Happy to have you visit my blog!

2006-05-21T02:39:00.000-07:00

AND THAT'S WHAT I'M CRAZY FOR: CHOCOLATES!

2006-05-16T01:26:00.000-07:00

Cause for Concern!

"Cars are bringing the cities of the world to a standstill."

"Green belt areas are being destroyed at an alarming rate."

"Air pollution has reached danger levels in some countries."

"Poverty is a problem in all parts of the world."

"Unemployment is hitting some industrialized countries badly."

"Wildlife is under threat from human activity."

2006-05-12T22:58:00.000-07:00

God bless you granpa!

when ever I think about my childhood, the first things that cross my mind are those sweet childish plays and memories I had with my granpa. He was the super man of my life! Not only his tongue, but also his face could talk to you. I could see all those gone days of his life, in the deep wrinkles on his forehead. His well-opened blue eyes_sheltered under his grey eyebraws_were the oceans of deep thoughts. I could see the waves of happiness and great care in them, and still strong enough to see every thing in details. His red-colored cheeks were like two "Red, Red Roses" which were a sign of his love and affection: just like the cheeks of those happy and healthy children playing joyfully in gardens. His skin was bright_bright as a spring moonlight night. It was always clean-shaved and shiny_shiny like the summer sunny days. His pink lips were always smiling and his white teeth were visible, resembling the sea pearls kept in the shell of his mouth. And his speeches: they were like a cool breeze in a desert which touched your heart and soul softly! God bless you!

2006-05-10T03:08:00.000-07:00

The Crazy kid!

"Could I go out please?" that was the question I kept asking since the very begining moment of the class but I recieved no response! In fact, this is the
story of a funny and at the same time disappointing event which happend to me when I was a five-year-old kid. After all those years, I can still remember that unforgetable day as if it happened just a week ago!

Now, when I think about that event, I wonder how I could do what I did! I think I had lost my mind and conciousness at the time of committing that "crime".

It was the third day of my going to kindergarten. I kissed my mom, we waved hands and finally, I entered the class with my eyes filled up with tears. I had not got used to going to kindergarten yet, and I hated being in the class inspite of its fantastic atmosphere, my lovely classmates and our perfect teacher. I had a hard time getting along with other kids and all I was thinking about was finding an opportunity to escape out of the class. There was nothing amusing for me. I would just sit at one corner, looking arround, without uttering even a word. I hated every thing and every one. I did not like to see all the beauties arround, I did not like to hear those sweet, childish songs and I even refused to eat those delicious candies we were given at breakfast. But no use!

No one cared about my so-called threatening behaviour and that was what made me angry to death and brought that ugly thought to my mind! "Now, I know what do to!" I thought angrily. I woke up as fast as I could, ran towards the teacher and stopped right in front of her feet. "Again, asking the same question Honey?" She said with a smile on her red, velvety lips. " I want to go out because I have to, Teacher." I replied loudly. "No way! Get back to your seat or I'll be mad at you!" I could not believe her shout at me since it was the first time I had seen her anger. So, I asked her to bend a little so that I could tell her something in the ears. She did and I, instead of telling her what I wanted to, gave her a box at the face! She was too shocked to move and me too! I did not know what to do and she either!

After that day, I did not go to that kindergarten any more for I was kicked out from there!

And now what I really think about, is meeting that poor teacher again and beg her a big excuse!

2006-05-10T01:31:00.000-07:00

Co-Education

In recent years, in most of the countries, co-education has become a hot topic! Recently, most of the researchers are doing their researches on the pros and cons of this type of education. In many foreign countries, it has been proved that co- education is necessarily needed even at the primary schools, whereas, in some others such as Iran, they do not believe so! What do you think then? Are you one of those people for or against it?

As a matter of fact, I think co-education system has much more benefits than those single-sex ones.

First of all, students studying in mix schools, are capable of communicating with other sex easier, so it will be more natural and helps them to act much more socially when in society.

The other important reason for having co-education system, is that both boys and girls, can gain confidence when associating with each other_the confidence that they need for being a member of some larger groups in the"future society".

What's more, it is also more economical for the government need less budget for running such schools.

