8th Pan-Homenetmen Games in Yerevan, Armenia

By: Angela Mujukian
LadyBruin24@ucla.edu

During the week of August 1st through August 8th of 2009, Alexandria (Egypt), Armenia, Australia, Bulgaria, Cairo (Egypt), Canada, Eastern USA, France, Hungary, Iran, Jerusalem, Haifa & Yaffa (Israel), Lebanon, London, South America, Syria, and Western USA participated in the 8th Pan-Homenetmen games held in Yerevan, Armenia. Over 500 athletes came from around the world to partake in the events.

The opening ceremonies took place on August 1st at the Republic Square in Armenia, as crowds of athletes joined together to kick-off the world tournament. “I think the biggest experience that young adults take from this tournament is knowing that they are a part of something that is bigger than them. When they walked into the Republic Square and saw thousands of people cheering for them, the hundreds of athletes from around the world, with the same organization name across their chest; most of them were left speechless,” commented Western U.S. Region Field Supervisor and Assistant Delegation Leader, Fred Babadjanians.

The games were held in Armenia for the first time in the history of the Pan-Homenetmen games! In 2005, the athletic games took place in Athens, Greece. During the years before that, the games have been held in various locations, such as Beirut (Lebanon), Washington D.C. (USA), Los Angeles (USA), New Jersey (USA), and Valance (France). And in 1981, the 1st Pan-Homenetmen games were held in Toronto and Montreal (Canada).

Mihran Shimishirian, the Homenetmen Central Executive member, spoke in front of the crowd regarding the value of the games being held in Armenia, especially for the younger generations, in order for them to fully appreciate and understand their culture and where they originated from.

“It was special having these particular games in Armenia this time around because it was the first time that Homenetmen (H.M.E.M.) was in Armenia for the world games. Keep in mind that Armenia used to be under Soviet rule and there was no way for H.M.E.M. to hold any type of event in Armenia during those times. It was great to have an Armenian event held by Armenians for Armenians, from around the world, in Armenia for the first time under H.M.E.M,” remarked Head Coach of six basketball teams for Homenetmen Azadamard Pasadena, Edward Mardirossian, and Assistant Coach for the Western USA women’s basketball team.

Many of the athletes were also given the opportunity to visit Lake Sevan and the Dzidzernagapert Genocide Memorial during their trip to Armenia. “It was my second time playing in Armenia and the country seems to be getting more beautiful with every year. Being in Armenia and playing with Armenians all over the world was truly something else,” commented Point Guard # 9 of the USA Western Women’s Basketball Team, Aileen Vartanian.

Competitions included Men’s Basketball, Junior Boy’s Basketball, Men’s Chess, Men’s Swimming, Men’s Table Tennis, Soccer, Women’s Basketball, Women’s Chess, Women’s Swimming, and Women’s Table Tennis.

The chapters representing the Western Region of the United States were all from Southern California. The chapters that made up Western USA included Homenetmen Ararat Glendale, Azadamard Pasadena, Los Angeles Mayr Masnajoogh, Massis San Fernando Valley, Montebello, Sardarabad Orange County, Sevan San Diego, Sipan Burbank, and Shant La Cresenta.

Western USA took a total of six teams and overall 85 athletes, directors, and delegates. Much preparation went into organizing the events leading up to the world games. “It is no easy task taking 85 athletes across the world for a tournament. The committee had a bunch of dedicated members, who believe in the Homenetmen cause. The teams started practices in late April, and quadrupled their efforts in July. I would say the committee put in at least 20 hours of planning and execution per week, plus an additional 8 hours a week of practice time and team coordination time,” remarks Coach Fred Babajanians.

Western USA had teams in all competitions, except for Women’s Table Tennis. Western USA took the Gold in Men’s Basketball, Gold in Junior Basketball, Gold in Soccer, and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in Men’s Table Tennis. Western USA also took Bronze medal in Women’s Basketball, Overall Gold in Swimming, 1st place in Overall Basketball and 1st place in Overall Competition. The top athlete award went to Vatche Kazandjian, a swimmer who won 9 Gold medals and 1 Silver medal for Western USA.

The directors of the events representing the Western Region of Homenetmen USA included Jano Kahwajian, Nyree Derderian, and Fred Babajanians. The Men’s Basketball Head Coach was Fred Babajanians along with Assistant Coach, Shant Tarpinian. The Women’s Basketball Head Coach was Anthony Khotsikian, followed by a well-known name in Homenetmen, Edward Mardirosian. The Junior Basketball Head Coach was Patrick Kopooshian and Assistant, Hagop Avedian. The Men’s & Women’s Swimming Coach was Houri Kazanjian. The Men’s Table Tennis was Andrnaik Bagatourian. The Head Coach for Soccer was Albert Eskandari followed by Assistant Coach, Rooben Khodadadian.

“When everything is said and done, Homenetmen came through for its athletes. The countless hours of work are worth it when you see the faces of young athletes when they accomplish something that they might never have a chance to accomplish again,” stated Fred Babajanians.

Armenian athletes from the Southern California region brought much competition and enthusiasm to the world games in Yerevan, Armenia. “They were such nice and kind-hearted people. This tournament really allows athletes like myself to experience Armenia on a whole new level. I would go back in a heartbeat,” added player Aileen Vartanian.

The closing ceremonies took place on August 8th at the Dynamo Stadium. Western USA was awarded the Armenian National Olympics Committee Rotating Cup for winning the most medals in the 8th Pan H.M.E.M games.

As of yet, there is no word where the 9th Pan-Homenetmen games will take place, but some say Cairo, Egypt may be a possibility.

The Daily Bruin Editor-In-Chief: A New Perspective

By: Sarin Kodchian
Bruinsrk17@ucla.edu

“Everything happens for a reason…”- words that have inspired and encouraged a most accomplished young woman whom most of us have heard about, but may have never gotten to know. I was lucky enough to interview her, and I must admit, that I felt as though I was in the presence of someone significant, someone whose name you’ll be hearing years from now for doing one great thing or another.

Alene Tchekmedyian is more than just your typical college student; she is the first ever female Armenian Editor-In-Chief for The Daily Bruin at UCLA. As a fourth year Sociology major at UCLA, she has accomplished more in a budding career, than most have in their prime. Born and raised in Orange County, this California native is not only active in the Armenian community, but is an impressive young journalist whose accomplishments and potential are indicative of a very bright future.

Documenting, scrapbooking, and keeping journals have helped record Tchekmedyian’s thoughts and ideas since childhood; and her camera has been her trademark. She likes to re-read old journal entries, and unlike those of us who cringe at the thoughts scribbled in our diaries years ago, Tchekmedyian enjoys reliving how she felt and the reasons that caused her to feel as such, just like a story. She believes that that is where her passion for journalism comes from… being able to capture a moment in time, recording it in order to relive it at a later time, and share the experience with others.

There was no newspaper in Tchekmedyian’s high school, but that didn’t deter her from becoming yearbook editor instead. One of the key reasons she came to UCLA was to be a part of The Daily Bruin and to begin transforming her aspirations into bonafide realities. The ambitious undergrad began working for The Daily Bruin during the fall quarter of her freshman year as an intern in the Online Department. By spring, she was Assistant Online Editor. Tchekmedyian then worked as the Director of New Media until the UCLA Communication Board confirmed her position as the next Editor-In-Chief for 2009-2010 school year.

The Daily Bruin is one of the top five newspapers in circulation in Los Angeles and has been recognized as one of the best daily collegiate newspapers in the nation. As Editor-In-Chief, Tchekmedyian will be managing a staff of about 400 and overseeing the News, Sports, Arts & Entertainment, and Viewpoint sections along with the production sections of design, photo, copy, online DB Television, and the paper’s video section. For the upcoming year, she hopes to perfect an online production cycle to meet the demand for immediate access to information, with reporters writing stories throughout the day and the website being updated constantly instead of the day after. A top priority is to make the Daily Bruin the first source of news about the UCLA campus. For next year, the paper will be focusing on UCLA events that effect students such as the ongoing fee increases and budget cuts.

A more interactive site would also serve to benefit the print edition, as online popularity would dictate what goes to print in more detail. Her experience as the Online Assistant-Editor and Director of Media heightened her interests in the evolving role of media in news coverage today. Paper newspapers are suffering and a more multimedia-oriented, interactive site could attract more readers, and thus advertisers. Journalism is changing, and her experience and initiative have well-equipped her to meet the demands that face print media.

