power why not me, instead of making their own ways around they must always count others' money. Which all leads to the same point once they get into power they monopolize the same way they used to look at and complain.

 

I won't argue on perspectives, it's different for you because you are far away, you would need to live here for couple of months to understand how these people think and act! It's sad, I hate it too, but this is something we would need to live with! I am willing to do so.

No further comment.

[Harut]

I am a communist? In the contrary! Communism is a failure. It's because of decades of upbringing in Soviet Armenia that Armenians have the mentality that they have.

 

Edit: *of*

 

of course it was a joke of a comment... however, i'm not quite sure about your anger over this project... i didn't see the connection between this and hungry people, underpaid public employees, or lack of basic civilized mindset toward national treasures...

 

first of all, there is no "they" that have built and are operating this business... it was not done by public funds, state budget, or Armenia Fund donations... it is a private business, established by certain individual(s) to make profit... i'm sure you can be appreciative of this concept...

 

i could understand your opposition if you mentioned the inhumane treatment of dolphins and unfavorable living conditions... or if you mentioned how no environmental study was conducted to evaluate the impact of this business on the surrounding area... or if you mentioned how nobody seems to care what kind of stress this business is going to put on already crumbling water infrastructure in the city... or if you mentioned how the community was not consulted before allocating a park to this project... or if you mentioned the alleged corruptions that surround the permitting and approval processes of this business...

 

however, this endeavor did not condemn the hungry to more hunger... nor did it deprive public employees from their fair chance to live decent living... if anything, this business helped some of those hungry people put bread on their tables by providing them jobs as janitors, veterinarians, security personnel, cashier clerks, accountants, business managers, legal counsels, marketing personnel, etc etc...

 

now, i don't agree with Ashot's exuberance with expanding tourism and basing the country's strategic long term advancement on it... tourism is not a viable industry for Armenia to thrive on in the 21st century... nor is it a platform for developing a highly intelligent society (which i see you favor and would like to see in armenia)... however, on an individual level, this project and private business is a positive movement of a notch for the country's economy...

Edited January 28, 2011 by Harut

[Anoushik]

Harut, I know you were joking! As far as my anger towards the project... now that I think about it, I guess my answer could qualify me as a communist! But I'd rather go with socialist.

 

Yes, it's private enterprise that has funded this project. And everything else. But where does social responsibility come in? How about get the funds together and work towards a common goal of improving the schools, building better hospitals, supporting the arts? Yes, I know I'm dreaming. But haven't we always been brought up to think that Armenians are united? Where is that unity? This dolphinarium is another example that every man is for himself.

[Harut]

Harut, I know you were joking! As far as my anger towards the project... now that I think about it, I guess my answer could qualify me as a communist! But I'd rather go with socialist.

 

Yes, it's private enterprise that has funded this project. And everything else. But where does social responsibility come in? How about get the funds together and work towards a common goal of improving the schools, building better hospitals, supporting the arts? Yes, I know I'm dreaming. But haven't we always been brought up to think that Armenians are united? Where is that unity? This dolphinarium is another example that every man is for himself.

 

Anoushik, i don't think i agree with you...

[Sip]

Dolma-narium ... now that's a place I would definitely go out of my way to visit. Why couldn't they make a dolmanarium?

[Arpa]

Dolma-narium ... now that's a place I would definitely go out of my way to visit. Why couldn't they make a dolmanarium?

 

http://www.countrymusicwi.com/cheesehead.jpg

 

Hey cheese head/panir glokh! When did you come back from Mongolia? I mean Wisconsin? Did you see your cheesy brothers win the super dolma bowl?

Who is he?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsHf9piJaDM

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A12ok-1zGH8&feature=related

 

Is this your new “buffet” destination now?

 

http://www.dolmama.am/

 

Note; I only play with people who have a hefty/cheesy sense of humor.

Edited February 7, 2011 by Arpa

[Sip]

Hurray for the pac! I haven't followed any sports in the last few years except the world cup but it was definitely great to see the Packers take home the big cheese.

 

And thanks for the Dolmama link ... now that's definitely on my Armenia visit itinerary! Now the next step is to actually plan a real visit there.

[Sip]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsHf9piJaDM

 

[Nané]

Hurray for the pac! I haven't followed any sports in the last few years except the world cup but it was definitely great to see the Packers take home the big cheese.

 

And thanks for the Dolmama link ... now that's definitely on my Armenia visit itinerary! Now the next step is to actually plan a real visit there.

 

Yeah, thank you Arpa! I've been exploring Dolmama for the past half hour. I first went there in 2000 and felt so ... at home. Great ambiance! Nice memories

[nairi]

Ironically, I don't think the dolma at Dolmama is that good...

[nairi]

Yes, it's private enterprise that has funded this project. And everything else. But where does social responsibility come in? How about get the funds together and work towards a common goal of improving the schools, building better hospitals, supporting the arts? Yes, I know I'm dreaming. But haven't we always been brought up to think that Armenians are united? Where is that unity? This dolphinarium is another example that every man is for himself.

 

Screaming from the diaspora is hardly helpful. Come here and contribute your bit, whatever it is. That's one way to be directly involved in the changes in this country, even if it's only a step at a time.