So, according to my opinion, It is much better to have schools of both sex. Then, we can all communicate with each other easier and get ready to be presented in a "larger school" called society.

2006-05-09T00:42:00.000-07:00

Child Labouring

In recent years, especially in underdevelopment countries, we might hear about or even see the cases in which children are engaged in some kind of paid work. I am sure you remember those old stories you heard from your grandparents in childhood about children in far way lands who were doing jobs, mostly labour ones and some for experience or its fun.

As a matter of fact, the first thing that might strike in
every one's mind, when hearing about those children who work, is an utter disaster! On the other hand, some of you may believe in those valuable experiences that children can gain for their future life, when working-the experiences which they may never get to when becoming an adult. But it is not always so! Sometimes the situation turns out to be totally different. What it could be then? In other words, have you ever thought about those children, with worn-up shoes and sleeve-torn clothes, wandering in the streets and jumping to you begging for some money! What do their pail feces tell you? How do their innocent and restless eyes talk to you? And the noise of their teeth chattering in a cold, snowy night! Then what could be the experience beyond this so-called working? Or could there be any? The answer is clear: "of course not"! And this is the real disaster.

So in every society, from the richest to the poorest ones, you can find the situations of children, working both for experience and child labouring. Then this is the time when we should say hello or damn on the guardians and the authorities of the societies!

2006-05-07T03:52:00.000-07:00

Where I'd like to visit: Malaysia

History
Ancient Malaysia: 35,000 BC_ 100 BC
The ancient history of Malaysia is what most of the historians often talk about. In fact, they believe that it is a kind of "black hole" in Asia history. The truth is that there is not much evidence or written records from ancient Malaysia. But more archeological sites are along the coasts and in the jungles and hills, but still not vivid enough to be discovered!

People and Culture
There is a mixing of culture in Malaysia since the very beginning of its history. More than 15,000 years ago, Malaysia welcomed people from China and India. With the arival of gold and silks, Buddhism and Hinduism also came to Malaysia. Then about a thousand years later, Arabs arrived in and brought the principles and practices of Islam. After that, the Portuguese arrived with their impire. More than a quarter of the population of Malaysia are Chinese. Malaysians of Indian are about 7% of the population including Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians. Non_Malay indigenous groups make up about 66%. The "other " category includes Malaysians of interalia, European and middle Eastern descent.

Nature
Malaysia's size is similiar to that of Norway. Natural trees and forests cover almost three quarter of the land, an area eqivelent to almost the entire United Kingdom. One can walk for hundreds of miles, on a "green belt" with different plant and animal species.

Attraction
Kuala lumpur, as the capital of Malaysia, has so much to offer_it is widely known as KL, the city of skyscrapers. You will fall in love wih it, with its buzz and also the mix of cultures. There are wonderful attractions to see. There are fabulous landscapes, such as beautiful jungles, its wonderful beach and ancient places. It also has got a fantastic art both in painting and architecture. Caving, scuba diving and sahara trips are the hobbies you can have and enjoy. It is worth mentioning the rich business and also shopping at the "all-night-up" stores in KL.

So, with all these beauties, attractions and fun in Malaysia, where are you planning to go for the "coming holiday"?!!!

2006-04-26T01:33:00.000-07:00

EUTHANASIA

Have you ever heard the word "euthanasia"? If you are a phisician, of cource you do know about it and if not, can you guess what it is? In fact euthanasia or "Mercy kiling" is a technical term used in medical science. As amatter of fact, when a person is in coma, or there is no cure, but still hope for his return, doctors or sometimes the patient's family may prefer to give an end to his life for they do not want him to suffer any more! what is your idea then?

Doubtless I am one of those people who is against this so-called "mercy kiling". One of the most important reasons which makes me against it is meddling in God's affairs. As we do not know when we want to come to this planet as his creatures or human beings, we also should not and are not allowed to give up some one's or even our own life!

Moreover, by the daily improvements and scientific achievements, soon a cure may be found so that the person who was about to die, can start his life again. So if you do the euthanasia, what is going to happen then!

Another important reason which I want to mention is that we were born for responsibilities. Responsibilities for every one, every thing and in all aspects of our life and always remember not to give up and lose hope, but to stand firmly and climb the life mountains in the storm of difficulties.