Aside from her experience in production, the new Editor-In-Chief also wrote articles for The Daily Bruin, many in the News section and also the Arts & Entertainment section’s Theatre & Arts page.

In 2007, while visiting Armenia with a church youth group, she sought out and landed an internship with ArmeniaNow.com. She’s also done freelance writing with The Armenian Reporter and interned with the Los Angeles Times. In 2008, Alene won an associated collegiate press award for Best Interactive Element for an audio slideshow series. Last year, she traveled across the state visiting UC campuses for an online multimedia project, looking at students’ involvement in the November elections. Next year, Tchekmedyian’s plans also include applying to graduate schools in Journalism.

Armenian Students Take Initiative Through UniCamp Program

By: Nare Kupelian
Nkupelia@ucsd.edu

Throughout the past year, Armenian students at UCLA have become increasingly involved in the UniCamp program. Several students are taking the initiative and becoming engaged with this program as counselors. Countless others have made generous donations to assist the camp. The program, which is a long-running tradition at UCLA, has allowed these students to reach out to the community and take part in this important cause.

According to the school’s website, UniCamp has been the official student charity of UCLA since 1948. In an attempt to establish connections between the college and the community, the program sends nearly 1,000 children from low-income households in the Los Angeles area to a residential, outdoor summer camp. Underserved students between the ages of 10 and 17 are given the opportunity to participate in a week-long program with various recreational activities, such as archery, mountain biking, wall climbing, hiking, volleyball, and fishing. UniCamp strives to motivate students to envision a better future for themselves and to build the self-esteem that will allow them to achieve their goals.

UCLA students volunteer their time to assist in teaching the campers the life-lessons that they will inevitably find necessary. The 1:3 student-to-counselor ratio allows for the campers to closely interact with and learn from the students. Nevertheless, the college ensures that the students are qualified and trained to become camp counselors. Accepted students are required to attend weekly meetings and a training retreat during the spring quarter. On-Site Orientation is held during the summer to familiarize the students with the camp surroundings. Counselors are required to complete a supplemental online training course and learn all the UniCamp songs, games, and traditions. Apart from the training, counselors are required to raise $375 to send a child to camp, take a TB test, and submit a background check. Participants have indicated that the training was a worthwhile experience, which allowed them to immensely benefit from the program.

The number of Armenian students being trained as camp counselors for the UniCamp program has increased over time. One such counselor was Allen Secretov, an incoming senior at UCLA who found that the program was the most influential program he had partaken during his three years at the college. He stated that “after going to that first retreat, you realize that not only are you participating in something incredibly altruistic and impactful, but you’re also doing this within a group of around 60 like-minded individuals. The amount of positivity, selflessness, and genuine kindness participants in the UniCamp program exude is incredibly special, and has shaped the kind of person I've developed into at UCLA.”

Allen Secretov also believes that it would be beneficial to have more Armenian students more involved with UniCamp. “Not only would it increase diversity among the counselors, but I think it’ll benefit the campers as well, who will get to experience an interaction with a more varied composition of people than they are usually accustomed to.” By interacting with students from underserved communities, he stated that he was humbled by the determination, resilience, emotion, and mental strength that the campers had.

There were too many good memories for him to just name one, but he did say that each memory, during the camp and the quarter of training that it required, led up to “a big, toothy, squinty-eyed smile.” Secretov, a History major with hopes of attending law school, will surely use the experiences he attained and the lessons he learned at UniCamp for his benefit in the future.

The ideal way to experience UniCamp would be as a camp counselor. Yet, some students find that other means of participation and support prove to be just as beneficial. Ilona Mnatsakanyan, UCLA Alpha Gamma Alpha Alumni who graduated in 2007 with a degree in Psychology, became involved with UniCamp when she decided to help a counselor and friend with fundraising. Having donated to the program herself, she utilized the social networking site, Facebook, to get many of her friends to do the same.

Mnatsakanyan decided to take the initiative because she believes in the importance of charities that benefit the needs of children. She stated, “I have heard first hand from some children the amazing experience they had at UniCamp, and I wanted to help raise some money so more kids could have the opportunity to go to camp and create amazing memories.” Mnatsakanyan believes that it is important for Armenian students to unite in support of all charitable causes that the school supports. “Programs like these aren’t just about having fun - they teach children important life lessons that they will carry with them for a long time - the lessons that help them succeed and hopefully be a Bruin one day,” she added.

Due to the hard work and generosity of the volunteers and donors, UniCamp has raised over $170,000 in their efforts to serve the underprivileged youth of Los Angeles. Through the selfless donations of time and money, the college community at UCLA has reached out to those living in poverty, allowing them to experience youth in a way that they could only have imagined otherwise.

Little Armenia Freeway Sign

By: Shahane Arayi
Shahanemartirosyan@gmail.com

Kenats/Genats: Beginning in the 1970s, Armenians found their home in the East Hollywood area of Los Angeles: opening businesses, churches, and schools. Many of them have left the neighborhood for Glendale and its surrounding areas, however nearly ten years ago, East Hollywood was christened Little Armenia and it was the most official way that the State of California could recognize the prominent presence of Armenian-Americans in the City of Los Angeles. On May 24, 2009 at 7 p.m., a freeway sign that read “Little Armenia, Next Exit” was implanted on the 101 Freeway, directing everyone to the historic home of Armenian-Americans in the Southern California. Cheers to that!

Fires Rampage in Southern California

By: Richard Davitian
Bruinboy88@ucla.edu

California is known to have beautiful and sunny weather. But for the past month and a half, the majority of the Los Angeles County inhabitants have been plagued by the ongoing spreading fires, causing them to evacuate their homes with the chance of losing everything precious to them.

Fires are nothing new to Los Angeles county residents. Almost a year ago, on October 14th of 2008, fires broke out in Porter Ranch and Simi Valley. The flames came close to the 118 freeway and the fires spread from the Los Angeles County to the Ventura County. Christine Kojayan, currently a 4th year at UCLA, was a victim of the fires during this time. She said the fires were “frightening, scary, and something that she will never forget.”

Kojayan was in school when the fires broke out and hurried home to be with her family. Police announced an evacuation order to all residents in her community at 3 a.m. Her family took documents, passports, albums, and their pet bird, leaving behind all other belongings. “I remember being scared to drive to or from my house, because all you would see is smoke and haze,” stated Kojayan.

Now more than ever, fires have taken a heavy toll on Southern California. It has affected many Armenians living around the areas of the fire. This year’s Los Angeles fires encompass the areas of Mt. Wilson, Tujunga, Acton, Altadena, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and many more. At one point, there were eleven separate fires during days at temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. The fire has burned around 160, 000 acres and is the largest fire in Los Angeles County history. For a while, it seemed as though there was no end to the flames as they spread rapidly. Firefighters struggled to contain the fires.

The first fires broke out on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 in Angeles Crest Highway above La Canada Flintridge. The Station fire included areas such as La Crescenta, La Canada, and Acton. The flames spread from Acton to Pasadena and Antelope Valley. Fires also broke out in Auburn California. Many homes were lost in both the Station fire and the fire in Auburn. The flames forced thousands of evacuations and many residential homes were threatened. A total of 6,000 firefighters were involved, two of which lost their lives to the battle as their truck plummeted 800 feet down a mountain.

The Los Angeles fires have had a traumatic effect on Armenian communities. Many Armenian families were evacuated, one of whom was Arsine Gasparyan, a UCLA alumni and a current student at Southwestern Law School. Gasparyan was forced to evacuate her house due to the Station fires in La Crescenta.

The fires spread towards her house from the La Canada Flintridge area. News stations aired newscasts from her house, stating that the fires were only a half mile away from her home. “Absolutely everything was covered in ash,” said Gasparyan. “What once stood as a green mountain is now burned down,” she added.

Gasparyan was evacuated Saturday night at 2:30 a.m. when the flames were getting dangerously close. Firefighters informed the evacuees that shelters were available at the local high school for people who are forced to evacuate. They packed up their documents and albums, and left their home, not knowing whether or not they’ll ever see their house again, untouched from the fires.

Fortunately, three days later she was allowed to return home since the fires had moved on. “All the Armenians in the community helped each other. Neighbors came together and there was a sense of friendship and community. We had this ‘I look after you, you look after me’ thing,” Gasparyan explained.

