PERSIAN www.PersianTribune.ca • Volume 1, Issue 3
TRIBUNE
Fast & Focused All the Way
An Interview with
Nicholas Latifi
Rising Star of Auto Racing Norouz the Iranian New Year The Sum of Light Ramin Deravian
Journey to the Louvre
Legendary Photographer Ethan Russell Safe Guard Your Love Relationship Leadership on Climate Change Needed
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PERSIAN TRIBUNE
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Volume 1, Issue 3
12
7 History
27 Wine
10 Art
29 Health
12 Art
31 Health
Norouz the Iranian New Year A Journey to the Louvre with Doris Pontieri The Sum of All Light Ramin Deravian
15 Entertainment
41
Legendary Photographer Ethan Russell
15
16 Main Feature
Fast & Focused All the Way Nicholas Latifi an Interview with Rising Star of Auto Racing
20 Investment
Your Future By Design
24 Investment Prepare for Sun Nicholas Latifi on front cover and on this page photographed by Cristiano Barni
10
25 Real Estate Home Projects that Add Value
David’s Wine Pick of the Month
What Should I Take for My Allergies?
Kids First Time with the Orthodontist
32 Home
Safeguard Your Love Relationship
35 Health
Body Mind Temple
37 Food
KooKoo Sabzi
38 Pets
Is it Safe to Kiss Your Pet?
41 Sports
Toronto Raptors Future Players
43 Politics
Leadership on Climate Change Needed
44 People 4
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Persian Tribune Launch Event
PERSIAN
Letter from Editor Once again the spring season is upon us and with that the Iranian Canadians are looking forward to the Norouz Celebration, the Iranian New Year that occurs on the first day of spring.
TRIBUNE
Volume 1, Issue 3 Creative Director:
Nouroz celebration and the Iranian New Year begins at the exact time at which the sun passes through the vernal equinox (this year; 07:01:56 AM on Wednesday March 20) making it the beginning of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere.
Editor-in-Chief:
Art Director:
In this issue we will learn about the history of this over 3000 year old celebration that is not only observed by Iranians but by many other cultures as well.
Associate Editor:
Graphic Designers:
Publisher:
Persian Tribune Inc. Kiumars Rezvanifar Shaadi Aryan
Managing Editor:
Isaac Lotz
Kerry Brownell Shadi Raoufi Mark Kowalski
Courtney Boyden
Web Management:
VP of Sales and Marketing:
Contributing Writers:
Sima Aryan
Senior VP Business Development Ramin Deravian
Account Executives: Mehri Rahimian Bobby Boroujerdi Manijeh Sari Amir Amirsolaimani
Print Production Manager Omid Jesmi
Congratulations to my dear friend, accomplished artist, and also a Persian Tribune contributor Doris Pontieri who shares with us the experience of her journey to the Louvre in Paris where one of her paintings was exhibited. Ramin Deravian is another creative mind and accomplished photographer who we showcase in this issue. We learn about his work style and philosophy.
Ramin Emadi
David Akhlaghi Sarvenaz Barghgir Dr. Elaine Chin Jasmin Jackman Dr. Davod Kafai PC Blair McQuillan Doris Pontieri Aryana Rezvanifar Dolly Sidhu Shamsi Shahrokhi Mike Ulmer Bryon Wilfert Mehdi Zohouri Ali Ehsassi Edi Grace Ava Homa Steve Conn Dr. Kevin Rod Hon. Kathleen Wynne MPP Dr. Kevin Davis Teresa Tiano Eli Lukawitz Robert Atkinson Ali Zohouri Arezou Amin
This month Persian Tribune features Nicholas Latifi, a rising star on the race track. We had an opportunity for an exclusive interview with Nicholas and his trainer David Tennyson where we get to know about this young race car driver, his achievements, and his life on and off the race track. I hope you enjoy reading this issue and at last I would like to wish you all a NOROUZ SHAAD BAAD (Happy NOROUZ). Kiumars Rezvanifar Editor-In- Chief
Persian Tribune magazine is published twelve times a year by Persian Tribune Inc. It is distributed free of charge in libraries, business and cultural centers in GTA. Persian Tribune magazine is an independent publication and its contents imply no endorsement of any product or service. Opinions expressed are those of the writers. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission from the publisher. Addresses: Canadian Head Office: Persian Tribune magazine, 25 Valleywood Drive, Suite 12, Markham, ON L3T 2N3 Canada U.S. Office: Persian Tribune magazine, 22726 Ventura Blvd., Suite C, Woodland Hills, CA 91364, U.S.A. Tel: (905)763-1061 Fax: (905)763-8972 Email: contact@persiantribune.ca visit us at www.persiantribune.ca All rights reserved.
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Norouz:
HISTORY
The Iranian New Year Celebration
By: Mehti Zohouri
Norouz (new day) is the name of the Iranian new year which is celebrated on the first day of spring or more specifically during the spring equinox (or vernal equinox for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere). This is when the sun is directly over the equator causing there to be equal day time and night time, and it always takes place between March 19th and March 21st. Many cultures celebrate Norouz (Afghans, Parsis in India, Albanians, Kazakhs, Tajiks and many more from Europe to China), or celebrate the spring equinox and it has signaled the start of the planting season for farmers for thousands of years. Norouz is a Zoroastrian festival and Zoroastrianism was the religion of ancient Iranians. Today most Iranians are no longer Zoroastrians but Norouz is the most important festival in Iran as is celebrated with great enthusiasm by all Iranians. While the earliest detailed written records of Norouz date to the second century AD there is historical evidence that the Achaemenid Empire (550 BC to 330 BC) had a magnificent festival during Norouz during which the Emperor would receive gift bearing kings (the Persian Emperor being King of Kings or Shahanshah) and dignitaries from across his empire.During the reign of the succeeding Iranian (or Persian) empire, the Par thian Empire (247 BC to 224 AD), Norouz was celebrated during the autumn equinox which falls on September. Another Zoroastrian festival, Mehragan,
was celebrated during the spring equinox. But the following Iranian empire, the Sassanid Empire (224 AD to 651 AD), held the Norouz festivities during spring equinox once more. It is from the reign of the Sassanid Empire that historians have the first detailed records of Nowruz. By 651 AD the Arab Muslim Caliphate had conquered the Sassanid Empire, with the empire’s capital falling on Norouz, and over many generations most Iranians conver ted f rom Z o r o a s tr i a n i s m (any other religions) to Islam. Norouz like other ancient Iranian festivals was threatened by the conversion of most Iranians to Islam and at times Muslim Caliphs attempted to prohibit the celebration of Norouz. However unlike other ancient Iranian festivals, Norouz survived as an important aspect of the Iranian identity. By the time of the Safavid Empire (1501 AD to 1736 AD), the first major Iranian empire since the Arab Muslim conquest, Norouz was well established festival among Iranians. In 1979 the last Iranian monarch, from the Pahlavi dynasty, was overthrown and the Islamic Republic of Iran was established. Some clerical authorities in the Islamic Republic attempted to dampen and remove the celebratory atmosphere of Norouz but were not successful. Today in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Norouz is still the most celebrated festival for Iranians.
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The longevity and popularity of Norouz among Iranians, both in Iran and in the Iranian diaspora, is due to its significance as cultural event that maintains Iranian identity. It is what ancient Iranians used to protect and separate their cultural identity from that of their occupiers during times of invasion. For many in the diaspora it is a way of remembering a different Iran than that which exists today. For young Iranians it is a celebration that connects them to their ancient past. Recent research by Professor Maryam Daha published in the Journal of Adolescent Research reveals that while most Iranians adapt well into the society of their new country they maintain some of their Iranian heritage by celebrating various Iranian festivals. By far the most popular Iranian festivals among young Iranians (in the Iranian diaspora) is Norouz, which is celebrated by 98% of young Iranian-Americans. The next most popular Iranian festival is celebrated by only 70% of young Iranian-Americans. Hence it can be confidently argued that for Iranians Norouz is the most joyous and popular means of celebrating their cultural heritage as they wish each other a Happy Norouz or in Farsi: “Norouz Shaad Baad”. n Mehti Zohouri is a teacher who was born in Iran and raised in Canada. He has a Master degree in History, a B.A. in Psychology and a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University. When he is not teaching he goes on canoe trips.
