2005

Updates:

Dec 31

       For those of you who missed the feast last night or would like another look at the Ottawa Bahá'í Centre Renovation slideshow, just click here (20.4 MBs).

Dec 23

       The day after Christmas, the Feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, is better known as Boxing Day. The term may come from the opening of church poor boxes that day; maybe from the earthenware boxes with which boy apprentices collected money at the doors of their masters' clients.

       Today it is also used to refer to the morning we get together in front of the Future Shop and Best Buy on Merivale at 3 AM to score some awesome deals on electronics. Last year's adventure saw thousands purchased and hundreds saved. If you want to partake in this year's savings call or  email me.

Dec 12

       My school semester has finally come to an end. Highlighted by unimaginably poor class notes, brutally boring lectures, too many quizzes (6), too many labs (5), 7.5 hours of in class time per week, and missing way too many lectures because of work.  I have finally overcome the tyranny known as Wireless Communications. This was no easy task and only those with a "brave heart" could have accomplished such a feat. To slightly alter a quote from a medieval movie hero, "It may have taken my social life, but it can never take my FREEDOM!"

Dec 7

       I am always very surprised when I pass a magazine stand and recognize a familiar face. Following in the footsteps of other famous Ottawa residents (1, 2, 3) another friend has managed to grace the cover of a popular men's magazine. The future looks bright for this up and coming young star. Happy Birthday Dan!

Dec 1

       On November 25th seven die-hard U2 fans attended the concert event of the millennium. Dan, Sahba, Phil, Amelia, Aram, Natalia and myself were lucky enough to score tickets after two hours of grueling team ticket blitzing on March 19th. Though nothing can compare to experiencing the event live, here are some pics to help relive that momentous occasion.

Nov 18

       As promised, and within my time limit, are the pictures from my work-related trip to the Yukon.  Though it may seem in the pictures that not much work was done I can assure you that was not the case. I have just mastered the perfect balance.

Nov 6

       Back from the Yukon, which has to be the most beautiful place in Canada (pics up when I get a chance).  It really is a shame that I missed Halloween. Fortunately my sister had a camera in hand when my cousin Nikita stopped by while trick-or-treating.

Oct 30

       My job takes me to some interesting places but this next trip really takes the cake. For the next 7 days I will be conducting tests up in the Yukon (not to be confused with UCONN). I should come back with a nice set of pictures provided I don't get trampled by a herd of caribou or eaten by a polar bear.

Oct 28

       Congratulations to Hayder and Tolofi who, today at 2:30 pm, became the proud parents of a bouncing baby boy.

Oct 18

       No plans for the weekend? Then I'd like to announce the fun filled events of the What's Next teaching team. Everyone is encouraged to come and bring their friends. For detailed information just take a look at their flyer. (if the file doesn't open, right click and 'save target as...')

Oct 14

       As promised, the Ahdieh Fundraising Concert pictures have now been posted, and in quite a timely manner I might add. Lets hope I can keep this streak up.

Oct 5

       October is in full swing and if you've been to the stores you know what time of year is just around the corner. I'm sure all 80+ people who attended last year's wickedly phat grandiose Halloween Party are anxiously awaiting the second installment. Unfortunately, I am way too busy with work and school to be able to host something of that magnitude again in 2005 (but maybe 2006?). I dare anyone to step up, take the reigns and throw an even phatter party... if that's possible.

Sept 19

       The final installment in an unfortunate trend of late picture posts. I will do my best to get things up within, at most, a couple weeks of the event. In any case, please enjoy the pictures from the Movie Devotional Playoffs 3, that were held in the summer.

Sept 8

       All those of you who attend the University of Ottawa be on the lookout. I have decided to continue my education by taking a course in wireless communications this semester.  The SITE building, and consequently the gym across the street, will be my new temporary home.  I plan on being as active in university events as I was my first time around.