On Friday August 28, 2009, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in the Los Angeles and Monterey counties. There was a large respiratory issue because of the heavy ash and smoke that filled the air. The fires were also extremely close to important television, radio, and communications centers, as well as the Mount Wilson observatory. Firefighters used many techniques to slow down the fires. They did brush clearing and controlled burn. However, the wind and weather made it extremely difficult to carry out these tasks, as the embers spread from La Canada and La Crescenta to Tujunga.

Laura Grigorian, a resident of the Seven Hills Community in Tujunga with her husband and two children, was also a victim of the recent flames. The last time there was a fire in this area was the 1958 Brush fire. It hadn’t occurred until now, causing the brush to accumulate and become very thick. The fire was very close and could be seen on the mountain immediately behind her house. “There was a lot of smoke and ash, causing the air quality to become unbearable,” stated Grigorian.

Grigorian and her family were evacuated Saturday evening; they packed up jewelry, clothes, pictures, and anything else they thought would come in handy. Shelters were offered, but still, they felt homeless. “My kids weren’t in their own beds and even though we could stay at a family member’s house, it still wasn’t our home,” explained Grigorian. “My 5-year-old daughter was frightened and crying because she had to say goodbye to her room and most of her belongings,” added Grigorian.

Police are now treating the Station fire as arson and the tragic death of the two firefighters as homicide. There has been extensive investigation in the areas where the fires initially started. Although the cause is still unknown at this time, authorities say it is the act of an arsonist. Initial reports stated that the Station fire is expected to be fully contained by mid-September… and they were right. Thankfully, the majority of the houses and properties under danger were unharmed. The fires are now all safely contained as a result of the brave and dedicated firefighters of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Armenia-Turkey Relations: A Roundabout Process

By: Andre Arzoo
AndreArzoo@berkeley.edu

On April 22nd, 2009, the Republics of Armenia & Turkey signed a “Road Map” agreement, brokered by the United States and Switzerland, setting forth the foundation to normalize relations between the two neighbor states without the implication of any set preconditions, preconditions that would link the normalization of Turkey-Armenia Relations to the Nagorno Karabakh Conflict between Azerbaijan and the Armenian populations of both the unrecognized Nagorno Karabakh Republic and of the Republic of Armenia, as well as the Recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey.

Preconditions such as these have, since Armenia's Independence in 1991, prevented any formation of solid relations between the governments of Turkey and Armenia. Also, in 1993 the Turkish Republic closed its Eastern border with Armenia as a collaborative move with the Republic of Azerbaijan, who closed its Western border with Armenia as well, in response to the then militarily engaged Nagorno Karabakh Conflict (1991-94). The closing of Armenia's Eastern and Western borders, two of Armenia's four standing borders - and the last closed border(s) in the European Sphere, is an intentional policy aimed at economically, politically, and socially, isolating the Armenian Republic so that it will eventually fold & concede to Turkish & Azerbaijani regional demands, specifically over Nagorno Karabakh, and destabilize any form of development in Armenia until the government is eventually given in to do so.

These recent “reactivation of talks” between the governments of Turkey and Armenia began due to the exclusion of these set preconditions; as a result of the Georgian-Russian War in the Summer of 2008, bringing about further regional instability in the South Caucasus, because of the increased likelihood of an American Recognition of the Armenian Genocide due to President Obama’s election, the recent instability of the Armenian administration following the political and social turmoil of the 2008 Armenian Presidential elections, March 1st clashes, and emergence of the Armenian Opposition (Armenian National Congress - HAK). Soon after Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan took office, Turkish President Abdullah Gul visited the Armenian capital of Yerevan on the basis of a formal invitation by the newly elected President Sargsyan, so as to watch the World Cup Qualifying match between the two nations, and thus, triggered the beginning of this now ‘normalization of relations’ process.

This dialogue, soon after, began to be known as the ‘Football Diplomacy’ process between Turkey and Armenia, eventually lead to the signing of a Turkish & Armenian “Road Map” document in April, and now, these said ‘protocols’ in the beginning of September.

Since the signing of the Turkey-Armenia “Road Map,” no physical or political progression has taken place; Turkey's Eastern border with Armenia remains closed, Turkey has reintroduced preconditions to normalization and reaffirmed its linking of relations with Armenia to a pro-Azerbaijani Resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh Conflict, as well as repeatedly denouncing any form of Armenian Genocide Recognition effort by the Armenian-American Activist body within the American Institutional Framework. The reactivation of talks within the Road Map framework only began immediately after President Sargsyan’s public criticism of Turkey's lack of initiative or progress in the negotiation framework - announced through various media interviews, such as Radio Free Europe & the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

These new ‘Turkey-Armenia Protocols’ were agreed upon literally the day after President Sargsyan’s public criticism of Turkish inactivity.

Essentially, what has happened is a continual foot-dragging of negotiations, on the intentional behalf of the Turkish Government, while Turkey has once again gained positive international public relations recognition - showing itself as a progressive element toward resolving these regional disputes while at the same time sidelining any direct international support or intervention, as a result - as well as aborting any substantially progressed efforts toward Genocide Recognition in the United States. The Government of Armenia, on the other hand, has once again fallen behind in this diplomatic game, not only losing Genocide Recognition in America as another potential chip on both the negotiating table and in the International Recognition Campaign, but has further strengthened Turkey’s links of relations between Turkey & Armenia with that of Armenia & Azerbaijan - regressing Armenia's position on the Nagorno Karabakh Negotiations - and helping facilitate the further prolonging of opening its borders with Turkey.

Thus, in plain analysis, not only has the current Armenian Government given unnecessary concessions within the diplomatic struggle, it has also recklessly thwarted the formal Recognition of the Armenian Genocide within the United States Congress and by the newly elected American President Barack Obama -who he himself publicly acknowledges the Armenia Genocide as a historical fact. Additionally, the Armenian government's flawed and short-sighted foreign policy has also reactivated a very hazy and secretive negotiation process over Nagorno Karabakh with the Azerbaijan Republic - one that seems to be in a state of “shuttle-diplomacy,” that is, where a 100 year old standing conflict over the Karabakh Region is being quickly and dangerously shoved through a quick process of resolution without properly addressing and discussing the details behind the conflict, not to mention a realistic and long-lasting resolution so as to prevent a future conflict or war…

To read this article in its entirety, please visit www.ArmenianAmerica.wordpress.com

ACYA Holds First Summer Conference

By: Raffi Naljian
RGN@naljianlaw.com

As Armenians, we take pride in being the first nation to have adopted Christianity as the official state religion. However, is it a label or a name tag we wear for others? Or is it a way of living? These as well as many other questions related to our history of Christianity were answered at the very recent summer conference held by the ACYA.

The Western Prelacy’s Armenian Church Youth Association (ACYA) was formed about four years ago in order to bring the youth back to the Armenian Apostolic Church and to teach them the word of God as well as the Divine Liturgy. Through the ACYA, members have the opportunity to grow in their faith, learn about the traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and build friendships with fellow brothers and sisters. Of course, the networking opportunities with other Armenian-Christians are endless.

In addition to youth gatherings, members participate in church services, conferences, and numerous social outings. His Holiness Aram I, Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon, pronounced this year as the Year of the Youth. In answering his call for greater action and interaction among the Armenian-Christian youth, the ACYA Central Executive Committee planned various events to take place during the year 2009. Throughout the year, members participated in bible studies, presentations, social outings, camping trips, and most recently, attended the summer conference and went on a camping trip to Rivernook Campground in Kern County.

The July conference entitled, “Spiritual Growth,” was ACYA’s first ever summer conference. It took place at the Western Prelacy Headquarters in La Crescenta during the weekend of July 24th, 2009, under the auspices of His Eminence, Archbishop Mardirosian, Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Western America. In conjunction with the dedicated members of the ACYA executive committee, over sixty young, faithful Armenians from the local churches of the Western Prelacy came together with several delegates from the Eastern Prelacy for a weekend of prayer services, enlightening lectures, Bible studies, roundtable discussions, Q&A sessions, fellowship, testimonies, and a tour of the San Juan Capistrano mission.

During the weekend of September 11th, 2009, ACYA members enjoyed a three-day, two-night camping trip to Rivernook Campground. Throughout the weekend, members participated in morning hikes, Bible studies, prayer sessions, barbeques, numerous games and sports, and of course, delicious homemade meals prepared by ACYA Committee members.