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On behalf of the residents of Don Valley East, I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. Nawrouzitoon Pirooz. Constituency Office 2062 Sheppard Avenue East Toronto, ON, M2J 5B3 www.michaelcoteau.onmpp.ca mcoteau.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org Phone: (416) 494-6856 8
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ARTS
By: Doris Pontieri The artist strives for recognition. This statement flies in the face of all that art really means, and yet it is true. Creating art of any kind is a very personal, individual process that cannot be understood or explained. We learn the techniques that will allow us to work in the medium of our choice and study under teachers we admire, or by uncovering the secrets of the old masters and impressionists of days gone by. But an artist must search deep within themselves to become more than just a student or a painter and move to the ranks of creator. Although influenced by other works and what has been learned, it is only when all of that knowledge is comprised and translated into something that expresses the inner most feelings and emotions that the piece becomes a true work representing the artist. Knowing this gives us an insight into the very intimate life of someone who creates. It can be a very lonely life full of trial and error, research and development and many times, failure. However, when that elusive brush stroke is found or a colour in the mind can be translated onto the canvas, the feeling can be euphoric and the artist suddenly is filled with pride and confidence. This is a moment that can not be shared by anyone as it is a personal achievement that requires time. All too soon this feeling turns to a need to have others recognize and confirm that the piece is actually worthy outside of the private world of the artist. That is where the journey begins. It is time to prepare the protective thick skin and introduce the work to the world, understanding the subjective nature of what we choose to do for a living. Some of us are lucky enough to be successful and have developed our name in the world of art at which time most of our creations are accepted on some level. But we have a constant need for higher achievements, more prestigious galleries and greater notoriety. That is the nature of being an artist and it is difficult to ignore as the job we have chosen to do is reliant on people actually purchasing the work. I have known many artists throughout my career who ride this roller coaster, handling the highs and lows with equal vigour. I also know many who cannot take the lows and eventually give up on ever ‘making it’ as an artist.
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I have always believed that something great may be just around the next corner and for me that is what has happened this past year. As a professional artist for 15 years, having moderate success I recently took a full time position, still in the business of art, but forcing me to limit my time actually painting and resolved myself to the fact that I would have to put my work aside for the time being. No sooner had I done this when I was approached by an art agent in France who has given me the greatest opportunity. She presented my work to the SNBA (Society Nationale des Beaux- Arts) who select delegations of international artists to exhibit their work at the Louvre in Paris for a four day show in December each year dating back to the mid 1800’s. I waited anxiously for several days until I heard that my work had been accepted and a piece chosen to hang along side the small delegation of artists from Canada. The work chosen is mixed medium of charcoal, watercolour and acrylic on canvas titled “Northern Birch Trees”. I am both honoured and humbled by this incredible opportunity. This news started a whirlwind of activity including appearances, exhibits and of course painting every free moment with a renewed energy and desire. The excitement building as the time came closer for me to fly to Paris to be in the most prestigious art museum in the world with my fellow Canadian artists. All of us showing what we feel inside, represented by our paintings, to the many thousands of people who walked through the Louvre for those four days in December. I am now represented by a gallery I have always greatly admired, Artworld of Sherway and I will not downplay the fact that this has given me that sought after recognition. Being a part of the exhibit at the Louvre this past December has changed my life by allowing me to trust my instincts about my paintings and to continue to paint what I feel inside. Confident that revealing my emotions onto the canvas is always the only way for me to paint. I have spoken to so many struggling artists over the past year and have assured them that they should never give up on their passion because there may be something wonderful waiting for them as well... just around the next corner. n
Doris Pontieri is an award winning artist and art teacher. Her work is featured in many galleries in Canada and U.S. Since being invited to exhibit at the Louvre in Paris, she has been awarded the medal for Outstanding Artwork by the Paris Society of Arts, Science and Letters, one of the oldest societies in France. PERSIANTRIBUNE
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ART
RAMIN
led him to work as a behavioural therapist and later become the Executive Director of a mental health and dr ug addiction centre. When asked how his experiences have influenced his photography his response is quite telling: “The things that have happened in my past were a bridge to being a photographer; my education and my experience in science and engineering have allowed me to understand light and how people and objects interact with it. More importantly, the people I met and dealt with inspired me; they taught me that despite much adversity, light and beauty can be found through darkness.” This search for beauty in darkness is palpable throughout his body of work, whether it is his fashion editorials, portraits or landscapes. In every image light and darkness coexist, sometimes subtly and sometimes quite boldly. “I am inspired by darkness, like in the old-world black and white movies. But the challenge of recording ideals of human beauty is ancient as an art itself. Some of my editorials start on a darker canvas with dramatic moods in my mind. And then I like to invite the viewer to look for beauty where it is hidden, where it is least expected or where it just is. I want them to see beauty and fall in love with it again and again.”
THE SUM OF ALL LIGHT
A Canadian of Persian descent, who was born in Italy, his family immigrated to Vancouver in 1982 from Rome. They are the embodiment of what he says is “the sweet battle between the intellect and the creative; the right and left side of the brain,” and the reason he is a photographer.
By: Teresa Tiano
Ramin Deravian’s recently published work in
Vogue Italia’s PhotoVogue truly captures the essence of who he is as a photographer. This black and white, moody creative, titled “Last Call”, was shot in the span of one hour in Toronto and is what he describes as a guerilla-style fashion shoot. “The idea just came to me to go to a few local cafes, with just my camera, a model, and c a p t u r e m o m e n t s u s i n g n a t u r a l l i g h t a n d t h e r e a l environment.” Another one of his recent epic editorials, a shoot done on the back lots of Paramount Studios in Los Angeles during a “vacation” made the cover of En Vie Fashion, a Japan based publication which also publishes in five languages. With such credits to his name, it’s surprising to learn that Ramin Deravian is not a veteran fashion photographer, nor has he come to it easily. Although he has always loved photography and admired fashion designers for their art, it wasn’t until a few years ago, when “in a strange twist of fate” he managed to combine the two and beg an shooting professionally and getting published internationally. In 1987 he graduated from the University of British Columbia, became a professional engineer and for over ten years travelled across the globe working on projects in some of the world’s most impoverished countries. A life altering experience 12
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Through his work, Ramin challenges the idea that f a s h i o n photography is only about the clothes and selling the product. For him it is not about showcasing a pair of shoes or a dress, but rather about creating an artistic piece that e n c a p s u l a t e s t h e m o o d t h a t t h e designer has set out. He refers to his favourite photographer, Helmut Newton, when trying to explain this. “Newton was a fashion photographer without photographing fashion.” Ramin invites the viewer to identify with the model, and with the clothes, but most importantly with the ambience that exists in the light and shadows of the photograph. When asked about the style of his photography, he says it is somewhat schizophrenic because his true passion is to photograph in grainy black and white in a world o f colour. W h en as ked if he could photograph one person dead or alive, who would that be, his answer was, “Leonardo daVinci because he is Gianni Versace and Albert Einstein in a blender; he is the embodiment of science and art.” And when asked what he considered to be the perfect photograph, the answer was simple: “I used to think it had something to do with the model, the lighting equipment, but at the end of the day the perfect shot is that you freeze the moment in a way that becomes eternal. You can tell an entire story in one still frame that will last forever.” n
More of Ramin Deravian’s work can be seen at www.deravian.com PERSIANTRIBUNE
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Entertainment
If the lens could talk:
Ethan Russell Celebrating the work of legendary photographer
By: Eli Lukawitz
The era of Classic Rock was defined by much more than just the music it produced. The period created a sub-culture that embodied revolution, exploration and creativity. Growing up I felt as drawn to the message of this counter-culture as I was to the hit singles... it helped to define my own passage into maturity. I think we all fantasized about playing guitar beside Mick Jagger or sitting down to talk about the state of our planet with John Lennon. These were the heroes of the music we celebrated. As I examined my own journey through the classic rock era, I realized that it was as much a time of iconic imagery as it was about unforgettable music... and at the heart of this was Ethan Russell.