Sept 2

       From August 11-14th, Bahá'ís from all over North America, and the world, gathered in Boston for the Association for Bahá'í Studies Conference.  I had prepared 3 pages of thorough and detailed analysis but realized that no one reads that stuff. So instead here are the pictures from the ABS Conference.

Aug 26

       On Wednesday the Ottawa Senators introduced, newly acquired forward, Danny Heatley to the media. Yours truly happened to be there to rub shoulders with the athletes and try to score some free tickets to some NHL games this season. (click on pictures for larger version)

Chris Phillips		Martin Havlat		Danny Heatley

Aug 21

       My car hunt has finally come to an end. Passing up on the Mercedes and BMW, I decided to go with something a little more practical. Something to get me from point A to point B. I'd like you introduce everyone to my new car, a Pontiac Sunfire.  She is still nameless so give me a hand by helping me come up with a name.

Aug 15

       As promised here are the pictures from the first of many Ottawa Bahá'í Beach Days at Lac Philippe this summer. The weather is still great so we should at least try to go 3 more times before September.

Aug 10

       My computer problems caused by a blown power supply have finally been fixed and now I'm off to Boston for the ABS conference. A bunch of delayed updates will be available for posting  when I return. Take it easy!

Aug 4

       Farewell to my cousin Sohail who was visiting from Richmond Hill. He is now off to Dalhousie to finish his final year of education. It's very comforting to know that in one year I will not have to worry about dental bills again.

Aug 1

       Thanks to everyone who attended to movie devotional on Saturday. Once again we had a great turn out.  Just to follow up on the final results, Hitch won the live vote and in case you weren't able to guess, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was the Mystery Movie.

July 30

       The online voting portion of the Movie Devotional Playoffs 3 is over.  The winner will be determined by a live vote tonight. The devotional starts tonight at 8:00 PM at my house. If you're not sure how to get there just send me an email.

July 28

       I want to send out a huge congratulations to Elham and Ayafor for announcing that they will be getting married.  I could not think of two better people to be united.  This news makes me so happy and I know they will have a wonderful future together.  Lets take a look 10 years from now to see how they are doing.

July 26

       Its coming down to the wire. Only 4 movies left in the Movie Devotional Playoffs 3. Remember, the final round will be voted on live at the devotional on July 30th and will include the Mystery Movie.

July 22

       Four blow-outs and four close calls. Eight movies are left standing  in the Movie Devotional Playoffs 3.  As well another clue has been revealed for the Mystery Movie.

July 18

       The movie devotional season is upon us once again. 16 new releases from the last several months battle it out to be watched at the devotional. To keep everyone happy, the final round will be voted on live  A Mystery Movie will also be featured as a third option in the finals, clues of which will be revealed every round on the "current results" page.  Each round lasts 4 days so stop by and vote again. Movie Devotional Playoffs 3!

How to vote:

1. Select 1 movie for each pair.

2. Type in your name and email address (your email address will not be seen by anyone).

3. Submit your vote.

4. I will send you an email with your votes on it.

5. Reply to that email.

This is done to prevent people from cheating. Yes believe it or not, some people actually cheat.

July 12

       I know its been a while but good things come to those who wait. Pics are finally up for the awesome, record-breaking Early 90s Movie Devotional that was held at my house during the Victoria Day long weekend.  Thanks to everyone who attended and helped make that night one to remember.

July 5

       Summer is in full swing and that means that the union between man, meat and fire has begun.  All who enjoy the delicious barbequed meats know that we will go to great lengths for our love of the grill.

June 30

       I just got back from a very productive business trip to the border city of Sault Ste Marie.  While I was there it turns out the Martin's friends from south of the border decided to invade.  I was called into action and managed to fend off the brunt of their offensive.  Once again Vafa saves the day.

June 27

       Pictures are up from Anisa's 20th birthday party which was celebrated on June 9th.