The year is not over yet... In November, The ACYA will have its Fourth Annual Thanksgiving Potluck. The now-traditional event has become an amazingly popular tradition for the local Armenian Christian young adults, and has always been a free event open to all ACYA members and non-members. Dinner will include more than 30 traditional Armenian, American, and Middle-Eastern dishes and various homemade desserts. The year will conclude with the ever-popular ACYA Christmas and New Year’s Celebration. As previously stated, the night will include a fully catered dinner and an entire night of Armenian, Middle-Eastern, and other international dance music.

All Armenian Christian young adults are encouraged to visit their local church and ask about joining the ACYA, or by calling (818) 859-9081.

AYF Western U.S. Urges Withdrawal from Protocol Process

AYF@ayfest.org

GLENDALE — The Armenian Youth Federation-Western Region Thursday issued an announcement, in which it expresses its opposition to the protocols on the establishment and development of relations between Armenia and Turkey and urges the Armenian government to abandon the ill-fated process.

Below is the complete text of the announcement:

The Armenian Youth Federation – Western Region stands in complete opposition to the so-called “Protocols for the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between Armenia and Turkey.”

We find the Protocols’ repeated emphasis on “territorial integrity,” “the inviolability of frontiers,” and the dogma that current state boundaries must be maintained—without any mention of people’s right to self-determination—to be a dangerous reversal of Armenia’s diplomatic support for the independence of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. Any hope that Armenia can negotiate successfully in the interests of Nagorno Karabakh has been compromised with the announcement of this document.

Further, we find the provision requiring “recognition of the existing border between the two countries” to be an illegitimate surrendering of the Armenian people’s legal and rightful claims to our historic homeland. Adoption of such a binding document would amount to an official acceptance of our criminal dispossession at the hands of Turkey during the Armenian Genocide and a direct blow to the long-fought struggle for justice and restitution.

Additionally, we find the Protocols’ intention to create a “sub-commission on the historical dimension” in order to carry out a purported “scientific examination of the historical records” to be morally reprehensible and detrimental to the interests of the Armenian nation. Such an initiative is clearly a ploy to cast doubt on the veracity of the Armenian Genocide and roll back the growing tide of international recognition of this crime against humanity.

The Armenian government’s acceptance of such a provision would effectively make it an accomplice in Turkey’s age-old campaign to distort the overwhelming scholarly consensus confirming the Armenian Genocide.

Contrary to the initial claims of the administration that normalization would occur without preconditions, the above-mentioned provisions are only a few of the many unacceptable points in the Protocols which demonstrate a capitulation to Turkey’s longstanding anti-Armenian demands. The ending of Turkey’s illegal blockade should not come at this cost of signing away Armenia’s security, viability and future.

We call on President Serzh Sargsyan to immediately withdraw his administration’s participation in these Protocol negotiations. We find these actions to be a setback for our people and believe they should be rejected by all those who aspire to secure the interests of the Armenian Republic.

We call on the Armenian Nation, those within the Republic and in the Diaspora, to express their opposition to this dangerous proposal and take immediate action to prevent the Armenian government from signing on to these Protocols.

As Armenian youth, we pledge to do everything in our power to defend our people’s national interests and prevent these Protocols from being pushed through.

In the revolutionary spirit,
Armenian Youth Federation –Western Region

An Armenian Soldier: Determination and Strong Roots

By: Angela Amirkhanian
amirkhaniana@hotmail.com

Military life is not for everyone, but it has become the life the Avanesian family has adapted to.

The Avanesian family, blessed with three sons, emigrated from Iran in 1995. Their oldest son, Vartan Tony Avanesian, 23, decided to live life differently than most adolescents nowadays, as a Marine.

“When I was younger, I always wanted to stand amongst the few and the proud. I wanted to learn new skills that could never be taught anywhere else, such as leadership, discipline, determination, and the will to never give up and to always find a way to accomplish anything,” said Vartan, a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. And so he did…

It’s a sunny Saturday afternoon. As she comfortably sits on her classy couches, Ishkanoui Avanesian, 45, holds the most recent letter from her son, and proudly begins the tale of a son at war.

According to his mother Ishkanoui, Vartan was not serious when it came to school, his studies, and discipline. He concluded that the military is the only solution to help him improve his character and lifestyle.

At first, Vartan’s family did not accept the fact that their son wanted to enlist into the US Marine Corps. Coming from a place like Iran, where joining the army was mandatory for every male citizen, the Avanesian family experienced and survived eight years of war between Iran and Iraq. With many discussions caused by the issue, it was difficult for the family to sign the papers for Vartan to join the service, since they thought he had other options in life and the military should be his last.

“We were not supportive of Vartan’s decision, but we couldn’t find a way out; he was determined,” said Ishkanoui.

As someone who adores and looks up to his older brother, Varand Avanesian, 22, doesn’t want his brother near harm. However, the thought of his brother coming out of this experience both smarter and wiser, puts a bright smile on his face.

“We are very proud of our son who underwent difficult training and was honored to wear the Marine Corps uniform,” said Ishkanoui. Even though many arguments arise in the family, she is glad that her son is seeing life from a different perspective. They hope that when he completes his term, he will use the lessons he has experienced towards a brighter better future.

Vazrik Avanesian, 15, the youngest child, thinks that his brother being away for over half a year and coming home for only a two-week vacation greatly affects his family. Also, the constant thought of Vartan being safe and out of harm has become a big concern in Vazrik’s life. The Avanesian family misses their son dearly, but has strong faith that if something should happen to him, it will happen regardless of the time and location. “My family and I know that he is being looked after by God since he is serving our country for what he believes is right,” he adds.

“He has gained a lot of respect ever since he became a Marine and we’re really proud of the man he has become,” said Vazrik. Vartan has always tried to set good examples for his brothers to follow and realizes now that his parents tell his brothers to be more like him when they do things they shouldn’t be doing. “When my parents came to my graduation they could not believe the transformation I had gone through. Now, all they do is brag about me to family and friends,” said Vartan. He feels extremely blessed and thankful to have his family supporting him every step of the way because he feels that he is the person he is today because of his strong roots.

“I do not necessarily hope that my brothers follow in my footsteps and join the military, I just hope they make good decisions,” said Vartan. He feels that the Marine Corps is not for everyone and that it is a lifestyle that most people would be unable to adapt to.

Ishkanoui strongly believes that her sons will not join the army because they realize that Vartan does not have complete freedom and “what is promised to him is quite different from reality.”

The idea of joining the Marines has passed through Varand’s and Vazrik’s minds just to prove to themselves of their capabilities, but soon realized that it is simply not for them due to personal reasons. “I have trouble grasping the idea of putting my life in the hands of a government who begins a war for weapons of mass destruction…” he firmly concludes. Now, the idea of joining the Marines is the last thing on their minds, “We realized what our family went through with Vartan, and do not want to put them through that again.”

Vartan is currently a data communications watch supervisor in Iraq, in charge of training 14 Marines in their field of work, as well as enforcing customs and courtesies. His end of active service is October 11, 2009. He is also taking a course which will prepare him for life after the military in terms of education, jobs, medical issues, veteran benefits and so on.

“I can always proudly say my brother is a Marine,” said Varand.

If Tomorrow Starts Without Me

By: Sarineh Ayvazi
Sayvazi@hotmail.com

*~In loving memory of Tadeh Minassian and Roben Amerkhanian~*

If tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not there to see, If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me, I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today… while thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, and each time that you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, that an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand
And said my place was ready, in Heaven far above, and that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye, for all my life, I’d always thought, I didn’t want to die.

I had so much to live for, so much left yet to do; it seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad; I thought of all that we had shared, and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while, I’d say good-bye and kiss you, and maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized that this could never be, for memories, would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things that I might miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through Heaven’s gates, I felt so much at home; when God looked down and smiled at me, from his great golden throne.
He said, “This is eternity, and all I’ve promised you. Today your life on Earth is past, but here life starts anew.”

I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last, and since each day is the same way, there’s no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful, so trusting, and so true. Though there were times you did some things, you knew you shouldn’t do.
But you have been forgiven, and now at last you’re free. So won’t you come and take my hand, and share my life with me.
So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for everytime you think of me, I’m right here in your heart.