In 1967, Ethan Russell was a young American with a Nikon camera living in London and aspiring to become a writer. Soon after he became the official photographer for the Rolling Stones capturing some of the band’s most intimate moments. His documentation of the Stones’ 1969 Tour, culminating in the tragedy at Altamont Speedway, is a pictorial description of the violent end of the 60’s. Russell literally had “the best seat in the house’ for some of rock’s most historic moments, including the final appearance of the Beatles on a rooftop in London. What must have it been like to experience, first hand, the pivotal moments that fired so many of our rock star imaginations? Ethan Russell remains the quintessential rock author/photographer, having captured and shaped the myths of our classic rock heroes. Ethan Russell brings his multimedia presentation “Best Seat in the House” to the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts on March 1st. For more information go online to rhcentre.ca or call 905-787-8811. n PERSIANTRIBUNE
Eli Lukawitz handles Marketing and Development for the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.
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FEATURE
By: Courtney Boyden
At the age of 17 Nicholas Latifi has already achieved so much, earning a spot in the 2010 national Canadian t e a m fo r t h e Ro t a x world championships, where he became the highest finishing Canadian ever in t he juni o r c l a s s . H is rece nt accomplishments include racing in the Italian Formula 3 Championship in the 2012 season, finishing his last three rounds in the top 3. Transitioning easily from the karts he started in, to the Formula 3 cars he drives now, Nicholas has proven to be a natural in his chosen field. Persian Tribune recently sat down with Nicholas and his trainer David Tennyson. PT: Tell us about yourself, and your family.
NL: I was born in Montreal, Quebec. I have 3 siblings, my older brother Michael, who’s 19, Matthew, who’s 9 and Sophia who’s 8. My mom was born in Montreal as well. She’s of Italian descent. My grandparents on my mother‘s side are Sicilian. My dad was born in Iran and when he was 15 he moved to Montreal, which is where he met my mom at university. 16
PT: At what age did you started to race?
NL: With Karting, most kids will start when they’re 8 or 9 years old. I was 13, and that put me down in experience compared with the other drivers.
PT: You started Go Karting at 13. You were participating in Go Kart racing and still you couldn’t drive out on the street. How did that feel?
NL: I have my license now. But it wasn’t a problem for me then. I got all my driving needs out on the track. I didn’t feel the need to go fast on the actual road; I was going fast on an actual track being able to race with other drivers. So for me it was OK.
PT: How fast were you driving?
NL: In a Go Kart, the ones I race, the fastest I’ve gone is 135 km/h.
PT: Have you ever been afraid of the speed?
NL: Not really. Maybe the first few times I got into the faster cars, because I had started off in the much slower ones. You just get the little sensation in your stomach, and the vibration of the car and the engine. It went away as I got used to it.
PT: Tell me about your transition, and about how you got into F3 So I was down on experience compared to the other drivers, because the other drivers would have done the steps in between.
PT: How long would that usually take?
NL: The least experienced driver I was racing against would have at least 2 years experience in cars, and most of them would have 3 to 4 years in cars. Whereas for me, it was my first year in cars, right out of Karting.
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Photos: Cristiano Barni
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PERSIANTRIBUNE
lot of categories below Formula 1 are also Dallara. It’s well known in the racing world but most people don’t know about them. I actually started in a Dallara, but in the championship, I switched teams after two races and I drove a Mygale, which is a French manufacturer.
PT: How much time do you spend racing? How about your personal life?
PT: My understanding is that when training as a race car driver there is an equal amount of both physical and mental training. How do you train mentally? NL: For me, the best way to train mentally is experience. You can do other things to help you with the reaction time as well. I do simulator training for the cars, it is good for keeping your reactions sharp and it is the same mental state as when you’re actually driving. But mostly experience, because for the mental aspect, it is not just reaction but also how well you deal with adversity and overcome it. That is where experience helps because the more it happens to you the more you become accustomed to it..
NL: The race has become my life. If I have a day off I try to do something that will benefit my racing. There are 8 separate racing weekends in a season. Before that there’s pre-season testing that takes up a lot of time. It all happens in Europe, so if there is a test day on Monday, the next Monday is the next test day, so I stay in Europe. I’m not going to go back and forth to Canada because that takes up a lot of time.
PT: Do you also compete in North America?
NL: No, because F1 is my goal and it is hard to get there by racing in North America. If you want to get the Indy car, or NASCAR you can race in North America. I could race here in some series, but eventually I’d have to race in Europe, because you can’t just jump
PT: You travel in Europe a lot. Do you have much of a chance to be a tourist there?
NL: If I have some time in between the tests I do. I have visited various tourist sites with my parents when they come to see my races. But generally, when I’m racing, we stay near the track and we don’t have time to go anywhere. The tracks are not in the big cities. If I am racing in Italy, I am not near Rome or Milan, I’m mostly in the countryside.
PT: David, you used to be a race car driver, what do you think about when training someone like PT: Racing is obviously an expensive sport. How Nicholas with his background at young age? Is this much of an investment does it take to get the team something new to you? David Tennyson: No, I’ve definitely done it before. When I together, to train and so forth? stopped racing, one of my goals and passions was to discover a driver and a talent and to bring them to the highest level, which is Formula 1. I opened a Go Kart facility. It was a way for me to filter through, meet new people, see new drivers and just watch people drive. I’ve worked with other people, but when Nicholas came and drove the first day, I’ve never seen anything like it. It was incredible. The best way to describe it, is, it’s as if I was a hockey coach or a power skating coach, and I went to the rink and saw Gretzky on the ice for the first time. I believe Nicholas has what it takes to go all the way. The most important thing is the mental aspect. That’s something you can guide, but you can’t teach. You can condition, but you can’t teach someone to have good muscles. I always say Nicholas was built to do this like Gretzky was made to play hockey. He has the DNA within him. He doesn’t relate to speed the way you would, or I did before I raced. He has something I can’t explain. It’s almost like he’s desensitized to what he’s doing, he just thinks about getting the job done.
PT: What kind of car do you race Nicholas?
NL: It is a Dallara. It’s not a well known car like a BMW, but they make a lot of race cars. The Indy cars are Dallara, and a 18
NL: It depends on the series you’re in. The ones closer to F1 come to around 1.5 million Euros, which you have to invest to get to F1 competition. There are also all kinds of F3, Italian, and etc. and you’re looking at about 600,000-700,000 Euros, but then you have to add the traveling costs and other expenses.
PT: Are there a lot of sponsors at your level?
NL: Drivers have personal sponsors who are sponsoring them because of a personal relationship. A big company won’t sponsor an F3 driver because they do not think it is good media exposure. It’s more that the sponsor and driver have a relationship and the sponsor wants to support them to move to F1. David Tennyson: With sponsorship, it’s like a product. You envision it, design it and it eventually it becomes a brand. We’ll be working on that in the coming months, developing Nicholas’ brand. It is an exciting time.
PT: I noticed the “Sofina” logo on your car. Is that the company that sponsors you?
NL: Yeah, it is my dad’s company.
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PT: How do your parents feel about the racing?
NL: They’re supportive. At first when I started Karting, my mother was worried, but then she got used to it. I don’t know how she reacts when I’m on the track, David does. But she’s getting better with it, she doesn’t get scared anymore. My father was always fine with it. He is always a bit nervous about how I’ll do, but not so much about the bad things, like car accidents.
PT: How many people are in your racing team?
NL: For a racing team, depending on the number of cars you’re running, it could be around 20 people.
PT: Is it right to assume that during the race you and your car become ONE? NL: Yes, when something breaks, I can feel it, and if I still can continue to drive. To make the changes on the car to suit my style, it comes with experience. The longer you do it, the more you can feel what the car is doing. Any driver can say “I need more grip in the car to go faster”, and any driver can get more grips to go faster. The key is, what you can change on the car to give you more grip, whether it is changing the bars on the front of the springs or the changing aerodynamics. It is a fine skill, and that takes experience.
PT: What goes through your mind when racing?
NL: When you’re getting ready for the race you’re thinking about the start and different scenarios that could play out. You can never predict what is going to happen because there are many other cars who don’t know what they’re going to do either. During the race it’s just focusing on trying to drive perfectly. Dave says when driving, focus on the job and not the result. If you’re in second place, don’t think about catching the guy in first place to win. Think about driving as perfectly as you can, think about the next turn. If you do that you’ll catch him, but if you think about the result then you’ll start making mistakes.