June 17

       I would like to share the poetic talents of Taraneh, as she created a memorable piece to honor my recently departed fish, Big Louie.  Thanks to everyone for your kind words. I'm sure Big Louie is looking down on us from that big aquarium in the sky and smiling.

June 13

       For those of you who have not  had a chance to pick up this month's issue of Men's Health magazine you really should.  In similar fashion to previous months (1, 2) another youth has graced their cover.  I knew it was just a matter of time before his physical prowess would be put on display.  Happy Birthday Misagh.

June 10

       Today I would like to sadly announce the recent passing of a very close friend. Someone that has always been there for me, day in day out, over the last 10 years; my fish Big Louie. He was a big fish, a nice fish and a gentle fish. A fish that would treat other fish with respect. He would never bite them, chase them, or eat them... except on several rare occasions. Big Louie you will be missed (page has audio).

June 5

       At long last the pictures for the Young Adult Forum 2005 held in Mississauga on May 27-29 are posted.

May 21

       The playoffs are over and the champion has been crowned.  After a last minute surge by some die-hard fans Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has emerged victorious. The devotional starts tonight at 8:00 PM at my house. If you're not sure how to get there just send me an email.

May 18

       For all you nerds who are excited about the new Star Wars movie, be the first in the city to see it by joining us at the Coliseum tonight for the midnight showing.  If your interested in coming give me a call ASAP.

May 17

       The finals of the Early 90s Movie Devotional Playoffs are upon us and the contenders are: my sentimental favorite, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and a movie that has inspired some of the Ottawa Youth to be who they are today, Dumb and Dumber. Its your last chance to vote so make the most of it.

May 13

       Who would have thought that both huge Arnold movies would not get past the 2nd round. Even my last minute campaigning couldn't put them over the edge. Nevertheless, the semi-finals are on in the Early 90s Devotional Playoffs, vote for your favorites! In keeping with the early 90s theme lets all try to dress up in clothing from that time. I'm sure most of you still have a hypercolor shirt or fanny pack hiding in your closets.

May 9

       We have now moved into Round 2 of the Early 90s Devotional Playoffs and the choices have gotten even more difficult.  I have no clue what I'm going to choose for some of the match-ups.  In case your not familiar with the flow of the evening, it will begin at 8 PM with some phat games based on the early 90s, followed by some readings from the Bahá’í Faith, snacks, the winning movie, and end whenever you get tired and want to leave (previous record is 5 AM).

May 6

       Ever wonder what your favorite video game characters looked like when they were babies? My brother Rama, through the use of sophisticated anti-aging technology, was able to uncover one of them. Happy Birthday Nika.

May 5

       Its time for the next installment of the movie devotional series with the Early 90s Movie Devotional Playoffs. 16 phat movies from 1990 to 1994 battle each other for the chance to be watched.  Vote for your favorites and help determine the winner.  Each round lasts 4 days so stop by and vote again. If you missed the last devotional make sure not to make that mistake again.

Note: You will need a valid email address to be able to participate.

April 29

       Having ample opportunity to unwind, I'd like to take a moment to reflect back on my recent business trip.  Though very purposeful and rewarding, you do encounter some very interesting sites (1, 2) when working in remote locations; as well as some hidden gems.

April 24

       I'm back and as promised the baby identities are up. All those who have been puzzling them out for weeks can now rest easy. Congratulations to Shameem who was able to guess the most correct.  Honorable mention goes out to Jessica and Sahba.

April 19

       For the next 4 days I will be away on business. I'm headed to the London/Owen Sound area to test satellite radios for the government. Baby identities will be posted when I get back. If you haven't guessed yet, do so now.

April 10

       Pictures are up from the incredibly successful 80's Devotional. If you missed it I feel sorry for you. It was the best one yet.

April 4

       Due to the incredible popularity of the last post, 10 new baby pictures have been added. Everyone has the opportunity to guess again. Best result so far was 13 correct.

March 28

       After several weeks of harassing I've finally put together a selection of baby pictures from around the community. Before people get E lets all remember that everyone was the cutest baby in the world.