Too Long

By: Alex Minassians
alexminassians@gmail.com

Too long.
Too long have I waited for you,
The stroke of your soft skin pressed against
mine,
Causing heat and passion.
Too long have I waited for you,
The sparkle in your eyes as we stare at
each-other locked in a gaze for what seems like
eternity.
Too long have I waited for you,
The sound of your voice,
So sweet and innocent but yet so prominent and
daring.
Too long have I waited for you,
The flow of your hair dancing freely,
Not even the wind could catch it if she tried.
Too long I have waited for you, too long.
But I will wait longer still…

Alpha Gamma Alpha: Saving One Community at a Time

By: Sarin Kodchian
Bruinsk17@ucla.edu

The UCLA Alpha Gamma Alpha (AGA) prides themselves every year by giving back to the community. More and more girls decide to join the organization to better improve leadership skills, build lasting friendships, and more importantly, to serve Armenian and non-Armenian communities. Alpha Gamma Alpha has high expectations for this school year as they have just re-launched their website and have established the first ever scholarship fund they will award to incoming students of Armenian descent.

Every April, the Armenian Community heavy-heartedly remembers their peoples’ past. We are reminded of where we came from and why we are the people that we are today. We are reminded of what holds us all together, causing us to forget about our differences and unite for a common cause, even if it is just for a day, a week, or a month.

After a week filled with commemorative events, on April 24th, a diverse group of youth came together one last time at the Troubadour for the event “Silence the Lies! Rock the Truth!” This show was put together by the UCLA AGA to commemorate the Armenian Genocide and to raise money for the Orran Benevolent Non-Governmental Organization in Armenia.

The bands that performed included Visa, The Cause, Sebu, Homemade Devices, and were not restricted to other performances by poets and musicians who wanted to take part in commemorating the Armenian Genocide and raise money for a good cause. The organizations that put the event on were K’noup Presents, Serjical Strike (System of a Down lead-singer Serj Tankian’s record label), and the UCLA AGA. The event was sponsored by the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), the Armenian National Committee (ANC), and it was even covered by the L.A. Times.

Alpha Gamma Alpha raised $1,553 in profit from the rock concert and donated 100% of it directly to the Orran Benevolent Non-Governmental Organization, an organization that helps keep the homeless and at-risk youths off the streets of Armenia by providing them with an alternate way of living. The organization works to alleviate the costs of socio-economic changes in Armenia within the last few decades, which have drastically decreased vital social services. “We wanted to do something that would not only attract the younger generations, but that would also work to benefit the Armenian community,” said Romi Mouhibian, alumna of Alpha Gamma Alpha and one of the organizers of the event.

Just a few hours after the successful event, Alpha Gamma Alpha participated in the Autism Walk the following morning at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Participation in the event was inspired by Ani Khachoyan, a former AGA sister (currently working towards her M.A. at Vanderbilt), whose involvement with Autism Awareness has been inspiring to the Armenian community for years now.

Angela Mujukian, AGA’s current Vice President, worked hard to make Autism Walk an annual tradition. “Many of our sisters, including myself, have worked with kids who have autism, and so many of our goals are to support and give back to the Autism community as much as we can,” states Mujukian.

Last year, the UCLA AGA shared a booth with the Armenian Autism Outreach Program, and this year they fingerpainted next to an organization that helps fathers cope with Autism by conducting meetings and other bonding events. By participating in an event such as this, they were able to learn and be exposed to important issues in the Autism community, while also helping out for a worthy cause.

“Many people are becoming more and more aware of this so-called disease as it does have many misleading connotations and myths. Many isolate children who have autism, viewing them as not “normal,” but in fact, this causes one to ponder as to what is considered normal and how it is truly defined. These children should not be labeled as “different” or “autistic,” but should rather be accepted as who they are in society, people like you and me,” states Mujukian.

For more information about the organization and to join AGA, please visit the website at www.agabruins.com or join the UCLA Alpha Gamma Alpha fan page on Facebook to receive more information about Rush events and pledging.

The Return to Our Homeland & Volunteerism in Armenia

By: Mary Kandaharian
Kandaharian88@ucla.edu

As a child, you count the days until your summer vacation, which usually consists of traveling, sleeping in, and sun-bathing. Once you become a college student, summer becomes less and less of a vacation. Conversely, it becomes a time when you take care of everything that you could not get to during the school year.

As June approached this year, I started thinking about what I could possibly do this summer that would combine the joy of childhood summers with a summer that a future pharmacy school’s admission’s counselor would approve of when reading my application. That is when my roommate and I came across this program called Birthright Armenia, which provided the opportunity to volunteer in our homeland in any given field. We decided to go ahead with the program, and without much knowledge, our imaginations of the trip began to run wild as we sat in the plane 30,000 feet high in the air traveling toward Armenia. The reality, we later discovered, was that we were in for something quite different than what we had originally expected.

Once I got there, I started working for a large pharmaceutical industry called Pharmatech. The standards in this warehouse were surprisingly better than most of the warehouses I have seen in America. I saw the process of making medicine from the bare elements to the packaging and administration of them.

It was also here where I met some of the most honest and hospitable people I have ever come across in my life. They taught me the ins and outs of living in Armenia. Working with these people brought to my attention all the political and socioeconomic issues present within the lives of Armenians residing in Armenia. Coming into the program, I knew I would learn a lot about the pharmaceutical industry, but the enlightening advice and “heart to heart” sessions that I would receive over a cup of Armenian coffee every morning in the inventory room was a very valuable bonus.

Besides volunteering, I met a group of 50 other Armenians from the Diaspora, who have also come out to Armenia in order to volunteer in their particular fields. I met some of the most diverse and interesting group of Armenians from all over the world. In our group, there were Armenians from London, Canada, New York, Detroit, and Hawaii. Some of the highlights of the trip were visiting different historical locations during the weekends.

This trip was not relaxing; we never got the chance to sleep in, there were no elevators, barely any paved roads, and air conditioning was a luxury owned by very few; but, I would not have traded it for anything. Experiencing all this with one of my closest friends made every single experience even sweeter. We got to realize each other’s weaknesses and strengths more in one month than we did after an entire year of living with each other. It made us appreciate all the unnoticed and overlooked luxuries in our life back home and forced us not to take anything for granted, even something as simple as running water.

It was truly a growing experience and it made me realize that when you look past the stereotypes and let go of your comfort zone, you can really allow yourself to connect with the different people surrounding you and get the most out of all your experiences. What seemed to be just a summer trip to Armenia for volunteering turned out to be a journey of self-discovery. If pharmacy schools’ admission’s counselors don’t approve of my choice of how I spent my summer, I think my inner child would have.

Embrace Your Roots

By: Jano Boghossian
Janoboghossian@ucla.edu

My paternal grandfather’s family was from Yozgat in Central Turkey, while my paternal grandmother’s family was from Aintab. My maternal grandfather was born in Garin, the Armenian name for the town of Erzeroum, and my maternal grandmother was born in Alexandretta, both located in modern-day Turkey. Just by stating these facts, I have given a slight history of my family, where they came from, and thus proven that I know quite a bit about my past.

Some time ago, when I had asked a group of young Armenians where their families were originally from, I was given answers like, “Beirut,” “Aleppo,” and “Baghdad.” They failed to understand that what I was really inquiring after was where their families were from prior to the Armenian Genocide in 1915. I inquired again as to what cities their families originated from, and many of them glanced at me with confusion. Out of the group of twelve, three gave a few logical answers, but even they weren’t sure.

It is a shame that many from this generation are not aware of their own family history. One may blame the children for not being interested enough to ask their parents, but I believe that it’s mainly the other way around. Many parents don’t feel the need to pass on this valuable information to their children. Most parents are apathetic about this topic of conversation; some say because it’s not relevant, and others don’t want to bring up memories from the Genocide because it may affect their children negatively. These reasons, I believe, are absurd.

Alex Haley, the creator of Roots, did tons of research in order to go back nine generations in his family tree, up until the famous Kunta Kinte’s grandmother. Because of this one TV miniseries, many African-Americans began to do the same, researching their heritage and attempting to find out where they originated from. There is much obscurity in the case of the descendents of the slaves because it has been many generations since they were displaced from their homeland, yet they cared enough to trace their roots. If African-Americans can go back nine generations and figure out that Kunta Kinte’s grandmother was born in Gambia in the 1700s, then I’m sure Armenians can figure out their roots from less than 100 years ago.