PT: When do you think that you will begin racing at Formula 1 level? NL: It will take at least 4 years. David Tennyson (DT): Yeah, at least 4 years. Nicholas has already skipped many steps, so if he were to do it in 4 years it would be quicker than most drivers.
PT: David, based on your experience what potential do you see in Nicholas? DT: In my mind, there’s no question he’s the #1 talent in the world. I believe that with everything in me. I’ve done this before, watching racing the last 16 years and driving professionally m y s e l f f o r 9 , s e e i n g o t h e r d r i v e r s, like Michael Schumacher. I drove with a lot of F1 drivers in Europe. Nicholas has something special I’ve never seen in anyone else and what he’s done in the time he’s done it in is truly remarkable.
PT: What’s the average time it takes for a driver to get to F1? DT: It takes about 15 to 18 years of serious racing to make it to F1. So really, considering that Nicholas has only been involved for 4 years, for him to do it in 8 years is incredible. He’s in the best place for an up and coming driver looking to make F1.
PT: Nicholas, who is the biggest influence in your life?
NL: Obviously my father. A lot of things that inspire or influence me are from him. Not just with racing, but with life in general. He says that I’ll be a F1 champion in racing, but that he’s a F1 champion at life. If you talk to him and hear his life story, he had nothing when he came to Montreal from Iran. He had to pay for his university and he was working 3 jobs. Where he came from, to when he got his first business, and to where he has brought it up today is remarkable.
PT: Do you speak Farsi? NL: No.
PT: Do you like Iranian food?
NL: Yeah. We always go to one Iranian restaurant, Zaffaron. I
PT: Do you have to eat certain foods before you drive? don’t eat it a lot; we have it once every so often. But I like it a What do you do the night before a race? lot. I have the same things every time I go there. I don’t know NL: During the day, I’ll be practicing at the track. At night, I’ll have something like pasta to keep the energy. Right before a race, you don’t want to eat something that will give you a spike of energy and make you crash 10 minutes later. The races I run in aren’t very long, the longest one is just over 30 minutes. But as I progress through the ranks, the races will get longer: 40, 45 minutes, and an hour. So then, what you put in your body becomes more important. The physical aspect is pretty important and it becomes more important as you move through the ranks. I do a lot of physical training. When I’m home, I try to train 5 days a week.
PT: What is your ultimate goal?
NL: My ultimate goal is to get to F1. This year we’ll do the F3 Europe series. Last year we did the F3 Italian series. Europe is seen as the highest of the F3 series, then from there, you move to the categories that are a step below Formula 1. You have to try to make a name for yourself so that the F1 teams will take notice and make you a test driver or a reserve driver.
what it is called in Farsi though my dad does.
PT: What do you know about Iran?
NL: I don’t know much about how Iran is now. All I know about it is what my dad has described about his childhood.
PT: Would you like to race in Iran one day?
NL: Almost any driver wants to drive where there are nice tracks. So if they ever built a nice track there then I would want to race there.
PT: Nicholas, do you have any message for the Persian Tribune readers? NL: Just that I hope to have the support of the Iranian community as I pursue my goals and I hope to make a name for myself someday.
PT: Nicholas and David thank you very much for accepting our invitation for this interview and we wish you great success in all race tracks around the world. n
PERSIANTRIBUNE
• 19
INVESTMENT
Financial Planning - Your Future By Design
By: Farid Seyedi
Life doesn’t come with a financial plan. Make one. Is your financial plan all about investments? If so, it may be an investment plan masquerading as a financial plan. A good financial plan looks at more than your investments - it takes into account your lifestyle, your goals and your priorities. For most people, their main priorities are their families and their health. Through RBC’s “Your Future By Design program”, clients can consider these priorities, look at all priorities in their life and determine how to create a financial plan specific to their lives. Life isn’t always predictable, the unforeseen happens when you least expect it; that’s why it is important that your plan be flexible, and that you review it regularly. Working with a Financial Planner will help you to define your goals, know your options and stay on track. A solid financial plan can help you to: • Manage your day-to-day finances; • Ensure your income is tax efficient; • Set realistic expectations for your investments; • Realize both your short - and long-term financial goals; and • Provide you with confidence and peace of mind. Financial planning is more than just investments - it helps to bring together all of the pieces of your life. Plan smart, start early Financial planning is an ongoing process that takes into account the “whole you”. This includes your financial life income, assets, liabilities and the like – as well as your personal life - values, dreams, wants and needs. For example, consider the following scenario: Farideh and Raza are twins. Farideh is 25 and she has a decent job. She decides to begin an RRSP, contributing about $150 a month through an automatic plan. By the end of the year, her contributions total $1,800. Over the next 10 years, her nest egg builds to approximately $25,000 – assuming an annual rate of return of six per cent. At the age of 35, Farideh decides to focus on paying down her mortgage, as well as investing in a Tax Free Savings Account, rather than continuing to contribute to her RRSP. Even if she doesn’t make any further contributions to her RRSP, it should grow to almost $153,000 by the time she turns 65.
“Our advice is to start saving as early as possible and we also advise that a good way to do that is to set up an automatic savings plan,” says Jason Round, head, Financial Planning Support, RBC Financial Planning. “A Financial Planner can work with you to develop a custom-tailored strategy to help you to achieve your financial goals.” Got questions about retirement? Financial Planners have answers Leaving the workplace and heading into retirement is a big change. Not only does it affect the way you manage your time, but also the way you manage your cash flow. It is important to invest some time to better understand your retirement income and expenses. As you head into retirement, your income is likely to come from multiple sources, such as government pensions, an employer pension, RRSPs and personal savings. Each of these is taxed differently. This is where professional assistance can help you manage your new financial circumstances and make any adjustments necessary for tax planning. A financial planner can help make it much easier to understand your retirement income sources and answer any questions you may have, such as: • How do I convert my RRSP to a RRIF? • Does an RRSP loan make sense for me? • How do I now look at my nest egg as my portfolio? • How will my financial resources be impacted by the various life changes that might occur? To see how RBC® can help, visit www.rbcfinancialplanning. com or contact Farid Seyedi - Fallah - Financial Planner at 905- 780- 8018 Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. ©2012 Royal Bank of Canada. Financial planning services and investment advice are provided by Royal Mutual Funds Inc. (RMFI). RMFI, RBC Global Asset Management Inc., Royal Bank of Canada, Royal Trust Corporation of Canada and The Royal Trust Company are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. RMFI is licensed as a financial services firm in the province of Quebec. ®/™
To see how RBC® can help, visit www.rbcfinancialplanning.com ®/™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. ©2012 Royal Bank of Canada. Financial planning services and investment advice are provided by Royal Mutual Funds Inc. (RMFI). RMFI, RBC Global Asset Management Inc., Royal Bank of Canada, Royal Trust Corporation of Canada and The Royal Trust Company are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. RMFI is licensed as a financial services firm in the province of Quebec.
Farideh’s twin brother Raza takes a different approach. Like his sister, he has a steady job. Unlike Farideh, Raza only decides to start investing in an RRSP at the age of 37. He does contribute the same $1,800 a year. However, in order to try to keep up with Farideh, he has to make those contributions for 29 years, compared to Farideh’s 10. By the time he turns 65, his nest egg should be just under $140,500. 20 • PERSIANTRIBUNE
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INVESTMENT
Real Estate in 2013-PrepareBy:for Sun Robert Atkinson
For as long as we have had a real estate boom, there have been those predicting a crash. Clearly the crash hasn’t happened and the Toronto and Greater Toronto Area real estate market has been doing very well. Imagine this, someone tells you it will rain today and again tomorrow and every day after that. You act as if it were to rain and, eventually it will and on that day the person will be there to tell you “See, I told you it would rain!”. If you believe these folks, you will miss out on many sunny days. I don’t believe we will see a crash in 2013 and I would be so bold to say even beyond that. Let me count the reasons why we won’t see “rain” this year:
1. MORTGAGE RULES
The mortgage rules changed in 2012, the fourth change in as many years where the Finance Minister has fiddled with the rules in order to shake out the risk takers from the market. For each change we see a period where buyers make their purchases early in order to get their mortgage before the rule takes effect. Following that there is a period of time where activity drops (given that the buyers already rushed in) and then there is a period of time where the market dips as it adjusts to the news. The latest change is having the same effect and already we are seeing a rebound in activity.