March 22

The Ottawa Baha'i Youth Committee invites everyone to International Youth Day. An evening of devotion, games, dancing and fun! Come out and show your enthusiasm.

March 25th at 7 PM
900 Dynes Road - Party Room
for more information contact Sahba at (613)228-1817

March 16

       Pictures are up from a recent ice fishing trip I went on with my buddy Sam and his friends from Kingston.

March 11

       Having once again, and finally, left my dreaded job on the phones and recalling the first installment of misinterpretations of my name, I present to everyone the second and 100% true and new findings.

             As usual I never bother to correct anyone because that would just waste time and it doesn't really matter, but it got me into a tough spot this time. The person who thought I was Basil asked me if I was British. Not caring I said "yes" and she then began asking me a bunch of questions about England (turns out she's British too). So I had to make up a fake history about my life in England for her.

March 7

       Pics are up from the Kanata Ayyám-i-Há Celebration that took place February 26th. Thanks to Martin, Arash and Vesal for contributing to the pictures.

March 5

       The final results are in and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom has truly emerged victorious after several fraudulent votes for Ghostbusters had to be scrapped. To still try and make it fair we can watch Ghostbusters later in the evening. The devotional starts at 8:00 pm on March 5th at my house.  If you're not sure how to get there just send me an email.

March 1

       Due to conflicting events, the 80s Devotional was pushed ahead to March the 5th. That means Round 3 and the Finals will only be lasting 2 days each.  Voting ends this Friday at midnight.

The Devotional starts at 8:00 pm but some of us will be getting together at 6 to break the fast. If your interested in coming along send me an email.

Feb 27

       For those of you who were at the Ayyám-i-Há Celebration last night in Kanata I'm sure you had a phat time. I was lucky enough to get my hands on the videos that Vesal took of a couple musical performances. First off we have the holiday classic "The Ayyám-i-Há Song" ( 36.2 MBs) performed by Naysan Smith. Second I present "Happy Ayyám-i-Há" (45.9 MBs) performed by the rap duo of Funk Master Vafa and DJ Dan Jones.

Feb 25

       Eight movies remain, and much to my dismay, and Elaheh's delight, Top Gun is still in the running. Round 2 of the 80s Movie Devotional Playoffs is underway so don't forget to keep voting. To make things fun and to go along with the theme lets all try to dress up in 80s clothing for the devotional. I'm sure your parents still have old cloths stored somewhere and I've even seen some of you still wearing that stuff at feasts.

Feb 20

       The movie devotional season is upon us once again and this time its going retro. 16 movies from the 80s have been painstakingly selected and face off against each other.  In case you don't remember what the movies are about a new option has been added that provides detailed information.  As usual, each round lasts 5 days so stop by and vote again. 80s Movie Devotional Playoffs!

Feb 15

       Pictures are up from our trip to Winterlude a couple weeks ago.

Feb 10

       Join us for this year's Kanata Ayyám-i-Há Celebration which will take place Saturday February 26th. A night to IDOLize!

Feb 6

Jan 30

       I've decided to share a couple of funny videos that were sent to me by a friend. The first demonstrates Why Grandmas Shouldn't Skydive (1.23 MBs). The second is a gripping video documenting When Babies Strike Back (2.84 MBs), not for the faint or weak. Note: To view videos right click the link and select "Save target As..."

Jan 23

       A final update to the Risk Player Bios. You can now click on the individual pictures to get access to each player's bio.

Jan 20

       Pictures are up from the 2nd Movie Devotional Playoffs and can be seen in the photo album.

Jan 15

       To further encourage the play of our beloved strategy game, Risk. I have created some biographies for the most frequent players. If you want to get on the list, play some Risk with us. Note: detailed bios to come shortly.

Jan 8

       Pictures for Natalia's Birthday which was held on Saturday January 1st at Aram's loft are now up for your perusal.

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