Our case isn’t that complicated because it’s only been about three generations since we were displaced from our homeland. The difference is the existing apathy in some of the families and the lack of interest in children. Yes, we experienced a horiffic genocide, and yes, there are only a few survivors that are still around to this day, but the majority of today’s Armenian youth have no idea where their genocide-surviving ancestors came from. It hasn’t even been a hundred years yet and many have given up this fight. The younger generation nowadays is obsessed with trivial facts about professional athletes, such as the college they attended, their hometown, or how fast they can run the 40-yard dash. Shouldn’t we take some time out of our day to find out where we are from?

I believe that the problem with this generation stems from the lack of interest of ancient cities from lands on which we do not reside on anymore. The excuse many of the youth give when I ask them where they are from is, “Who cares? We don’t live there anymore.”

That is not the case with Americans of European descent, though I’m pretty sure many of them know the mixed cocktail of ethnicities they are comprised of, and which parts of Europe they’re from as well.

If the topic of the old country was more prevalent in Armenian households, then it wouldn’t be hard to trace back our roots. Just by knowing what towns your ancestors were from gives you a slight image of the Armenian Highland. This is a way to learn more about the history and geography of the lands that we used to live on before we were forcefully driven out.

It is also important to know names of other major ancient Armenian cities, because they are not under our control anymore, and instead are being given new names. For example, Kharpert is now Harpoot, Urfa is Şanlıurfa, Marash is Kahramanmaraş, and Dikranagerd is Diyarbekir.

As proud as we are of being American, we should also take pride in our background, because it is an ancient culture full of history. It’s a shame for us not to know where we are from because it is a part of our identity. We cannot just say we are “Halebtsi, Beirutsi, or Baghdadtsi” because that doesn’t fully encompass our identity.

While visiting the Dzidzernagapert Genocide Memorial in Armenia this summer, I noticed a long wall on the side that leads to the actual monument; it contains names of dozens of Armenian cities in which the genocide occurred. That wall had meaning to me because I knew where I was from and recognized the names of the cities inscribed on it. I even took pictures of the inscriptions of Erzeroum, Yozgat, and Aintab to show my family.

As much as the Armenian Genocide memorial affected me, the one thing that affected me the most was the soil from Erzeroum that was located inside the museum. It was very symbolic for me and for some reason hit a soft spot in my heart. That was a moment that I will never forget because I knew what it meant to me. I want others to experience that same feeling when a similar situation arises. So, if you have not already done so, ask your parents where you come from. What are you waiting for?

A Wall of Flowers

By: Armen Yerevanian
armenyerevanian@gmail.com

Flowers do not traditionally represent solidarity, but as I watched them placed two by two in succession, I couldn’t help but feel the sense of collective identity they inspired. Fellow Armenians would walk up to the Tsitsernakaberd memorial and place a pair of flowers against the eternal flame, assembling a wall that served to honor those who passed. The wall of flowers was constructed by everyone; by native Armenians, diasporan Armenians and non-Armenians, who were fortunate to participate in the commemoration. The colorful mosaic served as a symbol for how our differences have not prevented us from coming together to cherish our cultural and historical legacy.

These differences were on my mind during my descent into Zvartnots airport. As a diasporan Armenian who spoke a distinctly different dialect, and having lived all my life in the West, I was both uneasy and excited about living in Yerevan.

My goal was to fit in, to become comfortable with the Armenian way of life. Driving from the airport at night only reinforced that I was in a different world. The streets of Yerevan did not remind me of my suburban neighborhood of Calabasas, CA back in the US.

The very premises of this goal were wrong, however. When I arrived at my host family’s home, it was a familiar welcome, into a living room that looked very much like my own. What I was noticing in the first few days I was here, was that there were more similiarities than differences. The superficial differences were many, as exemplified by differences in clothing, in body language, and in certain social behaviors. What I felt, however, was that I had a fundamental understanding of how my local peers thought and acted. I felt I could connect with them through an Armenian pathos, through a way of looking at the world passed down from my parents and grandparents that partly defined my Armenian identity.

This was most strongly apparent while attending the practice session of a local dance group. As I joined hands with my peers and practiced traditional folkdances, the sense of commensality through dance was empowering. In performing in unison with the group, I was aware that through our collective moment, we were cherishing the same legacy. We all derived the same meaning behind the movements, and appreciated the stories behind their creation. I was no longer a Western Armenian or a diasporan Armenian; I was Armenian. And through being Armenian, I was invested in the culture’s well-being. I had a stake in keeping that culture alive.

Much of that investment has been channeled into my internship. Through the help of Birthright Armenia and the Armenian Volunteer Corps, I was fortunate to receive an internship at the National Competitiveness Foundation of Armenia. A newly formed organization, the NCFA has given me an opportunity to provide hands-on help in ensuring Armenia’s economic future. By working on various economic competitiveness projects, I know that I am providing a service that will benefit future Armenians. Back home, the concept of helping Armenia was an abstract one, or was the simple act of signing a check for an annual charity. Serving as an intern in this organization, however, has provided me with an opportunity to be proactive and look into the best ways to chart a new economic path for Armenia.

The work allows me to closely examine the nature of Armenia’s economy and society. When I came in 2004 as a tourist, I only got a shallow understanding of how people lived and what the country’s true situation was. Historical monuments and tourist attractions allowed me to connect with my culture, but they did not provide much insight into the developments. But through the field research I perform now, interacting with people from various institutes and organizations, I am getting a sense of how the country operates, and the often crippling limitations and challenges that Armenia faces have come into view. This information is crucial for being a true actor for change. Only by truly comprehending the nature of Armenia’s political and social infrastructure can one hope to make a lasting impact on the country. Through my current work experience, I am acquiring the knowledge and the skills to allow me to do that in the future.

Finding people with similar passions as mine makes these endeavors all the more exciting. One of the difficulties in the Diaspora is that often, you feel alone in your interest in contributing to Armenia. A perception of apathy exists, which makes mobilization difficult. Birthright Armenia has allowed me to interact with people who show a similar excitement for bringing change to Armenia, and who feel a sense of connection even under conditions of great distance and cultural assimilation. Having peers from the US, France, Argentina, Russia and elsewhere working with me reinforces the idea that the mission to better Armenia is an important one. I gain strength in knowing that I am not the only one putting flowers on a memorial. Rather, my contribution is one of many, a coalition whose purpose is to showcase the determination that defines the Armenian people. And as my flowers have built a wall at Tsitsernakaberd, I hope my contributions play a role in a luminous future for Armenia.

Yerker, Yerker, Yerker Ounem Hazar Desag

By: Niyiri Manougian
niyirianaghchig@netscape.net

Yerker, yerker, yerker ounem hazar desag...too bad the Armenian youth isn’t listening.

Growing up with a strong sense of pride in Armenian music, I find it disconcerting when the young Armenian generation of today disregards its own culture’s music for the music of odars. To this day, I sometimes get chills when I hear an especially moving piece of Armenian music, and I feel as though not enough Armenian youths feel this way for the music of their ancestors.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think that there is anything wrong with listening to music other than Armenian; it makes for a well-rounded person. But when the bulk of what one listens to become a tribute to other cultures or movements, a part of the Armenian culture is lost within that individual.

Just to clarify… I was born and raised right here in Southern California. People usually think that there is no way I could have grown up on Amerigian hogh and possibly hold these strong views and opinions about the Armenian culture and youth. I am considered an anomaly - to some.

In fact, I underwent my own little pre-teenage rebellion against Armenian music, and from the ages of 10-13, I listened to nothing but the hot boy bands of my generation… I still have a bunch of CD’s from various non-Armenian singers and bands somewhere at my house. But what happens when the Armenian youth of today completely ignore the music of their heritage?

First of all, let’s define what constitutes Armenian music and songs. Just because the words are in Armenian doesn’t necessarily make that music Armenian. Take Andy or Joseph for instance… (I can already hear the gasps of horror…she did not just go there). Sure the lyrics say “Hey, you're listening to Armenian music,” but we all know that the background music is either Persian or Arabic disguised as Armenian. Don’t be fooled by these imposters; there isn’t a shred of Armenian melody in these songs.

Then, there are the songs, like the ones that the band Element plays, that use odar music, but do it in a way to modernize traditional Armenian songs. These are bearable, even enjoyable, because the connoisseur of Armenian music knows that the images evoked by the lyrics are of a people that are proud and humble, wise and keghchoug, fighters and lovers. The words evoke a past that represents the pastoral Armenian landscape…

All around abounds music that has Armenian lyrics, but the music is missing the soul of the Armenian beat. You know what beat I’m talking about - the one that serves as a call to its people... if you listen closely.