2. MORTGAGE RATES
Rates in Canada are closely tied with rates in the US. Currently the US has said they won’t be raising rates until their unemployment rate drops to 6.8% from its current 7.7%. Based on their trend it would be almost 2 years before that target will be reached. Canada’s employment is moving along at a better than expected pace and appears to be moving closer to its long term norm of 7.5%. This improvement in jobs will mean the bank will look to make a small rate change in late 2013 of 0.25% to moderate inflation. Overall, it looks as if we will be enjoying low rates for 2013 and possibly into 2014.
3. AFFORDABILITY OF HOMES
When I got my first mortgage in 1988, rates had just dropped from 21% down to 12% and I felt blessed that I could afford my first home at a modest $200,000. For a number of years mortgage rates have been sitting around 3% allowing more people to be able to borrow more money, the net effect has been increased prices and demand for houses. While the rise of home prices seems to be quite meteoric, the current low 24
mortgage rates contribute to an overall level of affordability seen in 1989 and 1995. The latest mortgage changes erased price increases from the beginning of 2012, making homes more affordable.
4. MARKET TRENDS
The Toronto Real Estate Board publishes market statistics each month. Reviewing the numbers for 2012 for the GTA we see that home sales (85,731) were down 96% from last year (89,347) but basically unchanged from 2010 (85,845). Recently, Real Estate boards have begun publishing a Home Price Index which tracks price changes from 2006 (100%), to give a truer reflection of price movement as it eliminates spikes or dips in high or low price homes. This index provides a more accurate measure of changes in home prices, we see in June the number was 151.4% and in December it moved down to 149.0%. Overall, demand is relatively flat and pricing has leveled off as well.
5. VACANCY RATES REMAIN LOW
Vacancy rates in Toronto are reported at below 1% in the core and under 2% overall. Couple this with the number of home buyers who are now renting due to the mortgage rule changes and we have a hot commodity. If you are a condo owner there is a ready pool of tenants eager to call your place their home and pay the rent. I know many freehold home owners are renting out their basements to augment their income as well. We have seen a reduction in prices for condo’s as supply edges up however low rise homes are continuing to increase in price and demand, most visibly outside of the 416 area code due in large part to the extra layer of taxation the City of Toronto imposes on home buyers. It appears there are still a lot of sunny days ahead of. More importantly, if you are considering selling or buying a home, be sure to know the local factors that will affect your personal situation. Folks have been predicting a market collapse for over a decade now, it hasn’t happened yet and won’t happen in 2013. Enjoy more sun! n Robert Atkinson is a Real Estate Sales Rep with Century 21 Leading Edge Realty Brokerage in Markham. www.RobertAtkinson.ca
• PERSIANTRIBUNE
Home Projects that Add Value By Sarvenaz Barghgir Want to sell your home fast? Toronto is still waiting for a buyer’s market, so it is still a great time to sell. Preparing your home for resale can make the difference between getting the price you want and ending up disappointed. Here are some simple things that you can do, which will make selling your house a pleasant experience. Painting: If you’re going to do only one thing, paint. Interior and exterior painting is one of the few simple improvements that could yield a profit, as long as you choose tasteful, neutral colours and the work looks professional. You can expect to get 85 to 120 percent of the expenditure back. Staging: Staging targets the psychological needs of buyers who are fuelled by their emotional and visual connection to a series of impressions, and are drawn to a life style created by the stager. Staging forces you to think like a buyer, as well as organize and de-clutter. Not only does it increase the likelihood of a sale, and reduce the homes time on the market, but it also justifies the asking price. Make it simple, not crowded. The main purpose is to show how efficient your house is. Kitchen and bathrooms: Typically one of the most expensive improvement projects is the kitchen. When remodelling the kitchen keep the project in line with the style and quality of the rest of the house and neighbourhood. It is very easy to get carried away.
REAL ESTATE
Always remember that you are making the kitchen presentable to sell, not for yourself. Do not spend $60,000 on a kitchen in a house worth only $300,000. If you have one or two bathrooms, adding additional bathroom should be one of your top priorities. This will definitely increase your property value, especially if most houses in your neighbourhood don’t have more than two. Should you finish your basement? Finishing the basement will not only add a lot of valuable living space to your home, it will also increase your square footage without having to build. This improvement will definitely make buyers more interested. Replacing windows and doors: When the buyers see old windows and doors, they worry that they may have to replace them soon. This is especially true for first time home buyers. Projects unlikely to pay off at resale: Swimming pool and excessive landscaping. The approach you should take varies from house to house. So my final piece of advice is to consider getting a professional consultation from your real estate agent on what areas to focus on for your sale to succeed. It may after all be one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. Good luck. n
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PERSIANTRIBUNE
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FEATURE WINE
David’s Wine Pick of the Month By: David Akhlagi
Executive Director at The Wine Cave
Châteauneuf-du-Pape has been on fire lately. With spiraling prices and an explosion of points fueling that rise, it’s both hard to ignore Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, and perhaps harder still to buy them. These wines were once the purview of all wine drinkers—slightly rustic at one time, exuberant bistro wines filled with rich fruit flavors in a style that allowed for immediate consumption and yet rewarded some cellaring. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is firmly entwined with papal history. In 1308, Pope Clement V, former Archbishop of Bordeaux, relocated the papacy to the city of Avignon.[1] Clement V and subsequent “Avignon Popes” were said to be great lovers of wine and did much to promote it during the seventy-year duration of the Avignon Papacy. At the time, winegrowing around the town of Avignon was anything but illustrious. While the Avignon Papacy did much to advance the reputation of wines from Burgundy, the papacy also promoted viticulture in the surrounding area, more specifically the area 5–10 km north of Avignon, close to the banks of the Rhône River. Prior to the Avignon Papacy, viticulture of the area had been initiated and maintained by the Bishops of Avignon, largely for local consumption. Clement V was succeeded by John XXII, who regularly drank the wines from the vineyards to the north, as well as Burgundy wine, and did much to improve viticultural practices there. Under John XXII, the wines of this area came to be known as “Vin du Pape”; this term later became Châteauneuf-du-Pape. John XXII is also responsible for erecting the famous castle that stands as a symbol for the appellation. The village and three other surrounding communes produce wine, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape is an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée in the southern Rhône wine region. Unlike its northern Rhône neighbors, Châteauneuf-du-Pape permits thirteen different varieties of grape; the blend is usually predominantly Grenache. Other red grapes include: Cinsault, Counoise, Mourvèdre, Muscardin, Syrah, Terret Noir, and Vaccarèse. White grapes include Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picardan, Roussanne, and Picpoul. In recent years, the trend has been to include fewer (or even none) of the allowed white varieties and rely heavily (or solely) upon the Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah. One may suspect that this is a response to international wine-market trends and the desire to have this sometimes-rustic wine appeal to a broader commercial audience. Before wine critic Robert M. Parker, Jr. began promoting them, the wines of Châteauneuf were considered rustic and of limited appeal. However, his influence increased their price more than fourfold in a decade. In gratitude, the Châteauneuf Winemakers Union pushed for his becoming an honorary citizen of the village. n PERSIANTRIBUNE
2010 Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape ~ $85
1
First place wine Sweet and dusty on the nose, this shows aromas of tight red fruits flecked with mineral and allspice notes. On entry the texture is quite silky with black cherry fruit that is threaded with a contrasting medicinal edge. There is lovely purity and aromatic fruit, violet and sweet spice notes that are wrapped up in a restrained, slightly chewy package. The finish is long and pure, exhibiting excellent tension and focus in the mouth and right through the end. A bit reticent today but reallyvery fine. 94pt
2010 Clos des Papes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape ~$100
2
Second place wine This is very aromatic with a little hint of lift coming from some VA. A bit of an old school nose here with violets, olives, and a bit of teriyaki all layered over dark strawberry fruit. Smooth and polished in the mouth, showing a level of refinement that is surprising. This delivers masses of seamless slightly dark and liquory fruit supported by fine-grained tannins that extend across the long, slightly sweet finish.Very youthful. 93pt 2010 Eric Texier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes ~ $55
3
Third place wine Smoky and a little sweet on the nose with aromas of sweet slightly stewy cherries framed by touches of chalk, old wood, beef and a little chinato spice. A little chewy on entry, this exhibits light raspberry syrup and cherry fruit with great clarity. The tannins are fresh and youthful and while they cut the finish a tad short, the fruit rings like a bell in the mouth. Classic Châteauneuf weight and balance. 91pt
• 27
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HEALTH
Wh at s I ta hould my ke for alle rgie s?