To sum up, I wish to have people around me with strong wills and capable of tolarating even the most exaggerating problems of life and try to find God's light and power in their hearts and souls! Looking forwards it!

2006-04-24T23:37:00.000-07:00

Is House Work Degrading?

Have you ever spoken to a housewife when she is working? How does she feel? Is she happy, angry, relax or …?

In most of the cases you see women working in houses but sometimes men are found doing house affairs. What is their reaction then? In fact, those women who work both outside and inside the house might have a more difficult situation compared to those who do not. Sometimes they complain about working in house after having a long day working outside. Meanwhile, the women who do not work outside might enjoy doing house works for passing their free time. But men have got a totally different situation. Unfortunately some men believe it is not good to do house affairs or it is not related to them whereas, some feel and also know they HAVE a duty as much as their wife and other members of the family.

But to whom ever it is related, the important thing that we should always remember is sharing tasks in house affairs and also other situations and places. Then there is nothing in this world to be called as degrading!

2006-04-11T00:48:00.000-07:00

The Iranians’ New Year Table

For many people 'Haft Seen' just means putting seven objects beginning with 'S' in the Persian alphabet on a table. However, the roots of Haft Seen are actually far more spiritual and were not based on a letter of the alphabet and were not limited to seven objects! Below we look at the roots of this tradition and the symbolism of the New Year Table.

The New Year Tablecloth

In ancient Iranian traditions, in every celebration and ceremony; a table cloth (on a small table) was laid down. The arrangement of objects on the tablecloth is special and has religious intonations and sacred numbers must be considered in such arrangements. Efforts were made to decorate the New Year’s tablecloth with the best and most precious plates, candle holders, and fire pots. This is still practiced in weddings and in mourning rituals and is considered as a religious activity.

Haft Seen, the phrase

In the Sassanid’s era, beautifully painted and precious plates made out of CAOLINE were imported into Iran from China. This was one of the precious commercial exchanges with China and the plates were later called after the name of their manufacturers and location of origin and thus they were called "Chiny". In other words they were also referred to as SINEE, which finds its root in Arabic language. "Chiney" or SEENEY, which means from china or Sina. Rather than saying 'Haft Seen' some villagers pronouce it as 'Haft Seenee'. Other things placed on the New Year’s table are as follows:

Freshly grown greens

The greens were grown a few days before the new year in seven plates and at times in twelve precious plates, which is the number of the holy months. In royal palaces twenty days before the New Year, twelve pillars of clay were built and on each of these they grew one of the cereal grains. The good growth of each grain was considered as a good omen. They were of the belief that the well grown grain will be a sign of abundance in the coming year. Wheat, oat, rice, beans, lentils, millets, lima beans, peas, and sesame seeds were grown on the clay pillars. On the sixth day of the New Year the greens were then harvested and distributed all over the hall floor as a sign of abundance. Families usually placed these plates of greens on the table cloth symbolizing HOOMET (Andisheye Nik - good thoughts), HOOKHT (Goftare Nik - good words) and HOOVERESHT (Kerdare Nik - good deeds). The green color of this vegetation was the national and religious color of Iranians and they beautified the appearance of the New Year tablecloth.

Holy Book

One of the objects that were placed on the New Year’s table was the Holy Book. In view of the fact that these celebrations were considered national events, each family would place their own religious book on the New Year’s table. In the Sassanid’s era they placed the book of AVESTA on the table and they read a part of it. Today on the New Year table the holy Quran is usually placed by Iranian (Islamic) families and a verse from it is cited. Families of other religions use their own holy book and many Iranian families also put the book of poems by Hafiz, the famous Iranian poet.

Clay Water Jug (KOOZEH-E-AB)

Clay water jugs which were filled with water from down stream of mills were filled by young girls and they were placed on the New Year’s table decorated with necklaces.
Bread

Bread symbolizes abundance and in Sassanid’s era they baked breads the size of the palm of the hand or smaller which were called DRON. These were placed on the New Year’s table and they were blessed by a prayer. Today some people still put a plate of bread or large SANGAK bread on the New Year’s table, and this is done also in wedding ceremonies.