There are also those songs that have the Armenian melody, but the singers use non-Armenian words. The artist evidently understands the Armenian beat, the rhythm and sound that make Armenian music what it is. Let’s give him/her credit for that. But why not use Armenian words? Maybe he or she isn’t well-versed in the language of his/her ancestors, and has no choice but to use words from his Mother Tongue (which evidently is no longer Armenian). In my humble opinion, this imposter is preferable to the former.

Go to any party or get-together today where only youth are gathered -- wait, why exclude the adults from this realm of modern coolness -- where all Armenians are gathered. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear a song, maybe even two (this really must be your lucky day) in Armenian. What a tragedy. Spidag Chart has invaded our festivities as well.

I can hear it now: What, you want us to listen to the same old song again and again? What about progress?

Yes, what about progress? Why do we insist on taking the work of other cultures and modifying it, plastering it with remnants of Armenian music or lyrics to try to pass it off as such? All you artists out there, this is a call to you. Invent, compose, author, and originate. Create the new Armenian beat, the new Armenian sound. Let it be original. Don’t take from others; make your own. Make the present and oncoming generations proud to listen to their music. Let others copy the Armenian sound for a change. Be the new Ara Gevorgyan.

Maybe I’m just a romantic at heart, searching for a Utopian Armenia through the music that has come to us through thousands of years…an Armenia that probably will never exist.

Traditionalism or Individualism?

Talar Mardirossian
tmardirossian@ucla.edu

What do you do when you’re stuck at a crossroad and you have to choose between meeting your Armenian family’s expectations of starting a family of your own or continuing your education and having a career? Who do you please in this situation? Do you simply bear it and grin as you neglect your career aspirations in order to get married and start a family or do you defy your family’s expectations to pursue a career of your own?

It is unfortunate to say that countless Armenian girls have had the misfortune to come across such a crossroad early on in their lives. Even though, as time goes on, the Armenian culture and its traditions is adapting to the twenty-first century and in a way, the American lifestyle, Armenian girls are still being encouraged to marry at a young age, as in their early 20s, and disregard any opportunities they might have had in continuing their education.

I am now seeing more and more of my high school friends getting engaged and soon after, married, and I’m stuck trying to figure out what the rush is all about. I always thought this period was supposed to be the time for us to mature and learn who we are as individuals before dedicating our lives to another person. When seeing the increasing amount of young wives and mothers, one would think otherwise.

Once married, the typical gender roles are sometimes being enforced; in other words, the woman stays at home to manage the household and tend to the children, without any outside help from family or in-laws, while the man works and brings home the bacon, so to speak. When such roles are imposed, the woman doesn’t have the opportunity to continue on with her higher education or to have a job and establish herself in the working world. There is no room to negotiate her role in the marriage, but on the bright side, she ends up pleasing her husband and meeting the expectations of her family.

Even though there is an encouragement towards marrying early, most are instead encouraged to maintain good grades while working towards traditional careers, such as those in business, law, or medicine. That way, they can be capable of financially supporting themselves and their family prior to getting married.

An increasing number of families are also becoming accepting of their daughters’ decision to both work and have a family, especially during these difficult economic times. It is becoming more common for a woman to get married, work, and start a family all during the same period of time. However, is a woman considered to be less of a mother because she works and therefore isn’t the sole caregiver of her baby? I guess it all depends on who you ask…

Even though certain expectations are still being enforced in some households, such as those related to early marriage and gender roles, more families are beginning to abandon those characteristics of the Armenian culture. It isn’t uncommon nowadays to hear of an Armenian husband staying home to take care of the kids as the wife works full-time and is the sole financial contributor of the household. Although families are becoming accepting of such changes, women still feel obligated to give into the pressures placed on them in regards to marriage.

Growing up, parents instill high morals and values into their children. They teach their kids right from wrong, how to make their own decisions, and be true to themselves, free from peer pressure; yet, when the girls reach a certain age, finding a husband and marriage seem to be the topics of every conversation. It is no wonder that so many young girls are getting married and quitting school, if they were even going to begin with, in order to work dead-end jobs to make ends meet, that is, if their husbands allow them to work. If these girls were free from their family’s expectations and actually allowed to make their own decisions free from judgment, would they have taken the same path?

It is said that a woman is responsible for upholding her family’s dignity. Maybe that’s why a woman receives such ridicule for going against her family’s wishes. Maybe that’s why the family’s expectations of her are so high. But at what point does she decide that enough is enough and finally goes after her dreams and career aspirations? Why does it seem like she sometimes has to choose between a family and a career?

We Can Save…Together

By: Samvel Movsisyan
Sam_Movsisyan@yahoo.com

Information, even on hard problems, is usually given through statistics; i.e. several individuals help some groups in need...

But all this is individual to me.

When I was in my second year, we got together in a small group and decided to visit an orphanage, bringing them sweets as well as presents within our means and possibilities. The children were inspired so much that they arranged a show for the occasion without having to get ready or prepare for it... One should see how the little children acted, doing their best to pronounce words, how very excited the elder ones were... How much they wanted to communicate with us... But most importantly, the reason for their elation was not simply the presents and candies brought by us. They needed communication with youth, but those who were at the age of their elder sisters or brothers (the greater part of their nursemaids are older than their parents). The children were just seeking warm and simple conversation; they wanted to share their thoughts, dreams, and secrets.

Unfortunately, my words are powerless and pointless when it comes to expressing the magic and pain felt during the moment during which a child, knowing me merely for an hour, told me while parting, “Brother, take me to your place!”

Even the best orphanage will not able to provide these children with the necessary familial warmth, parental love, and care that they desperately need. Neither will we. And when I heard of other little children who, in turn, yearn to become workers or artisans, or to become the head of the orphanage, I realized that our presents were useless and even somewhat disastrous.

In the most important stage of their maturation and individuality, we as a society make them form a beggarly way of thinking. They have to count on alms; some don’t have even the simplest and most practical educational necessities such as knowledge of their surroundings (there are children who haven’t even gone out the gates of the orphanage). Alternatively, they get only the standard school education (can you imagine children who have never read a single book?).

It’s not even worth discussing the right values when a child hasn’t seen unselfish kindness and care. A future soldier doesn’t know about patriotism and a future mother has not the slightest idea of motherhood. What can be said about the possibilities of their future achievements when a child dreaming to become an artist is at best bound to enter a technical school or to become a shoemaker?

I am sure that the majority of readers have families. A smaller number but yet a considerable portion have been either encouraged or at least been given the opportunity to enter a higher educational institution, while on the other hand there are children whose mothers have straightforwardly vacated their responsibilities as mothers and thrown them to the wind. These young men and women are not given the chance to get to even elementary levels of self-consciousness. They simply mature with age but as adults they are not readily developed. So they just get a small apartment as a gift and stay all alone by themselves becoming either beggars, criminals, or inferior workers who are hardly able to earn their living; sometimes they are even bound to starve.

But they are inherently not criminals in order to be punished as such. They are our younger sisters and brothers who are not given the chance to lead the perfect life like us.

And we can help them. They do not need high flown words, neither great financial means. It’s enough to share an hour a week with them instead of our dedicating the same time to means that provide us with valueless personal entertainment. This should be done in order to improve their educational level and give them personal warmth as well as provide them with comforting words of advice.

Is it impossible for us?

“We Plan to Remain Rockstars til the Day We Die”

By: Christina Der Sarkissian
ChrisDerSark@ucla.edu

Sako, Mike, Hovhannes, and Harout jammed together for the first time in 2003. Incidentally, the “musical sex” they created did not just serve as a pleasureful pastime, but gave birth to their new lifestyle - rock music.

The members of 24Black include Harout Ichlokmanian (Rhythm Guitar/ Lead Vocals), Hovannes Donelyan (Drums), Sako Dovlatyan (Bass Guitar/ Backup Vocals), and Michael Solis (Lead Guitar). The band met in 2001 as “The Merceneries,” regularly performing on the Sunset strip at venues like the Roxy, Whisky, the House of Blues, and the Knitting Factory. “We have fun in Hollywood; it’s a great music scene,” said lead-guitarist Solis. The band is well known at the sunset venues, where they share their passion with diehard fans.

Heavily influenced by Metallica, 24Black has brilliantly fabricated an original sound that is very melodic and extremely aggressive, yet contains strong ethnic influences. “Our music truly reminds people of the old classic rock sound, but sounds a lot more modern,” drummer Donelyan said. (Other influences include: Pink Floyd, Tool, Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Guns N Roses, Iron Maiden, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Korn, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Godsmack, Fleetwood Mac, the Muse, Nine Inch Nails, Manson, AC/DC, and Deep Purple.)