By: Ali Zohouri at risk of severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis are prescribed and always carry an e p i n e p h r i n e a u t o i n j e c t o r, s u c h as Epi-Pen® or Twinject®. You do not need a prescription for an epinephrine autoinjector, so if you think you need one ask you pharmacist.
Spring is just around the cor ner. F o r thousands of allergy sufferers, it is the season to sniff, sneeze, rub the eyes, and scratch the ears! The local pharmacy shelves are full of medications to treat allergies. The question is, which one do you select? The first thing to consider is that some people may not tolerate over-the-counter allergy medications. Some of these self-selection drugs may cause side effects, negatively interact with other medications that you take, or interfere with your medical condition. Therefore, you should check with your pharmacist or family doctor to verify that you can safely take these medications. Once you have been given the green light by your pharmacist or family doctor, then you will be faced with a wall of products to choose from at your pharmacy. In this article I will summarize the most common allergy medications available in Canada to help make your selection easier. Over-the-counter allergy medications are referred to as “antihistamines”. They are so named after the way they work in the body. They prevent the release of histamine, a molecule that is responsible for the allergic reaction. There are two main types of antihistamines in the market. These are referred to as first-generation antihistamines and second-generation antihistamines. The first-generation antihistamines are older, work faster, but cause more side effects, like drowsiness. The most common one is diphenhydramine (Benadryl® is the most common brand name). The second-generation antihistamines are newer, cause fewer side effects, but may take longer to work. Those available in Canada include loratadine (Claritin ®), desloratadine (Aerius ®), cetirizine (Reactin ® ), and fexofenadine (Allegra ® ). Your choice of over-the-counter medication depends on the severity of your allergic reaction. For example, if you suffer from rash and intense itch which is keeping you up at night, it may be best to select a diphenhydramine containing product, such as Benadryl ® . It will cause drowsiness so you can sleep better. In fact, all over-the-counter sleep aids contain diphenhydramine and use its side effect for therapeutic benefit. Some cough-and-cold products also contain variousother first-generation antihistamines, such as pheniramine and chlorpheniramine, which cause drowsiness. All cough-and-cold products marketed for night time use will contain a first-generation antihistamine. If your allergic reaction is very severe, such as swelling of the lips, tongue, and difficulty breathing, you require a shot of epinephrine and an immediate visit to the emergency department. People
Most seasonal allergies, which usually star t in the spring due to i n c r e a s e d pollen in the air, are not severe and can be successfully managed wi th over-th e-co u n ter m ed i cati o n a n d va r i o u s strategies to avoid contact with the allergen. The most common over-the-counter medications for seasonal allergies are the second-generation antihistamines: Claritin®, Aerius®, Reactine®, Allegra®, and their generic equivalents. They usually start working within 24 hours and do not cause drowsiness. The choice between them is based on the individual. Some people may respond better to one then the other. Aerius® is an improved version of Claritin®. If Aerius does not work, then it is unlikely that Claritin will work. But Claritin® and it’s generic versions are usually less expensive than Aerius®. Reactine® is different than Aerius® and Claritin®. It may work better for some people, but causes more drowsiness for others. An alternative choice is Allegra®. Ultimately, most people find the right product through trial and error, for example, start with Claritin ® and if it stops working after a few weeks, then switch to Reactine® or vice versa. In fact, some clinicians recommend switching back-and-forth between different kinds of second-generation antihistamines. Note that a higher dose of Reactine ® is available by prescription only and it may cause more drowsiness. Some over-the-counter allergy products are combined with pseudoephedrine, a decongestant, to stop runny nose. Pseudoephedrineis very effective, but use this combination cautiously as it may increase heart rate, blood pressure, cause palpitations, and anxiety. I hope that this summary helps ease the selection process next time you visit your pharmacy. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist. n Written by: Ali Zohouri, B.Sc.Phm., R.Ph. Managing pharmacist at Loblaw Pharmacy Located in Carlo’s nofrills at Centerpoint Mall, North York.
PERSIANTRIBUNE
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HEALTH
When should I bring my child to see an orthodontist for the first time? By: Dr. Kevin Davis
All Kids Should Get an Orthodontic Check-Up No Later Than Age 7 To have a smile that’s good for life, your child needs teeth and jaws that are properly aligned for a healthy bite. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child get a check-up at an orthodontic office no later than age 7. By then, your child has matured enough to where subtle problems with jaw or tooth development can be spotted. Referral to the orthodontist by your dentist is not required; you can simply call and book an initial visit yourself. Orthodontists are dental specialists who receive an additional two to three years of dedicated university education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth. As specialists, we use braces and retainers only, so if your dentist offers treatment such as cleanings and fillings, s/he cannot be an orthodontist. It is beneficial to visit an orthodontist early because orthodontists can sometimes recognize issues that dentists cannot. Choosing the Optimal Time for Treatment While orthodontic treatment most often begins between the ages of 9 and 14, some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they’re treated early. Many orthodontists offer consultations for no charge. If it appears that treatment will be needed, your orthodontist can advise you as to the ideal time to begin. This gives your orthodontist the best chance to: • Guide jaw growth • Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth • Correct harmful oral habits • Improve appearance and self-esteem • Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position • Improve the way lips meet
Signs the Bite’s Not Right It’s not always easy to tell when your child has an orthodontic problem. Even teeth that look straight may be hiding a problem bite. Here are some clues that may indicate the need for orthodontic attention: • Early or late loss of baby teeth • Difficulty in chewing or biting • Breathing through the mouth • Thumb-sucking • Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth • Jaws that are too far forward or back • Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth • Protruding teeth • Upper and lower teeth that don’t meet, or meet in an abnormal way • An unbalanced facial appearance • Grinding or clenching of the teeth Give Your Child the Gift of a Healthy Smile Not only do well-aligned teeth look good and feel good, they also are important to good dental health. Poorly aligned teeth can lead to dental problems. Not everyone needs orthodontic treatment. But if your child does need help, it pays to start treatment when you have the greatest chance for success. Make sure your child receives an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. n Dr. Kevin Davis practices in Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and Newmarket. He works with his father Allan, who opened the first orthodontic practice in York Region in 1969, and four other talented orthodontist partners. Dr. Kevin earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario, his Doctorate in Dentistry from the University of Toronto and his Specialty Diploma in Orthodontics from Harvard University, where he simultaneously completed his Masters in Public Health. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. Dr. Kevin has taught at Harvard, the University of Toronto, George Brown and Seneca College. He is also active a s an Admissions Interviewer for local high school students applying to Harvard. Dr. Kevin has participated in and organized several charity dentistry missions to Nicaragua, Peru, and Guatemala to help locals who have no access to dental care.
