Cell phone novel

It fascinates me that the human mind has a need to tell stories. As new mediums are created so are ways to tell stories.

It seems that the Cell phone novel emerged in Japan. They are no longer than 70 words and were started by women who count tales of Relationships, Love Triangle and Betrayals. The genre is called keitai shousetsu.

For a history of the Cell Phone novel and how it has evolved check my most favorite place on the Net, the Wiki.

Once you have read the Cell Phone novel you may also be interested to know that people are writing 140 character stories on Twitter known as TwittNOL. Can you imagine telling a story in only 140 characters and *no more*? It's like Haiku but not as restrictive, I guess.

You can read some of these stories at: Read, Write, Web.

Simply fascinating...

Haft Sin - an important part of the Norooz Tradition

Haft Sin or the seven 'S's is a major tradition of Norooz, the traditional Iranian new year. The items symbolically correspond to seven creations and holy immortals protecting them.

The Haft Sin has evolved over time, but has kept its symbolism. Traditionally, families attempt to set as beautiful a Haft Sin table as they can, as it is not only of traditional and spiritual value, but also noticed by visitors during Noroozi visitations and is a reflection of their good taste. The Haft Sin items are:

The Haft Sīn items are:

* sabzeh - wheat, barley or lentil sprouts growing in a dish - symbolizing rebirth
* samanu - a sweet pudding made from wheat germ - symbolizing affluence
* senjed - the dried fruit of the oleaster tree - symbolizing love
* sīr - garlic - symbolizing medicine
* sīb - apples - symbolizing beauty and health
* somaq - sumac berries - symbolizing (the color of) sunrise
* serkeh - vinegar - symbolizing age and patience

Other items on the table may include:

* traditional Iranian pastries such as baghlava, toot, naan-nokhodchi
* dried nuts, berries and raisins (Aajeel)
* lit candles (enlightenment and happiness)
* a mirror
* decorated eggs, sometimes one for each member of the family (fertility)
* a bowl with goldfish (life, and the sign of Pisces which the sun is leaving)
* a bowl of water with an orange in it (the earth floating in space)

A New Year, A New Beginning

President Obama released a special video message for all those celebrating Nowruz. Translated "New Day," Nowruz marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of the New Year for millions in Iran and other communities around the world. This year, the President wanted to send a special message to the people and government of Iran on Nowruz, acknowledging the strain in our relations over the last few decades. "But at this holiday we are reminded of the common humanity that binds us together," he says.

Watch the video at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/Nowruz/

My heart is heavy

I am so saddened by the death of Natasha Richardson. I always liked her unassuming ways. Her expressive eyes and pretty smile.

She played in some of my favorite movies; the Parent Trap, Widow's Peak, Blow Dry and Nell.

My prayers go out to her sons, husband and family.

Skiing without a Helmet

My husband and I met during a college Ski trip that he organized and we've been together ever since. So, skiing is very near and dear to our hearts. We never miss a chance to ski!

When our son started skiing a few years ago we would not think of not equipping him with a helmet! He complained and nagged but we didn't budge. We explained that it was as critical for him to wear a helmet as it was wearing a seat belt in the car.

Now, upon hearing the stories on Natasha Richardson within the last 24 hours, I wonder why is it that my husband and I don't wear helmets? How can we play so dangerously? And think it's ok? Why did we put a set of safety standards for our son but not ourselves? We it be fair to the rest of the family if any of us suffered brain damage? (See US News article in the health section here.)

I know what I was thinking, that I'm too good a skier and it hasn't happened so far. That I rather feel free and have the air go through my hair. That when we take pictures we'll look good! But, again, hearing the story about Natasha, I believe we've taken too big of a risk. And there is no excuse for not protecting yourself when you can. I can assure you that we'll be skiing with helmets on next year's ski trip!

In the meantime, I deeply hope that she recovers from the ordeal and that the medical community can help this wonderful actress. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

Spring Cleaning!

I spent much of the last weekend cleaning the house for Spring. Somehow Spring cleaning doesn't get me down as much as regular cleaning does as Spring cleaning promises renewal of all things. It's a great way to just shoo out all the Winter blues. It also helped that my beloved hubby was there most of the time helping out. Poor guy I must admit I was a pain to work with. And we were both so exhausted by Sunday night.