24Black has performed with bands like Gnarls Barkley and Red Snow, in Santa Barbara, San Diego, San Francisco, and even Wisconsin. “It’s always a party when we’re on stage,” the band said.

The band members met in January of 2001 with similar interests in music. They had all taken music lessons at one point, but were always against their music teachers’ view of how their music should be. “We had our own ideas on how to play music, not their idea,” stated Donelyan.

They began to mesh their individual skills to form their distinct style. Seven months later, they performed together for the first time at the Whiskey in August. A couple years of rapidly growing fame, an album, and a five-song demo later, the Mercenaries started recording with Chris Johnson, an acclaimed producer who also produced Evanescence.

It was in 2007 that they became 24Black and started recording their first album together, Recorded. The band was named after their overwhelming luck on a roulette wheel at a trip to Vegas, the preferred vacation spot for 24Black. The album is important to the band because it preserves their hard work and musical revolution for years to come. All the lyrics have alternate meanings, but mostly refer to having a good time and being “dangerously excessive” in whatever they attempt to do.

Naturally, the recording process is very long and tedious. “The songs change a lot when you’re recording. Our producer worked a lot with us; he gave us a lot of pointers. We pretty much put the icing and cherry on top,” Dovlatyan said.

However, it is always music before lyrics. “We all come up with bits of a song separately and it eventually comes together. Our main focus is the melody, and the lyrics come later and are changed several times,” Hovannes said. According to 24Black, the lyrics in the new album all have alternate meanings; they are meant to trigger feelings and leave you thinking.

The song “Hollywood Monroe” on their new album is dedicated to Marilyn Monroe, whose mystical picture can be found hung in the studio. The order of the songs on the CD are carefully placed to optimize the listener’s pleasure, as each song segways into the next, leaving the audience craving more. The album is designed to sound best when on repeat; the last song leaves you empty and leeches you back to the start of the album, coming in full circle. It is mind-blowing, to say the least.

The band enjoys each other’s company more than anything, so the studio is a great place for them to chill out and relax after long rehearsals. They love to gamble, hang out, smoke hookah, look at guitars, play fooseball, and basically have a good time. Even when the band is not practicing, they are seldom separated. “We’re like family… and what we do is a lifestyle,” the band said.

With the release of their new CD Recorded, the band hopes to return to the stage and keep rocking out for years to come. “We plan to remain rockstars til the day we die,” bass guitarist Dovlatyan said.

You can find more information about the band at www.twentyfourblack.com. The site also has links to Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter, where you can download all their music for free, buy band merchandise, and join the mailing list for updates on upcoming shows. 24Black is scheduled for a show in October. Expect high energy, moshpits, and a great time.

FASHION WITH MARI: The Essence of Luxury in Style

By: Mari Gezalyan
Mhgezalyan@gmail.com

As Bryant Park prepares for another season of high fashion, it is nearly impossible to ignore the fact that we are in the height of a recession forcing all those accustomed to extravagance to settle for necessity. Forget trends, looks of the moment, and flammable fabrics. During this period of unemployment, foreclosures, and debt, luxury has become the fundamental meaning of style. But when banks are struggling to stay open, what does luxury entail? Long gone are the days of over-priced cotton and glided soles.

Fall 2009 was all about the classic look, where must-have pieces never will go out of fashion and clothes were made to fit. Trotting down runways of Italian designers Dolce and Gabbana to American icon Ralph Lauren, the waistlines were higher and the hemlines longer, harkening back to the style of post WWII. As a result of the economical downshift, consumers are forced to invest in items that last for a while rather than a season. This transference to older styles has also removed the taboo of wearing vintage.

With the reemergence of classic style come natural fabrics such as cottons, silks, crepes, and wool. These were unlike the wave of polyester that took over from the 60’s; the latter’s looks had a set expiration date, best to use until the end of the season. Investing in natural fabrics is one of the quintessential steps of luxury. The comfort and flow of crepe pants cannot be compared to the stiffness of poly-blend cotton. The key to having luxury incorporated in one’s style is to feel and have comfort in what you wear.

In order to have luxury in one’s style, it is necessary to make style a personal statement. The essence of style is making it your own, by reworking and refitting fashion to fit the person who is wearing them. Fashion can be found in everything around us. It is in the city we live in, the music we listen to, and even the food we eat. It is what is happening during a particular era, and even a current state of mind. Fashion, like trends, is shifting in a chameleon of time. On the contrary, style is unique and depending on the individual, and so it is this mastering of personal style that leads to luxury.

An ever-changing process, fashion gives life to the once dead, kills the breathing, and forsakes the fallen. It is fashion that made underwear into outerwear, validated the idea of wearing scrunchies in public, and wearing a mass of foam on your feet, also known as crocs. But with a tighter budget, essential pieces are the fundamental makeup of a working wardrobe.

To get started with building a mature collection of clothing, there are few key pieces that have always been the staple of classic. Every woman, no matter what age group or socio-economical background should have a tailored black suit, the little black dress, and the perfect-fitting bra. With the harking back to the fashions of the 40’s, it has become even clearer that the classic understanding of the female form will always be chic.

Style is a never-ending reinvention of the self. It is personal, like a name or a signature scent. Even during a time of recession, style should never be in a state of depression.

Bringing Something Different To the Table: Koncept

By: Azniv Pivazyan
Aznivik20@ucla.edu

It all started when he was 14 years old. He has always found music fascinating and close to his heart and soul. As a young boy, he always caught himself singing along to songs and admiring peoples’ musical talents, without realizing that he, himself, has a talent that was yet to be discovered.

As time passed on, Robert Alex Berberian, who is better known as Koncept, realized that rapping was not just a temporary hobby, but his passion for life; so, he began taking it more seriously. “It’s always been in me; I guess, I have always had a strong passion for music,” Berberian stated. “But what makes me unique, what makes me, ME, is that I don’t try to fit in, or try to act like a ‘gangster’,” Berberian added.

Many talented artists and musicians have inspired Koncept, such as R-Mean, Capital Z, Eminem, Jay Z, Nas, and many others, because he can relate to them on many varying levels. “One Mic by Nas is especially inspirational, because you can have everything you want, but all you need is one microphone. And you know what? One microphone is exactly what I need,” Berberian declared.

Berberian feels that he does not fall under the stereotypical category of “rappers.” He states, “I am just me. I stay true to myself, to my family, and my friends.” He believes that his songs and music are inspired from his differing experiences from life, not to mention the unsatiated hunger that constantly causes him to strive to prove himself by always bringing something different to the table, which is highly apparent and reflective in his music.

Berberian finds satisfaction and meaning in doing what he loves, being on stage and rapping. Not only does he perform on the stage, but he also does a lot of work backstage as well. Koncept enjoys writing his own songs, mixing them, and in turn, recording them, because he feels that that is the only way in which an artist personalizes his music and figures out what truly sounds good.

Berberian does not have a manager or a music producer, but he does have a friend whom he can always rely on and go to for advice. “Ibraham ‘Apo’ Avedissian always helps me when it comes down to making important decisions. We always work together, and he’s the one who does the directing and the photography,” stated Berberian. They are now currently working on Koncept’s first music video, “My Vacation.”

Berberian dreams about some day having his own record label and being able to sign artists who he believes have the skills and passion necessary to shine as an artist. Although music is his lifelong dream, his main focus, at the moment, is education. He is currently attending the Glendale Community College and plans to get a degree in Audio Engineering, which he feels will assist him as an artist.

Koncept feels truly blessed because he has always had unconditional love and support from his family and friends. He wholeheartedly believes that he can always count on them to attend his shows and give him the strength he needs in order to persevere and follow his dreams. “There comes a point, where it’s just too much, trying to do it all by yourself - writing songs, mixing it, editing it, making it sound like me, paying for all the equipments; but, I never give up. My family and friends give me the power and strength to continue chasing after my dream,” stated Berberian.

Koncept is talented, different, and unique. He has set high goals and objectives which he aspires to achieve with his unwavering passion and dedication. The Armenian community has faith in him; we have high expectations for him and are convinced that all that is left to give Koncept is the opportunity to shine.

Visit KonceptMusic.com and Apotize.com where you may listen to his songs.