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HOME
Safeguard Your Love
Relationship By: Dolly Sidhu
One of the saddest situations that can confront anyone is when love dies and the one we have pledged to love forever has moved on to loving someone else – especially when moving on results in a marriage getting damaged, a heart getting broken and children left confused and abandoned. That is when lives get changed forever Feng Shui can mitigate and in some cases avoid such situation from ever arising. Feng Shui is not just about wealth and getting rich, it is also about creating a loving and happy environment within the home, where bonds between husband and wife grow stronger and the tempting vibrations of infidelity never have a chance to penetrate. Prevention is better than cure. Therefore create an environment within the home where love, peace and harmony reigns. Feng Shui highly recommends the safeguarding two important sectors of the home and the correct placement of love and harmonious symbols to generate energy that is alight with husband and wife bonding energy. Here are some basic simple tips... • Southwest and Northwest sectors of your home must not be missing. Southwest signifies the wife and the matriarch where else the Northwest represents the husband and the patriarch. Whenever one of these sectors is missing, the foundation of the family gets negatively compromised. • Try not to have kitchen, washroom, garage or the laundry room in the southwest and northwest sectors of the home. These sectors should be used for productive and family oriented activities on a regular basis. These sectors must not degenerate into a space of stagnant negative energy. • Place large natural crystals in the Northwest to strengthen the metal element. This will strengthen the chi energy of the husband, making him tune inwards towards the family. 32
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• Take a family picture together with the man of the family happy, smiling broadly surrounded by the wife and children. Hang this picture on the northwest wall of the living room, family room or dining room. • Place a raw amethyst crystal geode under the marital bed. Tie a red string to the amethyst and then tie the string to one of the legs of the bed. • The wife should sleep on the right side of the bed and the husband should sleep on the left. • Do not have water features on the right hand side of your main front door (from inside looking out). • Do not have mirrors in the bedroom. Cover up all mirrors in the bedroom especially those facing and reflecting the bed. Mirrors in the bedroom tend to attract an unwanted third party into the marriage. • Activate the southwest corner of the bedroom with love symbols. Enhance with a pair of mandarin ducks, rose quartz, red heart, wedding sedan chair, double happiness plaque and amethyst crystal slab. • Finally, for the year 2013, ever y love relationship is afflicted with stress, arguments and hostility. To make matters worse, the year is stricken with flower of romance; meaning infidelity and extra marital affairs. Place a flaming wheel with a wu lou in the southwest of your bedroom. Be cautious and safeguard your relationships. Do not take things for granted. Do not assume you will not be affected. Everyone is vulnerable to it. n Dolly Sidhu, Master Feng Shui Consultant. World Of Feng Shui Incorporated. 3175 Rutherford Road, Unit 6 Vaughan ON L4K 5Y6 T: 1 905 660 8899 www.wofs.ca
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Thanks to United Way funding, over 800 seniors a year can access support programs and a network of friends - in their language. The Seniors Diversity Outreach Program, run by Community & Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS), reduces isolation and keeps seniors healthy.
Give. Volunteer. Act. www.york.unitedway.ca
MIND BODY
HEALTH
By: Dr. Kevin Rod
MD,CCFD,FCFP, DAAPM, DCAPM
The concept of MIND BODY TEMPLE is a cross cultural foundation for valuing both body and mind - and improving life. The body and the mind are interconnected. I do not use the t e r m “ M i n d a n d B o d y ” a s I b e l i e v e each a r e an INTERCONNECTED EXISTENCE. I prefer MIND BODY TEMPLE to emphasize this more singular interrelationship. Consider that an unhealthy body reduces the mind’s ability for optimum performance. And without a balanced mind, the body suffers the consequences associated with anxiety, depression and many other ailments.
It’s nothing short of profound to realize: everything related to our lives emerges from the Mind Body Temple. It is so unique that it only happens once in the whole history of universe, and only for the duration of our own life time. This temple has never existed before and will never exist again.
Aligning the mind with nature’s way produces inner peace. Similarly only within the context of a healthy body we can keep a balanced mind going for as long as our light is shining. A healthy, connected and balanced Mind BodyTemple is the only vehicle with which to navigate our path to happiness and peace. Essential and sacred, the Mind Body Temple is where the experience of life takes place and is our only true possession. It is the most important part of our universe as it is the center of where our existence actually happens: it is indeed our TEMPLE.
The glorious window to both outside and inside our existence lives in this place, which is why paying close attention to self is very different from being selfish. It is, rather, the ultimate demonstration of being fully responsible. One who is not responsible to self, would have difficulties being responsible to others.
Regardless of one’s belief system, culture or heritage, this one constant between all life forces us to examine the way our OWN TEMPLE works and plays. Our Mind Body Temple has a role within this greater universe and it exists beyond the definitions guided by religion, culture, geographical boundaries or socio-economic rank.
Like devotees of a sacred, architectural temple masterpiece, and as custodians of our Mind Body Temple, we should honour it, protect it, make it solid and keep it clean.
Once we take good care of our MIND BODY TEMPLE, we reach for better health as well as inner peace. What’s more, it is then that others can be protected by this temple as well. n Dr. Kevin Rod is Director of Toronto Poly Clinic, a group of two multi-disciplinary pain clinics. He is a lecturer with the Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) at the University of Toronto and a guest contributor to courses at the Harvard School of Medicine Post-Graduate Association Department of Continuing Education.
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From the Persian Kitchen:
FOOD
Koo Koo Sabzi
Kookoo Sabzi is one of the all time favorite dishes on the Iranian kitchen menu. The word “sabzi” means “vegetable” in Farsi, therefore this is an entirely vegetarian dish that can be served warm or cold. In fact many Iranians prefer Kookoo Sabzi not only cold, but a day old, since it gets more delicious in the refrigerator with time, then when it was prepared fresh. Kookoo Sabzi is very simple to make. Do not let the funny name stop you. Try it warm or cold we know you will love it. Noushe Jan!!! Kookoo Sabzi Ingredients: 2 lbs finely chopped mixed greens (include: leeks, spinach, dill, parsley and coriander - or any other leafy greens mixture that you prefer) 1 cup finely chopped green onions 8 eggs (well beaten)
1 ¼ tsp salt ½ tsp pepper 1 tsp turmeric ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional) 1/3 cup vegetable oil (healthier options to use are grape seed or coconut oil) Put the washed vegetables in a food processor or blender and finely chop. Beat eggs well and add to vegetable mixture with salt, pepper, turmeric, walnuts (optional) and mix well. Melt oil in a large non-stick pan. When oil is hot, pour mixture evenly into pan, cover and cook on stove top on medium/high heat for 1 ½ minutes, then reduce heat and cover until mixture is ½ cooked and it is dark golden brown on bottom (about 9-10 minutes). Cut radically in 4 equal pieces, turn over, cover and cook for another 10 minutes (4 servings) . Makes 4 Servings n
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PETS
By: Dr. Davod Kafai, DVM, Ph.D.
“Kisses” from mans’ best friend or a feline companion may seem loving and irresistible, but is it safe? Presently, a large number of individuals consider their pets as family members and have close contact with them in daily life. It’s true that they say a dog is a man’s best friend- but being overly affectionate with your pet could be bad for your health.
Those who should definitely think about avoiding a kiss from their pet include those with a compromised immune system, like those with HIV or other diseases, and the elderly.
Medical evidence suggests diseases can be passed between humans and canines through mouth-to-mouth contact. They found cases of periodontitis in humans, which is caused by bacteria commonly found in dogs mouths. While true that germs were also found to be passed from owner to petit doesn’t happen very often
Despite the unlikelihood of a serious disease being spread to you or your children, you should ensure that your dog is clean, healthy and disease-free. Clean your pet of fecal matter daily, and consult your veterinarian regarding deworming or fecal monitoring, and use year-round flea and tick controls. Teach your children to wash their hands after playing with any animal, use gloves to clean litter boxes and when picking up fecal matter. Wash your hands after petting, and don’t allow pets on kitchen counters. Your dogs dental health is as important as your own. To prevent bacteria growth in your pets’ mouth, you can brush their teeth, use rinses just like people do, take them for regular check ups, and follow your veterinarians instructions. Professional teeth cleaning for pet is recommended every one or two years. Should you have any questions in this regard, you can reach us at drkafai.vh@gmail.com. n
It is important to note that most dogs experience periodontitis. Additionally dogs and cats can carry certain parasites and bacteria, like hookworms, roundworms, and toxoplasmosis, leptospirosis, giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis and leishmaniasis. The grooming technique of pets can cause fecal bacteria and parasites to transfer to their mouths. However, dogs cannot transmit AIDS, HIV, hepatitis or any other high-risk human diseases.
To be safe, children should also keep their mouths away from dogs’ mouths.
The risk of cross-contamination may depend on the teeth- Dr. Davod Kafai (DVM, Ph.D). drKafai.vh@gmail.com cleaning habits of both humans and pets. 38 • PERSIANTRIBUNE
AMIR
JOHNSON
BOBBLEHEAD
N gH NI g t
for first 10,000 fans
V S
WED . MAR.27 TH
7:00PM
Toronto Raptors and associated word marks and logos are trademarks, designs and other forms of intellectual property of NBA properties, Inc. and the Toronto Raptors. Š 2013 NBA properties, Inc. All rights reserved.