The areas that were cleaned were:
- My closet, which meant weeding out all the old clothes, jewelry, hair stuff, idiotic gadgets that seemed like a good idea to have at the time and many many things that surprised even me that they were in my closet.
- My son's room, closet and playroom. Thomas the Tank Engine was given a warm farewell.
- All bathrooms and laundry room. Deep, obsessive cleaning for those.

The Fire Festival

Charshanbeh Suri is an ancient Iranian festival dating at least back to 1700 BCE of the early Zorastrian era. The festival of fire is a prelude to the ancient Norooz, which marks the arrival of spring and revival of nature. Nowrooz, or the New Year's Day in the Iranian calendar, falls on March 20 this year. The first Day of Spring.

On the last Tuesday evening of the Winter mnight many people around the world will be jumping over fires in parks or streets. The fires will be lit shortly after sunset. The gatherings are among family and friends. They take turns jumping over the burning fire Singing a little song which will say/symbolizes that the fire shall take away the illness and instead give the person health the Iranian New Year (New Day/Norooz) begins.

Miss My Boot Camp

I miss going to my 6 a.m. outdoors boot camp. And always having aches and pains... ha ha

I realized just how much I missed it (or maybe how much "not") by looking at these particular exercises at Self.com . They remind me so much of the grueling work we did with Active Duty Fitness! These exercises will help you Burn Fat Fast!

Looking for Guilt-free and satisfying food?

Check Hungrygirl.com for lots of great information on healthy and low calorie foods. You can check either products or unbelievably easy recipes to to whip up something that will satisfy the taste buds and the tummy.

I've been following this site for a while now... I believe since November, when I joined Weight Watcher (yes, again) and I was introduced to this site.

Well I'm no longer with Weight Watchers but I get the Hungry Girl Newsletters on almost a daily basis. I hope you find what you like to eat on this site:

I'll leave you with Hungry Girl's Top Ate Calorie Saving Cooking Swaps. I encourage you to also check her Top Ate Guilt-Free Chocolate Craving Busters!!!

She also has a book now which is available through Amazon.

Heaven-Given Persia

My dear cousin, Sasan Khajavi is coming out with a book titled: Heaven-Given Persia: The Iran Not Known. It will be on sale at Amazon in March of 2009. Just in time for Norowz! (More on this in future blogs)

Sasan is a fascinating man. A genius with a brilliant mind. In his young life, he has invented many things. Many of them technical but it's his poetic mind that amazes me. He is powerful in both hemispheres of his brain. The Left and the Right!

I look forward to reading his book as I know I will be learning more about the origins of where I've come from. Sasan loves Persia and knows so many facts about that country and he always has the factual resources to backup his knowledge.

Here is a this little excerpt from his book and it will give you a big window into the mind of this amazing mind:

"I have an obligation to both countries. I came to the U.S. when I was fourteen -- old enough to have become Persian and young enough to become American. Love of Persia and America are not mutually exclusive. I love America and Persia the same way that one loves both his parents.

If I let both nations know as much about each as possible, I have given something good back to America and to the country of my birth, Persia. The aim of this book is not peace, for peace implies war. Peace is a low goal. Peace requires nothing. Peace is passive. One can despise a people and yet be at peace with them. The aim of this book is friendship -- the most beautiful relationship that exists
between two people. Friendship requires effort; it requires engaging; and above all, it requires respect. And respect requires seeking, learning, and focusing on other people's good."

I hope you give his book a try when it is available. See: http://www.heavengivenpersia.com/

From Pamela Peeke, M.D. 's Newsletter

If there are 3 things you could do this month.

Mind: When you see that cement ball of stress swingin' your way, take a slow deep breath. Just one breath. Try it right now. Feels pretty good doesn't it? When you breathe that way, you actually alter the levels and ratios of brain chemicals that calm you. Inhale for a count of three and exhale for a count of four. Enjoy that exhalation. In with the good, out with the bad. You're just a breath away from less stress!

Mouth: Track what goes into your mouth. Study after study shows that the key to reducing what goes in is to write down what you're consuming. Otherwise, especially if you are a stress overeater, you will eat more than you realize.

Muscle: Commit to 30 minutes of movement on a daily basis-you can find ½ hour. Just do it! Think of it as a crucial stress strategy.