Candle holder

Light and brightness were considered an important principle by Iranians. The lighted and bright world was the land of AHOORAMAZDA and wherever there was light, AHREEMAN (the devil) could not enter.

Milk

In religious rituals milk was treated as sacred and, at times, they mixed it with crushed HOOM before drinking. Cheese was also placed on New Year’s table as it was composed of milk symbolizing fertility and transformation within it.

Eggs

Egg is considered the root and the foundation of the New Year table and all kinds of white and painted eggs should be placed on haft seen. This was based on the belief that eggs symbolized fertility. The egg skin (shell) is an image of the sky and the ceiling of universe. The god of MITRA, according to a story, came from an egg from the sky.

Mirror

The word mirror (Ayneh) comes from ADVENAK which means to see and ADVENAK is one of the forces which assist in the creation of man. The word ADVENAK is formed by a prefix of AD and a root of VEN which means to see and mirror is an object with which one can see images.

Samanoo

Samanoo is made of juice of germinating wheat. It is generally stated that FARVARS cause the growing of vegetation and germination. FARVARS make sprouts (buds) fertile and eating these fertile sprouts result in gaining strength and fertility in the years to come.

Senjed (kind of tree with fruit resembling the mountain ash)

Senjed is a fruit, which is to be placed on the New Year table as the aroma of its leaves, and its blossoms stimulate love which is of fundamental and primary importance in fertility and having children. Placing Senjed on the New Year table was to motivate the world’s births.

Fish

Additionally, the fish is one of the symbols of ANAHITA, which is the angel of water and fertility and carries the main duty of the New Year, which is fertility. Its placement on the New Year’s tablecloth therefore results in abundance and fertility. Eating fish on the eve of the New Year is based on the same thinking.

Apple

In ancient Iranian stories, the apple was very much related to giving birth. More often the medical men (Dervishes) split the apple in two halves and gave one half to the man and the other half to the woman. It can therefore be concluded that the placement of apple on the New Year’s table represents another image of fertility and giving birth.

Yellow and white coins

Yellow and white coins placed on New Year’s table is an image of Shahrivar month which represents metals and their being on the New Year’s table is intended to result in abundance and enormous amount of money in the wallets and purses.

Orange

Orange symbolizes the globe, and it still makes an appearance on some 'Haft Seen' tables, which symbolizes the globe within the universe. When it rotates in the water, it symbolizes the twelve months of the year and announces the arrival of the New Year.

The Espand Seeds

The Espand seed finds its root in the ancient AVESTA term of "SPENTA" which means sacred. These seeds existed in ancient sacred times and were used during prayers.

Other objects are also put on the New Year table. Of these one can name sweets and also candies. All these are to result in abundance, prosperity and health during the New Year.

http://www.iranmania.com/ 29/March/2006

2006-04-11T00:44:00.000-07:00

With Special Regards!

“Making a web log?!” I asked myself. “What could it be then?” but now, after having made my first one, I completely know what a web log is and how much I love it!

As a matter of fact, having a blog and publishing texts, articles or attaching pictures in it let me share and also exchange my feelings, ideas and thoughts with all of my friends living in this world!

At first, making a blog was a little bit difficult for me for the computer was not working appropriately. But after trying hard for some time, and with my professor’s and friends’ help, I could have this fantastic experience! so come on and try it! ;-)

2006-02-28T00:46:00.000-08:00

VIRGO

I am a 19-year-old girl named Solmaz. I am a VIRGO: so serious, stubborn and at the same time helpful and cooprative. At the present moment, I am living in Tehran, Iran. Here, I am studying English literature as a sophomore in Az-zahra University and having lots of fun! The city which I was born and brought up in is Shiraz, in Iran. Shiraz is one of those greatest cities I have ever seen: the warm and hospitable people, the beautiful sceneries, the ancient lands and its perfect weather. If you have ever come to Iran and have visited Shiraz, I am sure that you know many places such as Persepolis, Hafiz and Sa'adi's Tomb, Vakil Bazar, Margon Fall, Eram Garden and so many others. If not, I suggest that you come to this fabulous city and I assure you of a great joy.