SPORTS
Where in the world will the Toronto Raptors get their players? By: Mike Ulmer
It’s a worthy question as the Raptors have long led the way in importing talent from around the world. The Raptors made headlines in late January when they dramatically boosted their talent pool in acquiring 26-year-old forward Rudy Gay. Gay will man the frontcourt with seven-footer Andrea Bargnani, a native of Rome. Current players Mikael Pietrus (France) and Lithuanian rookie Jonas Valanciunas represent a small portion of team’s long list of off-shore players. Canada is a nation of immigrants and Toronto is the heart of this cosmopolitan country. Half of Torontonians list some place other than Canada as their native country. Fitting then that Canada’s only National Basketball Association team has used Brazilians, Puerto Ricans, Italians, Slovenians, Australians, Panamanians, Nigerians, Croatians and Turks. Playing at The Air Canada Centre, their home court since 1999, the Raptors posted three straight years of attendance records. While invented by Canadian James Naismith, basketball is a global sport; an estimated 500,000,000 play the game worldwide and observers believe expansion to Europe will probably happen within the next decade.
It’s not hard to see why the game has such a global appeal. A Raptors game is heart-stopping race to the finish that combines the athleticism and strategy of soccer with the speed and drama of track and field. Excitement, of course, knows no national boundaries so it makes sense that players from so many countries have made the NBA such a success story in Canada. The Raptors first hit the floor in 1995 and since then have delivered a collection of stars including Damon Stoudamire, Vince Carter and Chris Bosh, Spaniard Jose Calderon and now, Gay. Since the Vancouver Grizzlies transferred to Memphis in 2001, the Raptors have represented Canada as the country’s only NBA team. Canada’s Team is in the middle of an overhaul but with Gay, superb rookies in Valanciunas and Terrence Ross, one of the game’s top coaches in Dwane Casey and a loyal fan base, the Raptors seem destined to return to the NBA playoffs. n Mike Ulmer - Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd.
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Canadian Ethnic Media Association CEMA supports the principles of Canadian citizenship, multiculturalism and the right of free expression without ethnocentric bias. for information visit www.canadianethnicmedia.com
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POLITICS
Canada Needs Leadership on Climate Change - Not Rhetoric By: Bryon Wilfert As a member of the Advisory Board of Directors for Global Legislators’ Organization (GLOBE) International, which supports national parliamentarians to develop and agree upon common legislative responses to the major challenges posed by sustainable development. GLOBE supports legislators through national chapters providing economic and policy support to develop legislation and monitor how it is implemented. At our meetings in London, UK in January, GLOBE presented a Legislation Study, reviewing climate change legislation in 33 countries from Argentina to Vietnam. Canada was the only country out of the 33, in terms of climate change legislation over the past year, with fewer policies than at the beginning of that year, according to the international study done by the London School of Economics and Political Science in conjunction with GLOBE.
Clearly Canada on the international stage has not demonstrated leadership in dealing with climate change. It is important to note, that at the sub national level, Canadian provinces have been busy passing their own climate legislation. Quebec and British Columbia have introduced economic incentives to reduce emissions such as a carbon tax (up to $30 in 2012 in British Columbia). Vehicle fuel efficiency in Quebec and British Columbia were aligned with stringent California standards. The Government of Ontario passed a comprehensive Green Energy and Green Economy Act in 2009, to expand renewable energy generation, encourage energy conservation and promote the creation of clean energy jobs. Alberta’s climate change plan relies upon intensity-based targets, with a commitment to reduce GHG emissions intensity by 50% by 2050.
The purpose of the study was to:
Clearly there is work going on in Canada but the failure of the Canadian Government to lead by example has placed us in a very uncomfortable position internationally.
• To help legislators to identify good practice and to learn lessons from early movers
Ultimately, national legislation is a critical element of an effective international strategy to respond to climate change.
• To highlight the scale and scope of legislative progress on climate change in the 33 study countries, tackling the question “Why are we the only one doing this?”
The GLOBE study points out that a greater understanding has developed in dealing with climate change and that it can reap significant direct benefits in addition to contributing to the global good of a more stable climate.
• To highlight the important role of legislators and national legislation in creating the political conditions for success in international negotiations The study identified 286 pieces of legislation in the 33 countries (counting only laws at the national level, ignoring sub-national action). For example South Korea passed legislation that will see the introduction of an emissions trading scheme by 2015. China has begun to draft its national climate change law. Kenya developed its Climate Change National Action Plan and is taking through Parliament a Climate Change Authority Bill, both of which are expected to be finalized later this year. Only one country regressed – Canada, which repealed the Kyoto Implementation Act following its withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol. Canada has no comprehensive climate change legislation. Canada’s decision to abandon its “flagship” legislation was ‘a sad scandal’ said Rt. Honourable John Gummer (Lord Deben), GLOBE President and a former Conservative UK Secretary of State for the Environment 1993 – 1997. It is interesting to note, that Lord Deben who is also a member of the Committee on Climate Change, a UK policy advisory group, also said he was “ashamed as a Conservative” of the action taken by the Canadian Government. It was disappointing but maybe not surprising that the response from the Minister of Environment’s Office for Canada was to dismiss the report without providing any specifics as to why they rejected the findings.
The report states that reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels in favour of domestic sources of energy such as renewable or nuclear increases energy security; improving energy efficiency not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also reduces costs and increases competitiveness; reducing emissions from vehicles through electrification of transport and improved public transportation improves air quality and health; and preparing the economy for the likely impacts of climate change, including reducing risk, makes sound economic sense. In 2005, the Canadian Government brought in Project Green (which was 13 commitments in the Speech from the Throne on dealing with clean air, energy, climate change, preservation of our natural capital etc) which was the most aggressive climate change proposal with the greenest budget in Canadian history. The 2006 Federal Election killed that policy. Canada needs to become a world leader in environmental technologies, in resource productivity and in conservation a s wel l as i n energ y ef f i ci enc y. A l l of u s, i n cl u d i n g governments, citizens, NGO’s and industries need to work harder for a greener Canada. We need to end the rhetoric so that when the next GLOBE International study is presented we will have demonstrated leadership nationally rather than lagging behind. n
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The Honourable Bryon Wilfert, P.C.,ICD.D is a former MP who was Liberal Party Critic for Foreign Affairs/Defence. Currently Senior Strategic Advisor at Tactix Government Relations/ Public Affairs in Ottawa.
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PERSIAN TRIBUNE
PEOPLE
Reza Moridi, M.P.P. Richmond Hill
September 18, 2012 GREETINGS FROM REZA MORIDI, MPP RICHMOND HILL I would like to convey my sincere congratulations to Persian Tribune Magazine on your inaugural publication. I commend the Persian Tribune Magazine for recognizing the growing need for engaging our young people. I hope the readership contributes their ideas and support to help this magazine flourish. It is imperative that our rich culture, history, and art lives on in the new, younger generation of Iranian-Canadians. Please accept my very best wishes for the continued growth and great success in the future. Yours sincerely,
Reza Moridi MPP Richmond Hill
Greetings from the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Warmest greetings to all those attending the Persian Tribune magazine launch. On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, I would like to thank Persian Tribune for promoting community development and cultural diversity in Canada. Community-based magazines are an integral part of our multi-cultural media, representing an important source of information for many Canadians. Ethnic media such as this new magazine enable Canadians of Persian descent to connect with the stories and people of their community, while also identifying themselves as contributing members of our pluralistic Canadian society. This event provides the opportunity to reflect upon the many aspects of Persian culture that are celebrated here in Canada, and all those people who keep these traditions alive.
As
Canadians, we are fortunate to live in a country that values peace and stability. As Prime Minister Harper stated: “Canadians can be proud to live in a society where we can celebrate our tremendous diversity while, at the same time, always taking pride in our country’s unique heritage.” As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I thank Persian Tribune and the editorial staff for their efforts to provide Canadians of Persian descent with important and useful information. I congratulate you on the magazine launch and wish you the very best in all your future endeavours.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Jason Kenney, PC, MP Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism
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L AU N CH E V E N T
Photos by Jordan Deravian
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