September 02, 2003
Opium & Harper's style numbers
Poppy grown in Afghanistan in 2001 (under Taliban): 185 tons
Poppy grown in Afghanistan in 2002 (after Taliban): 3,400 tons
Percentage of world's opium production currently made in Afghanistan: 74%
Price of opium produced in one hectare of Afghani land before 2000: $1,100
The same price at the end of 2002: $16,000
Total value of opium produced in Afghanistan last year: $1.2 billion
Opium's share of Afghanistan's GDP: 20%
Money made by Central Asian countries in trafficking Afghani opium: $2.2 billion
Opium's share of region's GDP: 7%
September 01, 2003
Monday Evening Motivationals
What are your basics? You need to know the four, five, or
more things that form the vital core and foundation for
your success in life. Without clarity on the basics, you
will eventually wander off-course, get lost, run out of gas
and fall short. Without a simple, easy-to-remember set of
essentials that you can review and re-commit to every day,
modern life tempts us with too many pleasant distractions.
============================================
"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds
from the achievement of one's values."
Ayn Rand
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment
to improve the world."
Anne Frank
"Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition,
there are still untapped possibilities within us and new
beauty waiting to be born."
Dale E. Turner
"Everything's in the mind. That's where it all starts.
Knowing what you want is the first step toward getting it."
Mae West
Source
BaBA Update!
I honestly do not know how to thank all of you for your words of encouragement, touching messages and thoughtful suggestions. In comments here and especially private e-mails, you have made this unpleasant process of watching someone you love go through such difficult times, more bearable and even comfortable. Thank you from the bottom of my soul.
My father has passed the danger phase of his illness and is now on the starting stages of a rehab process. He is paralyzed almost entirely on the right side, although he can speak and swallow. Some very limited movement has returned to his right arm, but it is still too early to say how far he will go in returning to some form of his "normal" ability.
I thank you again and will post any major changes, if that is to occur.
Canada VS. Southern California
Some Random Observations About Canada, Southern California and More...
► Canadians are in much better shape than I remember. However, a national campaign to encourage the usage of more thongs is highly needed. 'nuf said.
► Way more people seem to smoke in Toronto, compared to Southern California. Drop the nasty habit my Canuck friends!
► Ontario's universal health plan pays for gastric bypass surgery. Love it! I'm not fat enough to need it (yet) but these types of preventative treatments are a great idea, I think.
► Need a great, inexpensive place to stay while in Toronto? Try this one.
► Before going to Toronto, or right away upon arrival, pick up a copy of the latest issue of NOW, as well the more upscale Toronto Life. You'll know everything you'll need to know, from the hottest new clubs, upcoming shows, latest cool places to eat, not to mention the going rate for "she-male" escorts.
► Pretty much everything is less expensive in Toronto. It is great to buy a whole box of mangos or a great martini for $3, pay less than $20 a month for "high speed" internet connection, fill up your trunk with groceries for $35, have a very fancy dinner for two for under $100 and pay $200 for a decent men's suit. (All figures in US $)
► Toronto is certainly THE place to taste the world, in the most authentic way; excellent Dim Sum, real (not processed) Shawarmas, decent Indian Buffets, Sheftalia from Cyprus and Chilean Parilladas are just some of the great food I enjoy there.
► Between the CBC, the TVO and some of the great shows on Roger's Cable's community channel, Toronto has an amazing TV line-up. Besides, can you think of another North American city with soft porn on their regular television in late evenings?
► A newspaper like The Toronto Star would never exist here.
► Hey, our weather is better!
Love It!
I'm having coffee with a friend at a Tim Horton's in the most Asian area of Markham, Ontario. The place is packed, although 5:30 in the afternoon is hardly prime donut shop hours. I'd guesstimate that over 90% of "donuters" are Asian, most probably of Chinese descent. Markham was a primary destination for many families from Hong Kong, prior to the historic handover of their home back to China and that trend has continued ever since. The rest of the crowd is also largely of other visible minority groups and immigrants.
Almost everyone is engaged in this most Canadian experiences; having some Timbits and a fresh cup of coffee. Gotta love the Canadian multi-cultural experience, where there's no insulting "melting-pot" concept and no one is forced or even encouraged to "assimilate", yet everyone is quick to find their own new identity and how it fits within the "tapestry" that is Canada.
Hoder's Wig
For some time now, there has been these rumors about Hossein Derakhshan wearing a wig. Well, I won't deny or confirm it either way and just present you with a picture I took of him last Saturday night. What do you think?
Favorite Site!
I don't know why, but I just love this site and MUST stop by at least once a day for my daily treat.
I'm Back!
The highlight of my Toronto visit, aside from spending time with my father, other family members and friends, was the conference on the anniversary of The Coup (picture above). Despite some rather questionable opinions (one actually considered the backwards and regressive uprising of Khomeini goons in 1963 to be a "moment of democracy"), most other speakers offered insightful and sharp presentations about different aspects of historical, social and political events surrounding this 1953 event. My favorite was probably Abbas Milani's lecture on Shah. I can hardly wait for his upcoming book on the same topic.
The other event I attended, my own presentation for IAUT was also a pleasure. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the bright minds and hard working activists working with this organization. As I said in my presentation, about 4 years ago, my dear friend Ramin Jahanbeglou (Persian links 1 & 2 ) was telling me about the plans for him and other friends starting this group and I told him how skeptic I was about their success. My view was surely tainted from unpleasant experiences with other endeavors and these guys have proved me wrong, many times over. I am glad they did and wish them all the best.